6th Grade Language Arts
Mrs. Fritch - Contact info: 610-627-6721 or cnewsome@rtmsd.org
Class Materials (needed in class everyday)
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LA 3 ring binder with folder & dividers
Marble notebook (will usually be kept in class)
Independent Reading Log (provided)
Homework or assignments
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Assignment book/student handbook
Pencils, a marking (colored) pen or pencil, a
blue or black pen, post-it notes, highlighters
Independent reading book (appropriate level)
Curriculum
Reading
 Workshop includes mini-lessons, small group and/or partner work, independent reading, conferences
with the teacher. Our units this year will focus on reading stamina, character study, perspective and
theme, citing and explaining text support, social issues book clubs, and reader’s theater.
 Independent Reading - You are responsible for independently reading a minimum of 30 minutes a
night and jotting ideas on post-it notes. Each night, you will fill out a line in your reading log that
corresponds to that night’s reading. This will be graded.
 We will visit the SLMS library regularly throughout the year.
Writing
 Workshop includes mini-lessons, small group and/or partner work, independent writing, and
conferences with the teacher. Our units this year will focus on Personal Narrative, Poetry, and Literary
Analysis.
 Other writing activities will include quickwrites, dialogue, novel response, letters, and participation in
various contests.
Grammar
 Grammar and mechanics mini-lessons will be taught throughout the year.
 Please do your best to edit all assignments for correct capitalization, punctuation, spelling, grammar,
and complete sentences.
Word Study
 We will study a variety of prefixes, suffixes, and roots, as well as vocabulary in context.
Grading
 Many of your assignments (although not all), tests, and projects are worth points.
 Turning work in late may cause you to lose points.
 Most assignments will assessed by the teacher, however, some assignments may be self or partner
assessed.
 Rubrics and exemplars will be made available for most assignments.
 Opportunities to redo and improve work will sometimes be offered.
 You are responsible for turning in all missed assignments. If you are absent, check with classmates,
teacher, and the teacher website, and turn in assignments after returning to school. You should plan to
stay after school to get information about what you missed.
 Unprepared Slips must be filled out if you come to class without assignments or materials. Each
time you come to class unprepared you could lose points from your quarterly preparation grade.
Important Procedures
At beginning of period:
 Enter room quietly and with necessary supplies. Put your binders under your chair.
 Sharpen pencils, check HW board, record any new HW in assignment book.
 You are expected to begin the DO NOW activity on the agenda yourself, without any prompting from
a teacher. Please work quietly.
 Mrs. Newsome/helper will collect any papers or assignments that are due.
Using the bathroom:
 Try to use the bathroom in between classes. If you must go during class, wait for a quiet work time,
ask permission, sign yourself out, and take a pass.
Before leaving at the end of the period:
 Straighten your work area and line up your desk.
 Wait for me to dismiss you, then push in or put up (9th period) your chair.
Borrowing Books:
 Students are welcome to borrow materials from our classroom library. There is a sign out book to
record book check-outs and returns.
 If a student loses or mistreats a book, it is expected that it will be replaced.
Staying after school:
 I am available after school for extra help Tuesdays and Thursdays until 3:30. Before staying after
school, discuss with me your plan to stay after school and get a pass.
Checking HAC and the class website:
 Student grades are updated on HAC regularly. Parents and students should check grades weekly.
 Class announcements, classroom policies, materials, project sheets, etc. can be found on the class
website. Use it as a resource.
Student Responsibilities
 Be on time and be prepared: You should be in your seat at the time class is to start. Come to class prepared
with all appropriate materials and assignments.
 Treat everyone with respect: Treat others how you would wish to be treated. Be nice!
 Raise your hand and use an appropriate noise level: Give everyone a fair chance to be heard and don’t disrupt
class with interruptions.
 Follow all rules and procedures: In order to have a safe and organized classroom, it is important that you are
always aware of the class procedures and follow all the rules.
 Be responsible: You are expected to take responsibility for your work. Put effort, creativity, and thinking into
your assignments. Turn your work in on time.
Parent Responsibilities
 Check assignment book everyday.
 Ensure that your child is reading 30 minutes nightly and sign reading log once a week.
 Sign graded assignments and tests when required.
 Check student progress on Home Access Center (HAC) regularly.
Teacher Responsibilities
 I will be prepared for class each day with materials and a positive attitude.
 I will be respectful and fair to all students, and do my best to make sure everyone feels comfortable, safe,
included, and valued.
 I will provide instruction and feedback to encourage the learning and growth of all students.
We have read, discussed, and understand the expectations for 6th grade LA students.
Parent signature_________________________
Student signature__________________________