Basic Facts about Life in 6th Grade
ASSIGNMENTS
Much of the work assigned and done in class is practice of skills we’re learning.
These assignments will be corrected in class as soon as possible, sometimes immediately.
The purpose of these assignments is to practice a particular skill and to show the student
exactly where he or she might need further study. You might think of this work like
doing scales on the piano or practicing corner kicks in soccer. This kind of work is given
credit for successful completion. The important thing here is that the student takes
this practice seriously and does their best work.
Other assignments will be graded. These include some daily assignments, quizzes,
tests and research projects. The purpose of these graded assignments is to provide
opportunity for both the learner and the teacher to assess the student’s understanding of
a group of concepts. Think of these assignments like the piano recital or the soccer game.
HOMEWORK AND LATE ASSIGNMENTS
Many of the assignments that are given in class are due the next school day. Time
is provided in class for students to complete some or all of the assignments. Unless
mentioned in the planner and on the homework website, the portion of an assignment
that is not completed is considered homework and should be completed by 9:05 the
following day. Homework would also include extra study, preparing for tests,
researching, writing, and reading. Work that is turned in late will earn a reduced grade
or no credit.
Some of the concepts in sixth grade, especially math and writing, are difficult to
grasp. Students who have easily earned A’s and B’s find it more challenging than in
years past. Developing good places for study and good methods for independent learning
as well as listening in class are very critical to your child’s success.
ABSENT STUDENTS
Absent students must bring a written excuse from you when they return. Students
will be given their assignments when they return, not before they leave for a trip. They
will need to make up all work that was missed. During a possible prolonged illness,
homework can be arranged with 24 hrs notice allowed before pick up. Students have one
day to make up their work for each day they were absent. Friday Study Hall is
mandatory for any student who has late work to finish. It is important to realize that
there is no way to make up the hours of active, constructive learning a student misses
when they are absent from the classroom.
QUALITY OF STUDENT WORK
Students are expected to push themselves to create work they can be proud of,
whether the work is routine practice or intellectually challenging. If you encourage (and
sometimes badger) your child to produce thoughtful, complete, neat work, you will be
helping me enormously to hold your child accountable. In the long term, by expecting
the personal best of your child, you and I will be helping them prepare for success in their
future jobs, schooling and personal relationships. (What I’m saying is that making them
do their best will help them grow up to be decent people.)
I’m happy to have your child in my class and look forward to an exciting year!
Mr. Gerard