Salt Lake Arts Academy
5th
and
6th
Grades Humanities Disclosure for 2015-2016
Ms. Lynne
karen@slarts.org
801-531-7726
Room 300
Course Information: Humanities class includes the subjects of history and reading blended together.
During the year, we will study major world Stone Age, Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt, ancient India,
ancient China, ancient Americas, ancient Greece, and ancient Rome. Our reading will include
information texts as well as novels. The majority of the class novels we read this year are historical
fiction in nature, and each novel’s theme will correspond with the history content.
Students will be expected, by the end of the year, to understand the following concepts:
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How the past influences the present
The relationship between geography and cultures
The rise and fall of ancient civilizations
Important contributions and influences of ancient civilizations
The development of world religions
Geography is an integral part of each unit of study. Students will not only practice reading maps but
making their own maps. Geography terms will be given throughout the year. Students are expected
to learn their definitions and locate places for tests.
Current Events are given as homework assignments. Once a term, students will be expected to find
a current article that deals with an important issue. Students are asked to use critical thinking skills to
assess the issue and support their opinion with evidence from their reading.
Reading: Students are expected to have an independent reading book with them each day. When the
class is reading a novel together, the expectation is for students to read their assigned novel before
they read their chosen novel. When students finish early, they are expected to read quietly. Students
will have nightly reading assignments when a class novel is assigned. Students will practice reading
with partners, in small groups, in all class read-a-louds, or with the teacher. Reading will focus on
comprehension and learning new vocabulary words. Genres of literature covered will be fiction, nonfiction, primary and secondary sources, textbooks, and scientific literature.
Listening: Learning to listen for understanding is an important skill. Listening activities will be
through discussions, documentaries, read-a-louds, and story telling. Periodically there will be
listening quizzes.
Writing: Writing assignments in history will include journaling, summaries, note taking, drawing
conclusions, compare and contrast, and answering short questions.
Homework: For an average student, homework ranges from about 30 to 40 minutes per night.
Homework is due at the beginning of each class period. Reading assignments need to be finished
nightly in order to participate in class discussions. Students are responsible for copying down daily
assignments into their planners. In addition, class homework can also be found on Compass.
Grading: Salt Lake Arts Academy’s progress reports incorporate three numeric rubrics ranging from
1-5. Grades can be found online and are frequently updated.
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Proficiency of Grade level academic concepts and skills
Participation/Effort/Preparation/Risk-taking (PEPR)
Cooperation/Attitude/Behavior (CAB)
Master Grade consists of the following categories: assessments, classwork/homework, and honor’s
projects.
R.I.S.K. (respect, integrity, safety, kindness) are the school and classroom rules. All students are
expected to abide by these guidelines at all times.
Communication: Parent and teacher communication is an important part of the success of your
child’s education. Information about class assignments and activities can be found in the following
places: school emails, handouts, student planner, and the Google calendar.
Absences: When there is an illness or family emergency, parents should send me an email or note.
At the end of the school day, family or classmates may collect assignments for the student.
Additionally, students need to check my Google calendar for missed work and complete it within the
agreed upon time.
Late Work Policy: If a student is unable to finish an assignment for a valid reason, please send a
note to school with an explanation. If turning in assignments late becomes a pattern, then this policy
will be terminated and the student will receive a zero. There are special circumstances where
arrangements need to be made in order to help students. This will require a meeting with the teacher,
student, parents, and possibly an administrator in order to create an agreement that is beneficial to all
parties involved. I will not take excused assignments over a week late.
No Name Work: There is a no name basket in class. Students have a week to claim no name
assignments, place their name on them, and turn them in for a grade. Unclaimed papers will be
recycled.
In order to stay on top of your child’s homework and class work assignments, parents should
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Consistently check Compass and student planners for assignment deadlines
Login to student’s humanities grades on Compass to check class grade status
Check student’s SLARTS account for classroom updates
Check Compass for more detailed information about assignments
Contact the teacher after checking the above resources
Students Responsibilities
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Be prepared each day with required materials: 2 pencils, eraser, paper, independent book,
and completed homework
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Actively participate in classroom activities and discussions
Listen attentively and respectfully while others speak
Complete homework and projects on time
Take pride in their learning and produce quality work
Follow the four components of RISK
My Goals for my Students
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Become lifelong learners
Develop good study habits
Be critical thinkers
Develop self-confident
Nurture empathy
Be respectful to themselves and others
Grow into good world citizens
Electronic devices do not belong in the classroom. Electronics must be turned off during the day. If
an electronic device is used or heard in class, it will be taken and a parent will need to retrieve it.
I am very happy to be a part of the Salt Lake Arts Academy, and I look forward to a successful and
rewarding school year with your child.
Sincerely yours,
Karen Lynne
Please neatly sign below that you have read and understand this disclosure document and return only
this page to Ms. Lynne.
Student’s name (please print) ___________________________________________________
Student signature _________________________________________ Date _________________
Parent/Guardian name (please print) ________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian (signature) __________________________________ Date ________________
Parent/Guardian name (please print) ________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian (signature) _________________________________ Date _________________