MUST BE SIGNED BY STUDENT AND PARENT AND RETURNED TO CLASS BY AUGUST 23rd
6th grade Language Arts - Advanced
Ms. Dyciewski, Class Policies & Information
Catherine.Dyciewski@mail.okaloosa.k12.fl.us
Welcome: It is my privilege to be your child’s Language Arts teacher this year I am looking
forward to an exciting year. There are several things that will be very important to help your
child succeed in my class this year.
Curriculum:
Throughout the year we will be using the classroom book, novels, and on occasion, other
supplemental materials. We will also be doing various writing activities. I plan on reading two
novels this year and if students have their own book either in paper form or on an
electronic reading device; it would be beneficial to them. I will let the students know ahead
of time which novel we will be reading.
Daily Supplies Required:
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3 ring binder for Language Arts class & supply of notebook paper
1 composition book for Bell Ringers
1 folder with brads and pockets. This will be kept in class for daily bell ringer activities
Highlighter, multiple pencils (with erasers),red pen and blue or black pen
Novel of choice for sustained silent reading (SSR)
Grading and Homework Policy:
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Homework/Classwork (will include some assignments)30%
Test/Quizzes (will include major assignments/projects) 70%
Grades will be posted online (accessible from www.okaloosaschools.com with student’s school
ID #)
Grades will be updated at least once a week
Late work will only be accepted one day late and will have 10% taken off the score. Any work
more than one day late will not be accepted.
Website:
My teacher website can be accessed through the Pryor website. Please check the site often for
assignments, book report forms, and due dates for assignments. My website will be updated
weekly. Please keep in mind, that with any daily schedule, things are subject to change.
Classroom Expectations & Policies:
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Be on time & in seat when bells rings or you will be considered tardy
Enter quietly, be seated in assigned seat immediately, & promptly begin the bell-ringer
assignment posted
Any spare time in class after all required work is completed should be spent reading your novel
(bring to class; do not leave in locker!).
After one warning of not having novel, after school detention will be given.
When necessary to leave class, you must use your planner and you must sign in & out on the
sign-out sheet. This should be kept to a minimum so as not to miss any more instructional time
than absolutely necessary.
You must have the required supplies EVERY DAY
All work must be neat & legible
No gum, candy, food, or drinks will be permitted
You must adhere to the school DRESS CODE
You are expected to copy homework from white board into your planner every Monday or the
first day you return to class in the event of an absence; reading your novel/ book will be a
standing daily homework assignment
If you are absent from class for any reason, it is YOUR responsibility to inquire about and obtain
any missed work upon your first day of return; any tests or assignment deadlines missed in your
absence are due on your first day of return if they were assigned when you were present. Please
check the “What Did I Miss” board for any handouts you missed.
Work is expected to be turned in WHEN DUE - late work will only be accepted one day late.
You are expected to follow all school rules & the county code of student conduct
School-wide Expectations for Students:
Students should be:
 Responsible for personal actions
 Responsible for their learning
 Respectful of others and their personal space
School-wide Classroom Expectations for Students:
Students should:
 Begin the “Bell Ringer” activity upon entering the classroom
 Be prepared for class and ready to learn
 Follow classroom procedures demonstrating respect for students and teachers
Classroom Management Procedures:
The following steps will occur when a student’s behavior needs to be redirected:
1. Verbal Warning & Counsel with Student
2. Verbal Warning and Parent Phone Call; May send to Buddy Teacher
3. Grade Level Detention
4. Referral to the Front Office
Parent Communication Procedures:
All students will have a planner that they will copy their assignments into for each week.
Assignments are also posted on teacher web page. If you have any questions, you can email me
at catherine.dyciewski@mail.okaloosa.k12.fl.us or call me at school: (850) 833-3613.
Remind 101:
I will be using a text message system for students and parents as a means of communication.
Please use the following codes for the appropriate class period in order to receive these
messages.
1st Period: text
@msdyci
to 850-396-0037
2nd Period: text
@dyciewski
to 850-396-0037
3rd Period: text
@jersey
to 850-396-0037
4th Period: text
@pryor123
to 850-396-0037
5th Period: text
@pirates123 to 850-396-0037
6th Period: text
@dyciewskic to 850-396-0037
*After you text the correct code, you will need to reply with your FIRST AND LAST
NAME*
*PARENTS – Please reply with first and last name PLUS your child’s name*
*Example: Cathy Dyciewski – Johnny D.*
ClassDojo:
ClassDojo is an online behavior tracking tool I will be using in class. Earning ClassDojo Points
can earn you homework passes and points on quizzes. You will each be given your personal
ClassDojo code which allows you to create your own avatar and keep track of your Dojo Points
at home. Points will be re-set to 0 after each semester. Parents – if you would like to learn
more about how ClassDojo will be used in the classroom, please go on their website or e-mail
me for more information!
Point System:
 25 Points = Homework Pass
 50 Points = Homework Pass OR 3 points on a quiz
 100 Points = Homework Pass OR 5 points on a quiz
 150 Points = Homework Pass OR 7 points on a quiz
 200 Points = 2 Homework Passes OR 10 points on a quiz
iPad Usage:
As a Florida Digital Educator in Okaloosa County School District, I have access to one
classroom iPad that may be used in class by the students during certain activities. The iPad’s use
is for educational purposes ONLY and not for socializing or web-surfing. If students misuse the
iPad, their privileges will be taken away.
Return to Ms. Dyciewski Language Arts:
Please Check ONE:
My student has working internet access at home:
_____________ YES
_____________ NO
Student & Parent Acknowledgement: I have reviewed these classroom policies, as well as the student
handbook in my planner, with my parent. I fully understand the expectations and consequences.
Please sign and return to class by August 23rd.
____________________________________
Student signature
______________________________________
Parent or legal guardian signature
____________________________________
Student Printed Name
______________________________________
Parent email address
*teacher reserves the right to amend or alter as the need arises