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6 th GRADE TEACHERS
Mrs. Walus 6A (Social Studies/Religion) --dwalus@saintjohnthebeloved.org
Mrs. Dunfee 6B (Math/Science) --jdunfee@saintjohnthebeloved.org
Ms. Metz 6C (Language Arts) --jmetz@saintjohnthebeloved.org
Ms. Allison (Spanish) —spanish@saintjohnthebeloved.org
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
*follow the middle school policies
*practice the school-wide goals of developing “Reverence, Respect, and
Responsibility”
*complete and hand in homework
*be prepared with supplies and assignments daily
*always follow the directions of your teacher
*participate during mass
GRADING
All grades are out of 100 points. Tests carry a weight of 3, quizzes carry a weight of 2, and class work carries a weight of 1.
PLEASE NOTE: Parent/Guardian signatures are required for all test and quizzes with a score of 76 and below. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain the signature.

HOMEWORK
Graded Homework – Homework that is graded is expected to be handed in on time. If assignments are handed in one day late, the student will receive an 80%, and if assignments are handed in two or more days late the student will receive a 0%.
Non-graded Homework – If the teacher chooses, students may receive a beginning test grade of
100% to represent non-graded homework. Each time a homework assignment is not handed in or is incomplete, 10 points will be deducted from that grade.
ABSENCES
Students are responsible for making up missed work, quizzes and tests. When student is absent, it is the student’s responsibility to come to come to the teacher to find out what was missed. Students will be given the amount of time absent to make up any missed work.
6 TH GRADE CLASSES
Social Studies
Students will be learning about ancient civilizations with a concentration on geography and how it relates to the history of our world. There will be quiz packets and tests for each chapter.
Also, we will be identifying the countries/capitals/locations for countries in the Middle East,
Europe, Asia and Africa. Social studies projects will mostly be done in school. The text book we will be using is called Ancient Civilizations Through the Renaissance – Holt McDougall is the publisher. The textbook website is http://my.hrw.com
Religion
Religious study this year will focus on stories of the Old Testament. Students will be required to complete the chapter reviews, chapter quizzes and unit tests. We will also be examining the
Spiritual Works of Mercy and the Franciscan Values for each month. In addition, 6 th graders will be reading the novel Francis and Clare: Saints of Assisi. The textbook for religion class is Blest
are We: Faith and Word Edition 6 – RCL Benziger is the publisher.
Math (Stars and Diamonds)
Math concepts being covered this year include: number patterns, functions, graphs, fractions, decimals, and percentages. Quizzes will be given every couple of days and a test will be given at the end of the chapter. The textbook for this math class is Math Connects Course 1.

Math (Hearts)
Math concepts being covered this year include: an introduction to algebra, integers, linear equations, fractions, decimals, and percentages. Quizzes will be given every couple of days and a test at the end of the chapter. The textbook for this class is Math Connects Course 2.
Science
Students will be working from three different books this year. The first book is Dynamic Earth, the second book is Motion, Forces, and Energy, and the third is Space Science. The students should expect homework two to three times a week which will include vocabulary words, reading, completing activities, and lesson reviews. They will also have quizzes every chapter and a test. In-school projects and labs will be done throughout the school year.
Writing
Students will use the “Step Up to Writing” program and other strategies to master the writing process. Assignments will include paragraphs, essays, poetry, and projects, and will utilize writing purposes including informative, persuasive, descriptive and narrative. Students will keep a portfolio of their writing to track their progress throughout the year.
Reading
Students will be reading out of the Literature textbook (Triumphs). We will also be reading three novels in class together. Students will have quizzes, tests, and various in-class and athome assignments on these stories and novels, centering around concepts such as reading strategies and literary terms. In addition, sixth graders have Sustained Silent Reading every
Monday and Thursday. Unless otherwise instructed, students must come prepared to SSR with a book to read. This time may also be used by teachers for make-up work.
Grammar/Vocabulary/Spelling
A spelling/vocabulary unit will be covered every two weeks. Diamonds units have 10 words;
Stars and Hearts have 20. Each Friday, students will have a spelling quiz or a vocabulary test.
Students will also learn grammar using their English textbook and workbook. There will be regular quizzes and tests in English as well.
Spanish
Students will be using the text book Como Te Va in class this year. Students also have a workbook which they need to bring to each class as they will use them in class and for homework. Spanish students will be having quizzes, tests and projects this year. The Spanish

culture fair will be on January 24. It would be great if you want to be a volunteer to help or come and see what we have been learning.
St. John the Beloved has a school wide approach to behavior based on the three R’s. All faculty and staff strive to maintain and follow these fundamental principles and encourage a 3-way partnership among teachers, students, and parents.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any concerns.