6th Grade Humanities
Mr. Dubois
Required in class daily:
3-ring binder with Humanities section or spiral notebook
Planner
Assignments due
A book to read
Pen, pencils, paper
As Needed: colored pens or pencils, scissors, glue stick, tape, or other supplies
Students are expected to arrive for class promptly with all required materials for the day’s activities.
Rules:
1. Respect others and their property.
2. Listen and follow directions the first time they are given.
3. Bring all required materials to class.
4. Give an honest effort. Keep an active mind. Do quality work. (Neatness counts!)
Consequences:
While a first infraction’s consequence is redirection and a warning, further consequences include parent
contact, detention and referral to the office. Severity clause: in extreme cases, consequences will be issued as
infraction requires.
Course Outline:
The year begins with a unit that includes the 5 themes of geography, culture and the role of archaeology in our
knowledge of the ancient world. Prehistoric humans and the birth of civilization is next. Units on Sumeria and
Mesopotamia, the Egyptians, and ancient Chinese and Indian civilizations follow. The beginnings of western
civilization are explored through study of the Greeks and Romans. The survey of ancient cultures ends with
the civilizations of Mesoamerica.
Language Arts studies are often linked with the social studies curriculum and run concurrently to those
explorations including writing process, vocabulary and word origin, conventions/mechanics, literature
analysis and genre studies, and thinking skills. Particular emphasis is placed on essay writing. Writing
instruction uses a Writer’s Workshop model.
Grading:
Grading is done on a points system. Students earn their grade by earning points. Points are given for weekly
assignments, projects, tests and participation in class activities and discussions. Late assignments lose points—
30% the first day, 10% the next.
The points are weighted as follows:
Assignments:
Projects:
Tests:
Participation:
40%
30%
20%
10%
This category includes class work, homework and weekly assignments.
This category includes long-term work and six-week/unit projects.
This category includes test and quizzes.
This category includes participation, readiness to learn and behavior.
Homework:
Although there will be regular homework assignments and projects, much of the work we do is class work. If
students use their in-class work time wisely and effectively, they will have less homework.
Absences and Make-up Work:
Since, as I mentioned above, much of our work is done in class, it benefits students to avoid absences. Students
are responsible for assignments missed when they are absent and will be expected to find out what assignment
they missed and make it up within a period of time dictated by the absence. (Usually two days for a one day
absence.)
Students with a grade below 70% will be required to attend study sessions during lunch times (lunch may be
eaten while working) until the grade is above a 70%. Students may also work on assignments before school or
after school until the Chautauqua buses depart.
Organization Tips:
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Use planners and keep assignment record sheets up to date. Late and missing homework assignments
are a major cause of low grades.
Remember to turn in homework when it is due.
Keep notebooks organized so you can find what you need. Put papers where they belong immediately.
Clean out old work after each unit and store at home. Keep everything until you get your progress
reports in case you have a grading question.
Have a system (a special folder?) for handouts that need to go to and from home.
Extra copies of handouts are NOT generally available. Put papers away where you will not lose them.
Have a place and a time to do your homework every week-night. My room is open for after school
study hall most days (except just before holidays). Bus passes are available for the Chautauqua bus.
If you don’t understand an assignment ask for clarification (don't wait until the due-date to ask
questions about an assignment). Keep asking questions until you do understand.
I am always available to provide extra help or work time for students before and after school as well as during
lunches when arranged. Students who require or desire extra help or time on an assignment may arrange to
work during the times stated above. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me by e-mail
ldubois@vashonsd.org, by phone at 463-9168 extension 3145, or set up an appointment to meet with me before
or after school.
I look forward to a fun and rewarding year!
Please sign and return the lower part of this page. Retain the remainder for future reference.
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I have read and understand the rules, consequences and procedures outlined above.
Student name (printed)
Student signature
Parent signature