Math 6A (Advanced)/Science Curriculum Letter
McAuliffe Middle School
2015-2016
Welcome to 6th grade math and science at McAuliffe! You will find the following
information useful in answering any questions you may have about these classes.
Please keep this information packet in your notebook for
future reference.
Minder Binder
Daily, all students are required to record their math and science assignments in their
Minder Binder. We have found that getting in the habit of keeping a record of assignments
and due dates is an invaluable organizational tool in helping students achieve success in
middle school. Students will be given ample class time to copy their assignments from the
“Homework Board” into their Minder Binder.
Math Homework
Math homework is an extension of class work. Work not completed during the allotted
class time will become homework. Students should expect to have math homework daily,
except on quiz/test days. All assignments are expected to be done neatly, be complete, be
turned in on time, and show outstanding effort.
Math homework is graded on completion not correctness. We believe that all students
are capable of completing their daily math assignment. Math homework is assigned in order
for students to practice the concept(s) learned in class that day, therefore students should not
be penalized for incorrect answers. Daily math assignments are worth 5 points. In order to
receive 5 points, ALL of the following must be done…
-Students must rewrite the problems (except for word problems).
-Show work/calculations for ALL problems.
-Have a complete heading (name, date, and page number).
-Complete the entire assignment using PENCIL in their Math
Spiral Notebook.
If all of the above is not done on the day the assignment is due, 0 points will be given.
If a student receives 0 points on a math homework assignment, they may turn in the
completed (to be completed at home NOT during class time) assignment the NEXT
SCHOOL DAY ONLY for reduced credit. 4 points will be given if their math
homework assignment was incomplete because one problem/item above was missing.
Half-credit (2.5 pts) will be given if their math homework assignment was marked
incomplete because more than one problem/item above was missing.
Math Quizzes
Students will be given a weekly math quiz comprised of problems that reflect that
week’s class work and homework assignments. They can also expect to have a few problems
that assess prior learning. MATH QUIZZES CANNOT BE RETAKEN FOR A
HIGHER GRADE!
Math Tests
At the end of each chapter, students will be given a test. Notice will be given ahead of
time for tests along with the material to be covered. A review of the concepts to be tested
will be conducted in class, however further “study time” at home is highly recommended.
Any student earning a D or F on a chapter test will be invited to
attend a voluntary math intervention class. This class will re-teach the
math material from the chapter in which they did not master the
concepts. Students will then have the opportunity to retake the
chapter test at the end of the intervention class.
If a student is unable to attend the math intervention class, they
may retake the chapter test within two weeks of the original test date
during Math Study Hall.
Students will be given the higher score of the two tests, NOT TO
EXCEED 70%!
Science Homework
Science homework will not be given daily. When science homework is assigned, it is
expected to be done neatly in pencil, be complete, be turned in on time, and show
outstanding effort.
If a student fails to turn in a science homework assignment when
it is due, it will be accepted the NEXT DAY ONLY for half-credit.
Science projects not turned in on the due date will be lowered one
letter grade for every day they are late!
Science Quizzes
Throughout a unit of study, students will periodically be given a science quiz to assess
their learning. Quizzes are shorter than tests and cover less material. Notice will be given
ahead of time for quizzes along with the material to be covered. SCIENCE QUIZZES
CANNOT BE RETAKEN FOR A HIGHER GRADE!
Science Tests
Students will be given a test at the end of each unit. Notice will be given ahead of time
for tests along with a study guide of the material to be covered. Like science quizzes,
SCIENCE TESTS CANNOT BE RETAKEN FOR A HIGHER GRADE!
Grading Policy
Grades are based on individual assignments, quizzes, tests, and projects. Each
assignment or project will have differing point values.
GRADES ARE WEIGHTED!
MATH:
SCIENCE:
TESTS/PROJECTS
= 60%
TESTS/PROJECTS
= 50%
QUIZZES
= 25%
QUIZZES
= 30%
CLASSWORK/HOMEWORK
= 15%
CLASSWORK/HOMEWORK
= 20%
Grades will be based on a point system and will be assigned according to the following scale:
100 %
92 – 99 %
90 – 91 %
88 – 89 %
82 – 87 %
80 – 81 %
A+
A
AB+
B
B-
78 – 79 %
71 – 77 %
69 – 70 %
67 – 68 %
61 – 66 %
55 – 60 %
C+
C
CD+
D
D-
Anything below 55 % is an F and students will receive the number of points they
earned for that F assignment. It is much better to get some points for the assignment rather
than get no points at all.
The accumulated points for the first quarter, plus the points earned in the second
quarter will equal the permanent grade for the first semester. The accumulation of grades will
start over again with the beginning of the second semester. The grade for the third quarter
plus the grade for the fourth quarter will equal the permanent grade for the second semester.
Only semester grades are recorded on the official transcript. Grades are
posted online and parents/guardians are encouraged to check their child’s progress on a
regular basis. Periodically, a progress report will be sent home requiring a parent/guardian
signature for any student receiving a “D” or “F”. Students can know how they are doing on a
weekly basis by checking the coded grade sheets that are posted in the classroom.
Citizenship and Effort
Grades
CITIZENSHIP GRADE – is based on a student’s in class behavior. It is determined by
the guidelines set forth by the McAuliffe staff as well as the number of times they have
signed the class “Behavior Folder”.
Behavior Folder Procedure:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Students will first receive a verbal warning.
If the behavior continues, students will be asked to sign “The Behavior Folder.”
If the behavior still continues, students will sign “The Behavior Folder” for the
second time that day, and be issued an after school detention.
Any behavior that continues after the previous consequences will result in a
referral to the Assistant Principal.
EFFORT GRADE – is based on whether or not a student is putting forth their best effort
on all assignments as well as the number of late/incomplete/missing assignments they have.
CITZENSHIP AND EFFORT GRADES WILL BE GIVEN QUARTERLY. EACH QUARTER
THE STUDENTS WILL START WITH A CLEAN SLATE!
Math Study Hall
(See Attached Calendar)
We will be available on Tuesday afternoon from 3:15-3:45 p.m. and
Wednesday morning from 8:15-8:45 a.m. to assist students with their math studies.
Students may wish to come in to discuss work they do not understand and would like
assistance with, or they may wish to complete work they need instruction on because they
were absent. This is not one-on-one tutoring, as there is likely to be more than one student in
attendance. All missed quizzes and tests should be made up in study hall. When a student
makes up a quiz or test during class time, they are actually missing another period of
instruction. Special arrangements can be made for special circumstances. Teachers
volunteer their time before and after school to conduct Math Study Hall. Therefore,
disruptive students or those not working may be asked to leave.
Absences
Students are given the opportunity to make-up both class work and homework missed
due to excused absences. However, it is the student’s responsibility to find out
what they missed, complete the assignment(s), and remember to turn
in their absent work within the allotted time. Work for unexcused absences
may be made up only with permission from the teacher.
The school policy states that students are allowed one day of make up
time for every day that they are absent. Assignments due on the date
of an absence will be considered late if they are not turned in on the
day a student returns to class.
Students missing class for school performance practices or other school related
functions will be expected to turn in their completed work upon their return to school.
If a student is absent for a duration of 1-3 days and would like to find
out what assignments they missed, they can check their teacher’s website for
posted class work and homework assignments, contact their
“Homework Buddy” whose phone number should be in their Minder
Binder or wait until they return to school.
A parent may request homework beginning on the 4th day of
absence by calling the Attendance Office at (714) 816-3320 x 77104
before 9:00 a.m.
Materials
The following items should be brought to class DAILY:
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Minder Binder
(2) Mead Composition Books
(1) Large Spiral Notebook
(2) Red Ballpoint Pens
Small Pair of Scissors
Large Glue Stick/Glue Bottle
Dry Erase Markers
Sharpened Pencils
Eraser
White-Lined Paper
3-Ring Binder with Dividers/Pockets
Coloring Utensils
STUDENTS ARE TO KEEP THEIR MATH & SCIENCE TEXTBOOKS
COVERED AT HOME!
(A second set of books will be provided for use in the classroom.)
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Mrs. Redden at
(714) 816-3320 x 77217 or e-mail her at kredden@losal.org. Her
conference period is 7th period from 2:25–3:10 p.m.
We are here for you and want everyone to have a challenging, successful, and fun first
year of middle school!
Sincerely,
Kimi Redden
Mrs. Kimi Redden
Mr. Pat Bay
Mrs. Carrie Martin
Mrs. Keri Ravelo
Mr. Mike Rose
Student Name: ______________________________________________
(First & Last)
Math/Science Core (circle):
1
2
3
My child and I have reviewed the 6th grade Math/Science
Curriculum Letter.
__________________________________________
Student Signature
__________________________________________
Parent Signature