Elizabeth Cobb Middle School
2015-16
Course Title: 6th Grade Language Arts, Adv
Teacher: Mrs. V. Williams
Contact Information:
Email: williamsv3@leonschools.net
Teacher Webpage Address: www.leonschools.net/williamsv3
Course Description
The purpose of this course is to provide grade 6 students, using texts of high complexity, advanced
integrated language arts study in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language for college and
career preparation and readiness.
Advanced Level Course Note: Academic rigor is more than
simply assigning to students a greater quantity of work. Through the application, analysis, evaluation,
and creation of complex ideas that are often abstract and multi-faceted, students are challenged to
think and collaborate critically on the content they are learning.
Learning Outcomes for the Course





active reading of varied texts for what they say explicitly, as well as the logical inferences that
can be drawn
analysis of literature and informational texts from varied literary periods to examine:
o text craft and structure
o elements of literature
o arguments and claims supported by textual evidence
o power and impact of language
o influence of history, culture, and setting on language
o personal critical and aesthetic response
writing for varied purposes
o developing and supporting argumentative claims
o crafting coherent, supported informative/expository texts
o responding to literature for personal and analytical purposes
o writing narratives to develop real or imagined events
o writing to sources (short and longer research) using text based claims and evidence
effective listening, speaking, and viewing strategies with emphasis on the use of evidence to
support or refute a claim in multimedia presentations, class discussions, and extended text
discussions
collaboration amongst peers
Required Materials
•Pencils or Blue/Black Pens (NO other colors)
•2 Composition Notebooks(Journals)
•Highlighter
•Cobb Agenda Book
•Book for Independent Reading
Students are expected to be prepared each day with these materials.
•Notebook paper
•Sticky Notes
•Dry Erase Marker
•Textbook as Instructed
915 Hillcrest Street * Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (850) 488-3364 * Fax: (850) 922-2452
Cobb Middle School Website: http://www.leonschools.net/cobb
Technology Requirements
All students must have a Flash Drive (any USB Saving Device) to save individual work/projects at home
and/or school. The classroom textbook and other resources are available online. Internet access would
be needed to access these online resources.
Grading: Refer to school wide grading practices for more comprehensive information (available online).
Grading Scale
Scholastic
Citizenship______________________
A 90-100
Outstanding Conduct
4
B 80-89
Satisfactory Conduct
3
C 70-79
Conduct Needs Improvement 2
D 60-69
Unsatisfactory Conduct
1
F 0-59
Grading Criteria
Tests/Quizzes/Projects
70%
Classwork/Homework/Participation
30%
Conduct Expectations & Class Rules
I expect all students to behave appropriately following these rules and school rules as stated in the
Agenda Book.
Classroom Behavior
Cobb’s Respect Zone
1. Enter the room quietly and prepared.
1. Respect yourself.
2. Be seated when the bell rings.
2. Respect others.
3. Begin work promptly, stay on task, and work until done.
3. Respect authority.
4. To meet deadlines, all assignments are due at the beginning of each class on the due date.
5. Raise your hand and wait for permission to speak or leave your seat.
6. Refrain from chewing or eating anything in class without permission. (**Note: Bottled water is
permitted.)
7. Participate in class activities and be actively involved as a member of a group.
8. All electronic devises, including phones, must be turned off in the classroom unless permission is
given.
All negative consequences can be avoided by following the above rules. Failure to adhere to the Respect
Zone and classroom behavior rules may result in any or all of the following negative consequences:
Verbal Warning, Behavior Reflection, Parent Phone Call, In School Detention (ISD), and Administrative
Referral.
Procedures
HOMEWORK: Some form of homework is given almost every day in my class, with the exception of some
Fridays and during testing months. All homework for the week is due on Fridays, unless specifically
stated otherwise. To meet deadlines, all assignments are due at the beginning of class on the due date.
ABSENCES AND MAKEUP WORK: You are expected to make up any work missed because of any
absences. Check the “While You Were Out” assignment book to see what work needs to be made up
before coming to me. If anything is unclear, see me about a further explanation. You will be given two
days for the 1st excused, absent day to make up any assignments. You will be given only 1 day for any
following days absent. After that time, work will not be accepted. If you know beforehand that you will
915 Hillcrest Street * Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (850) 488-3364 * Fax: (850) 922-2452
Cobb Middle School Website: http://www.leonschools.net/cobb
be absent, please inform me so that I can help you plan your makeup work. You will have higher quality
work if you attend class regularly and meet all deadlines. All unexcused make-up work can be turned in,
within that particular unit, with the highest achieved score of 70%.
RETAKES AND LATE WORK: Test and assignments that receive less than a 70% can be redone for a higher
score, up to a 70%. All late work (unless it’s makeup work from excused absences) can only receive a
score up to 70%, even it is entirely correct.
HELP SESSIONS: I can provide assistance with concepts, assignments, etc. on Wednesdays at 8:30 in
room 5 as needed. Students must sign up for a session on our class website and then show the pass to
the office to gain entry to the building.
DISMISSAL: I will dismiss you at the end of each period. Everyone must be quietly seated and area
prepared for next class before I will dismiss the class.
TARDINESS: You are expected to be in your desk with the required materials (including a sharpened
pencil or pen) when the bell rings. If you are not there, you will be marked tardy and will be asked to
sign the tardy log. Two tardies equal a phone call home. Any tardy that follows will result in an
administrative referral/detention. Your parents will be notified prior to your detention or referral.
COMMUNICATION: Contact via phone, email, or notes in the agenda are encouraged when questions or
concerns arise. Students and Parents can also sign up to receive “Class Text Reminders”. There are a few
different ways to sign up: visit the remind.com website, by downloading the app, or I can send you an
invite if you let me know you would like to receive these reminders. The number you receive text
messages from is not my personal phone number. It is a generic number created by the website.
Therefore you will not be able to respond to the text. If a response is needed, then contact me in the
other traditional ways. Parents, to receive school-wide information, visit Cobb’s website and join the
Cobb Listserv.
A Summer Reading Test will be given on Friday, August 21, 2015. Your “legal” cheat sheet cannot be
any larger than an index card. Make sure you bring in your “legal” cheat sheet on the day of the test.
***Please return the last page of this syllabus signed by Tuesday,
August 25, 2015, for a homework grade.***
Parents and Students,
Please read and review this policy and sign below to indicate you have done so. Parents
provide me with your contact information as well. Keep this policy in the handout/notes section of
your notebook. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I look forward to a great
year!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Victoria Williams
915 Hillcrest Street * Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (850) 488-3364 * Fax: (850) 922-2452
Cobb Middle School Website: http://www.leonschools.net/cobb
Student/Parent (Guardian) Information
Sign here to verify that you have read and understand the items in this syllabus.
_______________________________________
Student’s Name (print)
_____________________________________
Parent’s (Guardian’s) signature
_______________________________________
Student’s signature
Please check yes or no if your student has access to a computer or phone with internet access.
Yes ________
No ________
Mother’s name _____________________________________ Home phone number_____________
(Or Guardian)
Mother’s work number _________________ Mother’s cell number _________________
Mother’s email address_________________________________________________
Circle preferred method to contact: Home # Work #
Cell #
Email
I would like to receive Mrs. Williams’ text reminders (must provide cell #) Yes ________ or No ________
I would like to receive Mrs. Williams’ email reminders (must provide email) Yes _______ or No _______
Father’s name____________________________________ Home phone number _______________
(Or Guardian)
Father’s work number ___________________ Father’s cell number __________________
Father’s email address __________________________________________________
Circle preferred method to contact: Home #
Work #
Cell #
Email
I would like to receive Mrs. Williams’ text reminders (must provide cell #) Yes ________ or No ________
I would like to receive Mrs. Williams’ email reminders (must provide email) Yes _______ or No _______
915 Hillcrest Street * Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (850) 488-3364 * Fax: (850) 922-2452
Cobb Middle School Website: http://www.leonschools.net/cobb
Teacher Use Only
Date & Time
Contact Log
Spoke to @ Number/Email
Reason
915 Hillcrest Street * Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (850) 488-3364 * Fax: (850) 922-2452
Cobb Middle School Website: http://www.leonschools.net/cobb
Result