Welcome to
Sixth Grade!
HAINE MIDDLE SCHOOL
SENECA VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Mr. Tolomeo - Room 311
Mrs. Fagan - Room 313
Mr. DeSanzo - Room 314
Mrs. Tanda - Room 315
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• Welcome to sixth grade!
We are looking forward to a wonderful year with
your children. This has been compiled to help
increase your understanding of what will be
expected of your child and what we will be doing
this year. We hope that you find the information
helpful.
Table of Contents
Class Schedules
Curriculum
Class Expectations
Rewards
Homework Expectations
SV Portal
Communication
ROOM 311
Time
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
8:30 - 8:50
Homeroom (Morning Work, Attendance, Pledge, etc.)
8:55 - 9:30
P.E.
Library
Technology
Art
Music
9:32 - 10:44
Science/Social Studies
10:46 - 11:58
Reading/LA
12:05 - 12:35
Lunch
12:37 - 1:49
Math
1:51 - 2:26
C.A.R.E.
C.A.R.E.
Olweus
C.A.R.E.
C.A.R.E.
Activity Period
Activity Period
Activity Period
Activity Period
Activity Period
2:30 - 3:05
ROOM 313
Time
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
8:30 - 8:50
Homeroom (Morning Work, Attendance, Pledge, etc.)
8:55 - 9:30
Library
Technology
Art
Music
PE
9:32 - 10:44
Math
10:46 - 11:58
Science/Social Studies
12:05 - 12:35
Lunch
12:37 - 1:49
Reading/LA
1:51 - 2:26
C.A.R.E.
C.A.R.E.
Olweus
C.A.R.E.
C.A.R.E.
Activity Pd.
Activity Pd.
Activity Pd.
Activity Pd.
Activity Pd.
2:30 - 3:05
ROOM 314
Time
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
8:30 - 8:50
Homeroom (Morning Work, Attendance, Pledge, etc.)
8:55 - 9:30
Technology
Art
Music
P.E.
Library
9:32 - 10:44
Reading/LA
10:46 - 11:58
Math
12:05 - 12:35
Lunch
12:37 - 1:49
Science/Social Studies
1:51 - 2:26
C.A.R.E.
C.A.R.E.
Olweus
C.A.R.E.
C.A.R.E.
Activity Pd.
Activity Pd.
Activity Pd.
Activity Pd.
Activity Pd.
2:30 - 3:05
Curriculum
Reading
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In Reading this year we will explore various texts and work on gaining a better understanding of the author's message
as well as continue practicing reading comprehension strategies. We will engage in a number of small and large group
discussions, relating texts to our own lives as well as writing about these texts. Students will be making independent
reading selections each nine weeks, as well as, assigned genre selections. We will be completing book reviews, book
projects, taking AR tests, as well as engaging in various discussions on novels. We will include three novels in our
reading explorations this year:
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Out Of The Dust by Karen Hesse. The story takes place during the dust bowl era of the Midwestern United
States in the early-mid 1930’s. The novel is written in free-verse poetry and the author utilizes many poetic elements
that we will study. The story is about overcoming obstacles and celebrating what you already have. Tragedy strikes the
main character when she causes an accident that results in her mother’s and unborn brother’s death.
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The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank. We will read the short play form of the story: In Nazi-occupied
Holland, Otto Frank and his family have decided to go into hiding, because of the increasing persecutions against Jews.
The businessman Kraler and his assistant Miep prepare a hiding place in the rooms above their place of business, and
arrange for the Franks and another family, the Van Daans, to stay there. Later on, they are joined by the dentist Dussel.
Together, they try to avoid detection while hoping for Holland to be liberated by the Allies, but even meeting basic
needs can become a challenge, and even minor incidents could present a grave risk.
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Number The Stars by Lois Lowrey. Set in Europe during WWII, the story is about how the main character helps
her friend, who is Jewish, escape the torture from the Nazi’s. The story is about friendship, citizenship, and loyalty.
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Language Arts
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In Language Arts we will become more comfortable with the planning process to make their writing more precise and
organized through continued practice and peer editing. We will also focus heavily on parts of speech and vocabulary
development which will in turn improve our writing tremendously. This will assist us as authors to become more
eloquent and deliver our words with more precision. Each week we will engage ourselves in learning new vocabulary
that students will use in their writing as well as look for in their reading. We will also work with Compass and complete
a variety of research of many topics, work on public speaking, and being active listeners.
• Social Studies
• Students will learn about the geography, government, economics, culture, and
history of Asia and the Middle East, Latin America, Europe, and Africa. Additionally,
they will be involved in various instructional activities that focus on the integration
of map skills, interpreting data, research skills, communication skills, technology,
and process writing into a comprehensive study of today's society and yesterday's
history. From this, they will gain a working knowledge and understanding of the
symbiotic relationships of geography, government, economics, culture, and history
in the world.
• Science
• Students are using the SEPUP module Issues & Earth Science (IAES). It is an
engaging hands-on earth science course based on the educational approach of
scientific inquiry. A combination of experiments, readings, models, debates, roleplays, and projects will allow students to discover the nature of science, learn
science content, and experience the relevance of science in today’s world. Specific
topics include: Studying Soils Scientifically, Rocks and Minerals, Erosion and
Deposition, Plate Tectonics, and Weather and Atmosphere.
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• Health
• The sixth grade health curriculum includes four units:
• Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco/Steroids
• Reproductive System
• Immune System
• HIV/AIDS
• Math
• The students will continue to expand their knowledge of the number
system this year. Specifically, we will explore decimals, fractions, and
percent and discover how these three concepts are related. We will also
investigate integers and focus on adding, subtracting, multiplying, and
dividing negative numbers. Additionally, students will expand their
knowledge of geometry, measurement, probability, data analysis, and
algebra concepts. Many new mathematical concepts will be introduced
through hands-on activities that allow the students to use manipulatives in
order to build their own understanding.
• Students will be given homework on a regular basis. Because homework is
an opportunity to practice new skills, it will not be graded for correctness.
Instead, it will be graded based on completion and effort. I will use the
assessments such as homework as a gauge of where each student is to
drive further instruction. Additionally, beginning in October, students will
receive a weekly problem solving activity. These assignments WILL be
graded. Homework is due on the date assigned. I will accept homework
one day late for half credit. Any assignment more than one day late will not
be accepted for points; however, I will be more than happy to correct it for
feedback.
• Students will be using a math binder daily. I will review and grade binders
periodically to ensure students are current with class notes. If a student is
absent, it is his/her responsibility to copy the notes from a classmate.
Class Expectations
• Be respectful of others and yourself. This includes your
words, actions, and mannerisms.
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• Be on time to class with all appropriate materials.
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• Complete classwork, homework, and projects by due date
and to the best of your ability.
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• Behave appropriately. We expect students to behave so that
they are not a disruption to other students’ learning.
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• Ask permission to leave your assigned area.
Rewards
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We will be utilizing a ticket system to recognize positive behavior. When teachers notice
students acting in a positive manner (helping others, participating in class, consistently
completing assignments, etc.), they will hand out tickets, which students will save to trade in
for various rewards. Failure to follow class expectations (incomplete homework, disrespect
of others, etc.) will result in appropriate consequences.
Possible Rewards
Sit with a friend all day
Homework pass
Use the teacher’s chair
Choose from the prize box
Postcard mailed home
Phone call to parent/guardian
Possible Consequences
Loss of recess/fun room
Phone call to parent/guardian
Visit to the office
Loss of special event (assembly, field trip, etc.)
Homework Expectations
• We will be assigning homework regularly for several reasons. Not only does
homework allow students to review and practice important concepts, but it
also teaches responsibility and time management skills. We expect that
homework be completed on time to the best of the student’s ability. If
homework is not completed, students will lose points and/or recess time.
• Parents always wonder how much help they should provide during
homework time. Sixth grade students should be able to manage homework
routines on their own; utilizing their assignment books, they should be able
to complete nightly homework, keep track of deadlines for long-term
projects, and prepare for tests. We all know, however, there will be times
that both parents and teachers will need to provide some extra help. In
those cases, we suggest that you have your child complete what he or she
can on the assignment, and then approach you, with specific questions,
about the assignment. Please do not do the work for your child.
Homework is a way for students to review and practice skills. If you notice
your child is struggling with specific concepts, please let us know and we
will continue to practice these skills at school during CARE time and class.
SV Portal-Gradebook-Updates
• https://portal.svsd.net/
Communication
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Communication between parents and teachers is essential in the education of children. By working
together, we can provide the best experience for your child. Since we have regular access to our e-mail
throughout the day, it would be easiest for you to contact us in this manner. Our e-mail addresses, as well as
the school’s phone number, are listed below. If you would prefer to communicate via phone, please either call
and leave us a message, or send us an e-mail with your phone number and a good time to contact you. In case
of an emergency or urgent matter, please contact the office.
Phone: Haine Middle School
724-776-1325
E-mail Addresses:
Mrs. Tanda (Inclusion Support)
tandaam@svsd.net
Mr. Tolomeo (Math)
tolomeop@svsd.net
Mrs. Fagan (Reading/Language Arts)
fagandl@svsd.net
Mr. DeSanzo (Science/Social Studies)
desanzonr@svsd.net
Thank you