th Welcome to 6 Grade World Cultures! In sixth grade social studies, we will take a tour around the world and learn the language of geography, the elements of culture, and the histories, governments, and economics that form modern societies. Our goal is to become knowledgeable and respectful global citizens. The main units of study will be: Map skills and concepts of Latin America Sub-Saharan Africa culture Europe South Asia The United States and Southwest Asia and North East Asia Canada Africa Australia & Oceania Supplies (All supplies must be in class by Thursday, August 27) Composition notebook- 100 sheets/200 pages (to be left in the classroom unless used for homework or projects) Clear packing tape or clear contact paper to cover notebook Brown paper grocery bag to cover social studies textbook The following supplies should be brought to class daily in the student’s binder/pencil case: #2 pencils Hand held pencil sharpener Large eraser Colored pencils Student agenda book Scissors Tape dispenser Classroom expectations 1. Make good decisions – MMS students are prepared for learning by bringing all supplies and work to class, beginning their warm-ups when they enter the classroom, putting away all cell phones and devices, and keeping gum away from campus. MMS students follow the Honor Code at all times. 2. Solve problems – MMS students ask appropriately for help when needed and help their peers and teachers when asked. It is very important for students to take on this responsibility. 3. Show respect – MMS students show respect for their peers, their teachers, their classrooms, the school rules, and themselves. Grades Daily assignments & homework = 20% Quizzes & mini-projects = 30% Tests & projects = 50% Late work All work should be turned in on time at the beginning of class. Assignments not turned in at this time will be considered late and 15 points will automatically be deducted. The maximum score you can receive after one day late is an 85. Assignments will not be accepted after two days, and a zero will be recorded for the missing assignment. Make-up work When a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to make up missed assignments and notes. Absent students can check the teacher webpage for daily assignments and homework or e-mail the teacher. When returning to class, students should check the appropriate folder and with the teacher to obtain all work that was missed. Work must be turned in within the same number of days that the student was absent. If work is turned in after this time, it will be considered late. Field trips are not considered absences. Work should be picked up before going on the field trip. Tests and quizzes Social Studies quiz and test days are Wednesday and Friday. Changes to this schedule may be made after other subject area teachers have been consulted. Study guides will be given before tests but not for quizzes. Notebook Notebooks will be used for class notes as well as activities where the students will express his/her own ideas and to process the information presented in class. Maps, quizzes, and homework assignments may be added into the notebook. Notebooks will be checked periodically for completeness of notes and assignments. Textbook Textbooks should be covered at all times and kept in the locker except when needed in class or needed at home. The book will not be used every day in class, but it is important for students to bring it to class when asked. Students will receive an online code later this fall if they wish to also access the book online. Please sign and return to class by Friday, August 28. This will count as a homework grade. ______________________________________ Student name (first & last) and class period (print) __________________________________________ Student signature ______________________________________ Parent/Guardian’s name (print) __________________________________________ Parent/Guardian’s signature Thank you for reviewing this important information with your sixth grader. This is a wonderful year of transition and new and varied experiences. We love teaching your student and appreciate the trust you have given us in guiding your child through this exciting year! Sincerely, Kathi Cossey Allie Lee Dennis O’ Callaghan katherine.cossey@springbranchisd.com allison.lee@springbranchisd.com dennis.ocallaghan@springbranchisd.com