Ms. Childress – ELA

 

Dear Students and Families,

  Welcome to 6^th grade at GES! My name is Erica Childress. I will be your child’s ELA teacher. In ELA, will be using the Louisiana Department of Education Guidebooks. Below are the following requirements for 2018-2019 school year:

Curriculum

Our ELA curriculum was created by the Louisiana State Department of Education. It is an English Language Arts curriculum, Guidebooks 2.0, made up of units focused around an assortment of texts.  The guidebooks will have all students reading, understanding, and expressing their understanding of complex grade-level texts throughout the year.  We will cover the following units this year in Guidebooks: Hatchet, Steve Jobs, The Witch of Blackbird Pond, and If Stones Could Speak.

 

There are no textbooks that will be used to implement Guidebooks 2.0. Rather, students will read a variety of related texts throughout each unit.  Students will be provided the necessary texts for each unit in class and will be actively participating in class discussions and activities, such as annotating the text. This material will be kept in their binders. Grades will be derived from “cold-read” passages (passage never seen before) with multiple choice questions and an extended response that assess the Louisiana State Standards that have been taught.

 

 

Online Testing

• Illuminate or Educite: is an online computer program where students will complete their tests on the computer during the school day. Depending on the type of test, students will receive their grade immediately. If the test has a writing prompt, the student will receive their grade within one week of completing the test. The results of the test will be printed (writing prompt included, if applicable) and sent home on the designated test days, Wednesdays.

ELA Grading

As per district-wide guidelines, 6^th grade students will be graded accordingly in ELA:

• Tests, Writings, and Projects = 90%
• Homework/Participation = 10%

Grading Scale

• 93%-100%    A
• 85%-92%      B
• 75%-84%      C
• 67%-74%      D
• 0%-66%        F

 

 

Folders

Green – Communications folder; contains newsletters from the office, PTO memos, etc.

Red – This folder will be sent home every Wednesday with test papers. Please review tests, sign the signature document, and return within two days.

Purple – Math folder

Yellow – ELA folder

Blue – Social Studies folder

Orange – Science folder

 

PBIS and Class Dojo –

 

The Gramercy Elementary School-Wide Discipline Plan will be strictly enforced in our classrooms.  The rules are as follows:  1.) Follow teacher’s directions 2.) Raise your hand for permission to speak.  3.) Stay in your assigned seat or area.  4.) Keep hands, feet, objects, and unkind comments to self.

 

If a rule is broken more than once, a consequence will be issued according to the GES Policy Manual (please read when you receive). Rewards will be given daily, bi-weekly, and monthly for those students who stay on a green card.

 

Also, 6^th grade teachers document behaviors on Class Dojo, a free website and app that you can use to keep up with your child’s daily point earnings. Please sign up for my class by following the directions on the handout given in the green folders. Also, I will post pictures of your 6^th grader’s daily life at GES that only you, the parents in my class, can see!

 

Student Expectations

To be a good student and set an example for our 4^th & 5^th grade GES/GEMS students, I will always expect my students to follow the Gator Characteristics:

BE COOPERATIVE, BE RESPONSIBLE, BE RESPECTFUL

 

Classroom Rules:

1. Follow teacher’s directions.
2. Raise your hand for permission to speak.
3. Stay in your assigned seat or area.
4. Keep hands, feet, objects, and unkind comments to self.

 

Voice Levels:

The teacher, duty teacher, or staff member will tell you at all times what voice level is expected.

0= No Talking

1= Whisper (only the person next to your can hear/ partners)

2= Small group can hear

3= Outside voice (recess)

 

Failure to follow these expectations will result in the following consequences (according to PBIS policy):

 

All students start off on Step 1= 2 miles

Step	Daily Consequence
2	Loss of 1 mile
3	Loss of both miles, Student Self Reflection
4	Minor Fraction Referral Form completed with Parent contact
5	Administrative Conference
6	Office Referral; BAS form completed

 

 

Money

 

– Any money for school activities and forms for the office or teacher must be turned in to me first thing in the morning. If the student does not turn it in before 8:15, he/she will have to hold it until the next school day. Please place items in an envelope with your child’s name and the purpose of the money/form. When sending money to school, please send a check or the correct cash amount.

 

 

                                             EX: Ayden Childress

                                              6^th Grade Field Trip Money

In order for us to have a successful year, communication is essential. If you have questions/concerns or would like to schedule a conference with me, please call the school (225-258-4800) or email me. My planning time is 8:30 – 9:30.

 

The information in this document is subject to change if needed.

 

***If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call, email ([email protected]), or send a note. 

 

Sincerely, 

Erica Childress

6^th Grade ELA