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Mrs. Camille Bass
Sixth Grade
Welcome to Sixth Grade!
2024 - 2025
I am beyond excited to see all of your students’ bright and shining faces. This 6th grade year is a pivotal moment for our students as they transition into junior high and further develop their skills in being independent learners. We will harvest our skills in critical and independent thinking, work on our problem solving skills, and organization. I am excited to start this school year and build a community of learners!
Many Blessings to you,
Mrs. Bass
Discipline: Assumption School will continue to implement a positive discipline curriculum. The teachers and students will work on a social-emotional curriculum together. This program seeks to establish strong and meaningful connections between students, families and school staff. It views mistakes as opportunities to learn and misbehaviors as opportunities to practice critical life skills. In the beginning of the year, the 6th grade will work collaboratively to create their own classroom guidelines. These will be shared with parents/families once they have been created.
ABSENCES/TARDIES:
Attendance will be taken each day in the morning at the beginning of homeroom. Those in quarantine will be considered as present as long as they remain responsive, complete assignments, and attend all check-in appointments set.
CURRICULUM
RELIGION (Mrs. Camille Bass)
Text #1: We Are God’s People, Sadlier
Subject Matter: Students will become familiar with the history of our Catholic
faith so that they will learn to think critically and are better prepared to proclaim
and live their faith as active Christians.
Text #2: Benziger Family Life
Subject Matter: Family life curriculum is studied during the third trimester and
stresses a number of concepts about the human person that have been identified
by Education in Human Sexuality for Christians, United States Catholic
Conference, 1981, such as:
- Relationships and Communication (with family, friends, and adults)
- Pregnancy and Birth
Expectations: Each student is expected to give appropriate attention to the
subject matter in the texts and to participate in classroom discussions. A test or
other form of assessment is given at the end of the unit. Prior to working
with the “Benziger Family Life” text, parents will need to look it over with their
child, then sign and return the text the following school day. Assumption School
is currently reassessing our Service Learning Projects. Service is fundamental
element of who we are. The faculty is working on forming a service Learning
Project that provides students the intrinsic value of being an Active Christian.
Grading:
- test and quiz scores
- project-based activities
READING (Mrs. Camille Bass)
Text: Rather than a textbook, we will read several novels during the school year, as well as study poetry and some short stories. Students will be expected to read
both in the classroom and at home. Discussions, essays, and projects will also be part of each novel’s unit.
Subject Matter: Students will have the opportunity, both whole class and in
small groups, to work on fundamental reading comprehension skills such as
finding facts, making inferences, locating sequences, developing vocabulary
through the use of context clues, identifying main ideas, and drawing
conclusions. They will also develop their ability to respond thoughtfully to
literature by comparing and contrasting, finding themes, analyzing characters,
making connections, and finding supporting evidence. Students will also have the
opportunity to explore literature through cooperative learning groups.
Expectations: Students will be expected to read, comprehend, and practice
critical thinking skills for the assigned selections. It will be anticipated that
students put forth the effort needed to complete assignments neatly, accurately,
and on time. When we work in cooperative learning groups, it is expected that
students complete their reading assignments and tasks at home. They will then
share their findings with their group members.
Grading:
- test and quiz scores
- scores on long-term projects, in-class assignments, discussions, and essays
- depth of responses in assignments
SOCIAL STUDIES (Mr. Gabriel Del Castillo)
Text: The Ancient World, Teachers Curriculum Institute
The social studies program we will be using this year is from TCI and is designed
to reach learners of all abilities using multiple intelligences teaching strategies
and theory and research-based active instruction. You can learn more about TCI
at http://www.teachtci.com. An important part of the program is an online Student
Subscription. The subscription is our online textbook, and students will need it to
complete assignments and study for tests. The TCI Student Subscription
includes: Student text, End-of-lesson Reading Challenges, Reading tools such as
highlighting, inline vocabulary definitions, and a main idea viewer. Students will
need Internet access daily for their homework and review. Many assignments will
be electronically submitted in class as well as at home.
The study of Ancient Civilizations, early middle Eastern civilizations
(Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt), early Asian civilizations (Ancient India and
Ancient China), the foundation of Western ideas (Ancient Israelites, Ancient
Greeks, and Classical Greece) and Rome (the rise of Rome, the Roman Empire,
and Christianity and the fall of Rome) and world geography.
Expectations: Students are expected to be responsible, organized, respectful,
and use good communication skills. Work assigned to students should be neat,
complete and with full effort. Students should participate in class discussions or
on assignments with complete sentences. A big part of their success depends on
the Interactive Student Notebook, which will become a major resource for them
for quizzes and tests. Notebook checks will be done regularly. History class will
be an interactive, cooperative, and hands-on learning experience. Tests are
given about every three weeks. Students are tested on material from the text as
well as activities or discussions from class and note taking. All assignments must
be completed on time. Absent make up work and tests must be completed within
a week of students' absence. Students are responsible for making necessary
arrangements.
Grading: The student’s grade is based on class work, the student Interactive
Student Notebook, open-notebook quizzes, unit tests, projects and class
participation. Homework assignments involving reading and note taking will be
evaluated according to the quality and completeness of each assignment and will
be reflected in the student’s effort grade on Progress Reports and Report Cards.
MATH (Mr. Jason Poon & Mrs. Camille Bass)
Text: Envision Math, Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley
Subject Matter: The math curriculum in sixth grade requires students to
understand how to work with decimals and fractions, different types of graphs,
data sets, base-ten operations, place value, order of operations, measurements,
angles, and shapes.
Expectations: Students will be expected to put forth their best effort in
completing assignments based on previously taught lessons, as well as
preparing for periodic tests and quizzes. Additionally, students will be expected
to correct missed problems on homework, quizzes, and tests. Occasional
projects may be assigned but can be completed in class.
Grading:
- test and quiz scores
- completion of all assignments (with work shown)
ENGLISH (Mr. Gabriel Del Castillo)
Text: Writing Pathways, Lucy Calkins, First Hand Heinemann
Expectations: Students are required to bring a journal to class, in which they will
write reflections, take notes, record their ideas, work on their writing
assignments, and complete homework. Journals will be collected periodically and
the quality of work assessed. At the start of class, students are expected to
complete a grammar check and during the week a specific Language Arts,
Vocabulary, and/or Grammar lesson will be taught.
Subject Matter: It is increasingly important for all children to be given an
education that enables them to synthesize, organize, reflect on, and respond to
the data in their world. Assumption School has adopted Writing Pathways, the
TCRWP Writing Workshop program, across all grade levels. These learning units
are aligned to the Common Core State Standards and will assist our knowledge
of the teaching of writing. In the Units of Study, students will be able to
synthesize, analyze, compare and contrast information and ideas in a workshop
environment. This program will give the students the skills to write narrative,
argument and expository texts.
Grading: Grades will be based on tests, quizzes, classroom activities,
interactive student notebook assignments, writing assignments, and projects.
Homework assignments involving writing, language arts practice, and note taking
will be evaluated according the quality and completeness of each assignment
and will be reflected on the student’s effort grade on Progress Reports and
Report Cards.
Science: Ms. Nicole Campbell
Text: FOSS Kits by Lawrence Hall of Science, UC Berkeley
Subject Matter: Throughout the year, we will be covering numerous domains within the field of science to help better understand the world around us. Through guided discovery and inquiry, we will cover topics within Life Science, Physical Science, and Earth Science. In sixth grade, we will have a particular focus on cells, the nervous system, inheritance and heredity, evolution, energy transfer, weather and climate, and on human's impact on the environment.
Expectations: Students will be expected to complete daily tasks, quizzes, exit tickets, tests, investigations, and projects. Students are expected to come to class ready to engage in class discussions, are expected to be prepared by completing any assigned tasks, and are expected to bring any and all required materials to class each day. Students should be ready to collaborate with their peers, deeply investigate, ask questions, and to learn about the many wonders of science!
Grading: Grades will be based on daily class participation, tests, quizzes, projects, and completion of homework.
Art: Mrs. Karen Barbera
Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 7:45 AM to 3:30 PM
Subject Matter: The Assumption School Art program is a comprehensive arts program which encompasses the subjects of Visual Arts (Art History, Art Appreciation, Studio Art) and Performing Arts. Students are introduced to various mediums through direct instruction as well as lecture and discussion. Visual Arts subject matter includes various movements in art history and the artists responsible for those movements. Direct instruction demonstrates the elements of art and the use of varied supplies, tools, and mediums. Performing Arts subject matter introduces acting techniques to improve imagination, focus, memory, and self-confidence. Students in grades 4 through 8 receive letter grades for art based on diocesan guidelines. Students' work is assessed based on the following factors:
Visual Arts:
- Preparation. Supplies required for in-class projects will be listed in Google Classroom on the morning of art class. Students are expected to check their supply list and be prepared to begin each scheduled class on time. Project materials not on the school supply list will be supplied by the art teacher.
- Completion of work according to instruction.Students must turn in finished work completed according to instruction using the correct techniques and materials. Work must be neat and done to the best of a student's ability. Incomplete work done with inappropriate materials will not be accepted.
- Complete and return work in a timely manner. Habitual submission of late or incomplete work may result in after-school detention. Absent students must contact Mrs. Barbera to plan and schedule make-up work.
- Students' work must be clearly marked with their name.Unlabeled work cannot be graded.
- All work must be the student's own work. Art is a subject which requires experimentation and practice. Neither is accomplished if the work is not done by the students themselves. This is very important. Perfectly copied work is never as good as any work a student creates on their own.
Performing Arts:
- Preparation. Each student is expected to be ready with the correct materials for class. Memorization and practice may be required.
- Participation. Students should be actively engaged in class. It is recognized that students may be new to performing arts but there is an expectation for an increased level of comfort and improvement in technique.
- Respect. Drama class is a safe place for self-expression. Students should respect and encourage the work of others. Teasing will not be tolerated.
Please visit Mrs. Barbera’s webpage at https://goo.by/qn6gR for more class information.
Spanish: (Mrs. Andrea Contreras)
Subject Matter
Student will:
-Recognize and recite classroom words
-Talk about wants and needs
-Recognize animals in Spanish
-Recognize food in Spanish
-Recite the alphabet, colors and numbers in Spanish
-Practice how to greet and introduce themselves
-Discuss in Spanish the things they need and want for their class
-Discuss the calendar and weather
-Describe themselves and personality traits
-Describe the items in their rooms and pictures
-Describe how they prepare themselves for school
-Describe extended family and family life in general
-Students will recite and translate prayers
New vocabulary, books, games, and music will be introduced around the theme of activities and personal traits.
Grammar: Students will learn vowels, adjectives, gender, cognates, infinitives, negatives, structures to express agreement and disagreement.
Cultural Perspectives: Students will learn about several Spanish-speaking Countries and cultural differences. They will also learn about Holidays (Independence Day, Day Of The Dead, Christmas, Cesar Chavez Day and Cinco De Mayo, Children’s Day, Three Kings Day).
Expectations: Students are encouraged to participate in classroom activities and projects, and communicate with other students and I in Spanish.
Grading: Grades will be based on class participation as well as completion of homework.
Physical Education: Mike Shimabukuro
Subject Matter: Students will learn the basic fundamentals of sports (football, baseball, kickball, basketball, soccer, hockey, Lacrosse, volleyball) along with team building activities in which they will be working in small and large groups. Students will also learn many life lessons that are created during class activities.
Expectations: Students will be expected to participate to the best of their ability while showing respect to their classmates as well as their teacher. They are also expected to have as much fun as possible during physical education!
Grading: Students will be graded based on effort, participation, and how they treat others during their physical education classes.
COMPUTER SCIENCE (Mr. Jason Poon)
Text: An array of educational software and the internet, e.g. Code.org and
Google applications
Subject Matter: Learning basic coding and other digital tools like Google Docs,
Google Sheets and Google Slides, integrating multimedia technology through
age appropriate projects into the curriculum, using educational software and
internet access.
Expectations: 100% hands-on participation by all students resulting in
completed projects.
Music: Bill Vaughan
Subject Matter: In music class, we sing, sing and sing. We prepare music for weekly Masses, the Fall Festival, and the Advent/Christmas and Spring Concerts. In the midst of all this singing, I train every student to become a cantor (if he or she wishes). We learn how to read music, learn about instruments and a bit about the story of music.
Expectations: Active participation through singing and memorization of the
musical score in class is primary. In order to do this, good behavior in the classroom and church is a must. Attendance with an animated spirit at all school-
sponsored Masses, Christmas and Spring Concerts is mandatory.
Grading: Grading (a letter or number grade) will be based on assessments made at the time of a ‘performance.’ Along with these assessments, I also review
behavior in the classroom and church, active class participation, and attendance
at mandatory liturgies/concerts.
Materials: I will supply the students with musical scores and worship leaflets to
learn music. Let’s get started!!
Exceptional Needs Program
Assumption School is committed to effectively meeting the needs of our diverse
learning population by differentiating instruction and making curriculum
accessible to all students.
To ensure that the needs of all learners are met, Assumption School supports both students and their teachers. Student services include both individual and small group pullout or push in instruction. If you believe your student has special needs please discuss your concerns with their homeroom teacher.
TECHNOLOGY:
Google Chromebooks: At the start of the first trimester, all Junior High families
who read, discuss, sign, and return their Technology Acceptable Use Policy and
Device Permission Slip will be issued an Asus Chromebook to be used for all
classes. Please read the policies carefully as students are expected to care for these learning devices and use them respectfully.
Google Classroom: Students will have access to Google Classroom, an online
learning management system used to engage students safely and effectively in
their learning. Students will use their school Google accounts for all school
communication and assignments. Many Junior High teachers have a Google Classroom that students use to take online quizzes, work on and submit assignments, get feedback on assignments, and ask class-related questions.
Please note that this will not include any Powerschool grade updates or provide
you with an official cumulative grade. The parent portal for PowerSchool will be
available for you to view your students’ comments, graded work, and schedule of
Assignments.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:
Teachers and staff continue to use a school-wide social and emotional program,
“Positive Discipline.” The focus is creating a positive learning environment where
students understand the importance of self evaluation, group problem solving,
empathy and self worth. In the 6th grade classroom we are highly recommending that all students wear masks while inside the classroom.
This student-centered process was started on the second day of school during
the Junior High “Vision Day” Orientation. Junior High students and teachers
joined together the second day of school to focus on being the leaders of our
school during a day long orientation. During this time, students discussed
successful learning environments, student behaviors that support learning, and
student/teacher agreed-upon logical consequences/solutions.
They created 3 guidelines, each of which have various associated behaviors:
- Respect yourself and others:
- Wait to speak until after the teacher has called on you.
- Listen quietly when others are speaking.
- Keep your hands to yourself.
- Be quiet when in line and in breezeways.
- Come to class prepared with all supplies and completed assignments.
- Contribute to the learning environment:
- Actively participate in class discussions and activities
- Follow instructions
- Complete and submit assignments on time
- Have a positive attitude
- Follow school and classroom procedures:
- Keep work organized in its appropriate folder and/or binder
- Ask for help when you need it
- Take responsibility for your own academic and behavioral performance
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT:
The foundation of the managing of the classroom is built upon the school’s
Student Learning Expectations (SLEs). Students will practice skills to help them
move forward toward becoming citizens who can better manage themselves by
becoming more proficient at self-discipline.
Grades
An explanation of percentages in determining letter grades can be found in the
Parent Handbook. Please note that PowerSchool (not me) calculates those
percentages based on a weighted scale. 90% of each subject’s grades are based
on summative assessments, and 10% is based on formative assessments.
Homework Policy
- Generally, homework is assigned Monday through Thursday nights. It is should be completed in one evening and returned the following day. Long-term assignments will be due according to specified dates provided by the teacher. The average time to be spent on homework each night at the sixth grade level is 90 to 120 minutes, but this may vary from student to student.
- Please note that specified written assignments should be completed in blue or black ink. Math is always done in pencil. Using white-out on any assignments is unacceptable.
- Online assignments should only be marked as submitted when the assignment is actually completed and all necessary attachments are included.
- Late homework will not be accepted once that unit has ended.
- When an assignment has been left at home, students will not be allowed to call home during class. They can try to do so during lunch or recess, but it’s extremely important that they be held accountable for their assignments.
- Students who are absent are still responsible for completing ALL class work and homework assignments. This is particularly applicable to math homework. Math is cumulative and success in this subject depends upon consistent practice so students can continue to build a solid foundation while, simultaneously, learning new concepts.
- Assignments (both in-class and homework) must be completed in a timely fashion. A general rule of thumb is as follows: For every day a student is absent, due to an illness, she or he has that many days to make up work.
- Per the handbook, we cannot guarantee that students will be given work prior to leaving. They are welcome to bring their books and check the website or with classmates for daily work. A student is given 1 day to make up work for each day that he/she was absent (up to 3 days).
- Homework must be neat and legible along with the proper heading. Late or incomplete homework will lower the effort grade on report cards.
Absences/Tardies
A note needs to accompany a student the first day upon returning to school. A
student absent from school for three or more days for reasons other than illness
or a family emergency has three days to make up all tests and assignments.
Students are considered tardy if they are not in their assigned place in line when
the second bell rings at 8:00 a.m. Students who are tardy need to go to the office
and get a tardy slip from the school secretary before being admitted into the
classroom. Refer to the Parent Handbook if a tardy involves a medical excuse.
Plagiarism/Cheating
Plagiarism (such as, but not limited to, copying or sharing the work of another
author or internet source and submitting it as one’s own), are all serious forms of
academic dishonesty.
Consequences of plagiarism
- 6th grade - in school suspension
- 7th grade - 1 day at home suspension
- 8th grade - 2 day at home suspension
- For plagiarized assignments, consequences will be escalating based on age, frequency, and severity of the plagiarism at the discretion of the principal in consultation with the teacher.
- Plagiarized assignments must be redone with a 30% decrease in grade. (A
perfectly done assignment would only be eligible for a C-)
Conferences
Communication is essential to our working in partnership to educate your child. If
you have any questions, comments, or concerns please call to schedule an
appointment to meet with me either before or after school. Moreover, I will be
asking for each family’s email address; this will be another vehicle of
communication.
Birthdays
Each student’s birthday is recognized in class, and students are welcome to
celebrate the occasion by donating a game or book to the class. Students can
write their name and date inside their donated item(s). Treats last only a day, but
a game or book will be forever remembered!
