Welcome To NMS Please take the following from

Welcome To NMS!! Please take the following from the table: -Name Tag (please fill out) -Child’s Schedule

Welcome To NMS!! Mrs. Ventura Mrs. Verna 6 th Grade Blue Team Reading

Welcome To NMS!! Mrs. Ventura 6 th Grade Blue Team Reading

About Mrs. Ventura… • • 6 th Grade Reading- Blue Team Seventh Year at NMS 2004 Penn-Delco Graduated from West Chester University in 2008 • Masters degree from Wilkes University in 2010 • Personal note- daughter just turned 1 year old

About Mrs. Verna… • • 6 th grade learning support 4 th year at NMS Graduated from St. Joes in 2010 Masters degree in Literacy in 2011 • I will be going back to school in January

Goals for 6 th Grade Reading – To expand existing reading levels – To expose students to a variety of literature (poetry, short stories, novels, nonfiction, and drama) – To introduce, expand analyze literary elements and devices – To foster an innate desire to read for pleasure (Book It, Reading Counts, Silent Sustained Reading)

Topics covered – Plot – Characterization & Point of View – Theme – Mood & Tone – Literary Devices & Skills – Argumentative Pieces – Non-Fiction – Novels: Number the Stars by Lois Lowry Lost on a Trail in Maine & Lost Trail by Donn Fendler

Reading & English Connection – Aligned curriculum • Similar topics and skills being taught and used in simultaneously – Writing skills practiced in reading as well as English

Classroom Expectations Responsible • Prepared with supplies, homework, etc. • Stay on task Respectful • Polite towards myself and peers • Listen Safe • Stay in seat unless other wise directed • Keep hands and feet to self • Report bullying

Possible Consequences • • • Verbal warning Green slip Behavior reflection Parent contact Detention Office referral

Grading System • Based on points earned throughout the marking period on various assignments • Total points Total possible points Student Grade

NMS Grading System 92 – 100 = A 84 – 91 = B 76 – 83 = C 70 – 75 = D 69 & below = F

Grading Policy • • • Quizzes Tests Homework Projects Class work – Corporative learning tasks – Journal prompts • Reading Counts

Grades online • http: //gradebook. pdsd. org/Pinnacle/PIV OR 1. Going to www. pdsd. org 2. Click Northley Middle School from the drop down box at the top of the screen 3. Click Grades On-line in the left hand margin

Student’s ID number with the leading zero Student’s eight digit birth date

Understanding gradebook • X = exempt • 0 or Z = incomplete • Blank = teacher has not entered grade yet – don’t worry! • Point System (2/3=67%)

Reading Counts • Students will be graded on reading counts every marking period! It is worth 50 points! – Honors goal: 175, 000 words – Accelerated goal: 125, 000 words • Students that do not reach their goal will lose some points depending on their word count. Exact grading scale can be found on my website.

Reading Counts • Progress check half way through marking period; parent signature will be required • If help is needed finding a book or passing a quiz, please ask • Reading Counts computers are available in most classrooms and the library – Students can take quizzes at various points throughout the day.

Homework • At least three times a week. • Encourage daily reading for a minimum of 20 minutes • Graded on completeness and/or accuracy • Can be turned in one day late for half credit • May consist of unfinished class work

Teacher webpage • Updated weekly with: – Classroom news – Daily class agenda – Homework, including upcoming tests and projects Please use this as a resource for missed and/or unsure assignments!

Book Orders… • Yes, we still have them in middle school!!! • There are two convenient ways of ordering books for your child: – Traditional Method: Send in order form & money (check please-no cash) – High-Tech Method: Scholastic website • Every time a parent places an order online-we get a free book for our classroom library!!!

Communication…. . • Is the secret to a successful academic year!!

Ways You can communicate with me… • You can call or email me whenever you feel necessary! • Email is my preferred method • cventura@pdsd. org • (610) 497 -6300 x 3213

Ways your child can communicate …. . • Written note • Conversation: before or after class to ensure privacy • Email

Thank you! • If you have any questions or comments about this evening or throughout the school year, please contact me! • Thank you for spending the evening with me! • As a team, I am confident that this will be a very successful year for everyone