Sixth Grade English Language Arts Syllabus 2015-2016

Ms.Vagenas
vagenasela@gmail.com
http://vagenasela.weebly.com
The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll
go. ~Dr. Seuss
Welcome, students and parents to the start of a new journey at Queens United Middle School. My name
is Ms.Vagenas and I am a graduate of Saint John's University. I have my Bachelors in Education and
a Masters in Literacy. I am looking forward to a productive and successful school year. You can
expect to be challenged while being escorted through the fascinating world of 6 th grade Language
Arts.
Course Description: The Grade 6 English Curriculum is based on the New York State and National
Common Core Learning Standards. Students will build upon skills and knowledge they have
acquired in earlier grades to read and interpret more challenging texts. They will read a variety of
texts, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama. Sixth grade learners will interact with these
texts through: critical thinking, student led discussion, writing portfolios, and using a variety of
media to present and access materials.
Learning Goals: Students will have the following understandings, knowledge, and skills upon the
completion of this course:
Students will:

Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as
inferences drawn from the text

Compare and contrast texts in different forms or genres.

Determine themes or main idea of a text and how it is supported through details.

Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text including
figurative language.

Write informative, argumentative, and narrative essays to convey ideas and develop topics.

Produce clear and meaningful writing in which the development, style and organization are
appropriate to the task, purpose and audience.

Gather and sort relevant information from various print and digital sources.

For more information on the Common Core Standards visit:

http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/common_core_standards/pdfdocs/p12_common_cor
e_learning_standards_ela ).

Texts and Materials: Our school has selected Scholastic-Common Core Code X as our ELA curriculum,
which best supports the growth of our students and staff. Code X offers a full year of instruction,
designed around six units. These Units focus on vocabulary, comprehension, writing, and
performance tasks designed to engage students in close reading and daily writing about complex
nonfiction and contemporary literature. Code X is built from the ground up to teach, practice, and
master grade-level Common Core State Standards. The program is designed to specifically address
the key instructional shifts of the Common Core, and to prepare students for the Next Generation
Assessments.

Unit Plans: (We will be following a six week, six unit curriculum calendar.)
Unit 1: Stories of Survival /Narrative Writing
Essential Question: How are people shaped by the challenges they face?
Unit 2: Live Your Dream/Informative Writing
Essential Question: What does a dream reveal about the dreamer?
Unit 3: World Wonders/Argumentative Writing
Essential Question: Do we have a duty to preserve world wonders for future generations?
Unit 4: The Big Give /Informative Writing/ Narrative Writing
Essential Question: What can one person do to make a difference?
Unit 5: Cities of Gold / Informative Writing
Essential Question: How do cities define individuals and communities?
Unit 6: The History of Lost and Found /Argumentative Writing
Essential Question: How can ancient history teach us about our world today?

Supplies:
Please see the attached supply list for specific supplies for this class. Students must have their
binder, pens/pencils, highlighters, and post it notes with them everyday. Students will lose points
each time they come to class without their supplies.

Expectations: Students are expected to always follow the rules of the school (no food, drinks,
gum, cell phones, etc) and our core values:
1.

Accountability

2.

Integrity

3.

Respect

Within these guidelines, students are expected to come to class prepared with all of their supplies,
to be on time, and to treat others and themselves with respect.
Classroom Procedures:
Before class begins
Enter the classroom quietly and take your seat
Check your uniform
Take out your binder and open to a clean page
Assigned leaders distribute class books/folders
Record homework assignment in planner
Copy Learning Target from the board
Begin Do Now immediately
Look over any work that is given back (read all feedback)put work in portfolio

Once class has started...

Do not leave your seat at any time without permission

If you need to use the bathroom/water put up your thumb

If you need to sharpen your pencil, hold up your pencil
If you need to throw something out or speak please raise your hand
Use appropriate voice levels based on the activity (ex. group work/independent work)
Please keep private conversations for the lunch room or between classes
Stay focused and on task, participate to earn points
This classroom is a judgment free zone. We encourage each other to do better!

At the

end of class
Clean your area and return borrowed supplies
Assigned leaders collect books/folders and put them away
Pack materials and take all handouts
Make sure you copied down your homework
Students must wait for me to dismiss them (The bell does not dismiss you, the teacher
does.)

When

you are absent

Ask a classmate for missed work/readings
Email/ Engrade teacher for assignment
Read assignment and do work on your own time
Turn in missed assignment by the next school day

When

you need to use the restroom

No passes the first or last 10 minutes of class or first period
Raise thumb in the air to ask for permission
Sign the bathroom log and take a hall pass
Leave room quietly and return quietly

Homework Policy
Students will be assigned homework on www.studyIsland.com. All work is done on the
website. At times students will be asked to complete class work for homework.
Writing assignments will be given on weekends. Writing assignments are expected to be
typed and either emailed or handed in.
Homework will not be accepted late unless students are absent. Homework will be graded
and handed back so students can make corrections and ask questions about what they got
wrong. Students are responsible to ask questions!
Grading Policy
The schools grading policy is enforced in all classes. Student grades will be available on
www.Engrade.com. It is highly recommended all parents have access to this account.
By accessing it, you are able to see your childs grades, missing assignments, and even have
access to bulletins of important information and upcoming assignments. Grades will be updated
weekly so that you are able to have up-to-date information.
Test/Projects- 50%
Classwork/Quizes- 30%
Homework- 10%
Citizenship/Engagement- 10%
Assessment: Students are expected to be prepared for class each day. Formal and informal
assessments will take place and may include quizzes, tests, focus activities, homework, or teacher
observations. In addition, each marking period includes performance tasks and final assessments,
which may include unit tests, writing projects, or presentations. Other assignments and
assessments may be given at the teachers discretion.

Returned Work: All work will be graded and returned in-class in a timely manner. Students will
place all returned work in the portfolios. Portfolios are kept in the classroom but can be viewed by
parents/students at any time.
Cheating/Plagiarism: Cheating and/or plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in an
automatic grade of zero. This includes copying homework, class work, test answers, talking during a
test or quiz, allowing someone to copy your work, and trying to pass off someone elses work as
your own.
Communication: The easiest and quickest way to reach me is by email. If you have not heard
back from me within one business day, please assume that I have not received your message. If
you would prefer to call me, you can call the schools office and leave a message. I will get back to
you as soon as I can.
Rewards: Students earn tickets for showing AIR. Tickets can be traded in to earn the following
rewards:
5 tickets: No homework pass
7 tickets: Merit
10 tickets: Scratch off (Candy, extra credit, prize box, merits)

Below is the supply list for your childs English class. Please label all supplies with your childs
FIRST and LAST NAME. School supplies should be replenished throughout the school year as
needed.
Pens/Pencils
Highlighters
Post it notes
Index Cards
2-in heavy duty binder (with loose-leaf paper)
One, 100 pack of loose-leaf paper for binder
2 folders with pockets with holes for binder
Please make sure students have extra supplies in their lockers so they are always prepared.
___________________________________________________________________________________
The following supplies are optional but would be helpful for the classroom and greatly appreciated:
Tissue Box
Hand Sanitizer
Paper Towels
Ream of computer paper
Lysol wipes
Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions you may email me at
vagenasela@gmail.com.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please keep this syllabus and refer to it as needed. There will also be a copy on my weebly
webpage.
Please return this page with your child no later than Friday, September 11 th 2015. Thank
you for your cooperation.
Parents/Guardians:
I have read the Syllabus for the sixth-grade Language Arts Class, and I understand the
courses grading policy, homework policy, intended units of study, expectations, and items
that my child must bring in daily to be prepared.
Childs name:

Parent/Guardian signature:

Student signature:
Date: ____________________________________________________________