Cordova Middle School 2016 2017
Ms. Bizzle
6th Grade Reading & Language Arts
Course Syllabus
The purpose of this syllabus is to provide students and parents/guardians
with the following:
1. An overall view of the Shelby County School Districts and Tennessee
Department of Educations Common Core State Standards for sixth
grade reading and language arts curriculum for the academic year;
2. A concise reference guide to other policies as outlined by Cordova
Middle School and Shelby County Schools, and;
3. A handbook to successfully navigate the transition from elementary to
middle school.
Note: The administrators and faculty are excited about the transition that
our school will make this year and next as we integrate environmental and
computer science concentrations into our academic framework. Once
completed, Cordova Middle School will be the only middle school in the
district to offer such a curriculum, and it will provide teachers, faculty,
students, administrators, and parents with a new platform from which to
launch excellence!
Teacher Information:
Casie M. Bizzle
Bachelor of Arts, Communication University of Memphis
Masters of Arts in Teaching University of Memphis
Highly Qualified K-12 Reading & Language Arts
Phone: 901.416.2189
Email: kenenscb@[Link]
Website: [Link]
Room: E-07
Course Information:
Students will use the following textbooks and websites for the year:
Common Core Literature Gr 6, Student Edition, 2012, Pearson Education
Elements of Language
[Link] (online Literature book and resource)
Sixth grade reading and language arts students will be writing every day,
applying higher-ordered thinking skills to fictional and nonfictional reading
selections, building broader and deeper vocabulary skills, and developing
confidence and competence in various projects.
This is a MASSIVE transitional year exciting, bewildering, rewarding.
Students grow from almost complete dependency on their teacher to varying
degrees of independent learning, all under the watchful eye and guide of
their teacher. As a parent/guardian, your involvement is EXTREMELY
IMPORTANT in making student and teacher alike as successful as possible.
Your communication and participation are not only welcomed but
encouraged!
Materials Needed:
Three ring binder (2-inch minimum)
Blue or Black pens (WORK WILL NOT Be ACCEPTED IN RED PEN)
#2 Pencils (Mechanical pencils can be used)
Notebook paper
Folder(s) 1 for LA and 1 for reading except 4th period
2 spirals for LA
1 spiral for Reading
ALWAYS COME TO CLASS PREPARED WITH PAPER, PENCILS/PENS,
HOMEWORK, ETC.
ALWAYS bring at least 2 writing utensils and binder with paper to class
EVERY DAY!
ALWAYS have assignments, projects, and signed papers turned in by
the date they are due.
ALWAYS arrive ready to work and learn.
Cell Phones: Parents and Students, the district makes it EXTREMELY
CLEAR that cell phone use (and all other personal electronic
devices) by students during school hours is a direct violation of
district policy. If a student is caught with a cell phone or other
electronic device, that device will be immediately confiscated and
turned over to school administration. A parent/guardian will be the
only authorized persons to retrieve a confiscated device.
Classroom Rules and Procedures
DO NOT talk without raising your hand and/or without being
recognized by the teacher to talk.
DO NOT disturb your fellow classmates by making unnecessary
noises with your mouth, hands, feet, pencil, or other objects.
DO NOT write or pass notes at any time in the classroom.
DO NOT get out of your desk or leave the classroom without
permission.
NEVER leave desk area messy while in or out of the classroom.
NEVER horseplay in the classroom, hallway, bathroom, cafeteria,
etc.
ALWAYS stay turned around in your desk with your feet on the floor
in front of you and your back resting squarely on the back of your
seat.
DO NOT EAT IN CLASS UNLESS IT IS A CLASS-EARNED PRIVILEGE OR
A LUNCH DETENTION. IF YOU ARE CAUGHT EATING FOOD IN CLASS
WITHOUT PERMISSION, YOUR FOOD WILL BE CONFISCATED AND
THROWN INTO THE TRASH. (IF ITS TAKIS OR HOT FRIES, WATCH
OUT! THESE ARE MY FAVORITE CHEAT FOODS! ABSOLUTELY LOVE
THEM!)
DO NOT do a task or activity other than the assigned task (unless
assigned task is completed and there is still time left in the period).
DO NOT do activities other than those acceptable during formal teaching
time (this includes throwing paper away, sharpening your pencil(s),
reading a book instead of listening to the teacher, drawing, or making a
commotion or noises while digging around in your belongings).
NEVER sleep in class.
ALWAYS start the assigned task within a reasonable amount of time after
the teacher has given it to you.
DO NOT comb or style your hair or the hair of another student in the
classroom.
NEVER put make-up on in the classroom.
ALWAYS come to class in dress code.
We begin daily assignments after you have checked the board for daily
requirements.
We handle computers and all technology with extreme care.
We do not watch videos or listening to music.
If we encounter a technical problem, we ask the teacher for help.
When we stop working, we follow closing procedures when instructed to
do so.
We leave no trace. We leave everything and everywhere cleaner than you
found it.
We follow all rules described in the Technology usage handout.
Absences and Tardiness
It is the students responsibility for all missed assignments.
Work must be turned in according to District policy (you have as many
days as you were absent).
Tardy to class will follow the school policy.
If you are late to class, you must have a note from a teacher or
administrator.
If you are absent from school, take your note to the office before
coming to class.
Shelby County Schools policy states students shall be permitted the
opportunity to make up all work and classroom tests (or their equivalent) as
a result of an excused absence within a reasonable time.
It is the students responsibility to initiate make up work. Students will have
the number of days absent to make up work.
Homework 10%
Class Participation 20%
Class work 20%
Assessments 50%
Classwork will come from weekly skills practice and notes.
Class participation is comprised of warm up skills and class activities.
There will be homework three to four days a week (not all homework will be
a written assignment). Given on Monday due on Friday.
Quizzes, tests, and projects will be given throughout the nine weeks.
Reading and Vocabulary will be given each week. A minimum of 1 project per
nine weeks
(some in class) Tests will be given at the end of a
concept.
Assignments
Class work and Home work will be written on the white board.
Once you receive an assignment, begin it within a reasonable time.
Turn in all work in appropriate drawer.
Late work goes in the Please Grade Me box.
Heading Your Paper
In the upper right hand of your paper:
Name (First and Last)
Date
Assignment name (Example ch. rev. p 27)
Period
Procedures
Entering the Room:
Enter quietly and quickly.
Do not interrupt other students.
Follow the appropriate procedures and rules.
Lining Up:
Stand up quietly.
Take all necessary items.
Line up without touching others or talking.
Face the front of the line.
Watch where you are going.
Leaving the Room:
Ask permission to leave.
When permission is granted, sign the log and take the pass.
Do not run or play in the hallway or restroom.
Go only to the location you were given permission.
Beginning Class:
Enter the room politely.
Get ready for class, i.e., sharpening pencils, turning in homework,
beginning warm up.
Ending Class:
Remember I dismiss you not the bell.
Clean up your area.
Pick up trash around your area and toss in the trash can as you exit.
Exit in an orderly fashion.
Use and Maintaining Supplies:
If we are using group supplies, share them.
Recap markers and glue.
Check to make sure all group supplies are in the container.
Participating in Groups:
Do not bring anything unless instructed to do so.
Politely find your group and greet members.
Sit correctly in your seat.
Listen carefully for information.
Do not speak when someone else is speaking.
Speak in a whispering tone within your group.
Complete the task doing your best.
Make sure each person is on task.
Thank others in your group at the end of class.
Obtaining Help with Classwork:
Raise your hand and be recognized.
I will answer your question or pair you with a classmate for additional
help.
Turning in Work:
Make sure your name is on your paper, and that it is headed correctly.
Place assignment face down in appropriate drawer labeled for your
class.
If the assignment is late or make up work place in the Please
grade me drawer.
Incomplete Work:
If I ask for it to be turned in at the end of class, let me know it is
incomplete.
If I ask you to keep it, do so and complete that evening and turn in the
next day.
Restroom/Water Breaks:
If I am not teaching the whole group, raise your hand and ask
permission.
If I say no, wait for a better class time to go.
Do not ask during the first or last 10 minutes of class.
Make sure you sign out and take the pass.
Do not play in the restroom.
Return to class promptly.
Pencil Sharpener:
There are two pencil sharpeners in the classroom.
At the beginning of class, make sure you have two pencils sharpened.
If you have a hand held sharpener, you may use during class. Empty
shavings at the end of class in the trash can.
If you have a pencil emergency during class, you may borrow one from
the community pencils.
Trash Can/Recycle Bin:
The trash can is for waste. It is not a basketball goal. Please do not
free throw or aim from the top of the key. Save that for gym class.
If I am not teaching the whole group, raise your hand and ask
permission to throw something away.
If I say no, wait for a better class time to do so.
Use of Classroom Library:
When I am not teaching the whole group and you have completed your
assignment, you may check out a book from the classroom library.
To do so, select a book (you have three minutes); sign the book out
using the check out notebook.
When you have completed the book, return it to the library and sign it
back in the notebook.
Preparing for Lunch:
After getting you lunch or lunch money, line up.
We will walk you to lunch in an orderly fashion.
Wait for us to pick you up.
Getting a Tissue:
You may get a tissue at any time from the tissue box nearest your seat;
however, you still need permission.
In order to receive permission, raise you hand signaling you need a
tissue (covering nose with other hand). I will nod and let you get a
tissue.
Throw tissue away immediately, sanitize your hands, and return to
desk immediately.
Lost Items:
Turning in lost items: Ask those around you if the item belongs to them,
if not place in the lost item container. If it is a valuable item (money or
electronic), give it to the teacher and give yourself a pat on the back
for being honest.
Locating a lost item: Ask those around you if they found your item, if
not look in the lost item container (at an appropriate time). If it is not
there ask me when I am not teaching. If you find it thank the person
who turned it in. Next time, be careful.
Visitors:
When visitors enter the room, let me greet them.
Remember, most visitors are here to watch you learn so be ready to
explain what you are working on.
Treat visitors with respect.
Signals for Attention:
In order to get your attention, I will say One band and you with say one
sound.
As soon as you hear the signal, stop what you are doing look at me,
and listen for direction.
Helping Others:
In a cooperative classroom, it is good to help one another; if someone
needs helps with directions or an assignment, help him or her if you
are able.
If they need additional help, have them see me again.
Never put down a student who asks for help.
3-Ring Binder Organization:
Organization is a key to success!
Remove all loose paper and file appropriately in binder.
Keep your materials together at your desk.
When you are dismissed, take all of your materials with you.
Free Time:
If you finish an assignment, first work on any unfinished assignments.
When you finish those, you may choose to work on homework, read a
book, write a story, peer-tutor someone who needs help (with my
permission), or work on a bonus activity.
Emergencies:
Fire: When the alarm sounds, stand you by your desk, silently line up
at the door and follow my directions. Last person out the door, shut it.
After arriving at our safety location, remain in line and silently while I
take attendance.
Earthquake: During an earthquake, get under your desk and cover your
head and neck with your arms.
Tornado: During a tornado or drill, stand by your desk, line up silently
at the door, and follow my directions. After arriving in the hallway, turn
and face the wall, sit on your knees or cross legged, and cover your
head and neck with your arms.
Lockdown: When the alarm sounds for a lockdown, remain calm and
silent. Listen to my instructions. Remain where I tell you to be and
remain silent until the all clear is given.