NGSS Parent Guide

NGSS Parent Guide

Students Rights and Obligations

Student Rights

1. You have the right to make a contribution to an attentive, responsive, audience.

2. You have the right to ask questions.

3. You have the right to be treated civilly.

4. You have the right to have your ideas discussed, not    you.

Student Obligations

1. You are obligated to speak loudly enough for others to     hear.

2. You are obligated to listen for understanding.

3. You are obligated to agree or disagree (and explain why) in response to other people's ideas.

Consequences

1. Warning - Verbal - Name in book and  identify the Right that is violated
2. Phone call / email home - Name in book and  identify the Right that is violated. Lunch Detention
3. PBIS- Think Sheet-  Name in book and  identify the Right that is violated

Send outside classroom for student to fill    out to be able to reenter the room

4. Assistant Principal Conference - Send out of room

Classroom Talk and Procedures

Repectful Talk

Classroom Buliding

Norms

Nine talk moves

6th Grade Dance

Parents and Guardians:

THIS FRIDAY, August 26, the Alton Middle School Parent Teacher Group and 6th Grade Houses will co-host a sixth grade only dance.  The dance is from 7:00 - 9:00 pm in the Annex gym.  Cost is $5.00 per student. Students MUST have their school ID to enter the dance.

We need parent volunteers to help take money at the door, sell concessions and chaperon the hallways and gym.  Volunteers arrive at 6:30 and their student can attend the dance for FREE.

We need 2 parents at the door and 6 at the concessions to sell pizza, candy and soda.  If you are available please reply to Laura Shansey or Cami Giertz.

Thank you,

AMS PTG 

Parent/Guardian Letter 2016-2017

Dear Parents and Guardians,

First, I would like to thank you for embarking on this exciting endeavor to prepare students to meet the rigors of the 21st century.  Over this summer I attended Blackburn College where the NGSS expectations were introduced and demonstrated to a hand full of teachers. There will be new content and differentiate strategies to learning this year. You will hear phenomenas, 3D learning, modeling etc….

This year we will be using the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to guide our curriculum. The NGSS incorporates science concepts of investigating, building models, and theories with engineering practices of designing and building models or systems. The focus for this year will be all three branches of science. Students will also look at how natural forces and humans impact the earth and look for solutions that are both economical and environmentally sound. We will be using the design process to engineer solutions. Students will also engage in creating models and simulations to understand various science concepts.

Students will be graded on projects. This will include models, simulations, and labs that are conducted. I will use a rubric to grade students and it will include participation as part of the grade. The project portion of their grade will be done in class  as this is the area that we will spend the majority of our learning time.

Students will need a composition book or notebook. They are expected to bring it to class each day.

They will record notes and data in these journals. It will be a cumulative process. Therefore, the journals or notebooks will comprise a portion of their  grade.

The tests/ quizzes will not consist of rote learning type questions. Instead there will be questions where students will apply their knowledge.

Lastly, homework will be limited to assignments that will enhance student learning and directly relates to what we are learning, but cannot be completed in class due to time restraints.

I will be communicating through Google Classroom, email,  and blog.  I will use my blog and Google Classroom  to post reminders about upcoming tests/quizzes, project due dates, and other school related announcements. I will also post these dates on my calendar, which can be found on my blog. My blog will contain information and standards on the lessons that we are covering in class. I will also put links for additional information to topics if students wish to learn more. Homework assignments will also be listed on the Google Classroom. My blog is where pictures and current on goings/news in the classroom will be posted.  My blog link http://6thgrsandss.blogspot.com/

Finally, Keeping in mind that education is a partnership between school and home, we can work together to encourage the children to strive for their best.  I look forward to working with you and your child this year!  Please feel free to contact me at 474-2119 or e-mail me I’m always available if you have any questions, comments, or concerns please email me at  sschrock@altonschols.org .

Let’s make this a great year as we venture into this journey together. It is my intention that this will be both an exciting and successful school year!

Thank you for your time and support,

Mrs. Schrock