Parent Letter
Dear Sixth Grade Parents,
Welcome to the Sixth Grade English Program. I am very excited about this year and about working with you and your children. The purpose of this letter is to tell you a little about what your child will be doing in English this year.
THE PROGRAM: I have an exciting year planned for your child. The English Program consists of reading, writing, critical thinking, speaking, grammar, and vocabulary.
It is advised that students get their own copy of the books so they can make notes in them as they read. (Honors students will be expected to read two
additional novels-- Skellig, by David Almond, and The Devil's Arithmetic, by Jane Yolen.)
Writing: The Middle School Writing Program is based on Vicki Spandel's Six Traits of Good Writing. The program is based on extensive research regarding the components of good writing. The six traits of good writing are: Organization, Conventions, Ideas, Sentence Fluency, Word Choice, and Voice. In Sixth Grade, we will focus primarily on Organization, Conventions, and Ideas. Students will write journal entries, friendly letters, narratives, expository pieces, poetry, research papers and responses to literature. They will use the writing process to take their writing through pre-writing, drafting, revising, and publishing stages.
Vocabulary: Students will learn about Greek and Latin roots, as well as prefixes and suffixes to gain an understanding of word origins. (**Honors students** In addition to the Greek- and Latin-based words, students will receive five S.A.T. words each week.) Students will receive a list of new words and will be tested each week on the spelling, definition and root of each word.
Grammar: In addition to improving grammar skills by revising their writing, there will also be lessons in grammar. Grammar lessons will take place each day in the form of warm-ups where students will correct and diagram sentences that are flawed according to standard English usage. There will be periodic grammar quizzes.
Web-based Literature Forum: In an on-line setting, students will answer literature-based question and submit peer responses. Students will be able to gain a depth of understanding by examining and reflecting upon their own personal experiences related to the books we will read as well as the experiences and opinions of their classmates. While students will be able to complete forum work during class time at the Library Media Center, those who need extra time to complete these assignments will have access from home computers.
HOW TO REACH ME:
The best way to contact me is by e-mailing me at szee@fc.spusd.net. You may also leave a voice message for me at (626) 441-5830, x3103.
You can access my web page through the school website: www.spms.spusd.net. There, you will find more information on the class.
I am looking forward to a great year. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about your child.
Sincerely,
Soomin Zee
Grading Scale
back to topYour grade in English is determined according to the following table:
| Essays / Forum Writing Assignments | 20% |
| Novel-based Assignments / Creative Activities | 20% |
| Vocabulary and Grammar Assignments | 20% |
| Weekly Quizzes | 20% |
| Participation | 20% |
The total percentile of your final grade each quarter translates roughly thus:
| A | 90% - 100% |
| B | 80% - 89% |
| C | 70% - 79% |
| D | 60% - 69% |
| F | 59% and below |
Classroom Expectations and Procedures
back to topWhether students are engaged in a group or individual activity, certain scholarly behaviors should be exhibited at all times. These expectations and procedures are listed below. If a student continues to ignore classroom rules, consequences (such as, but not limited to, paper-pickups, detention, Saturday school, and a referral) will follow.
Classroom expectations are simple:
- Respect yourself (e.g., by doing your homework, coming to class prepared, and showing pride and integrity in all class and homework
- Respect others (e.g., classmates, teachers, and guest lecturers)
- Respect your school (e.g., campus, classrooms, and school property)
Classroom Procedures are also straightforward:
- Raise your hand to speak
- Mrs. Zee's bell = go back to your seat and listen for instructions
- Absolutely NO COMMUNICATION during quizzes/tests, unless you are asking Mrs. Zee a question for clarification.
** Any instance of cheating, plagiarism, or a breach in test-taking protocol will result in a zero ("0") on that assignment/quiz/test and a phone call home.
Course Schedule & Guidelines
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First Quarter
Novel: Out of the Dust
Writing Assignment: Response to Literature (Blame)
Quarter Project: Dust Bowl Poem based on Primary Source Photos
Second Quarter
Novel: The Giver
Writing Assignments: Compare and Contrast Essay
Quarter Project: Publish Descriptive Expository (Honors - Allegory, Regular - My Utopia)
Third Quarter
Novel(s): Where the Red Fern Grows and Number the Stars / The Devil's Arithmetic
Writing Assignments: Cross-curricular Research Paper
Quarter Project: Billy's World Map
Fourth Quarter
Novel: Adventures of Ulysses and various myths, folktales and fables
Writing Assignment: Narrative expository
Quarter Project: Extensions Menu Projects