-
There is required ELA and Math summer work for all students entering sixth grade."If you raise your children to believer they can accomplish
any goal or task they decide upon, you will have succeeded as a parent
and you will have given your children the greatest of blessings." - Brian Tracy
Dear Parents,
Welcome to your child's sixth grade year. We look forward to a fulfilling and challenging year with your child, one in which we will tap into the various ways children learn. We will grade the students in a variety of ways that show their true strengths.
Our classes will continue to focus, as in other years, on student development, on neatness in each student's work. Taking pride in one's work is a life lesson that your child will continue to learn, and they will know that it expected of them at all times. Therefore, please check your child's homework and be sure it is completed legibly, neatly, and in cursive only. Sloppy work will not be accepted and will be expected to be re-done.
Another focus in sixth grade is taking responsibility for the choices one makes. The sixth grade is expected to make a commitment to rules by which to live. Accordingly, if rules are not followed, consequences ensue. This is yet another life lesson that is of great importance to learn. Please refer to the Parent/Student Handbook for a complete explanation of Saint Andrew School's discipline policy and Code of Christian Behavior.
Below you will find information about our expectations for our students during the coming year. We ask that you read it and review with your child. If we can help you in any way, please contact us. Our goal is to help your child be the best he/she can be, both spiritually and academically. You can reach either of us via email or by sending in a note with your child.
We thank you for the opportunity to teach and guide your child this year. Saint Andrew School is a wonderful place to be.
Sincerely,
Mr. Jovani Tablezo - 6A ([email protected])
Mr. Garrett Rippert - 6B ([email protected])PLEASE READ AND DISCUSS WITH YOUR CHILD
- All students must come prepared for class with completed homework, and necessary books and copybooks, writing supplies, and Chromebook. Students will not be permitted to share materials so come prepared!
- Students are given advance notice of all quizzes, tests, and projects.
- Homework assignments are posted on Google Classroom. Parents/Guardians, please ask your child to show you this!
- Homework should generally take around 90 minutes to complete each night. Homework is assigned daily in most or all subject areas. This includes both written work and studying. Time management - along with a timeline - should be in place for all projects.
- All consumable workbooks must be clear-coated or covered within one week of distribution. This ensures that books will remain in good condition throughout the school year.
- If any personal information for the student or the parent(s)/guardian(s) should change during the year (i.e., address, phone, emergency contact, family name, medical condition), please email the new information to Mrs. Magee or Mrs. McNevin in the Main Office.
- Any student who is absent must make up all classwork and homework within three (3) days of his/her return. It is the student's responsibility to ask the teachers and find out what work was missed.
- Copybook planners are used for keeping each student organized. Parents/Guardians, please check your child's planner daily to make sure they are keeping track of their work.
- Tests should be in the student's test section of the 8-pocket folder. Parents/Guardians, please sign tests and return them to school the next day.
- When your child celebrates a birthday, please do not send treats in to school. Please celebrate at home and enjoy. Student birthdays that occur during the school year are announced to the student body before morning prayer.
- PLEASE REFER TO THE PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK FOR A COMPLETE EXPLANATION OF ALL SAINT ANDREW SCHOOL POLICIES.
TIPS FOR GOOD STUDY HABITS
- ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS. Studying demands all of one's attention so turn off the radio and the TV, put down the phone, and close the door. Sometimes ear plugs can help.
- GET SETTLED. Prepare a study space by making sure you have a good desk or table, good lighting, and a comfortable chair.
- START IMMEDIATELY. When you sit down to study, don't procrastinate! In some cases, the material may take longer to learn than you expected.
- TAKE BREAKS. At least once each hour, take a 10-minute break to clear your head and let the material sink in.
- GET A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP. It is extremely important to consistently get a good night's sleep. Studies show that students who get an adequate amount of sleep are better able to concentrate and retain more information.
- HAVE A ROUTINE. Study at the same time, in the same place. Routine is key to learning.
WAYS FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS TO GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR CHILD'S EDUCATION
- Talk with your child every day about his/her school day experiences, successes, and worries. Keep at it, even if it seems as if you are the last person on earth to whom he/she would want to speak!
- Read Saint Andrew School's Parent-Student Handbook for an explanation of school policies.
- Read "Weekly Happenings" in your inbox or on our school's homepage for important upcoming events and all other electronic notices that the school sends via OptionC.
- Keep in touch with teachers whenever you have concerns.
- Attend Home & School Association General Meetings, school events, and special programs.
- Volunteer at school! There are many opportunities to offer your services, and students love to see their parent/guardian here at school.
- Stay aware of your child's academic progress. Test folders go home once a week. Review and discuss all assessments with your child. Please sign (not initial) the tests and return them the next day with your child. Check your child's grades frequently on OptionC. Praise all sincere efforts and accomplishments.
- Review homework assignments each day and help your child stay organized. The student planner is key to helping with this.
- Provide learning experiences. Visit museums, watch educational TV shows, movies, and videos. Make time to share your knowledge with your child.
Remember, your attention and involvement play an important role in your child's success at school.UNDERSTANDING YOUR CHILD
The average 11-year-old entering sixth grade can be:- Energetic - They are constantly on the go, eating, talking, moving about. It is hard for elevens to sit quietly. He/she is almost constantly in motion.
- Egocentric - They may make little or no effort to cooperate in event the most minor ways. They are slow to respond and quick to criticize. They are not as accepting as tens tend to be; they still give quite a lot of trouble at school as far as conduct goes.
- Physical violence and verbal violence are common responses when angry.
- Rebelling against parent(s)/guardian(s), quarreling with friends, and putting themselves first. All of these can make for a discouraged parent.
- Moods come and go. Often elevens may burst into laughter (humor is expanding) and can be silly over almost anything, and there can be sudden bursts of rage. This can be a tearful age.
- Friendships are important. Girls tend to have rather intense and strong friendships with much quarreling and making up.
Physical Development:- Changing bodies and hormones; discovering possible boyfriends and girlfriends
- Tensional outlets for elevens include more specific blinking, sniffing, or grimacing.
Teaching elevens can be exciting or exhausting or sometimes both. They thrive on a certain amount of routine; they like to know what is expected of the. Elevens tire rapidly and, as a result, learning patterns tend to be inconsistent. One day he/she can do remarkably well, the next day appear to be not so bright.
Eleven-year-olds enjoy life and take great interest in all that goes on. They can be alert, imaginative, outgoing, energetic, ready for anything.
If you only see the elevens in terms of their difficulties, we will do them a real injustice. Give them a happy atmosphere of a lively living room and they will rise to the occasion.
These are expressions of a search for self, a self which is trying to emerge. Children must do his/her own growing but parent(s)/guardian(s) can provide an atmosphere which is conducive to good growth and to be there to give whatever expression of affection is needed.From Your Ten- to Fourteen-Year-Old by Louise Bates Ames, Ph.D.