Sixth Grade Community Compass Points installation related to embarking on the 6th grade and middle school experience.
Our community told us about their Needs.
So many ideas and questions were shared in Excitements
Some great questions were asked and we now endeavour to begin answering them.
Worries were listed.
Sixth grade commenced with great excitement and we are into our third week of middle school! It’s been an absolute pleasure getting to know your child these past weeks, and we look forward to working together to ensure this year is a positive and profound learning experience.
We kindly request that you complete our “Hopes and Dreams Questionnaire” for each child you have in sixth grade.
Compass Points
We would like to reflect on the Compass Points activity, which provided a framework for initiating dialogue and facilitating problem solving. During Open House parents were invited to post their comments and students were asked to add their points of view during our Wolf Pack Time together.
Excitements
Parents expressed their excitement of the quality of the content and complexity of issues that students would study. They communicated that they were pleased by the strong collaborative and team teaching approach of the sixth grade advisors.
Students were thrilled by the lockers, sense of freedom, and school trips. Many even stated that they were looking forward to homework and letter grades! They expressed their excitement about all the experiments they will be doing and the “fun stuff” happening in their classes. Their posts relayed their genuine joy of the challenges sixth grade represents.
Worries
Parents inquired about a variety of issues. One parent asked what would happen if their child struggled with math and fell behind. Another parent was concerned about the readability of the whiteboard and the glare. Arriving to class on time was another issue that arose and the parent was worried about their child being penalized for being tardy.
Given the transition to middle school, students posted that they were worried about grades, tests, and being academically successful. Homework was the source of the greatest concern. Students posted that they were afraid of being overwhelmed by the work load, which would prevent them from having enough free time. Others stated that they were worried about not understanding the homework, or remembering to complete it.
Several students added that they were nervous about tardies and arriving to class on time. They were unclear about the consequences and many inquired if they would be given detentions.
Needs
Parents communicated that they required more clarity with regards to the communication of homework. Would the agenda and parent signatures be the primary means or would there be other ways of communicating homework assignments? The use of technology in the classroom was another area that parents requested more information about, specifically what device students would be using in the classroom. The question of whether IXL Maths would be used this year was raised.
Snacks, candy and longer breaks were needs expressed by multiple students. Many felt that free snacks in the afternoon could be provided as lunch is so early. More candy was another request.
The issue of homework surfaced again as a few students asked for more time for homework and they wished to know when the homework load would increase.
One student requested a clearer explanation of Chrome and another wished to know if they could use supplies like the stapler and hole puncher if the teacher was not in the room.
Next Steps/ Suggestions
One parent suggested setting up student blogs.
Locker distribution dominated the minds of several students. They felt that students who had bottom lockers should have middle or top ones. A couple of students suggested that half way through the year, students could switch bottom lockers for higher ones.
One student posted, “Let kids bring pets.” Other students requested all activities to be offered year round. More camps was another comment. Curiously, two students posted that they felt that a lot of homework was required, another post simply read: “More homework.” Other posts included the request for more science experiments, more reading time and more library visits to check out books.
COMPASS POINTS RESPONSE — We will continue addressing the excitement, worries , needs and suggestions through this blog and in class with students. For our first blog entry we have responded to the reoccurring themes that emerged.
Homework: Given that the need for achieving a healthy, balanced lifestyle, we will be very mindful of the homework assignments. Time management is a skill that is critical for academic success. Therefore, we will be working with students closely to help them strengthen organizational skills. Your child should be spending between 60-90 minutes a day on homework. (Students are expected to read a minimum of thirty minutes a day and track their independent reading on their reading log.)
The Role of the Student
1. Bring their agenda to class every day and document the homework.
2. At home, they should consult their agenda and the class websites to ensure they are completing their homework assignments.
3. Create a daily study plan to manage their time efficiently and take ownership of their learning.
4. Communicate!
The Role of the Teacher
1. Clearly communicate homework expectations and the time required to complete the assignments.
2. Check student agendas as part of the classroom routine to help support students with organization.
3. Keep the class website up-to-date for clear expectations.
4. Communicate!
The Role of the Parents
1. Sit with your child and ask to see your child’s agenda.
2. Check the class websites with your child familiarizing yourself with the content, and units of study.
3. Support your child in their homework completion by helping them manage their activities, time and other commitments.
4. Communicate!
Tardies: Many students are worried about arriving to class on time and the consequences for tardies. We are working to support students by being at their lockers in the morning, after school and during transitions. Many teachers allow students to finish their snacks in class. As students become more comfortable with their class schedules and the pace of their school day, they will gain a greater sense of security and confidence. During the first few weeks of school, there is a “grace period,” but there is the hope that they will begin internalizing their daily school routines. Please know that we are here to support your child and to ensure a positive learning environment.
B.Y.O.D: Sixth graders are encouraged to bring their devices from home if the family desires. Students bringing their own devices provides an opportunity for them to optimize their personal digital learning environment. The school has laptops and iPads, which will be available for students to use. Digital citizenship will be addressed throughout the year, and we will assist students in understanding the appropriate use of technology. The focus remains strongly on content and quality instruction based on best practices. Technology provides a means for supporting student learning and achievement.
IXL Maths: We will not be using IXL Maths as part of our math resources. The Connected Maths Project has useful online resources aligned specifically to our program.
What qualities are we trying to instill in sixth grade students?
A positive attitude, curiosity and a love of learning.
Taking ownership for their learning, risk taking, and goal setting.
Kindness, empathy, community and communication.
Class of 2020 