An important part of 6th grade is teaching students to advocate for themselves. Please encourage your child to call, text, or email classmates about questions about classwork or absences. If they don't find an answer from a classmate, they can talk to me directly or send me an email. Involving your child in parent-teacher communication is very important for helping to empower them and help them feel independent!
Homework
Make a nightly routine of checking your student's homework with them. I'll be asking students to write down homework every day (even when there is no homework). If they are confused about the assignments, have them check this website or call a friend.
All students should read for pleasure throughout the school year, for approximately 30 minutes per night. Make sure your child always has a quiet reading space at home and a captivating book. If they're having trouble finding a book, the extensive library here at school certainly has something that they'll love. The librarian at the Mill Valley Public Library will also help create a list of books based on your child's preferences.
Grades
Current gradebook updates are posted every couple of weeks on Google Classroom, and students will be responsible for checking them. The grades are meant to inform students of missing assignments. When report cards are sent home at the end of each trimester, there should be no surprises!
Encourage your child to revise their work if they do not receive the grade they were expecting. This will help them strengthen their skills and become a more confident student. While only some assignments will receive further credit, the process is important for helping students understand expectations and practice new skills.
Characteristics of Middle School Students
Are egocentric, argue to convince others
Often consider academic goals a secondary priority
Experience changes in metabolism that can cause extreme restlessness and extreme listlessness
Have ravenous appetites and peculiar tastes
Are often erratic and inconsistent in their behavior. Anxiety and fear are contrasted with periods of bravado. Feelings shift between superiority and inferiority
Tend to exaggerate simple occurrences and believe that personal problems, experiences are unique to themselves
Are moody, restless and often self-conscious
Challenge authority figures
Often confused by new school settings
Office Hours
If a students needs to meet with me, I have office hours below which will also be posted in the classroom. If for any reason I need to cancel office hours I will do my best to give you at least one days notice. Mon Tues Fri 7:50-8:10 am
**Please schedule your meeting with me during class so that we can make sure to have time to work together!
Parents: Email is the best way to reach me. I will respond to all correspondence within 2 school days of receiving it. Students: if you have a question about a homework assignment, please see me during class, after school, or talk to your study buddy first. I do not check email after 7 pm.