What every student needs to know – in pictures

New Kids' Books: What to Read Next | Common Sense Media

New Kids' Books: What to Read Next | Common Sense Media

How to Raise a Reader | Common Sense Media

Kids become lifelong readers for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes there's one key book that captures a kid's imagination and opens him or her up to the exciting world of fiction. Other times, a teacher who assigns great books in class sparks a hunger for more big ideas and fine writing. In some cases, parents influence kids' appreciation of books by sharing their own love of literature and modeling reader behavior -- always having a book to read, taking books on vacation, reading before bedtime, making regular trips to the library and bookstore, etc.

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How to Raise a Reader | Common Sense Media

General Expectations

It's that time of the year when the Cabin Fever collides with Spring Fever.  The consequences can be a little ugly for all of us.  We are tired, bored, antsy, and maybe even a little crazy.  With that in mind, I have been reminding students of the general expectations for my classroom.  While the weather may be getting us down, it is very important for us to stay on top of our game.  I have attached a copy of the classroom expectations to this post.  Please take the time to review them with your child.  Consistent effort, care, and thoughtfulness go a long way toward academic success.  It's been a long, strange winter, but spring is in the air!

General Academic Expectations for Literature 6

My goal is for you to do your best in literature class.  While everyone is entitled to the occasional ‘bad day’, consistent effort has its rewards – greater academic success, the satisfaction of a job well done, and healthy habit formation name a few.  In order to get the most out of class, I expect you to:

1.     Arrive on time with all of your classroom materials

a.     Literature/composition binder (blue)

                                                 i.     Blank loose leaf

b.     Text currently being studied

c.      Homework

d.     Assignment notebook

e.     Pen or pencil

f.      ORB

2.     Immediately take your seat and begin the daily warm up

3.     Follow my directions

4.     Take detailed notes

5.     Complete and turn in all work on time

6.     Raise your hand when you have something valuable to contribute

7.     Listen attentively and respectfully to what others have to say

8.     Ask for permission before leaving your seat

9.     Find out what you missed after an absence

10. Live by our Common Trust

When it comes to assignments, homework, and long-term projects, please review the following checklist before you submit your work.

•  Keep track of your due dates.  Remember, your assignment will be lowered one grade for every day that it is late.

• Write your name on the top of each page of your assignment.  Make sure the date is on the first page.

• Double-check the directions.  Did you do everything that was asked?

• Answer all questions in complete sentences.

o   What is the setting of the novel, The Outsiders?

Oklahoma.  NO!

The setting of the novel, The Outsiders, is Oklahoma. YES!

• Use pen, pencil, or a computer.  Markers, highlighters, crayons, and colored pencils are not acceptable.

• Use your best handwriting.  It is not fair to make my eyes hurt while I am trying to read your work.

• Complete your work thoughtfully and carefully.  That project, paper, or assignment you just turned in represents your best effort.

USM Head of School: Random Acts of Kindness Week

USM Head of School: Random Acts of Kindness Week: The second week of February each year has been designated as Random Acts of Kindness Week (RAK Week) by The Random Acts of Kindness Foundati...