Sixth Grade 

2007-2008

Dear Parents,
Welcome to sixth grade! We are looking forward to a wonderful year with your children. This is a very important year for your child. There will be many physical, emotional and mental changes, and developments that will sometimes leave your child feeling confused. Some of you may have already started to notice these changes and have probably asked yourself, "Who is this child?" Our goal is to not only teach them the individual subject areas, but also to help them grow as individuals using the knowledge of these subjects in their everyday lives. Boundaries and expectations are extremely important to implement. It gives each student a foundation while facing everyday decisions. Making "healthy choices" as opposed to good or bad choices, empowers each child and lets them know that they are responsible individuals.

Mrs. Scott and Miss Hupf

Front Office Telephone (714) 827-4500
Fax/Health Room (714) 827-2900
MrsScott@stischoolcypress.org  (Mrs. Scott)
MissHupf@stischoolcypress.org  (Miss Hupf)
www.stischoolcypress.org 
office@stischoolcypress.org

Classroom Discipline
Our discipline is set-up so that positive behavior is rewarded.
These rules were created by both the students and teachers in order to create a classroom environment that is "theirs." The following is a list of procedures for positive and negative behavior.
Rewards
On an individual basis, those children who follow the rules will receive positive reinforcement. They may earn tickets that when redeemed in increments of 10 will earn them a prize. The entire class has a chance to fill the jar with marbles in order to win a pizza and movie party…our treat to them for a job well done!
Consequences
Each child is first given a warning that their behavior is unacceptable. If the behavior persists, the child will lose a ticket. If the behavior is still an issue, a detention will be given. As a last result, a conference will be set up with the principal, the parent, the teacher, and
the student. Please note that when positive behavior is expressed by the student, they will be praised for changing their behavior and attitude.

Organization
We strongly believe that a key to success in life is to have good organizational skills, and thus we spend time teaching your children this "life" lesson throughout the day. They are to keep their desks, cubbies, and binders neat and organized. We go over homework assignments each afternoon to help students figure out which books they need, not only that evening, but also for any upcoming test or projects. They are learning how to plan for long term assignments and organize their daily lives in order to fit "everything" in. We have told the student that "everything has a home" from papers filed into the correct folder in their binder…to materials and supplies in the classroom. Our hope is that by the end of the year, they have learned to be organized to the point that it becomes second nature to them.

Homework
Homework will be assigned on a daily basis. Any homework not completed by the due date will receive a "pink slip" that is to be signed by the teacher and the parent. Late assignments will be docked one letter grade for each day that it is late. For excused absences, homework will be given more time to complete. If you would like your child's work from the day(s) they are absent, please let the office know and it will be ready for you at the end of the day. Homework is also posted on the school website. We will do our best to update this on a daily basis. Grades are also posted on Gradelink.

Assignment books and tests
Please sign the assignment book nightly. Your child's assignment book is our information link between school and home and is looked at each morning. Thus, you may also use the assignment book to write us a note. All tests and rubrics must have a parent signature and then be returned to us the next day to keep in your child's file until the end of the year.

Take Home Folders
Every couple weeks your child will bring home a folder with completed class work. Please review the papers with your child, sign and date the inside of the folder, and send back the empty folder the following day. The take home folder is our way of ensuring that you see the work that your child completes during the school day as well as other assignments.

Student Appointments
We have told the students that it is their responsibility (not ours) to see us and set up an appointment to get help if they are struggling in a particular area. They may see us at recess, lunch, before, or after school.

Parent-Teacher Communication
We believe that one of the determining factors of your child's success in school is consistent communication between home and school. Parents and teachers need to work together to ensure the happiness and success of the child. PLEASE let us know if your child is having problems at home or school, and if there are any major changes in your family routine. These things can affect your child's behavior and performance at school.

Misc. Information
- Book Orders: Please carefully add up your TOTAL ORDER and send the order slip(s) and a CHECK (no cash please), made out to Scholastic Books. Send the book order and the check in an envelope with your child's name and BOOK ORDER written on the front.
- Time for Kids: Time for Kids, focusing on today's events here and around the world, is a wonderful and educational magazine for kids. Please send $5.00 cash with your child by Friday, September 21.
- Outdoor Science School: This year Science Camp will take place during the week of December 10-14. This great opportunity to learn in an "outdoor classroom" is by far one of the students' favorite parts of 6th grade.
- Walk Through the Ancient World: This on-campus field trip that takes your child on a "trip" to the Ancient World is planned for February 28th. It is a very exciting day and the children really benefit from learning from a hands-on approach.
- D.A.R.E.: The drug abuse resistance education program will take place in the spring and will last for approximately 10 weeks. A D.A.R.E. officer will teach the class and many activities are planned.

We know we have terrific parents at St. Irenaeus and we are fortunate to be a small part in your child's life. Thank you for joining us this evening. If you have any questions, please contact the appropriate teacher. We are more than happy to help and you are always welcome in our classrooms!

Mrs. Scott 6A: Language Arts teacher for 6 and 6A
(Spelling, Vocabulary, Literature, Writing, and Grammar)
Also: Math and Religion for 6A

Miss Hupf 6: Science and Social Studies teacher for 6 and 6A
Also: Math and Religion for 6