Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions
of students and parents. Please email me with any further questions you may
have.
- How can I get in touch with Mrs. Nzeza?
- What is Mrs. Nzeza's grading policy?
- What will be covered in Language Arts this year?
- What will be covered in World Cultures this year?
- What are the
- What are the team rules?
- Where can I find homework for Mrs. Wasdin's classes?
How can I get in touch with Mrs. Nzeza?
Please contact me anytime you feel necessary at home (before
9:00 p.m. please)
or at school. My contact information is as follows:
Home phone: 755-1945 *Remember, Tues. Wed. Thurs. are my Karate
nights
School phone: 359-5824 ext. 60954
School email: Jennifer_nzeza@sarasota.k12.fl.us
What is Mrs. Nzeza's grading policy?
Grading Policy - World Cultures Grading Policy -
Language Arts
*** Late work will be worth half credit.
What will be covered in Language Arts this year?
Students will be learning and developing the following standards
in this year's LA class:
Standard 1 - Listening, viewing and speaking skills
This standard will be met through reading aloud, discussion
groups, speech competitions, documentaries, and podcasting.
Speech Competitions - All students are required to write and
give a speech for the Tropicana Speech Competition, usually held
in March.
Standard 2 - Structural analysis and vocabulary skills
Vocabulary will be taught in context and through weekly word
study - generally 5 words a week related to what they are either
reading or writing - this includes spelling.
Standard 3 - Reading and literature interpretation skills
Students will develop in this area by using pre- during- and
after-reading skills to interpret and make meaning of text. I
use the following teacher/author approaches in my classroom: 1.
Nancie Atwell's reading/writing workshop; 2. Douglas Fisher and
Nancy Frey's gradual release model. Essentially, students will
receive mini lessons on skills, practice and apply skills, and
read and write in workshops.
READING/HOMEWORK REQUIREMENT
I realize that our students are extremely busy with after-school
activities, so my requirement for homework is this: Students
must read a MINIMUM of three nights during the week (Monday -
Friday) AND over the weekend. Reading should be done in a QUIET
place for NO LESS THAN 20 minutes. I will not assign busy work,
so expect this reading time to be honored. If your child wants
to read every night, that's even better, but the required
reading is three nights per school week plus the weekends.
Standard 4 - Study and reference skills
This standard will be met through research on various topics,
participation in the History Fair, and other activities.
Standard 5 - Writing skills
Formal and informal writing will be required. Students will be
refining their understanding of steps in the writing process
and will write for various audiences and purposes throughout the
year. Students will begin with literacy letters within the first
few weeks of school.
Standard 6 - Grammar/mechanics/spelling
Students will work on improving these skills throughout the year
during our writing workshops. Appropriate grammar, mechanics and
spelling is required at all times. Good handwriting must also be
practiced and improved throughout the school year.
A BIT ABOUT WORK ETHIC
It's important to me that students come to school prepared and
ready to learn. That includes having their supplies and making
an effort to complete the homework assigned or the activity of
the day to the best of his or her ability. I will not allow
students to turn in sub-standard and/or incomplete
work, just as I wouldn't expect them to allow me to design sub-
standard lessons or come to my job unprepared.
What will be covered in World Cultures this year?
Students will be learning and developing the following standards
in this year's WC class:
Standard 1 - Focusing skills and knowledge
Students will practice analyzing and interpreting information
from maps,graphs, timelines, and primary and secondary sources.
I use geographic representations as bell work, but students will
also refine these skills during the History Fair and coursework
throughout the year.
HISTORY FAIR
All students are required to participate in the History Fair.
This year's theme is Innovation in History: Impact and Change.
You can find out more by visiting:
http://www.nationalhistoryday.org/. Please begin discussions
with your child about this theme now.
Standard 2 through Standard 5 - Geography, Culture, History, and
Economics
Sixth grade students learn about the geography, culture,
history, and economics of Asia, Africa, and Australia. I use the
History & Geography Alive curriculum, which incorporates Howard
Gardner's Multiple Intelligences and targets multiple learning
styles.
I have traveled to both Australia and Asia and absolutely love
teaching about these two incredible continents. I have not made
it to Africa yet, but someday hope to!
Homework
Students will be required to read three nights per week and on
the weekends for Language Arts, so will only receive homework
for social studies when absolutely necessary. Generally,
this homework will be studying for a test.
What are the
Gifted Goals are the 7 main goals you are to work towards while
in 6th grade.
They include:
1. QUALITY PRODUCER - When you:
-work hard to produce quality projects, assignments, or
performances by taking care to make it your best
- use materials effectively and appropriately, remembering to
replace items when borrowed
- do NOT have to be reminded of due dates and deadlines
- are able to get things accomplished without someone nagging you
- go above and beyond what�s expected of you
2. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATOR - When you:
- communicate your thoughts and ideas well with parents,
teachers, and friends
- make positive contributions during class discussions and when
you are part of a group
- are able to deal with problems, arguments or fights in
POSITIVE ways and are quick to help someone else through these
problems by communicating
3. LIFE-LONG LEARNER - When you:
- know how to find answers to questions you have and are able to
find the right resources to answer them
- know who to ask for help and information if you need it
- are flexible and can think about various forms of information
- judge and reflect upon what you read to make sure you have all
the information
4. RESPONSIBLE CITIZEN - When you:
- take personal responsibility for your actions, your attitude,
and your words and work both at school and at home
- follow the rules and directions even if you don't necessarily
agree with them
- make positive contributions to your class and community
- demonstrate respect for others and understand that we are all
unique and should be valued
- listen to others to understand them
5. PERCEPTIVE THINKER - When you:
- demonstrate knowledge and interest in events in the world now
and in the past
- able to use your knowledge and creativity to solve problems
that arise in your life
- think beyond the obvious
- aren't convinced there's only one way of doing things
- are creative
6. SELF-DIRECTED LEARNER � When you:
- show maturity and are responsible
- make good decisions affecting your health and safety
- do not have to do it just because your friends are doing it
- set goals for yourself and follow through with them both at
home and at school
- start your work, stay on task, complete assignments without
having to be reminded or prompted by the teacher or your parents
7. NUMERIC PROBLEM SOLVER - When you:
- use the principles you learn in math to solve problems
- take the concepts learned in math and connect them to your own
life
What are the team rules?
Team Rules and Expectations will be discussed and taught the
first few weeks of school in a series of Teach-Tos. They will be
posted here after that.
Where can I find homework for Mrs. Wasdin's classes?
You can find the homework for Math and Science by visiting Mrs.
Wasdin's website at: http://mysite.verizon.net/resvkn16.
