Dear 2009-2010 GWA Sixth Grade Students and Parents:
Welcome to sixth grade at GWA. This is an exciting year of transition from lower school to middle
school, and represents a major change in a child’s life. Students will experience a time of greater
independence and responsibility than they have been exposed to in previous grades. To ensure a
successful sixth grade year, each student will need to stay organized, follow the rules, and take
responsibility for his/her actions.
Changing classes every 55 minutes may prove very stressful for some students during the first
month of sixth grade, and teachers understand and allow this time for adjustments, but students are
still expected to arrive to each class on time and to have all supplies and assignments with them. In
addition, the dynamics of the student/teacher relationship begin changing in sixth grade. Because
students spend only an hour a day with each teacher, it takes longer to develop a comfortable, warm
relationship. Because more responsibility is placed on the student, the role of the teacher changes
from a caregiver/parent figure to mainly an instructor figure.
To assist sixth grade students and parents, we have attached the following information: the Sixth
Grade Supply List, the Guidelines for Sixth Graders at GWA, and the Top Ten Rules for Success in
Sixth Grade. Thoroughly reading and understanding this information will make this year of transition
much easier.
One last point we need to make is that in sixth grade, self-reliance is a crucial skill for sixth graders
to learn. Parents must learn not to rescue the student from minor mishaps such as forgetting to
bring homework or other supplies to school. Finally, every paper, test, or quiz completed by the
students will not be sent home on a regular basis. Each teacher will inform you of her procedures
regarding notifying parents of low grades or missed assignments.
If you have any questions, you may contact any of us. The most efficient mode of communication is
through email. Our email addresses are:
Mrs. Birdsong cbirdsong@gwa.com
Mrs. Edwards tedwards@gwa.com
Mrs. Grimsley agrimsley@gwa.com
Mrs. White lwhite@gwa.com
Our goal is to provide an exciting and interesting year of learning and development for each student,
and we plan to work closely with parents to see that it is accomplished. If a parent notices any
problems at home or the child shares a school-related problem, please do not hesitate to contact
one of us. If the problems or concerns cannot be addressed through phone or email contact, and the
need for a conference arises, parents must schedule an appointment to meet personally with the
teacher(s). We will be happy to meet with any parent who requests a conference, but a parent cannot
arrive unscheduled and expect a teacher to be able to talk before, after, or during school. In
addition, if you as a parent have a concern with a teacher, please show that teacher the professional
courtesy of talking with her/him first. Then, if you are not happy with the outcome, talk with an
administrator.
We thank you for sharing your children with us, and we look forward to a great year of learning and
growing together.
Sincerely, GWA Sixth Grade Teachers
After reading the attached forms, the student and a parent need to sign below and return this slip to
the student’s homeroom teacher preferably at Open House but no later than the first day of school.
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We have read the Guidelines for Sixth Graders at GWA. We understand and agree to follow these
rules/procedures.
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Student Signature Date
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Parent Signature Date
We have read the Top Ten Rules for Success in Sixth Grade. We understand the consequences for
discipline offenses.
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Student Signature Date
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