Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common
questions of students and parents.
- What is the grading scale?
- How is discipline handled?
- What is the daily class schedule?
- What is the Advisory schedule?
- How do I contact you?
- What are the homework policies?
- What is AR?
- What school supplies are needed by 6th graders? (Purchased by District 105)
- What textbook series' are used in sixth grade?
- How do I access the online version of the textbooks?
- About the teacher....
What is the grading scale?
A: 90-100, B: 80-89, C: 70-79, D: 60-69, F: 59 and below
Grade Weights
Reading: 25% homework, 30% AR, 45% tests
Math: 25% homework, 30% quizzes, 45% tests
Language: 25% homework, quizzes/writing 30%, 45% tests
Science: 25% homework, 30% quizzes/projects/labs, 45% tests
Social Studies: 25% homework, 30% quizzes/projects, 45% tests
Spelling: 40% homework, 60% tests
How is discipline handled?
I manage the class with positive reinforcement and praise. The
classroom rules will be taught and reviewed with the students.
Rules naturally have consequences when they are not followed. Our
behavior plan uses a point system. If students are "caught" being
helpful to others, saying kind words, and/or keeping on task,
they will move to the top of the behavior chart earning 5, 10,
15, or 20 points for the day. On the other hand, students that
come to school unprepared, act unkind to others, talk
disrespectfully to anyone, or are off task, will lose between 5
to 20 points in a day. Each day the points will return to zero,
allowing a fresh start for everyone. Students with less than -25
points in the quarter will be invited to a pizza party during
lunch as a reward.
-5 points = warning
-10 points = "Power of Choice" form
-15 points = lunch detention (silent lunch table)
-20 points = after school detention
Power of Choice: form explaining in detail the events of the day.
This must be signed by a parent/guardian and returned the
following day.
What is the daily class schedule?
1st Period: 8:30-9:18 - Reading
2nd Period: 9:21-10:05 - Specials
3rd Period: 10:08-10:52 - Language Arts
4th Period: 10:55-11:39 - Social Studies
5th Period: 11:42-12:26 - Lunch/PE
6th Period: 12:29-1:13 - Science
7th Period: 1:16-2 - Math
8th Period: 2:03-2:47 - Spelling/Band
9th Period: 2:50-3:20 - Advisory
3:20 - Dismissal
What is the Advisory schedule?
Mondays: Team Building
Tuesdays: Book Club
Wednesdays: Character Crew/Wm. Holliday Buddies
Thursdays: Academic Day (grade check/study hall)
Fridays: Class Meetings
How do I contact you?
I value parent-teacher communication greatly. Please feel free to
call me at school, send a note, or email me if you have a concern
about your child, or have a message for me. I check my email
several times throughout the day and normally once in the
evening. If you wish to speak with me, you may call me at school
and leave a message with a convenient time to call. I will NOT
return phone calls after 5PM. You may also set up a conference to
discuss your concerns in person.
What are the homework policies?
Homework will be assigned daily. Any classwork not completed
during class will also need to be completed at home. At this age
and grade level, students should be reading and studying each
night. Students will be responsible for recording the homework
assignments and unfinished classwork and taking home the
necessary materials. However, I will post homework assignments on
this web site and the homework hotline daily.
What is AR?
AR stands for Accelerated Reader. AR is a supplemental reading
program. The program uses the STAR test to determine reading
levels. Students then select books within their designated
reading level. At the completion of each book, students take
computerized comprehension tests. AR will be 30% of the
students' reading grade.
What school supplies are needed by 6th graders? (Purchased by District 105)
SUPPLIES WILL BE DISTRIBUTED THE FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL.
2 boxes of 24 #2 pencils
2 packs of red pens
24 ct. colored pencils
1 box fine tip markers
1 large glue stick
3 boxes of tissues
eraser - 5 pink pearls or pencil top erasers
scissors - Fiskar's style with point
1 - 2 inch binder
1 package 2-pocket insertable plastic dividers with tabs
4 wide-ruled notebooks - single subject (2-journal, 1-DOL)
1 3-subject wide-ruled notebook (math)
1 pkg. 200 ct WIDE RULED notebook paper
highlighters (6 multi-color pack)(need ALL 6 colors)
3-ring pencil case (to fit in binder)
1 12oz. bottle of hand sanitizer
1- 8 1/2 X 11 sketchbook (for art)
**6th graders will NOT need to purchase PE uniforms or locker
rental. They WILL need clean tennis shoes for gym and outdoor
tennis shoes for outside.
What textbook series' are used in sixth grade?
Reading - MacMillian McGraw Hill-Treasures
http://www.macmillanmh.com/
Social Studies - Scott Foresman - www.pearsonsuccess.com
Math - Glencoe/MacMillan/McGraw-Hill Publishers
Science - Scott Foresman - www.pearsonschool.com
Spelling - MacMillian McGraw Hill (coincides with reading series)
Language Arts - Holt McDougal - http://www.mcdougallittell.com/ml/
How do I access the online version of the textbooks?
Math: www.glencoe.com/ose (student ID: D11E566312)
Science & Social Studies: www.pearsonsuccess.net
User name: school lunch code
password: student
About the teacher....
This is my seventh year at William Holliday/Pontiac Jr. High in
sixth grade. Previously, I taught 6th - 8th grade
(departmentalized English and reading) at St. Teresa Catholic
School. I have also taught fourth grade and K-8 computers. I
received my bachelor's degree in elementary education from SIU-
Carbondale and my master's degree in instructional strategies
from Rockford College. I continue to take classes to improve my
teaching and learn new strategies to use in the classroom.
Afterall, learning is a life-long process.
I am looking forward to an exciting and challenging year for both
the students and myself.
