2015/2016 - 6th Grade - Expectations and Procedures
Students are expected to meet a certain set of rules, procedures and expectations in class. Below is important information regarding policies and expected procedures for 6th Grade students. It is my belief that as students enter middle school it is important for them to learn and practice good note taking and study skills in order to prepare them for high school learning. At the bottom of the page is also a link to download the policies and procedures document that was sent home on the first day of class, as well as a copy of the tally sheet that all middle school students will use to keep track of their grades in music class.
Homework Policy: Students are responsible for handing in any homework ON TIME and being prepared for tests and quizzes. All late homework will be accepted ONE DAY after the due date with a maximum value of 50%. Any work turned in more than one day after the due date will not be accepted without prior approval. Absent students are responsible for either turning in their homework via Google Drive, or as soon as they return to school.
Quiz and Test Policy: Quizzes may be unannounced, but will be at a point value significantly lower than tests. Students should review notes taken in class weekly to be prepared for quizzes. Tests will be announced AT LEAST one cycle in advance. If a student is absent on a quiz or testing day, makeups must be completed as soon as possible. Study guides will be provided for tests early in the year, but the goal is to teach students to learn their own study skills.
Tally Sheets: All Sixth Grade students will be responsible for maintaining a tally sheet of their grades throughout the trimester. The tally sheet will be an easy way for students and parents to know what their grade is in music class at ANY time throughout the school year. Students will be instructed in the use of their tally sheets.
GRADING SCALE:
90 -100 = A
80 - 89 = B
70 - 79 = C
60 - 69 = D
0 - 59 = F
Quiz and Test Policy: Quizzes may be unannounced, but will be at a point value significantly lower than tests. Students should review notes taken in class weekly to be prepared for quizzes. Tests will be announced AT LEAST one cycle in advance. If a student is absent on a quiz or testing day, makeups must be completed as soon as possible. Study guides will be provided for tests early in the year, but the goal is to teach students to learn their own study skills.
Tally Sheets: All Sixth Grade students will be responsible for maintaining a tally sheet of their grades throughout the trimester. The tally sheet will be an easy way for students and parents to know what their grade is in music class at ANY time throughout the school year. Students will be instructed in the use of their tally sheets.
GRADING SCALE:
90 -100 = A
80 - 89 = B
70 - 79 = C
60 - 69 = D
0 - 59 = F
Commonly Asked Questions:
● Can tests be retaken? Because we cover the material thoroughly in class, I believe it is a student‛s responsibility to be prepared to do well on tests - the first time. Study guides are given at least 2 days before a test, and class time is devoted to review, including time for students to ask questions about the study guide. So, pay attention in class, ask questions, and come in if you would like a little extra help! I am always happy to work with you!
● Is there extra credit? On occasion, I provide an extra credit opportunity, but those occasions are rare. I try my best to make every regular homework assignment have value (in other words, I don‛t like busy work!), so try to do your best on those assignments!
● What is the best way to get a good grade in class? Pay attention. Ask questions. Let me know if I am talking too much (yes, I get excited and sometimes tell some long stories). But most of all, BE PREPARED FOR TESTS! One bad test grade can significantly hurt your trimester grade!
● Is Music History boring? Well, I will be honest. The way that I learned Music History was pretty…dull…lots of names and dates and well, you know. But the way we learn it now, it is all about making connections. What does your hand have to you with reading music? Why did Bach keep getting fired? Just how different was music hundreds of years ago? We try to learn as if we were explorers... ask a question.. think about “why”... and maybe, just maybe, it might turn your imagination and a secret love for the music that impacted a changing world!
● Can tests be retaken? Because we cover the material thoroughly in class, I believe it is a student‛s responsibility to be prepared to do well on tests - the first time. Study guides are given at least 2 days before a test, and class time is devoted to review, including time for students to ask questions about the study guide. So, pay attention in class, ask questions, and come in if you would like a little extra help! I am always happy to work with you!
● Is there extra credit? On occasion, I provide an extra credit opportunity, but those occasions are rare. I try my best to make every regular homework assignment have value (in other words, I don‛t like busy work!), so try to do your best on those assignments!
● What is the best way to get a good grade in class? Pay attention. Ask questions. Let me know if I am talking too much (yes, I get excited and sometimes tell some long stories). But most of all, BE PREPARED FOR TESTS! One bad test grade can significantly hurt your trimester grade!
● Is Music History boring? Well, I will be honest. The way that I learned Music History was pretty…dull…lots of names and dates and well, you know. But the way we learn it now, it is all about making connections. What does your hand have to you with reading music? Why did Bach keep getting fired? Just how different was music hundreds of years ago? We try to learn as if we were explorers... ask a question.. think about “why”... and maybe, just maybe, it might turn your imagination and a secret love for the music that impacted a changing world!