Welcome To NMS!!

Please take the following from the

table:-Name Tag

(please fill out)

-Child’s Schedule

Welcome To NMS!!

Mrs. VenturaMrs. Verna

6th Grade Blue TeamReading

Welcome To NMS!!

Mrs. Ventura6th Grade Blue Team

Reading

About Mrs. Ventura…

• 6th Grade Reading- Blue Team• Seventh Year at NMS• 2004 Penn-Delco Graduate • Graduated from West Chester

University in 2008• Masters degree from Wilkes

University in 2010• Personal note- daughter just

turned 1 year old

About Mrs. Verna…

• 6th grade learning support• 4th year at NMS• Graduated from St. Joes in

2010 • Masters degree in Literacy in

2011• I will be going back to school in

January

Goals for 6th Grade Reading

– To expand existing reading levels– To expose students to a variety of

literature (poetry, short stories, novels, nonfiction, and drama)

– To introduce, expand and analyze literary elements and devices

– To foster an innate desire to read for pleasure (Book It, Reading Counts, Silent Sustained Reading)

Topics covered– Plot– Characterization & Point of View– Theme – Mood & Tone – Literary Devices & Skills– Argumentative Pieces – Non-Fiction– Novels: Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

Lost on a Trail in Maine & Lost Trail by Donn Fendler

Reading & English Connection

– Aligned curriculum • Similar topics and skills being taught

and used in simultaneously

– Writing skills practiced in reading as well as English

• Polite towards myself and peers• Listen

Classroom Expectations

• Prepared with supplies, homework, etc.• Stay on task

Responsible

Respectful

Safe• Stay in seat unless other wise directed• Keep hands and feet to self• Report bullying

Possible Consequences

• Verbal warning • Green slip• Behavior reflection• Parent contact • Detention • Office referral

Grading System

• Based on points earned throughout the marking period on various assignments

• Total points Total possible points

Student Grade

NMS Grading System

92 – 100 = A84 – 91 = B76 – 83 = C70 – 75 = D

69 & below = F

Grading Policy

• Quizzes• Tests• Homework• Projects• Class work

– Corporative learning tasks– Journal prompts

• Reading Counts

Grades online

• http://gradebook.pdsd.org/Pinnacle/PIV

OR

1.Going to www.pdsd.org

2.Click Northley Middle School from the drop down box at the top of the screen

3.Click Grades On-line in the left hand margin

Student’s ID number with the leading zero

Student’s eight digit birth date

Understanding gradebook

• X = exempt

• 0 or Z = incomplete

• Blank = teacher has not entered grade yet – don’t worry!

• Point System (2/3=67%)

Reading Counts• Students will be graded on reading

counts every marking period! It is worth 50 points!

– Honors goal: 175,000 words

– Accelerated goal: 125,000 words

• Students that do not reach their goal will lose some points depending on their word count. Exact grading scale can be found on my website.

Reading Counts• Progress check half way through marking period;

parent signature will be required

• If help is needed finding a book or passing a quiz, please ask

• Reading Counts computers are available in most classrooms and the library– Students can take quizzes at various points throughout

the day.

Homework• At least three times a week.

• Encourage daily reading for a minimum of 20 minutes

• Graded on completeness and/or accuracy

• Can be turned in one day late for half credit

• May consist of unfinished class work

Teacher webpage

• Updated weekly with: – Classroom news– Daily class agenda – Homework, including upcoming

tests and projects

Please use this as a resource for missed and/or unsure assignments!

Book Orders…• Yes, we still have them

in middle school!!!

• There are two convenient ways of ordering books for your child:

– Traditional Method: Send in order form & money (check please-no cash)

– High-Tech Method: Scholastic website• Every time a parent places an order online-

we get a free book for our classroom library!!!

Communication…..

• Is the secret to a successful academic year!!

Ways You can communicate with me…

• You can call or email me whenever you feel necessary!

• Email is my preferred method

• cventura@pdsd.org • (610) 497-6300 x3213

Ways your child can communicate …..

• Written note• Conversation:

before or after class to ensure privacy

• Email

Thank you!

• If you have any questions or comments about this evening or throughout the school year, please contact me!

• Thank you for spending the evening with me!

• As a team, I am confident that this will be a very successful year for everyone