Parents and students are invited to check out this blog for information and updates for the rest of the year. If you have any question or concerns, feel free to contact me at school, (515)242-8446, or by email: catherine.carlson@dmschools.org. I check email several times each day, so that method is best if you need a speedy reply.
Mrs. Carlson's Schedule:
Period 1: Global Studies
Period 2: Global Studies
Period 3: Math
Period 4: Math (Mr. Matt Bjork is the co-teacher.)
Advisory: Wednesday's at 12:35
Global Studies Content
In this first year of Global Studies, students learn where people and places are located and why they are there. They examine the influence of physical systems, such as climate, weather and seasons, and natural resources, such as land and water, on human populations. They study the causes, patterns and effects of human settlement and migration, learn of the roles of different kinds of population centers in a society, and investigate the impact of human activities on the environment. This experience enables students to acquire a useful basis of knowledge for informed decision-making on issues arising from human-environmental relationships. Students identify the key social, economic and cultural characteristics of populations in different locations as they expand their knowledge of diverse peoples and places.
This course details both physical and cultural geography as well as the following regions: North America, Latin America, Europe and Russia. Students will take authentic roles and work collaboratively, as well as independently, to acquire the knowledge and skills to develop answers to big questions.
Sixth Grade Math Content
Mathematics is a tool we use to understand and interpret our world. In our increasingly technological economy, those who understand and know how to apply mathematics have significantly enhanced opportunities in continuing education and later in life. The key to opening the door to these opportunities is a deep understanding of important mathematical concepts and procedures.
The goal of the Des Moines Public Schools K-12 mathematics program is for all students to achieve mathematical proficiency by developing an understanding of math concepts and a fluency in skill procedures. Students who understand a concept can identify examples and non-examples; describe the idea with words, symbols, tables, graphs, and models; and apply the concept in problem-solving situations. Procedural proficiency includes recall of basic facts (addition, multiplication, subtraction, and division) and the use of algorithms – step-by-step mathematical procedures – to produce a solution.The end result is the ability to think and reason mathematically and use mathematics to solve problems in authentic contexts.
Math topics so far this year have included the following:
Unit 1: Decimals
Unit 2: Fractions, Factors, and Multiples
Unit 3: Ratio, Proportion, and Percent
When we return from winter break we will be a unit concerned with expressions and equations, the building blocks of algebra.
Assessments and Homework
Formative assessments are given weekly (Thursday in math and Friday in global studies), so you can expect math homework (review) on most Wednesday nights and global studies homework on most Fridays. Students who do not reach proficiency (80% correct) are provided with a review and practice opportunity, followed by a retest, on the day after the first assessment. Proficient students engage in a review or enrichment activity on the second day.
Bonus Time
Help is available most Tuesdays and Thursday until 4:00.Bonus time bus runs on those days. Students who have not reached proficiency after two in-class attempts will be invited to attend the Bonus time sessions.
SOAR
Classroom expectations are consistent with school expectations. We want students to manage their behavior in a manner that is safe, orderly, respectful, and allows for academic achievement. The behavior matrix is used when students need support in responsible decision-making. A student has many chances to redirect his/her behavior. If additional support is needed, the student will receive a referral and serve time in detention in order to practice or reinforce behavioral expectations.
I wish us all a safe, happy, healthy holiday so that we can all return to school wide awake and READY TO LEARN on January 2, 2014!
