Nobody seemed scared of [Mr. Benedict, the sixth grade teacher] at all and you should always be a little scared of your teacher.

                                                            - Judy Blume, Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret

 

 

Dear Parents and Students:

 

            Welcome to the 2007-2008 school year at Pine Lake Middle School! I can’t tell you how excited I am for the fantastic year we have in front of us!

            It’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed at the differences between middle school and elementary school. However, you will quickly settle in and fall in love with the school spirit that permeates throughout Pine Lake’s halls.  In middle school, you’ll experience more space, more students and more teachers (as well as sports, socials, coke machines, better food, etc!). PLMS is an amazing place and I know that you will love it!

            You will also assume more responsibility. The primary responsibility of learning rests in the hands of each student in my class.  Positive academic achievement depends on solid communication and organization.  It is vital that you take the initiative and communicate with me if questions or problems arise.  Also, becoming organized can take some time, but it will be critical to your educational success today and throughout your life.  Use your planner; write down all homework assignments and project due dates; categorize your binder into different subject areas – DO NOT randomly shove papers into your binder.  Turn your work in on time!!  And, keep all returned work in a safe folder at home until the end of each trimester.

 

My hope is that together, we make this your best year in school yet!

 

Curriculum Overview

 

            At PLMS, we weave our study of Social Studies and Language Arts into an integrated whole. This approach allows for students to apply English skills using the concepts learned in Social Studies. 

 

Social Studies

 

Our social studies curriculum focuses on geography and ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Rome, Greece and China. The five Essential Questions that we will explore in every unit are:

 


 

 

Language Arts

 

In Language Arts, my hope is that each student develops a genuine love of reading and writing.  Each week, we will explore new ways of communicating with written language through the Writer’s Workshop model. Students will be filling up the pages of a Writer’s Notebook and learning to write a plethora of genres including poetry, essay writing, fiction and memoir.  In reading, we will marinate ourselves in quality literature. Students will chose many of their own books to enjoy, but as a class we will be reading two terrific novels, The Giver and Lost in the Labyrinth. Of course, we will also regularly work on vocabulary development, spelling, reading comprehension strategies and grammar.

 

For Language Arts/Social Studies, please check the supply list for the required supplies.

 

Grading Scale

 

Our grading system is fairly simple and consistent in all 6th grade humanities classes.   We follow the school-wide grading scale which is:

 

A          93-100%

A-        90-92

B+       87-89

B          83-86

B-        80-82

C+       77-79

C         73-76

C-        70-72

D+       67-69

D         63-66

D-        60-62

F          59 & Below

 

Late Work and Absences Policy

 

Please be aware that the 6th grade teachers have a “No late work” policy.  However, we do realize that students are in a time of transition.  Therefore, the late work policy differs from Trimester 1 and 2 to Trimester 3. It is as follows:

 

Trimester I and 2: One day late on daily work minus ½ credit

 

Trimester 3: No credit for late work

 

When absent, call a study buddy to get any information you might have missed in class. You can also check Daily Homework on the class website at http://dev.plms.issaquah.wednet.edu/teachers/ensey4/Default.htm .  If you are absent for more than a few days, call the office to request your homework. Check your planner for school policies regarding absences. If you are absent the day of a test, you will make up the test on the day you return or on a “homeroom” day. Major projects will have established deadlines that must be met to receive full credit.

 

**Papers with NO NAME will be given NO CREDIT**

 

 

 

 

Homework Policy

 

We will work hard everyday in class. You will still, however, have homework. My intention is for you to learn, but not to bog you down with so much homework that you have no time for other activities. If you are feeling stressed by the workload, please come see me. Remember, using your planner is the key to keeping up with class assignments and projects.

           

Class Materials

 

You will produce many papers during the school year. We will develop an organized system in order to keep track of assignments and projects. By September 7th, please have the following:

 

  • A 1 ½ inch, three ring binder with dividers for LA and SS (this is in addition to the binder you have for your other classes)
  • A PLMS planner
  • Assigned textbooks covered and labeled (to be passed out in class)
  • Pencils to write with
  • An independent book you are reading
  • A composition notebook with lined pages (no spiral bindings please)

 

In your locker, you should have a supply box that contains colored pencils, scissors, a ruler, post-its and a glue stick. Having these items in your locker at all times is important to maximize the learning you will participate in during the year. If you run out, be responsible and take the initiative to get more.  Check the supply list for additional information and materials needed.

 

You need to bring the following supplies to class each day:

  • Binder, PLMS planner, textbooks, floppy disk or flash drive, independent reading book, Writer’s Notebook, reading journal and Post-its.
  • Don’t worry, we’ll go over all that you need in class

 

Classroom Rules

 

I expect students to arrive on time and be prepared every day.  Being in a portable, you will be pressed for time to go to your locker and get things you need to make sure you are prepared when you get to class. You will have time to use the restroom!  I understand that emergencies happen, but passes out to the bathroom or lockers should be a rare exception.  My four classroom expectations are:

 

  • Be respectful to self, others, and others’ property
  • Be responsible and accountable
  • Be resourceful
  • Demonstrate integrity

 

This is all summed up in my ONE classroom rule:

 

Make choices that have a positive impact on yourself and others.

 

Web Permissions

 

In order to use the computers and the web in this class (which we will do often), you and your parents must sign a Computer Release form. You received this form on Taking Care of Business day. Please turn this form in by Friday, September 7!

 

Computers in P-6

 

We have 10 computers in our classroom that we will use often. Along with this cool privilege, there are some strict rules that we must adhere to:

  • No food or drink around the computers.
  • Are your hands clean?  Wash up if necessary.
  • No playing or downloading games or music.
  • It’s awesome that we have access to so much technology. Treat it like you bought it!

 

Website

 

Our classroom website has many useful features such as daily homework, project guidelines and due dates, useful web links and important documents you might need. Check it often for updates. The web address again is: http://dev.plms.issaquah.wednet.edu/teachers/ensey4/Default.htm

 

Finally, there is the humor factor.  Life is a journey and we are all human!  We all make mistakes.  We learn more from the mistakes we make than the things we do correctly.  A good sense of humor is vital to the middle school experience.  Besides, in twenty years, many of the most memorable stories we tell will be the mistakes we made as kids!  Your first year of middle school will definitely be a year to remember! J

 

Don’t hesitate to contact me as soon as questions or problems arise.  The sooner we deal with them, the better for all of us!  Here is how I can be reached:

 

Eric Ensey

Voicemail: (425) 837-5370 (This # will also serve as my daily homework hotline)

E-mail: enseye@issaquah.wednet.edu

Snail Mail: Don’t hesitate to send me a note anytime!

 

 

After reading and reviewing this letter, please sign below and return the bottom portion to class.  I will also be tracking the return of this slip in class.  Thanks!

 

 

 

 

(Cut here)

 

 

We have read and understand the information in this letter.

 

 

(Student)                                                                                                                                                        

 

 

(Parent)