Week of September 7-11, 2015

Thank you Falcons for a very productive week.  We were able to accomplish our goals for this week.  I am very impressed with the effort you show in all you do.  I hope you all continue to work as hard.  Remember that hard work and dedication will get you where you want to go. 

Next week in Honors Literature:
*Plot Summary
*Figurative Language
*Analysis of Characters
*Exam

Technology Literacy Class:
*continue with Blogs
*Microsoft Word.  Students will demonstrate mastery of the following skills:
Copy            Bold
Paste            Alignment
Columns      Inserting clip art
Text Wrap
Inserting a chart
Headers/footers

Reminders:
1. "The Dog of Pompeii" Project due on September 18, 2015
     *Narrative Essay
     *Mosaic
     *Bulla

2. We will start reading "The Giver" by Lois Lowry on September 21, 2015 please start bringing in the $5.00 for the book or buy the book on your own.

3.  Uniforms must be worn on a daily basis: white polo and jeans.  No pull overs are allowed.  Jackets can not be zipped up when worn in school.   Thank you!

Week of August 31-September 4, 2015

It was a great first week Falcons we made it!  I want to thank you all for a great first week.  This week in Honors Literature we will start reading "The Dog of Pompeii" by Lois Untermeyer.  We have already learned about the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius and the destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum.  "The Dog of Pompeii" is considered a historical fiction story which means that the characters were made up but the historical accounts are fact.

This coming week we will be covering characterization, figurative speech (similes), concrete and sensory details.

Project for this story:  Students will write a historical fictional essay.  They will also create a mosaic or bulla. 

Technology Literacy this week we will be learning about Blogs. 

Reminders:
Students need to wear their school uniforms only--white polo and jeans!  No hoodies, pullovers or torn jeans allowed!

The money for the Falcon spirit shirt is due on Monday-Aug. 31

Students interested in signing up for the Reading Club may do so next week.  Our students will be reading "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain.  Those students that read it during the summer will have the opportunity to discuss and analyze the novel with me. 

Parents students received a syllabus the first day of school with a list of novels that will be read this year in 6th grade.  Parents are responsible to buy the novels for your child.  I will be ordering copies of the novels which I will then sell to students. 

 

Mt. Vesuvius--Pompeii

 

 

Class Syllabus:

"You can find MAGIC wherever you look. RELAX, all you need is a BOOK. –Dr. Seuss

Teacher:                       Mrs. Aide M. Pena

School Phone #:          956-352-6324

Email:                          aidepena41@yahoo.com  or aipena042@rgccisd.org 

Welcome to the 2015-2016 academic year!  Just like all of you I am delighted about this new academic school year; it is going to be rewarding as well as a challenging year.  My expectations are high but together we will ensure all of you experience success and achieve total mastery.

As readers, sixth graders experience more sophisticated works of literature for study and analysis in the classroom.  When you walk in this classroom you will give and receive respect, attention, and knowledge but in order to ensure an ideal learning environment everyone must need to follow the rules and procedures set by the teacher.

Materials: Some items will only be brought by my homeroom as indicated others will be brought by all students as indicated.

Ø  2 composition notebooks (ALL STUDENTS)

Ø  2 packs of pencils (ALL STUDENTS)

Ø  2 boxes of Kleenex (HOMEROOM)

Ø  1 box of crayons or markers (HOMEROOM)

Ø  1 11/2 inch binder (ALL STUDENTS)

Ø  2 packs of notebook paper (ALL STUDENTS)

Ø  2 glue sticks (HOMEROOM)

Ø  1 pair scissors (HOMEROOM)

Ø  1 package highlighters (ALL STUDENTS)

Ø  1 package sheet protectors (ALL STUDENTS)

Ø  The assigned reading novel (ALL STUDENTS)

Goals:

ü  Provide an enrichment program to stimulate the talents of G/T students.

ü  Guide students to develop a healthy self-concept and to acquire complex skills for collaborative conflict resolution and teamwork.

ü  Implement the principles of divergent thinking and foster higher order thinking skills such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.

ü  Promote creative problem-solving for real world issues.

ü  Provide opportunities for self-directed learning and assessment.

ü  Arrange experiences which promote the ongoing development of tasks commitment and adjustment to rapid change.

ü  Encourage an attitude of responsible service to others.

ü  Promote a global perspective in which the students can interact with their peers and with outstanding adults.

ü  Assist students in making career choices which help them to become productive, well-rounded citizens.

ü  Achieve and maintain an A on ALL reading assignments, projects, quizzes, and the tests.

ü  Achieve a 90 or above on STAAR exam.

Grading: Class work homework, class participation, quizzes, projects and weekly reading journal will be 75% of the six weeks grade.  Six Weeks or Novel Final Exam shall have the value of 25%. A minimum of 2 grades per week will be given.  The semester grade will be the average of the three six-week grades.

I will not assign a grade of “A” for late work.  I will count 10 points off per day for late work.  If work is turned in and is of good quality, it will not be assigned a grade lower than a “70”.  Work not turned in will be recorded as NHI (not handed in) or M (missing) on the student portal so that grade reports will compute the grade as zero until handed in.

o  REQUIRED MATERIALS. Bring the following materials to class each day:

-Two sharpened pencils

-Composition Notebooks

-Novel

o  ENTERING THE CLASSROOM.

-We enter the classroom in a calm, quiet manner. Sharpen your pencil if necessary and take a seat.

-Remember: Once the door is closed, you must be in your seat and working. (That means having the necessary materials out on your desk.)

o  ATTENTION SIGNAL. 

-When I hold up my hand I will say, "Give me five." That means the entire class should be absolutely silent and still within 5 seconds.

 

o  ASKING QUESTIONS.LEAVING YOUR SEAT.GETTING HELP.

-Quietly raise your hand and wait for teacher to acknowledge you.

o  CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR. 

-Your responsibilities in this class are to: be on time, be prepared, and be productive.All team members are expected to be polite and respectful to one another---and that includes the teacher. 

No student will be allowed to disrupt the learning of his or her classmates.

o  When you finish assignments early:

-If you finish all your assigned work early you may: a) read independently; b) work on extra credit; c) write in your reading journal; d) work on an assignment for another class.

DO NOT TALK TO OR DISTURB OTHER

o  MAKEUP WORK. 

- If you are absent you are expected to make up any work you missed. On the day you return, check with the teacher for missed assignments.

o  HOMEWORK. 

-Homework, when assigned, will be due at the beginning of class.  Have it out on your desk ready to be picked up. Make sure the assignment has your full name, class period, and date.

o  END OF CLASS DISMISSAL. 

-Two minutes before class ends, I will tell you to start getting packed up. We will straighten the room. Then, I will give you any last minute instructions and I will dismiss you.

o  TARDINESS. You are expected to be in your seat when I close the door. If you come in late and do not have a pass, quietly sign the tardy sheet at the front of the room. You are allowed four unexcused tardies for the six weeks. The fifth unexcused tardy will result in a referral and a call home.

Tardies 1-4—Teacher records and warns student

Tardy 5—Referral to administrator. Parent Contact

           Tardy 6- Referral and Parent, Teacher, Administrator Meeting

            Tardy 7- Referral and ISS at home campus (if provided)

            Tardy 8+ - Referral and student will be transferred to home campus.

o  RESTROOM PASSES. You are expected to use the restroom between classes. No bathroom passes (or any passes) will be issued the first 15 minutes of class and the last 15 minutes of class. You are allowed two passes (of any kind) per six weeks. Use them wisely.

CLASSROOM RULES:

1.     Follow directions quickly and the first time they are given.

2.     Raise your hand before speaking or leaving your seat.

3.     Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourselves.

4.     Respect your classmates and your teachers.

5.     Adhere to district uniform policy at all times.

6.     Keep your Teachers Happy  J

Consequences:

Everything we do in life has consequences. Consequences are the things that happen to you when you choose not to obey the rules. This is what will happen if you choose to violate one or more of the classroom rules.

1.    Verbal Warning/Reassignment of seat

2.    Student and Teacher Conference

3.    Parent Contact: Letter or Phone call

4.    Parent and Teacher Conference/with Student

5.    Referral to Principal

-During special circumstances first 4 steps can be bypassed.

TO:   PARENT/GUARDIAN AND STUDENT

 

Parent/Legal Guardian by signing below you are acknowledging that you have read and fully understand the content of the syllabus/procedures and rules of this classroom and are in agreement of the possible consequences.

This is not a formal contract simply a tool being utilized to help assure student success at our campus.

Students have to be held accountable for their decisions and actions in order to ensure a positive and safe learning environment for all.

This document will be used to assist in determining the student’s future at Ac²E Middle School. 

6^th Grade Honors Literature

Teacher: Mrs. Aidé M. Peña

Class Period: _______________

 

Student Name: _________________________________________________________

Student Signature:         ______________________________________________________

 

Parent name: ___________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: ________________________________________________

Contact Phone Number: __________________________________________________

Thank you for your cooperation, and together let’s make this academic year a special one.

 

Cheating Policy:

Anyone who participates in cheating on a test, project or other assignments will receive a zero for that grade.  There is no reason why cheating is ever excusable.  If you did not understand an assignment, then let me know and I will explain it to you and grant you an extension.

 

Projects:

There will be several projects throughout the six weeks based on the novels we are reading. Students should be prepared to work on their own or in groups.  Projects will consist of classroom activities as well as project that will be assigned to done at home.  The students will be given the information for the projects ahead of time and will be given plenty of time to complete them.

 

Attendance:

Being present in class every day in important.  Every day will build on skills needed for completing assignments.  It is imperative that you attend class on a daily basis, as failure to do so will result in you missing out on important information.  AFTER 3 ABSENCES, STUDENT WILL BE REFERRED TO ADIMINISTRATION.

 

Blog:

This class will have a blog where I will be posting reminders, due dates, discussion questions, quotes to be discussed in class, and other topics that pertain to the class.  Sometimes it will be daily and sometimes will be weekly depending on the information that needs to be given.  Students and parents should check the blog daily to make sure that no new information has been posted.  Students will be able to comment on the blog and participate in discussions on blog. www.ac2emsperezpena.blogspot.com

 

Contact:

If you have any questions feel free to come in and see me during my 8^th and 9^th planning periods which are from 1:50 p.m. to 3:35 p. m.  You may also call me at 956-352-6324.

 REQUIRED NOVELS:

1^st Six Weeks-- 1st Novel “The Giver” by Lois Lowry

2^nd Six Weeks--2nd Novel “Esperanza Rising” Pam Muñoz

3^rd Six Weeks--3rd Novel “Out of the Dust” by Karen Hesse

4^th Six Weeks--4th Novel “Once” by Morris Gleitzman

5^th Six Weeks--5th Novel “The Cay” by Theodore Taylor

6^th Six Weeks--6th Novel “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J. K. Rowling

 

***Students are required to purchase their own novels.  They may purchase novel on electronic device.  However, they may NOT purchase audio version of novel***

 

 

If you have any questions or concerns please let me know.

 

“Today a READER, Tomorrow a LEADER”





Week of August 24-28, 2015

Welcome back to the 2015 - 2016 school year. Hopefully, you had a restful and enjoyable summer and are ready to return to another exciting year at Ac2E Middle School.  I will be your Reading teacher this year and have been very busy setting up our classroom and getting it ready for your arrival. I look forward to the challenge of another year and the opportunity to work together with you.

6th Grade Honors Literature

2015-2016

Teacher: Mrs. Aide M. Pena

Room: 7062

School Phone: 956-352-6324

email address: aipena042@rgccisd.org

Students will be receiving their syllabus and important forms on the first day of school, August 24, 2015.  Please read syllabus with your child, sign and return it to me before August 26, 2015.  All other forms must be read and returned to me no later than August 26, 2015.  

Contents in my syllabus:

*List of materials

*Goals

*Grading

*Rules for classroom and school

*Expectations

*Consequences

List of Novels for this academic school year

1. "The Giver" by Lois Lowry

2. "Esperanza Rising" by Pam Munoz

3. "Out of the Dust" by Karen Hesse

4. "Once" by Morris Gleitzman

5. "The Cay" by Theodore Taylor

6. "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J. K. Rowling 

 

Week of May 25-30, 2015

 Well Falcons we have come to the end of a great year!  We have accomplished a lot and I am very proud of each and everyone of you.  I will miss you all very much I come to love each and everyone of you.  You are an awesome bunch stay as you are never change.  I know that you all will SOAR in all you try to in the future. 

Reading STAAR 6th Grade 97% Passing

Level 3 (Academic Performance) 25%

 School will be out for you all on May 29, 2015 and I want you all to stay safe, enjoy and relax.  You all have to read "The Secret Garden" for 7th Grade please do not forget.



 Incoming 6th Graders need to read "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."  It is the first novel for the new coming school year.

 





 

Reminders:

 

Monday--Ac2E Seminars

Tues--Ac2E Seminars continue, Dr. Leo Lopez Presentation

Wed.--Awards Ceremony

            6th Grade--8:30

            7th Grade--9:30

            8th Grade--10:30

Thurs.--One Act Play----Paco Zarate Auditorium

              Students--9:00 am

              Parents--6:00 pm



 Fri.--Report Cards Issued
Sat.--8th Grade trip---Good Luck!!!! Stay Safe!!!!



May 18-22, 2015

We are now entering the 5th week of the 6th six weeks.  This past week our students received their progress reports but we still have two more weeks of work and grades.

This past week we had our talent show, 8th grade gown ceremony and our end of the year field trip to Fiesta Texas San Antonio.  We have been really busy.

I want to thank all our students for being so well behaved at Fiesta Texas.  You should all be proud of yourselves.  I know I am proud of you all!!!!! Falcons SOAR!!!!





Horticulture/Agriculture class was able to pick some really nice squash and cucumbers.  Our gardens look fantastic.



Reminders: Please students you still need to come in uniform everyday.  White polo and jeans!
Tues.--School Dance 5th-7th Periods
Wed.--Leo Lopez III Presentation, 8th Grade Mass, Teacher of the Year Banquet  honoring Miss D. Cantu
Thurs.--8th Grade MORP
Fri.--8th Grade Promotion Ceremony

Week of May 11-15, 2015

Falcons we have reached the 4th week of the 6th six weeks. It has been a great year but we are not done yet!  Progress reports will go out next week on Wednesday.  We will continue to read "The Chocolate War."  We still have plenty of work to accomplish so please be at school.   I want to thank you all for doing such a great job in all we do.  We have a great 6th grade class!

Horticulture/Agriculture class our gardens look super.  Our vegetables are growing beautifully.  You all are doing a great job. 

I want to thank Mrs. Gonzalez for all the gifts she gave us this week for Teacher Appreciation Week.  She really knows how to make you feel very special and appreciated.  Thank you again

I also want to thank all the students that brought us gifts.  It warms my heart to know that we do touch our students in a good way.  It is super to know that we are appreciated.  Thank you again.

The reason I became a teacher:
I love my job if I had the opportunity to choose my career again I would choose to be a teacher!  I feel that being able to make a difference in a child's life is very rewarding.  I love passing my passion for reading to children and watching their curiosity ignite.  When I see a student succeed at simple or complex tasks it is an experience that makes my life brighter.  Also knowing that I might be the one and only person that gives kindness, patience, or understanding to some student's life each day is heart warming.  And also the influence I have in molding the students for their future endeavors. I love knowing that I have the opportunity to shape minds and ideas on a daily basis.  This is why I love teaching!

Reminders:
Students we still need to come dressed in school uniform to school.
Monday: RMS UIL Trip
Wednesday: Progress Reports go out.
Thursday: Talent Show
Friday: END OF YEAR TRIP to San Antonio Fiesta Texas.

Students will have to be here in school Friday morning by 3:30 am so they can have breakfast, load the buses and then depart to San Antonio. 



Week of May 4-8, 2015

We have now arrived at the 3rd week of the 6th six weeks.  How time flies it is amazing.  Falcons we are still in learning mode so you need to be well rested when you come to class and ready to learn.
This week we will continue with "The Chocolate Wars" and you will be assigned a project.  We have learned that Jerry Renault is refusing to sell the chocolates and Brother Leon is very upset.  The question is why is Jerry Renault refusing to sell the chocolates? 

Horticulture/Agriculture we have two gardens that need our attention.  Students this is a serious class.  We need to be prepared to work outside because gardens need a lot of caring.  We also have lots more to learn so come prepared.  Please bring a cap to wear while we are outside. 

Reminders:
Uniform is still a must no exceptions!
Thursday--Trip to Mission to watch a movie
Friday--Lock-In Peter Piper Pizza at 12:00 am-6:am

The deadline for Lock-In has been extended to Tuesday.
You need to bring in $10.00 for movie except those students that have perfect attendance.

 

Our Ac2E 6th graders collected money and bought a tree.  It was planted on April 30, 2015.

 

 

 

 

Our horticulture/agriculture class hard at work taking care of two gardens.