WELCOME PARENTS!

Mrs. Kassander

6th grade Language Arts

About Mrs. Kassander

This is my third full year at River Bend. I was also here for the last half of the 2012-2013 school year.

I have a Bachelors in Education from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania with a minor in Special Education.

I have a dual certification in English and Social Studies. I taught both in Pennsylvania before moving to Virginia.

I got married over the summer, so my email will be changing as soon as my name is officially changed through LCPS.

During the B-Day Schedule… When your child has Language

Arts for the second time, there is no need to return here.

Instead, please report to the cafeteria for a guidance presentation.

What can you expect from me? Professionalism Respect An open line of

communication Fairness Enthusiasm and

energy Creativity

Class Practices

Students have already started creating their own “Reader’s Notebooks.” Students are required to bring this to class

every day. We will go to the library every

Wednesday. Each week will rotate between lessons with the librarian and book browsing/check-out.

There will be homework most weeks, consisting primarily of reading logs, vocabulary study, and study guides.

Scholastic

I will send home Scholastic book orders each month. Our classroom code is MCW4T if you would like to order online.

It’s tax-free and there is no shipping/handling fee.

Orders help us to grow our classroom library and resources!

The first order is due 9/25.

Course Overview

Our department believes that the best way to become a better reader and writer is to practice!

Everything we do in class is based on that belief, Loudoun’s curriculum, and Virginia’s Standards of Learning.

Our SOL will be in May. In 6th grade, students will take the Reading SOL to assess specific reading skills.

One to the World

LCPS is part of the One to the World initiative this year.

We will be incorporating more project-based learning that connects content to the real world. This is designed to show students the

relevance of what they are learning and take learning outside of the classroom walls.

Your child will have at least one OttW project in each semester.

Reading

25 Book Challenge Interactive reading notebook

Class novels Book clubsClose readingLibrary lessons

Preparing for the Reading SOL Reader’s Notebook Vocabulary study Reading

Comprehension activities

Practice SOLs OnTrac test system Study Island

Writing

This year we will work on the following types of writing: Blogging – each class has a separate blog

page that you also have access to! Once the blog is set up, the password will be your child’s student ID number.

Descriptive Narrative/Reflective Poetry (including the spring Poetry Slam!) Creative free-writes Research Grammar/editing focus pieces

How Do We Grade?

Grading is calculated using percentages. Tests = 50% Quizzes = 30% Classwork = 20%

A progress report is sent home first quarter.

Sign up for Phoenix so that you have access to your child’s grades whenever you’d like.

Incentives

Ravens-We are a PBIS school, so students will have the chance to earn “Ravens” in each class for exhibiting outstanding behavior. Our main focuses are respect, responsibility and readiness. Students can use their Ravens at the Raven store where they can “buy” various items including a ticket to our quarterly Raven Rally using the Ravens as “money.”

25 Book Challenge- For every five books, your student will receive a Pizza Hut coupon for a free personal pan pizza. When a student finishes the challenge, they will also receive prize bag and will be encouraged to keep going with a special star behind their original.

Contact Information

Jennifer.Kreps@lcps.org Please be aware that I may not discuss

grades via email. School phone number: 571-434-

3220 Planning blocks: 1st and 7th

I often use this time to work with students when I am not in meetings. If you call during these blocks and I am unavailable, I will return your call as soon as possible!

Thank you!

Everyone shares the goal of helping children learn and feel successful.

I would like to thank everyone for coming in tonight. I am looking forward to a

great school year!Mrs. Kassander