Dear 6th grade Parents,
Our students are gradually getting adjusted to their full school day schedules! I’m especially proud of our 6th graders for mastering their locker combinations and getting more comfortable transitioning from class to class. I will be creating a seating chart now that I have observed the 6th graders’ work habits and class dynamic over the past couple of weeks. If you have any particular preferences (i,e., near the front for vision purposes, etc.), I will definitely accommodate your requests. Please continue to monitor Google Classroom and Gradelink for your child’s academic progress and to help keep them accountable for homework assignments/due dates. You can also find weekly ELA homework for my classes (Reading/Language) posted on our blog: http://www.stanthonygardena.org/sixth-grade/
Here is a recap of our week, along with some announcements for upcoming events:
GROWTH MINDSET LESSONS
We have been focused this week on learning the difference between fixed mindset vs. growth mindset (click for more info!), and promoting self-talk, attitudes, and behaviors that will contribute to their success in school and life in general.
This week’s Freckle ELA focus article was on Kobe Bryant and what he did to build his “Mamba Mentality” to make himself one of the greatest NBA players of all time. We identified his challenges physically, emotionally, and spiritually – discussing what he did to not only improve his basketball skillset, but heal and strengthen his marriage while eventually growing into a devoted Catholic who went to daily Mass to receive the Eucharist. Here is an article that you might appreciate published shortly after Kobe’s passing into eternal life: https://angelusnews.com/local/la-catholics/kobe-the-catholic-a-quiet-witness-to-the-faith/
STAR TESTING + ACCELERATED READER POINT GOALS
We took the STAR Math and Reading tests for Window 1 and gave the students an opportunity to retest if their scores dropped since last May. We will provide the full Diagnostic Report at Parent-Teacher Conferences during the first week of October. I will have the students’ 1st Trimester AR point goals set by next Tuesday 9/7 as they are aligned with the STAR Reading scores. The AR point goal is 10% of the students’ Reading grade. It is required to meet half of the goal before Progress Reports (9/24/21) and 100% of the goal when grades close for Report Cards (11/5/21). The AR Point Goals will reset each trimester. The students must read at least 1 chapter book of their choice per trimester and may make up the rest of their points with quizzes on short articles available on the Accelerated Reader program.
6th GRADE MASS FOR MOTHER MARY’S BIRTHDAY (SEPT. 8)
You are welcome to join us as Vicky, Chigozie, and Mario serve as lectors for a special Mass on Wednesday 9/8 at 8am to celebrate Mother Mary’s birthday! We will also have a mini-schoolwide “birthday party” for our Blessed Mother after lunch with songs and cupcakes. We owe so much to her for giving birth to our Savior and raising him into adulthood, as well as for her prayers and protection throughout our lives!
ZOOM BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT (SEPT. 8)
Back-to-School Night will be held on Zoom this year on Wednesday 9/8 from 6:30-8pm. Mrs. Grey will send out a link next week for you to join. The Junior High teachers will also send a separate link for our presentation to attend after the General Parent Meeting. This is the first of three mandatory parent meetings throughout the year. Non-participation will result in a $50 fine every time, per the tuition contract signed by the parents. *We will also send out a Sign-up Genius for you to reserve a time slot for Parent-Teacher Conferences in October.
USC CAMPUS TOUR FIELD TRIP
Classics professor Stefano Rebeggiani will be taking the junior high students on a tour of the University of Southern California (USC) on Monday, September 13 from 8:45am-12:45pm. The students will need to fill out a Visitor Access Form before the visit. This link will be emailed to you before the field trip. Please also make sure your child submits the Parent Permission Form and $17 bus fee by WED 9/8.
Thank you for all you do, and enjoy your 3-day weekend!
Blessings,
Mrs. Dyogi
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