Welcome to Mrs. Kapigian's Class

Math

We are excited to be using the new HMH Into Math California curriculum this year! This comprehensive program is divided into 12 instructional modules to ensure students build a strong understanding of all the sixth-grade math standards. Each student will receive an individual math workbook and math practice book, and they will also have access to all of the curriculum resources online so they can review and practice at home as needed.

In addition to our core curriculum, students will use Waggle, an interactive online program that provides personalized instruction based on each student's individual needs. Waggle helps strengthen math skills by meeting students where they are and providing targeted practice. Students will work on Waggle regularly during class, and their participation and progress will be included as part of their math grade.

Most classwork will be completed during the school day. However, if students do not finish an assignment in class, it will become homework. Please note that math workbooks must remain at school. Students may only take home the assigned workbook pages, not the entire workbook.

At the end of each instructional module, students will complete an End-of-Unit Assessment, which will be recorded in the gradebook. To help students feel prepared and confident, the class will spend the day before each assessment reviewing the key concepts and skills covered throughout the module.

Students will also maintain a Math Notebook throughout the year. This notebook will include notes, examples, and helpful strategies that students can use when studying or completing assignments. Students may choose to take their notebook home for extra support or leave it safely in the classroom in their designated storage spot.

Grading Scale:  A (90-100%),  B (80-89%),  C (70-79%),  D (60-69%),  F (below 60%)

Science

Our Science class combines engaging lessons, interactive discussions, and meaningful note-taking to help students develop a strong understanding of history. As we work through each chapter, students will take guided notes using slide presentations that break the textbook reading into organized, easy-to-follow sections. These notes are an important learning tool and can be used to study for section quizzes as well as complete chapter study guides!

At the end of each section, students will complete a Section Quiz to assess their understanding of the material. While students are encouraged to study their notes beforehand, notes may not be used during quizzes.

As we finish each chapter, students will receive a Study Guide designed to prepare them for the unit test. Students may use their notes to complete the study guide, and the day before the test we will review it together as a class, discussing the correct answers and addressing any remaining questions. Although the study guide is an excellent review resource, it may not be used during the unit test.

Each chapter concludes with a Unit Test that closely follows the format of the study guide, helping students know what to expect. To support their success, students will have the opportunity to create their own flashcards the day before the test, which they may use during the assessment. Because creating the flashcards is part of the review process, students who choose not to make them or forget to bring them on test day will not be able to create a new set before taking the test.

Grading Scale:  A (90-100%),  B (80-89%),  C (70-79%),  D (60-69%),  F (below 60%)

6th Period - Sundale Leadership

Description/Objective: This class is designed to provide students with the knowledge of how to take on a leadership role on their campus and with their peers.  Students will be responsible for working independently in committees to complete tasks.  They will be responsible for planning and leading many of our student body events, planning community services events, money management, public speaking, etc.  They will learn how to recognize what is hindering the progress of their committee and the steps of problem solving in order to complete the project.  Students will participate in daily assignments that will enhance their understanding of teamwork and how to successfully work within a group. 

Policies/Rules: Students are expected to be respectful of other group members, be on task and complete their assignments. Students are expected to come to class prepared for their committee work for that day. Students will check in on progress of committee each week during the Leadership Business Meeting. Students must be able to work independent of teacher direction with a committee and see the committee through to the end. Students must be able to remain focused on their tasks while reaching out for assistance where needed.

Grading: Grading for this class will be based on completion of projects/activities and participation. Grading Scale:  A (90-100%),  B (80-89%),  C (70-79%),  D (60-69%),  F (below 60%)

7th Period - Money Management

Objective: Develop the skills needed to successfully create, manage, and grow a business while making smart financial decisions in our classroom economy.

Expectations: The goal is to increase both personal wealth and the success of a business. Throughout the simulation, students will practice entrepreneurship, budgeting, advertising, problem-solving, and financial responsibility .

Simulation: Each student will select a career from a pre-approved list and use that career to build a business. As a business owner, you will create and name your business, decide which products or services to sell, design advertisements to attract customers, set competitive prices, keep accurate records of all income and expenses, make smart financial decisions to grow your business. Each day, the classroom economy will include required purchases, business opportunities, and unexpected events that will challenge you to think like a real entrepreneur. Your decisions will determine how successful your business becomes!

Keys to Success in Kapopolis: Advertising almost always works well, having a business that no one else owns, setting prices that beat your competitors, keeping accurate records of income and expenses, buying and selling stock with the stock broker, and LUCK!!

Grading: A - Above $25,000 in the bank; B - Between $21,000 and $24,999 in the bank; C - Between $17,000 and $20,999 in the bank; D - Between $13,000 and $16,999 in the bank; F - Below $12,999 in the bank

SCICON

The Clemmie Gill School of Science and Conservation (SCICON) is the outdoor school of science and conservation operated by the Tulare County Office of Education. It is located on 1,100 acres above Springville. Last year, the school was visited by over 20,000 fifth- and sixth-grade students for a one-day or week-long experience in outdoor education, natural science, and conservation. Since 1958, SCICON has been a product of school and community partnerships. Community support has enabled this state-of-the-art environmental education school to become a model for similar programs throughout the country. SCICON is host to its own natural history museum, raptor center, planetarium and observatory, and tree nursery.