Academic Expectations
Students have regular daily and weekly assignments from the district-adopted textbooks. These books have reading and writing activities aligned with the Content Standards for California Public Schools. Students also have regular assignments, which include independent research, creative projects, group projects, state, local, and school contests, student art, map and chart making, and oral presentation.
In Language Arts, class sets of novels and student chosen books will be used in the classroom throughout the year. Students have the Prentice-Hall Literature textbook to be used in the classroom and spelling, literature and skills workbooks that are used for homework.
In Social Studies, students have the Harcourt Brace Ancient Civilizations textbook. Students spend about fifty percent of classroom time in cooperative learning groups and will complete at least one extensive research project on a topic of their choice using at least three external sources. Frequent school library visits will be scheduled during this time. The Activity Book will be used primarily for homework.
All students must bring the following to school everyday:
Three ring binder with dividers
Student Planner
Homework
Pencils, pens, lined paper, erasers, sharpener
Assigned textbooks and novels in book covers.
Self-chosen silent reading book
Behavior Expectations & Safety
Please review the five basic Classroom Rules for Francisco Middle School with your child:
1. Follow instructions.
2. Be on time and prepared each day.
3. Use appropriate language (no put-downs, harrassment, name-calling or bullying).
4. Keep your hands, feet and objects to yourself.
5. No gum, candy, food, drink, electronics or headgear.
After one warning for inappropriate behavior, the student will serve 30-60 second detention after class. Continued behavior will result in a phone call home. Students receive congratulation letters for homework, class work, and improvement throughout the year.
Attendance
Punctuality and attendance are required throughout the year. Any absences can directly affect the student's grade, even in the case of illness, because grades are partly based on the frequency and performance of daily classwork and homework. Mr. Kirk is often available after school or during the school day by appointment for students who need to make up missed assignments or talk about progress.
Grades
Grades are based on the frequency and thoroughness of daily class work and homework. Tests and revised writings are given a letter grade. Effort and improvement are emphasized. Students will also monitor their own progress in their in-class portfolios. Individual and group projects count toward the final grade. Students receive a progress report half way through each marking period.
Homework
Homework is assigned Monday through Thursday. Homework is not usually assigned on weekends or holidays unless it is part of an ongoing assignment such as individualized reading or a creative project. Sixth grade students should expect about one and a half hours of homework per night. Homework counts toward the report card grade. If there is less than one and a half hours of homework per night, the remaining time should be spent reading for pleasure.
Best time for parents to call or visit:
Monday through Friday: 2:30-3:50 or anytime by appointment (415) 291-7903