Welcome Warriors!
6th Grade ELA and Reading with Ms. Zitzman
I know you are worried...
A bit about me...
I am a mom, too. My daughter is a freshman at Birdville High School this year. Teaching is a VERY busy job, and in the time left over I am running Kendra around to her things. She's involved in choir and theater so we stay running! :-) We also have a cute doggie named Lucy (she would be mad if I didn't mention her!)
I'm not a Texas native, but as they say, I got here as soon as I could! I hail from Michigan and am a graduate of Michigan State University (go Spartans!). I don't miss the cold, but I travel north each summer to escape the Texas heat and enjoy gorgeous Michigan summers!
Me and my girl
Kendra (playing Flora in Sleeping Beauty)
Lucy
Information and Frequently Asked Questions
Class information:
Lesson plans are posted weekly on my website. I will send informational emails via Skyward several times per marking period and for critical news, I’ll text via Remind. Please sign up to receive these texts as follows:
Reading classes: Text @mszreading to 81010 English classes: Text: @mszwriting to 81010
Course Materials:
Students should be prepared daily with notebook paper in their binder, a pencil pouch with pencils, highlighter, etc.
Absence Policy:
There is an Absent File crate with a file for each class period within. Students are expected to check the file for their class period after an absence to collect any missed work. One day per absent day is given to complete the make-up work. Students will need to attend tutorials to receive clarification on missed work or complete missed tests or quizzes (within a few days of the absence because I know the students have more than one teacher!)
Homework:
With the exception of vocabulary in reading class, students will not receive regular homework in my classes. However, if a student does not complete class work they may need to bring it home for completion. All unfinished work is due the next day. Late homework will following the late work grading policy (see below).
In READING: Students will be expected to study vocabulary (word parts) each week in anticipation of a quiz.
Grading and late work policy (per BISD policy):
Students will receive no less than 8 daily grades and 3 major (test) grades per six weeks period. Students will be expected to adhere to assignment due-dates. Late work will receive a deduction of 10 points per day for up to 3 days after which a zero will be assigned.
Failing grade policy: students have the opportunity to re-do a major grade assignment if they earn a score of 69 or below. The 2nd attempt must occur during tutorials within 5 school days. If the student receives a score of 70 or higher on the reassessment, a grade of 70 will be entered in the grade book. If the student receives less than 70, the higher of the two scores prevails.
Classroom Behavior Expectations:
1. Be respectful
2. Be prepared to learn
3. Be safe
4. Touch only those items you have permission to touch
5. Talk at appropriate times
Failure to abide by these expectations can/will result in verbal warnings, parent notifications, d-hall, and office referrals.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. From parents: how can I contact you?
Email is the BEST possible way to reach me and I check it up until I go to bed each night. Phone calls cannot be returned until a time in which I don’t have students, but feel free to leave a message.
email: colleen.zitzman@birdvilleschools.net
2. What if I need extra help or need to make up absent work?
I have tutorials EVERY morning M-F from 8:00-8:30 and I can even see you earlier if you let me know you need me. I only schedule afternoon tutorials by appointment but I will do my best to accommodate you whenever I can---just be sure to let me know. If I can’t stay after school, I can arrange for another teacher to help you.
3. Do you ever offer extra credit?
On occasion I will offer extra credit questions on quizzes or assignments. I do not offer extra credit assignments to boost grades as I offer plenty of opportunity for you to do to do well through class assignments, projects, and tests/quizzes. My top priority is the learning and if mastery is not shown then I will offer remediation to help ensure the learning occurs.
4. For reading students: Do I have to keep a reading log or read a certain number of minutes/days per week?
I do not require a reading log, but I DO expect you to read outside of school regularly. Research shows that 20 minutes of reading per day greatly increases your reading comprehension. I will be so happy to help you find those books you cannot put down! If you need help, ask me!
5. Can I eat/drink/chew gum in class?
You can do all of the above until you abuse the privilege. Learning is the priority and if eating/drinking/chewing gum habits become your priority, we’ll have to rearrange those priorities. Also, if you are a piggy and make messes you don’t clean up, of course you will lose the privilege. In other words: be responsible about it and I’m fine with it.
6. What is your policy about cell phones/devices?
I WANT you to bring your phone/device to class EVERY DAY. Yes, I said that. Bring it. We will be using them often for learning! But there are guidelines you will follow.
1. You use them ONLY when you have permission from me and ONLY for educational purposes. That means no music, no games, no texting, no social media unless I say so!
2. Devices stay on the desk top, face up, at all times.
3. Abuse of guidelines results in losing possession of device. Your parent will be notified and you will have to pick it up after school in the office.