To all parents and students joining our family at Culver City Middle School.
Let me introduce myself my name is Richard Garcia, I am one of five 6th grade social studies teacher at Culver City Middle school teaching 6th grade social studies. I started my student teaching at the middle school during the 1991-1992 school year and officially started as a teacher during the 1992-1993 school year. To date unofficially this is my 26th year and officially 25rd year at Culver City Middle School.
I am so excited for this New Year at CCMS for all new students and parents. I know how stressful this can be entering a new environment, no longer in the safety of your previous elementary school that is comfortable and safe. Now all of you head into the abyss of the unknown, not knowing what to expect. This in itself can be a monumental challenge.
I assure you that all of the new students entering this wonderful school have nothing to fear. Your are entering a family environment that will painstakingly do all their best to make you feel safe and welcomed in your new environment. This I promise you 100%.
Now I may be a bit biased, but all of you are entering the best district and middle school in the state, if not the country. Each and every one of you will get the best possible education this world has to offer, I guarantee it.
Every single teacher will do their job implanting the best education possible, but it is very important that students, as students give your best in absorbing this education, this success can be accomplished through dedication, hard work, and a drive to learn. It is you, and only you that will succeed and thrive as a CCUSD student. All of you need to know, the success is yours to have, by your hard work.
I know this is a lot to read, but it is important information!!!!
Students, let me inform you that this class will either be your favorite, or at least one of the top two favorite class you will have this year. Not to say I’m vain, but, I love my job, and don't tell anyone but I get paid for this job. I want all of you to know that I will always try to inspire you to expand your knowledge whether in school or not. I will try to burn this phrase into your minds, and pray that it takes hold in inspiring your future goals.
Confucius say’s ”Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” I haven't worked in 26 years, amazing huh?
My job this year is to introduce you to the aspect of Ancient Civilization but, remember I can only touch the tip of the ice berg doing this. There is so much information about each and every civilization we will be learning this year that it is impossible to deeply get into the substance. What I will be doing is getting you ready, by introducing you to research, historical essay writing, map making and the reasons why things happened, that of course leads up to today, and how all of us live our lives.
What is needed for all of my students .
Student’s, every single one of you must understand that you have to be in school. The moment you understand and agree that school is your future, school will be fun and rewarding. Without an education all of your dreams and desires in your life will be limited. An education will open up anything and everything you may desire to do in your life, and only you, will stop this from happening, not mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, siblings, aunts, uncles or friends! You are the creator of your wants, desires and dreams, and only you can fulfill them. Remember that always!!!
Every school year is a total of 183 days put into August to June, nine months and two weeks. We are in school from 8:20 until 2:20 a total of 6 hours. Our school has block scheduling meaning each class Tuesday to Friday is 90 minutes long so, social studies, math, science, language arts, P.E., and your elective will be broken into periods.
Wednesday day and Friday will be period 2, 4 and 6, 90 minute block periods
Tuesday and Thursdays will be period 1, 3 and 5, 90 minute block periods
Monday will be called “Stack Day,” in which you will be going to all of your classes that will be 50 minutes long
What this breaks down to, is you will only have three days of any class. My students will only see me three days a week. For example. If you have me on Wednesday and Friday, I will not see you on Tuesday and Thursday, and of course if you have me Tuesday and Thursday, I will not see you Wednesday or Friday. This schedule will make it feel like the year will go by extremely fast, and of course it will.
On Monday the bell rings at 8:15, and you have 5 minutes to get to class. When period 1 ends you will again have 5 minutes to get to period 2, and the same goes with the rest of your classes. Just getting to class accounts a total of 30 minutes a day, then there is lunch which is 35 minutes. So, a total of 1 hour and 5 minutes is eating and getting to class. So on Monday you are not in class 6 hours, but 4 hours and 55 minutes.
On Tuesday, Thursday and Friday there are five 5 minute transition or 25 minutes, on top of 35 minutes for lunch and 30 minutes for PAWS, in total that is 90 minutes going to class, eating and PAWS. Subtract that from the 6 hour day and students are in class a total of 4 hours and 30 minutes. Wednesday is an early day ending at 1:35 p.m., of a 5 hour and 15 minutes of the school day, lunch is 35 minutes and three transition is 15 minutes or a total of 50 minutes, bringing your school day to only 4 hours and 25 minutes.
There is a lot of information that needs to be taught to all of you this school year and in the beginning it going to seem impossible, but do not worry, as hard as it seems all of you will adjust, and be successful as a 6th grade student. All of you are scared, excited and most of you are ready for a new school year. I have extreme confidence in all of you that you will succeed and thrive at Culver City Middle School.
Welcome, and I cannot wait to start teaching all of you Ancient History
Your wonderful and amazing Teacher
Mr. Garcia :)
;
No upcoming assignments.
PREPARNG FOR THE 2018-2019
6TH GRADE FINAL
Mr. Garcia
6th Grade end of the year in class essay final
Information
What all of my students need to know about preparing for the end of the year in class essay final. Also attached to this email is all of the cheat sheets given out this year.
This final will be based on a PowerPoint program. There will be a total of 20 paragraphs that each student will be responsible for. The program will be on a timer, so each student will have three minutes to start and write a paragraph explaining what they see.
Based on what Mr. Garcia has taught you, all students will be responsible for creating at least three topics with three subtopics on each topic chosen then writing a paragraph using the information created by the student.
The following is what to expect. This will be a cumulative historical essay based on the all student have learned this year in 6th grade ancient history. Starting with Geography, Ancient Man (Science versus Religion), Mesopotamia, Egypt (the Israelites or Jews), India, Greece and Rome
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE FINAL.
All students must review their 6th grade social studies book on a daily basis. I am not requiring you to reread the entire book again, but review and look at all of the pages pertaining to the chapters we as a class have done since the beginning of the year.
There is a lot of information in your head that has been learned this year, and for all of my students who have been paying attention, you will have no problem starting and finishing this in class essay. Students who have not been doing their responsible work, and preparing by reviewing their social studies book will have a difficult time completing this test. SO REVIEW YOUR BOOK EVERY DAY!
There will be no introduction or conclusion in this final essay. The main purpose is your ability to identify what is being displayed or asked in the PowerPoint program. For the vast majority of you this will not be a difficult thing to do. All of you need to trust yourself, because you will do fine. It is only a small number of you who will have a difficult time completing this essay, only because you are not prepared.
For all of my students who are preparing as I have asked you to, again TRUST yourself, you will do a good job I promise. I have not lied to you this entire year and will not start now. Believe me when I say you will do a good job.
Well my little Chickadees,
3rd quarter midterm on Thursday and Friday March 14 and 15
Attached to this site will be an example brainstorm sheet
We are coming to the wire, and your mid term is scheduled for this Thursday and Friday March 14th and 15th. This is 25% of your overall grade so it is important that everyone take this test extremely seriously!!!!!
At this point all of you should have all of the topics chosen for this test. A total of 10 paragraphs, three paragraphs will be on Egypt, three on China, two on India, your introduction and conclusion. This is a 1 hour essay test and you must have for each topic chosen, at least 10 subtopics or bullet points that describe your topics to help you put your essay paragraphs together.
THERE IS NO EXCUSE NOT TO BE READY. YOU HAVE HAD THE ENTIRE THIRD QUARTER TO PREPARE FOR THIS IMPORTANT TEST. This accounts for 25% of your overall grade, so take this test seriously.
An “A” paper will have concrete information about your topic, no generalizations, and at least one paragraph that compares and contrast each civilization. This means that one paragraph about Egypt, India and China will have a compare and contrast.
A “B” paper will have minimal information but correct with no comparing or contrasting.
A “C” paper will correct information about your civilizations, but no specifics and not comparing or contrasting.
A ”D” paper is an attempt to write me anything.
What is happening Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday?
We will be watching TimeLife’s Dynasties of Powers, these three days. All of you can this weekend look at this video if you go to YouTube and search for “TimeLife’s Dynasties of Powers.”
Call me if you need any more information
Mr. Garcia
310-871-3679
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. "
“ Mark Twain “
Another week and another dollar,
What is happening this week?
We will be delving into the Ancient Civilization of India. Your Indian political map is due on Monday and we will be going over the geography of the country of India, its natural barriers, the Indus and Ganges plateau and the multiple and river systems.
The topics for discussion and learning will be the following from Tuesday through Friday
· Indus and Ganges Valleys · Mountains and waterways · Weather in India or monsoon
· Harappan Cultures · The origins of Hinduism · The Aryans · The Caste systems
· Hinduism · Buddhism
We will be watching the Movie “Little Buddha,” as well, to introduce you to the ancient story of Siddhartha Gautama or as he is known as “The Buddha or Awakened one”. He was a prince in the present day country of Pakistan.
What is due on Monday:
Your completed Indian political map, and your annotation warmups 1 and 2 on Ancient India is due.
I will be handing out chapter 8, on Ancient China for you to complete this week as well.
From this point on there will be an Indian warmup for all students to do at the beginning of class, including on Monday. We need to get ready for your midterm that is just around the corner March 14th and 15th.
As Always, if I make no sense at all, all you need do is text or call me. Of course this is only if you actually read this weeks assignments. I wonder!???????????????
Mr. Garcia
310-871-3679
Hey guys,
How was your 3 day weekend?
Just as a reminder we are taking a Common Core test using the Illuminant website. Remember it will be a 5 question quiz that will be based on the pyramids of Egypt, you will read about.
What is happening this week?
After your Illuminate quiz we will be outlining your Hieroglyphics paintings with black Sharpie. There will be no paintings, only outlining. Those students who have not finished their Canopic Jars or Hieroglyphic paintings can only finish it at Lunch, PAWS or afterschool on Mondays Thursdays or Friday. You cannot take anything home to complete.
Once all the above have been completed we will the hand out homework for the week. The chapter on India. It will be four lessons that will be completed by Monday of next week. All students will have a homework assignment each in night until Monday.
We will then start the next Geographical map on India. PAWS will only be open for all students missing in class assignments, Hieroglyphic paintings, and Canopic jars. All students who are missing work are running out of time to bring your grade up.
Again, if for any reason I make absolutely so sense text or call me.
310-871-3679
Mr G.
PS
The Cheats sheets on China, India and Egypt are also attached to this site
To my wonderful Ancient History specialist.
As of Monday there is 5 weeks and 4 days left before your third quarter Midterm. OMG where is time going? At this point all of you should have chosen your 3 topics on Ancient Egypt and are searching for your 2 topics on Ancient India. STUDENTS I AM REMINDING YOU THAT YOU NEED TO BE RESEARCHING ALL OF YOUR CHOSEN TOPICS NOW. Do not wait until the day before, or the day of to choose your topics.
Again her are the directions for the Midterm
What is Happening the week of Feb 4th to Feb 8th.
Monday Feb 4th
Mr. Garcia will finish the story of "Isis, Osiris and Set," or the story of how life began for the Ancient Egyptians.
Chapter 10, the "Jew," homework packet will be handed out. There are a total of three lessons, and we should be done with this chapter by Thursday and Friday this week.
Tuesday and Wednesday Feb 5th and 6th
The class will be drawing and role playing Ancient Egyptian Priest. We will be creating the four Canopic Jars, or the four sons of Horus, god of the sky. The Canopic Jars in the process of mummification were used to put and protect the 4 organs taken out of the body during the process o Mummification. These organs were the Lungs, Liver, Intestines and Stomach.
Wednesday and Friday Feb 7th an 8th
We will finish up the Canopic Jars drawings and coloring and time permitting start our project on Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphics paintings.
As always if I do not make any sense just text or call me.
Mr Garcia
310-871-3679
“If you wait, all that happens is you get older.”
-Larry McCurry-
Writer
Take heart to what is written above. It is so true, you are the creators and success of your life and it is only you. Take a leap of faith. Trust yourself, and push forward, and if you don’t succeed, dust yourself off, get up and try again until you do!!!!
To my amazing and wonderful 6th grade students, who will shortly be 7th graders soon. This is just amazing. Keep pushing forward, do what you are responsible for, don’t slack off and most importantly learn, learn, learn and when you are done learning, learn some more.
FYI
Just a reminder, all of you should be choosing and researching all of the topics that you have chosen for the mid-term for 3rd quarter. For periods 1 and 5 your mid-term is Thursday March 14th, and for periods 2, 4 and 6 on Friday March 15th. Attached to this site will be the cheat sheets for Egypt, India and China.
Remember that there will be a total of 10 paragraphs. An introduction, eight topics and a conclusion, three of your topics will be on Ancient Egypt, 2 Topics on Ancient India, and Three Topics on Ancient China. Teach of your topics chosen will have a total of 10 sub-topics. In total that is 80 subtopics or 10 subtopics for each topic chosen.
All 6th grade students should be choosing and researching their chosen topics NOW!!!!!! Do not wait, or you will dig yourself into a deep hole!!!!!
What is happening the week of January 28 to February 1st?
We will finish up “TimeLife’s Quest for Immortality,” and take your in class quiz. These are the following topics we still need to go over before we start India
As always if I make absolutely no sense at all, text or call me.
Mr. Garcia
310-871-3679
To my wonderful 6th Grade student’s
Can you believe that 50% of your school year is almost over? Time is just going by too fast. Just think you will be in the 7th grade in no time.
Well what are we doing this week? We have just finished the Actors Gang, and I hope all of you have a great time performing Mesopotamian historical events. It was fun for me. Anyways, all of you should be preparing for the final on December 18th and 19th.
Remember that you will be writing 10 paragraphs, with four topics on Mesopotamia and four topics on Ancient Man. There will be an introduction and conclusion, bringing the total number of paragraphs to 10. At this point all of you should have your topics already chosen, doing research on each of your topics. Remember that each topic you choose with have a total of 7 subtopics that explain each of your topics chosen.
Attached to this email will be the Modern Middle Eastern map completely labeled, colored and done, and study guide flash card printout The map paper size is 11 x 14.. There are a number of you who have still yet to complete this in class assignment. I will not collect the paper because all of you need to review this map for the quiz. All of you will need to know the locations of all of the countries, Capitals, mountains, seas, and oceans. You will be tested on them.
All of you should be review the completed corrected Modern Middle Eastern Map every night before you go to sleep. Do one section at a time to memorize the information
The things we have left to do pertaining to Mesopotamia will be Cuneiform writing, the final and the Modern Middle Eastern Map quiz.
As always if you need more information text or call me
Mr. G
310-871-3679
Well my wonderful 6th grade students,
I hope and pray that all of you had a wonderful, safe and most excellent Thanksgiving with all of your friends and family? I did, and was with family and friends and am so blessed they are all around me.
What is especially exciting is Christmas is just around the corner, Yeah. This is the best time of the year.
Monday November 26 to Friday November 30
We will be starting "Time Life's Mesopotamia Return to Eden" Video about these wonderful civilizations. This video can actually be seen on YouTube if anyone cares to take advantage and see it on your own time. I will try and finish the video by the end of this week to get ready for the Actors Gang.
Next Thursday and Friday the Actors Gang is coming. This will be a fun activity all of you will enjoy.
After the video, we will be taking a quiz, then creating a Modern Middle Eastern Map, and dive into what the middle east looks like today. All student will be required to memorize the names of the countries and capitals of each middle eastern country and identify where they are located.
Not to worry all will do just fine. Attached to this email will be flash cards you can use to study the countries and capitals.
Let me know if anyone needs any more information.
Mr Garcia
310-871-3679
If you can dream it. You can do it.
Always remember that this whole things
started out as a dream and a mouse.
Walt Disney
Parents and Students,
..
This week in school . November 5th to the 9th.
We will finish up Ancient Man. I want everyone to know that understanding how Hominids a different species was far different that all other creatures in Earth. Topic for discussion:
When we finish Ancient Man we will start Ancient Mesopotamia, and you will be completing two maps. One is Ancient, and the other is Modern, in fact, all students will have to learn all of the Middle Eastern countries, their capitols, and the geography around these territories. Mr. Garcia's will give all his students more than enough time to finish both maps in class . Finishing this in class assignment, will be totally up to each individual student. The following, are things to remember!!!
Things to remember, when doing a map in class. Remember that all students will have all the time necessary to finish their assignment.
What to start working on:
Our final is going to be on Ancient Man, Mesopotamia and possibly Egypt. This will be a ten paragraph essay with eight topics, your introduction and conclusion. As always, I will be giving a CHEAT SHEET on Ancient Man, Mesopotamia, and Egypt. but, students do not have to wait to find the topics they want to write about they can, themselves research these civilizations, and choose two topics on Ancient Man 3 topics on Mesopotamia, and 3 topics on Ancient Egypt a total of eight topics.. On the topics you choose, you will need to have seven subtopics, explaining each of the eight topics you have chosen. This of course will make it easier to finish your one hour in class essay. The format of the essay will not change, and will be similar to your first midterm.
As always if you do not understand what I have written call me.
Mr. Garcia
310-871-3679
Just to give you an idea of how well the class did on your midterm. Overall all of my students as a class scored a total of 90%. All of you are amazing.
Period 1 was 90%
Period 2 was 90%
Period 4 was 92%
Period 5 was 91%
Period 6 was 89%
All students got their midterm on Monday. Those of you that did not get it signed by parent or guardian get it singed and turned in for credit. This is a graded assignment!!!!!!
We are now in the Second quarter, that ends December 21st, the last day before winter break. Just as a reminder please read the following to help your child succeed in class.
To all parents my hands are tied when it comes to the topic of homework. The Culver City Unified School District has mandated that I cannot accept any late homework. That is why any homework assignments are only a total of 10% of your child's overall grade.
All other assignments are considered in-class work. What this means is, I will let your child turn, and retake quizzes with full credit until a week before the end of the quarter or semester. In this case your child has uintil December 18th or 19th, depending when they have me, to turn in all missed warmup annotation, retaking of quizzes to get a desired grade (I will never lower a grade, just increase it.)
I am available during lunch 5 days a week, at P.A.W.S. Tuesday or Thursdays, and afterschool on Monday Tuesday, Thursday or Friday
If students are not coming in class afterschool, and I am done I will leave by 3:00 p.m.
Usually on Tuesday or Thursdays I will occasionally make doctors appointments and will not be in class afterschool. I will usually let all my students know.
Homework for this week will be chapters 2 The Earliest Human Societies, pages 46 to 70 in your child's social studies book.
Attached to this site as well, is the information sheet for ancient Man, Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt. Start researching 2 topics on Ancient man, 3 topics on Mesopotamia, and 3 topics on Ancient Egypt.
As Always if I am unclear call or text me.
Mr. Garcia
310-871-3679
This is to all my wonderful 6th grade students. Kudos to completing your first major exam with Mr. Garcia. All of you did an amazing job, and I am so proud of you.
By this Friday, 25% of your 6th grade year is completed. Wow time is going by so, so fast. during this quarter we will be getting into Ancient Man, Mesopotamia and Egypt. Most likely your final essay for the semester will be on these three topics. All of you can start getting ready for the final by choosing items to write about by December 18th and 19th.
These dates are the day of the final for period 1 and 5 December 18th and periods 2, 4 and 6 December 19th. This will also be the last day to turn in all missed in class assignments.
What is happening the week of October 15th to the 19th
On Monday all classes will be taking the Bible DVD quiz. All student may use the notes taken during the DVD presentation, and by all accounts should A's the quiz.
On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
We will be continuing and finishing the Scientific Method, watching the DVD "Big Al." Students will taking notes on this DVD as well, and at its conclusion, like the "Bible "quiz, we will be having a "Big Al" quiz. Students, during this quiz will also be able to use their notes.
Once the scientific method is completed we will be jumping into Ancient man and his development from Hominids to today's Homo Sapiens. At that point this will lead us into the first known civilization Mesopotamia.
If you have any questions students and parents, please call me
310-871-3679
Mr. Garcia
My amazing and most excellent 6th grade students. Here is a quote from an amazing American hero!!!!
”The best way
to make your
dreams come
true is to
wake up.”
(Muhammad Ali)
Boxer
Well it's around the corner, your first major test of the year is this Thursday or Friday, October 11th or 12th or depending when you have me.
Remember, every one of you, should be researching the topics you want to write about for you in class essay. By this time all of you should have chosen four topics on Geography, one topic on Religion, and one topic on Science. STUDENTS, DO NOT, I MEAN DO NOT, CHOOSE YOUR TOPICS THE NIGHT BEFORE OR THE DAY OF THE TEST. All of you must be ready for the test before you come into class, the day of the test.
We have gone over extensively in class what I expect of you, and what all of you are responsible for this in class essay. Recently, I put on the homework site an information sheet for you to use to help you get ready for the test. Please download the sheet I made to help you prepare for the test.
What are happening October 8th, 9th, and 10th?
On Monday, we will have a Common Core Quick write on Geography. This is the quiz I have been telling you we would be doing. Everyone will do great, because it is about all of the things we have been going over in class. Please download and review the 7 continent maps that is on this site, and also the 5 themes of geography. “Mr. Help”
Movement
Region
Human Environment Interaction
Location
Place
Tuesday and Wednesday
We will be continuing Religion Versus the Scientific Method. With the DVDs on the “Bible and “Big Al an Allosaurus.”
For those students or parent who need any more information please call or text me.
All of you have a safe and most excellent weekend
Mr. Garcia
Cell number 310-871-3679
Putting together first quarter 6th grade social studies essay
Students, here is the way you get ready for your first midterm in Mr. Garcia’s social studies essay test.
Attached to this email is a Microsoft word download.
Ninety-nine percent of all failures come
From people who have a habit of
making excuses.
“George Washington Carver”
Monday 10/1/18
Just added the picture dictionary assignment. 11 x 14 paper needed to print out
My wonderful 6th graders time is going by so fast, isn’t it? Five weeks are here, and there is only five weeks left until the end of first quarter. Oh my Gosh!!!!
What is happening the week of October 1st to the 5th.
We will be taking the geographical Common Core quick write when Mrs. Torres completes the quiz. Please review all geographical terms we have been learning these past few weeks on a daily basis for the quiz and the 1st quarter midterm. We will be going over the 5 Themes of geography in class, and if you can the YouTube video we will be looking in class you can go over at home. The name of the video is “Five themes Geography 2.”
Monday October 1st.
On Monday we will be discussing what the midterm consist of, and what all of you are responsible for. The Midterm for will be on October 18th and 19th. Periods 1 and 5 will be on October 18 and Periods 2, 4 and 6 will be on October 19th.
Tuesday through Friday October 2nd through the 5th.
We will start the beginnings of Religion versus Science. In this process, we will be looking at the dynamics of how both these topics have influenced human progressions though out history.
Attached to this homework site are all of the things we have or will be learning about Geography, Religion and Science.
"Find a job you love
and you will
never work a day in your life"
"Confucius"
We have just completed our 4th week of school, can you believe this. OMG time is just flying.
We are going to work on your first common core quiz, that will be on geography and map making. Every single one of you need not worry. This is because all of you know everything we have been working on pertaining to Geography and Mapping
Remember that any Common Core test will not affect your overall grade, but all of you still must do your best to get a good score. Don't blow it off, because I must give each score to the district. This will inform them that you are understanding or not understanding 6th grade social science (studies).
SO, I KNOW EVERYONE WILL DO THEIR BEST RIGHT??????
WHAT IS HAPPENING THIS WEEK OF THE 24TH TO THE 28TH
MONDAY, TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY:
We will be finishing up the geographical vocabulary we started on Thursday and Friday and map reading. We are almost done. After this, all periods will be given an entire class period to start, locate and finish up your Geographical Picture Dictionary
PICTURE DICTIONARY:
Students you must remember this is your assignment to completer yourself. Once all you have finished defining your geographical dictionary sheet. All students must, in their artistic endeavor create and draw each geographical definition in the space provided above the definition, on the packet given. Once all the definition and drawing have been completed, each student will create their own geographical picture using 10 of the 20 geographical definitions and create their own Land Of.
Those students who focus, and work on their Picture Dictionary, will finish within the time that is given. Those students who waste time will not finish and receive a "0." The only way that the "0" can be changed to 100% is by completing the assignment on your own time, either at P.A.W.S, lunch 5 days a week, or after school on Monday Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays.
In class assignments and homework are your responsibility and no one else. So. be responsible and complete all assignments to the BEST OF YOUR ABILITY. That is all any teacher is asking of you in your 6th grade year.
THURSDAY AND FRIDAY
We will be focusing on getting into religion versus science. Really cool stuff.
If for any reason you are not understanding what is written all any of you need do is either call or text me.
Mr. Garcia (Can't wait till Monday)
310-871-3679
To all of my wonderful 6th Grade students,
We are now starting out 3rd week of school. My Oh my time is just flying by!!!!
At this point all of us should be well on our way starting and completing the first in class assignment the 7 Continent and oceans map. I promise all of you that by the end of the school year, all of you will be expert map makers. Have faith and confidence in yourself in accomplishing this endeavor. All of you will succeed I promise.
What’s happening the week of September 10 to the 14th?
On Monday we will devote this stack day to your first homework assignment, or chapter 1. "Introduction into World History." We will go over the do's and don’ts of what is expected of you, for the rest of the school year.
All of the chapters we will be doing this year will be the same type of work. Nothing will change pertaining to how this work is to be done.
Students, we will go over the first two lesson in class, so don't freak out. I will teach you what you need to accomplish to finish all of the annotations you will be doing this year. There are a total of four lessons in this chapter, and they are;
Chapter 1
Introduction to World History
Lesson 1 The World's Geography
Lesson 2 How Maps Help Us Study History
Lesson 3 How Archaeologists Study the Past
Lesson 4 How Historian Study the Past
On Tuesday through Friday,
The class will focus on completing and finishing the 7 continent and Ocean map making. If you work on completing your map in the time given, all of you should finish. If those students who don't use their time wisely, then of course you will not finish in the time given. If that happens all student who do not finish will receive a "0," until they finish the map then show it to me for credit.
No map can be taken home to complete, until I have corrected it in class. Remember that I am in my class everyday during lunch, on Tuesday, and Thursday, during PAWS, and after school on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday's.
After school, I'm usually here till at least 3 or 4 p.m., unless I have a doctor’s appointment or no one comes to class.
If any of this information is unclear please call or text me, for more information. Have a relaxing weekend!
Mr. Garcia
310-871-3679
PS.
When the 7 content and ocean map is completed, a copy of all information will be put on the home work web site so you can download.
We are now starting our 2nd week of school, out of a total of 40 weeks in the school year. Are all of you having fun yet? Well I am if you were wondering.
What's happening this week in class:
We will be starting Geography and be writing Geographical statements. When this done each and every class will be creating a Seven Continent Map.
Instructions on how to create it will be given in class. When the assignment is started each class will have a total of 1 1/2 class periods to finish this in class project, that about 90 minutes, when all instructions have been given out. This is more than enough time to complete this project. It is YOU and only you that will be responsible to complete this task.
Those who finish this assignment in the allotted time, will receive 100%, and those who do not receive a "0." The only way to change that "0" to 100% is by finishing the assignment on your own time either during lunch 5 days a week, during PAWS,or after school in my classroom, on Monday Tuesday, Thursday or Friday. The only time I will let you take your map home, is when I have corrected it. You cannot take it home otherwise.
Any question or concerns all each and every one of you need do is CALL or TEXT me!!!!
Mr. Garcia
310-871-3679
Let me introduce myself my name is Richard Garcia, I am one of four 6th grade social studies teacher at Culver City Middle school teaching 6th grade social studies. I started my student teaching at the middle school during the 1991-1992 school year and officially started as a teacher during the 1992-1993 school year. To date unofficially this is my 26th year and officially 25rd year at Culver City Middle School.
I am so excited for this New Year at CCMS for all new students and parents. I know how stressful this can be entering a new environment, no longer in the safety of your previous elementary school that is comfortable and safe. Now all of you head into the abyss of the unknown, not knowing what to expect. This in itself can be a monumental challenge.
I assure you that all of the new students entering this wonderful school have nothing to fear. Your are entering a family environment that will painstakingly do all their best to make you feel safe and welcomed in your new environment. This I promise you 100%.
Now I may be a bit biased, but all of you are entering the best district and middle school in the state, if not the country. Each and every one of you will get the best possible education this world has to offer, I guarantee it.
Every single teacher will do their job implanting the best education possible, but it is very important that students, as students give your best in absorbing this education, this success can be accomplished through dedication, hard work, and a drive to learn. It is you, and only you that will succeed and thrive as a CCUSD student. All of you need to know, the success is yours to have, by your hard work.
I know this is a lot to read, but it is important information!!!!
Students, let me inform you that this class will either be your favorite, or at least one of the top two favorite class you will have this year. Not to say I’m vain, but, I love my job, and don't tell anyone but I get paid for this job. I want all of you to know that I will always try to inspire you to expand your knowledge whether in school or not. I will try to burn this phrase into your minds, and pray that it takes hold in inspiring your future goals.
Confucius say’s ”Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” I haven't worked in 26 years, amazing huh?
My job this year is to introduce you to the aspect of Ancient Civilization but, remember I can only touch the tip of the ice berg doing this. There is so much information about each and every civilization we will be learning this year that it is impossible to deeply get into the substance. What I will be doing is getting you ready, by introducing you to research, historical essay writing, map making and the reasons why things happened, that of course leads up to today, and how all of us live our lives.
What is needed for all of my students .
Student’s, every single one of you must understand that you have to be in school. The moment you understand and agree that school is your future, school will be fun and rewarding. Without an education all of your dreams and desires in your life will be limited. An education will open up anything and everything you may desire to do in your life, and only you, will stop this from happening, not mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, siblings, aunts, uncles or friends! You are the creator of your wants, desires and dreams, and only you can fulfill them. Remember that always!!!
Every school year is a total of 183 days put into August to June, nine months and two weeks. We are in school from 8:20 until 2:20 a total of 6 hours. Our school has block scheduling meaning each class Tuesday to Friday is 90 minutes long so, social studies, math, science, language arts, P.E., and your elective will be broken into periods.
Wednesday day and Friday will be period 2, 4 and 6, 90 minute block periods
Tuesday and Thursdays will be period 1, 3 and 5, 90 minute block periods
Monday will be called “Stack Day,” in which you will be going to all of your classes that will be 50 minutes long
What this breaks down to, is you will only have three days of any class. My students will only see me three days a week. For example. If you have me on Wednesday and Friday, I will not see you on Tuesday and Thursday, and of course if you have me Tuesday and Thursday, I will not see you Wednesday or Friday. This schedule will make it feel like the year will go by extremely fast, and of course it will.
On Monday the bell rings at 8:15, and you have 5 minutes to get to class. When period 1 ends you will again have 5 minutes to get to period 2, and the same goes with the rest of your classes. Just getting to class accounts a total of 30 minutes a day, then there is lunch which is 35 minutes. So, a total of 1 hour and 5 minutes is eating and getting to class. So on Monday you are not in class 6 hours, but 4 hours and 55 minutes.
On Tuesday, Thursday and Friday there are five 5 minute transition or 25 minutes, on top of 35 minutes for lunch and 30 minutes for PAWS, in total that is 90 minutes going to class, eating and PAWS. Subtract that from the 6 hour day and students are in class a total of 4 hours and 30 minutes. Wednesday is an early day ending at 1:35 p.m., of a 5 hour and 15 minutes of the school day, lunch is 35 minutes and three transition is 15 minutes or a total of 50 minutes, bringing your school day to only 4 hours and 25 minutes.
There is a lot of information that needs to be taught to all of you this school year and in the beginning it going to seem impossible, but do not worry, as hard as it seems all of you will adjust, and be successful as a 6th grade student. All of you are scared, excited and most of you are ready for a new school year. I have extreme confidence in all of you that you will succeed and thrive at Culver City Middle School.
Welcome, and I cannot wait to start teaching all of you Ancient History
Your wonderful and amazing Teacher
Mr. Garcia :)
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