Language Arts

Language Arts 6th-8th

At the middle level, students receive a concentrated focus on reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.  They improve their reading strategies such as predicting, visualizing, connecting, questioning, clarifying, and evaluating through the use of the Study Sync curriculum. This modern and comprehensive textbook series focuses heavily on nonfiction and informational text and includes a literature component, poetry. Students will also be expected to independently read; to work on grammar, writing, and vocabulary; and to complete homework and classroom assignments on time.  By the end of their 8th grade year, students will be able to compose strong formal writing assignments with proper grammar and sentence structure.

Math

Math acceleration is determined at the end of fifth-grade when a student proves mastery of the standards via assessment. The student is able to take a math course one or two years ahead of their grade level. If you are new to the district and/or want to appeal the results, please contact Learning and Teaching at 320-370-8051.

Math 6: 6th Grade Math

This course covers the 6th grade math standards that focus on number and operations, highlighting fractions, decimals, rates, ratios, and percent.  The standards cover algebra and solving equations and inequalities.   There is a focus on geometry and measurement where students will evaluate perimeter, area, volume, angle degrees and degrees within all polygons.  Students will finish with an emphasis on data analysis and probability. This class is followed by Pre-Algebra and the seventh-grade standards. 

Pre-Algebra: 7th (Advanced 6th)

This course covers the 7th grade math standards and builds on the concepts from Math 6.  Students build their understanding of concepts by using models, such as algebra tiles, number lines, and verbal models.  Pre-Algebra also focuses on linear equations and their graphs, solving equations, ratios and proportions, and probability. Students should come to class prepared every day with their homework completed and should expect to have homework every night.  This course is followed by Course Algebra 1 and the eighth-grade standards.

Science

Earth Science

The 6th grade Science course is designed to address the concepts of geology, weather, climate, the solar system, as well the impact humans have had on Earth’s systems.  We will explore topics such as rocks, weather patterns, natural hazards, and the geologic time scale.  Students will ask questions, plan and carry out investigations while using a variety of scientific measurement tools, analyze data, interpret graphs, and develop as well as apply models.  This course implements the 2019 MN Academic Standards in Science for 6th grade. 

Social Studies

Minnesota History 

In this course, students learn about Minnesota’s history, economics, civics, and geography, including that of the Anishinaabe and Dakota. Dig deeper into the history of Minnesota and learn more about “L’Etoile du Nord.” 

Allied Rotations

Life Smarts 1.0 

As the desire for independence grows, what ‘life hacks’ are important for teenagers to know?

Life can be stressful and unpredictable, but this class can help you be prepared.

Main focus areas will be on health, healthy decision making, personal care and wellness, careers in Health Sciences and Human Services.

Tech Ed 6: Coding

In this introductory online coding course, students will learn fundamental programming concepts through engaging projects and exercises. By the course's end, they will possess the skills to create simple programs, understand basic algorithms, and tackle coding challenges, empowering them to explore the exciting world of computer science with confidence.

Visual Arts & Media Arts 

Art provides students with creative challenges using a variety of media and creative, problem-solving activities. Students learn to express themselves through a number of two-dimensional and three –dimensional art experiences. Students will also conduct a global pursuit of the cultural and historical influences of art. Understanding the personal, social, cultural and historical influences of art help students appreciate their artwork and their own.

Physical Education 6th-8th

All students will take Physical Education each year every-other day. The course aims to build attitudes, work habits and skills that promote lifelong fitness and wellness in each student.  Our main objective is for each student to gain an optimal level of fitness and acquire the knowledge and skills to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Building sportsmanship and healthy lifestyle habits are key components to the program. 

Making Music 6th-8th

Making Music is a class where students get to experience all kinds of music. We explore different genres, instruments, and music from around the world. Students will learn basic piano skills, guitar, African drumming, as well as composing some of their very own music. Making music is not a performing class. There are no concerts that are required.