6th Full Year 

The sixth-grade language arts program offers a variety of standards-based learning experiences. The program is based on sixth grade Language Arts Common Core State Standards. These standards offer a focus for instruction to ensure an adequate exposure to a range of texts and tasks. Rigor is infused through reading and studying the components of literature with increasingly complex text, both fiction and non-fiction. Students will improve their skills in English grammar, writing, vocabulary development and reading strategies, along with speaking and listening skills. Writing a correct sentence, organizing and expressing ideas clearly in all genres of writing are emphasized. This course is intended to help acclimate all sixth graders to the high academic expectations of the language arts programs at Jackson Middle School. 

6th Accelerated; Full Year  

(Based on teacher recommendation, student's work ethic, and parent feedback.)

This course is an alternative to regular sixth grade language arts. It is designed for students capable of investigating language arts in a challenging, in-depth fashion. The material addressed in this course is fast-paced, covering both 6th and 7th grade standards in a single year-long course. It is designed to prepare students for the curriculum in the 7th grade accelerated language arts class. 

GIFTED English Language Arts; Full Year

Gifted language arts and the gifted seminar courses are designed to address students' needs in the areas of critical thinking and creative divergence. Many products will be open-ended, but pretests will be given to determine a student’s needs. Homework may be assigned to some students based on needs in practicing a skill or testing knowledge. Please keep in mind that students are not competing for “A’s” and that we want to build a diverse set of skills and knowledge. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me right away. I try to respond within twenty four hours of receiving a message. 

In both the gifted language arts courses and the gifted seminar courses, we will work on short and longer units which address standards outlined in the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The units are made up of several shorter assignments that will help students with their writing for purpose, public speaking, and gifted needs identified in their IEPs. They will usually begin with a pretest (ungraded) and culminate in either a written evaluation or an open-ended project.

English Language Development (ELD); Full Year

English Language Arts ELD – Grades 6-8: This course integrates grade-level English Language Arts (ELA) content with English Language Development (ELD) based on the level of the student. A primary focus is placed on vocabulary acquisition, reading comprehension, and writing essays in multiple genres. This course aligns with grade-level New Mexico Common Core State Standards(NMCCSS) for English Language Arts (ELA) and the current state-adopted English Language Development (ELD)Standards. 

6th Regular; Full Year 

This course is designed to provide a strong mathematical foundation as students transition from the concrete world of elementary mathematics to the more abstract understandings needed for algebra. There is a strong focus on developing problem-solving skills and strategies, as well as the ability to effectively communicate their mathematical thinking. In addition to learning arithmetic concepts and computational skills in ratios, fractions and decimals, students will use estimation, mental computation and applications of geometry and measurement. The course also incorporates an introduction to arithmetic operations with integers and an introduction to solving simple linear equations and inequalities. 

6th Accelerated; Full Year 

(Based on teacher recommendation, student's work ethic, and parent feedback.)

This course is an alternative to regular sixth grade mathematics. It is designed for students capable of investigating mathematics in a challenging, in-depth fashion. The material addressed in this course is fast-paced, covering both 6th and 7th grade standards in a single year-long course. It is designed to prepare students for the pre-algebra curriculum in the 7th grade accelerated math class. 

6th grade Physical Education; Full Year  REQUIRED

This is a required full year introductory course to physical education. The first middle school physical education experience will be one of excitement, sportsmanship and minimal competition. Emphasis will be on basic skills in both team and individual sport activities. A daily activity program, along with assessment results from the fitness tests, will assist students in meeting District Physical Education Standards.

Important Note for all PE Students:

Specific clothing is expected to be worn by all students during physical education class. Athletic shorts or pants with a minimum 7” inseam, Jackson t-shirt, socks and tennis shoes with non-marking soles. For your convenience, the JAGS Student Store sells the t-shirt for a flat fee of $10  

• Cold weather clothing may be worn over PE clothing during inclement weather. 

• Clothing must be permanently marked for identification.

•  Students are expected to take clothes home each Friday to be laundered. 

• Caps and sunscreen are encouraged when classes are held outside.

ALL sixth-grade students will be scheduled for PE. 

Life Science, Earth Science, and Physical Science; Full Year

At all grade levels, students will learn how to use scientific tools, techniques, methods and measurements to conduct experiments and investigations.

Students will learn how to use mathematics in science, how to analyze data and graphs, how to make predictions and how to communicate their findings. The students will be working in laboratory situations or learning through hands on activities. Science literacy and critical thinking skills are key components at all grade levels. Teaching students to read informational text is a key component of the Science classes. Writing and note taking skills are also emphasized. The core curriculum in all grade levels are built off of the NM state standards.

6th Regular; Full Year 

The focus of this course will be on the history, geography and cultures of the ancient world. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the complex nature of cultures and global relationships. The study of countries and cultures prepares each student to take part in a global economy. There is an emphasis on physical geography, map reading and atlas skills. Teaching students to read informational text is a key component of the social studies classes, along with an emphasis on writing. 

Wheel Courses we may offer each year.  Students will be scheduled into four of the choices below. Choices depend on teacher credentials, course requests and budget. 

Drama; 9 weeks

This foundational course focuses on students learn how to relate to others, gain confidence and explore the rich world of dramatic arts. We will focus on drama history, body language and vocal quality in interactive activities for all aspiring drama students. This will require a willingness to jump in and learn interactively and creatively.

Baby AVID; 9 Weeks

This course is an introduction to AVID, Advancement Via Individual Determination. Sixth grade students will learn note taking, organization and academic survival skills. The common principles that guide academic rigor in AVID is Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization and Reading (WICOR). 

Art; 9 Weeks

This course explores multiple types of  Art and how it evolved into what it is today.

Keyboarding: 9 Weeks

What is career exploration? Career exploration is what you do after you have a better idea of your personality, values, skills and interests. It involves purposefully looking through a list of careers that match you well and performing some research to see exactly what that career path entails.

Middle School 101: 9 Weeks

A Middle School 101 course is designed to prepare students for the transition to middle school and equip them with essential skills for academic, social, and personal success. It often focuses on study skills, time management, organizational strategies, and navigating the social and emotional challenges of middle school

Performing Arts Electives

Beginning Band; Full Year

This class is for students who have no experience playing a band instrument but would like to learn to play woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. If a student has had some band experience in elementary school they should have their parents contact Mr. Snowden via email at snowden@aps.edu for an audition to determine the appropriate level for their student. The instruments available to be played in beginning band are: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, french horn, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion (drums). Emphasis is placed on tone, rhythm, intonation, music literacy and technical facility. Students will have an evaluation during the first few weeks of class in order to determine what instrument they have the best chances of being successful on. A limited amount of instruments are available for rental from the school on a first come first served basis after the instrument has been decided upon. A detailed calendar and band handbook will be handed out outlining the entire year during the first week of school. Please feel free to contact Mr. Snowden at snowden@aps.edu with any questions. 

Beginning Orchestra; Full Year

This orchestra is for students with less than one (1) year or no previous experience playing the violin, viola, cello or bass. Basic string concepts and note-reading are introduced. Students will perform in evening concerts, assemblies and festivals as part of the course requirements. Eighth grade students may enroll for this class only with instructor approval. Previous musical experience on piano, guitar or other instruments is welcomed, but not required. 

Selection Process: None 

Beginning Chorus; Full Year

The 6th Grade Beginning Choir is for JMS students in the 6th grade who elected to take Choir for the entire school year. Students will study and prepare music to be sung at two concerts, one per semester, and at several other events throughout the school year, such as NMMEA performance evaluations.

    Students in this ensemble will more thoroughly cover the fundamentals of music than are introduced in the 6th Grade Intro to Choir course. Each student will practice music literacy skills such as pitch and rhythm reading, learn and be able to utilize a vocabulary of musical terminology, and explore how singing functions in our society and others. 6th Grade Beginning Choir students will also keep a class journal that will be stored in the Choir Room. By the end of the 6th Grade, these students will be ready to continue their choral practice in the 7th Grade Advanced Choir.

General Electives

GIFTED Seminar I; Full Year

Gifted language arts and the gifted seminar courses are designed to address students' needs in the areas of critical thinking and creative divergence. Many products will be open-ended, but pretests will be given to determine a student’s needs. Homework may be assigned to some students based on needs in practicing a skill or testing knowledge. Please keep in mind that students are not competing for “A’s” and that we want to build a diverse set of skills and knowledge. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me right away. I try to respond within twenty four hours of receiving a message. 

In both the gifted language arts courses and the gifted seminar courses, we will work on short and longer units which address standards outlined in the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The units are made up of several shorter assignments that will help students with their writing for purpose, public speaking, and gifted needs identified in their IEPs. They will usually begin with a pretest (ungraded) and culminate in either a written evaluation or an open-ended project.

Study Skills; Full Year

This class will support students with time management, reading and writing methods, note-taking, test-taking, memorization, organizational skills and overall middle school readiness. 

Courses prepare students for success in high school or for post-secondary education. Course topics may vary according to the audience, but may include reading improvement skills, such as scanning, note taking, and outlining; library and research skills; listening, note taking, and vocabulary skills; and test taking skills. The course may also include exercises to generate organized and logical thinking and writing.

These courses are based on iReady test scores, teacher recommendations, and parent feedback.

iXL Math; Semester

This class will be offered in conjunction with a regular sixth grade math course and will offer the extra support some students may need in order to be successful in the regular course. The teacher of this course will be guided by the Standards-based core curriculum of the regular course and will emphasize the skills, concepts and processes needed by the students. An intervention program can be thought of as a cycle consisting of three phases: diagnostic assessment, instructional actions and follow-up assessment.

LEXIA Power Up; Semester

This course will be prescriptive to the student’s reading intervention needs.  It will emphasize the skills, concepts and processes needed by the students. An intervention program can be thought of as a cycle consisting of three phases: diagnostic assessment, instructional actions and follow-up assessments.