Sixth grade students develop an analytical approach to reading. Students are introduced to a wide array of literary terms in order to continue developing as critical readers. Using a wide variety of texts, both informational and literary, students will analyze how the author’s style, choice of words, and selected genre blend to create meaning. Additionally, students learn to organize and develop ideas in a convincing and well-structured format for a variety of purposes and audiences. Students begin to master writing conventions through exposure to good models and opportunities for practice. Writing conventions include punctuation, grammar, and other conventions.

Fee: $26.50

Scholarship ELA 6 students develop an analytical approach to reading in increasingly difficult texts. New literary terms are introduced so students can continue their development as critical readers. Using a wide variety of texts, both informational and literary, students analyze how the author’s style, choice of words, and selected genre blend to create meaning. In writing, students are expected to use more complex sentence structures and grammatical constructions. Additionally, students learn to organize ideas in convincing and sophisticated ways for a variety of purposes and audiences. The Grade Protection Policy applies to this course. 

Fee: $26.50

In the honors course, students with advanced learning abilities are provided with an enriched academic environment using a variety of instructional methods and materials. Students will be presented with more difficult reading material and will be involved in greater depth of study at a faster pace. Students read diverse selections in informational and literary texts, as well as develop and express ideas through sophisticated and well-constructed compositions and presentations. Evaluations stress higher level thinking skills, creativity, and excellence in performance and products. The Grade Protection Policy applies to this course. 

Fee: $26.50

Sixth grade math includes studies in four critical areas: (1) connecting ratio and rate to whole number multiplication and division and using concepts of ratio and rate to solve problems; (2) completing understanding of division of fractions and extending the notion of number to the system of rational numbers, which includes negative numbers; (3) writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations; and (4) developing an understanding of statistical thinking. 

The Scholarship Math 6 course will build upon skills developed within the Scholarship Math 5 course.  Instruction will be focused on four critical areas: (1) connecting ratio and rate to whole number multiplication and division and using concepts of ratio and rate to solve problems; (2) completing understanding of division of fractions and extending the notion of number to the system of rational numbers, which includes negative numbers; (3) writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations; (4) developing an understanding of statistical thinking.  The Grade Protection Policy applies to this course.

The grade six theme is Order and Organization. Using scientific inquiry students will discover patterns, trends, structures, and relationships that can be described by simple principles. Students in grade six continue to conduct investigations, work on technological design projects, and begin to apply mathematical skills in evaluating and analyzing variables of data. They identify basic skills of the scientific inquiry process, such as how thinking scientifically is helpful in daily life and how technological advances affect the quality of life. Under the Physical Science branch of Science, sixth grade students learn that all matter is made up of atoms. They learn the history of atoms and parts. They develop an understanding that elements are a single kind of atom and that combinations of atoms can lead to molecules and compounds. Students will be able to explain changes of state by a model of matter composed of atoms and /or molecules that are in motion. Students will explore and develop a basic understanding of thermal energy, potential energy, kinetic energy, and speed. Under the Earth and Space branch of science, sixth grade students will identify rocks, their distinct properties, and formation and characteristic properties of the minerals that form them. They will develop an understanding of soil, how it’s formed, the properties of soil and how those properties are measured. Students will also look at how rocks, minerals, and soils have common and practical uses and why they are nonrenewable resources. Finally, under the Life Science branch of science, sixth grade students will learn to recognize that a cell is the fundamental unit of life that continually divides to create new cells. Students will learn the parts and functions of the parts of a cell. Students will then take this a step further as they investigate how living systems at all levels of organization demonstrate the complementary nature of structure and function that enable organisms the ability to survive in their environments.
Fee: $11.00

In grade six, students study the physical and human geography of the Eastern Hemisphere (Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe). The focus is mostly geographic and cultural. Ancient river valley civilizations and contemporary regions are covered, along with government types, economic systems, and comparative religions. These areas are studied through the application of the Five Themes of Geography: Location, Place, Regions, Movement, and Human-Environment Interaction. These will include the study of cultures and cultural diffusion, movement of ideas, people, and goods, relative and absolute locations, classification of regions, and the ways humans and the environment are affected by one another. Students will also study the fundamentals of economics which include supply and demand, entrepreneurship, globalization, specialization, factors of production, opportunity costs, and the role of producers and consumers in society. Integrated into these studies will be timelines, map skills (including latitude and longitude, legends, scale, etc.), and primary and secondary sources.

Fee: $24.00 

The required semester course is a fun, hands-on mix of 2D and 3D art  projects which allows students to explore new and exciting media. Students will creatively problem solve and develop critical thinking skills to use throughout their life. Projects in this class may include: drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, and sculpture media. 

Fee: $15.00

Students in grade six study the importance of maintaining lifelong health through an examination of issues appropriate to adolescence. Students will be introduced to the three components of health: physical, social, and mental/emotional, including stress management and self regulation. These health components will provide a foundation for understanding and exploration throughout the health course. Students will be provided instruction and knowledge on topics including but not limited to; healthy choices regarding hygiene, puberty, nutrition, substance abuse, sexual activity, and relationships. Students also learn about the functions of the different body systems that provide a better understanding of the human body. Students will set health goals and track individual success. Character education instructional units support the development of healthy relationships and the reasonable treatment of others. Students will be provided instruction on study skills and organizational skills that will offer students successful strategies while transitioning to a middle school environment.

Physical Education prepares the student for total fitness and requires him/her to participate in a variety of sports and recreational activities that will develop his/her gross motor skills and spatial awareness while improving his/her personal fitness levels of strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance.  

6th Grade Band is for students new to band or for those that have minimal experience on their instrument. All students will try the various instruments to help determine what each student will play. Beginning band will focus on the basics of reading music and the fundamentals of good tone production and musical expression. This is a graded

co-curricular course and attendance at performances (approx. 3 per year) is required. At the start of the school year, we will help students through the process of trying every instrument. Once students select the instrument they like and are good at, parents will receive detailed information about the many options for obtaining an instrument and supplies to find the right plan for your child's specific needs and situation. Because every individual's situation is different, please feel free to contact the band director at any time for more information or details. Students do NOT need any experience to join beginning band.

Fee - $14 for SmartMusic (a digital practice and assessment tool)

This ensemble will introduce students to the fundamental vocal techniques, music literacy, ear training, proper performance and rehearsal technique, introduction to piano functionality, solfege, and vocal anatomy in the year-long class. The ensemble is predominantly a treble ensemble singing music written in two parts. The challenge rating of music selected will be OMEA rating class C or higher. Attendance at performances outside the school day and OMEA are required.