Ms. McFarland's
6th grade class 2022-2023
Class overview
This is a self contained classroom for gifted learners. We will focus on the Colorado Academic Standards for 6th grade and beyond for the core subject areas of English Language Arts (Reading, Writing, Listening/Speaking, Grammar and Vocabulary), Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. The grade levels of Colorado Academic Standards that your child focuses on will be based on previous learning experiences and beginning of year testing data. We will also engage in Social Emotional Learning lessons weekly with the guidance and support of our school social worker, Ms. Nicole Vasseur.
Every student will work with me at the beginning of the year to develop an updated Advanced Learning Plan that focuses on individual goals for the year. These goals will be based on a body of evidence and student interests. Parents will have opportunities to provide input and feedback on these goals throughout the year.
Our Class Expectations
Each year, the class sets their own expectations. Check back in a couple of weeks to see our 2022 2023 class expectations.
About me
Welcome to the 6th grade Discovery Class at Northridge Elementary School! I am so excited to work with you and your family this year!
I am originally from Texas and moved to Colorado in 2012. I have a twelve year old son who is starting 7th grade at Mountain Ridge Middle School this fall. We live with my mom and our four pets. We have three cats and a dog. My sister, brother in law, and two year old niece live just down the street from us, so we get to see them every day!
For fun, my family loves to be outdoors! We love camping, hiking, going for walks in the neighborhood and skiing in the winter. I also enjoy gardening and cooking! I am active in my son's Boy Scout Troop and was a Girl Scout leader for my sister's troop when she was in school. I enjoy helping others and work to bring out the best in people. I love to read and watch movies! My favorite series are Star Wars, Harry Potter, Marvel Avengers and Jurassic Park/World.
I began teaching in 1998 and have taught 1st, 3rd, 6th and 7th grade. I have a Masters degree in Elementary Education, an endorsement for gifted education and my teaching license for Elementary Education K-8 and English Language Arts 7-12. I have worked in gifted education for over 15 years and is it truly my passion. Gifted learners are incredible individuals who need a variety of types of support, resources and challenges. I am fortunate enough to work with an amazing group of professionals in the Discovery Program. Together, we focus on providing rich, engaging and challenging experiences for our classes while focusing on the academic, social and emotional well being of each child in the program.
Sixth graders are some of my favorite students to work with! They are inquisitive, quick witted and starting to explore their independence and realize their potential. This year, we will spend time talking about the challenges of middle school and focus on advocating for our needs with adults, setting realistic expectations of self and others, and learning about ourselves as gifted individuals. By the end of the year, my goal is that your student has the self confidence and tools that he or she will need to have successful and academically challenging experiences in middle school.