Sandy Hughes
shughes@dentonisd.org
Crownover MS
6th and 7th Grade EXPO Syllabus 2025-2026
Conference Period 11:00 - 11:40
Tutorials
Tuesday and Wednesday - 7:45-8:15 AM or 3:35-4:00
Please schedule an appointment with me, so that I can give a morning pass to your child.
Grading: EXPO minor assessments are weighted 30% and major assessments are 70%.
Students have 4 days to request a retest/redo after receiving their grade on an assignment and may only reassess if they made below a 90%. Once the student has asked for a reassessment, I will set up a new assignment date and provide them with the instructions for the replacement assignment or test.
Reassessments for minors are at the discretion of the teacher. Typically a minor will be tested on a major assessment at a later date. If the test grade is higher than the minor assessment grade, it will replace the lower grade in the gradebook.
Our grade book will show if an assignment is missing with an "msg" code. This code will put a value of a 0 for the assignment until it is turned in and graded. As soon as the assignment is turned in, the appropriate percentage correct will be entered. Missing assignments may be turned in up until the 4th day after the assignment is due. The assignment and due date can be found under the assignment tab in the Home Access Center.
6th EXPO Supplies: (continue scrolling for 7th)
Students will need a 3 subject spiral. It is helpful if the sections are separated by pockets but not absolutely necessary.
6th EXPO Curriculum:
The EXPO curriculum includes TEKS from English Language Arts/Reading, as well as the Denton ISD Gifted and Talented Standards Scope and Sequence (critical thinking, logical thinking, dimensions of depth and complexity, creative thinking, research skills, research products, etc.). Additional information can be found at the district website http://www.dentonisd.org/expo.
6th grade units include:
Being Gifted - This unit includes the reading of the novel The View from Saturday. Using the novel’s four gifted 6th grade characters, EXPO students will conduct a deep study of character. Studying the attributes of the novel’s characters will help EXPO students recognize, make connections, and develop their own unique gifts and talents and will identify personal challenges in order to continue self growth and be successful in future endeavors. In addition, students will move through a variety of writing lessons to prepare them for the writing of a personal narrative. Sprinkled throughout will be EXPO lessons using the creative problem solving method, brainstorming techniques, and the elements of creativity.
Public Speaking- EXPO students will develop public speaking and research skills throughout their middle school experience. Students will grow in the art of public speaking as they gain skills. This begins with informal book talks to the class and will continue to be developed as students create presentations.
A Study of Conflict and Mediation - Students will be able to identify conflict and identify the positive and negative effects it has in their lives and globally. Students will explore various techniques of mediating and resolving conflict. This unit also includes a research project. Students will select a person who has faced conflict and overcame it with a peaceful resolution. A variety of creative products will be used to convey the information that students learn about their selected person.
Student Expectations
The EXPO curriculum encourages discussion and thought on a variety of topics, some are controversial. All students will not agree with one another; however, students need to disagree in a respectful manner. I expect students to listen and ponder ideas, so that they may form their own opinions about various issues.
7th Grade
7th Grade Supplies:
Students will need a spiral notebook and composition book. Students will need a personal paperback copy of Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. This can be a new or used book. Amazon Link for Ender's Game
7th Grade Curriculum:
The EXPO curriculum includes TEKS from English Language Arts/Reading, as well as the Denton ISD Gifted and Talented Standards Scope and Sequence (critical thinking, logical thinking, dimensions of depth and complexity, creative thinking, research skills, research products, etc.). Additional information can be found at the district website http://www.dentonisd.org/expo.
7th grade units include:
Giftedness - A Study of Leadership Students will be able to recognize and develop their own unique gifts and talents to make responsible decisions and collaborate/communicate with peers/teachers/community leaders. Students will read a novel, Ender’s Game, to identify different leadership attributes. This serves as a catalyst to encourage discussions of their own leadership abilities. Writing will be integrated into this unit by using the novel as a mentor text. Students will reflect on the author's writing craft, writing elements like the use of internal and external conflicts, and character traits.
Public Speaking- EXPO students will develop public speaking and research skills throughout their middle school experience. Students will grow in the art of public speaking as they gain skills from informal class discussions to more formal professional presentations to share new learning.
Human Struggle - The students will contemplate human struggle through the reading of two classics, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and a graphic novel, The Odyssey, to analyze how struggling with challenges develops character, grit, and leadership.
Research- The students will practice reading fluency as we enjoy the reader’s theater play, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. The study focuses on how the author creates tone and mood. At the conclusion of the reading, they will research Victorian Era toys. Students will create modern versions of the toys and produce advertisements to model and sell their toy.
Student Expectations
The EXPO curriculum encourages discussion and thought on a variety of topics, some are controversial. All students will not agree with one another; however, students need to disagree in a respectful manner. I expect students to listen and ponder ideas, so that they may form their own opinions about various issues.