1. Traditional / in person (default enrollment model for students)- is the face to face model that most students participate in.  In the traditional model students attend school all day face to face with their classroom teachers and peers. Students will be issued a device (chromebook) to use in classes and to take home each evening.

2. Virtual (option for students that qualify) - Mustang Intermediate Virtual Academy (MIVA) offers students the opportunity to complete all coursework through an online platform called FlexPoint, requiring their own internet connectivity. Students may use their own devices or check out a school-provided device, if available. This Virtual Learning Program allows students to take all their courses in a virtual setting, entirely off-campus, with instruction directed by a certified teacher. Assistance is available upon request. Enrollment in the Virtual Learning option requires a minimum commitment of one semester.

MIVA relies on support from adults at home and within the online classroom environment to ensure student success.  Activities are designed to align with the current MPS scope and sequence, fostering both academic growth and social-emotional development while continue to develop the skills needed to be future-ready, with an emphasis on open communication between teachers, students, and parents.

The success of this program is highly dependent on the student's ability to be self-motivated and productive without direct supervision.  If your student may struggle to log in regularly and dedicate sufficient time to their coursework independently, this option may not be the best fit.  Additionally, students will be required to come on campus for State-mandated assessments (OSTP) in late spring and the STAR assessment three times per year.   

All 5th and 6th grade students will take

Core courses

 Students enroll in the four content areas and all the courses are full year long courses. 

• • ELA (1 class) 

  • Math (1 class)

  • Science (1 class)

  • Social Studies (1 class)

Accelerated Placement Enrollment Information

  ○ Accelerated courses are academically advanced courses designed to challenge motivated students to understand rigorous content.

    ○ The coursework requires students to engage in independent and analytical assignments and to complete a substantial amount of work outside of class.

    ○ Accelerated middle school courses are designed to prepare students for high school Accelerated and AP courses.  AP courses are college-level courses taught in a high school setting.

    ○ Students who experience success in Accelerated courses typically exhibit the following personal and academic characteristics:

          ■ Reading on or above grade level

          ■ Strong study skills and self-motivation

          ■ Proficient oral and written communication skills

          ■ Self-discipline to plan, organize, and carry out tasks to completion

          ■ Interest and self-directedness in a particular subject 

   ○ Students are not expected to enroll in Accelerated courses in all core subject areas. Students are encouraged to take Accelerated courses that are appropriate to their interest and academic strengths.  The number of Accelerated courses varies with students' motivation, self-discipline and available time outside of class.

Life App courses 

• Students enroll in Life App for 3 class periods.  Most Life Apps are one 9-weeks long, but a few are semester (=two 9-weeks) or year long (=four 9-weeks) classes.  The combination chosen will total eight 9-weeks.

  • Examples:

    • Student A takes band (year long) & year long choir or PE.  No other Life Apps needed because all Life App requirements are met.

    • Student B takes band (year long), semester choir, and two 9-weeks Life Apps.

    • Student C takes eight 9-weeks Life App classes.

    • Student D takes semester choir and six 9-weeks Life App classes.

5th ELA: Students in 5th grade extend their critical reading and writing skills to proficiently read grade-appropriate complex literature, informational texts, and mixed media. Instruction focuses on using text evidence, summarizing, paraphrasing, and engaging in collaborative conversation. Students analyze texts for literary elements, focusing on figurative language, the author’s purpose, and structure. Students continue to practice the writing process by composing narrative, informative, and opinion pieces that incorporate grade-level grammar concepts such as sentence structure. Students expand their personal and academic vocabulary for their writing and speaking by studying Greek and Latin roots and distinguishing among words with multiple meanings in complex texts. Students develop stamina for longer periods of independent reading and writing.

6th ELA: In grade 6, students practice speaking and listening by sharing their ideas and findings in class discussions. During the revision stage of the writing process, students learn how to better organize their writing through logical order and transitions. Students proficiently read complex literary and informational texts while further developing the ability to cite textual evidence to support analyses, which now includes mood. In this grade, students shift from writing opinion essays to argumentative essays, using claims, organization, and evidence to strengthen their writing. Students’ vocabularies expand as they become more attuned to using context clues, knowledge of Latin roots, affixes, and stems to determine the meaning of complex words. They learn how to use commas and colons with increasing sophistication in their writing. They also take a critical stance toward sources and apply criteria for identifying relevant and reliable information. Students critique and create multimodal content and become increasingly independent readers and writers.

5 Math: As students continue their math experience into fifth grade, their learning experience will focus on the central ideas of numbers and operations, algebraic reasoning, and geometry. In numbers and operations, students will divide multi-digit numbers and solve real-world and mathematical problems using arithmetic while also connecting the concepts of decimals and fractions. In algebraic reasoning, students will begin graphing number patterns and interpret expressions, equations, and inequalities involving variables. In geometry, students will classify and draw representations of two- and three-dimensional figures and understand shapes' volume and surface area. These strands will be addressed using real-world activities/lessons that warrant hands-on opportunities while promoting problem-solving, reasoning, modeling, questioning, and generalizing. This year will build upon students' fourth-grade experience and is a springboard to middle school math courses.

5/6 Advanced Math (for 5th Graders): Students in 5/6 Advanced Math will receive the entire 5th-grade curriculum as well as half of the 6th-grade curriculum. This advanced track will allow students to move at an advanced pace that will put them on track to complete three years of curriculum and standards in just two years. This advanced course seamlessly integrates topics between the two grade levels to connect mathematical concepts and real-world applications while helping students develop a deep and flexible conceptual understanding.

6 Math: The sixth-grade curriculum focuses significantly on numbers and operations by introducing rational numbers and integers and extending students’ understanding of fractions and decimals into multiplication and division. By weaving rational number operations and equivalencies throughout algebra, geometry, and data analysis, students develop fluency in the addition and subtraction of integers and multiplication and division of fractions, decimals, and mixed numbers. At the same time, they reason about and make connections between real-world and mathematical problems involving ratios, areas, and measures of central tendency. Sixth graders will also learn how to translate real-world situations into expressions, equations, and inequalities, along with generating equivalent expressions, allowing them to develop more strategies for problem-solving.

6/7 Advanced Math: Students in 6/7 Advanced Math will receive the rest of the 6th-grade curriculum as well as all of the 7th-grade curriculum. This advanced track will allow students to move at an advanced pace that will put them on track to complete three years of curriculum and standards in just two years. This advanced course seamlessly integrates topics between the two grade levels to connect mathematical concepts and real-world applications while helping students develop problem-solving and mathematical reasoning strategies.

5th Science: In fifth-grade science, students will explore key concepts to answer scientific questions about the world around them. They will learn that matter retains its weight even when it changes form and investigate whether mixing substances creates new materials. Through modeling, students will describe how Earth's systems—the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere—interact, and they will graph data to understand how water is distributed across the planet. They will also develop models to show that matter is made of tiny, unseen particles, discover how plants use air and water to grow, and explain how energy in animals’ food originates from the sun. Additionally, students will study patterns of shadow changes, seasonal daylight, and the stars visible in the night sky.

6 Science: In sixth-grade science, students will expand their understanding of the physical, life, and earth sciences through hands-on investigations, model-building, and data analysis. They will explore thermal energy transfer by designing and testing devices that control heat flow while examining how energy transfers are influenced by matter and motion. Students will learn how sound and light waves interact with materials, deepen their knowledge of cells and body systems, and investigate how sensory receptors process stimuli. They will also study Earth's dynamic processes, including the cycling of water, the role of energy in geologic changes, and the use of weather data to predict and mitigate the effects of air mass movements. Through these experiences, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of how energy and matter shape the natural world.

5th Social Studies:   In the fifth grade, students will examine the inheritance of the British system of government and the practices of constitutionalism, self-government, individual rights, representative government, and separation of powers established by our Founding Fathers. Studies begin with the British settlement of Virginia at Jamestown and conclude with an in-depth analysis of the principles of the Constitution of the United States.

6th Social Studies: In the sixth grade, student learning is focused on the discipline of geography- the study of spatial patterns of the human and physical characteristics of the world and its peoples. Students will use geographic knowledge as a tool for understanding the concepts of economics and the impact of recent history on contemporary events. Students will also explore how spatial patterns form, change over time, and relate to one another, using examples from the Western Hemisphere. For practical purposes, the Western Hemisphere is identified as the areas of North America, South America, and the Caribbean.

Robotics: This introductory course focuses on developing core computer programming logic and reasoning skills through a robotics engineering framework. Students begin by learning coding fundamentals, directional terminology, and kinesthetic coding concepts. They then advance to building and programming SPIKE Prime robots using word block coding. Finally, students select their own SPIKE Prime projects to complete and present their finished creations to the class.

Grade: 5&6                                                Length of course: 9 weeks                           Prerequisite: none

Advanced Robotics: This advanced course is designed for students who have successfully completed the introductory robotics course. Building on the programming skills developed in the introductory class, students will work with the SPIKE Prime or Lego Mindstorms EV3 robots. They will engage in activities such as programming using color, touch, ultraviolet, and gyro sensors. Additionally, the course includes an introductory unit on drones. Completion of this class is required for students chosen to participate in a First Lego League competitive team.

Grade: 6                                                     Length of course: 9 weeks                             Prerequisite: none

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math): This nine-week elective course offers students high-quality instruction in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through discovery, problem-solving, and project-based learning, students will engage with science and mathematics concepts while developing innovative ideas and solutions. Fifth-grade STEM focuses on reinforcing the principles of simple machines, while sixth-grade STEM explores forces and motion, including aviation. This course aims to inspire students as learners and equip them to become future leaders capable of addressing the challenges of an ever-evolving world of STEM careers.

Grade: 5&6                                                Length of course: 9 weeks                          Prerequisite: none

STEM Career Exploration: STEM Career Exploration introduces students to the real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while providing insight into the diverse STEM opportunities available at middle and high school levels. Through hands-on activities, project-based learning, and interactive discussions, students will explore how STEM is applied in various industries and careers, gaining an understanding of the skills and knowledge needed for success in these fields. This course also highlights the STEM pathways offered within the school district, helping students make informed decisions about their future academic and career goals.

Grade: 6                                                     Length of course: 9 weeks                         Prerequisite: none

Technology:  Technology is a hands-on class where students explore innovative ways to use computers and iPads as learning tools. They will engage with various applications on both platforms to become self-directed learners. The class emphasizes creativity and innovation by encouraging students to develop new ideas and projects, as well as communication and collaboration through effective teamwork. Students will build research and information fluency by learning to locate and utilize resources effectively while enhancing their critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills through planning, designing, and resolving challenges. Additionally, the course promotes digital citizenship by teaching safe and ethical computer practices, technology operations, and concepts such as file management and troubleshooting.

Grade: 5&6                                                   Length of course: 9 weeks                        Prerequisite: none

Advanced Technology: Technology is a hands-on class where students build on the foundational skills learned in 5th-grade technology, exploring creative and innovative ways to use computers and iPads as learning tools. They engage with various applications to further develop skills in creativity and innovation, communication and collaboration, research and information fluency, critical thinking and problem-solving, digital citizenship, and technology operations. Students learn to create new ideas, work effectively with others, locate and use information efficiently, solve problems through planning and design, practice safe and ethical digital behavior, and manage files and troubleshoot technology, all with the goal of becoming self-directed learners. Completion of the 5th-grade technology course is a prerequisite for enrollment.

Grade: 6                                                         Length of course: 9 weeks                         Prerequisite: none

Art: This nine week elective course provides students with opportunities to develop & use the visual language, build creative critical thinking skills and aesthetic judgments. This course also pursues personal expression through art exploration and production utilizing a variety of media within two and three dimensions. Students experience and appreciate the art of others throughout history and diverse cultures. 

Grade: 5&6                                                     Length of course: 9 weeks                      Prerequisite: none

Advanced Art: This semester elective course provides students with enhanced opportunities to develop & use the visual language, build creative critical thinking skills and aesthetic judgments. This course also pursues personal expression through advanced art exploration and production utilizing a variety of media within two and three dimensions. Students experience and appreciate the art of others throughout history and diverse cultures and will have increased opportunities to display their artwork outside of the classroom setting.

Grade: 6                                                          Length of course: semester                    Prerequisite: Art

Beginning Band: This course is offered to all sixth grade students who wish to study flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, or percussion. Instrument selection is guided by the Mustang Band Instructors prior to placement into one of these five instrument classes. Instruction in these classes is centered around the development of: a) behavioral skills necessary to successfully participate in large ensemble classes, b)  executive skills necessary to perform at a novice level on wind, brass or percussion instruments, and c) music reading skills necessary to read and understand music at a novice level. Additional exploration of basic ear training and music theory is also part of course work. As this is solely an introductory course, students are highly encouraged to continue enrollment in band during successive years. Families of students enrolled in band should be prepared to provide an instrument and all supplies for that instrument. Financial assistance may be available for families who struggle with this requirement. Students do not need to have prior band experience.

Grade: 6                                                          Length of course: year                          Prerequisite: none

General Music: Music enriches our lives every day!  This class helps students understand the music they listen to and the music they learn to make. This is an active class where students will explore their music making with peers as they learn about the many ways humans have engaged and continue to engage with music.  Students will learn to use their singing voice properly and grow their capacities to sing in unison and in harmony with others.

Grade: 5                                                          Length of course: year                          Prerequisite: none

Choir:  This class extends learning acquired in Fifth Grade General Music. Students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to perform effectively in a choral ensemble. Students will learn to sight-read music while being acquainted with diverse musical styles and genres. Students will also participate in three primary aspects of effective choral performance: demonstrated knowledge of content, appropriate performance attire, and comportment necessary to deliver an effective performance. Fees are attached to this class for uniforms, and potential musical opportunities outside of the classroom. This class may be taken for a semester or a year.

Grade: 6                                                  Length of course: semester or Year              Prerequisite: none

Theatre: This course introduces students to basic stage terminology, improvisation, character building, and fundamentals of acting while incorporating artistic disciplines, such as memorizing scripts and blocking, being a responsible and cooperative teammate, and incorporating basic performance principles. There is an emphasis on team-building, interpersonal skills, problem-solving, conflict-resolution, and presentation skills. It is a great confidence and skill-set booster for ANYONE, regardless of professional pursuits.

Grade: 6                                                         Length of course: 9 weeks                     Prerequisite: none

PE: The Physical Education program allows each student to participate in a comprehensive program consisting of skill development, lead-up games, team sports, and physical fitness activities. The students receive instruction in the rules, skills, and strategies associated with the different sports and learn experiences involving physical conditioning activities. They will also have opportunities to become involved in lifelong physical activities through individual sports units. The program promotes the spirit of cooperation, leadership, fair play, and friendly competition.

Grade: 5 Length of course: year  Prerequisite: none

Grade: 6                                                        Length of course: semester Prerequisite: none

Communications: This 9-week course will focus on development of oral and technological presentation skills. Public speaking will be practiced and demonstrated through oral presentations, school announcements (digital and print), and other creative presentations. In addition, the history of communication and communication inventions will be explored in this class. 

Grade: 5&6                                           Length of course: 9 weeks                            Prerequisite: none

Leadership: This semester course is designed to provide students instruction in basic leadership skills and qualities. Through a creative process, students will gain experience being leaders and using personal styles of leadership while exploring and expanding their decision making abilities. Students will get the opportunity to participate in school community service projects. In addition, character trait education, as well as, past and present leaders' biography research will be a focus of the class.

Grade: 6                                               Length of course: semester                         Prerequisite: none

GATE  

This course is an extension of the GATE program in the Elementary Schools, and students must qualify for the course. Students are provided differentiated lessons and challenging educational opportunities, which enhance and extend their educational experience. Students work on higher-level activities using age appropriate materials.  They are provided opportunities for utilizing their interests in complex, in-depth study designed to build thinking, research, communication, and technology skills.

Grade: 5&6                                                    Length of course: semester                         Prerequisite: none

Spanish

This is an introductory course that seeks to develop skills in the novice low/mid range of language learning. A variety of vocabulary and grammar is introduced through listening, speaking, reading and writing. Various topics include basic salutations, expressing likes and dislikes, numbers, colors, useful phrases, the alphabet, days, months, weather, classroom objects, clothing, family and foods. Cultural studies include Latin American and Spanish geography, history, celebrations, art and music. This course also reinforces and enriches content in other disciplines. A brief introduction of basic grammar structures is introduced in sixth grade.

Grade: 5&6                                                    Length of course: 9 weeks                         Prerequisite: none

Enrichment

Enrichment Math, Science, and Social Studies classes are designed as extensions of core ELA, Math, Social Studies, and Science courses. Students utilize skills learned in the regular classroom and extend their learning in these core areas through integrated research projects, simulations, performances, book studies, hands-on activities, and games. 

Grade: 5&6                                                    Length of course: 9 weeks                            Prerequisite: none

CARE 

C.A.R.E.(Classes for Academic Reinforcement and Excellence) are designed to provide strategic and specific interventions in reading and/or math for students identified as having academic gaps. C.A.R.E. classes are 40 - 45 minutes daily and are provided in addition to the CORE ELA and Math classes.

Grade: 5&6                                  Length of course: determined by need                     Prerequisite: none

Creative Writing

This course focuses on expressive writing in many different forms. Students have the opportunity to explore several different types of poetry and prose styles. The intent of this course is for students to have an opportunity to engage in Standard 2 of the Oklahoma Academic Standards for English Language Arts. Students will engage in a recursive process that may include prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. 

Grade: 5&6                                             Length of course: 9 weeks                              Prerequisite: none