Academics

Grade Six Program of Studies:

Core Classes: 

English Language Arts

Mathematics

Science

Social Studies

Explorer Classes:

The following classes meet all year for 2 periods/week:

Art

General Music or Band or Chorus (student choice)

Physical Education

The following classes meet for a semester for 2 periods/week:

Computer Science

Health

Group Guidance

Library Science

Other Classes:

Team Intervention Period

Reading Skills

Math Skills

GMS Grading and Assessment Guide:

Guiding Principles:

● The purpose of grading and assessment is to provide accurate, meaningful, and

consistent feedback to students and families. Grades represent the measured level of

performance a student is able to achieve on specifically targeted and assessed

standards.

● A comprehensive, effective assessment plan for students is one that engages them

throughout the learning process by way of formative assessment and then gauges the

success of those activities by a summative assessment.

Definitions:

● Formative Assessment (30%)

○ Evaluates practice and progress towards learning goals.

○ Formative assessments will be aligned to and prepare for the summative

assessment.

●  Summative Assessment (70%)

○ Formally evaluates learning of content and/or skill at end of or at key segments of

the learning cycle. 

○ The purpose of the summative assessment is to provide

evidence of the degree to which a student has mastered the knowledge,

understandings, and skills of the unit.

Learner Qualities:

● Numerical grades will only reflect academic progress/achievement, and will not include

behavior, effort, participation, etc., as those aspects will be communicated via learner

qualities. Teachers rate students on each aspect as Meets or Needs Improvement.

● Respectful and Effective Collaborator

○ Indicators

■ Interacts with others respectfully

■ Participates appropriately in class and group discussions

■ Works productively in groups

● Organized and Responsible Student

○ Indicators:

■ Completes assignments

■ Submits work on-time

■ Produces quality work

■ Engages in learning experiences

■ Brings materials, supplies, and charged Chromebook to class

■ Maintains orderly workspace, notebooks, binders, etc.

● Self-Advocate and Independent Learner

○ Indicators:

■ Utilizes available resources to improve learning

■ Asks quality questions

■ Seeks assistance when necessary

Other Academic Based Programs:

Advisory Program:

The mission of the Vincent J. Gallagher Middle School Advisory Program is to create meaningful connections with our students in a supportive environment that promotes a sense of belonging, develops personal decision-making skills, fosters social and emotional growth, and connects us to our larger community.   

Our advisory program, Anchor Time, currently meets for a half-hour period once a week.  Students are assigned an Anchor Time advisor and will remain with that advisor for three years.   The curriculum focuses on five units of study: Community Building, Who Am I?, Goal Setting, and A World of Difference.  Grade level lessons and activities are implemented within each unit of study.

A World of Difference (AWOD) is a Peer Training Program sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League.  It provides our school with the opportunity to communicate and reinforce our core values, such as respect and civility while giving our students a unique opportunity to lead the conversation.  AWOD students are trained to present six lessons to each Anchor Time class as a means to make our school a better place for each and every student.  

Compass Program:

The Compass Program provides a structured environment for students to complete work. The program is monitored by GMS teachers.  It is designed to help our students be successful through the completion of homework, projects, and research.  Students have access to computers and the library resources. Referrals to the Compass Program are made by a teacher, parent, student (self-referral), school counselor or administrator.  Admission to the program is based on a student’s needs and his/her commitment to the program.  Work support is available from 2:10-3:10pm on most Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

National Junior Honor Society:

We are thrilled to have become a chapter member of the National Junior Honor Society. Membership in the NJHS is one of the highest honors awarded to a middle school student. Our chapter strives to give practical meaning to the Society's standards of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. These five pillars are the basis of selection.

Membership is more than an honor. It is an ongoing responsibility and an obligation to continue to demonstrate these outstanding qualities that result in a student's selection.  Students in grade seven will be informed of their eligibility to apply for membership after the first semester.