In the writing course, students will engage in a dynamic blend of reading and writing experiences designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and creative expression. Writing instruction will cover a range of genres, including fictional narrative short stories, multimedia projects, and nonfiction research papers. Students will also explore significant themes through a Civil Rights unit that incorporates both nonfiction and fiction, as well as a Greek mythology unit culminating in a book review.

Reading instruction will be guided by the Amplify curriculum, exposing students to a diverse array of texts and topics that foster comprehension, discussion, and literary analysis. Through these units, students will strengthen their ability to interpret complex texts, develop compelling arguments, and express their ideas effectively in both written and multimedia formats.

This course encourages curiosity, creativity, and the ability to engage meaningfully with literature and writing across multiple contexts.

In sixth-grade math, students will build a strong foundation in various mathematical concepts that set the stage for future learning. The course begins with Positive Rational Numbers, teaching students to understand and operate with fractions and decimals, followed by Integers and Rational Numbers to introduce positive and negative values. Numeric and Algebraic Expressions develop students’ skills in evaluating and simplifying expressions, while Equations and Inequalities build their problem-solving abilities. Ratios and Rates and Percents focus on real-world applications involving comparisons and percentages. Geometry units on Area, Surface Area, and Volume allow students to explore spatial reasoning, and Data teaches students how to analyze and interpret information. This curriculum encourages critical thinking, real-world connections, and prepares students for advanced math concepts in later grades.

In this course, students will explore the fundamentals of world geography and develop key geographic skills through inquiry, analysis, and real-world applications. The curriculum is centered around the five themes of geography—location, place, human-environment interaction, movement, and region—while incorporating historical and contemporary perspectives.

Students will engage with maps, graphs, statistics, and geospatial technology to identify spatial patterns, analyze human and physical characteristics of places, and examine how geography shapes culture and identity. By creating and using historical maps and timelines, students will explore continuity and change within and among regions over time. They will also compare and contrast the characteristics of different regions, both past and present, to understand how people interact with their environments and how material culture reflects perspectives on place.

Through a geographic lens, students will evaluate economic decisions, analyze human-environmental issues, and propose solutions to contemporary challenges. They will also investigate the effects of laws and governmental systems on societies and develop compelling geographic research questions using multiple sources and perspectives. Additionally, students will apply geographic inquiry to contemporary issues by developing research plans and creating projects that demonstrate their understanding of real-world geographic challenges.

By the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding of how geography influences societies, economies, and the environment, equipping them with the critical thinking skills necessary to analyze and address global issues.

Art

Art is everywhere! Sixth grade art builds upon the artistic foundational Elements of Art and Principles of Design taught in elementary school. We will explore various art materials and techniques as well as learn several major moments in art history. Through this class students will develop their personal artistic skills, a keen eye for art criticism, and an appreciation of good art.

Introduction to FACS

Students enrolled in 6th Grade Introduction to Family and Consumer Science (FACS) will explore all areas of FACS. This course will give students the opportunity to learn about career paths with hands-on activities. Students will explore the importance of values, decision making, consumer skills, personal and family relationships, child care, nutrition, clothing and design.

Theater

Would you like to learn more about theater and acting? This class is for you! Middle school theater is a performance-based class that allows students an opportunity to experience the excitement of live theater, both on and off the stage. From individual to group performances, from scripts to improvisation, every student will have the opportunity to experience the excitement and rewards of theater arts while developing poise, social skills, confidence and the ability to work with others.

Applied Digital Skills

      Applied Digital Skills class is designed to have students learn practical digital skills to enhance and leverage their personalized learning        experience as they journey through Valley Park middle and high school.  These skills will also transfer to jobs skills of today and tomorrow. 

    Band 1   

This beginning band class is designed to give students who are participating in band and play the instruments of flute, clarinet, and alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion a chance to dive deeper into their specific instruments. Students in this class will focus on the building blocks of woodwind or brass and percussion instruments, such as techniques specific to these instruments. Students will learn how to read music and work together as a team to perform in small ensembles throughout the class period. Students will perform in at least three concerts: a winter concert, spring concert, and 8th grade promotion ceremony. Students will also have the opportunity to perform at Six Flags in the springtime. Limited school instruments are available, personal instruments are preferred and the band director will assist in acquiring those instruments. This class is open to all 6th grade students. 

Mixed Chorus (6th - 8th Grade)

Do you like to sing? This is the class for you! Students in Chorus will grow as musicians through participation in choral rehearsals,  performances, and artistic reflection. Through study of choral repertoire, students will cultivate healthy singing technique, build musical literacy, create musical performances and deepen their understanding of musical connections in their lives and in the world around them. Performance in two yearly concerts is mandatory. Other opportunities for performance will be made available as special activities are planned.