Sixth Grade

In sixth grade, language arts and social studies are integrated. In social studies, students journey through the past learning about the creation and development of communities in global civilizations and their influences on our world today. Within this process, we aim for our students to further extend their knowledge about the diverse cultures and histories that influence humanity in the present time.

As a result, students foster a sense of empathy and understanding of others. In our language arts curriculum, students continue to develop essential skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students use these skills to become more confident and independent readers, writers, speakers, and thinkers.

Sixth grade math students are placed in the appropriate level math class after carefully considering the following categories: performance in 5th grade math, algebra assessment test, standardized test scores, and teacher recommendation. A very small percentage of students are placed in 6th grade Pre-Algebra and all other students are placed in 6th grade math. Problem solving is included throughout both courses. 

6th Grade Math
The topics covered include number line, values, operations with decimals and fractions, ratio and percent, algebraic expressions and equations, inequalities, coordinate plane and graphing, area of polygons, circumference and area of circles, mean, median, and mode.

6th Grade Pre-Algebra 
The topics covered include number sense, fractions, factors, exponents, simplifying expressions, solving and graphing linear equations, ratios, proportions, percent, probability, and statistics.
 

The goals of the Modern and Classical Languages Department are to develop language-competent, global-minded citizens. Sixth grade Spanish and French are proficiency-oriented courses in which students practice the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking, in all modes: interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational. 

Units of study are thematically based, enabling students to acquire new language skills through the medium of new information. By means of a broad array of input, including authentic websites, videos, print and maps, students develop language skills and cultural awareness.

Games, skits, songs, puppet shows, and other developmentally appropriate activities motivate student learning. The resources employed support the students’ transition from the Novice Mid to Novice High proficiency level, as defined by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). 

Sixth grade scientists explore a variety of topics through the lens of the scientific method. With a focus on "thinking like a scientist," students engage in the scientific process to answer questions about the world around them. From Forces and Motion to Earth Science and Astronomy, students explore "Forces of Change" while utilizing the scientific method and the engineering design process.

All Middle School students participate in the fine arts every day. Sixth grade students continue their art and drama class begun in the fifth grade and choose one of the following: band, choir/general music, or orchestra. The program concentrates on students learning and expanding their individual skill sets for each discipline in the fine arts. The goal is to develop the creative capacity within the students to think, invent, and express themselves

All Middle School students participate in daily physical education. Focusing on individual improvements in physical fitness, students are asked to work on cardiovascular endurance and physical strength regularly. Additionally, students are exposed to a variety of sports throughout the year with the hope that they will be enticed to continue participating in Middle School athletics when the time comes.

Sixth grade health focuses on nutrition. With an emphasis on “Food is Fuel,” students learn how their bodies use energy from the food they eat to engage in their everyday activities. Foods are highlighted by their nutritional make-up, emphasizing what different nutrients can do for the body.

Sixth graders are taught regularly throughout the school year by our full-time Middle School Director of Counseling. The curriculum is called “Too Good For Drugs,” a comprehensive drug education program and addresses issues such as goal setting, decision-making, communication skills, and feeling identification.

In addition, support groups are offered at all grade levels. Topics range from students who are experiencing a change in their family structure, students who are new to our school, or any other identified need. Students are invited to the group on a voluntary basis and develop skills to help them adjust to the changes in their life in a positive way. Students in these groups provide support for one another and are bound by the rules to keep all discussions in confidence.