Middle School Curriculum Sixth Grade

• English
• Mathematics
• Music
• Physical Education & Health
• Reading
• Science
• Social Studies

English

AIMS: To study a variety of literature and related literary styles; to develop enhanced writing skills and implement correct grammar and usage into oral and written communications. To improve the content of student compositions through increased use of the writing process (pre-writing activities and planning).
CONTENT: Paragraph development, writing of business and friendly letters, various forms of fictional and non-fictional compositions.

Mathematic

AIMS: Primarily aimed at the process of problem solving.
CONTENT: Use of calculators, estimation, graphing, whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percents, primes, divisibility, perimeters, areas and volumes.

Music

AIMS: To provide a basic music education for all pupils and to assist them in their vocal development.
CONTENT: Singing, music reading, listening, composing and performance.

Grades 6, 7, 8 - Junior Orchestra
Year course (Meets Monday, Wednesday, Friday)

AIMS: To provide a setting in which ensemble skills can be developed and performance opportunities made available; to promote an interest in orchestral music through the study of a wide range of musical styles; to broaden the student's understanding and appreciation of orchestral music.
CONTENT: A wide range of orchestral music is presented with emphasis on the works of the master composers.

NOTE: Open to all interested students. Beginning students can be accommodated, although the usual background involves previous string study in grades 4, 5, and 6. Out-of-class practice is required.

Grades 6, 7, 8 - Junior Band
Year course (Meets Monday, Wednesday, Friday)

AIMS: To develop performance skills and provide a positive playing experience for students; to promote an understanding of music styles and heritage.
CONTENT: Music from lesson books, technique methods, literature from popular, modern, and classical sources.

NOTE: Open to all students, beginning and advanced; the usual training involves studying an instrument in grades 4, 5, and 6. Out of class practice required. One or two after-school rehearsals each week during marching band season are required. Performances are also required.

Physical Education & Health

AIMS: To fulfill the physical, mental, social, health, and emotional needs of students; to help students develop a total body fitness.
CONTENT: Program of activities in the gymnasium, swimming pool, classroom, and on the athletic fields.

Reading

AIMS: To instill positive reading habits and improve comprehension through exposure to all genres of literature.
CONTENT: The teaching plan includes: understanding what the student reads through the use of graphic organizers, sequencing, contrast, and comparison. Analyzing passage content through identifying the conflict, the resolution, setting, mood, characters, main ideas, themes, summary, cause and effect, distinguishing fact from opinion, making inferences. Extending meaning through evaluating the author's point of view and purpose.

Science

AIMS: A comprehensive approach to science including physical and life sciences.
CONTENT: Earth's geological history, animal and plant adaptations, introduction to chemistry, astronomy beyond our solar system, and continued studies in energy.

Social Studies

AIMS: Introduce students to the wide variety of cultures including governments, religions, economics, and man's adaptations to the world's environments.
CONTENT: World geography and cultures.