SIXTH GRADE PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Each student is assigned to a team composed of a minimum of six teachers, each of whom specializes in one academic area (English, social studies, math, reading, science or special education), and a counselor.  The team organization provides an opportunity for teachers to meet daily to exchange ideas concerning curriculum and to discuss ways to provide the best possible learning environment for each student. 

The school day consists of eight instructional periods and a lunch period, each approximately thirty-nine minutes in length.  Sixth grade periods include the following:

1. A daily period of instruction in each of the five academic team subjects (English, reading, math, science and social studies)
2. A daily period of instruction in exploratory subjects (art, family and consumer sciences, computers and music)
3. A daily period of instruction in world language: Spanish, French, Hebrew, Chinese or Latin), ENL (English as a New Language), a special education service, or an academic intervention service (English Learning Center and/or Math Learning Center)
4. Physical education
5. An opportunity to choose a music elective (band, chorus or orchestra)
6. Lunch

ACADEMIC INTERVENTION SERVICES

Academic intervention classes are designed to provide remediation in concepts and skills.  Students with scores of 1 or low 2 on the New York State Assessments in Language Arts and/or Math are required to take academic intervention classes. Other students may be recommended by their teachers for academic intervention. Students enrolled in these classes may need to delay their study of a foreign language until eighth grade.

ENGLISH LEARNING CENTER

The English Learning Center is designed for students who need additional assistance in language arts.  The staff focuses on supporting regular class instruction, improving reading and writing skills and helping students meet the New York State English Language Arts learning standards. 

MATH LEARNING CENTER

The Math Learning Center is designed for students who need additional instruction in mathematics. The staff focuses on supporting regular classroom instruction and improving understanding of mathematical concepts, computation skills and real world problem solving. In addition, support and practice designed to help students meet the New York State Mathematics learning standards are provided. The small class size allows time for focused practice, hands-on activities, computer applications and individualized instruction. 

ELECTIVE COURSES

World Language Options

Modern Languages (French, Hebrew, Chinese or Spanish)

Students who are interested in beginning the study of a modern, conversational language may choose French, Hebrew, Chinese or Spanish. These courses will emphasize the four basic skills:  listening, speaking, reading and writing.  Their curricula will include a variety of vocabulary, basic grammatical structures, and cultural aspects of countries in which the language is spoken. Instruction will begin with the basic alphabet and progress through to present tense conversations about school, home, family, activities and community. Successful completion of any one of these courses leads to continued study of the same language in grades 7 and 8. These courses are not designed for students who already speak the language.

Latin

Students interested in the study of a classical language may choose Latin. This beginner’s course examines the structure of the language with the focus on grammar and translation, not conversation.  The curriculum includes the study of ancient Greek and Roman myths, history, art and culture.  In addition, Latin root words are discussed and connected to the English language when appropriate.  Successful completion of this course leads to continued study of Latin in grades 7 and 8.

MUSIC

Chorus

Students who are interested in singing in a group may elect chorus. They will work on vocal tone quality, intonation, projection, breath control, and articulation of vowels and consonants.  The chorus performs a wide variety of musical selections including popular and Broadway songs, as well as music from the master composers.  Chorus participation culminates in two evening sixth grade concerts.  After school rehearsals are required two weeks prior to this concert.

Band

All students who play brass, woodwind and percussion instruments and have successfully completed the fifth grade band course (or one year of private study) may register for sixth grade band.  The band rehearses as a full concert band ensemble and incorporates basic technique, drills and warm-ups with the rehearsal of concert band repertoire. Band participation culminates in two evening sixth grade concerts.  After school rehearsals are required two weeks prior to concerts.

Orchestra

All string players who have successfully completed the fifth grade orchestra course (or one year of private study) may register for sixth grade orchestra.  The orchestra rehearses as a full string ensemble and incorporates basic techniques, drills and warm-ups with rehearsal of string orchestra repertoire. Orchestra participation culminates in an evening sixth grade concerts. After school rehearsals are required two weeks prior to concerts.

GENERAL INFORMATION

It should be understood that the availability of all courses and programs described on this website is subject to recommendation by the administration of the school district and to final action and authorization by the Board of Education as the Board develops its school budget.

GRADES AND GRADING

Report cards are posted and can be viewed on the parent portal four times a year. The letter symbols listed below indicate academic achievement.

Progress reports will be posted halfway through each marking period.  They allow the teacher to communicate with the family regarding their child's academic progress.

EXTRA HELP

Extra help is offered by teachers to all students.  It may be scheduled before school, during lunch or after school.

The Homework Center in the library is open Monday through Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:25 p.m.  Two staff members are assigned to the center to assist children with homework in all academic areas. Bus transportation is available at 3:45 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. If you have any questions or concerns about extra help, we urge you to contact your child's teacher or his/her guidance counselor.