6th Grade GMS Registration Course Manual

6th Grade GMS Registration Course Manual

Welcome to 6th Grade!We are so excited to welcome you to another great year at GMS and all we have to offer.  We are very proud of GMS for many reasons: our rigorous academic programs; positive connections between students, staff and parents; interventions and support when students need extra assistance; excellent access to 21st century technology; and an outstanding staff that understands and is dedicated to meeting the developmental needs unique to middle school students.  Grandview is proud to offer our kids The Westonka Edge: Small School Advantages, Big School Opportunities, and Real-Life Success Stories.  What will be your success story?

Everyday CoursesLanguage ArtsLanguage Arts meets every day for 85 minutes. Our reading/language arts curriculum is called, The Reader's Journey.  This curriculum is an innovative novel-based Language Arts program dedicated to making students lifelong readers. The philosophy is a common sense approach for connecting curriculum, instruction and assessment so students develop deep understanding every day.

The nature of our language arts instruction is to weave together topics and skills so that students can apply each to one another.  In a unit of instruction topics such as elements of a genre, writing skills, language conventions, reading skills, themes in literature, types of reading, techniques of the author may all be covered.  

Each unit length is one quarter of the school year.  During this time your student will participate in the reading of a class novel, referred to as the anchor book, along with various reading and writing skills, and literature circle work.  

The students are taught skills to mark the text using the Reader’s Journey workbook.  The informational texts in the workbook include real-world connections, short passages, and longer passages to provide a variety of literature for students to apply the skills they are learning.

Expectations for a student in the 6th grade language arts class include:

Participation in the curriculum listed above, which moves at a steady pace progressing through the skills at a rate which demonstrates mastery.  The curriculum mentioned is written at a 7th grade

level so all students will be challenged by the reading.

Reading one class anchor book novel and three literature circle novels per year. Reading of the class novel is done mostly in class.

Writing one larger writing assignments per quarter in addition to regular paragraph writing practice.

Reading three independently chosen novels at his/her reading level and taking three Accelerated Reading Quizzes per quarter.   One nonfiction book is required each quarter.  

Expansion of technology skills for creative and expressive projects such as word documents through the utilization of the mobile labs at school.

Homework Expectation:  Read 20 minutes every evening in order to complete AR requirements, plus occasional homework assignments.

Expectations for a student in the Advanced 6th Grade Language Arts include:

Participation in the curriculum listed above, which moves at a rapid pace.  The curriculum mentioned is written at a 7th grade level.

Reading one class anchor novel and one literature circle novel per quarter.  More emphasis is placed on discussion in class, so more of the reading is done independently.

Writing one larger writing assignment per quarter in addition to regular paragraph writing.

Reading four independently chosen novels at his/her reading level and taking four Accelerated Reader Quizzes per quarter.  One nonfiction book is required each quarter.

Expansion of technology skills for creative and expressive projects such as word documents, Google presentations, and journaling through the utilization of the mobile labs at school.

If a student falls below a C average, and/or has a pattern of missing or late work, he/she may be removed from the class.

Successful Advanced LA Student Profile:

90th percentile on last 3 NWEA tests A average in 5th grade LA Strong Work Habits Mature/ Self-advocate/Willing to participate in

class discussions

6th Grade GMS Registration Course Manual 6th Grade Writing Assessment score of 90% or

above

Math 6

6th Grade- Math meets for 85 minutes each day. GMS uses the Holt McDougal Math Series and for this class we use the Course 2 textbook. The following units will be covered:

Algebraic Reasoning- Patterns, Relationships, and Algebraic Thinking

Integers and Rational Numbers- Integers, Factors, Multiples, and Rational Numbers

Applying Rational numbers- Decimal and fraction Operations

Proportional Relationships- Ratios, Rates, Proportions, Measurement and Proportions in Geometry

Collecting, Displaying and Analyzing Data- Organizing, Displaying, Representing, and Analyzing Data

Geometric Figures- Lines, Angles, Circles, Polygons, and Transformations

Measurement of Two and Three Dimensional Figures- Area and Volume of common shapes

Probability- Introduction and Application of Probability

Multi-Step Equations and Inequalities

Students taking this course will have homework most nights. There is a great online resource for the text at my.hrw.com. The website offers video lessons, homework help, interactive practice quizzes and more. The book is also accessible with the code your child will be given from their instructor. Homework needs to be completed on the due date otherwise the best a student can earn is ½ credit.

Homework, Quiz and Test dates are posted on the School Fusion webpage well in advance. If your son or daughter misses a day of school or forgets to write down the assignment in their planner you can confirm what the day’s work was by checking the webpage. There are many helpful links on the teacher webpage to help students practice or master skills that we are learning each day.

Pre-Algebra6th Grade- Pre-Algebra meets for 85 minutes each day. This course is recommended only for students who have successfully completed Advanced 5th grade math.  GMS uses the Holt McDougal Math Series and for this class we

use the Course 3 Pre-Algebra textbook. The following units will be covered:

Principles of Algebra – Absolute Value, Integers, Solving equations

Rational Numbers – Solving equations with rational numbers

Graphs and Functions – Graphing on the coordinate grid using equations and tables

Exponents and Roots – Square roots, Scientific notation, and Pythagorean Theorem

Ratios, Proportions, and Similarity – Dilations, Indirect measurement, and Rates and Ratios

Percents – Percent of increase and decrease, Percent applications, Interest

Probability – Experimental and Theoretical, Odds, and Permutations and Combinations

Multi-step Equations and Inequalities- Solving multi-step equations and Inequalities, Systems of equations

Graphing Linear Equations – Slope, Direct Variation, Systems of Linear Equations

Perimeter, Area, Volume – Area, Volume, and Surface Area of shapes

Foundations of Geometry – Bisections, Transformations, and Tessellations

Data and Statistics – Histograms, Scatter plots, and Misleading graphs

Sequences and Functions – Quadratic Functions, Exponential Functions, and Linear Functions

Polynomials – Simplifying, Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying, Dividing polynomials, Binomials

Students taking this course will have homework most nights. There is a great online resource for the text at my.hrw.com. The website offers video lessons, homework help, interactive practice quizzes and more. The book is also accessible with the code your child will be given from their instructor. Homework needs to be completed on the due date otherwise the best a student can earn is ½ credit.

Homework, Quiz and Test dates are posted on the School Fusion webpage well in advance. If your son or daughter misses a day of school or forgets to write down the assignment in their planner you can confirm what the day’s work was by checking the webpage. There are also many, helpful links the teacher webpage to help students practice or master skills that we are learning each day.

Successful Advanced Math Student Profile

6th Grade GMS Registration Course Manual Successful completion of Advanced 5th Grade

Math 90th  percentile or above  on last 3 NWEA tests Strong Work Habits Mature/ Self-advocate

Semester CoursesScienceSixth grade students have science every day for 85 minutes either first or second semester.  Our curriculum is Science Fusion by Holt McDougal, and it is an innovative interactive workbook format with fantastic digital resources.  The lessons in the textbook are supported by digital resources, as well as experiments and demonstrations in the classroom.

The content covered and the skills taught align with the 6th grade standards and those skills are our “learning targets”.  Students have the opportunity to practice skills and master material as we conduct virtual labs on the computer, do hands-on labs and projects, view and take notes on digital lessons, and work through the text.   The four workbooks used are:·   Introduction to Science and Technology·   Matter and Energy·   Motion, Forces, and Energy·   Sound and Light

Each workbook contains both text and active reading questions. Students are encouraged to mark up their books in order to enhance learning and retention. Each student also creates a science notebook over the course of the semester, and this notebook contains their own glossary, notes, and other resources. Due to the semester arrangement, the class moves at a fast pace. Students are expected to read and complete assignments outside of class most days.

All course material is also available online at: https://www-k6.thinkcentral.com. Each student has a unique username and password, which enables them to access the digital content from any location.  Sixth grade science shares a laptop lab with 7th grade science, so students use the online content regularly! Students will work independently and in collaborative peer groups to conduct investigations, design experiments, develop hypotheses and analyze data.  Completion of daily tasks, including homework and labs, and quiz and unit test scores will be an indicator of students’ understanding of the concepts.  

Social Studies

6th grade social studies focuses on Minnesota history.  We begin with the Dakota and the Ojibwa people, and move into the fur trade with them.  The fur trade led to the building of Fort Snelling and it is one of our 6th grade field trips.  We learn through stories of real people facing the challenges of their time.  The stories are the building blocks of our state’s history.

Sixth grade students will be expected to complete their written work and any assigned projects, both individually and collaboratively, as well as prepare themselves for chapter tests.

Yearlong Alternating Day CoursesPhysical EducationPhysical Education meets every other day for 40 minutes. The purpose of physical education is to provide students an opportunity to participate in selected fitness and physical education activities on a daily basis, learn strategies and skill, gain better fitness through activities, understand and appreciate  the total concept of team sports, individual and dual sports, and fitness activities. This course is an activity course, meaning that students are expected to actively participate and are graded upon their level of activity throughout the quarter.

Music (Choose Band or Choir)CHOIR: Choir 6 is a full-year, alternating day course which offers students an opportunity to sing and perform in a mixed chorus setting. We will focus on the rehearsal and performance of both traditional choral literature and modern pop arrangements. Special attention will be given to two- and three-part singing. All Choir members are required to perform in the evening Winter Concert, the All District Concert, and the Spring Concert.

BAND: Band members work on skill improvement on their individual instruments and also work on ensemble skills (playing well together). Students are expected to practice their instruments regularly outside of the class period and to utilize the Smart Music computer program to submit evidence of progress.  All Band members are required to perform in the evening Winter Concert, the evening Spring Concert, and the Sunday afternoon All District Concert.

Quarter ClassesThese courses meet for 85 minutes, every other day for one quarter.  For most students they meet opposite music and physical education. Students will each take one quarter of the following classes:  Art, Technology, Post Secondary Skills (PSS) and Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM). In addition, for those

6th Grade GMS Registration Course Manual

students who have participated in GATES at the primary school, or who are taking Advanced Math or Language Arts, may want to consider Future Problem Solving. This class is for one quarter and will replace Post Secondary Skills.

STEMAmong the most critical academic disciplines of success in a 21st century workforce are those involving Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). In this course students will looking at the process of how to design and build roller coasters. They will learn about all of the elements that need to be accounted for when creating a roller coaster. Then they will build a roller coaster using recycled materials. After building a working roller coaster in class, they will then use Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 to build and manage roller coasters and a theme park. Students will be given a variety of tasks that they need to perform in order to properly run an amusement park. Roller Coaster Tycoon simulations will be entered into IE Challenge Competition based out of Arkansa.Skills to be mastered  ● Explore the history of roller coaster invention and design.  ● Identify safety components of roller coaster design.  ● Brainstorm, plan and draft a two-dimensional model of a roller coaster.  ● Make a scale model of drafted roller coaster using recyclable materials.  ● Display, evaluate and revise roller coaster model.  ● Integrate roller coaster design into Roller Coaster Tycoon software program.  ● Build and manage group theme park using Roller Coaster Tycoon software.  ● Present digital theme park for judging panel

TechnologyIn 6th grade Tech, students will learn the TypingWeb keyboarding program, chromebook basics, and introduction to Schoology, how to create and manage a google document and presentation. Also, they will be reviewing internet safety and how to blog.

PSSThe Post Secondary Skills course at Grandview is designed to help students prepare for the challenges they will face as individuals, consumers and family members in their changing world. This curriculum offers opportunities to integrate academic skills with problem solving strategies. It combines academic learning and hands-on application as

part of the learning process. Students develop life skills specifically related to college and career readiness, financial literacy, nutrition and food preparation, health and wellness, satisfying relationships, and self-awareness.

ArtArt focuses on the elements and principles of art, art history/culture, and production of unique art. Students develop confidence in their art making abilities through self evaluations/reflection and positive feedback. Major areas of study in 6th grade include creating 3D effects in drawing and painting, adding dimension, and creating form in our art and continuing the focus on elements and principles, as well as art history.

Excel/ Math & Reading InterventionIn addition, selected students will also be recommended for Guided Study, Math and/or Reading intervention courses. These courses are designed to help offer support to students who struggle and/or are behind grade-level expectations. Often these courses take the place of a quarter class and/or music. Students will be notified during registration or as needs arise and recommended for these courses. In some cases, students may be required to take due to failing grades.

6th Grade Future Problem SolvingThis class will focus on the Future Problem Solving Program.  If you aren’t familiar with FPS, it teaches students how to think, not what to think. This is accomplished by teaching critical and creative thinking skills and problem solving and decision making skills via a six step process.  Developing these skills helps students to improve their academic and social achievement.   Other benefits to this program:

Encourages students to improve their critical, creative, and analytical thinking skills

Stimulates students’ knowledge and interest in the future

Extends written and verbal communication Develops and improves research proficiency Provides opportunities to apply process tools and

method to real world problems Guides students to become more self-directed and

responsible Develops teamwork skills Promotes decision-making techniques to reach

agreement with team members

6th Grade GMS Registration Course Manual

The program provides opportunities to apply process tools and method to real world problems such as Climate Change/Climate Threat, Freedom of Speech, Nutrition, Healthcare Access, Redistribution of Wealth, Debt in Developing Countries, and many more global topics that are relevant today and into the future. The program provides a problem-solving model that students integrate into their lives, giving them the competitive edge when applying for jobs and building sustainable futures.

The exciting part for students is that not only is this a class, but it is a competition in which they compete against other local schools.  The students will be working in teams within the class and will complete and submit several problems throughout the quarter. All teams to attend the local Future Problem Solving Competition bowl at the end of January or early February!   Qualifying teams will advance to the State and International Competition. This is a program that is perfect for gifted and highly motivated learners and we believe, is a wonderful option for those students in need of more of a challenge than your typical PSS class. By taking this class, your child will not have PSS this year. We do offer PSS again in 7th grade. Due to the academic rigor of the course and limited space available, a variety of criterion will be used, as well as an application process, to determine which students will be selected for placement in the course.  We encourage all students who are interested to apply, keeping in mind that students who have been successful in the class in the past have had the following characteristics:

Strong reading skills (NWEA scores in the 85th percentile)

Strong writing skills (well-developed multiple paragraphs)

Strong work habits (turns high quality work on time)

Your application is due when you return your registration form.

Other Student Information1:1 Chromebook InitiativeThe new reality in preparing student for life in the 21st century focuses on understanding that the workforce they will be entering is global and requires different types of literacy skills. We believe it is critical that all Westonka students be technologically literate-while retaining other essential skills, such as problem solving, leadership and critical thinking-in order to be well-prepared for life after high school.

Westonka Public Schools will address the changing needs of today’s students by transforming the method by which curriculum is delivered to students and personalizing the learning experience for students through EDGE21, a Westonka preschool-grade 12 technonolg integration program. The EDGE21 program includes a 1:1 technology device program in which students in grades 5-12 will use a Google Chromebook at school and outside of school as the primary way to access curriculum.Information, permissions and devices will by deployed in the fall. More information will go home early in the fall but you can go to the Westonka EDGE21 site to learn more http://goo.gl/a21sWg.

Gifted Education Services (GATES)Just as other aspects of the middle school structure evolve, so does programming for our gifted students.  Grandview Middle School students have the opportunity to challenge themselves with several advanced class options as well as co-curricular opportunities.  Advanced Language Arts and Accelerated Mathematics courses are available in grades 5-7.   These courses are designed to meet the needs of highly motivated students who are developmentally and intellectually ready, have a very high ability and have the study habits necessary to be successful. The curriculum provides more rigor and challenge than the general curriculum.  Teachers of these, and all courses have also been trained, and have resources for differentiating the curriculum to help meet the needs of students who would benefit from even more challenge.    In addition, students have enriched course opportunities during their specialist time which can be found in Course Offerings.  In 6th grade this option is Future Problem Solving.

Grandview also provides many other enrichment opportunities available to all Westonka students outside of the regular school day, and in some instances, during the school day.  Some examples are listed below.

CONTINENTAL MATH LEAGUEAll CML experiences are designed to both maximize student opportunities to participate and to improve their problem solving capabilities. Students will be participating with other students on the same grade level from schools all over the United States. These activities are conducted during regular school hours.

DESTINATION IMAGINATION: Grades 2-7A year-long creative problem solving program that fosters the development of creative thinking and problem solving skills. Destination Imagination promotes teamwork, cooperation and risk-taking. Volunteer team managers

6th Grade GMS Registration Course Manual

direct seven-member teams to regional, state and global finals competition. www.mndi.org

MATH MASTERSThis competition challenges students to use critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities in mathematics, while recognizing academic effort and achievement.

MINNESOTA FUTURE PROBLEM SOLVING: Grades 6Future Problem Solving is a year-long activity in which four-person teams use a six-step writing process to solve real-life problems facing society. Problem-solving, critical and creative thinking skills are taught. Students can compete at the regional, state, and international levels. www.mnfpsp.org

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY BEE: Grades 4-8Geography Bee is a nationwide outreach program of the National Geographic society. The winner at each school takes a 70-question written test in order to advance to state competition. The state winner advances to National Bee.www.nationalgeographic.com/geographybee

STUDENT CREATIVITY FESTIVAL: Grades 3-7The Creativity Festival is held at the Ted Mann Concert Hall/U of M Music Department. Students sample a variety of engaging, interactive breakout sessions where visual and performing artists, explorers, scientists, innovators and educators introduce students to the creative process through hands-on activities. www.successbeyond.org/SCF.htm

YOUNG AUTHORS CONFERENCE: Grades 4-5Through the Young Authors Conference, students experience writing with a variety of illustrators, poets, playwrights, songwriters, authors and other skilled and inspired writers. www.successbeyond.org/YAC.htm

YOUNG SCIENTIST ROUNDTABLE: Grades 2-12The Young Scientist Roundtable allows students with science interests to discuss topics in depth with presenters. The two-hour program is offered monthly at a school in Wayzata.http://www.wayzata.k12.mn.us/page/7074

CommunicationParent, student, and teacher communication is a very important part of middle school. We encourage parents to contact teachers by phone or email whenever there is a question or concern. Conferences during mid- 1st and 3rd quarters will give parents an opportunity to share and

receive information about your child’s progress. Grandview also has an Automated Voice Messaging system, which will call parents with information about upcoming events or with reminder to send a note for an absence.

Family Access is an internet based program that parents can use to check on their student’s grades. Your code will be provided to you at Fall Orientation.

Website/Schoology By visiting the Grandview Website, you can access your daily assignments. Your Family Access code will also allow you to log in to the web site and subscribe to digests that will enable you to get automatic notifications of newly posted announcements and assignments.

Alert Now messages are sent electronically or over the phone to advise parents of upcoming news and events at GMS.  Typically these messages are sent out every other week and take the place of a school newsletter, which parents may be more accustomed to at the primary level.

Events Open House An Open House will be held for you

in August, before school begins. This will give you the opportunity to meet your teachers, practice opening your locker and learn about the curriculum in your new classroom.

Parties and Field Trips! - We have many fun events for kids as well!   The PTO sponsored Halloween Party, Winter Blast, Spring Fling, Movie Night, Field Trips to Afton Alps and Valley Fair and much more!

Parent Pick Up and Drop OffIf parents are transporting children to and from school, please follow the signs and the adults in the parking lot to assist with traffic.  Students should get dropped off in the “Drop off Zone” in the alley. Students should get picked up in the parking lot, curbside.  We do not allow students to cross the parking to get to their parents.  Instead we ask them to wait until their parent advances curbside.

School SuppliesSchool supply lists will be posted on the GMS website in June.

Schedule

6th Grade GMS Registration Course Manual

In August your child’s schedule will be available on Family Access, although we do periodically make changes throughout the month of August.  His/her “official” schedule will be available at open house, along with his/her locker.  We do not print class lists because of frequent last-minute changes. However, you are welcome to come and see where your classes are located before school starts. You will also have the opportunity to do this at Orientation.

VolunteeringParents are welcome and encouraged to volunteer at Grandview. You will have many opportunities to sign up throughout the year.   Volunteer opportunities include: Book Fair, classroom clerical tasks, field trips, PTO sponsored activities, school socials, and many more.