EISENHOWER MIDDLE SCHOOL

PLANNING FOR SIXTH GRADE

 

LOOKING AHEAD

Sixth grade is a new and important phase of your education.  You will have the opportunity to improve skills you have learned and to gain new skills that you will need for the courses and activities that are ahead of you.

 

Sixth grade is the time to begin establishing the study habits you will need to attain your future goals.  It is a time for exploration.  Make the most of these opportunities.

 

REQUIRED COURSES

As a sixth grade student, you will be required to take the following courses:

     

      English …………………….All Year

      Reading…………………….All Year

      Math………………………..All Year

      Science……………………..All Year

      Social Studies………………All Year

      Physical Education…………All Year

      Elective……………………..one All Year

             * Students who do not pass the reading or math portion of the TAKS will take an enrichment class in lieu of their elective.

 

SELECTION OF AN ELECTIVE

Please choose electives with care.  Once this is done changes will not be permitted. Students enrolled in an all year elective will be required to remain enrolled for the full year. Therefore, it is recommended that you:

 

1.     Consider your interest and your abilities.

2.     Study the description of the electives.

3.     Discuss your choices with your parents.

 

You will be given your first choice elective if at all possible.  However, if it is necessary you will be placed in your alternate choice, so choose carefully.

 

ELECTIVE PURPOSE STATEMENT

The purpose of elective classes in middle school is to explore a variety of interests, and they  are designed to meet the State TEKS as well as the North East Standards.  Although electives can be considered fun to attend they require commitment:  homework, tests, outside activities, projects, and performances.   Grades earned will be used to determine eligibility for extra-curricular activities.  Elective grades are also used in

computing overall averages required for promotion. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SIXTH GRADE ENRICHED CLASSES

 

At the sixth grade level enriched classes are offered in English and math.  Students desiring to enroll in enriched classes should have good study habits, a high level of motivation, a positive attitude toward the subject area, good attendance, and a willingness to accept the challenge and time commitments required of these classes.

 

ENGLISH 6 -ENRICHED    English 6 Enriched is differentiated from the regular program through the selections of literature and in the challenges presented to students in all areas of study. The scope and sequence covers (1) language, grammar, usage, and beginning logic; (2) literature and personal meaning; (3) sentence combining, multi-paragraph papers and editing skills; (4) oral presentations and listening skills; (5) study skills, library reports and research.  Designed for students with strong language arts skills, the course requires that students be able to proceed at an accelerated pace.

 

MATH 6 – ENRICHED This course emphasizes pre-algebra skills and concepts such as variables, writing and solving equations, and problem solving.  The full range of topics needed for the successful study of pre-algebra in seventh grade is covered in this course.  To be successful in this course, a student must have a firm foundation in the operations of whole numbers, decimals, and fractions.

 

We also have extended learning classes (gifted/talented).  If you are interested in ELP please contact the counselor at the elementary school where your child attends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6TH GRADE SEMESTER ELECTIVES

 

 

ROTATION ELECTIVE—Students receive the opportunity to explore several areas of the arts on an introductory basis before choosing specific electives to pursue in the following years.

 

ART

Sixth grade art provides a study of the art elements and principles through experiences with a variety of art media and tools in design, drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, fiberart photographic imagery, and electronic media-generated art; identifies and compares artwork across time and culture; and

evaluates artwork through discussion and critique.  In this 6th grade class, types of experiences will include hands-on, videos, lectures, etc. Displays and competitions are encouraged during this class.

Students are required to furnish some of their own supplies.

 

THEATER ARTS

Basic emphasis for 6th grade Theater Arts will be placed on the process of acting.  Through the implementation of Creative Dramatics the following areas will be covered: pantomime, storytelling, improvisation, puppetry, characterization and role-playing.  Appreciation of theatrical events is also stressed. Communication skills, oral interpretation, organizational and listening skills are also part of the curriculum.

 

MUSIC-

The music class builds on the knowledge, skills and understanding developed in elementary school.  Students in this course will experience singing in unison and in parts, with an emphasis placed on proper vocal techniques and sight-reading skills.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6TH GRADE ALL YEAR ELECTIVES

 

 

PLEASE UNDERSTAND A COMMITMENT MUST BE MADE FOR ALL YEAR ELECTIVE PROGRAMS.  CHANGES AT THE SEMESTER WILL NOT BE MADE.

 

 

STRINGS I / BEGINNING ORCHESTRA-ALL YEAR

Membership in this orchestra is open to any 6th grade student with no previous orchestra experience.  Instruction is provided for violin, viola, cello, and string bass.  Students may be loaned an instrument from the Eisenhower String Department.  Emphasis will be placed on note-reading, instrumental technique, rhythm development, and pitch development. 

 

STRINGS II / CONCERT ORCHESTRA-ALL YEAR

This orchestra is open to all incoming 6th grade students who have successfully completed Elementary Strings.  Students will be encouraged to perform in Region Orchestra, UIL, and Solo and Ensemble Contests.  Performances will be broad, including: elementary schools, assembly programs, special programs, and contests.  There will be a uniform and a number of required performances.

 

BEGINNING BAND-ALL YEAR

Basic music and playing instruction for wind and percussion instruments are the two major goals of this class.  No previous music training or band experience is necessary.  Students will participate in concerts, elementary school programs, and solo and ensemble contest.  Students and parents must meet with the band directors to determine which instrument the student will play and to receive information about renting or purchasing an instrument.  Students will be placed in separate classes for each instrument to facilitate specialized instruction.  Enrollment is limited for particular instruments in accordance with typical band instrumentation.  Students who wish to enroll in the percussion class will be required to meet certain criteria as outlined by the band directors.

 

CHOIR - ALL YEAR

All sixth graders that are interested in learning to sing and perform may join all year choir.  Emphasis will be placed on becoming a more independent singer through expanded knowledge and musical skills, theory, and sight-reading.  Students will have the opportunity to participate in a 6th grade musical, a choral festival trip, and the solo-ensemble contest.  Performance possibilities will be broad, including: elementary schools, assembly programs, special programs, and contest.  There will be a required uniform and a number of required performances.