Blue Springs School District

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS 6 (Course #6601)
Sixth grade English language arts students will use language as a tool for learning and communicating in all disciplines. Students will write narrative, expository, and argumentative texts for different purposes and audiences. In their writing, they will focus on the development of ideas and on structure as well as on grammar, usage, and mechanics. A variety of fiction and nonfiction texts will be used as a resource to allow students to interact with and respond to professional and peer writers. Vocabulary instruction and word awareness will be embedded in both reading and writing instruction. Students will develop their research and media literacy skills as well as their speaking and listening skills.

College and Career Readiness skills and standards will be emphasized.

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HONORS ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS 6 (Course #6611)
The 6th Grade Honors ELA course is designed for students who demonstrate advanced literacy skills, including those who meet or are approaching a minimum RIT score of 215 on the NWEA Growth Measure Assessment and a consistent A/B average in their current or previous year’s writing course.
 

READING 6 (Course #6604)
In sixth grade reading, students will reflect on and respond to a variety of fiction and nonfiction texts. They will discuss literary elements and will learn and practice reading strategies to aid comprehension. Vocabulary instruction and word awareness will be embedded in both reading and writing. Students will develop their research and media literacy skills as well as their speaking and listening skills.

College and Career Readiness skills and standards will be emphasized.

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HONORS READING 6 (Course #6614)
The 6th Grade Honors Reading course is designed for students who demonstrate advanced literacy skills, including those who meet or are approaching a minimum RIT score of 215 on the NWEA Growth Measure Assessment and maintain a consistent A/B average in their current or previous year’s reading course.
 

MATHEMATICS 6 (Course #6605)
Sixth grade math emphasizes number sense. Units include decimals, fractions, measurement, mental math, geometry, statistics, graphing, and probability. The units incorporate critical thinking and logical reasoning skills in problem solving.

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HONORS MATH 6 (Course #6606)
This course is designed for the highly motivated student that meets the criteria of having an A in 5th grade mathematics, a high score on the common assessment, and advanced or proficient score on the MAP. This course will provide a challenge beyond the regular sixth grade math curriculum. These students must show proficiency in math skills learned K-5. Students enrolled in this course will be expected to handle a rigorous course of study. (The selection for 7th grade Pre-Algebra will be determined during the 2nd semester prior to enrollment.)
 

SCIENCE 6 (COURSE #6603)
This course will help students develop understanding of key earth science concepts. There are three core ideas of earth science in middle school: 1) Earth’s Place in the Universe, 2) Earth’s Systems, and 3) Earth and Human Activity. The performance expectations in middle school blend core ideas with scientific and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts to support students in developing useable knowledge across the science disciplines. Students will investigate questions in reference to the universe and earth systems and will utilize data and scientific concepts to support claims with evidence and reasoning.

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HONORS SCIENCE 6 (COURSE #6613)
This challenging, fast-paced course is designed to meet the needs of students with strong math, reading, and writing skills. Students enrolling in the advanced sciences should have a desire to continue in academically advanced science courses in high school, such as AP. This course will provide a rigorous curriculum that mirrors the 6th grade earth science content, but at a greater depth. There are three core ideas of earth science in middle school: 1) Earth’s Place in the Universe, 2) Earth’s Systems, and 3) Earth and Human Activity. The performance expectations in middle school blend core ideas with scientific and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts to support students in developing useable knowledge across the science disciplines. Students will investigate questions in reference to the universe and earth systems and will utilize data and scientific concepts to support claims with evidence and reasoning.
 

SOCIAL STUDIES 6 (Course #6602)
This class is an introduction to the social sciences and the skills associated with them. These areas include government, economics, geography, ethnic cultures, historical and current events, and general study skills.

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HONORS SOCIAL STUDIES 6 (Course #6612)
This challenging, fast-paced course is designed to meet the needs of students who desire to study social studies content in a more in-depth and rigorous setting. Students will use independent and cooperative strategies with an emphasis on research, writing, technology, inquiry and informational reading. In addition to expanding social studies content, students will be required to read, write and research their findings and questions. Students can expect to maintain daily attendance and dedicate up to three hours a week of additional study time outside of class. Honors Social Studies will be a survey of social sciences and will prepare students for future advanced social studies courses.

Introductions to government, economics, geography, ethnic cultures, historical and current events are included in the course.
 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION/HEALTH 6 (#6640 & #6641)
Physical Education is a required semester long course that meets daily. The purpose of physical education is to establish a basis for a lifetime of physical fitness, as well as promote involvement in team sports. A student health and wellness program will be introduced and taught in conjunction with the physical education curriculum. Topics will focus on the benefits of an active lifestyle, good nutritional practices, and healthy life-long behaviors.

Physical Education is NOT competitive athletics. It is a place for learning self-control, leadership, responsibility, and skill. Conditioning will be stressed with all activities, and the Fitnessgram program will be used to measure student’s fitness level twice a year. Students will have the option to dress out for PE.

All sixth-grade students are required to take one semester of PE.
 

ART 6 (Course #6694)
This 9-week course is designed to emphasize exploration of art concepts using the elements and principles of art as a framework. Students engage in decision making and problem-solving skills from an artistic point of view. This class uses a variety of mediums such as pencil, ceramic, paint, ink, fibers, and other materials.
 

DISCOVERING FAMILY and CONSUMER SCIENCES 6 (Course #6696)
Discovering Family and Consumer Sciences is a 9-week course designed as an introductory course which incorporates kitchen and food safety, nutrition and food preparation, and basic sewing skills. Students will participate in a variety of hands-on project-based activities. A small fee for sewing materials will vary depending on personal preference.
 

EXPLORATORY AMBASSADOR 6 (Course #6816)
Exploratory Ambassadors will focus on promoting a positive school culture through the I AM Noticed project, be leaders for incoming elementary students, and connect students with real world learning within our community. Lessons will focus around interpersonal and intrapersonal skills to work well with others but also implement self-reflection and personal goals. Hands on learning will be incorporated through a variety of lessons for team building and class connections. Additionally, students will model positive behavior and leadership skills that contribute to the systems of student support.
 

DIGITAL CREATIONS (Course #6630)
Digital Creations is a project-based course that introduces students to essential technology skills for the modern world.  Students will gain essential understanding of computer use while learning how to navigate the digital world responsibly.  Through creative projects, students will develop skills in organizing ideas, creating visually appealing work and using technology as a tool for innovation.  This course will prepare students to be confident creators and responsible participants in today’s digital society.
 

INTRODUCTION to the PERFORMING ARTS 6 (Course #6699)
This 9-week exploratory course is designed to develop a comfort level for students in performance- based activities. Activities may include pantomime, improvisation, storytelling, acting scenes, TV commercials, group discussion, and introductory speeches.
 

INTRODUCTION to TECHNOLOGY 6 (Course #6815)
This introductory course prepares students for the middle school Project Lead the Way program. Students will learn about STEM careers and how they impact the past, present, and future. Students will also study the Design Process and use it to guide their actions while solving real-world problems and completing hands-on activities.
 

PASSPORT to EXPLORING LANGUAGES 6 (Course #6698)
This 9-week class introduces French, German, and Spanish cultures, geography, and language. This course reflects the three languages offered in the Blue Springs School District.
 

BEGINNING BAND 6 (Course #6651)
Beginning band is a year-long class that meets daily. Students taking this class will be introduced to the exciting world of instrumental music. No previous band experience is required, but students who would like to be selected for percussion should already have two years of piano lessons. The band director will help students select the most appropriate instrument. Each student will need to provide the recommended instrument and supplies. Instrument changes are done only with the approval of the band director. Daily practice at home and all public performances are required and will be a part of the student’s semester grade.
 

BEGINNING ORCHESTRA 6 (Course #6652)
Beginning orchestra is a year-long class that meets daily. Students taking this class are introduced to the basics of making music. No prior instrument background is required. Instrument choices are violin, viola, cello, or string bass. Students provide their own instruments, a cello or bass may be available for school use, but all cellists must own their own instrument for at home practice and performances. We generally do not own enough basses to send one home, so renting one is the best option. The goal of beginning orchestra is for each student to produce a pleasant tone, know how to read music, and exhibit good playing and practice habits. Daily at home practice records will be a graded part of the class. A minimum of two evening performances will be required during the school year. Private instruction is encouraged.
 

VOCAL MUSIC 6 (Course #6650)
Vocal music is a required semester long class that meets daily. This class will focus on the fundamentals of vocal performance singing. Emphasis will be on pitch matching, tone quality, breath support, and ear-training. Concert participation is mandatory and will be included in the student’s grade.
 

STRETCH (6-8)
Middle School STRETCH is a program for students in grades 6 – 8 who have been identified through a district screening process as academically gifted. STRETCH students will study subject area content and expand on curriculum through project-based learning, differentiated activities, and participation in competitions. Course activities focus on and are designed around a variety of skill areas, including but not limited to problem-solving; critical, creative, and logical thinking; research; leadership; technology; and interpersonal relationships.