Grade 6 Curriculum Overview
	Mission The mission of Holy Spirit Episcopal School is to provide a unique and outstanding high school preparatory education, which combines the best traditions of learning with relevant and contemporary programs that promote excellence in scholarship, richness of soul, godly character, and physical well-being.   Core Values   A heart stands for our loving, nurturing, joyful environment, which is essential to the healthy development of our students.   A sunburst represents our spirit of optimism and a commitment to diversity, which prepare our students for the larger world.   An open book symbolizes our strong, research-based academic programs, which combine traditional and experiential learning methods.   A leaf signifies enrichment and growth through offerings that allow each student to follow their unique path.   These elements are bound together by the symbol of the cross, in recognition of the strong core of faith-based character that we strive to build in every member of our school community.   Introduction  Sixth grade is the second year of transition to the middle school. Students continue to do many of the same things they did in fifth grade: wear the same uniform, attend classes according to the middle school daily schedule, attend middle school assemblies, and use locks on their lockers in the locker rooms as well as their upstairs lockers. However, sixth grade students also are allowed to run for an office on the Student Council, elect class representatives that attend all of the Student Council meetings (not just second semester), attend most classes on the second floor of the middle school building, try out for junior varsity and varsity sports, and attend all middle school dances. The sixth grade teachers actively support students in their transition from the fifth grade to the full middle school experience.   Curriculum   The sixth grade curriculum consists of integrated language arts, mathematics, earth science, ancient civilization, Spanish, health and fitness, Christian education, performing and visual arts, and an integrated technology program. The sixth grade integrated language arts program provides a comprehensive literature, writing, grammar, and vocabulary program that incorporates extensive student research and utilizes a variety of technology in producing presentations. Novels utilized have settings all over the world and integrate with the history and science curricula. Class discussions focus on character traits as motivation for character behavior, and plots are put into historical context with the intent of providing students with a deeper understanding of the culture and lifestyles of the time period being studied. Grammar concepts and rules are studied and then applied to editing and proofreading. Diagramming is taught to provide students with a visual way of understanding word relationships within sentences. In vocabulary, Greek and Latin prefixes and roots are studied systematically. Thesauruses are utilized to study more precise connotations to specific vocabulary within the context of applying it to student writing. Cursive handwriting is used in all classes. Descriptive, narrative, expository, and persuasive writing techniques and styles along with a variety of poetry forms are studied over the course of the year. Each student is required to “take to publication” at least one writing within each style. An annotated formal research paper utilizing multiple resources is required.     The middle school math program systematically distributes instruction, practice and assessment of related concepts and skills throughout the academic year as opposed to concentrating the instruction, practice and assessment of individual concepts and skills into a short period of time. This distributed approach produces significantly higher levels of student learning than in programs with a chapter-based approach. The frequent, cumulative assessments used in our math program evaluate both the acquisition and retention of content. This unique approach to math instruction ensures that students not only gain but also retain essential math knowledge and skills. The sixth grade math curriculum, which includes honors math and honors prealgebra, expands students’ knowledge of numbers, computation, estimation, measurement, geometry, statistics, patterns, and functions of the fundamental concepts of pre-algebra. Instruction includes whole class, small group, and individualized activities. Students are active learners who are challenged to apply their prior knowledge and experience in new and increasingly difficult situations. In addition, measurement, statistics, data analysis, and problem-solving strategies are integrated into science activities, providing authentic purposes for using mathematics in the pursuit of scientific discoveries.   New students are placed in either the honors math or prealgebra class based on fifth grade grades, knowledge of math facts, work habits, stanines on standardized math subtests such as the Stanford 10, and a placement exam. Students may move between the two classes as needed throughout their middle school education.     The sixth grade earth science program emphasizes the study of the earth, both historical and environmental. The students will learn about paleontology, geology, meteorology, oceanography and astronomy. The experimental methods of hypothesizing, observing, measuring, graphing, predicting outcomes, and forming conclusions are practiced at this level. Approximately 40% of the classes are labs based on the scientific concepts being studied.     The sixth grade ECO-link trip is a five-day experience at Camp Redcloud, a year-round Christian camp located deep in the heart of the San Juan Mountains in Southwestern Colorado. This trip draws upon all the skills and understandings developed during the 4th and 5th grade trips and applies these to a mountain ecosystem. Some of the most exciting activities include horseback riding, rock climbing and rappelling, canoeing, and star gazing. Throughout the trip, students develop leadership and teamwork skills as well as self-confidence through challenges and daily activities.     In social studies, sixth grade students study ancient civilizations, emphasizing the geographic, political, economic, religious, social, intellectual, and artistic factors of each ancient culture. Students are encouraged to develop an historical imagination and also the skills needed for comprehensive critical thinking. The textbook is augmented with videos, dramatizations, “virtual tours,” and other resources that help students identify with people and events.     Spanish is considered a core subject and is taught through an experiential approach that includes interactive conversations, skits, videos, technology, and written activities. Since a familiarity with Spanish-speaking countries enhances the motivation for learning the language and provides a global perspective, Holy Spirit has carefully developed a sister-school relationship with St. Michael Archangel School in San Jose, Costa Rica. Our students have contact with the Costa Rican children through the sharing of class projects and an annual student exchange program in grades five through eight.     The health and fitness program provides an opportunity for students to acquire lifetime skills, knowledge, and positive attitudes toward their health and physical well-being. Individual physical conditioning, coordination and fitness, team sports, and health education are integral parts of our health and fitness program.     Christian education in the sixth grade is facilitated through participation in global outreach, as well as chapel and Holy Eucharist services. In addition, students take a course of study in which they examine God’s purpose and plan for families by analyzing the family lives of Moses, Jesus, and other Biblical people. Sixth graders identify how God demonstrates His care and concern for families in distress, including specific ways He shows His ability to provide for special needs. They also study God’s pattern for conflict resolution, especially in the home, as exemplified by the life of Joseph and others from the Bible. Students may join the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), which meets every Wednesday morning before school and serves as a means to interact with other HSES middle school students while deepening their understanding of God’s plan for their lives.     The visual arts course provides sixth graders multiple opportunities to analyze and form generalizations about the interdependence of basic elements of art such as color, texture, form, line, space, and value, as well as principles such as emphasis, pattern, balance, proportion, and unity. They demonstrate technical skills using a variety of art materials and media. In addition, students identify the influence that historical and political events have had on artwork from pre-historic time to the 1600s. Sixth graders also learn to appreciate their own cultural heritage and that of others through the study of art and develop the attitude that art can be a lifelong pursuit.     The performing arts class concentrates on music in the sixth grade. Students compare and contrast composers and their compositions. They learn to use standard terminology when discussing music, music notation, musical instruments, voice, and musical performances. Students also learn a variety of music forms; understand symbols and terms that refer to dynamics, tempo, and articulation; use standard symbols that denote meter, rhythm, and pitch; and create and verbalize rhythmic and melodic phrases. Sixth graders study excerpts of music representing diverse genres, styles, periods, and cultures. They also perform a varied repertoire of music representing styles from diverse cultures. Students perform in a 5th/6th grade play in February and have the opportunity to participate in the more advanced middle school production that is presented in April. Students may join the Ensemble Choir which performs at various functions and during chapel services.     Technology is integrated throughout the entire sixth grade program. Students use Microsoft Word™ and Power Point™ to generate reports, tables, presentations, and other written or visual products. They also use Microsoft Excel™ to construct data tables and various types of graphs. Sixth graders use the Internet as one of several sources to collect information for research and other class activities, as well as a means for taking “virtual field trips” and participating in simulations and hands-on activities related to units of study in the classroom. Students also take a computer technology course for one quarter that further develops their technology skills. Sixth graders may join our technology club, which meets once per week.     All middle school students have an advisory period at the beginning of the day, which includes chapel on most Tuesdays and Thursdays. The purpose of an advisory period is to further develop students’ social, emotional, and spiritual growth. Students study a multitude of desirable attributes and how they can develop these within themselves. The specific attributes are rotated through a three-year cycle. This year students will focus on the virtues of: Self-discipline—Self-control, self-restraint, self-reliance, independence Choices and Accountability—Making decisions, accepting consequences, being responsible for your choices Empathy—Understanding, compassion, charity, sensitivity, concern Honesty—Truthfulness, sincerity, honor, fairness, trustworthiness, being genuine Leadership—Setting a good example, leading others, being a good follower Courage—Bravery, boldness, daring, confidence, resolve Conservation—Preservation, thriftiness, moderation Homework  Homework assignments are an integral part of the sixth grader’s education. Its purpose is to provide reinforcement and extension of understandings and skills introduced in class. On average, sixth grade students should plan to spend 60 to 90 minutes per day during the school week to complete homework, work on extended assignments (independent reading, essays, research projects, extensive readings), and study for exams. Students are expected to spend a minimum of ten minutes per subject every night reviewing the material presented in class. They need to plan their time judiciously to complete extended assignments. Even though homework is listed on our website (www.hses.org), students are expected to keep their school-issued planners up-to-date with daily assignments, tests, quizzes, and future projects. Blackout dates are listed on the school calendar when no homework is to be assigned.   Athletics  Holy Spirit believes that athletics are an important part of the student’s physical, mental, and spiritual education. Even though striving to be the best we can be and winning are desirable parts of any athletic program, the development of the athletes’ skills, sportsmanship, and leadership qualities are also major objectives. We strive for our athletes to enjoy the athletic experience with the hope that the continued involvement in athletics and fitness will be a lifelong pursuit for each of them.   Holy Spirit Episcopal School offers competition in coed soccer and girls’ volleyball in the fall, boys’ and girls’ basketball in the winter, and boys’ baseball, girls’ softball, and coed track in the spring. The sports of soccer, volleyball, and basketball have junior varsity and varsity teams. Baseball, track, and softball only have varsity teams.   Conclusion  Sixth grade is a busy and exciting year at Holy Spirit Episcopal School. Through a challenging curriculum, children move into increasingly more complex disciplines. As opportunities for extra-curricular activities increase in and outside of school (such as competitive athletics, dance, music, etc.), students must learn how to make choices in order to maintain a balanced life. The middle school faculty and administration, together with the students’ parents, work as a team to help each student reach his or her academic, physical, emotional, and spiritual potential and strive to make this year meaningful and treasured.