School Day 8:18 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

English/Language Arts (Mrs. Kahlenberg):
Language Arts and Reading complement each other and are often taught in an interdisciplinary fashion. Throughout the year, students craft a multitude of written pieces (stories, essays, poetry, scripts, speeches, etc.) and read a variety of genres and topics through class novels and independent reading. Vocabulary and grammar are important components of the curriculum as well. Furthermore, the Common Core Standards - ELA are implemented and integrated seamlessly into the classroom activities and assignments.

Mathematics (Mrs. Meziere):

6th Grade Topics

Keys To Success (Student Version)

CPM Parent Guide

Common Core State Standards

CPM Educational Program, a California nonprofit corporation, has provided student-centered, problem-based instructional materials and professional development for teachers since its inception in 1989. CPM teaching strategies focus on how students best learn and retain mathematics. Teaching strategies rely on the recommendations of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and are based on methodological research in teaching mathematics. The research-based principles that guide the course are:

• Students should engage in problem-based lessons structured around a core idea.
• Guided by a knowledgeable teacher, students should interact in groups to foster mathematical discourse.
• In order for long-term retention and mastery over time to occur, students should practice with concepts and procedures and this practice should be spaced over time.

On a daily basis, students using the CPM curriculum investigate, analyze critically, question, develop problem-solving strategies, gather evidence, and communicate rigorous arguments to justify their thinking. Using the CPM curriculum, students tackle problems set in everyday contexts to help them make sense of otherwise abstract ideas. Students gather and organize information about problems, break problems into smaller parts, and look for patterns that lead to solutions. Students learn in collaboration with others, sharing information, expertise, and ideas.

While students are solving complex mathematical problems, they are communicating their thinking and understanding, both formally and informally, whether they are writing or speaking. Communication helps to clarify students’ thinking, prepares them for sharing their ideas in professional settings, and formal or informal feedback that allows for revision. Communication lets teachers and peers assess students’ thinking and depth of understanding. In turn, all students get the chance to improve the quality of their work.

Science (Ms. Keopraseuth):
6th grade scientists at Sunset Ridge study a variety of science concepts ranging from ecology, particle physics, to light. Students study these topics while using the same techniques scientists use in the real world. The National Next Generation Science Standards named these skills the 8 Science and Engineering Practices. Students will be asking questions, developing models, carrying out scientific investigations, making arguments based on evidence, and more. Science is all around us, and it is the job of scientists to understand the natural world. In 6th grade, students are encouraged to do the same.

Social Studies (Kahlenberg, Keopraseuth, or Meziere):
Sixth grade Social Studies focuses on Ancient Civilizations. Starting with the beginnings of civilization, students then learn about Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Ancient China, Ancient India, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome. Research and note-taking skills are key parts of several units, as are group projects, essay writing, and presenting. At times throughout the year, a leap to present-day is made through the study of Current Events.

Physical Education/Health (Mrs. Gonzalez and Mr. Sislow):
Health: The Sixth Grade Health curriculum is a comprehensive and holistic Health Education program that emphasizes life-long habits which include the following topics: Health Triangle, Goal Setting, Time Management/ Executive Functioning, Internet Safety, Decision-Making, Stress, Diet and Nutrition, Perspective Taking, Peer Pressure, Making and Keeping Friends, Sexual Abuse (Erin’s Law), Bullying, Physical Safety and Puberty.

PE: Physical Education contributes to the complete education of students enabling them to realize their physical, mental, emotional, and social potential. The ultimate goal of physical education is to develop and educate each individual healthful, interesting and enjoyable physical activities. Cooperation and good sportsmanship are also desirable outcomes. Through these experiences, students will be able to grow physically and as well as mentally.

Spanish (Sra. Westfall and Sra. Leal):
6th grade Spanish will use the text series- Expresate! Chapters 1 - 3 will be covered. It focuses on vocabulary, grammar and cultural spotlights of some Spanish speaking countries.

Student Services:
The sixth grade Student Services Team consists of the school psychologist, a speech and language pathologist, gifted/enrichment teachers, an ELL (English Language Learner) teacher, a special education teacher, and an extended resource room teacher. This team works together to meet the needs of students with IEPs and 504 plans; in addition, they provide other educational supports to all students.

Art (Ms. Swanson):
The primary goal in 6th grade Art is to cultivate the natural creativity found in young students and to enhance artistic development through the use of drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics and mixed media projects. The elements and principles of design are reinforced while encouraging creativity and self-expression with lessons that are aligned with national art standards. Students have art one Trimester and meet three times a week for 30 minutes.