REQUIRED COURSES: WORLD LANGUAGE, PE, AND UNIFIED ARTS

WORLD LANGUAGES

Sixth graders will study Spanish for the entire year on an every other day basis. Students continue to reinforce old and learn new vocabulary with a focus on spelling, engage in conversations, skits, and play-acting as well as produce culturally enlightening projects.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The sixth grade students will be offered physical education for a full year on an every other day sequence. The classes are designed to meet the needs of all students. A variety of activities will be explored during the middle school years. Some of the activities offered are team sports, individual sports, cooperative games, and physical fitness. There will be four physical education teachers at the middle school to work with our sixth grade students. Instruction will focus on five areas of fitness and 6 areas of skill related activities.

UNIFIED ARTS

ART

The sixth, seventh, and eighth grade art program is an extension of the K-5 art

Curriculum. Students will be introduced to a variety of materials and concepts based on

the elements and principles of art, which will allow them to create two and three-

dimensional art. This class emphasizes creativity and individuality, art appreciation,

critical and divergent thinking as well as problem solving.

LIVING SKILLS

The living skills curriculum will consist of two units. The first unit is called “Food Fitness.” Students will be introduced to five easy skills that can improve their eating habits. Students will experience the rewards and challenges of trying to achieve a short-term “food fitness” goal. Students will understand that making healthy food choices can influence their physical, emotional, and social health. The “Creative Ideas” unit allows students to express their creativity while learning about basis elements of design and color. Simple sewing projects will be created using basis sewing tools. Successful projects require thoughtful application of math skills, reading skills, and critical thinking skills.

MUSIC

Students will study topics such as theory, movement, terminology, history, and assessment. Among themes of study may be American musicals and Native American music. Historic and contemporary music will be included in the curriculum.

TECH ED

Sixth grade students will have an experience in either Design Tech or Construction Tech. These classes will have the students working in a cooperative way using skills in measurement, estimation, coordination, and taking and following instruction. Students will work with their hands using tools and simple machines to complete assignments.

COMPUTER

The sixth grade computer curriculum consists of a six-week segment in which the students learn basic computer skills and internet safety. The students will learn proper keyboarding skills, basic word processing skills, graphing skills, and multimedia skills. All activities are designed to integrate material found in the sixth grade curriculum with computer instruction. At the conclusion of this segment, students will possess basis computer skills needed to effectively integrate technology into all aspects of their lives.

ELECTIVE COURSES

PERFORMING ARTS

BAND – The instrumental ensembles are divided into three separate performing groups: the sixth grade band, the seventh grade and the eighth grade band. All ensembles meet during Flex period. The ensemble experience is supported by one group lesson per six-day rotation for all members. The bands perform for school concerts and may participate in band festivals. The Jazz Ensemble performs for groups in our community. That ensemble rehearses one afternoon per week after school. A wide variety of music is performed in all ensembles. Instrumental students also have an opportunity to audition in the fall for the All-Eastern Band and/or Jazz Ensemble, which performs in a large concert in early March.

CHORUS – Students who enjoy singing are encouraged to join chorus. The chorus performs for student body once a year. A wide variety of music is performed. Chorus will meet during the Flex period.

ORCHESTRA – The Clark Lane Middle School Orchestra is a performing group open to all string players and selected wind players. The orchestra performs a school concert, as well as two evening concerts. A wide variety of music is performed. The orchestra will meet during the Flex period. Each orchestra member receives on lesson per six day rotation.

NOTE: STUDENTS WHO PARTICIPATE IN BAND, ORCHESTRA, AND CHORUS SHOULD BE AWARE OF TIME COMMITMENTS OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL DAY SUCH AS EXTRA PRACTICES BEFORE CONCERTS, ATTENDANCE AT CONCERTS, AND OTHER SCHEDULED EVENTS.