Sixth Grade

List of 9 items.

• Humanities

  Literature – Students read a variety of materials including young adult historical fiction, poetry, and newspaper articles. Reading comprehension and speed continues to be developed and monitored. A habit of daily reading is expected and nurtured.

  
  English – Writing process and form, learned in grade five, are greatly expanded at the grade six level, as students write multiple paragraph essays and learn more sophisticated techniques for evaluating and editing their own writing efforts. Students strengthen their command of the 6 + 1 Traits® of Writing which leads to a much wider variety of writing genres. Students learn research skills and the concepts of clear report writing. They continue the Vocabu-Lit program.

  
  Social Studies – This year the emphasis is on the cultural, political, social, and geographic forces that have molded the United States from the 1920’s to the end of the Cold War. Additionally, students review and learn more about American geography and how geography has influenced settlement patterns. Social Studies is taught using a thematic approach, with each unit beginning with a guiding question that provokes thought, group work and discussion, research, and creative projects. Additionally, students discuss current events and the importance of being a responsible citizen.

• Math

  Students in grade six are placed into Honors Math or Pre-Algebra. In Honors Math, students continue to expand their conceptual framework of numbers, number concepts, and computation, and pre-algebra is introduced. Students develop a greater mastery of computational skills with whole, fractional, and decimal numbers as more complex word problems are solved through reasoning, and learning to explain the steps during that process. Problem-solving strategies continue to be explored and reinforced through class discussion, group work, and individual activities. Students taking the Pre-Algebra class solidify their competence with computation and learn topics typically covered in an introductory pre-algebra class. This class prepares students to explore math in a more abstract manner as they are introduced to basic pre-algebra and beginning algebra concepts, including operations with rational numbers, ratios and proportions, solving equations and inequalities, statistics, mathematical properties, sequences, and graphing. Through the study of pre-algebra, students are able to communicate their understanding of arithmetic, number properties and concepts, and algebraic concepts.

• P.E. and Athletics

  Physical Education

  All Saints’ recognizes that instruction in physical fitness and health is a necessary part of the education and well-being of the whole child. Students participate in P.E. three times weekly. The principal standards of the P.E. curriculum are:

  • The use of a variety of basic and advanced movement forms
  • The use of movement concepts and principles in the development of motor skills
  • Understanding the benefits and costs associated with participation in physical activity
  • Understanding how to monitor and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical fitness
  • Understanding the social and personal responsibility associated with participation in physical activity

  Participation in the Presidential Physical Fitness Test provides a yearly evaluation of a student’s progress. The test measures cardiovascular fitness, upper and lower body strength, as well as flexibility and agility.

  
  P.E. and athletic facilities include The Carl G. Carlozzi gym, a recently redesigned playing field, baseball diamond, and sports courts.

  
  Athletics

  The athletic department offers a competitive but inclusive team sports program for middle school students in sixth through eighth grades who wish to participate. The focus of the program is learning the fundamentals of each sport, practicing teamwork, and demonstrating good sportsmanship. Because of All Saints’ emphasis on academics, frequency of practices and games are monitored carefully and teams do not play during final exams.

  
  All Saints’ teams compete in the Catholic Youth Athletic Association (CYAA). The varsity boys’ teams have won 14 CYAA championships over the past 10 years, including the football championship for the last three years. The girls’ varsity volleyball team has consistently been one of the top teams in the league and the State middle school champion or runner-up for the past four years.

  
  Boys play flag football, basketball, and baseball. Girls play volleyball, softball, and basketball. Students in fourth and fifth grades can participate in these sports through the after-school intramural program coached by varsity players and assisted by the coaching staff. Sixth grade students have their own teams and play other sixth grade teams in the CYAA. Everyone participates; there are no cuts. Students in seventh and eighth grades try out and are placed on the varsity or junior varsity team based on ability.
  
  

  At graduation, students who have lettered in five or more varsity sports are inducted into the All Saints’ Athletic Hall of Fame.

   

• Performing Arts

  Sixth-grade students choose General Music with Mr. Block or Band with Dr. Rifkind.
   
  Students who select General Music will be exposed to a program that will include: singing, composition, playing electric guitar, and various performances throughout the year. Students play a variety of instruments, including xylophones, African drums, and other percussion instruments. Students have many opportunities to perform their creations both in class and on stage. 
  
  Students who select Band will continue their studies on woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments.  As inventory permits, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, flute, clarinet, saxophone, bell set, and practice pad for percussionists are provided at no charge; any other instrument must be provided by the student. They develop fluency on their instruments by rehearsing various musical styles, both written and improvised, and performing on numerous occasions throughout the school year.
  
  Students may also audition for the Chorister program, based on the Royal School of Church Music curriculum. The Chorister program continues through eighth grade and is led by the Directors of Music at All Saints’ Episcopal Church. 

• Religion and Life Skills

  The curriculum at All Saints’ includes a religion and life skills class. Middle school students attend twice weekly. Religion faculty present the class from a Judaic/Christian perspective; at the same time, the program acknowledges and honors the many other religious traditions that our students and families bring to the All Saints’ community. This diversity gives students and faculty the opportunity to discuss religion and faith with all of the depth, beauty, and mystery that the subject warrants.

  
  Middle school students study the Bible from a historical, cultural, and geographical aspect. In addition to Jesus Christ, they look at other biblical figures including St. Paul and the Prophets, and how they are relevant to today’s society. Classes are conducted in an environment that is academically rigorous and existentially probing. Questions and thoughtful discussion are always encouraged. Eighth grade students embark on a year-long study of world religions that includes Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and Eastern religions such as Confucianism, Taoism and Shinto, as time allows.

  
  Students explore principles of leadership and character education continues to be emphasized. The classroom provides a place where students can discuss and deal with their everyday experiences. Questions about drugs and alcohol are addressed and discussion of basic body awareness is conducted in appropriate gender groups.

• Science

  Earth Science is the focus in grade six. The course is designed to provide a look at the earth from the inside out. Students study geology, meteorology, and oceanography. Topics addressed include: scientific measurement; plate tectonics; earth chemistry/earth materials; earth cycles; weathering and erosion; geologic time; and oceanography.

• Spanish

   

  Students in sixth grade attend Spanish class three times a week. Instruction focuses on building on the foundation developed in grade five and includes: listening, speaking, reading comprehension, and writing. Students are introduced to a preliminary high school Spanish course and to the exploration of Mexican history and culture. The classroom activities include: writing projects, oral presentations, skits, and team/partner work. The program integrates the use of technology: the text book is available online, and iPads are utilized to enhance their language learning experience. The foundation established this year, serves as the basis for success in the seventh and eighth grades.

• Technology

  Design Thinking and Technology at All Saints'. provides students with a unique opportunity to use powerful digital technologies in a hands-on project-based environment. The middle school DreamLab houses a diverse array of equipment for 5th-8th graders during their studies at All Saints’.
  
  

  Every student can expect to get practical training in 3d modeling/printing, digital storytelling, graphic design, electronics, coding, and basic fabrication - all under the umbrella of design thinking.
  
  

  Design thinking follows a cyclical approach to problem solving that is centered on real people and their needs. We follow the model set forth from The d.school at Stanford University.

• Visual Arts

  The visual arts department at All Saints’ encourages students to explore the world, develop self expression and confidence, and communicate through art. Students at all grade levels are continuously challenged to grow creatively as they acquire a sequential knowledge of the elements and principles of art and an appreciation of art history. The program fosters the following beliefs:

  • Art is a visual means of self-expression.
  • We develop an “artist’s eye” through observation of the world around us and by continuing to create art.
  • Art class is a positive experience and the creative process is enjoyable and fulfilling.

  The art program in lower school lays the foundation for concepts and skills that will continue to be developed as students move into middle school. Students explore the elements of art: line, shape, color, texture, space, and value. Over time, they master a variety of artists’ tools including brushes, pen and ink, palette knives, linoleum blocks, wood, chalk, and charcoal. Artistic boundaries widen as students create both two- and three-dimensional artwork and are exposed to various mediums including paint, clay, sculpture, stitchery, papier-mâché, and drawing.

  
  Students travel through history with the Art Masterpiece program.  Grade six studies include:  Impressionism and Post-Impressionism; artists include Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cezanne, Cassatt, Cauguin, Van Gogh, Matisse, Seurat, Morisot, Munch, and Toulouse-Lautrec.  Students incorporate many of the ideas, themes, and techniques they study in this program into their classroom work.

  
  Two highlights of the school year are Special Persons Day, an event that showcases the visual and performing art programs in tandem, and the Spring Art Show, a weeklong display that includes representative works from all projects at every grade level.