6th Grade Team

LANGUAGE ARTS – The 6th grade language arts classes encompass language skills and usage, word study, literature, and critical reading and writing with an increasing emphasis on non-fiction texts.  Using the new Amplify curriculum and supplemental materials to align instruction with the Common Core California Standards, our students are provided with a well-balanced program.

SOCIAL STUDIES – This 6th grade course focuses on the in-depth study of the history of ancient civilizations from Early People through the rise of the Roman Empire.  Included in this study are the early societies of the Near East and Africa, the ancient Hebrew civilization, Greece, Rome and the classical civilizations of India and of China.

All 6th grade students will be required to take a math course; course placement will be determined by district criteria. The math offered at the 6th grade builds a strong foundation for future math courses. Upon successful completion of math at the 6th grade, students will be on target to complete all UC/CSU requirements in high school.  A small group of students will be placed in a compacted 6-7 course.  This course is rigorous since students will complete the entire 6th grade curriculum plus half of the 7th grade course in one school year.  Students will be placed in this course by district criteria.

GRADE 6 INTEGRATED SCIENCE - Sixth Grade Integrated Science students employ scientific inquiry while making and revising models to learn about Physics and Thermal Energy, Cells and Microscopes, Body Systems, Growth and Development of Organisms, Earth's Systems and Plate Tectonics, Natural Resources and Natural Disasters. Students develop proper laboratory techniques in addition to investigation, reading scientific text, technical writing, and study skills.

6th grade Physical Education focuses on building the foundation for a healthy and active lifestyle. Students engage in a variety of modified traditional and non-traditional sports, both dual and team-based, to develop basic skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. They have the opportunity to use a variety of facilities, including the blacktop, large grass field, fitness lab with weight and exercise equipment, and the gym, to participate in diverse physical activities. This course helps students improve their fitness, coordination, and understanding of the importance of staying active.

BEGINNING BAND – Band offers instrumental music students the exciting opportunity to develop their performance skills and gain a life-long love and appreciation of music.  Performances include daytime and evening concerts. Attendance at performances and regular practice are part of a student’s grade. All bands require a commitment for the entire year.  Band instruments:  Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba, Percussion. Beginning band is a year long elective.

ORCHESTRA 1 – Orchestra 1 is designed for the stringed-instrument student (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass) who desires to play in a performing organization based upon orchestral instruments.  Orchestra 1 is for students who have had one year of string instrument instruction, or who are brand new to strings.  No experience is required, but most students have played in their 5th grade year.  The group will play a variety of exciting string music ranging from pop, to classical, to movie themes and more.  This group performs at evening concerts. Orchestra is a year long elective.

CHORUS – Chorus is a year-long course designed for students that have an interest in being a part of a vocal ensemble. No experience is required. Students will learn and develop upon their existing singing technique, learn music reading skills, and music history. Students will also explore a wide variety of music literature from classical to contemporary/popular pieces. This group will have two to four required evening performances and may go on performance trips to Music Festivals outside of the San Diego area.  

The exploratory wheel allows students to try a new elective class every trimester (12 weeks).  The art focus may include classes such as introduction to art, introduction to music, music in cinema, and drama.  All of the classes are an introduction to the content and will help students make a selection for their 7th grade year elective. 

The exploratory wheel allows students to try a new elective class every trimester (12 weeks).  The technology focus may include introduction to gateway to technology, introduction to multimedia, and introduction to digital photography.   All of the classes are an introduction to the content and will help students make a selection for their 7th grade year elective.