RPMS (Grade 6)

PARENTS AND STUDENTS: WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO HONOR YOUR SELECTION ON THE ACADEMIC ADVISING FORM (COURSE REQUESTS), BUT DUE TO CLASS RESTRICTIONS AND AVAILABLE SPACING, WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO HONOR ALL OF THEM.

* The link to the Academic Advising Form is at the bottom of the newsletter.*

Hello Parents and Students,

Welcome to the 2022-23 School year.

It is our hope that this newsletter will give you all of the information needed to make informed decisions with your student regarding classes for the next school year.

In the following sections, you will find important information regarding course selections.

Please take some time to read through everything. You will find the following:

1. Requirements for Extended Classes: Math 6 Extended/Language Arts 6 Extended
2. Social Studies and Science Middle School Curriculum Links
3. Related Arts or Encore Selection Descriptions
4. Which Math and Science Classes to select if you are enrolled in the Math & Science Specialty Program.
5. Academic Advising Form (Course Requests)
6. Online Parent Meeting and Counselors in:

Student's SOL scores in Language Arts play a large part in whether or not students are placed in Extended level courses. In addition to reviewing SOL scores, recommendations will be given by 5th-grade teachers based on academic performance in Grade 5.

Student placement will be determined by the following criteria:

1. 5th-grade teacher evaluation of the following: Can work independently and at an accelerated pace, can accept challenges, uses critical thinking skills, and actively participates in class.

*If you are choosing an Extended class in Language Arts, we want you to know that we will be consulting with your son/daughter's 5th-grade teachers and counselors.

If you would like to review the Middle School Language Arts Curriculum, please click HERE.

To be successful in Extended Math, a student should be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers, fractions and decimals and have been exposed to Geometry. Student placement will be determined by prior academic performance and in accordance with the PWCS mathematics placement.

Click HERE to see Math 6 PWCS Course Objectives

Math 6 Extended

Click HERE to see Math 6 Extended PWCS Course Objectives

Requirements: If you are choosing Extended classes in Math, we want you to know that we will be taking recommendations from your son/daughter's 5th-grade teachers and counselors.

We have limited spacing in our Extended classes, this means students will ultimately be recommended for Extended level classes based on teacher recommendations, their academic grades in 5th grade, and in accordance with the PWCS mathematics placement criteria.

If you would like to look over the Science Middle School Curriculum click HERE.

If you would like to look over the Social Studies Middle School Curriculum for 6th-grade click HERE.

New this year:

Due to the new set up for next year's schedule, you do not have to choose electives since you will be flowing through most of the choices. Electives Available next year are:

• Art 6 (Digital Art) (Painting, Drawing, Printmaking, and Sculpture)
• STEM Solutions Part 1 and Part 2
• Intro to Foreign Language
• Intro to Technology Part 1 and Part 2
• Personal Development Part 1 and Part 2
• Gifted (2 Quarters--Fall and Spring)--Must already be enrolled
• Math Recovery (SOL support)
• ELL (English Language Learner) Support Classes
• Reading Recovery (SOL support)

Elective classes: are also on the Quarter system. Basically every Quarter (every 9 weeks), your student will be able to change into a new elective class.

Core Classes: Math, Science, Social Studies, Language arts do not rotate. Students will see these classes every day.

Music Selection: Your student must choose a music class: Band, Chorus, or Orchestra.

PE: Mandatory, flips every other day w/ Music

Signet (Gifted) Students: Every student in the Gifted program will have 2 quarters one in the Fall and Spring for Gifted Services.

STEM SOLUTIONS (Part 1, Part 2)

STEM Solutions covers Workplace Readiness Skills, Keyboarding Skills, Word Processing, Database, Spreadsheet & Presentation Software , Ethical & Security Problems Related to Computers, Basic Internet Safety & Computer Maintenance Issues.

INTRO TO FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Intro to Foreign Language students become familiar with the basics of Latin, Spanish, French and Japanese languages, histories, and cultures through listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will also learn through listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities. Students will also learn through art, games, multimedia resources, singing, videos, and the internet to become better informed when deciding which Foreign Language they will study in High School.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT (FACS) (Part 1, Part 2)

This course provides a foundation for managing individual, family, career, and community roles and responsibilities. Students focus on areas of individual growth such as personal goal achievement, responsibilities within the family, and accountability for personal safety and health. They also explore and practice financial management, clothing maintenance, food preparation, positive and caring relationships with others, and self-assessment as related to career exploration. Students apply problem-solving and leadership skills as they progress through the course.

INTRO TO TECHNOLOGY (Part 1 and Part 2)

Students study the resources of all technology, including tools, energy, materials, people, time, information, and capital. This also includes the problem-solving process, the design process, and various hands-on activities. They explore many systems of technology, including energy and power, information and communication, transportation, manufacturing, and construction. Students are also given the opportunity to experience 3D Modeling using Autodesk Inventor 19 Software. The students relate the impact of technology on society, the environment, and culture to future consequences and decisions.

ART

The Prince William County visual art instructors educate students to develop an awareness and appreciation of art. Through their study of visual art, students will develop fluency in visual, oral, and written communication using the language of art.

**We have 4 ART TEACHERS at Rippon. They cover the same grade level objectives but do different projects. Each teacher will have an emphasis on either: Painting, Sculpting, or Digital Art.

This is a 9 week course for 6th and 7th grade students, and a semester long course for 8th grade students

Throughout the course we will use a variety of materials and processes. We will complete lessons on drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and collage/textiles. Students are graded on in-class projects, and class work such as practice sketches and notes. The art department supplies most art materials, except for a sketchbook, pencil, and eraser which students are required to have for each class.

DIGITAL ART

In Digital Art class students will explore the new age of art using contemporary media. In the modern art world, digital art is a platform which is rich in career opportunities. The skills learned in this class will give students a boost in learning career skills such as graphic design, illustration, game design, 3D modeling, and animation. The course aligns with the PWCS standards and will give students the opportunity to explore their personal interest in digital art.

Band

6th grade band: We would love for your student to consider being a part of our Band program! Band is a wonderful opportunity for your student to build new skills and develop relationships with other students! Joining 6th grade band requires no experience to join, Mrs. Bryk will teach you EVERYTHING you need to know! The instruments available in band include: Flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion. The Rippon Middle School Band Director is Mrs. Bryk. If you have any questions you can email her at bryksj@pwcs.edu!

Chorus

"In 6th grade chorus, we will sing altogether as a group to improve and advance our overall musicianship and singing skills. In our rehearsals throughout the school year, we'll continuously practice and work toward performing in various chorus concerts. With our singing, we will also gain knowledge pertaining to music history, music literacy (reading music), music appreciation, and listening skills. This class will focus on singing mainly unison and possibly 2 part choral music. This class is suitable for all 6th grade students interested in chorus, whether they've had previous chorus experience or not."

6th grade chorus (mixed gender/mixed voice types):

"In 6th grade chorus, we will sing altogether as a group to improve and advance our overall musicianship and singing skills. In our rehearsals throughout the school year, we'll continuously practice and work toward performing in various chorus concerts. With our singing, we will also gain knowledge pertaining to music history, music literacy (reading music), music appreciation, and listening skills. This class will focus on singing mainly unison and possibly 2 part choral music. This class is suitable for all 6th grade students interested in chorus, whether they've had previous chorus experience or not."

Orchestra

6th Grade Beginning Orchestra:

In 6th Grade Beginning Orchestra students will be able to play either the violin, viola, cello, or double bass. This class is for students who have not played an orchestral string instrument before or for students who are changing instruments and may need more time to change techniques and learn to read music in a new clef.

6th Grade Intermediate Orchestra:

This class is for students who have already taken 1-2 years of orchestra before entering 6th grade. Students will play either violin, viola, cello or double bass. This class focuses on the continued learning of the student’s chosen instrument at the 6th grade level.

A student in health and physical education will experience a continuous sequence of learning embedded in a comprehensive curriculum. Students will strive to actively and adequately achieve and promote daily lifelong wellness, while participating in a variety of foundational movement skills, sports and activities, personal fitness, and nutrition and wellness activities. We want you to have a lifelong healthy life!

Health education provides the knowledge base and critical thinking skills necessary for students to make informed choices and to exert positive control over their lives. Topics will include such areas as substance abuse prevention, mental health, and health promotion.

Class Learning Objectives

Physical Education

• Motor Skill Development
• Anatomical Basis for Movement Knowledge
• Fitness Planning
• Social Development
• Energy Balance Knowledge

Health

• Essential Health Concepts
• Healthy Decisions
• Advocacy and Health Promotion

Expectations

1. Come to class PE ready. You will not be required to change clothes for class, but should have shoes and clothes that you are able to participate in. Students will not be given PE lockers. If you need to change into clothes or shoes, you will be given time in the beginning to do so, but will need to have a bag to put items in. The locker rooms will be available at the beginning and end of class to change if needed. Once again changing clothes will not be mandatory.
2. Participate!
3. Give a Solid Effort!
4. Be Punctual and Organized!

Please choose the following sections on the form:

• Math 6 Extended (all Math and Science students begin with this course)
• Science 6 Enrichment (states it is a section for Math and Science Students)
• Ext. LA is optional for the Math and Science Students
• Social Studies: Same course for all students