6th Grade Course Requests
for the 2024-2025 School Year
February 5 - February 19, 2024
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General Information
All student schedules will be managed through the PowerSchool Student and Parent Portals. Below are the quick steps to submit requests for your child's electives:
Login to PowerSchool beginning February 5, 2024.
In the left-hand column of quick links, click “Class Registration”.
If your child plans to participate in the Instrumental Music program, select Band or Orchestra in the first section. If your child will not learn an instrument, leave this section blank.
In the Primary Electives section, select your child’s preferred elective courses. This can be a mixture of 1.0 (year-long), 0.5 (semester-long), and 0.25 (quarter-long) credit classes. We try our best to grant student requests but they cannot be guaranteed.
In the Alternates section, select one or two elective courses your child would be interested in if we are unable to meet their primary requests. Do not select any courses that you chose in the previous section.
To complete, click on “Submit” at the bottom of the screen.
Course requests must be completed by February 19, 2024, or your child’s courses will be selected for him or her.
Visit our video tutorial on how to complete course requests.
Questions? Email GeminiCourseHelp@emsd63.org.
Required Classes
All students will be automatically enrolled in:
English Language Arts
Math & STEAM
Social Studies
Science
Physical Education & Health
Advisory
Lunch
Elective Classes
We try our best to grant student requests but they cannot be guaranteed.
Select electives that add up to 2.0 credits.
Also, select 1 or 2 DIFFERENT electives if we cannot schedule your preferred elective.
Art 6
Credit: 0.25
Exploring and experimenting with a variety of different techniques, styles, and mediums.
Band 6
Credit: 1
Develop and enhance musical literacy, performance, composition skills and abilities of a specialized band instrument of choice. This course offers whole-band, small-like-instrument groups, and individualized instruction and practice. Instrument choices: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, or Percussion. Learn more by visiting our webpage.
Choir 6
Credit: 0.5
Explore your singing voice in this creative and collaborative class. You will develop the basics of singing, learn how to read sheet music, and perform many styles of music in large and small group settings. No singing experience is required. Learn more by visiting our webpage.
Executive Functioning 6
Credit: 0.25
Learn and develop tips and tricks to be successful in middle school through organization, time management, and self-advocacy.
Exploratory Spanish 6
Credit: 0.25
Explore the language and cultures of Spanish-speaking countries.
FACS on the Go 6
Credit: 0.25
Explore and develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes for promoting independence, health, and wellness such as kitchen safety, kitchen skills, preparing simple healthy snacks, basic hand sewing skills, and learning how to complete a variety of household responsibilities.
Music 6
Credit: 0.5
Spend a semester learning about a variety of musical topics which may include exploring musical genres and musicians, composing music using digital tools, and learning how to play the keyboard piano, ukulele, and/or guitar.
Mustang Video Production 6
Credit: 0.5
The Mustang Video Production course is a student-centered media class that explores storytelling through video to gain valuable hands-on experience. Students will learn what it takes to be part of a production team of on-screen talent, writers, directors, editors, etc. Students also learn basic writing and storyboarding skills.
Orchestra 6
Credit: 1.0
Develop and enhance musical literacy, performance, and composition skills and abilities of a specialized string instrument of choice. This course offers a full-string orchestra, small like-instrument groups, and individualized instruction and practice. Instruments choices: Violin, Viola, Cello, or Bass. Learn more by visiting our webpage.
Spanish for Spanish Speakers 6
Credit: 1.0
Spanish speakers explore their language through a program that dives deeper into acquiring reading, writing, and speaking skills in Spanish. Please Note: This literacy-focused course is for students who already speak, read, and write in Spanish. Initially, the district qualifies students for this course and parents have to consent.
"Tech"nically Speaking 6
Credit: 0.25
Exploring and learning how to use a variety of digital resources and tools to enhance student learning in a variety of settings. Additionally, this course will explore digital literacy and personal digital footprints.
Your Voice 6
Credit: 0.25
This course is a modern twist on traditional public speaking. In Your Voice, students learn to find their voice and use it for good. Students will explore a social issue that they are passionate about and spend time researching the issue and creating a call to action to educate and involve others. As they explore their issue, they will also explore various technology platforms to help them create an informative and engaging presentation.
February 5 - February 19, 2024
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Email: gemini411@emsd63.org
Website: emsd63.org/gemini
Location: 8955 North Greenwood Avenue, Niles, IL, USA
Phone: (847) 827-1181
Twitter: @D63Gemini