Students will be provided with opportunities for self-expression by being introduced to the structure of art including depth and color, and to the principles of design, such as balance and rhythm. They will create projects in applied arts such as poster making, fine arts, and landscape painting. They will be introduced to the history of art through various media. This course meets for 10 weeks.

ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS Mr. Green - 794-8840

Students will participate in a comprehensive ELA program that combines reading and writing along with the development of the critical thinking skills necessary for success in all academic areas. The continuation of our double or "block period" format of instruction allows for in-depth learning and meaningful instruction. We provide Academic Intervention Services (AIS) during and after school to students in need of additional assistance. At the end of the 6^th grade, students may be selected for a 7^th grade honors class based upon test scores, grades, teacher recommendation and other criteria.

HEALTH  Mr. Garry – 794-8840

In this ten-week course, students will develop the requisite knowledge, skills and attitudes so that they may develop and maintain lifelong health and wellness through:

1. Concepts for developing and maintaining lifelong fitness and wellness.
2. Development of positive personal health practices including anger management, conflict resolution; stress reduction, and positive self-esteem. 
3. Heart healthy lifestyle including, but not limited to nutrition, AIDS awareness and smoking. 

This is a ten-week program in which students will do an exploration in food and nutrition, career exploration, life skills and decision-making skills. Students will receive a continued program in these areas in the 7^th and 8^th grades.

MATH Mr. Furman - 794-0128

Students will participate in hands-on activities and real problem solving activities that are intermingled with traditional mathematics experiences. The teachers will work very hard to promote an excitement about mathematics through the selection of mathematical tasks that will engage the students interests and intellect. We will accomplish this through a mixture of individual, small group, and whole-class work. At the end of the 6th grade, students may be selected for accelerated math depending upon test scores, grades, teacher recommendations and other criteria. Such selection will enable these students to take Math 101, when they reach the 8th grade, for high school credit. This is the first of a two-year course, at which time they will take the Math A Regents.

MUSIC Dr. Dirth - 794-8840

All sixth grade students will continue to play the recorder and create original compositions in the ten week General Music class. In addition, qualified students can look forward to participation in our Band, Orchestra and Chorus, which are full year classes that meet every other day.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION Mr. Garry - 794-8840

Students will have opportunities to develop basic skills in a wide variety of sports and games, including soccer, volleyball, team handball, track & field, gymnastics, softball, basketball, flickerball, physical fitness and low organizational games. Students must wear proper attire: shorts, T-shirts and sneakers, in order to participate. They may also participate in after-school intramurals. Physical Education classes meet every other day for the entire year.

SCIENCE Mr. Grunenwald – 794-8840

Students will explore the following major science units: Introduction to Science (scientific method, measurement, metric system, laboratory safety and skills), Earth Science (earth’s interior, weathering and erosion, plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes, weather, topography, magnetism and electricity), Chemistry (atomic structure, composition and properties of matter), and Energy. At the end of the sixth grade, students may be selected for the accelerated 7^th grade Science program based upon test scores, grades, teacher recommendation and other criteria. Such selection will enable these students to take Earth Science when they reach the 8^th grade for High School credit.

SOCIAL STUDIES Mr. Devine - 794-8840

Students will study a Social Studies curriculum developed in units to familiarize them with today's world: geography; early mankind; the civilization of Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece and Rome; the modern Middle East and Europe; and economics. Students will develop and learn to use effectively, through a variety of activities and methods, such skills as locating, interpreting, organizing and evaluating information, and communicating orally and in writing. At the end of the 6th grade, students may be selected for a 7th grade honors class based upon test scores, grades, teacher recommendations and other criteria.

TECHNOLOGY Mr. Halchak – 796-3058

Technology Education courses integrates most educational areas through activities/projects. For instance, students in one of many activities will be challenged to build a magnetic levitation vehicle powered by propeller, the wind, electric pulses, etc. that travels the furthest and/or fastest. Assessments are based on participation, skills and effort. Activities integrate math and science with computer tools, machines and a host of materials in a student friendly atmosphere.

ELL Mrs. Sonnenschein  583-5390

English Language Learner classes are available to those students whose native language is not English. There are three levels from beginner to advanced. ESL classes focus on development of the four language skill areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Students at the beginning level meet 2 - 3 periods a day, which may replace the regular English and Social Studies for English speaking students. As proficiency improves, students will only require one period a day of ELL.

ACADEMIC INTERVENTION SERVICES Mr. Furman - 794-0128

Remedial assistance in English/Language Arts and Math is available to students who fall below the cutoff scores on state and national tests. Students receive this instruction in addition to their regularly scheduled classes.

SPECIAL EDUCATION Mr. Palermo - 794-0128

The Middle School offers a comprehensive program of Special Education and related services for students who have special needs. These are selected students who require specialized classes in English, Reading, Mathematics, Social Studies and Science.