QUAKERTOWN COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Milford Middle School
COURSE SELECTION 2014-2015
GRADE 6
Student Name 5th grade Teacher
REQUIRED CORE SUBJECTS
/ /REQUIRED SPECIAL SUBJECTS
¨ Mathematics – check one / ¨ Homeroom¨ Resource
¨ Physical Education
□ Math 6
□ Math 6 Cyber* / ¨ Art I
¨ Computer Literacy
¨ Reading & Language Arts – check one
□ RELA 6
□ RELA Cyber *
¨ Science– check one
□ Science 6
□ Science Cyber *
¨ Social Studies– check one
□ Social Studies 6
□ Social Studies Cyber *
Elementary Special Education Teachers and other essential staff will work with the counselor, principal, and sixth grade teachers to appropriately schedule any student that has an IEP, GIEP, or 504 Plan. This also includes students that receive Instructional Support. Initially all students will request the same courses and then these requests will be modified to best fit the needs of each student. / ¨ Music Electives– check one
Please refer to Page 4 (Music Electives Options)
□ General Music and Library Research Skills
□ Extension 6
□ Music Combo (both Band & Chorus)
□ Vocal Music (Chorus)
□ Instrumental Music (Band)
¨ Additional cyber options:
□ Art Cyber *
□ Computer Literacy Cyber *
□ General Music Cyber *
□ PE Cyber*
*In order to choose a cyber-course, a parent/guardian written request must be included with this course selection sheet.
-Students requesting cyber courses are REQUIRED to attend an information session and participate in an orientation session prior to the start of the school year. (date TBA)
Please keep this packet for future reference. This packet and additional scheduling information can be found on the Milford Middle School Counseling webpage (http://www.qcsd.org/Page/1792)
Directions for Accessing On-line Information
If you already have your Parent Portal Account set up:
1. Get to Milford’s home page.
2. Find:
PowerSchool Parent PortalClick here to read about and access the Parent Portal.
3. Click Enter. Then use your PowerSchool user name and password that you created
4. Click on the “Class Registration” icon.
5. Review course selections
If you have not yet set up your Parent Portal account for this school year, you need to do this first!
Directions for Parents to Create an Account
1. Visitwww.qcsd.organd click on "Parent Portal".
2. Click on the "Create Account" button.
3. Add your parent information at the top by providing the relevant information for the account you are creating.
Under the "Link Students to Account Section":
1. Type the Student's Name in the "Student Name" box.
2. Add the Access ID by typing in the Username given by the school.
3. Add the Access Password by typing in the Password given by the school
4. Choose your relationship to the child(ren). Example: 'mother'
5. Add any additional students by following the same procedure.
6. Click "Enter".
The account is then created and parents can log in with the username and password that they created.
Common Mistakes
1. Many parents inadvertently use the student ID and Password information. They will be unable to create the account if they use this.
2. Usernames and passwords are case sensitive.
3. Parents with 0 (zero) and O (letter O) in their passwords are sometimes confusing the two symbols.
4. Some parents with multiple children create the account only using one student and leave out the other. If they do this, they should sign into the portal with the username and password that they created and then add their additional student(s) under their account settings.
Still having problems? Call your child’s school counselor.
PARENT ORIENTATIONS
Monday, March 18, 2013 @ 7:00PM Strayer Auditorium – Understanding course selection
Wednesday, May 15, 2013 @ 7:00PM Milford Cafeteria –Learn what to expect in 6th grade
(Students will have their own field trip in the morning of May 15 – no students in the evening please)
Tuesday, August 27, 2013 @ 9:00AM-11:00AM Milford Gymnasium – 6th Grade Orientation for students and parents:
Meet teachers, Open lockers, Understand Schedules
For additional questions and concerns contact:
Mr. Owen Breininger
Milford Middle School 6th Grade Counselor
215-529-2215
MILFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL
2014-2015
GRADE 6 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
MATH 6:
This course is designed to address five areas of the PA Core Standards: The Number System, Ratios and Proportional Relationships, Expressions and Equations, Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. There are four major focus areas: (1) connecting ratio and rate to whole number multiplication and division and using concepts of ratio and rate to solve problems; (2) completing understanding of division of fractions and extending the notion of number to the system of rational numbers, including negative numbers; (3) writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations; and (4) developing understanding of statistical thinking. Students will learn the mathematical content through the application of the eight Standards for Mathematical Practice.
READING AND LANGUAGE ARTS (RELA 6):
This course integrates reading, writing, speaking and listening to develop students' literacy skills. The reading portion of this course emphasizes skill development in comprehension, reading response, vocabulary and higher level thinking through the reading of a variety of contemporary and classic literature. Students develop their listening, speaking and writing skills through various writing assignments, many of which stem from their reading. Areas of instructional emphasis in writing include focus, content, organization, style and conventions (spelling, grammar, punctuation, capitalization and sentence formation).
SCIENCE 6:
This course is designed to give students a background in general science by successfully completing various scientific activities. Major units of study include Catastrophic Events; Energy, Machines and Motion; and Human Body Systems.
SOCIAL STUDIES 6:
Students study prehistory and the great early civilizations of the world, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus River, Ancient China, Greece and Rome. Students are exposed to the impact of these civilizations on the modern world.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION (PE 6):
The physical education program focuses on the physical development of each student. Developmentally-appropriate activities provide experiences conducive to the development of one’s physical capabilities and realization of individual potential. A healthy body and positive attitude toward physical activity as a way of spending leisure time are stressed.
ART 6:
In an effort to make art education an important part of students' lives, instruction involves a discipline-based approach with a focus on understanding and appreciating art. The sixth grade art course is an introductory study of ceramics, commercial art, graphic design, design elements, drawing, painting and three-dimensional design. Each unit of study incorporates specific goals, objectives and structured learning activities that develop and expand students' knowledge of art. Refinement of skills used for participating, creating or responding to art is also pursued.
COMPUTER LITERACY 6:
Mastering the keyboard is the primary objective of this course. Emphasis is placed on using correct fingering for keys, building speed and accuracy using a keyboard, keeping eyes on the copy and producing error-free materials. Time practices will be given several times each week to measure progress. In addition students are provided practice reading and following directions, organizing materials efficiently and developing skills in proofreading and editing. Students are introduced to a word processing program and Internet. In summary, students learn basic word processing skills and how to use Internet search engines to locate general information related to their work in other courses.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC 6 (Band):
Students are taught the basics of good musicianship with an emphasis on counting and the development of music reading skills. Five major performances are scheduled throughout the school year, including Fall Band Night at a senior high football game, a winter concert, two spring concerts (March and May) and the Memorial Day Parade. Participation is required in all scheduled performances. Students also attend small group rehearsals every two weeks during the school day. Students must currently be enrolled in their elementary school band program, or be taking private lessons on a band instrument outside of school to qualify for this course.
VOCAL MUSIC 6 (Chorus):
Students in this course develop vocal performing skills and techniques in an organized group instruction format. A comprehensive musical understanding is stressed through part-singing, vocal exercises and proper vocal techniques applied to a rehearsed and performed repertoire.
GENERAL MUSIC: (for non-band/chorus students only)
This course consists of academic work, listening, and performing in conjunction with various units of study. Units of study are selected from the following topics: careers in music; conducting; harmony; instruments of the orchestra; melody; musical symbols; operetta; program music; rhythm; scales; Spanish-American music; texture, timbre and form; and vocal music.
LIBRARY RESEARCH SKILLS: (for non-band/chorus students only)
This course integrates school library information literacy standards with core curriculum requirements. Students learn to locate, evaluate, and utilize information from a variety of resources. Emphasis is placed on developing skills for effective and independent research.
Cyber Courses: If you are a motivated, self-directed, focused learner, cyber learning may be an option for you. A parent/guardian written request must be included with the course selection sheet.
Characteristics of the successful cyber student:
• Be open-minded about sharing work, educational experiences, and life as part of the learning process.
• Be able to communicate through writing.
• Be self-motivated and self-disciplined.
• Be willing to "speak up" if problems arise.
• Be willing and able to commit to 7 to 8 hours per week per course.
• Accept critical thinking and decision making as part of the learning process.
• Have access to a computer and the internet.
• Be able to think ideas through before responding.
• Feel that high quality learning can take place without going to a traditional classroom.
*Students requesting cyber courses are REQUIRED to attend an information session and participate in an orientation session prior to the start of the school year. (Date TBA)
Music Electives Options
Chorus Extension 6 & Vocal Music 6
Band Extension 6 & Instrumental Music 6
Band & Chorus (Combo) Music Combo Course 6
Neither General Music 6, Library Research Skills 6, & Extension 6