Schedule Forecasting
Every spring, students do schedule forecasting to request their elective classes for the year. Students are provided with materials for forecasting in advance and should bring them home to be discussed with parents. We encourage parents to be involved with their student in this process. Proposed schedule forms should be signed by parents to indicate the parents’ involvement.
CHANGING CLASSES
Students should use all resources including their Homeroom teacher, Madison's handbooks, teachers, parents, counselors, etc. to ensure the best schedule of classes at the beginning of each term. At times, however, it may be necessary for students to change a class. Decisions regarding schedule changes will be made by the counselor/assistant principal. Any student requesting a schedule change is asked to pick up a schedule change request form, fill out the form, include a parent signature verifying parental approval of the request, and then turn the form in at the main office. Students may not change schedules until final approval is given by an administrator.
Grade 6 Curriculum
Click here to download a complete copy of the Curriculum Guide.
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All students are required to take at least 1 semester of Spanish and 1 semester of PE every year.
For 6th grade, the Block class (Language Arts, Reading, Social Studies) takes up three periods of the day in one "block."
Schedule Option #1
Required Courses
• Block: Language Arts, Reading, Social Studies (Full Year)
• Math (Full Year)
• Science (Full Year)
• Spanish (1 semester)
• PE (1 semester)Elective Course
• Band or Orchestra (Full Year)
Schedule Option #2
Required Courses
• Block: Language Arts, Reading, Social Studies (Full Year)
• Math (Full Year)
• Science (Full Year)
• Spanish (1 semester)
• PE (1 semester)Elective Courses - Choose TWO from this list:
• Consumer and Family Studies (1 semester)
• Art (1 semester)
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Descriptions of Required Classes
NOTE: Courses offered are subject to change based on our ability to staff programs.
6TH GRADE BLOCK: Reading, Language Arts, Social Studies
(Full Year - 3 Periods)
Madison Middle School sixth graders meet 3 periods every day for language arts/reading and social studies classes. These classes are integrated around the themes and places being studied in world geography. Emphasis is on developing skills in reading, grammar, spelling and writing. In the area of reading, both literature anthologies and novels are used to help increase comprehension skills. Whenever possible, the basic skills are integrated with the study of the countries of the world and their cultures. Writing skills are geared toward preparing for the state bench marks and include narrative and descriptive writing.
As mentioned above, social studies consists of the study of world geography. Students will learn basic map skills, meet international students, prepare research papers and give a researched speech. Ancient civilizations of Rome, Greece, and Egypt are also studied.
MATH - (Full Year)
Madison offers a full range of Math courses: Math Fundamentals, Pre-Algebra, Algebra and Geometry. Incoming
sixth graders are recommended for a math level by their fifth grade teacher.
This recommendation is based on test scores, class performance, placement
tests and teacher judgment.
Textbooks and supplementary materials are used in combination for most math
classes. Mathematics laboratory activities are included in most classes.
SCIENCE: EXPLORING PLANET EARTH- (Full Year)
This is the first required year of science for Madison students. Students will learn the fundamentals of the scientific method and more importantly, learn how to ask their own questions about our planet. They will study many aspects of Earth: water, land, and all that lies above and beneath us. Salmon are raised in class to study their development and to understand how water quality affects them. Rocks, minerals, and the earth's processes are studied in depth in winter. In spring, we look to the sky to learn about weather and space. It is a very hands-on program that teaches students the importance of science in every day life. Students learn how science uses technology to do research as well. Some lessons are designed to focus on the IB Middle Years program. In particular, environment is a natural area of interaction covered in this course.
PE: FITNESS & LIFE TIME ACTIVITIES - (1 Semester)
The physical education curriculum will include fitness activities, individual and team sports that focus on skill development, teamwork and activity rules/strategies. The activities offered will vary depending on the time of year. Evaluation is based on participation, fitness, skills, knowledge of activity, attitude and attendance.
SPANISH - (1 Semester)
This is one of three required semester courses taken in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade that will provide Spanish instruction allowing students to aquire skills in comprehending, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish. Students will explore the geography, customs, art, music, and traditions of Spaish speaking countries and populations in the United States.
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Descriptions of Elective Classes
Elective courses at Madison provide students with an opportunity to experience
a wide variety of classes in areas of interest.
During the sixth grade year, students may take a year long music choice of
Band or Orchestra OR a choice of Semester electives: Art and/or Consumer & Family
Studies. Seventh and eighth graders have options in their schdules
for up to 3 periods of year-long or semester electives.
The following course descriptions are listed alphabetically by department. Students will receive an updated list of elective classes to be offered prior to registration each term. It is the responsibility of the student to get help from their parent(s) and homeroom teacher in making choices regarding their schedules.
NOTE: Courses offered are subject to change based on our ability to staff programs.
Year- Long Electives
MUSIC
Beginning Band
For those students who would like to discover the exciting world of music through the study of band instruments: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion. Students learn skills necessary to accurately read and perform music on their instrument. Madison has a limited supply of instruments for rent. Some students will need to rent from a local store. Students who sign up for Beginning Band should plan on completing the entire school year in the program.
Orchestra
For string players on violin, viola, cello and string bass. Emphasis on technique development and performance of string orchestra music. School instruments provided as much as possible. 6th graders must have completed one year of study in 5th grade or have prior experience. One experienced piano student can be accepted with instructor permission.
Semester- Long Electives
ART
Students will have an opportunity to explore a variety of art forms such as painting, drawing, design and sculpture.
CONSUMER & FAMILY STUDIES
Students will explore the subjects areas of foods and nutrition, sewing and projects, and child develpment (Teens & Tots).
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Downloadable Curriculum Guide
Click here to download a complete copy of the Curriculum Guide.
How long is a school year?
One school year (36 weeks) consists of 2 semesters (18 weeks each).
Each semester is then divided into several grading periods for progress reporting purposes.
There are only 2 offical report cards for each year. Progress reports are not a part of your student's permanent transcript.
Click here to see the list of no-school days and report card dates.
How many periods are there in a school day?
There are 7 periods in each school day. Each one lasts approximately 46 minutes. In addition, stuents will meet in their Advisory groups for approximately 50 minutes, twice a month.
Wednesdays are early release days, with 7 shorter periods and school ending 1 hour earlier at 2:20 pm.Click here to see the complete regular bell schedule and the special early-release Wednesday schedule.