Hastings Middle School February 2015

 “Dynamic Years”  “Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.” Greek Proverb WELCOME

Courses Offered during the 6 th grade year Language Arts Social Studies Math Science Global Language / Reading Exploratory Arts Rotation Lunch Enrichment Music/Physical Education

Science Inquiry and Application Design and conduct investigations Earth Science Rocks and minerals Soil Physical Science Matter and changes of state Kinetic and potential energy Motion Life Science Cells Living systems SCIENCE AREAS OF STUDY

Lab activities Hands-on extension of scientific concepts Collecting and analyzing data Applying scientific method Measurement Knowledge and use of scientific instruments Working collaboratively with a group Interactive science notebook Science World magazine – current events Note-taking Quizzes and Tests SCIENCE: EVIDENCE OF LEARNING

Reading: Fiction and non-fiction texts Writing Personal narrative Expository Persuasive Informal (Journals, notes, poems) Grammar Speaking Presentations LANGUAGE ARTS AREAS OF STUDY

Independent reading – minimum of two books per quarter Classroom novel study Exploration of the writing process Word analysis – spelling/root word study Writing portfolios Fluency and comprehension checks Integration of 21 st century skills LANGUAGE ARTS: EVIDENCE OF LEARNING

SOCIAL STUDIES AREAS OF STUDY Geography World Governments World Religions Economics Mesopotamia Ancient Egypt Ancient China Ancient India

Class discussions Individual work Note-taking Oral presentations Projects Quizzes and tests Research Small and large group activities Textbook (online and class copies) Writing SOCIAL STUDIES: EVIDENCE OF LEARNING

Ratios and Proportional Relationships Ratios Rates (units and real-life application) The Number System Multiplication and division of fractions Factors and multiples Fluency with decimals, integers & rational numbers Expressions and Equations Algebraic expressions Equations and Inequalities Geometry Area, surface area and volume (real-life application) Statistics and Probability Statistical variability (measure of center and spread) Histograms and box plots Math Areas of Study

MATH: EVIDENCE OF LEARNING  digits online curriculum  Class discussions  Individual work  Note-taking  Quizzes and tests  Small and large group activities  Projects

French, German, Spanish 6 weeks each Goal is to provide initial exposure to vocabulary, sounds of the language and a glimpse into the culture. GLOBAL LANGUAGES

One Period will be composed of the EA rotation of Health, Art, Technology Education, Life Skills One Period will be on an A/B rotation between Physical Education and a choice of one music (Orchestra, Choir, Band, General Music) EXPLORATORY ARTS

Cathy Pultz, President-Elect--- Jen Heck- Current President The Hastings PTO provides vital support to our learning community through leadership, volunteer work, and grants that enrich life at Hastings Middle School.

Thursday, April :00 Hastings in the Commons Speaker : Rhonda Moskowitz - Title of Presentation: “Overprotected vs Underprepared”  April 2015 Intro to digits information will be sent prior to spring break

COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE