1. SPECTRUM Back to School Night Grade (6 th and 7th Grade Only ) 2015-2016 Mrs. Nancy Stevens Gifted Specialist Harmony Middle School Room: B1 Phone: 540.751.2500 Fax: 540.751.2501 E-mail: nancy.stevens@lcps.org nancy.stevens@lcps.org

2. SPECTRUM CLASS RULES Respect -Treat others the way you want to be treated Caring -Say nice things and share compliments with others Choices -Make every decision carefully Effort -Achieve all your goals through commitment and hard work Honesty -Be truthful to others Responsibility -Be in control of your own behavior CONSEQUENCES Communicate with student Call parent Refer to Dean

3. 6 TH GRADE UNITS OF STUDY ETHICS AND PERSPECTIVES SURVIVALS: Synergistic decision-making (SDM) Teams generally produce decisions better (superior to) individuals. “Two heads are better than one.” SDM is a method of utilizing the full capacity of human resources available within a group.  Subarctic  Jungle COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE ASL/NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION: Students are introduced to the concepts of non-verbal communication through sign language, body language, facial expression and ciphering.  ASL song/poem/writing performance and book creation: BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS INVENTION CONVENTION Students apply business concepts and discuss and execute the design and creation of a product to meet a specific need. “Going Green” Students learn about product creation, price packaging and place of business. They will also go through the patent process. (simulated) TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING MATH MYSTERY CONTINENTAL MATHEMATICS LEAGUE:  National Mathematics competition  6 problems /5 meets beginning in November. ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES: Independent Study, Crime Solving Mysteries, Odyssey of the Mind, Strategic Games, and Field trips

4. Important Notes for Students and Parents: Spectrum is an enrichment class meant to intrigue and inspire students to go above and beyond. There will not be homework assigned; however, on occasion students will be asked to gather information or materials for classroom activities. Students will not be allowed to leave the Spectrum classroom to make up any other class work. Classwork or tests in other classes must be made up before or after school, or during that particular class. Many of you are taking a rigorous course load. Be mindful of that and use your time wisely.

5.  Field Trip Overview Exhibits  The Koshland Science Museum offers unique science exhibits with interactive displays that illustrate the role of science in informing policies that affect our lives. At the Koshland Science Museum, visitors can explore these exhibits and more:  Earth Lab: Degrees of Change —Delve into the causes of climate change, its impacts, and potential solutions.  Life Lab - Explore the science of healthy living and learn how your brain works.  Idea Lab – Immerse yourself in the culture of resilience in this multimedia space and give us your feedback.  Visit The Koshland Experience page of the Plan your Visit section to learn more about museum exhibits and experience. Information about visiting the museum, including location and admission details, can also be found in the Plan Your Visit section. Koshland Experience

6. Global Warming and Infectious Disease Itinerary for 6 th and 7 th Grade Spectrum Field Trip to the Marian Koshland Science Museum Dates: TBA Time ActivityPlace 8:30 a.m.Report to LibraryHarmony Middle School 8:40 a.m.Buses loadHarmony Middle School 8:45 a.m.Buses leaveHarmony Middle School 10:00 a.m. Arrive at Marian Koshland Science Museum Marian Koshland Science Museum 10:00-12:00Museum Program Marian Koshland Science Museum 12:30-1:15Lunch-allow $7-$15Union Station 1:30Board Bus, LeaveUnion Station 2:45 p.m.Arrive back at HarmonyHarmony Middle School

7. Important notes for field trip: Fees: $15.00 bus fee $ 7-15.00 Lunch The museum visit is free; however, we must pay for the bus. That charge will be 15.00 per person (that will include chaperones) Please ensure that students have $7-$15 for lunch. For those who wish to pack due to food allergies, place lunch in a disposable bag and plan to purchase a drink on site. No refrigeration will be provided on the bus. Appropriate dress is required (Follow School Dress Code). All bags and belongings will be left on the bus as there will be a security check at the museum entrance. We do not have time to check bags. No electronic equipment! The bus is not secured and the driver will not be responsible for lost items. Be on time! The bus will leave on schedule! You must check in with your first or fifth block teacher on the day of the trip for attendance purposes and then report to the front office area. Make up all work that is missed. Remember, all work that is due must be handed in prior to the trip unless other arrangements have been made. If a parent/guardian wishes to chaperone, you must e-mail Mrs. Stevens at nancy.stevens@lcps.org with name, cell phone # and student name, to be considered. Chaperone status will be determined on a first come first served basis and all chaperones will be notified within 24 hours of their acceptance.nancy.stevens@lcps.org

8. HAVE A WONDERFUL SCHOOL YEAR!