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6th Grade October 2025 Newsletter
What Are Our Scholars Learning This Month?
ELA: In October, we will continue reading Bud, Not Buddy. We will be reading the novel and using close reading strategies to help students develop a deeper understanding of the story and literary elements. We will also be reading and analyzing short stories from the HMH Curriculum Unit 2, titled “Never Give Up.” Students will write daily and learn a variety of 6th-grade skills, including theme, figurative language, central idea, and tone. There will continue to be weekly Vocabulary Quizzes and nightly homework. Students read independently during class time to build fluency and are encouraged to read for at least 30 minutes each night. Please utilize the available websites and resources for extra practice, including getepic.com, commonlit.org, and i-Ready.
Math: Hello families! The Lead-X Middle School Math Department would like to welcome everyone to sixth grade and provide support during the transition to middle school. We are starting the year by exploring topics in numeracy, including multiplying with decimal numbers, learning to complete long division with decimal numbers, dividing with fractions, and working on word problems that involve decimals and fractions. These topics will serve as the foundation upon which we build our understanding of sixth-grade mathematics. Students are encouraged to work on fluency topics from elementary school to support their learning in sixth grade. Students are expected to be fluent in multiplication facts, as well as in three-digit by two-digit multiplication of whole numbers, and in addition, subtraction, and long division.
Science: October will be shocking! We will begin our exploration of Harnessing Human Energy. This unit will help students gain a deeper understanding of energy forms. Students ask questions, conduct investigations, and make observations in order to deepen their understanding of Energy. The science and engineering practices emphasized are designing solutions, developing and using models, planning and carrying out investigations, and constructing explanations. At the end of this unit, students will invent or innovate a system of energy.
Social Studies: We are working on Geography by learning to read maps, including Longitude and Latitude! We will be moving into early human geography and exploring the Eastern Hemisphere!
Art: Sixth-grade students have been learning how to create letters in a creative font style. They are using the element of line to do so. In addition, they are learning how to take a realistic drawing and turn it into an Abstract one. They have analyzed various Abstract artworks to inspire this step.
Computer Science: Our first unit focuses on improving students' typing accuracy and speed while incorporating cross-curricular activities. It progresses from foundational keyboarding skills to creative writing. The curriculum aligns with ISTE’s Empowered Learner and Digital Citizenship standards, as well as Common Core ELA standards in reading, writing, language, and history/social studies. In early September, students embarked on their typing journey by learning about computers through interactive click-and-drag lessons. They identified parts of a computer while developing essential mouse and trackpad skills. Currently, students build the foundation for correct typing technique by learning letters and basic punctuation keys, utilizing all ten fingers. Adaptive, personalized lessons provide extra practice with challenging keys. They are encouraged to continue practicing keyboarding skills, for it is a lifelong skill.
Physical Education: During September, we reviewed the rules and expectations for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. Please remember that students must be prepared to participate in Physical Education class (SNEAKERS/SHORTS OR SWEATPANTS, NO JEANS, CROCS, OR BOOTS). We also began our cooperative games unit, which included games such as the Crows and Cranes, Peat/Repeat, and Hot Lava. Following the completion of this unit, we will proceed to soccer as our next activity.
ENL: This month, we will be working on our 'All About Me 'unit and 'Welcome to School' unit. The students will be building their vocabulary knowledge through various listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities. We will also utilize our conversational and academic language to enhance our English proficiency.
Counselor Corner by Ms. Fabre: October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Students who are bullied generally tend to feel isolated and unheard. Play a part in preventing by:
- Encouraging open discussions about friends and friendships.
- Being aware of complaints of physical symptoms, such as headaches and stomach aches, which may be signs of school avoidance.
- Boosting your child’s self-esteem with compliments and encouraging daily positive affirmations.
SAPIS Connection by Mr. Opare, aka Mr. O: As a SAPIS, I work with scholars in the classroom, in small groups, and with individuals, engaging them in conversations about substance use, mental health, and wellness. My role is to educate scholars about valuable life lessons, social-emotional skills, and coping strategies to help them healthily navigate stressful situations. This month, we will celebrate being drug-free with our yearly RED RIBBON WEEK Spirit Week.
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