Building a Strong Foundation

Lewis Middle School provides sixth grade students with a program designed for a smooth transition into middle school.  The staff makes it a priority to accommodate the needs of our very diverse population. Most sixth graders are taught the core subjects of Readers'/Writers' Workshop(a 2-hour Language Arts course) Social Studies, and Math by their core teacher. Science, Computers, P.E., and the Wheel programs are taught by other teachers which allows the students the opportunity to experience changing classes at least three times per day.  A core class for beginning English Learners (E.L.) as well as one for more advanced English Learners is offered.  There is a Seminar program for qualified students and GATE cluster classes for GATE identified students.  

Sixth Grade Academic Program

Readers'/Writers' Workshop
Sixth grade teachers teach English by incorporating the Readers'/Writers' Workshop that includes read-aloud, shared reading, independent reading, guided reading and reading/writing workshops.  The Readers'/Writers' Workshop is a research based instructional strategy that strengthens students' reading and writing abilities. Teachers expose students to high quality literature through the use of novels, texts and student-selected books.

Social Studies
Sixth grade students receive a year-long program on Ancient Civilizations.  Many creative lessons in this area allow students to continue to work on their literacy skills, as well as their artistic and social skills, while completing special projects on ancient cultures.

Mathematics
Sixth grade students receive a daily mathematics program. Students also work with the Accelerated Math computer program that is standards-based and measures each student's achievement of specific objectives.

Science
This one-semester course is the start of a comprehensive two-year science curriculum that is in alignment with the California State Standards.  Using laboratory experiments, teacher demonstrations, classroom activities, homework and computer exploration, students will explore the basics of physical, life, earth and space science.  Throughout the curriculum a strong emphasis is placed on the scientific method, metric measurement, scientific writing and use of the internet.

Exploring Computers 6
The Exploring Computers class is a one-semester, broad-based class designed to introduce students to the practical use of computers, and increase computer literacy skills.  Students will be exposed to keyboarding techniques, file management, word processing, spreadsheets, database, internet, presentation software, and some computer theory.  Students should be able to utilize the skills they learn in this class throughout their time at Lewis by enhancing their work in other classes.

Physical Education
Sixth grade students receive a P.E. program which has been designed to meet the needs of new middle school students. These programs introduce the students to skills and activities that are appropriate and necessary to the continued development of the sixth grade mind and body.

Special Education
Special Education is designed for students with a learning disability.  In the Resource Specialist Program, academic support is given to students who receive instruction in the regular education classroom for the majority of the school day.  Those students who qualify for the Special Day Class Program receive instruction from special education teachers in Readers'/Writers' Workshop, Social Studies, Math, and Science.  A variety of teaching strategies is utilized to accommodate the different learning needs of these students.

Discovery Wheel Classes
Sixth grade students have the opportunity to participate in at least three different wheel classes taught by the sixth grade staff.  These classes cover topics such as teen social skills, music and art.

Art 1
Offers students a chance to learn the basics of the elements of art and the principles of design through a variety of hands-on projects including collage, drawing, painting, and 3-D designs.

Beginning Band
This one-year beginning band class is offered to sixth grade students with no previous experience with a band instrument.  The class will be taken in place of the Exploration Wheel class.

Apprentice Band
This one-year band class is offered to sixth grade students with prior instrumental music experience and recommendation of the director.  This class will be taken in place of the Exploration Wheel class.

Orchestra
This one-year orchestra class is offered to sixth grade students with prior instrumental music experience and recommendation of the director.  This class will be taken in place of the Exploration Wheel class.

Reading Support Wheel
Students reading at least two years below grade level will have a reading support class to provide additional reading education to help raise student literacy achievement.