Lincoln Middle School

This English Language Arts course teaches reading and writing standards through the lens of literature and informational structures. Throughout the course of the year, students will focus on comprehension and critical thinking in relation to a variety of different text structures. Students will also develop and establish writing skills while creating argumentative, expository, and narrative projects.

MATH 6: This class is offered to qualifying 6th grade students using assessment data collected in 5th grade along with teacher input. This course teaches all 6th grade and some 7th grade math standards that are aligned with the Common Core Standards. The instructional time for this class will focus on the four critical areas described for Math 6 (above) and the following from Math 7:

(1) analyzing and representing proportional relationships and (2) performing rational number arithmetic (3) Solving multi-step equations and (4) working with Data Distributions. Probability will also be introduced in this class.

MATH 6/7: This class is offered to qualifying 6th grade students using assessment data collected in 5th grade along with teacher input. This course teaches all 6th grade and some 7th grade math standards that are aligned with the Common Core Standards. The instructional time for this class will focus on the four critical areas described for Math 6 (above) and the following from Math 7:

(1) analyzing and representing proportional relationships and (2) performing rational number arithmetic. Solving multi-step equations and working with probability will also be introduced in this class.

This course is designed to lay the foundations for understanding the development of societies and civilizations from early human social groupings to more advanced societies and the rise of the first empires. As such, students will be exposed to, and become familiar with, different people, places, and cultures from around the world. Early civilizations, cultures, and geography are studied from Meso-America to pre-Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome.

Sixth Grade Science covers physical science topics including light & matter and thermal energy. Earth science topics include weather systems, plate tectonics & rock cycling, and natural hazards. Life science topics include cells & cell systems. We take a phenomenon-based approach to discovering more about each topic and practice “being a scientist” by utilizing scientific practices throughout the year. These are all aligned with Next Generation Science Standards as adopted by Washington State.

FMSH is taught in conjunction with Art. Three quarters of the year will be spent in FMSH and a single quarter in Art. The purpose of Fitness, Movement, Sport and Health at Lincoln Middle School is to create a safe environment for students to take positive risks, experience a variety of activities that promote healthy and fit lifestyles, and understand the benefit of purposeful movement. Students will also learn accurate health information that encourages positive life choices and influences, and demonstrate growth in their knowledge, understanding, and application of the Washington State Physical Education and Health Education Standards and important concepts.

Art is taught in conjunction with FMSH. One quarter of the year will be spent on Art. In this course, students will be introduced to a variety of mediums and techniques to learn about the elements and principles of art. Students will also be exposed to art development across cultures and history, and explore how these contexts relate to their own work. Students will work in both 2D and 3D media, with an emphasis on exploration, creativity, and understanding of basic concepts. Drawing, painting, ceramics, and papier-mâché will be among the media explored throughout the quarter.

Sixth grade choir is open to all students regardless of experience or ability. Time in class is primarily spent exploring vocal technique through song while practicing beginning part-singing and advancing in rhythm and note reading. Students sing music of varying styles from a variety of cultures. Goal setting and home practice are required as students prepare for performances, including a choral festival.

Students are expected to participate in evening performances periodically throughout the year, which are counted as a percentage of their grades. **STUDENTS WHO OPT TO JOIN THE JAZZ CHOIR, WHICH MEETS BEFORE SCHOOL, ARE REQUIRED TO ENROLL IN THIS CLASS.

Beginning band is open to all sixth-grade students and is designed for students who want to learn how to play an instrument that is a part of the modern wind band ensemble (see list below). The majority of the time spent in the sixth-grade band is dedicated to learning how to play a musical instrument with an emphasis on technique, music theory, and music history. This ensemble will perform at least two concerts throughout the school year. Previous knowledge of music is not required. Band instruments from which to choose: Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet (or Cornet), French Horn, Trombone, Baritone (or Euphonium), Tuba, Bells, (bell kit required) (limit 8). Priority for school instruments will be given to those who otherwise could not afford to rent an instrument through music stores. School rentals are offered on a first-come-first-served basis for $75 per semester.

Sixth-grade orchestra builds on the skills learned in elementary school. More advanced music skills are introduced. This class is not designed for beginning strings students but for the 2025-2026 school year, students who participated in Orchestra in 4th grade and/or those who have not yet participated in Orchestra may join due to the lack of elementary Orchestra classes in the 2024-2025 school year. Home practice will be required as a portion of their grade. Students who are currently enrolled in the elementary strings program are encouraged to continue in the orchestra. A limited number of instruments are available through the school. School rental fees per semester are $50 for violins, violas, and cellos. Music stores also have rentals for a slightly higher rate.