The Bulldog Family
Welcome to the Bulldog family! We are so excited to have you join our community of learners and to be a part of your educational journey. This is a big step for you and we want you to know that we are here to support you every step of the way.
Middle school is a time of growth and change, and you will have the opportunity to explore new subjects, make new friends, and find your passions. You will also be faced with new challenges and responsibilities, but we are confident that you are ready for this next chapter in your academic career.
At Raymond B. Stewart Middle School, we believe in providing a safe and supportive environment for all students. Our dedicated teachers and staff are committed to helping you succeed and reach your full potential. We encourage you to make the most of your middle school experience by getting involved in school programs and activities, such as avid, band, chorus, art, agriculture, and sports.
Our Curriculum
Middle school is a crucial period in a student’s educational journey, where they make the transition from elementary to high school. During this time, students are exposed to a more challenging curriculum that prepares them for the rigors of high school and beyond.
Our core curriculum consists of English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and History. Additionally, students have the opportunity to choose the electives that interest them. In 6th grade, students can choose from the following electives:
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- Avid
- Band & Chorus
- Orientation to Agriculture
- Art in World Cultures
- Intro to Business
- Business Keyboarding
- Career Clusters
- Exploratory Spanish
- Physical Education
- Health
Our middle school curriculum is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for the challenges of high school and beyond. With a strong focus on academics and character development, students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in life.
English Language Arts (ELA)
Mathematics
In Grade 6 math, instructional time will emphasize five areas:
- Performing all four operations with integers, positive decimals, and positive fractions with procedural fluency.
- Exploring and applying concepts of ratios, rates, and percentages to solve problems.
- Creating, interpreting, and using expressions and equations.
- Extending geometric reasoning to plotting points on the coordinate plane, area, and volume of geometric figures.
- Extending understanding of statistical thinking.
In Grade 6 accelerated math, instructional time will emphasize five areas:
- Performing all four operations with rational numbers (including negative fractions and negative decimals) with procedural fluency.
- Exploring and applying concepts of ratios, rates, percent, and proportions to solve problems
- Creating, interpreting, and using expressions, equations, and inequalities
- Extending geometric reasoning to plotting points on the coordinate plane, area and volume of geometric figures and
- Extending understanding of statistical thinking to represent and compare categorical and numerical data.
6th-grade accelerated math students complete all of the 6th-grade benchmarks and half of the 7th-grade benchmarks. 7th-grade content summaries appear in orange.
Science
In 6th grade, students will complete units on the following topics:
- Earth Spheres
- Heat and Global Patterns
- Weather and Climate
- Shaping of Earths Surface
- Energy and Transfer of Motion
- Forces
- Cells
- Body Systems
U.S. History
The primary content emphasis for this course pertains to the study of American history from the Exploration and Colonization period to the Reconstruction Period following the Civil War. Students will be exposed to the historical, geographic, political, economic, and sociological events that influenced the development of the United States and the resulting impact on world history. In order to enable students to grasp the connection between the causes and effect of historical events, they will be given the chance to delve into the foundational concepts and occurrences that shaped the early history of the United States.
At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to explain the significance of relevant people, places, events, ideas, and documents, and recognize the connection between people and events within historical contexts. They should understand and be able to explain the opportunities, perspectives, and challenges associated with a diverse cultural population and diverse cultural experiences from Native Americans to African Americans. They should be able to incorporate geographic, technological, and other considerations in their understanding of events and should have knowledge of significant political ideas and institutions. They should be able to communicate ideas about historical themes while citing evidence from primary and secondary sources to support their conclusions.
Course Cards
Please review the Course Card video to learn about your 6th-grade Course Card. Don’t hesitate to contact your 6th-grade counselor if you have any questions or concerns!
Infinity
Infinity is a blended learning classroom offered to students in 6th through 8th grade. The Infinity class combines online, face-to-face, and student-paced learning. This blended learning program will allow students to accelerate their courses, and work at their own pace while receiving individualized support. The curriculum is computer-based through the Pasco e-School curriculum. All students selected for the Infinity program will be issued a computer for their academic use at school and at home.
Thank you for your consideration, and please reach out to Ms. Brittney Dean, if you have any questions!
Our Electives
Course Description
Yearlong college-readiness elective ensures students “in the academic middle” succeed in rigorous courses. Provides organization skills, time management, note-taking strategies, college tutors in class, and field trips to local colleges. Must submit an application to apply for this elective. Avid requires at least one advanced class.
Course Description:
This exciting year-long class teaches students how to play a band instrument. Students will learn the fundamentals of performing a band instrument and experience the joys of performing in front of others in a concert setting. Students will need their own instruments, however, many instruments are available from the school at no charge.
Course Description:
This semester-long elective is for students that would like to begin to learn about and work with livestock, plants, and natural resources along with other agriculture systems.
Course Description:
This semester-long elective explores art from around the world through project-based, hands-on activities. Students reinterpret selected forms to promote an understanding of themes, purposes, and symbolism.
Course Description:
This semester-long course assists students in making informed decisions regarding their future academic and occupational goals and to provide information regarding careers in the Business Management and Administration career cluster. The content includes but is not limited to fundamental knowledge and skills related to business functions in the Business Management and Administration cluster. Reinforcement of academic skills occurs through classroom instruction and applied laboratory procedures.
Course Description:
This semester-long elective uses software to increase student typing speed while teaching the proper technique and business skills.
Course Description:
This semester-long course assists students in making informed decisions regarding their future academic and occupational goals and to provide information regarding careers in the seventeen career clusters. This course is a compilation of modules for each of the seventeen career clusters and is designed to provide flexibility in course offerings. Any number of modules can be selected to comprise a course that meets the needs of the students.
Course Description:
This semester-long elective introduces students to Spanish and its culture. Students learn beginning skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills while broadening exposure and appreciation for Spanish cultural similarities and differences.
Course Description:
This semester-long elective provides students with the knowledge, skills, and values to become healthy and physically active. This class requires daily participation, appropriate attire, and a locker (fee required). Optionally, students can purchase a P.E. uniform.
All students are required to take physical education unless a parent waiver is completed. Parents can complete the P.E. waiver, which can be found on the back of your course card.
Course Description:
This semester-long elective teaches skills to become health literate and to practice responsible behaviors for a healthy lifestyle. This comprehensive course focuses on the health issues core to the optimum development of adolescents.
All 6th-grade students are required to take this course due to state and district mandates.
