MRS. FERRARO SCHOOL COUNSELOR 6 TH GRADE & 7 TH GRADE (LETTERS A L) MRS. HART SCHOOL COUNSELOR 7 TH GRADE (LETTERS M Z) & 8 TH GRADE

MRS. FERRARO SCHOOL COUNSELOR 6 TH GRADE & 7 TH GRADE (LETTERS A L) MRS. HART SCHOOL COUNSELOR 7 TH GRADE (LETTERS M Z) & 8 TH GRADE

WHAT DO SCHOOL COUNSELORS DO? o Responsible for individual and/or group counseling of students regarding family, academic, behavioral and social issues. o May make referrals to outside agencies for counseling services. o Facilitates transitions into middle school and on to high school. o Work with parents, students, teachers and administrators to ensure student success. o Handle scheduling of classes for all students.

6 TH GRADE ACADEMICS Required Courses: All 6 th Grade students will take the following 5 or 6 courses. Each course is a FULL YEAR: Language Arts, Math, Science, World Cultures, *Physical Education and Reading/Intensive Reading (depending on FSA scores). 1. Advanced Language Arts: 4 th Grade FSA Writing Component Level 7 or higher AND FSA ELA/Reading Level 4 or 5. 2. Advance Math: FSA Math Level 3, 4, 5 AND 3.25 GPA in 5th Grade Math. 3. Advanced Science: FCAT Science Level 4 or 5 AND 2.5 GPA in 5th Grade Science. Gifted Courses in 6th Grade are: Language Arts, Science and World Cultures. Student MUST qualify for gifted in order to be guaranteed a placement in gifted courses. For 7 th & 8 th Graders we also offer the following high school courses: Algebra, Geometry and Spanish I *Please note that approval of a P.E. waiver is not guaranteed, is based on elective class availability and student course requirement needs.

FINE ARTS (Full Year Courses)

BEGINNING BAND Students learn to play a wind instrument and read music in a team environment. Instruments available to first year band students include flute, oboe, clarinet, alto saxophone, bassoon, trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, and tuba. No prior musical experience is necessary for enrollment in beginning band. BEGINNING ORCHESTRA Students learn to play string instruments like the violin, viola, cello, string bass, etc. MUSIC APPRECIATION Class offers a cumulative look at the skills that students acquire in other courses through the lens of music and the music industry. BEGINNING CHORUS This course introduces student to proper singing techniques while working together as a group, or an ensemble.

ELECTIVE CLASSES (FULL YEAR COURSE) ART Painting of color chart, value scale and a picture; ceramic dinosaur, ceramic coil pot, 3 Dimensional letter, complimentary color wheel, etc. INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 1 (ICT 1) The purpose of this course is to provide students with the computer, digital, and information technology skills necessary for success in their future academic and occupational goals. In addition to fundamental computer information, the content includes but is not limited to digital technologies associated with web development, multimedia, word processing, spreadsheet, database, internet communications, cybersecurity, and computer programming. Instruction and learning activities are provided in a laboratory setting using hands-on experiences with the equipment, materials and technology appropriate to the course content and in accordance with current practices. BEGINNING SPANISH Introductory Spanish (6th and 7th grades) is a semester class. It provides students a brief introduction to Spanish. Students that are interested in taking Spanish I as an 8th grader they can receive high school credit.

6 TH GRADE SAMPLE STUDENT SCHEDULE

5 TH GRADE ELEMENTARY VISITS Current 5 th graders that are zoned to Gifford Middle School were visited at their current elementary school by our school counselors and received a GMS folder with detailed middle school transition information for Gifford Middle school. Schools were visited on the following days: Osceola Magnet March 10, 2017 Dodgertown Elementary March 16, 2017 Beachland Elementary March 17, 2017 Rosewood Magnet March 28, 2017 Vero Beach Elementary March 29, 2017 Citrus Elementary March 31, 2017 Glendale Elementary TBA Students that are absent on those days and are on the zone list for GMS, folders will be left at their school to be distributed to those students. Please check with your current elementary school s 5 th grade department chair or the Assistant Principal if your child will be absent when your school is visited.

6 TH GRADE SCHEDULING INFORMATION FORM FINE ARTS/ELECTIVE CLASSES Please place a 1, 2, and 3 next to your top three choices of electives in order of priority: Band* (1 full year course) Orchestra* (1 full year course) Chorus* (1 full year course) Music Appreciation* (1 full year course) Beginning Spanish* (1 full year course) Art* (1 full year course) Information and Communication Technology 1* (ICT 1) Required Elective: Physical Education, Reading/Intensive Reading (depending on test score). Please note that the number of elective classes in a student s schedule is based on FSA scores. Placement in your elective choices is based on seat availability for each elective. Please make sure that you are selecting elective classes that you are really interested in. Schedule changes are extremely limited and this selection will be for the entire school year. All course selections are subject to change; all advanced criteria requirements are subject to change.

We look forward to having you be part of our GMS family!