Patrick Marsh
Middle School
6​th​ GRADE
Orientation
&
Course​ ​Description
Booklet
2017-2018
STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION
No student may be discriminated against in any school programs, activities or in facilities usage because of the student's sex,
color, religion, profession or demonstration of belief or non-belief, race, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital
or parental status, homelessness status, sexual orientation or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability. Harassment
is a form of discrimination and shall not be tolerated in the district. It is the responsibility of administrators, staff members
and all students to ensure that student discrimination or harassment does not occur. (SPASD District Policy JB)
If a student or parent/guardian would prefer to have this information translated into Spanish, please contact us at
608-834-6620. Si un estudiante, padre ó guardian prefiere tener esta información traducida en Español, por favor
contactenos en el 608-834-6620.
If a student or parent/guardian would prefer to have this information translated intoHmong, please contact us at
608-834-6630. Yog tus me nyuam lub xiv los yog niam thiab txiv/tus neeg muaj cai saib xyuas tus me nyuam xav tau qhov
ntawv ntawm no ua lus Hmoob, thov hais rau peb paub rau ntawm 608-834-6630.
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
Sun Prairie Area School District
In compliance with the Executive Order 11246; Title II of the Education Amendments of 1976; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,
as amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972; Title IX Regulation Implementing Education Amendments of 1972;
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; and all
other federal and state laws, including Subchapter II of Chapter 111, Wis. Stats., entitled "Fair Employment"; school rules, regulations
and policies, the Sun Prairie Area School District shall not discriminate in employment against properly qualified and eligible
individuals by reason of their age, race, religion, profession or demonstration of belief or non-belief, color, disability, citizenship, marital
status, sex, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, political affiliation, membership in the National Guard, state defense force, or
any other reserve component of the military forces of Wisconsin or the United States, arrest or conviction record not substantially
related to a person's job duties or activity in school, or the use or non-use of lawful products by individuals off school premises during
non-working hours, the use of family or medical leave or worker's compensation benefits, or any other factor prohibited by state or
federal law. Reasonable accommodations shall be made for qualified individuals with a disability or handicap, unless such
accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the District.
All students attending Sun Prairie Area School District schools may participate in educational programs and activities, including career
and technical education, regardless of sex, color, religion, profession or demonstration of belief or non-belief, race, national origin,
ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, homelessness status, sexual orientation, or emotional, physical, mental or
learning disability. The District shall provide appropriate educational services or programs for students who have been identified as
having a handicap or disability, regardless of the nature or severity of the handicap or disability. In addition, reasonable arrangements
can be made to accommodate a student's sincerely held religious beliefs in regard to examinations and other academic requirements
and to ensure that the lack of English language skills is not a barrier to admission or participation.
It is the intent of the Sun Prairie Area School District to comply with both the letter and spirit of the law in making certain discrimination
does not exist in its policies, regulations and operations. Grievance procedures have been established for students, their parents, and
employees who feel discrimination has been shown by the Sun Prairie Area School District. Specific complaints of alleged
discrimination, including those under Title IX, Section 504, the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Wisconsin Pupil
Nondiscrimination Law (Wis. Stat 118.13) should be referred to: District Superintendent Dr. Brad Saron, who may be contacted at
(608) 834-6502. In addition, Malika Evanco provides support and coordination for Title IX issues and she may be contacted at (608)
834-6551. Jennifer Apodaca provides support and coordination for Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act and she may
be contacted at (608) 834-6524. All three of these individuals are located at 501 South Bird Street, Sun Prairie, WI 53590.
Some Things You Might Be Wondering About…
How many locker combinations do we need to know?
You have to know your student locker combination as well as your
gym locker. Many students write down their combinations in their
assignment notebooks, or in their Chromebook, or they keep a
copy of their schedule, which has the combination on it, in a binder
to help them remember.
How are classrooms set up?
Your 5 core classes are in the 6th grade hallway. Your ​elective classes will be spread throughout
the school.
How do we join clubs?
At the beginning and throughout the school year, there will be announcements in regards to
where to sign up for clubs. Most announcements are posted on our website too.
Are there dances for 6​th​ graders?
There are 6th grade socials throughout the year. Activities at socials
include: open gym, video games, dancing, movies, food, etc.
Can we join sports?
The only school-sponsored sport for 6th graders is wrestling.
Do we get a lot of homework?
Students have, on average, 30-45 minutes of homework per night. Most
assignments can be completed at school provided students use their time
wisely during class and study hall.
What is the homework policy if we are ill?
​If you are absent from school, there are options available to receive that
day’s homework:
1. You may call the attendance secretary at 608-​834-7603 and
he/she will request the homework and leave it in the appropriate
container on the wall outside of the Student Services office.
2. You may have another student collect the homework for you.
3. You may visit the school website and check the homework calendar
from a personal computer or on the student’s Chromebook
(instructions given later in this booklet). A student is given one
extra day to complete their assignment for every day they are
absent.
What happens if I am late to school or class?
If you are late to school, you need to stop in the Main Office to get an
admittance slip before going to your class. If you are late to class, you
are required to get a pass from your previous teacher. Knowing that it
takes time to get acclimated to the new schedule and lockers, your 6th
grade teachers will give you a two week grace period.
Can we stay after school to get extra help?
All teachers are available during study hall time to help students with their needs.
Students are free to visit any teacher at that time with their questions. Many teachers are
available after school if the student was unable to get help during study hall. There is
also an after-school homework club that meets twice a week.
How are students placed into houses/homerooms?
Students are randomly placed, by computer, into homerooms and houses. The class
make-up for all periods will be different as possible. The elective courses will have a
mixture of all 6th grade students.
Are the teachers tough? Are the teachers nice?
The teachers at the middle school have chosen to work here because they enjoy working
with middle school students. Respect is the key word. If you respect the teachers, they will
respect you. All teachers want to make learning fun for the students and for themselves.
Organization is very important to school success. Each student needs a system
that works for him or her. If they lose or misplace papers, a sturdy accordion
folder would be a great option. If they do well with keeping track of multiple
things then a color coded folder/notebook system may work best. Discuss and
decide.
6th Grade Core Courses
Reading​
​Course Length: Full Year (2 Semesters)
Students read from a variety of nonfiction and fictional articles and literature about
survival, adventure, science fiction, myths, plays, and poetry. Students will also study
story elements such as setting, theme, plot, conflict and conclusion.
Language Arts​
​Course Length: Full Year (2 Semesters)
The Language Arts curriculum includes reading, English,
spelling, listening and speaking skills. Creative writing and the
components of paragraph structure, transitions, editing and
grammar are emphasized throughout the year.
Science​
​Course Length: Full Year (2 Semesters)
Students construct their own knowledge by reading, experimenting, analyzing
data, and sharing ideas with peers. The primary areas of study include matter
and its interactions, energy, waves and information transfer and space
systems exploration.
Social Studies​
​Course Length: Full Year (2 Semesters)
Students develop an awareness and understanding of places, people,
different ways of life, and geography in present and past events in the
world. The following ancient civilizations are studied: Ancient Egypt,
Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, the Middle Ages, and The
Renaissance.
Math​
Course Length: Full Year (2 Semesters)
Instruction and practice using a variety of problem solving strategies help
students develop an understanding of increasingly difficult concepts.
Students should be able to apply mathematical knowledge to other
curricular areas and problem solving strategies to real world problems
using oral and written methods to explain their reasoning.
6th Grade Elective Courses
PLEASE NOTE: Course fees for elective classes are under consideration by the Sun Prairie
Area School Board and are subject to change for the 2017-2018 school year.
Technology & Engineering Education​ ​Course Length: Length of one quarter
Sixth grade Technology & Engineering Education covers the seven activities of technology:
biotechnology, communications, construction, engineering, manufacturing, power & energy, and
transportation. Students will complete hands-on/minds-on projects that explore as they produce
products to take home. Past projects have included: measuring, safety, technical reading &
writing, problem solving, paper cars, catamaran boats, wooden peg game and solid works.
Intro to World Languages​ ​Course Length: Length of one quarter
Discover the world and some of its languages in Introduction to World Languages. This course is
held every day for a quarter. During this time, students will discover the richness of the many
languages and cultures in our world and the value of learning another language in the 21​st
century. In addition, this course is designed to help students develop an awareness and
appreciation of cultural differences, as well as an understanding of similarities between many
groups of people around the world. Some possible units of study include: Spanish-speaking
countries, German-speaking countries, French-speaking countries, Arabic-speaking countries and
China and its many languages.
Computer Skills for Success​ Course Length: Length of one quarter
Students will learn to navigate the ins and outs of their Chromebook. They will learn to manage
and organize their files, the proper use of e-mail, and how to use infinite campus to monitor their
own success. Students will continue to learn the important life skill of typing by continuing to
develop proper typing techniques and increasing speed and accuracy to proficiency.
Young Living (FACE)​
Course Length: Length of one quarter
Young Living is a Family & Consumer Education class designed to
help students explore the meaning of family, how children learn and
grow, and nutritious food choices within the family unit. This course
will give students opportunities to engage in hands-on projects and
food preparation experiences. Students will use math, science and
literacy skills throughout the quarter.
General Music​
Course Length: Length of one quarter
A wide range of musical topics is covered in this course. Students learn how to interpret and
understand the musical language through such topics as movie scores, video game music and the
Science of Sound. Students work to compose their own music using their Chromebooks
throughout the duration of class.
6th Grade Wheel Courses
Physical Education​
​Course Length: Full Year, every other day. ​Class Fee: $5.00
The 6​th​ grade physical education program is designed to meet the
needs of physical fitness and motor skills of this age level and to help
students acquire knowledge of physical activity and its components.
The activities are also planned to complement the physical, emotional,
and social growth of each individual student. Students are ​required​ to
have physical education clothes to participate in activities, preferably shorts or
sweatpants and a T-shirt; sweatshirts are acceptable in cooler weather.
Art​
​Course Length: Half Year (1 Semester), every other day, generally opposite P.E.
This program integrates studies from the core classes on Egypt, the
Middle Ages, Greeks and Romans, and mythology, into the expansion of
art techniques. Students learn about more subtle interactions in the
quality of color, line, shape, and other visual elements. They have many
opportunities to demonstrate expressive media.
Health​ ​Course Length: Half Year (1 Semester), every other day, generally opposite P.E.
This course covers a broad spectrum of health related issues in the lives of young
adolescents. Some of the focus topics include: how the media influence the
consumers’ choices, diet and the value of breakfast, personal hygiene, reproduction
and sexually transmitted diseases, first aid procedures and babysitting techniques.
Band, Chorus, Orchestra​
Course Length: Full Year (2 Semesters)
Sixth grade students have the opportunity to elect band, chorus, and/or orchestra. All three
courses are two semesters long and scheduled evening performances are ​required​. Band and
orchestra students must also attend a weekly lesson. All three courses meet 2-3 times a week.
Course Fees:
Music Instrument Rental Fee (Grades 5-12) if using school Instruments
Orchestra Only: Music Instrument Rental Fee (if only used at school)
$25.00/semester
$25.00/year
Band Shirt Fee
Choir Shirt Fee
$17.00
$12.00
Band​ starts in the 6​th​ grade, so anyone who wants to learn how to play an instrument is welcome.
There are six band performances during the year, including concerts and a parade.
Chorus​ is an introduction to vocal music and performance skills. There are four different
concerts throughout the year. Chorus is open to all sixth graders.
Orchestra​ is a course of study for students who play violin, viola, cello, or bass. All students
with previous string experience are encouraged to participate! Students with no prior experience
may also join orchestra
Patrick Marsh Middle School
Tentative 6​th​ Grade Schedule
2017-2018
Period
Homeroom/Announcements
1
2
3
4
5
Lunch
6
7
8
Time
7:40 - 7:52
7:52 - 8:37
8:40 - 9:25
9:28 - 10:13
10:16 - 11:01
11:04 - 11:49
11:52 - 12:24
12:27 - 1:12
1:15 - 2:00
2:03 - 2:48
Support
School Counselor ​– ​Our counselor collaborates with students, staff and parents to provide
assistance in all school-related activities. The counselor can help work through personal, social
and emotional challenges and also assist in building good school and study habits. The counselor
will provide information on scheduling, classes, career information, bully prevention,
assertiveness training, and goal setting. Our counseling program is for ALL students no matter
how small or large the concern. A student may meet with a counselor one to one, in small group,
or through classroom activities.
School Psychologist ​– ​The school psychologist consults with teachers and parents/guardians
on student issues related to academic testing, social, emotional, behavioral or mental health.
They evaluate and screen students who have been recommended by the Student Support Team
(SST).
School Social Worker ​– ​The school social worker consults with teachers and
parents/guardians on student issues related to academic, social, emotional, behavioral or mental
health. The school social worker also acts as a liaison between home, school and community
services. The school social worker meets with students’ one on one and in small groups.
Student Support Team (SST) –​ The SST is a problem-solving group where teachers,
student services staff, other staff, and parents/guardians meet to address an individual student’s
needs. The building team assists in:
•
•
•
•
•
•
brainstorming ideas to support students when set interventions are not working
reviewing information and discussing options for working with students in regular
education that are not demonstrating proficiency
meeting with parents/guardians, teachers, and other support personnel about student
needs
coordinating the efforts of school staff in meeting student needs
assisting with referrals for special education and Section 504 evaluations
developing a Section 504 Educational Accommodation Plan as needed
Parents/Guardians can refer their concerns by phone contacts or in writing to their child’s
teacher, building principal, counselor, school social worker, school psychologist, or the
Executive Director of Student Services. Referrals are reviewed at a weekly building meeting and
assigned to a lead person to follow the student’s progress. Parents/Guardians will be notified if
your child is referred to the building SST and are encouraged to attend any meeting relating to
your child. [Policy IGBJ].
INTERVENTION COURSES
Patrick Marsh offers a wide range of regular education and special education intervention classes
for students who need additional instruction in subjects such as literacy, math and organizational
skills. Students are ​referred​ to these classes through our LLT (Leadership for Learning Team),
SST (Student Support Team) or through the IEP (Special Education) process, ​if​ a student
qualifies for special education services. Decisions are based on students’ present level of
academic progress and functioning according to classroom-based observations and assessments,
as well as standardized assessment scores. The intervention classes change from year-to-year
based on need and availability.
READING BOOSTER​ – Course Length: 1 or 2 Semesters (varies by student)
Reading Booster provides daily, engaging, small-group literacy instruction, in addition to a
student’s regular reading class, to bring them to grade level achievement in reading. Specially
designed, culturally responsive lessons support learning in both reading and writing, expose
students to multicultural and global literature and help students expand their knowledge of
language and words and how they work.
MATH PLUS​ – Course Length: 1 or 2 Semesters (varies by student)
Math Plus is a small group math class that aims to give an added boost to a student’s
mathematics curriculum. Math Plus is taken in addition to a student’s regular math class. This
class uses a variety of manipulative strategies, problem solving activities and computer assisted
instruction, in order to help students bridge any gaps they may have in their mathematics
knowledge. Students will also get a head start on classroom lessons by previewing mathematical
concepts taught during the year.
OUTREACH TEACHER
The outreach teacher provides intervention for students who have been identified (through
specific criteria) as needing academic, social and behavior support to promote student
engagement and learning.
OTHER INFORMATION
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL)​ - A Program Serving English Language
Learners
Content-based English Language services are offered to English Learners whose first language is
not English. This program offers extra support for students both in the core classrooms (reading,
language arts, math, science and social studies), as well as supported study halls and language
booster classes. The goal is to help students improve their literacy across the curriculum and
become independent language learners. Students are recommended for one or more ESL services
based on their level of English proficiency, their academic needs and in consultation with their
core classroom teachers.
LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER
The Patrick Marsh Library Media Center (LMC) is designed as an information center for all
students. We provide a collaborative environment with resources for research, technology,
reading (both academic and pleasure) and allow our patrons to educate themselves with all points
of view as informed citizens. Our LMC houses more than 14,000 books, magazines, DVDs, CDs
and other print and non-print materials. It also manages a variety of 21​st​ Century information
literacy needs by providing our students with online resources and other digital technology. I​t
also includes a Makerspace area named "The Imaginarium" for students to make, create and use
their imaginations for both classroom projects and for fun.
The mission of the Library Media Center (LMC):
1. To support teaching, learning and research related to fictional or non-fictional literature.
2. To promote a love for reading by meeting the literacy needs of all students.
3. To teach students 21​st​ Century information and technology skills.
4. To provide a place for our learning community to gather, share and exchange ideas.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
The school supply lists can be found on the Patrick Marsh website at
www.sunprairie.k12.wi.us/schools/patrickmarsh/​. An update to the lists will occur in August for
the upcoming year.
ASSIGNMENTS
Students at Patrick Marsh Middle School are expected to use their assigned Chromebook
computers to stay organized and keep track of classroom assignments. They are required to
check their Learning Management System (Edmodo, Google Classroom, etc.) and email on a
daily basis. In addition, they may use Google Calendar or one of the other Apps available to keep
track of their assignments.
SUN PRAIRIE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT’S
STANDARDS-BASED RUBRIC
The information below serves as a FRAMEWORK to provide detail about how the
elementary and middle school scores relate to each student’s current level of
achievement.
4
Exceeding
Standards
3
Meeting
Standards
2
Approaching
Standards
1
Attempting
Standards
0
No Evidence
Consistently
exceeds
proficiency
Consistently
meets
proficiency
Approaching
proficiency
Needs
improvement
to meet
proficiency
No evidence
Student:
Student:
Student:
Student:
Student:
Demonstrates a
deeper
understanding of
the standards
Demonstrates
understanding
of the standards
Demonstrates
basic
understanding
of the
standards with
gaps and
errors
Demonstrates
unclear or
minimal
understanding
of the
standards
No evidence
to assess
Evidence of
learning extends to
higher-level
thinking strategies
or creative
connectedness
Evidence of
learning
contains few or
minor errors
Evidence of
learning is
inconsistent or
incomplete
Evidence of
learning is
insignificant
GRADING FOR LEARNING - CONDUCT GRADE CRITERIA
Purpose for Grading: To communicate information on standards-based
achievement and work habits in order to promote individual growth.
Conduct Grades are assessed using the following criteria:
4-Advanced
3-Proficient
2-Basic
1-Minimal
RESPONSIBILITY
4 - Never late and always prepared to learn
3 - One unexcused tardy and/or prepared to learn most of the time
2 - Two unexcused tardies and/or prepared to learn some of the time
1 - Often tardy and/or fails to bring necessary materials
WORK COMPLETION
4 - All assignments are complete and handed in on time.
3 - Most assignments are complete and handed in on time.
2 - Some assignments are complete and handed in on time.
1 - Few assignments are complete and handed in on time.
PARTICIPATION
4 - Student is a leader and enriches classroom activities and discussions.
3 - Student is actively engaged in classroom activities and discussions.
2 - Student, when prompted, participates in classroom activities and
discussions.
1 - Student rarely participates in classroom activities and discussions.
MUTUAL RESPECT
4 - Student is always respectful and listens to others.
3 - Student is respectful and listens to others most of the time.
2 - Student is respectful some of the time.
1 - Student is rarely respectful.
PATRICK MARSH MIDDLE SCHOOL WEBPAGE:
www.sunprairieschools.org/schools/patrickmarsh
RESOURCE AND WEBSITE INFORMATION
Parents, please use the resources below to keep updated on your child’s progress
and homework needs.
For an Infinite Campus account to see your student’s grades​:
Log on to ​www.sunprairieschools.org/schools/patrickmarsh
1. Click on INFORMATION FOR PARENTS and scroll to the bottom of the page and click
on Infinite Campus Parent Portal Application.
2. Fill in application; you will need your child’s ID number (this can be found on class
schedule).
3. Your password will be emailed to you. Please note, at high volume times this may take
up to a week.
To check homework, to see what has been assigned for the day​:
Log on to ​www.sunprairieschools.org/schools/patrickmarsh
1. Click on FOR STUDENTS (lower left column).
2. Click on your student’s house (right side).
3. Click on the number under the date you are checking, and then click on the subject area.
4. You can then view what work has been assigned for that day.
10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT 6​th​ GRADE AT PMMS
Houses​:​ Students are divided into Houses by the computer. Your core classes take place in your House.
Day 1 and Day 2​:​ Designates what day you have certain classes. Those classes that are every other day
will be marked as a Day 1 or Day 2.
Elective Classes​:​ General Music (required if Band, Choir or Orchestra are not taken), Introduction to
World Languages, Young Living (FACE), Technology & Engineering Education and Computer Skills for
Success are the elective classes. Students will generally have four out of the five choices.
Assignments​:​ ​Students at Patrick Marsh are expected to use their assigned Chromebook computers to
stay organized and keep track of classroom assignments. They are required to check their Learning
Management System (Edmodo, Google Classroom, etc.) and email on a daily basis. In addition, they may
use Google Calendar or one of the other apps available to keep track of their assignments.
Progress Reports/Report Cards​:​ You will receive progress reports and report cards reflecting your
child’s academic and behavioral progress throughout the year. Any child in danger of earning a 1 in any
academic or conduct area will have their progress report(s) sent home via mail.
School Day​:​ There are 8 Periods in the day. The first bell rings at 7:35am and students should be seated
and ready to go at the 7:40am bell. Classes are 44 minutes long with a 3 minute passing time. Dismissal is
at 2:48pm and students, unless with a teacher or supervisor, should be out of the building at 3:00pm.
Lunch​:​ Students are given an ID card with bar code that acts as a credit card to purchase hot lunch.
Students prepay in the cafetorium or online. There is a 15 minute or less lunch recess before or after the
students are done eating.
Discipline Policy​:​ At Patrick Marsh, we reinforce positive behavior through our PAWS program
(positive award winning students) and Quarterly Reward Days that may be in school or out. Discipline
points are given to students for negative behavior. Points accumulated can result in suspensions and/or
missing Reward Days. Students can work off discipline points by working with a specified teacher or staff
member, on designated days, for an hour after school.
Elective Hour/Study Hall​:​ Most students in 6th Grade will have an opportunity to have a study hall.
Study hall could be every day or it may be every other day depending on the rest of your schedule. It is
during the elective or study hall hours that students have an opportunity to take Orchestra, Band and
Chorus. Orchestra, Band and Chorus meet two to three days a week. Students are also encouraged to
participate in elective courses as a way to broaden their horizons.
Registration​:​ A newsletter will alert you to the start date of the online registration that occurs in August.
A day will be designated for your student to pick-up their assigned Chromebook. They will also have an
opportunity to have their picture taken for their ID and yearbook on the same day. ​PLEASE NOTE t​hat
this is subject to change and more will be communicated to you regarding registration during the summer.