MRS. FERRARO

SCHOOL COUNSELOR

6TH GRADE

&

7TH GRADE (LETTERS A – L)

MRS. HART

SCHOOL COUNSELOR

7TH GRADE (LETTERS M – Z)

&

8TH 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.

6TH GRADE ACADEMICSRequired Courses: All 6th 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: 4th 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 7th & 8th 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.

6TH GRADE SAMPLE STUDENT SCHEDULE

5TH GRADE ELEMENTARY VISITSCurrent 5th 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 5th grade department chair or the Assistant Principal if your child will be absent when your school is visited.

6TH GRADE SCHEDULING INFORMATION FORMFINE ARTS/ELECTIVE CLASSES

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.

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).

We look forward to having

you be part of our GMS

family!