SIXTH GRADE

Goals

Reading

Use a range of strategies to develop proficiency in comprehending a variety of texts/genres (mystery, biography, autobiography, historical fiction, fables, folktales, myths, poetry, informational essays). 

Develop the ability to think critically, creatively and analytically. 

Create and nurture a love of reading. 

English/Writing

Understand and implement all phases of the writing process (pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing and publishing). 

Write to develop ideas, inform, influence and entertain.

English/Grammar

Identify and use correctly: nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, conjunctions, interjections, prepositions. 

Identify types of sentences (declarative, interrogative, imperative, exclamatory). 

Use appropriate capitalization and punctuation. 

Spelling

Understand patterns and rules of spelling. 

Religion

Foster strong Catholic values. 

Nurture and stress the importance of strengthening the spiritual self. 

Develop a deeper relationship with God and the community of believers, especially within the parish community.

Curriculum

Reading

A variety of book projects are assigned throughout the year to nurture and maintain a love of reading:

CD Cover
Students are required to design the front and back of a CD cover, title 12 songs and write lyrics for two of the titles based on events in the book.

Magazine Interview
Students are required to write an interview with a main character in the book.

Movie Poster
Students must create an advertisement for the movie version of their book.  Poster must include a movie rating, stars that will play main characters, review words and quotations from the book.

Comic Book
Students must make a three-page comic book telling the story of their book.

Many incentives are offered to motivate students to read for pleasure.

English/Writing
English/ Grammar

All phases of the writing process will be used to build strong writing skills.

Students will produce age/class/grade appropriate written work in the following genres of writing: personal narrative, persuasive essay, compare and contrast, poetry, news writing, biography, book report, business letter.

A variety of texts and activities are used to learn the rules for correct grammar usage, capitalization and punctuation daily.

Religion

6^th Grade

The sixth-grade religion program stresses the study of the Sacred Scriptures of the Old Testament. Students are encouraged daily to read the Bible in order to become sensitive to God’s message and how they can apply it to their daily life.

7^th Grade

The seventh-grade religion program is devoted to the study of God’s saving love as it is revealed through his son, Jesus.  It is designed to help students grow in their knowledge of Jesus and encourages them to serve him better.

8^th Grade

The eighth-grade religion program is designed to help students grow in their knowledge of the Church.

Significant Projects

Book Club

An after school book club is offered to all middle school students to encourage pleasure reading.

Published Book

Television Newscast

Students will work cooperatively to write, produce, execute and perform in a television newscast. The goal is to increase writing skills and become familiar with current events.

Technology Projects

Our technology partnership with the University of Richmond and Boston University and School Technology Programs gives our students a fully integrated technology based program that takes every aspect of the Archdiocesan Curriculum Guidelines and incorporates it into our everyday teaching.

Liturgical Leaders

Amy DiSabella

 Fordham University
B.A.  Communications/Journalism
Currently Completing Connecticut Teaching Certificate, K-6

Amy is thrilled to be entering her second year as sixth-grade teacher at Saint Ann School.

After receiving her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Fordham University, she worked as a writer and producer in New York City and Los Angeles for such television production companies as Dick Clark Productions, Montel Williams, King World Productions and News 12.

Amy has a passion for writing and strives to instill this love in her students. As the sixth-grade teacher she brings a wealth of writing experience and knowledge of English and Literature to the Saint Ann Middle School Language Arts Program. Her writing skills have earned her several prestigious awards including the Excellence in Journalism Award from the Society of Professional Journalists.

Amy and her husband, Nick, are the proud parents of two children, Nicholas and Sophie Claire. Both are students at Saint Ann School.

Amy attended Catholic schools and is a strong believer in all they have to offer. "As a product of 16 years of Catholic education, I can speak from experience about the overwhelming academic, social, moral and spiritual benefits of attending Catholic schools. As a teacher, I am committed to using all that I have learned in my many years of Catholic schooling to create a solid foundation and challenge each and every one of my students to reach their full potential in each of these areas."