Key Peninsula Middle School 6th Grade Handbook Overview
Key Peninsula Middle School provides an overview of academics, school supplies, and classes for 6th-grade students. From required classes to elective choices, the handbook covers a variety of subjects including ELA, Social Studies, Math, Science, PE, and Cougar Academy. Students will have access to resources such as planners and binders to support their learning journey.
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6th Grade Handbook Key Peninsula Middle School 5510 Key Peninsula Hwy KPN Lakebay, WA 98349 253.530.4200
Academics Academics Required classes for 6th grade: Required classes for 6th grade: ELA Social Studies Math Science PE Cougar Academy Elective class choices: Elective class choices: Choir Band Rotation
School Supplies Planners One of the most important items a student will need is their planner. Planners are provided to all students by KPMS. The planner will be used daily for each class to help keep track of assignments and upcoming events. Binders In addition to planners, each student will need a 3 binder. Some students prefer a zipper type with a strap for ease of carrying. Others use a traditional 3 binder and carry it in their backpack.
Classes ELA Students will write in a variety of modes including narrative, explanatory, and persuasive pieces. Students will develop skills in critical reading and thinking, reflection, revision, collaboration, and oral communication. Social Studies Sixth grade social studies deepen students' understanding of the Earth and its peoples through the study of history, geography, politics, culture and economic systems. Higher levels of critical thinking are emphasized by considering why civilizations developed where and when they did and why they declined. Math Math class will utilize 8 units from the Open Up curriculum. Students will become familiar with algebra, decimals, dividing fractions, rational numbers, and data distributions. They will develop an understanding of statistical thinking and reasoning. Science The 6th grade focus is Earth Science. Students explore planet Earth as an interacting system of solids, liquids and gases.A few topics students will cover are plate motion, rock transformations, Earth s changing climate and weather patterns. PE PE curriculum is divided into three main content areas which include: health and fitness academics, fitness, and motor skills. Some activities students may learn are: track, soccer, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, and racket sports. Students will be instructed on goal setting and fitness measurements
Classes Choir This class provides an introduction to choir. No previous singing experience is required nor needed. Students will learn basic vocal technique and music theory. Students will have multiple performances throughout the year, including the PSD Choral Festival. Band In Beginning Band students will explore different instruments and choose based on a students preferences and existing skill sets. Students will engage in creating a community of helpful and caring musicians who empathize with others. Instrument hygiene and the basics of instrument care, along with musical notation are a fundamental part of Beginning Band. Rotation Rotation is an introduction to some of the elective choices that will be available in 7th and 8th grade. These 3 courses will be a trimester rotation. A final determination of offerings will be made in the summer. (Examples of past classes: art, computers, woodshop) Cougar Academy Cougar Academy is a tutorial class every student has Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. At KPMS, Cougar Academy is the first class of the day. It is used as enrichment time. Students may also use this time to catch up on class work, study or receive additional support.
Grading In middle school students earn letter grades of A, B, C, D or F. Letter grades have the following values: A+ 98 -100 90 A 93 -97 A-92 - B+ 89 -89 80 B 83 -86 B-82 - C+ 77 -79 C 73 -76 C-72 -70 D+ 67 -69 60 Time Management/Study Habits D 63 -66 D-62 - F 59 or below Students have seven classes with seven different teachers, seven different expectations and sometimes seven different homework assignments. Along with being responsible for all of the above, students must also be responsible for managing time; both at school and home. One major academic process that students must fit in their schedule is homework - whether completing assignments, major projects or studying for tests. Learning and utilizing study skills is an important lesson for a 6th grader. Your 6th grade teachers will spend a lot of time throughout the year teaching and demonstrating what good study skills look like.
Buses & Passes Buses line up in front of the school and bus numbers are posted on the side of the bus. Staff are available to assist students who are having trouble finding their bus. Transportation Office Hours: 5:00am - 5:00pm Monday - Friday 253.530.3900 You can find your bus information by going to https://www.psd401.net/departments/transportation and scrolling down to Find My Bus Stop. Bus Passes Bus passes are available at the Main Office before school and during lunches. Permission from a parent/guardian is required to received a pass. Students may bring a signed note or a parent/guardian may call. We ask that all transportation changes are made prior to 1:00pm.
Parent Drop-Off/Pick-Up Student drop-off/pick-up is located in the front parking lot. Dismissal from school is at 2:45 pm. If you are picking your student up you may line up in the parking lot. Students wait outside the building for parents/guardians to arrive. Mon, Tues, Thur & Fri Drop-off begins at 7:50 am Wednesday Drop-off begins at 8:50 am
People to Know Administration Jeri Goebel, Principal , Assistant Principal Counselors Annie McCabe, last names A-J Havala Baker, last names H-Z Katie Panske, Psychologist Office Kari Trivette, Office Manager Donna Johnson, Secretary Jaime McGrath, Office Assistant Elaine Gilman, Librarian Betty Kelley, Health Tech Kris Girard, Nurse (Friday s only) Dallen McQueen, Head Custodian
6th Grade Teachers Gary Alsin, Science Emma Clark, ELA & Social Studies Shannon Dykman, PE Sarah Kaal, Band & Rotation Patty Rivers, Math Kate Schrock, ELA & Social Studies Leah Smith, ELA & Social Studies TBD, Rotation Vicki Ward, Science Staci Webb, Choir & Rotation
Parent Portal Parent Portal is your tool to view your student s schedule, grades, allow you to edit contact information, and sign up for athletics. To set up your account the first time you will need to contact your student s school to receive your access information. Students also have an account they can login to, however, it is important for parents/guardians to have their own account. The web address is psd401.net/parent-portal. An app is also available for your mobile device.
ParentSquare Peninsula School District utilizes ParentSquare for school- to-home communications. It is used for mass communications, classroom communication and school services (attendance, lunch balances, forms). If you are a parent/guardian and the school s database contains your contact details, you can use your email or phone number to set up your account. Here s what you can do with ParentSquare: Here s what you can do with ParentSquare: Receive messages from the school via email, text or app notification Choose to receive information as it comes or all at once with a daily digest at 6pm Communicate in your preferred language Comment on school postings to engage with your school community Direct message teachers, staff and other parents Participate in group messages Sign up for parent-teacher conferences complete other sign- ups, forms etc. all from your desktop or mobile device.
Attendance/Absences Parents/guardians must call the school (253) 530-4200 if a student is expected to be tardy or absent. If a call is not made a note may be sent to school. Please include student s first and last name, date(s) and reason for absence. Don t forget to sign the note and include a daytime phone number or email address. Examples of EXCUSED absence/tardy - Illness (A health provider note may be required) - Bereavement - Religious Holiday - Doctor or dental appointment Examples of UNEXCUSED absence/tardy - Transportation problems or missing the bus - Oversleeping - Skipping classes - Babysitting siblings Absences must be excused within 3 school days or it will become unexcused. Students must attend 51% of the class period to be considered present. Requests for missed work are granted after the 2nd day of an excused absence. Please allow up to 24 hours notice for requests to be filled. Early dismissal students cannot be released until an authorized person is present. Please allow sufficient time for pickup. Pre-Arranged Absence If you are planning some time away we ask that you fill out a Planned Absence Request Form. Forms are available at the Office. Parents or students may request a form. We ask that forms be completed and returned at least a week PRIOR to the absence.
Frequently Asked Questions How many classes in a day? How long is lunch? * There are 7 classes. Only 6 on Wednesdays. * Each lunch is 30 minutes. * The first 15 is eating; the last 15 in Honor Time (weather permitting.) * Each class is 50 minutes long. On Wednesdays they are 45 minutes. How long between classes? Do I get a locker? * We are currently updating our building and lockers are not available. You will carry everything with you in your backpack. * You will have 4 minute passing periods. Is there a lot of homework in 6th grade? What time does school start? * Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday school starts at 8:15. * Wednesday school starts at 9:15. * Teachers often give class time to do work. The rest can be finished at home. Is there a dress code? * Yes. Please review the KPMS Handbook.
