Welcome to Sixth Grade
Sixth grade is a year of tremendous growth academically and emotionally. Our religion curriculum centers around our relationship with Jesus and is an essential part of our everyday schedule. In addition to middle school academics, one of the highlights of the year involves a visit by Mark Jaeger (Saint Isabella School parent and Ceramics teacher at Marin Catholic High School). The students are guided as they create their own unique clay masks and later visit Marin Catholic to glaze their creations. It is an exciting artistic opportunity for the students, as well as a fun introduction to our neighboring Catholic high school.
Sixth Grade Curriculum
English Language Arts (ELA)
Sixth grade English Language Arts encompass the areas of reading, literature, writing, speaking and listening. Through reading, the students become more aware of and learn to appreciate various global cultures, both past and present. They become independent readers who are able to evaluate, study and appreciate various literary genres, the author’s purpose, make inferences and draw conclusions, differentiate between fact and opinion, be able to compare and contrast, identify plot, character, setting, theme, and point of view. Students analyze moral values, interpret symbolism, mood and figurative speech. In literature, students are introduced to various literary genres including myths, fantasy, historical works, poems, plays, biographies, essays, short stories and informational articles. Reading, writing about, discussing and listening to each other’s ideas about literature are encouraged to build enthusiasm for reading. Students are immersed in guided and independent reading through the use of at least 3 class novels. Through comprehensive writing, students continue to further develop their writing skills based on California curriculum standards.
Math
The 6th grade math curriculum is based on Mathematics: Concepts and Skills and focuses on Standards for Mathematical Practice and Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Students use and strengthen their critical thinking and problem solving skills for all concepts. They learn fundamental skills for solving equations involving one variable with integers, fractions and decimals. Students learn how to build and solve proportions, ratios, equations and to think statistically.
Social Studies
Sixth grade Social Studies focuses on Ancient civilizations beginning with the early man of Mesopotamia, Africa and Egypt, and then moving on to early Greek and Roman civilizations. Students take a field trip to the Egyptian Museum in San Jose and do various projects in class involving Egyptian culture. While learning about Greek and Roman civilizations, students look into the respective religions and cultures of both as well as learning more about Greek mythology.
Science
The Religion curriculum is a rich and engaging program which focuses on students’ Catholic faith formation. Some of the topics covered are the Mass, Catholic Prayers, the Liturgical Calendar, Salvation and the Armor of God, Christian Morality, Developing a Conscience, and The Beatitudes. Students deepen their understanding of the 10 commandments and attend weekly masses. Students also learn, sing, and pray a chosen song and prayer of the month. Students organize a prayer service or mass for the entire student body under the guidance of their religion teacher and parish.
Religion
The Religion curriculum is a rich and engaging program which focuses on students’ Catholic faith formation. Some of the topics covered are the Mass, Catholic Prayers, the Liturgical Calendar, Salvation and the Armor of God, Christian Morality, Developing a Conscience, and The Beatitudes. Students deepen their understanding of the 10 commandments and attend weekly masses. Students also learn, sing, and pray a chosen song and prayer of the month. Students organize a prayer service or mass for the entire student body under the guidance of their religion teacher and parish.
Mrs. Milena Tapia
Sixth Grade Teacher
Mrs. Tapia relocated from San Francisco to Marin County in the summer of 2022 and eagerly joined the Saint Isabella School community. She loves teaching 6th grade and looks forward to another fantastic year. Since 1999 she has had the pleasure of wearing several different hats throughout all of her years as a teacher in the San Francisco Archdiocese. She began teaching at Saint Gabriel School in San Francisco’s Sunset District, then moved to Petaluma and worked for the Waugh School District, and later taught at Our Lady of Mercy in Daly City. After having three children of her own, she returned to Saint Gabriel School as a Resource Teacher for 5th to 8th grade students. Her focus was to provide support for students in need of academic assistance as well as aiding teachers. She also enjoyed being a member of the school theater’s production team and creating fundraisers for the athletics department. Mrs.Tapia has three daughters including her youngest daughter, Nadia, who will be graduating from Saint Isabella School in 2024.