Incoming 6th Grade Information

Pacific Cascade Middle School

Health Excellence Relationships Opportunities Equality Safety

PCMS Students Are

RESPECTFUL – Of others RESPONSIBLE – For themselves SAFE – To learn

In the Office

Principal: Jeff McGowan (L-Z) Assistant Principal: Casey Stookey (A-K) Assistant to the Principal: Marie Werbel Counselors: Laura Meserole (A-K) Miranda Williams (L-Z) Attendance: Kaitlyn Probst Bookkeeper: Jennifer Christiansen Registrar: Rhonda Kurtenbach

School Communication

All electronic (weekly bulletin), please sign up on our home page Family Access (online grade book, attendance)

Canvas – ISD's learning management system. Students can access coursework, turn in assignments, and connect with teachers and classmates

www.isd411.org

PCMS School Counselors

Ms. Meserole - A-K Ms. Williams L-Z

The Role of School Counselors: Provide support for academic, social/emotional and career-oriented needs Individual student academic planning Classroom guidance lessons (all 3 grades) Small group counseling activities Short-term counseling support Referral to SBMH Counselor for long-term support Collaboration with stakeholders for student success Advocacy for all students

Course Selection Quick Overview

Enter in Student Access NOT Family Access

Core Classes: Language Arts – Grade Level or Advanced Science – Life Science (grade level) or Earth & Space - advanced Math – One of the 3 pathways Social Studies – everyone takes the same

Everyone takes PE/Health

Yearlong Electives – (music, support class, LA/Art microschool) OR 3 Trimester Elective Strand: Film Appreciation, Skills for Success, Computer Science

Choosing Adv. Classes: Please see the learning recommendations on the Middle School Course Guide. Note: These recommendations have been updated and based from extensive data regarding student outcomes.

Pacific Cascade PTSA

President: Kasey Trefethen

What We Do Provide volunteers and other support for PCMS and ASB activities Sponsor all-school events such as the Back to School Social and Celebration of Cultures Night Provide parent education opportunities throughout the year Fall and spring school enrichment grants to support as many students and staff as possible

Issaquah Schools Foundation

At PCMS, the Foundation funds: Fine Arts Program Support Books for School Library After school academic support Robotics program VOICE mentor program Cultural Bridges – supporting relationships between families Tools4School – supplies for students in need ParentWiser – parent education series Food Support for Hungry Students Nurses Fund Student Intervention Services

Middle School Experience: Sports

Fall (Sept – Oct) Cross Country (Co-ed) Volleyball (Girls) Soccer (Boys)

Winter 1 (Nov – Jan) Wrestling (Co-ed) Basketball (Girls)

Winter 2 (Jan – Mar) Basketball (Boys) Soccer (Girls)

Spring (Apr – Jun) Track (Co-ed)

Athletics Details

Paperwork and registration completed through Final Forms on our website Students entering 6th grade are required to have a physical dated after June 1. A physical date in the summer is valid for the entire school year. $50.00 per sport (4th sport is free!) Intermural $20.00 Students must have an ASB card ($35.00) to participate in sports

Middle School Experience: Clubs

PCMS has a variety of afterschool clubs (and we'd like more!)

Ideas for clubs include: Jazz Band, A to Z Club, Robotics Club, Dungeons and Dragons Club, Board Game Club, Honor Society, Art Club, Pokemon/Rubik's Cube. Teachers and students will plan and launch clubs in the fall working together with Associated Student Body (ASB).

W.E.B. – Where Everybody Belongs

8th WEB Leaders link with 6th graders Activity Day in August Fun and energetic activities Build relationships Tour of the school in June and August More activities throughout the year

Breakout Session Rotations

A-G Rm. 1307 LA Rm. 2308 Science Commons Math

H-N Commons Math Rm. 1307 LA Rm. 2308 Science

O-Z Rm. 2308 Science Commons Math Rm. 1307 LA

Welcome! 6th Grade Science Options

Christie Santodomingo and Ashley Potter

6th Grade Science Options

Note: Most students take Science Path I – 6th Grade Life Science

Grade Level / MS Science Path I / MS Science Path II 6th / Life Science / Earth and Space Science 7th / Earth and Space Science / Physical Science 8th / Physical Science / High School Biology

Life Science Units of Study

Structure and Function includes: Microscope use including live organisms Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration investigations Detailed observation and communication skills

Genes and Molecular Machines includes: Reproduction – flowering plants, fish and microorganisms Reproduction cellular level - genes and mitosis Inheritance of traits and Punnett Squares

Ecosystems and Their Interaction includes: Use class ponds as lens for ecosystems work Natural and artificial selection Changes over time, data table analysis and graphing

Considering Science Path II? Readiness Recommendations Include

History of Report Cards at Level 4 Prior exposure to Life Science concepts Enrolled in advanced math pathway

Recommended Score: Level 4 on 4th Grade SBA ELA, Level 4 on 4th Grade SBA Math, Level 4 on i-Ready Scores

6th Grade Math Alignment

Choose your math placement 1st based on math readiness.

6th grade Math 1 – Best Science Choice: Life Science 6th grade Math 1/2 – Best Science Choice: Life Science 6th grade Math 2/3 – Best Science Choice: Life Science OR Earth and Space Science 6th grade Algebra (Rare Choice – these students take 8th grade math classes at the High School) – Best Science Choice: Life Science OR Earth and Space Science

Math Alignment

Life Science – Math 1/2 (Math 1 is ok) Earth and Space Science – Math 2/3 Physical Science – Algebra HS Biology – Geometry HS Chemistry – Completion of Geometry recommended before enrolling in Chemistry.

Additional Science Path II Considerations

Student in Science Path II will be in class with 7th graders. There will be additional homework every night. Consider outside interests, commitments, and school work load. Consider planned absences outside of illness.

Questions?

K-12 Science Information

Your child's 5th grade teacher

Lena Jones, Secondary Science Specialist jonesl@issaquah.wednet.edu

Dawn Wallace, Director of Teaching & Learning wallaced@Issaquah.wednet.edu

Fifth Grade Parent Night

February 12, 2024 Heather Weider 6th grade math teacher

Options for Middle School Math

Washington State Standards

Math Practices

1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
3. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
4. Model with mathematics.
5. Use appropriate tools strategically.
6. Attend to precision.
7. Look for and make use of structure.
8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

Math Content 6th: Ratios and Proportional Relationships, Expression and Equations, The Number System, Statistics and Probability 7th: Geometry 8th: Functions

Focus Coherence Rigor

Middle School Math Options

Option A 6th grade: Math 1 7th grade: Math 2 8th grade: Math 3

Option B 6th grade: Math 1-2 7th grade: Math 2-3 8th grade: Algebra

Option C 6th grade: Math 2-3 7th grade: Algebra I 8th grade: Geometry

Math Option A

In 6th Grade register for MS Math 1

Middle School: 6th grade: MS Math 1 7th grade: MS Math 2 8th grade: MS Math 3

Common High School Path: 9th grade: Algebra 10th grade: Geometry 11th grade: Algebra 2 12th grade: Pre-Calculus/Choice

PACING MATCHES THE WASHINGTON STATE STANDARDS

Math Option B

COMPACTS MS MATH 1 THROUGH MS MATH 3 INTO TWO YEARS

*The calculus series is the most common pathways choice on this path. See the high school course guide for more options.

In 6th Grade register for MS Math 1-2

Middle School: 6th grade: MS Math 1-2 7th grade: MS Math 2-3 8th grade: Algebra

Common High School Path: 9th grade: Geometry 10th grade: Algebra 2 11th grade: Pre-Calculus* 12th grade: Calculus*

Math Option C

SKIPS 6TH GRADE MATH and Compacts 7th and 8th grade

*The calculus series is the most common pathways choice on this path. See the high school course guide for more options and specifics for attending the IB program at Skyline.

In 6th Grade register for Math 2-3

Middle School: 6th grade: Math 2-3 7th grade: Algebra 8th grade: Geometry

Common High School Path: 9th grade: Algebra 2 10th grade: Pre-Calculus* 11th grade: Calculus AB* 12th grade: Calculus BC*

Learning Recommendations – Math Option C

Math 2-3 Math Readiness Criteria (skipping content and compacted pacing) 2022 SBA Math score: Level 4 or higher Report Card Grades in Math: 4 i-Ready math score above 4.07 and working at a 7th grade level

Students choosing advanced/accelerated courses should: Reflect student's interest and aspirations in that course of study Have excellent study habits and organizational skills. Have strong communication and reading skills for engaging with rigorous material. Demonstrate motivation, maturity, perseverance and stamina for learning challenging material. Be active participants in all aspects of the classroom, including discussions, group or individual projects, and labs. Consider the increased time commitment to studies outside of the school day. Please consider all responsibilities, including sports, music and club affiliations. Consider the possibility that grades could be lower than if students took the typical course sequence(s). Consider the possibility that by skipping courses in math and science your student may have some gaps in content knowledge.

Math Option D

PLACEMENT TEST REQUIRED

*The calculus series is the most common pathways choice on this path. Students attending Skyline with interest in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program would create a "gap year" in math their freshman year if they choose this pathway. Students interested in this option should register for Option C, placement test will be held in the Spring, families will be notified via weekly bulletin.

In 6th Grade register for CC 8 / Algebra

Middle School: 6th grade: CC8/Algebra 7th grade: Geometry 8th grade: Algebra 2

Common High School Path: 9th grade: Pre-Calculus 10th grade: Calculus AB 11th grade: Calculus BC 12th grade: Choice

What if you want to change pathways or need support?

Your math teacher and school counselor are available to advise math choices and pathway changes.

Questions?

For more detailed information please visit the ISD website:

Middle School Course Guide https://www.isd411.org/academics/middle-school-curriculum-pathways/course-guide

6th Grade Language Arts

6th Grade Language Arts Content

Regular Language Arts Novel: Freak the Mighty Reader's Workshop Units: Identity Hero's Journey Scope Magazine Writing Fundamentals Personal Narrative Informative - Feature Article Argumentative

Advanced Language Arts Scope Magazine Writing Fundamentals Personal Narrative Informative – Podcast Argumentative - Debate Great Books Roundtable Novel: Freak the Mighty Reader's Workshop Units: Young Wonders Hero's Journey

How is Advanced Language Arts (ELA+) Different?

Advanced Language Arts has: Added rigor and assignment requirements A higher level of sophistication and depth An emphasis on higher level thinking skills More project-based assignment An accelerated pace More work done outside of class

General Guidance for Choosing ELA+

The following statements should correlate with you (the student) as a learner: I like to read and write, and am eager to grow I can express my ideas effectively in writing I can revise my writing to make it stronger I enjoy academic challenges

In addition, incoming 6th Graders should have: Level X on Fountas and Pinnell reading assessment Grade of 4 in 5th grade Writing and Reading

Fifth Grade Parent Night

March 10th, 2026 Heather Weider 6th grade math teacher

Options for Middle School Math *ISD Website provides extensive information about pacing and HS course paths.

Washington State Standards

Math Practices

1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
3. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
4. Model with mathematics.
5. Use appropriate tools strategically.
6. Attend to precision.
7. Look for and make use of structure.
8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

Math Content 6th: Ratios and Proportional Relationships, Expression and Equations, The Number System, Statistics and Probability 7th: Geometry 8th: Functions

Focus Coherence Rigor

Middle School Math Options

Option A – On Grade Level 6th grade: Math 1 7th grade: Math 2 8th grade: Math 3

Option B – Accelerated (Advanced Path 1) 6th grade: Math 1-2 7th grade: Math 2-3 8th grade: Algebra

Option C – Double Accelerated (Advanced Path 2) 6th grade: Math 2-3 7th grade: Algebra I 8th grade: Geometry

Take a Breath!

This feels like a big decision for an 11 year old!

New: ISD now offers many options throughout the middle school and high school journey to choose to advance in math. Please focus on the student you have before you now, not where you want them to get to by the end of high school. Middle school brings lots of change, some students thrive while others struggle it is hard to predict how it is going to go. Error on the side of caution as they are starting on this journey, being overwhelmed, stressed and discouraged is not how you want your 6th grader to transition to secondary learning. Ultimately, we want kids to like math and they do this by feeling confident and successful. Building an early and strong Algebraic foundation is critical for success in higher level math.

Math 1: 6th Grade (On Grade Level)

Recommended for any 6th grade student. Matches state standards for 6th Grade. Math may not be their favorite subject. Students who need more time to process and practice. Students who do not like a lot of homework. Students who have a 3 or lower on SBA in math. This path provides necessary math requirements for most universities.

Option A (Standard): 6th Grade: Math 1 7th Grade: Math 2 8th Grade: Math 3

Possible High School Path: 9th grade: Algebra or Sup. Algebra 10th grade: Geometry 11th grade: Algebra 2 12th grade: Pre-Calculus/Choice *See high school Course Guide for more HS class options.

Math 1-2: Advanced Path 1 (Accelerated)

Compacts 6th and most of 7th grade math standards in 1 year. Students who love math. Lesson / skill per day with little time for practice or review. Student must be willing to complete practice independently at home. Student enjoys a challenge & can preserve without frustration. Math SBA: high 3 or 4 Math Report Card: Mostly 4's Students must maintain a C+ or higher to continue on this Advanced Path.

Option B (Accelerated): 6th Grade: Math 1-2 7th Grade: Math 2-3 8th Grade: Algebra 1

Possible High School Path: 9th Grade: Geometry 10th Grade: Algebra 2 11th Grade: Pre-Calculus* 12th Grade: Calculus* *See high school Course Guide for more HS class options.

Math 2-3: Advanced Path 2 (Double Accelerated)

Students who can demonstrate proficiency in ALL 6th grade standards & most of the 7th grade standards. Skips ALL 6th and most of 7th grade standards & is taught at a accelerated pace. This course is taught at a compacted pace, it covers the second half of Math 2 and all standards taught in Math 3. This course focuses on selected Grade 7 State Standards and ALL State Standards for Grade 8. Students who are self-motivated in math and are willing to deepen their learning outside of school. Students need to be very happy to do homework. Student learning focuses on systems of linear equations, functions and relationships, 2D and 3D space, and the Pythagorean Theorem.

Math 2-3: Advanced Path 2 – Learning Recommendations

Skips 6th grade math and half of 7th grade math (Math 1-2).

SBA Math: Level 4 Report Card Math Grades: 4's i-Ready Math Score: 4.07+ and currently working at a 7th grade level *Please consider learning recommendations carefully & ensure that your child meets or exceeds ALL requirements.

Middle School Path: 6th Grade: Math 2-3 7th Grade: Algebra 1 8th Grade: Advanced Geometry

Possible High School Path: 9th: Advanced Algebra 2 10th: Precalculus 11th: Calculus AB 12th: Calculus BC

Students must maintain a C+ or higher to continue on this Advanced Path.

Algebra 1: Math Option D (Alternative)

This is for students who do extensive math outside of school & can demonstrated mastery of all Grades 6-8 standards. All students considering this option MUST take the required placement test scheduled at the district office.

To be eligible to sign up for the test: Student MUST score 4.2 or higher on the winter i-Ready Math test This includes Merlin students

This is a high school level course and is taught at a compacted pace; it covers all of the standards for Algebra 1. Most peers in this class will be 8th graders. This course focuses on equations, linear and exponential relationships, descriptive statistics and quadratic functions.

Option D – Details

Skips 6th-8th grade math (Math 1-2-3). Students can earn high school elective credit. Placement test required (district office). Watch for information in the weekly bulletin.

Register for Math 2-3 now and then registration will be adjusted if student meets placement test criteria.

Middle School Path: 6th Grade: Algebra 1 7th Grade: Advanced Geometry 8th Grade: Advanced Algebra 2

Possible High School Path: 9th: Precalculus 10th: Calculus AB 11th: Calculus BC 12th: Choice (ex. AP Statistics)

Characteristics of Successful Students

Excellent study habits and organizational skills Strong communication and reading skills Motivation, maturity, perseverance, and stamina for learning challenging material Active participation in class discussions, group or individual projects, and labs Ability to work with older students in mixed level classes Consider your 6th grader in a class with mostly 8th graders

Considerations

Course should connect to student interests and aspirations Be prepared for an increased time commitment to studies outside of the school day (consider how this would impact student's current activities) Rigor increases (students are learning high school concepts in middle school) Grades could be lower than if a student took the standard sequence High school grades are automatically applied to the high school transcript Skipping classes may lead to gaps in content knowledge Students must maintain a C+ in all trimesters to remain on an accelerated path.

What if my student wants to change pathways or finds that they need more support?

Course selection is a commitment for this school year, regardless of success or class grade. Scheduling and class numbers leave little room for movement. Students can choose to retake a course the following year. Students can choose to slow down the pacing for Math (ex. Math 2-3 could go to Math 2 for the following year). Summer School "Bridge Courses" for advancement later. Contact teacher and counselor with questions or concerns.

Questions?

For more detailed information please visit the ISD website:

Middle School Course Guide https://www.isd411.org/academics/middle-school-curriculum-pathways/course-guide

Language Arts & Elective Choices for 6th Grade 2026-27

Three Pathways: 6th Grade Language Arts + Elective

On-Level Language Arts + Trimester Electives Skills for Success Film Appreciation Computer Science

OR

Yearlong Music Band Orchestra Choir

OR

Advanced Language Arts + Yearlong Music Band Orchestra Choir

OR

Trimester Electives Skills for Success Film Appreciation Computer Science

Community Microschool – Open to Adv ELA & On-Level ELA

New Pathway

Language Arts and The Arts

Integrated block class (100 mins) Yearlong ELA + Visual Arts elective Visual Arts + Creative Writing and Drama Extra time and flexibility to delve into engaging hands-on projects that fosters creativity and critical thinking Differentiated Learning – follows the same ELA curriculum as other 6ELA classes; ISD is currently in the process of adopting new ELA curriculum Microschool Pathway continues in 7th & 8th grades: Language Arts and Leadership with Heidi Fielden and Annie Kurtenbach

Language Arts and The Arts – Daily/Weekly Routines and Projects

New Pathway

Daily/Weekly Routines: Sketchbook along with Writing Notebook Fine Art Analysis (tone, symbolism, theme) Elements of Art along with Elements of Literature

Possible Projects: Trimester 1: Visual Arts – Personal Narrative Torn paper self portraits; Important Object and Important Place Warm & Cool project Trimester 2: Creative Writing – Young Wonders novels Illustrated Poetry Notebook; 3D Room Project Trimester 3: Drama – Hero's Journey Create your own HJ shadow puppet play, Greek myth plays, The Odyssey – class play

How is Advanced Language Arts (ELA+) Different?

Advanced Language Arts has: Added rigor and assignment requirements A higher level of sophistication and depth An emphasis on higher level thinking skills More self-advocacy – taking responsibility for your own learning. More project-based assignments

General Guidance for Choosing AdvELA

The following statements should correlate with you (the student) as a learner: I like to read and write, and am eager to grow I can express my ideas effectively in writing I can revise my writing to make it stronger I enjoy academic challenges

In addition, incoming 6th Graders should have: Grade of 4 in 5th grade Writing and Reading; SBA scores Level 4

General Guidance for Choosing Language Arts and The Arts Microschool

The following statements should correlate with you (the student) as a learner:

I like art, creative writing, and drama I enjoy hands-on projects that are creative and challenging I like to read and write, and am eager to grow I can express my ideas effectively in writing I enjoy academic challenges

Welcome to 5th Grade Parent Night!

Exploring Science Pathways

Science Pathways Overview

Grade Level / MS Science Standard Path / MS Science Alternate Path 6th / Life Science / Earth and Space Science 7th / Earth and Space Science / Physical Science 8th / Physical Science / High School Biology

MS Science Standard Path

Most Common Pathway for Incoming 6th Graders

6th Grade: Life Science 7th Grade: Earth Science 8th Grade: Physical Science

Benefit: A rigorous lab-based science path designed to support all students

MS Science Standard Path – Smooth Transition to Middle School Science

First lab-based class

Three units of study: Structure and Function, Genetics, and Ecosystems

Science everyday with at least three hands-on labs per week

Letter grades and summative assessments

MS Standard Path – Life Science Units of Study

Structure and Function includes: Microscope use including live organisms Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration investigations Structures of cells, tissues, and organs and their function for survival

Genes and Molecular Machines includes: Reproduction – flowering plants, fish and microorganisms Reproduction cellular level - genes and mitosis Inheritance of traits and Punnett Squares

Ecosystems and Their Interaction includes: Use class ponds as lens for ecosystems work Natural and artificial selection Changes over time, data table analysis and graphing

MS Science Standard Path – Skills Development in 6th Grade

Lab safety Independent navigation of Canvas Maintaining a science notebook Homework management and test preparation Collaboration, initiative, good work habits Provides a strong foundation for all future science classes

Standard Path – 6th Grade Life Science

MS Science Alternate Path

Less Common Pathway – Skips Life Science

6th Grade: 7th Grade Earth & Space Science 7th Grade: 8th Grade Physical Science 8th Grade: HS Biology

Class Composition: 6th grader in a 7th Grade general education class with mostly 7th graders

MS Science Alternate Path – Recommendations

ISD Recommends for this pathway: Students should be at least one grade level ahead in their math and reading skills. (Level 4 grades in math and reading on i-Ready and SBA assessments) Enrollment in Math 1/2 or higher as 6th grader Suggested Background: Strong foundation in Life Science https://www.isd411.org/2025-2026/ms-course-guide/science

MS Science Alternate Path – Student Readiness

Students entering 7th grade science as a 6th grader should: Be able to keep an organized and well maintained science notebook Be ready to independently manage homework and classwork initiation and completion Collaborate well with older students

Challenge: Students can not move paths. Once Life Science is skipped it cannot be taken later.

Questions?

Conclusion and Resources

Consider your own student and what is the best fit for them.

For more information: ISD Science Course Guide https://www.isd411.org/2025-2026/ms-course-guide/science

Email 6th Grade Life Science Teacher: Christie Santodomingo santodomingoc@issaquah.wednet.edu

Science Lead: Ashley Potter pottera@issaquah.wednet.edu