Sixth-grade students are bright and ready for a deeper understanding of many subjects. Their intellectual skills are expanding and they may begin to excel at a subject or skill. They are able to see the world from various perspectives, and are concerned with rules and fairness. They begin to challenge adult explanations and their own assumptions.
At LFCDS, in order to help things grade students thrive as they broaden their horizons, sixth grade focuses on the use of executive functions to bring their learning to a new level. These include: organization, time management, study skills, note taking, and test taking. Sixth grade also gives students an opportunity to shine as leaders as they lead their own conferences. This causes them to reflect on their own progress as advisors lead them in the process.
Five common procedures across the sixth grade at LFCDS ensure that students can excel in all areas. These are: Academic focus, Homework, Panther Pride, Assignment Management, and Technology/Communication. By assuring that these five aspects are emphasized across the grade, students have the ability to increase their achievement while they enjoy a unified experience across classes.
In sixth grade, students are undergoing many changes. In order to help studenst flourish during this year, we focus on a variety of social-emotional aspects as well as ondoing academic rigor. Students notice that they are growing and undergoing physical changes, and they also experiencing complex social and emotional developments. Sixth-grade students are deeply aware of peer opinions and are increasingly focused on the self. LFCDS supports this need for community validation and individual recognition through the sixth-grade covenant. Unique to this grade level, the covenant is written by students and signed by each student in a ceremony. The covenant is then framed and hung by student lockers to remind them of the community standards to which they have agreed. This covenant allows students to build relationships in a safe and constructive manner even as they learn new social skills and begin to get to know themselves in a new way.
Highlights of the Sixth-Grade Experience
List of 5 items.
Extracurricular Opportunities
Take part in new extracurricular opportunities such as the fifth- and sixth-grade chorus and concert band
Field Trips
Partake in the Springfield Field Trip and explore the State Capital, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and the Lincoln New Salem historic site
Future Scientists
Engage in Wetlands Restoration and the Mars Student Imaging Project in science class
Outdoor Education
Experience Outdoor Education, including team-building activities and group relationship-buildingat Camp McLean
Robbie Bermingham Speaking Contest
Compete in the annual Robbie Bermingham Speaking Contest
Curriculum Guide
Faculty
List of 15 members.
Mark Arthur
Chair of Science Department, Upper School Science Teacher
(847) 615-6161
Nan Caldwell
Chair of World Language, Spanish Teacher, US Coordinator of Community Service
(847) 615-6166
Mark DeBernardi
Visual Art Teacher
(847) 615-6179
Jason Gronkiewicz-Doran
Grade 6 Social Studies Teacher
(847) 615-6164
Ben Haight
Upper School Social Studies Teacher, Grade 8 Team Leader
(847) 615-6176
Egan Kim
Upper School Mathematics Teacher
(847) 615-6155
Nicky Pitman
Drama Teacher
(847) 615-6181
Ami Polonsky
Chair of English Department; Co-Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee; Upper School English
(847) 615-6158
William Scroggins
Physical Education & Wellness Teacher
(847) 615-6232
Suzanne Stanczak
Physical Education & Wellness Teacher
(847) 615-6122
Taylor Stuckslager
Upper School Mathematics Teacher, Math Department Chair
(847) 615-6134
Grant Tabor
Music Teacher, Band Instructor
(847) 615-6182
Rhonda Venard-Darin
Visual Art Teacher
(847) 615-6180
Nancy Watson
School Social Worker - LCSW/CADC
(847) 615-6163
Katherine Willis
Teacher
(847) 615-6129
A co-educational independent private school for students age 2 through Grade 8. Graduating students of strong character with a passion for learning since 1888. Schedule a tour!