VAN CORTLANDTVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Shannon O’Grady, Ed.D.

Principal

Frank Yanoti, Ed.D.

Assistant Principal

Nicole Gallardo

Special Education Supervisor

Good afternoon 5th grade families,

We hope all is well with you. We are busy behind the scenes preparing your child´s schedule for the 2024-2025 school year.  

In preparation for next year, we will be asking all 5th grade students to complete a Google Form to select their World Language, Music/Art, and STEAM-Core electives. This Google Form will be completed during school time. Descriptions of the course offerings are noted at the end of this letter.

*Please note that students’ IEP or ENL program needs may potentially supersede course preferences and ultimately alter students’ schedules. 

Preferences for STEAM-Core courses are scheduled to the best of our ability therefore a child’s highest ranking preferences may not be guaranteed.  

To help facilitate our selection timeline, please speak with your child about which of these courses they may be interested in before the day they are scheduled to make their selections.     

The schedule for course selection will be as follows:

• Benjamin Franklin: February 26th, 8:30-9:45 am
• George Washington: February 27th, 8:30-10:15 am
• Van Cortlandtville: February 27th, 12:00-1:00 pm
• Thomas Jefferson: February 28th, 10:00-11:00 am
• Lincoln Titus: February 29th, 8:45-9:45 am

Home Access Center (HAC)

The courses that your child selected/were assigned can be viewed in Home Access Center starting March 4, 2024 at 4pm and ending March 15, 2024 at 4pm.  Please follow these steps to view your child’s courses: Log into Home Access Center. Click on the “Classes” icon at the top, center of the page. Then, click on the “Schedule” tab on the left side of the page. Lastly, scroll down to the selection labeled “2024-2025 Course Requests”.

Parents/Guardians can use the following link to make any changes to the elective courses selected by March 15, 2024.  

As a parent/guardian, a large part of the transition to middle school is the use of Home Access Center. This site will keep you updated on schedules, grades, contact information, etc.

A student’s transition to middle school is an exciting time that can bring many questions about what to expect at the middle school level. We will be sending out additional communication regarding evening tours and an orientation of our building for families in the coming months.

We look forward to you joining our LCBMS family soon.

World Language Selection: (Students will select 1)

*Please note that the language selection is a 3 year commitment (Grades 6-8).

• Spanish: This course is designed for the student who is interested in learning Spanish. In this course, students will begin to explore the Spanish language, as well as the people and cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. As novice learners, students will begin to develop their interpretive, interpersonal and presentational communication skills through the themes and topics of Identity & Social Relationships, Contemporary Life and Science, Technology & the Arts.
• Italian: This course is designed for the student who is interested in learning Italian. In this course, students will begin to explore the Italian language, as well as the people and cultures of the country. As novice learners, students will begin to develop their interpretive, interpersonal and presentational communication skills through the themes and topics of Identity & Social Relationships, Contemporary Life and Science, Technology & the Arts.

Art/Music Selection: (Students will select 1 preference)

• Band & Careers in Music: 6th Grade Band is a gentle transition from an elementary program to a more structured program here at the middle school. For those who might feel a little behind, there will be a nice review period for most of September to help those who need extra help reading the notes, or for those who just need to get the notes out of the instruments a little bit clearer. We offer small group lessons during the school day which allow students to really hone in on their talents and work on concert music with their peers and the teacher. To prepare for a musical path that spans through 7th and 8th grades, we will perform a number of concert pieces, learn about music technology and the careers of musicians/composers, current and from the past. *Program may require an additional fee to purchase or rent an instrument.
• Chorus & Careers in Music: Chorus is a musical ensemble for students who love to sing. Students will learn how to use their voices healthily/properly, read music, and will perform a wide variety of music. Small group lessons and live performances are an exciting part of this class, which will deepen students’ understanding and application of vocal technique. We will also explore the wonderful world of musical theater and dynamic careers in the vocal music industry. 
• Music Production: In this project-based course, students will create their own tracks using the same technology that professional DJs and Music Producers do. In addition to learning how to play the MIDI piano, students will design their own music festival and create their own catchy song for display in the Hall of Fame.
• Orchestra & Careers in Music: Sixth Grade Orchestra is a musical ensemble class for students to continue playing the violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students will learn to play their instrument, read music, and explore a variety of music. Smaller group lessons and live performances are an exciting part of Orchestra, in which students can learn skills specific to their instrument and share their accomplishments. In addition, students will investigate different roles and careers related to Orchestra and music, as well as practice skills that apply to all aspects of learning and life.*Program may require an additional fee to purchase or rent an instrument.
• Visual Art: Art class is perfect if you love to be creative and experiment with different design ideas! You will learn about the elements of art and principles of design, which are the building blocks to a well composed piece of art. You will be introduced to several artists and styles of art. You will practice with different techniques in a variety of media and then create projects using these processes. You will also express yourself, not only through your visual creations, but through artist statements and artists critiques.

STEAM-Core Selection: (Students will rank preferences)

• Computer Science: In the Sixth Grade computer science curriculum, students will develop a strong foundation in essential concepts, communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and reflection. Topics covered typing, problem-solving, exploring technology's role in daily life (including video games), and an introduction to coding languages. The course aims to equip students with the skills to leverage technology for both educational and everyday purposes, and create a solid technological foundation.
• Family and Consumer Science: In the 6th grade clothing management course, students will learn sewing skills, machine functionality, body measurements, and reading and following the instructions in a pattern. Through proper use of the sewing machine, students will construct samples of sewing techniques. Students will explore fashion as it relates to their own personal style, culture, and history. Students will need to provide some of the materials for this class. 
• Introduction to Coding: STEAM with Minecraft Education will be a place you can learn, flex, and share Minecraft skills in an environment that will be engaging and ever changing. We will cover topics of digital citizenship; coding using block, Java, and Python; and cyber security and safety. Ever wonder if you could build a volcano in Minecraft? We will also find ways in Minecraft to supplement and enrich topics you’ll be learning in other 6th grade classes. It would be good if you played Minecraft before, but this class will be for beginners to experts. Have fun with us and learn a lot along the way!
• Technology and Engineering: Students embark on a dynamic journey in technology education, exploring engineering, design, basic woodworking, 3D printing, CNC machining, computer-aided drafting and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), an introduction to transportation systems, and the fundamentals of basic electronics. This comprehensive course introduces creative problem-solving, hands-on projects, and the integration of digital tools. Learning all of these topics through hands-on experiences lays the groundwork for a well-rounded understanding of technology for the students in sixth grade.