6th Grade Newsletter

Thanks to their generosity and teamwork, the 6th grade class contributed the most items and earned a well-deserved hot chocolate party. Students enjoyed delicious hot cocoa topped with marshmallows, whipped cream, and candy canes to celebrate their win. It was a festive and fun way to kick off the winter season!

This month’s Town Hall was extra special as we recognized ALL students who earned Honor Roll, High Honor Roll, and Principal’s Honor Roll.

We could not be more proud of our scholars, as they continue to show up each day ready to learn, grow, and give their best. Their hard work truly shines!

Here are just a few of the scholars pictured...

In addition to celebrating our 6th-grade academic achievements, a few 6th-grade dancers took the stage and put on a show. Their energy and talent added a fun and memorable highlight to the Town Hall!

Finally, an original “Chipotle” rap closed out our December Town Hall, bringing lots of laughs, rhythm, and school spirit to end the celebration on a high note!

Dec 22-Jan 2 – Winter Recess

This week in ELA, students completed the Winter STAR Assessment. We are so proud of their hard work, focus, and the growth they demonstrated!

In addition to winter testing, students also explored the difference between denotation (a word’s literal meaning) and connotation (the feelings or ideas a word suggests). It was a great week of learning and building vocabulary skills!

Here are some parent-friendly, easy ways to practice connotation at home—no special materials needed:

Commercials & TV Talk

While watching a show or commercial, ask:

• “What word did they use to make this sound exciting?”

• “Is that word meant to make us feel positive or negative?”

Grocery Store or Car Ride Challenge

Choose a simple word (cold, big, fast) and find 3 words with different connotations.

• cold: chilly (neutral), freezing (intense), icy (negative)

Describe the Same Object in Two Different Tones

Pick an everyday object and describe it twice:

• Positive: “This room feels cozy and warm.”

• Negative: “This room feels cramped and stuffy.”

Compare News Headlines

Look at two headlines about the same topic and ask how word choice changes the feeling or message.

Looking Ahead: Next Week in ELA

This week students will be reading the poem, "Teenagers" by Pat Mora.

Read the Poem here: Teenagers

Pat Mora (b. 1942) is a celebrated Mexican American author whose bilingual works explore themes of culture and identity among families in Texas and along the Southwestern border, where Mora was born and raised. Her 1991 poem “Teenagers” is written from the point of view of a parent who feels they have lost touch with their teenage children. In this brief, 14-line poem, Mora reflects upon a universal experience both parents and children endure as they age.

This week, we wrapped up our unit on ratios and percentages, and students completed their end-of-unit assessment on Friday.

Looking Ahead: Next Week in Math:

On Monday, we will begin our unit on dividing fractions. Students will explore how visual representations, such as tape diagrams, can help them make sense of different division situations.

Unit 4 Guide

We discussed how participating in a club, sport, or school event/activity gives students opportunities to meet new people and feel more connected to our school community. Students brainstormed a list of activities that already exist at Nichols, as well as activities they wish existed.

Students will be completing the winter i-Ready diagnostic on Tuesday (12/9) and Wednesday (12/10).
Please make sure they come to class prepared with a fully charged iPad.

Students wrapped up the Mesopotamia unit by demonstrating their learning through a final project. They applied their understanding of key concepts—such as geography, innovations, government, and daily life—to showcase what they learned in a creative and meaningful way. It was a great opportunity for students to synthesize their knowledge and share their insights about one of the world’s earliest civilizations.