Horseheads Intermediate School
Welcome to sixth Grade
6th Grade Overview
Welcome back to the Intermediate School! We’re excited to continue this journey with you and your child as part of our vibrant learning community. As returning students and families, you already know that the IS is a place where everyone is encouraged to grow academically and personally in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Being an IS Innovator means living out the qualities we value most: kindness, acceptance, confidence, curiosity, creativity, intelligence, success, and innovation. Together, we create a community where every student feels valued and empowered to explore new ideas and reach their full potential.
Your Child’s Day at the IS
Homerooms & Teams: Your child continues to be placed in homerooms and work closely with a team of two dedicated teachers, along with support staff who are here to help all students succeed.
Academic Subjects: All students participate in English Language Arts, math, science, and social studies, following the Next Generation Learning Standards to build strong skills and knowledge.
Special Subjects: Your child will also enjoy special subjects including art, vocal and instrumental music, physical education, and library—great opportunities to explore their interests and talents.
How We Support Every Child — MTSS
At the IS, we believe every student can succeed when they receive the right support at the right time. Our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) helps us meet each child’s academic, social, and emotional needs:
- Tier 1: High-quality instruction for all students
- Tier 2: Small group support for extra help or enrichment
- Tier 3: Intensive, individualized instruction when more support is needed
This system helps us respond quickly, monitor progress, and adjust instruction so every student can thrive.
The WINN Block — What Individuals Need Now
One unique part of our day is the WINN block, which stands for What Individuals Need Now. During this special time, every student receives personalized instruction tailored specifically to their needs. Whether working in small groups or one-on-one with a teacher, students get extra support to reinforce concepts or engage in extension activities that challenge and inspire them. The WINN block ensures that each child gets exactly the help or enrichment they need to grow confidently and succeed academically.
How We Gather and Track Evidence of Student Learning
At the IS, we are dedicated to supporting each student’s growth by helping them build strong habits for success. We encourage all students to stay organized, complete assignments on time, give their best effort, and come prepared. Our grading system uses percentages to provide clear and meaningful feedback, so students can see their progress and feel motivated to keep growing every step of the way. Students and caregivers are encouraged to check School Tool weekly and review assignments and grades together to stay updated on progress in each subject.
We’re excited to continue partnering with you this year to help you thrive as a confident, creative, and successful learner—and proud IS Innovator!