Middle School Academics

Mathematics:
In grade six the math curriculum continues to follow the Everyday Math Curriculum.  At this level students focus on rational numbers, scientific notation, formulas and graphs. This material forms the building blocks for the introduction of algebra, geometry, and data analysis. In the Seventh Grade the students transition into a pre-algebra program. When the students enter grade eighth they are sectioned into an algebra I course or an advanced algebra I course.

Science:
Our hands-on science program is taught by a specialist in a lab format. The major topics studied in sixth grade are plate tectonics, oceans, astronomy, energy, and the human body. In seventh grade the students investigate atomic structure, chemical bonds and reactions, cell division and genetics, history of the earth, and evolution.  The middle school science program is completed with the study of physics, electricity, electromagnetic radiation, sound waves, and chemistry in the students’ eighth grade year.  In the winter all elementary and middle school students participate in a science fair.

English:
The Middle School English program provides a combination of instruction in writing, literature, and grammar. The Holt-Rinehart program is used as a base for the study of writing techniques, grammar, and mechanics for sixth seventh and eighth grade. In sixth grade the students read a diverse set of genre including Steinbeck, Twain, and Shakespeare. Literature in the seventh grade includes Poe, Dickinson, O. Henry, Thurber, London, and Stevenson. In the eighth grade students read Hawthorne, Tolstoy, Orwell, Buck, and Shakespeare.  Developing students writing skills in a variety of genre is a major goal of the middle school English program. The writing process is followed in which students complete multiple revisions of their work and receive feedback from their teachers. By the time the students graduate they will be well versed in a variety of writing styles including critical essays.

History:
Developing the students’ research, writing, and critical thinking skills along with a rich content is the focus of the middle school history and geography program. It is these skills that will enable the students to become successful and lifelong students of history.   Topics in the sixth grade include Judaism, Christianity, Greece, Rome, the Enlightenment, French Revolution, capitalism, socialism, and Latin American Independence Movements.  In American History immigration, industrialization, urbanization, and reform movements are investigated. World Geography is also studied. In the seventh grade the students investigate twentieth century American and World History. Topics include the rise of America as a World Power, WWI, The Russian Revolution, the Great Depression, and WWII.  The geography of the United States completes the seventh grade history program.  In eighth grade the students’ study European Colonialism, Middle East politics and the Cold War. American History topics include the US Constitution, Civil Rights movement, and the Vietnam War.  The geography of Canada and Mexico are studied. Throughout the school year history students are expected to complete a variety of research projects, written reports, and presentations.

Spanish:
In middle school the students continue their study of Spanish that began in elementary school. As the middle school years progress the students develop increasingly sophisticated use of the language as their vocabulary and grammar skills widen. It is expected that upon completion of middle school students will be in a position to enroll in advanced foreign language classes at the secondary level.

Art:
In middle school art instruction continues in drawing, painting and three-dimensional projects.  Students will produce a number of sophisticated works in a variety of media. Two class periods a week are dedicated to the visual arts. Student art work is frequently on display in the school and the school holds an art show in the spring.

Music:
The music program pursues an increased level of performance opportunities for the students. The students have opportunities in hand-bells and chorus. Two class periods a week are dedicated to the music program for each student.  Students will have opportunities to perform both within and outside the school community.

Physical Education:
The physical education curriculum focuses on physical fitness, team play, skills, and sportsmanship.  After school athletics is another component of the middle
school athletic program.