Middle School

 

English Classes

 

Sixth Grade English Class

 

The Sixth grade English class focuses on the primary facets of language and literature.  We develop a strong foundation in reading and reading comprehension, writing skills and literary study by use of the Language Network textbook series, the Accelerated Reader program, the Writing Assessment Program (WRAP) and several class novels.  Classroom activities also include concentration in the following areas:

• The parts of Speech and their use
• Development of writing skills
• Public Speaking
• Research paper writing
• Expository writing
• Grammar usage
• Novel studies
• Punctuation and Capitalization

Seventh Grade English Class

The Seventh grade English class focuses on the primary facets of language and literature.  We develop a strong foundation in reading and reading comprehension, writing skills and literary study by use of the Language Network textbook series, the Accelerated Reader program, the Writing Assessment Program (WRAP) and several class novels.  Classroom activities also include concentration in the following areas:

• The parts of Speech and their use
• Development of writing skills
• Public Speaking
• Research paper writing
• Expository writing
• Grammar usage
• Novel studies
• Punctuation and Capitalization

Eighth Grade English Class

 

The Eighth grade English class focuses on the primary facets of language and literature.  We develop a strong foundation in reading and reading comprehension, writing skills and literary study by use of the Language Network textbook series, the Accelerated Reader program, the Writing Assessment Program (WRAP) and several class novels.  Classroom activities also include concentration in the following areas:

• The parts of Speech and their usage
• Development of writing skills
• Public Speaking
• Research paper writing
• Expository writing
• Grammar usage
• Novel studies
• Punctuation and Capitalization

Art and Art History

 

6th Grade Art:
Sixth graders express themselves through art while honing skills and techniques with a variety of art materials.  Art history and culture, creative expression, and practicing good craftsmanship are covered.

 

7th Grade Art:
Seventh graders express themselves through art while honing their skills and techniques with a variety of art materials. Good craftsmanship, art history, and culture, creative expression, and aesthetic perception are covered.

 

8th Grade Art:
Eighth graders express themselves through art while honing their skills and techniques with a variety of art materials. Good craftsmanship, art history and culture, creative expression, and aesthetic perception are covered.

 

Computer Applications Curriculum

 

PK, JK, and K:
Recognize the components of the keyboard and computer,
Demonstrate understanding of the use of all keyboard keys,
Identify letters, numbers, and symbols on the keyboard
Log on and off of a computer, and,
Click on an indicated icon.

 

1st, 2nd, and 3rd:
Are proficient in all of the above, plus:
Internet research through a search engine (such as Google),
Internet research through an on-line grade/age-appropriate encyclopedia,
Navigation and usage of indicated teacher-selected web sites,
Navigation and usage of Sadlier-Oxford math site,
Navigation and usage of Mavis Beacon, and,
Creation of Publisher flyers, newsletters, and/or pamphlets.

 

4th and 5th:
Are proficient in all of the above, plus:
Typing, printing, and compiling reports, essays, and papers (including bibliographies),
Creation of PowerPoint presentations, and,
Use of excel spreadsheets.

 

Middle School:
Are proficient in all of the above, plus:
Typing, printing, and compiling essays, lab reports, papers (including footnotes), and
Simple web page HTML construction

 

Geometry:

 

The course provides a flexible approach to the study of earth measurement.  Students will analyze characteristics and properties of two- and three-dimensional shapes and will develop mathematical arguments about geometric relationships.  The use of representative models to interpret physical and mathematical phenomena will integrate computer technology into the curriculum in order to express ideas precisely.

 

History

 

Ancient World History – Grade 6

To provide a program for the students to learn the events of World History from prehistoric through Medieval times. The student will examine the people and/or events responsible for the bringing about of these changes allowing for their effect on the society in which they live. The program includes the learning of the physical land and water areas of the regions in which they study. Areas of study are:

• Early Civilizations
• Ancient Egypt  - with a major project/presentation
• Ancient Israelites
• Ancient Greeks and the Greek Civilization  - with a major project/presentation
• Early India - with a temple visit and food experience
• Early China – with a restaurant visit
• The Roman Civilization – with a major project/presentation
• The Rise of Christianity
• Medieval Europe

Early American History (to 1877) – Grade 7

To provide a program for students to learn the events of American History from prehistoric times to the events leading to the Civil War. The student will examine the people and events responsible for the bringing about of these changes allowing for their affect on the society in which they live. The program includes the learning of the physical land and water areas of the regions in which they study. In each stage of the study the student is encouraged to use “historical imagination” i.e., keeping in mind what the people of that time knew and, equally important, what the people did not know. Areas of study are:

• The First Americans
• Exploring the Americas, 1400-1625
• Colonial America and Growth of the Colonies – with a brochure project on “Come to My Colony”
• Road to Independence
• American Revolution – with a major project/presentation
• A New Nation and a New Republic
• The Jefferson Era and the War of 1812
• Westward Growth and War with Mexico – with a major project/ presentation

Class time includes daily reports on Current Events by the students during the second semester.

 

American History  (after 1877) – Grade 8

To provide a program for the students to learn the events of American History from the events leading to the Civil War through events which have taken place during their life time. The students will examine the people and events responsible for the bringing about of these changes allowing for their affect on the society in which they live. The program includes the learning of the physical land and water areas of the regions in the area of study. In each stage of the program the students are encouraged to use “historical imagination:” i.e., keeping in mind what the people of a period knew and, equally important, what they did not know. Areas of study are:

• The Crises of Union – Sectional Conflict Intensifies
• The Civil War and Reconstruction – with a major newspaper project
• Settling of the West
• Industrialization – with major project/presentation
• Urban America, Politics and Reform
• Imperialism and Progressivism – World War I and Its Aftermath
• Boom or Bust: the Jazz Age and the Great Depression with a major project
• Roosevelt and the New Deal

Class time includes daily reports on Current Events by the students.

 

Physical Education

Physical Education will teach age-appropriate fundamentals of several sports; how to properly catch and throw a ball and how to hit a ball off of a Tee in T-ball; how to catch and run with an irregular shaped ball in flag football; how to dribble and shoot a basketball; how to manipulate and shoot a ball using the feet in soccer; how to control and shoot a puck with a stick in hockey; how to hit a ball off of a tee and control a put in golf; how to hit and return a ball in tennis; how to field and throw a ball in lacrosse; and proper running technique in track.  Additionally, grades 5-8 have the opportunity to play competitively on our athletic teams.

Sports taught throughout the year:

• Volleyball
• Flag Football
• Soccer
• Basketball
• Hockey
• Golf
• Lacrosse
• Baseball or softball
• Tennis

Pre-Algebra

 

Pre-Algebra is taught in 6th grade.  During this course students will continue to work on basic math skills, learn how to solve equations, and operations with rational numbers.  This course uses the Glencoe – Prealgebra book.  Classroom activities also include the game 24 and math bingo.  The concepts taught in this class are:

• The Tools of Algebra
• Operations with Integers
• Equations and Inequalities
• Factors and Fractions
• Rational Numbers
• Ratio, Proportion and Percent
• Functions and Graphing

Algebra

 

Algebra is taught in 7th grade.  This course continues to refresh basic math concepts along with algebra concepts.  The book Algebra 1 published by Glencoe is used for this class.  Classroom activities include the game 24, math bingo and a review game dvd for all tests.  The concepts taught in this class are:

• The Language of Algebra
• Real Numbers
• Graphing, Analyzing and Solving Linear Equations
• Solving Linear Inequalities
• Solving Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities
• Polynomials
• Factoring
• Radical and Rational Expressions

6th Grade Earth Science Program

 

Course Description:  The sixth grade science program is a process oriented, performance based, approach to earth science. The program is designed to encourage the ability to think critically, to solve problems creatively, and to demonstrate an understanding of basic earth science concepts. The middle school earth science course gives all students an overview of common strands in earth science including, but not limited to the following:

• Scientific Method

• Plate Tectonics

• Inside the Earth

• Fossil Evidence

• Earth’s Processes

• Environmental Concerns

• Additional unit on Sex Ed and Reproductive Health

Textbook: Prentice Hall Science Explorer Series
Earth Science, 2007 edition 

 

7th Grade Physical Science Program

 

Course Description:  The seventh grade science program is a process oriented, performance based, approach to physical science. The course encourages the ability to think critically, to solve problems creatively, and to demonstrate an understanding of basic physical science concepts. The middle school physical science course is designed to give all students an overview of common strands in physical science including, but not limited to the following:

• Scientific Method

• Chemical Building Blocks

• Atomic Structure

• Chemical Bonding

• Motion

• Forces

• Work and Energy

• Characteristics of Waves

• Additional unit on Sex Ed and Reproductive Health

Textbook: Prentice Hall Science Explorer Series
Physical Science, 2007 edition 

 

8th Grade Biological Science Program

 

Course Description:  The eighth grade science program is a process oriented, performance based, approach to biological science. The course encourages the ability to think critically, to solve problems creatively, and to demonstrate an understanding of basic biological science concepts. The middle school science course is designed to give all students an overview of common strands in biological science including, but not limited to the following:

• Nature of Science

• Biochemistry

• Cellular Energetics

• Mendellian Genetics

•  Meiosis

• Animal Systems

• Additional unit on Sex Ed and Reproductive Health

Textbook: Prentice Hall Biology 2008 edition: Miller/Levine

 

Foreign Language

 

6th grade  Spanish

• The program develops, reinforces, and refines proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.  Our curriculum is also enriched by the Rosetta Stone computer program.

7th grade  Spanish

• Our curriculum is one that complies with Florida Sunshine State Standards and prepares students for national standards in Spanish.  It is a High School course that targets vocabulary, grammar, culture, and oral communication.  Our curriculum is also enriched by the Rosetta Stone computer program.

8th grade  Spanish

• Part two of a program that complies with Florida Sunshine State Standards and prepares the students for national standards in Spanish.  It is a High School course that targets vocabulary, grammar, culture, and oral communication.  Our curriculum is also enriched by the Rosetta Stone computer program.

Sacred Studies

 

Building on the foundation, an overarching theme of a love of God, self and others, middle school students learn the following objectives by grade:

Sixth Grade:

• Teachings of the Old Testament.
• Practice service to others.
• Community outreach activities to better our community.

Seventh Grade:

• Teachings of the New Testament.
• Practice service to others.
• Community outreach activities to better our community.

Eighth Grade:

• Teachings of the World Religions.
• Practice service to others.
• Community outreach activities to better our community.