Advisory
The middle school advisory program at our school is tailored to ensure the academic and social success of students. These advisory sessions, held twice a week, cover various crucial topics such as grades, personal and academic goals, time management, screen time management, health and wellness, and more. Comprising a mix of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, each advisory group is led by eighth graders who serve as mentors in the small group setting. This mentorship model fosters a supportive environment, promoting connections and guidance throughout the students' entire middle school experience. The advisory program plays a vital role in enhancing the middle school schedule, providing valuable time for connection and support.
Social Studies
The middle school Social Studies program conducts a survey of major world civilizations, spanning the Ancient World (Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome), Mesoamerica, Pre-Columbian South America (Olmec, Maya, Aztec, Inca), Middle Ages and Renaissance Europe (Byzantine Empire, Rise of Islam, Medieval Times, Age of Exploration, Renaissance), and the Modern World (Imperialism, World Wars, Cold War). Recommended resources for the curriculum include "The World" by Scott Foster and "Latin America and Canada" by James Banks.
English: Reading and Language Arts
The middle school Language Arts curriculum offers a comprehensive approach to reading, writing, and communication skills. It includes the development of compositional writing skills, daily grammar practice, challenging vocabulary, and the enhancement of close-reading abilities. Students engage with a blend of classic and modern texts, such as A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park, featuring a dual narrative set in Sudan conveying a hopeful message of resilience. Additionally, they explore America Street, an anthology edited by Anne Mazer, presenting fourteen stories by renowned storytellers like Langston Hughes. The curriculum introduces Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night’s Dream and allows students to choose from selected book club books, including My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George, Are You There God It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume, and Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis, each offering unique coming-of-age and challenging narratives.
Math
The middle school Math curriculum employs an inclusive approach with Big Ideas published by Houghton Mifflin, a comprehensive math curriculum. It emphasizes the continuous development of essential math concepts, covering multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, probability, and effective problem-solving techniques. The curriculum ensures a thorough understanding and mastery of key mathematical principles, providing students with a solid foundation for their ongoing mathematical education.
Science
The middle school Science program utilzes Earth Science by Prentice Hall, a curriculum that delves into various aspects of Earth and beyond. Students engage with topics including "Exploring Planet Earth," "Earth’s Changing Surface," "Earth’s Waters," "Weather and Climate," and "Astronomy." This comprehensive approach allows students to explore the dynamic nature of our planet, from its geological features to atmospheric conditions and celestial phenomena. The curriculum fosters a holistic understanding of Earth science, providing students with a well-rounded exploration of the world around them.
