WLC Middle School Program of Studies 2016-17 by sau63

Wilton-Lyndeborough Cooperative Middle School

Program of Studies 2016-2017

@ Wilton-Lyndeborough Cooperative Middle/High School 57 School Rd, Wilton, NH

Middle School Program of Studies: Discovering Who We Are

TABLE OF CONTENTS

History of the Middle School Program Middle School Philosophy & Goals Middle School Teams Competency Education Middle School Counseling Grade 6 Course of Studies Grade 7 Course of Studies Grade 8 Course of Studies Challenging and Rigorous Curricula Unified Arts Program Library Program Grades & Powerschool Technology in the Middle School & e-Portfolio SEER & Extra-Curricular Opportunities

A Brief History of the Middle School Program at WLC In 1995 Wilton-Lyndeborough Cooperative Junior/Senior High School moved from the junior high model to the middle school model. Previously students in grades 7-12 would share teachers and learning space. In 1995, the district initiated a move to the middle school model; student in grades 7 and 8 would have the same teachers and occupy designated spaces in the school. The unified arts classrooms, cafeteria, gymnasium, and library would be commonly shared areas, as they still are today. This transition was led by the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s administration and teachers, and supported by the community. By 1996-1997 school year, the transition was complete. Students in grades 7 and 8 had a team of teachers who were solely dedicated to teaching middle school students. The success of the middle school program and the increasing size of the student body led the school district to renovate the 1969 high school building and add a new wing devoted to middle school students. In 2000, WLC Junior.Senior High School became WLC Middle/High School with a brand new wing of 10 classrooms and meeting spaces for the middle school program. In 2001, with a new wing and rising class sizes, the Middle School Program expanded to 2 teams of 4 teachers. Each grade had a core of teachers devoted to their academic and social-emotional growth. The next expansion of the program came in the fall of 2012 when WLC Middle/High School welcomed the 6th grade as a part of the middle school program. Sixth grade students joined the middle school as a new team. Student population size in the towns of Wilton and Lyndeborough forced a restructuring of the middle school in 2014-2015. Even though the restructuring resulted in fewer teachers, the school and districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to teaming prevailed. Middle school students still have a cadre of teachers dedicated to the education of the same set of students. Currently, the team configuration is that students in grades 6 and 7 each are on separate teams, and student in grade 8 are divided between the two teams.

Middle School Philosophy The Wilton-Lyndeborough Cooperative Middle School Program has existed since 1995 to meet the unique intellectual, emotional, and social needs of the adolescent. Middle school philosophy embraces concepts that support adolescent academic and socialemotional growth such as advisory, interdisciplinary teams, and exploratory programs. Building on the basic academic foundation from elementary school, middle schools provide students the opportunity to explore and refine knowledge and skills with in content disciplines and develop talents. Middle school philosophy blends academic and identity development in a safe supportive environment. Learn more at: http://www.nelms.org/index.html

ASPIRE Academic Success from Preparation Independence Reinforcement Extension

WLC Middle School Goals 1. Students are respectful,

responsible, and safe citizens within the school and community. 2. Students effectively communicate to others relevant information, opinions, and ideas through a variety of means. 3. Students, as independent and confident learners, explore the curriculum through interdisciplinary, extracurricular, and enrichment activities. 4. Students use critical and logical thinking skills to apply a fundamental body of knowledge to create, evaluate, and analyze. 5. Students and teachers are facilitators using a variety of instructional strategies to enhance learning and a deep understanding of the curriculum. 6. Students use technology in the learning process across the disciplines to discover, report, and create. “Every day, millions of diverse, rapidly changing 10to 15-year-olds make critical and complex life choices and form the attitudes, values, and dispositions that will direct their behavior as adults. They deserve an education that will enhance their healthy growth as lifelong learners, ethical and democratic citizens, and increasingly competent, self-sufficient individuals who are optimistic about the future and prepared to succeed in our ever-changing world.” This We Believe: Keys to Educating Young Adolescents, National Middle School Association

Middle School Teams

Meet the Teams

The Middle School is comprised of 2 teams:  team of 7th grade & 1 section of 8th grade (Team Awesome)  team of 6th grade & 1 section of 8th Grade (Team 6-8)

Team Awesome

Each team is comprised of the following teachers:    

ELA teacher Math teacher Science teacher Social Studies teacher

The special education teacher and Middle School guidance counselor are members of both teams. Grade 8 While grades 7 & 6 students are unified on one team, the 8th grade students are split between the two teams. Teachers, guidance, and administration, work together to provide opportunities for 8th grade students to have similar educational experiences and to intermingle as much as possible. Opportunities include:  Common lunch period  Same field trips  Joint projects across disciplines such as Poetry café, A Student Guidebook to WLC, and Genius Hour.

Grades 7 & 8 Mr. Fox (Science), Mrs. Bujak (ELA), Mrs. Morrow (Special Education), Mrs. Withee (Math). Ms. Lhotsky (Social Studies), Ms. O’Donnell (Guidance)

Team 6‐8:

What Experts Say about Teaming: “The teams are responsible for their students’ core academic courses and sometimes their elective courses. Teaming structures may vary in many ways (e.g., by grade level or multiyear and by size). Effective teams regularly schedule common planning time to discuss teaching and learning; adjust the schedule to create optimal learning times; and design flexible, tailored approaches to curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Research suggests that smaller teams with two to four teachers on a team show better results than larger teams with five or more teachers (Felner et al., 1997).”

New England League of Middle Schools

Grades 6 & 8 Mrs. Pawlik (ELA), Mrs. Moore (Social Studies), Mrs. Morrow (Special Education), Mr. Jutras (Math), Mrs. Ruppel (Science), Ms. O’Donnell (Guidance)

Competency Based Education Why is WLC moving toward Competency-Based Education? WLC is adopting a competency based education, along with the other districts in NH, because it supports self-directed learning and promotes the development of problem solving skills and creativity. It personalizes education to meet the needs of each student. By July 1, 2017, all public school K-12 in New Hampshire will be competencybased.

What is Competency-Based Education? Competency-Based Education focuses learning on identified learning targets. It is not about the student "getting work done" but rather about the student demonstrating or showing learning. Curriculum in a competency-based system is progressive, with content and skill building on what came before. Students progress through the curriculum as they learn the essential content and skills.

What is a competency? The expected content, concepts, and skills to be mastered in a course. (N.H. Department of Education, 2006)

WLC District Competencies District competencies are over-arching competencies that define what learning is expected of students in these areas:

English Language Arts 

Reading

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Writing

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Speaking & Listening

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Research

Mathematics    

Concepts and Procedures Problem Solving Communicating Reasoning Modeling & Data Analysis

Science     

Enduring Concepts Scientific Inquiry Tools and Technology in Science Scientific Communication Systems and Organisms in an Environment

Social Studies    

Community History Geography Social Studies Literacy

Each grade level K-8 has individual grade level competencies which identify the content and skills students learn at that grade level. Middle School course/grade level competencies are found with the course descriptions in this publication.

WLC Middle School Counseling

Middle School Counseling Philosophy WLC Middle School Counseling Office is committed to the development of the whole student. Throughout middle school, students have a counselor to assist them in the many challenges that may arise. Students have access to the counselor individually, in small groups, and within the classroom setting. Middle School Counseling Services include support and guidance in the following areas:  academics,  social/emotional concerns  career enhancement The Middle School Guidance Counselor is a part of the Middle School Teams, regularly attending team meetings and with team and administration support provide a variety of programs to enhance the student educational experience. Middle School Counseling Office Programs:

Student of the Month Red Ribbon Week Unity Day College Is Possible Pennies for Patients C U 4 Reality Career Fair NH 8th Grade Scholars Program

To help all students acquire and develop the attitudes, skills, knowledge, and abilities to reach their own personal potential, both now and in the future.

Specific areas addressed by middle school counseling include, but are not limited to: Study and Test Taking Skills Transition Planning Goal Setting Friendships and Healthy Relationships Coping Skills Academic Planning Career and College Exploration Time Management Organization Communication and Problem Solving Respect Substance Abuse Education Safety Middle School Counselor: Shannon O’Donnell Contact: s.odonnell@sau63.org 603 - 654-8056 During the School Year Office Hours: 7:40 – 3:00 PM Reopens August 25, 2017 Summer Contact: 654- 8010

GRADE 6 ACADEMIC COURSES ELA MATH SCIENCE SOCIAL STUDIES

6th Grade English Language Arts

The sixth grade language arts course is designed to develop and promote abilities to listen, speak, write, and read effectively. The students will read and discuss a variety of fiction and nonfiction literature including novels, short stories, poetry, and folklore. Through participation in class discussions, tasks, and creative activities, the students will demonstrate comprehension of narrative literature, and informational text. The students will study grammar concepts, vocabulary development, and research skills. The students will be able to understand and demonstrate essential conventions such as spelling, punctuation, literary devices, and sentence structure.

ELA Competencies

● Reading Students use a variety of strategies to analyze and interpret fiction and nonfiction gradelevel texts. ● Writing Students organize their writing based on the purpose and support their ideas with evidence to communicate clearly to the reader.

● Speaking & Listening Students present information in a logical order with specific supporting details and incorporate visuals and multimedia.

● Research Students engage in research and inquiry to investigate topics, and to analyze, integrate and present information.

6th Grade Math

Click Below the Videos to See Some of the Learning (and Fun) We do in 6th Grade Math

Sixth Grade Math is a yearlong course which focuses on the Common Core State Standards. These standards are Ratios and Proportional Relationships, The Number System, Expressions and Equations, Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. In the course students understand ratio concepts and reasoning by organizing data into various types of graphs and tables. From this data they learn to understand proportional relationships and rates to describe changes in

reallife problems. They write, interpret, and use expressions involving operations with, fractions, decimals, percentages, and rational numbers.

In shaping out the course involving geometry, students solve problems from every angle including area, surface area, and volume. Leaving nothing to chance, students study statistics and probability to summarize and describe

distributions and variability.

Math Competencies ● Concepts & Procedures : Students explain and use basic operations to solve equations with positive rational numbers and simple percent, and determine the area or volume or specified geometric shapes. ● Communicating Reasoning: Students explain their interpretations of data with support and the use of data and graphs. ● Modelling & Data Analysis : Students use descriptive statistics and the accompanying visual representations to analyze data. ●

Problem Solving : Students solve real world problems based on mathematical concepts presented in Grade 6 math .

6th Grade Science

The sixth grade science curriculum covers topics in life science and physical science through inquiry based learning and guided reading strategies. The students learn about: ecosystems, conservation, environmental issues, the human body, cells, body systems and nutrition in life science. In physical science the students learn about: proper lab technique, the metric system, chemical building blocks, interactions of chemicals and an introduction to the periodic table.

Science C ompetencies ●

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Enduring Concepts : Students describe and explain the various systems of the human body and the biome systems found in the world . Scientific Inquiry: Students explore the natural world by using scientific inquiry. Systems & Organisms in an Environment : Students describe and explain how parts of systems in the human body work together to maintain homeostasis and how ecosystems transfer and maintain energy . Tools & Technology in Science : Students recognize and use a tools to compare the systems in the human body. Scientific Communication: Students share their and others findings and observations about the human body and systems.

6th Grade Social Studies: Ancient Civilizations

Egypt Google Slide Presentation

The sixth grade social studies curriculum teaches students to develop map reading and related social studies and note taking skills as they learn about history of ancient civilizations. Using the Harcourt Brace Textbook and other related materials, the students explore prehistoric man and then the ancient civilizations of: Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, China, India, and Rome, as well as the ancient Hebrews. There is an emphasis on the role geography plays on the rise of civilizations, how the civilizations compare to and interact with one another, and also how they still in uence us today. Students interact with each other and the content in various ways including individual, partner, and group work, as well as through whole class discussions. Assessments include tests, quizzes, and research projects that nish with digital and hand created projects that are presented to their classmates.

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Social Studies Competencies Community- Students explain and evaluate various ancient civilizations and

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History- Students explain how ancient civilizations developed, important

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Geography- Students explain how the natural environments of ancient

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Social Studies Literacy-Students interpret and use timelines which include

their in uence in the world today.

historic gures from each civilizations, and the impact of ancient civilizations on modern society. civilizations a ected their development culturally, economically, and technologically.

modern & ancient time periods, and can explain the information that artifacts and fossils provide to us today about ancient civilizations and peoples

GRADE 7 ACADEMIC COURSES ELA MATH SCIENCE SOCIAL STUDIES

7th Grade English Language Arts

Students will read many literary genres including novels,

Click Link Below To View

A Christmas Carol Video

Plot Mountain Projects

narratives, poetry, short stories and plays. In addition, students will be exposed to persuasive articles and instructional text. The students will respond to writing prompts using proper grammar, mechanics and vocabulary. A focus on speaking and presentation skills, as well as the use of computer technology, will also be emphasized. An emphasis on critical thinking will be encouraged through the use of discussions, essays, creative writing and hands-on projects.

Biography Timeline for Biography Unit

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ELA Competencies

Reading: Students read and analyze 7th grade level texts using their knowledge of literary elements and figurative language and support their analyses with evidence from the text. Writing: Students write for a variety of purposes, organizing and presenting their writing clearly to their audience. Speaking & Listening: Students listen and respond to claims presented by peers and other speakers; students present clearly to others information and claims in coherent formats which include visuals and multimedia. Research: Students engage in research and inquiry to investigate topics, and to analyze, integrate and present information.

Debate

7th Grade Math

Seventh Grade Math is a yearlong course which focuses on the Common Core State Standards. These standards are: Ratios and Proportional Relationships, The Number System, Expressions and Equations, Geometry, and Statistics and Probability.

Students will explore the world of Algebra and variables when they learn how to solve equations with one or two variables that include negative values. The concept that our numbers can have negative values is a new and challenging concept to the start the school year. These skills get them set up for the future when it comes to turning these equations into graphs. Students spend time focusing on how percents function in the real-world by solving problems involving discounts, markups, and simple interest. The world of geometry expands beyond shapes that only have straight sides as students learn how to solve for missing measures in circles. What is the probability that you are successful in math? Students finish the year by exploring both simple and compound probability events and how probability surrounds us in daily life. Seventh grade is a great transition year from the concrete concepts of math to abstract concepts.

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Math Competencies Concepts & Procedures: Students explain and apply a variety of basic algebraic and complex geometric concepts and procedures. Communicating Reasoning: Students assess the validity of data and analyses of the data with two samples or populations. Modelling & Data Analysis: Students represent and solve problems in a variety of visual formats. Problem Solving: Students solve real-world problems by using their knowledge of proportions and percent.

7th Grade Life Science

This course is designed for heterogeneously grouped middle school students. Students explore the world of life science through the study of the five kingdoms. Students conduct labs, dissections , and field work. They learn the basic technologies of biologist, from nets to microscopes. Computer technology is a major component of the course. Students use the computer technology to conduct simulated dissections and research , as well as for other educational purposes. Safety in a science lab and the scientific method are also key components.The text for the course is Glencoe Life Science. The River Project:

Competencies:

● Enduring Concepts: Students identify and classify animal life based on significant common structures. ● Scientific Inquiry: Students explore the natural world by using scientific inquiry. ● Systems & Organisms in an Environment: Students explain how various animals adapt, live, and reproduce for success in their environments. ● Tools & Technology in Science: Students use tools to observe and compare structures of various lifeforms ● Scientific Communication: Students clearly and effectively communicate and access information on life science topics.

7th Grade Social Studies

7th Grade World Geography is designed to help students better understand the world they live in. Students develop basic mapping, reading, and writing skills while also studying the impacts of Earth’s physical geography on di erent people around the world. There is an emphasis on how people interact with their environment and people interact with each other around the world. The regions of the world are systematically examined in 3 particular parts-physical geography, history, and modern culture-through a variety of means including group and independent work, creative research projects, and hands-on presentations.

Latin American History Research Project

African Country Research Project (back)

Social Studies Competencies

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History- Students identify, explain and evaluate how events and important people in uenced the development of modern cultures around the world.

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Geography- Students explain and evaluate how the interaction of people with their physical environments has in uenced the expression of modern cultures across world.

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Literacy- Students use a variety of sources to evaluate and to make meaning of daily life around the world.

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Community- Students explain and evaluate the ways people around the world contribute to and participate in cultures, governments, economies, innovations, and the impact of these contributions worldwide.

Latin American History Research Project

African Country Research Project (front)

GRADE 8 ACADEMIC COURSES ELA MATH SCIENCE SOCIAL STUDIES

8th Grade English Language Arts

Poetry Cafe

Poetry Cafe is the culminating activity for the8th grade ELA study of poetry writing & poems. Students perform their own original poetry as well as previously published poems.

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This course is designed to give students regular practice in reading, writing and oral communication. Students will read short stories, plays, biographies, novels, essays, and articles in order to get experience within different genres of literature. Students will reflect on each essential question through writing, discussions, and project based work. This course will give students regular practice with the reflection process, critical thinking, writing, oral communication and grammar skills.

ELA Competencies Reading: Students analyze and explain 8th grade texts based on major literary elements, figurative language, quotes, main ideas, and supporting details. Writing: Students write clearly and with developed details for a variety of purposes, including opinion, narrative, and explanatory. Speaking & Listening: Students present information and their ideas clearly and analyze presentations in the media and by others for purpose and bias. Research: Students engage in research and inquiry to investigate topics, and to analyze, integrate and present information.

Genius Hour Students in 8th Grade ELA create a Genius Hour project. Students select topics based on their own interests. The design of Genius Hour project includes research, a product, reflection, and presentation. The project supports the development of essential skills for success such as self-initiative, love of learning, and communication.

8th Grade Math: Pre-Algebra

Eighth Grade Math is a yearlong course which focuses on the Common Core State Standards. These standards are: Functions, The Number System, Expressions and Equations, Geometry, and Statistics and Probability.

Students dive deep into the world of Algebra in eighth grade. They will spend the beginning of the school year learning how to graph linear equations. From these simple graphs, students learn to analyze the slope and y-intercept. Students then learn how to solve and graph multiple equations in the same coordinate plane. They explore what one solution, no solution, or infinitely many solutions means in the context of a real-world situation like cost vs. revenue. Students spend a small part of the year learning about functions and how the linear functions they have studied fall into the much bigger umbrella of functions. It’s this work that is preparing them to transition into math in the high school. Those tricky three-dimensional shapes with circles round out our year. Students learn about square root, cube root, and working with exponents to help them use formulas to solve for missing measures in geometric solids.

Math Competencies ❖ Concepts & Procedures: Students explain and apply algebraic formulas and concepts to solve problems. ❖ Communicating Reasoning: Students can explain their reasoning when constructing and using data displays. ❖ Modelling & Data Analysis: Students use their knowledge of graphs and two-way tables to analyze and solve problems.

8th Grade Earth Science

This course is designed to teach Earth Science. Earth Science is a study of Earth and its systems. This includes the Geosphere, Hydrosphere, Atmosphere, and Biosphere. Each aspect of Earth interacts with the others in many important ways and the study of these interactions is increasingly vital to society. Emphasis is placed on learning about the natural laws and phenomena involved in Earth processes.

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Science Competencies:

Enduring Concepts: Students can explain and evaluate the natural forces that change the shape and composition of Earth’s surface.. Scientific Inquiry: Students collect and compare data to explain phenomenon and variations that exist in data collection and the natural world. Systems & Organisms in an Environment: Students explain and evaluate the interaction and effect of Earth’s various physical systems on and with each other and living organisms, including humans. Tools & Technology in Science: Students identify and use a variety of tools to collect data on and analyze and assess the composition of rocks, soils, water, and weather. Scientific Communication: Students present and support their findings and conclusions by following a set format and including self-created visuals.

8th Grade Social Studies - U.S. History Beginnings-1877

Group Presentation on Europe Before 1492

13 Colony Multimedia Individual Presentation

In eighth grade students explore the history of the United States from its beginnings through the Civil War. Students trace the influence of Native American, European, and African history and culture on the development of our country’s settlement, government, and legacy. Students also explore, analyze, and connect how foundational documents were influenced by previous events, and how they relate to our present lives. Students work on a variety of projects, both independently and in groups, to organize and present information to each other, and to demonstrate their learning. “Student Quotes” to be added...

Social Studies Competencies

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Community- Students explain and evaluate the influences (through the Civil

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History- Students identify, explain , and evaluate the people, events, and artifacts which influenced the political and philosophical development of the U.S. through the Civil War.

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Geography- Students explain and evaluate the interactions of people in US historic periods with their environment and its impact on the development of the United States through the Civil War..

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Social Studies Literacy- Students use primary and secondary sources to develop, relate to, and evaluate their own and other’s perspectives on U.S. historic events.

War) that shaped and still shape current U.S. way of life.

Visual Summary of a Section on the American Revolution

Political Cartoons/Timeline project for Causes of the American Revolution

Challenging & Rigorous Curriculum for All

Wilton-Lyndeborough Cooperative School District is committed to providing all students with a challenging and rigorous curriculum in the classroom. As we develop and revise our curriculum, teachers will be identifying the challenge and extension available to able students in each unit of study. In addition to academic challenges embedded in the standard curriculum, 8th grade students have opportunities to extend beyond the curriculum through special programs:  Study of algebra for high school credit  Online course of study of physical science or other advanced courses  Genius Hour projects

Algebra Option 8th Grade students who meet set criteria based on performance in 7th grade math and on standardized tests have the opportunity to take high school algebra course for high school credit. Special Case Placement of 7th grade students into Honors Algebra 1 in 8th grade Seventh grade students recommended for Honors Algebra 1 in 8th grade will meet the following criteria. 1. NWEA Math score of 240 or higher. 2. Student grade average of 80 or higher in 7th grade math. 3. Score of 80 or higher on the Placement assessment. (This is the same exam that the 8th graders take for placement in 9th grade math.) 4. Completion of at least 90% of all homework in 7th grade math 5. Teacher recommendation for this

Genius Hour Online Options 8th grade students who are enrolled in the high school algebra course also have the option to expand their learning or to earn high school credit through online courses offered by VHS (Virtual High School) and VLACS (Virtual Learning Academy Charter School).

“Genius hour is a movement that allows students to explore their own passions and encourages creativity in the classroom.” Genius Hour encourages the development of skills that students will need to succeed in an ever-changing modern world such as self-initiative, creativity, and public speaking. All 8th grade students participate in Genius Hour through their ELA classes.

UNIFIED ARTS IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL In addition to core academic courses, middle school students have 2 periods a day in exploratory unified arts classes. Each unified arts course runs for 9 weeks. Students may take courses in the following areas: art, music, physical education, drama, computer education, tech education, world languages, family and consumer science.

Computer Education

ART ~ ART856 6TH GRADE ART

ICT007

This course is an introductory middle school class in art, which picks up where the fifth grade elementary art program leaves off. Here, students receive a consistent exploration into the world of art as they meet every day for the full quarter year. To aide in self-expression, a wide variety of mediums are used such as paints, clay, pencils and chalks, wood and found objects. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional artwork is created, as well as exploration into the lives and art of various famous artists. Emphasis is placed on the quality of the created artwork as well as the ability of the student to think and problem-solve creatively. Several elements and principles of design are incorporated into each project that is assigned.

This one-quarter course is designed to provide all seventh grade students keyboarding and basic computer skills. Students will learn networking basics, how a computer works, and basic terminology. The local network will enable students to become accustomed to storing, retrieving, and sharing electronic files using a network. The students will learn basic keyboarding and/or speed and accuracy practice. They will learn to use word processing to create letters and reports, to access information on the Internet using a web browser, and basic use of graphics.

ART852

8TH GRADE ART

This course is a continuation of concepts and techniques learned in seventh grade art. Projects are based around the elements and principles of design. Emphasis is, once again, placed on the quality of the created artwork and the ability of the student to think and problem-solve creatively. Further exploration into the lives and artwork of famous artists is present in many of the projects. Several of the art mediums introduced to the students in seventh grade are brought back, but presented in different ways, to reinforce the student comfort level with materials. Students are asked to create both two and three-dimensional pieces as they gain confidence for selfexpression through the arts.

Healthy Choices Grades 6, 7, 8 Throughout these courses, students will learn about how to make healthy choices within their own individual lives. These courses will familiarize students and provide them with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes to make lifelong positive choices regarding health and wellness. Topics in the areas of physical, emotional/mental, and social health will all be introduced and explored throughout the three years.

ICT007

COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS 6

KEYBOARDING & COMPUTERS

COMPUTERS

This one-quarter course is designed to provide all eighth grade students an opportunity to expand their computer skills and practice using computer technology. The students will review the use of word processing to create letters and reports. The local network will enable students to become accustomed to storing, retrieving, and sharing electronic files using a network. The students will also access information on the Internet using a web browser and learn to create and manipulate graphics. If time permits, they will also learn to produce presentations including sound and graphics.

~ MUSIC ~ MU866

MUSIC

~ PHYSICAL EDUCATION ~ GRADE 6

This course is designed so that all sixth grade students may explore music in a variety of ways. Music will be approached in a hands-on manner with units of playing instruments. In addition, students will learn various topics trough lecture, group projects, reading, listening, etc. The major emphasis will be placed on the study of various instruments, but other topics will include the study of major performance groups, ways music is integrated into our daily lives and the many exploring music of other cultures. MU865

MUSIC

GRADE 7

This course is designed so that all seventh grade students may explore music in a variety of ways. Music will be approached in a hands-on manner with units of playing instruments. In addition, students will learn various topics trough lecture, group projects, reading, listening, etc. The major emphasis will be placed on the study of various instruments, but other topics will include the study of major performance groups, the many ways music is integrated into our daily lives and exploring music of other cultures. MU870 MUSIC GRADE 8 This course builds on skills learned in the seventh grade. Students will continue to play musical instruments alone and in groups. A greater emphasis will be placed on the understanding and use of music notation. Additional topics will include various performing groups and artists, including contemporary ones and composers and the history of American popular music.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

GRADES 6, 7 & 8

The primary objective of the physical education department here at WLC is to provide opportunities in which each student will develop optimal levels of mental, social and physical wellness. Physical Education is a required class for all students at the Middle School level and is taught in a 45-minute period. We focus on team activities such as soccer, touch football, volleyball and basketball. We also try to expose the students to sports and activities they have never played before; such as field hockey, badminton and pickle ball. Students stretch before activity and are encouraged to improve cardiovascular endurance daily through hard work and effort. Students are required to bring a complete change of clothes and participate every day in order to pass..

~ TECH ED ~ IA007

TECH ED/SHOP

GRADE 7

Tech Ed/Shop is a course designed to introduce Middle School students to several forms of technology. Special emphasis is placed on graphic communication, the creation of three-dimensional models, and learning manufacturing techniques and structures. Personal and general safety practice in the shop is of great importance. This course sets the foundation for other classes that can be taken in this field. Students have the opportunity to see how other courses, both academic and in the unified arts, interrelate with Tech Ed.

IA008

TECH ED/SHOP

GRADE 8

This course designed to examine technology in the forms of machinery and manufacturing techniques, graphic communication and rocketry. This class builds on skills previously learned in the 7th grade Tech Ed/Shop. It is my earnest intention that students grasp an understanding of how skills learned here can be applied in everyday life. Emphasis on safety in the shop is of utmost importance. This course prepares students for future Tech Ed/Shop classes that will be offered in High School.

~ WORLD LANGUAGE WLF006 / WLS006

WORLD LANGUAGE

GRADE 6

The World Language class lasts for nine weeks and is a brief introduction to French and Spanish. Students receive a 4 1/2 week sample of French and then a 4 1/ 2week sample of Spanish. Students are taught in both languages: numbers, colors, days of the week, months of the year, the alphabet, a basic dialog, class room objects, cognates, and various cultural aspects of France, Spain and their former colonies. Students are required to perform a skit in French and in Spanish, using only the words studied. Text used: Exploring French and Spanish workbooks, and French and Spanish travel videos are shown.

French & Spanish

Grade 7

The 7th grade has an entire quarter of French and a quarter of Spanish. The basics given in 6th grade are reviewed. Speaking is increased. Students are also taught subject pronouns, 1-2 verbs, and adjectives. When the course is completed, the student will have a clear understanding as to which language he or she would like to continue with in the 8th grade. Text used: Exploring French and Spanish workbooks, videos and travel French OR Spanish Grade 8 The 8th grade course is designed to focus on only the language that the students have chosen. Verbs and the reviewed and expanded upon.Speaking is basics are increased. Other topics covered are: telling time, larger numbers, classes in school, and French and Spanish speaking countries. When students have completed this course, they will have a good foundation to begin French 1 or Spanish 1 in High School. Text used: Bon Voyage, Como te va? and travel videos

Study Skills

Grade 6

This course is designed to teach students time management, communication, study and self advocacy skills. Students will explore multiple utilizing these strategies both within the ways of classroom and outside of the classroom. Students will identify how they learn as individuals, which strategies work best for them, and will be encouraged to implement those strategies.

~ FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCE ~ Sixth Grade Family and Consumer Science This introductory course examines how Family and Consumer Science is aligned with CORE disciplines and is incorporated into life skills. We live in a world full of stressors, and this course is designed to teach students how to deal with it through stress relaxation and concepts in self-esteem. Food Safety and Sanitation, as well as Food Preparation will be covered. Students will also have experience working with hydroponic growing systems . This class encourages collaboration with other classmates as well as independent learning. Welcome to Sixth Grade Family and Consumer Science. Taste and see that food is good and that learning to communicate effectively with others is a wonderful experience Seventh Grade Family and Consumer Science This course builds on skills previously learned in Sixth Grade Family and Consumer Science. The main crux of this course is wise food choices, nutrition , and how it effects how we function on a daily basis. Learning how to use consumer skills to sell a product will also be addressed. Food Safety and Sanitation is of utmost importance. Students will also learn the value of composting and recycling foods items and other nonperishable items. Throughout the course students will learn basic hand sewing skills and learn how to operate a sewing machine effectively. This course also encourages one to use collaborative and independent communication skills Eighth Grade Family and Consumer Science This course is designed to give students more experience with textile construction and design. Students will gain experience operating a sewing machine and designing a project to support a charity or individuals that have had a positive impact on their life. Though students are graded individually, collaborative work is of utmost importance. Students will gain

experience using cutting tools that help them work more efficiently and effectively. This course is designed to show how other disciplines work hand in hand to create beautiful works of art that have their own intrinsic value. Welcome to Eighth Grade Family and Consumer Science

Library/Media Center @ WLC Middle School/High School The Library at WLC is a welcoming place for students to learn, collaborate, read, research, and come for all their reading and information needs. Goals of Library Program

What Book Should You Read Next?

When students finish middle school at WLC it is the goal of the library program that they can confidently say: ● I can recognize when I need information (or more information!) to solve a problem or answer a question.

● I can locate reliable information using both print and online resources.

Role of the WLC Librarian The WLC Librarian works with classroom teachers to help support student learning, instruct students in information literacy and research strategies, and use technology in the

● I can evaluate information for its accuracy, timeliness, and bias.

most transformative ways possible.

Circulation Policies o

● I can organize the information and use it effectively to answer my question or address the problem.

● I can create original works that communicate my knowledge in new and creative ways. o

Students may check out library books for two weeks. A book may be renewed if no one else has requested the book. Please be sure to check out books at the circulation desk before leaving the library. While the library does not fine students for overdue books, lost or damaged books will result in a bill to recover the replacement cost of the book. Teachers can put books on reserve at the circulation desk for in library use only. Reference books and current issues of periodicals do not circulate.

Grades & Grading Grades and Grading Grades in the middle school reflect the transitioning to a competency-based education model. Grades reflect less student work completion and report more on how well the student can demonstrate acquiring the required content and skills. Progress & report cards are sent home quarterly. WLC Learning Expectations Communication (Effective Communicator & Literate Person): I communicate effectively through a variety of ways. I interpret information through multiple senses. I take responsibility for my work by being prepared, meeting deadlines, and presenting honestly the source of my work. Creativity (Problem Solver & Mathematical Critical Reasoner) I think on my own and formulate my own ideas and opinions. I am open to challenging myself academically and personally. I accept and provide constructive feedback. I am willing to try different ways to solve a problem or arrive at a solution. I use information and prior experience to make and follow a plan. Collaborative (Ethical Person) I contribute ideas and thoughts respectfully. I listen to others and share resources and ideas with my peers I accept and fulfill roles in the classroom. I am willing to compromise and recognize that I cannot always get my way. I react positively when facing a change in plans, expectations, or situations in the classroom. Self-Direction & Self-Control (Problem Solver & Mathematical Critical Reasoner) I persevere when facing a challenging task. I use self-reflection to set goals, and plan and evaluate my work. I seek support when appropriate from a variety of sources. I follow established rules or procedures to keep others and myself safe from harm.

Powerschool is a web-based student information system that parents and students can use to:  check academic progress and grades  get school announcements  contact teachers Powerschool can be accessed through the WLC MS/HS website: https://sau63.powerschool.com/public/home.html

To use Powerschool, parents and students need to know their username and password. To learn more about Powerschool access click here

Grade scale: Letter Grade

Percent Grade

A+

97-100

94-96

A-

90-93

B+

87-89

84-86

B-

80-83

C+

77-79

74-76

C-

70-73

D+

68-69

66-67

D-

65>

Students have the option of retaking tests which they feel the score does not reflect their learning. Students may retake tests if following conditions are met:  all assignments preparing student for assessment must be completed  if all assignments were completed prior to the test, then students must complete an intervention assignment to prepare student for the retake The “retake” may take a different format than the original test based on the professional judgment of the teacher.

Technology in the Middle School The computers are coming!

Exciting news!

e-Portfolio & ICT Competencies

Elementary and Middle school students are developing an electronic portfolio of projects, reflecting higher order thinking and technology skills. As student develop their individual portfolios, they use a reflective process that encourages the selfdirected learning skills.

WLC School District has adopted a 1:1 device initiative. As of the 2016-2017 school year, all 6th grade students will each have a laptop computer to use in each classroom for their middle school career. Until we completely transition to 1:1 computing, middle school students will still have access to computers in a dedicated middle school lab and mobile computer carts. Science classrooms in the middle school are also equipped with a bank of computers.

Successful completion of the portfolio by the end of 8th grade allows students to advance to more challenging computer courses in high school. Students pull from their portfolio of work grades 1- 8 to build a website that demonstrates their success at meeting ICT competencies.

Student Exploration Extension & Reinforcement

Middle School Extracurricular Activities Band Chorus Dance Club Destination Imagination Math Team National Junior Honor Society

SEER is a daily period that allows students the opportunity to participate in Band and/or Chorus program, gain extra support on academic work, and for school athletes, to participate in school sports with minimal loss of class time. "SEER is a phenomenal tool for school counselors. We are able to run small and large group activities and meet one on one with students to discuss academic, social/emotional, and career/college plans without interrupting instructional time." -Miss O'Donnell, Middle School Counselor SEER enables students to explore their passions, extend their learning, and reinforce their understanding in order to become self-directed learners.

Goals:  Build academic skills  Develop independence & responsibility  Support ownership of education  Develop interpersonal skills  Complete academic work

Ski Club

Sports Teams: MS Boys’ Soccer MS Girls’ Soccer Volleyball MS Boys’ Basketball MS Girls’ Basketball MS Baseball MS Softball Track & Field Boys’ Tennis Girls’ Tennis

NJHS 2015-2016