West Fargo Public Schools
Cheney Middle School

Cheney Middle School

Programs of Studies

2010-10

INTRODUCTION

This booklet has been compiled in an attempt to acquaint you with the course offerings for grades six, seven, and eight at the Cheney Middle School.

All courses are required with the exception of band, chorus, and orchestra which are electives. The philosophy behind the course offerings is that upon completion of the eighth grade, all students will have had exposure to an exploratory curriculum giving them some basis for course selection beginning with the ninth grade.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC CAMPUSES IN THE NORTH DAKOTA UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

Certain high school courses are required if you plan on enrolling in a four-year public college or university in North Dakota beginning summer term, 1993. These campuses are NDSU, UND, Dickinson State, Mayville State, Minot State, and Valley City State. In order to enroll in one of these institutions you must complete the following:

  • 4 units English
  • 3 units mathematics, algebra I and above
  • 3 units laboratory science, including at least 2 in biology, chemistry, physics, or physical science
  • 3 units social studies, excluding consumer education, cooperative marketing, orientation to social studies, and marriage/family

In addition, it is strongly recommended that you also complete the following:

  • 2 units single classical or foreign language, including American Sign Language and Native American Language

CHENEY MIDDLE SCHOOL ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY POLICY

  • Academic success of our students is extremely important. A student must be passing three of four subject blocks to be eligible to participate in any co-curricular clubs, activities, and athletic teams. A student who is declared ineligible will be allowed to return to eligible status if he/she is passing three of four subject blocks after two weeks in the next grading period. Co-curricular supervisors as well as the principal/assistant principal will monitor a participant's academic standing and notify students and parents if they become ineligible. The date of reinstatement will be given to the student by the principal or assistant principal.

 

GRADE SIX CURRICULUM

Required Courses:

  • Language Arts/Spelling/Reading - Year long course
  • Math - Year long course
  • Science - Semester course
  • Social Studies - Semester course
  • Physical Education - Semester course A/B Days

Exploratory / Required:

  • Keyboarding - Semester course A/B Days
  • Art - Quarter course A/B Days
  • Foreign Language - Semester course A/B Days
  • FACS - Quarter course A/B Days

Elective Courses:

  • General Music - Year long course A/B Days
  • Orchestra - Year long course A/B Days
  • Band - Year long course A/B Days
  • Choir - Year long course A/B Days

 

  • Language Arts - Required Grade 6 - Year Long Course
    • Cheney Middle School’s integrated language arts program emphasizes the integration of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and the teaching of language skills in meaningful contexts. Sixth graders have one block of time every day to devote to learning effective reading strategies through a variety of genres that allow for interdisciplinary instruction.
  • Math - Required Grade 6 - Year Long Course
    • Cheney Middle School uses Scott Foresman/Addison Wesley Mathematics. Students will learn numbers, expressions, equations; adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions and decimals; ratio, rates, and proportion; percents; algebra; geometry; and measurement.
  • Science - Required Grade 6 - Semester Course
    • Sixth grade science class will give students the opportunity to investigate using FOSS modules. Hands-on activities will allow sixth graders to observe and question, experiment, hypothesize, research, and analyze, while working together and sharing ideas with fellow classmates. Topics include conducting controlled experiments using variables, mixtures/solutions, landforms, and populations/ecosystems.
  • Social Studies - Required Grade 6 - Semester Course
    • Sixth graders explore the wonders of ancient civilizations: Mesopotamia, Egypt, Rome, and Greece to name a few. They also learn map skills and keep abreast of present-day issues and events through weekly News Current activities.
  • Physical Education - Required Grade 6 - Semester Course A/B Days
    • Physical education is an integral part of the total education process. The program contributes primarily through movement experiences to the total growth and development of the student. The course has sequentially planned objectives to teach motor skills (psychomotor), knowledge and understanding (cognitive), and attitude and appreciation (affective). Skills and strategies for primarily team sports and physical fitness testing are an integral part of the course as is the total concept of some individual sports. Units include (but are not limited to) football, lacrosse, speedball, softball, fitness testing, mass games and relays, basketball, floor hockey, wall soccer, cross country skiing, and volleyball. A variety of individual sports may also be implemented such as tennis, badminton, and rock climbing.
  • Keyboarding - Required Grade 6 - Semester Course (1/2 block) A/B Days
    • This course is an introduction to the home row keys and reaches to all alphabetic keys with a brief introduction to numbers and symbols. The software program used is Typing Time. The expectation is that all students will key at a rate of 20 or more words per minute.
  • Art - Required Grade 6 - Quarter Course A/B Days
    • Sixth grade students will grow in their understanding of the Elements and Principles of Art. They will apply these in the process of creating art projects. Students will increase their art vocabulary and their confidence in discussing topics related to art. They will have the opportunity to work with a variety of media in expressing their ideas.
  • Foreign Language - Required Grade 6 - Semester Course (1/2 block) A/B Days
    • This course is intended to introduce the world languages which are taught in the West Fargo Public Schools. The languages include French, German, and Spanish.
  • FACS - Required Grade 6 - Quarter Course A/B Days
    • Sixth grade students will study babysitting/parenting skills and child development, banking, other cultures and understanding refugees, cooking, and an anti-smoking unit.
  • General Music - Elective Grade 6 - Year Long Course (1/2 block) A/B Days
    • The sixth grade general music class is a hands-on experience for students. Activities include drumming, playing xylophones, and learning the basic techniques of guitar playing. Music concepts and terminology are practiced, along with in-depth study of a famous composer. This class does not require students to take part in a performance.
  • Orchestra - Elective Grade 6 - Year Long Course (1/2 block) A/B Days
    • This is a year course for learning a string instrument. This class meets every other day and gives students a choice of learning violin, viola, cello, or bass. The goal of the 6th grade orchestra program is to develop each student’s musicianship at the beginning level. Students will be instructed in note reading, general music terms, rhythms, instrument posture and technique, and instrument care. Students will perform three to four concerts a year. No prior string participation is required for this course.
  • Band - Elective Grade 6 - Year Long Course (1/2 block) A/B Days
    • The sixth grade band program offers band instruction every other day all year long during the school day. In the beginning of the year, students will have sectionals with like instruments whenever possible. All of the sectionals will join together to form the large group band later in the fall and will also continue to receive instruction in sectionals all year. Students are introduced to a variety of musical styles. Large group bands will perform concerts during the year.
  • Choir - Elective Grade 6 - Year Long Course (1/2 block) A/B Days
    • This class is for students who love to sing and want to be part of a performing group. Choir students meet every other day for the entire year. Students who sign up for band or orchestra are also able to sign up for Packer Time Choir. Those students will have choir during their Packer Time on alternate days. Students will practice correct breathing techniques, ear-training, sight-singing, and theory. They will also be introduced to octavos, two-part music, and a varied choral repertoire. Students will perform during two separate concerts during the year.

 

GRADE SEVEN CURRICULUM

Required Courses:

  • Language Arts - Year long course
  • Math/Advanced Math - Year long course
  • Life Science - Semester course
  • Social Studies - Semester course
  • Family & Consumer Science - Semester course A/B Days
  • Physical Education - Semester course A/B Days

Elective Courses:

  • Keyboarding - Semester course A/B Days
  • Computer Applications - Semester course A/B Days
  • Band - Year long course A/B Days
  • Chorus - Year long course A/B Days
  • Orchestra - Year long course A/B Days

Special Placement Courses:

  • Advanced Math - Year long course
  • *Basic Learning Disability Classes
  • *Functional Special Services Classes
  • *ELL Classes
  • *Placement in these classes as determined by need

 

  • Language Arts - Required Grade 7 - Year Long Course
    • The seventh grade language arts program consists of three main areas: grammar, writing, and literature. First, essential writing mechanics and usage are taught in the form of mini-lessons and daily language sentences throughout the year. Students will also explore the eight parts of speech and how they are used to create clear and concise sentences. A variety of vocabulary building methods are incorporated including context clues, visual vocabulary, and Using the Right Word. Secondly, students will work to improve their writing by focusing on proper paragraph structure, using the 6 Traits of Writing, and emphasizing elaboration and detail in their writing. In addition, the students will read a variety of novels, short stories, and non-fiction writings. Thematic units include the historical novel Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry and short story units “Do the Right Thing” and science fiction. Finally, the students will be responsible for their own independent reading throughout the school year and will demonstrate this learning through quarterly book celebrations and maintaining a monthly book log.
  • Math - Grade 7 - Year Long Course
    • This course provides investigations to help students build independent, logical thinking skills. Investigations into proportional reasoning are the main focus of this course. Students look at numbers and operations, patterns and functions, algebra, statistics and probability, geometry, measurement, and problem solving. Students review and extend basic operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, and integers. An emphasis on problem solving strengthens student’s critical thinking skills and helps them to link mathematics to the real world.
  • Advanced Math - Grade 7 - Year Long Course
    • This course is intended to provide students with the skills necessary to be successful in an Algebra I setting the following year. Investigations in Algebraic reasoning are the main focus of this course. This course covers all areas covered in the Math 7 course with an emphasis on applying algebraic reasoning. Students solve multi-step equations, graph linear equations and inequalities, solve systems of equations, look at two and three dimensional figures, as, well as developing logical thinking and problem solving skills. Students are expected to maintain a C average in this course.
  • Life Science - Required Grade 7 - Semester Course
    • This course is a study of the structure and function of living organisms and their ecological relationships. The study covers the nature of life and its scientific classification into five kingdoms and focuses on the study of human life, heredity, and change. Major ecological issues and problems related to human existence in the 20th century conclude the course.
  • Social Studies - Required Grade 7 - Semester Course
    • Seventh grade social studies provides for the study of American History from Early Exploration through the American Civil War. Also, current events and world happenings are explored to make students more cognizant of the world in which they live.
  • Family & Consumer Sciences - Required Grade 7 - Semester Course A/B Days
    • Family & Consumer Science class provides an opportunity for students to work on skills in human relations, making decisions, and working as part of a team. Units covered in Family & Consumer Science are: self-discovery, clothing, grooming, child development, health issues, and foods/nutrition. Students work together in lab groups during the foods unit and will need to purchase a kit ($5-$9) for the sewing project. This semester class will provide learning opportunities for life skills.
  • Physical Education - Required Grade 7 - Semester Course A/B Days
    • Physical education is an integral part of the total education process. The program contributes primarily through movement experiences to the total growth and development of the student. The course has sequentially planned objectives to teach motor skills (psychomotor), knowledge and understanding (cognitive), and attitude and appreciation (affective). Skills and strategies for primarily team sports and physical fitness testing are an integral part of the course as is the total concept of some individual sports. Units include (but are not limited to) football, lacrosse, speedball, softball, fitness testing, mass games and relays, basketball, floor hockey, wall soccer, cross country skiing, and volleyball. A variety of individual sports may be implemented such as tennis, badminton, rock climbing, and light or limited weight training.
  • Keyboarding - Elective Grade 7 - Semester Course A/B Days
    • This class will provide an opportunity for students to develop keyboarding skills that will allow them to make better use of computers and word processors. The first nine weeks are spent reviewing the alphabetic and numeric reaches and improving keying rate. The second nine weeks are spent building skills to complete office production documents such as memos, personal business letters, and reports. The software programs used are Micro Type Pro, Micro Pace Pro, and Word 2007. After taking this class, students should be able to type at a rate of 35 or more words per minute.
  • Computer Applications - Elective Grade 7 - Semester Course A/B Days
    • This course provides the skills needed to use basic and advanced features of Microsoft Office® 2007 including: integrating applications using object linking and embedding, customizing toolbars, the menu bar, and the shortcut bar. Case problems will provide students with experience in providing business and personal solutions.
  • Band - Elective Grade 7 - Year Long Course A/B Days
    • The seventh grade band program is for seventh grade students with one or more years of playing experience. Students will have large group band rehearsal every other day for 85 minutes. Instruction will be based on the approved national and state music standards. Students are introduced to a variety of musical styles and will perform in concerts. Opportunities are provided for each student to participate in large and smaller group ensembles, solo performances, competition in these mediums, and transfers to other specialized instruments. Any and all instrument transfers must be approved by the instructor.
  • Chorus - Elective Grade 7 - Year Long Course A/B Days
    • The seventh grade chorus program offers opportunities for all students to experience varied styles of music suitable for boys’ and girls’ voices. Students have the opportunity to display their talents during choral concerts.
  • Orchestra - Elective Grade 7 - Year Long Course A/B Days
    • Prerequisite: Prior string participation at the elementary school level or an approval of director. The orchestra is open to any seventh grade student with string experience. The class offers string students the chance to improve their ensemble and musicianship skills as well as the ability to grow as an individual musician. The orchestra students study a variety of literature and perform four concerts per year.

 

GRADE EIGHT CURRICULUM

Required Courses:

  • Language Arts - Year long course
  • Math 8/Algebra - Year long course
  • Earth Science - Semester course
  • Social Studies - Semester course
  • Physical Education - Semester course A/B Days
  • Health - Quarter course A/B Days
  • Foreign Language - Quarter course A/B Days

Elective Courses:

  • Art - Semester course A/B Days
  • Exploring Technology - Semester A/B Days
  • Band - Year long course A/B Days
  • Chorus - Year long course A/B Days
  • Orchestra - Year long course A/B Days

Special Placement Courses

  • Algebra - Year long course
  • *Basic Learning Disability Classes
  • *Functional Special Services Classes
  • *ELL Classes
  • *Placement in these classes as determined by need

 

  • Language Arts - Required Grade 8 - Year Long Course
    • The eighth grade language arts program includes the areas of grammar, composition, literature, speech, and spelling. A strong emphasis is placed on grammar and usage skills. Knowing the identity and functions of the eight parts of speech is required. The literature component includes poetry, various short stories, as well as the study of short story elements and the following works: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Pearl, and the play version of The Diary of Anne Frank. Composition work emphasizes correct paragraph construction and expository writing.
  • Math 8 - Grade 8 - Year Long Course
    • This course features an in-depth approach that integrates algebra, geometry, and statistics in a middle school format. Investigation into equations, operations, percents, and statistics are covered along with a review and extension of the basic operations of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and directed numbers. An emphasis on algebra topics helps develop abstract-thinking skills necessary for further learning.
  • Algebra - Special Placement - Grade 8 - Year Long Course
    • Prerequisite: An average of 90% or above in grade 7 advanced math, excellent study habits, and teacher recommendation. Students are expected to maintain a B average to remain in this course. Algebra is designed to develop those algebraic skills necessary to future study in mathematics. The student will learn how to use symbols and logic to draw conclusions about mathematical relationships. These relationships will include directed numbers, linear equations, and inequalities in one or two variables. Students will be required to simplify radical expressions and solve quadratic equations by factoring. Considerable time will be spent applying the skills learned in solving practical problems algebraically.
  • Earth Science - Required Grade 8 - Semester Course
    • Earth Science is a semester course that includes units in astronomy, geology, meteorology, and oceanography. The following are broad goals of the course:
      1. To develop attitudes of curiosity and the desire to acquire knowledge and understanding of the world in which we live
      2. To develop an awareness of the value of solving problems in a scientific manner
      3. To develop intellectual processes that go above and beyond mere memorization and recall
      4. To develop knowledge of facts, terminology, concepts, and principles concerning the environment
      5. To develop the ability to manipulate materials and equipment in a safe and productive manner
      6. To develop the ability to measure, organize, and communicate scientific information
  • Social Studies - Required Grade 8 - Semester Course
    • Eighth grade social studies focuses on American & North Dakota history. Also, the “social” history of each era is emphasized in an attempt to provide the student with a feeling of what it was like to live in that time period.
  • Physical Education - Required Grade 8 - Semester Course A/B Days
    • Physical education is an integral part of the total education process. The program contributes primarily through movement experiences to the total growth and development of the student. The course has sequentially planned objectives to teach motor skills (psychomotor), knowledge and understanding (cognitive), and attitude and appreciation (affective). Skills and strategies for primarily team sports and physical fitness testing are an integral part of the course as is the total concept of some individual sports. Units include (but are not limited to) football, lacrosse, speedball, softball, fitness testing, mass games and relays, basketball, floor hockey, wall soccer, cross country skiing, and volleyball. A variety of individual sports may be implemented such as tennis, badminton, rock climbing, and weight training.
  • The grading philosophy is separated into five main components and is used for all grade levels. Students will receive a separate grade with the following standards being assessed. Each area will remain a separate element or grade. The areas will be averaged on the school’s report card.
    1. attendance / tardy
    2. dress
    3. respect and sportsmanship
      • Students need to show respect toward themselves, peers, adults and follow all rules of the PE area and district
    4. participation to their best ability
    5. knowledge of unit
      • This will be graded through teacher assessment and student assessment
  • Each of the five areas will have a value of 10 points for each unit. Each unit lasts five meeting days. (Please remember PE only meets every other day so the five-day unit actually covers ten school days.) Students begin each unit with 10 points in each of the five categories and may lose points as violations occur in each category. Students start a new grade tally with each new unit.
  • Health - Required Grade 8 - Quarter Course A/B Days
    • Health: Healthy lifestyle is the central theme. Topics will include self-esteem, coping/stress management, decision-making skills, communication skills, problem-solving skills, nutrition, AIDS, drugs, smoking, and first aid.
  • Foreign Language - Required Grade 8 - Quarter Course A/B Days
    • The eighth grade foreign language course will introduce the students to one or more of the languages taught at the high school level. The languages are Spanish, French, and German. The students will learn a short dialogue and simple vocabulary.
  • Art - Elective Grade 8 - Semester Course A/B Days
    • Eighth grade art is a semester class which introduces the students to terminology, philosophy, and creative experiences and expressions. Drawing, design, color theory, painting, ceramics, art appreciation, and art history will be included in a variety of techniques and methods in this course.
  • Exploring Technology - Elective Grade 8 - Semester Course A/B Days
    • This course uses a modular approach to education and is intended to give students an awareness of the various kinds of technologies available in industry, in business, and in the home. Exploring Technology serves as an introduction to more in-depth studies of technology education courses offered at the high school level.
  • The curriculum covers the following three major areas of technology:
    1. Applied communications - application of desktop publishing, multi media, computer virtual reality programming, computer aided design and drafting (CADD), digital video and photo editing, audio broadcasting, animation design, and internet research.
    2. Energy and transportation - awareness of energy (electronics and electricity) andconservation especially in the home and in the four major ways of transporting people and cargo-activities with magnetic levitation, CO2 cars, aerodynamics, and aerospace. Global positioning is also utilized with transportation.
    3. Production - construction and manufacturing technology are explored with small projects stressing the safe use and handling of tools and materials. There will be exposure to industrial style computer numeric controlled (CNC) lathe and computer numeric controlled (CNC) milling.
  • All areas in this class incorporate applied math and science concepts, with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Band - Elective Grade 8 - Year Long Course A/B Days
    • The eighth grade band program is for eighth grade students with two or more years of playing experience. Students will have large group band rehearsal every other day for 85 minutes. Instruction will be based on the approved national and state music standards. Students are introduced to a variety of musical styles and will perform more advanced music in concerts. Opportunities are provided for each student to participate in large and smaller group ensembles, solo performance, competition in these mediums, and transfers to other specialized instruments. Any and all instrument transfers must be approved by the instructor.
  • Chorus - Elective Grade 8 - Year Long Course A/B Days
    • The eighth grade chorus program offers opportunities for all students to experience varied styles of music suitable for boys’ and girls' voices. Students have the opportunity to display their talents during choral concerts.
  • Orchestra - Elective Grade 8 - Year Long Course A/B Days
    • Prerequisite: Prior string participation at the elementary school level or an approval of director. The orchestra is open to any eight grade student with string experience. The class offers string students the chance to improve their ensemble and musicianship skills as well as the ability to grow as an individual musician. The orchestra students study a variety of literature and perform four concerts per year

 

SPECIAL SERVICES (Grades 6 - 8)

  • The Special Services Department offers a variety of courses designed to provide for educational needs which normally cannot be met through regular courses. Individual assessment is a prerequisite to enrollment in any of these courses. Placement in these courses is determined by student need and their IEP goals and objectives.
  • Math 3 - Grades 6-8 - Year Long Course
    • This course teaches math skills needed for everyday living. Manipulative and real-life materials (such as calculators and weekly sales ads) are used regularly to assist students in developing functional math skills. Curriculum includes counting money, telling time, using a checking account, and solving real-life word problems.
  • Language 3 - Grade 6-8 - Year Long Course
    • Students learn basic language skills used in everyday life. Curriculum includes using references such as telephone books, dictionaries, and online websites, writing simple sentences to write notes or take messages, filling out forms, etc. Students are also required to perform simple research and to write short paragraphs on a topic. Instruction in reading skills and comprehension is also addressed through reading materials provided at their instructional levels.
  • Social Studies 3 - Grades 6-8 - Year Long Course
    • This course runs on a three-year cycle. Students will learn about cultures around the world during year one. Years two and three will cover basic concepts from United States history. Low reading level textbooks are provided as a basis of study. Students will take notes, use computer programs and access websites, and participate in numerous cooperative learning strategies. Throughout the curriculum students will also learn and apply a variety of map skills.
  • Science 3 - Grades 6-8 - One Semester
    • This course runs on a three year cycle. Students will learn basic concepts from Life Science, Earth Science, and Matter and Motion. Low reading level textbooks are provided as a basis of study. Students will take notes, use computer programs and access websites, and participate in numerous cooperative learning strategies.
  • Basic Life Skills - Grades 6-8 - Year Long Course or One Semester
    • Learning by doing is the basis of this course. The primary goal is to have students practice how to be independent citizens of our community. This class is designed to meet the individual needs of each student. The student’s IEP goals and objectives help determine the content of the class. There are weekly trips into the community to shop for groceries, order in restaurants, and to practice reading and math skills. In the classroom, students plan and prepare meals, clean, launder clothes, and develop personal hygiene skills. Students also perform small jobs within the building such as completing clerical tasks, loading the juice machines, and taking part in janitorial tasks. A teacher supervises all activities.
  • Math 2 - Grade 6 - Year Long Course
    • This course reviews time and money skills, equations, basic operations of whole numbers, introduction to fractions, decimals, percents, and problem-solving skills with more repetition of these math skills. We use a variety of hands-on learning opportunities to study elements of measurement – capacity, length, and weight in standard and metric forms. Students are exposed to the basics of banking which includes checking accounts. Calculators are used to help to assist with some of the math skills. Classroom curricula are tied to students’ individual learning needs with an emphasis on mastery of basic math concepts that will be useful and relevant.
  • Math 2 - Grade 7 - Year Long Course
    • This course reviews equations, basic operations of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, and problem-solving skills with more repetition of these math skills. Calculators are used to help to assist with all of the math skills. An emphasis on problem solving strengthens students’ critical thinking skills and helps them to link mathematics to the real world. Students work on organization and class coping skills with a point system.
  • Math 2 - Grade 8 - Year Long Course
    • This course reviews equations, basic operations of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, and problem-solving skills with more repetition of these math skills. Working with positive/negative numbers and algebraic equations is also introduced. Calculators are used to help to assist with all of the math skills. An emphasis on problem solving strengthens students’ critical thinking skills and helps them to link mathematics to the real world. Students work on organization and class coping skills with a point system.
  • Language 2 - Grade 6 - Year Long Course
    • The sixth grade basic language class is intended for students who require individualized reading and written language instruction as part of their individual education plan. Students work on sixth grade language arts standards with instruction that is adapted to their level. Both direct instruction formats and novel study are used to teach reading fluency and comprehension skills. Written language instruction focuses on correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and mechanics in paragraph construction within short essays and reports. Word processing and word prediction techniques are addressed. Spelling instruction focuses on rules and patterns of spelling as opposed to weekly lists. Power Point and other oral presentation options are an emphasis as well.
  • Language 2 - Grade 7 - Year Long Course
    • The seventh grade basic language class teaches writing mechanics and usage throughout the year using daily oral language sentences and daily journaling. Student writing includes correct paragraph construction, main ideas, topic sentences and concluding sentences. They incorporate these skills in their creative writing. Literature selections such as Hatchet; The River; Kavik, the Wolf Dog; Shades of Grey; The Sign of the Beaver; and Deadly Stranger are used to introduce new vocabulary and also improve oral reading and reading comprehension.
  • Language 2 - Grade 8 – Year Long Course
    • The eighth grade basic language class teaches writing mechanics and usage throughout the year using journaling and daily language sentences. Student writing includes correct paragraph construction, main ideas, topic sentences, and concluding sentences. This is incorporated into creative writing activities. Literature selections such as The Adventure of Tom Sawyer, Avalanche, and The Outsiders and the play version of The Diary of Anne Frank are used to introduce new vocabulary and also improve reading and reading comprehension.
  • Related Services - Offered during Packer Time
    • Speech, Social Skills, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Adaptive PE Social Skills is designed to teach an array of pro-social skills to students. This training establishes a format of guided instruction using behavioral, emotional, and cognitive instruction. Specific topics of the social skills programs are study skills, friendship, listening, and communicating appropriately. The course also covers anger management, alternatives to aggression, cooperating, self-control, dealing with emotions, dealing with stress, and planning and prioritizing responsibilities. These skills are taught in a step-by-step cognitive way to help each student acquire acceptable behaviors and appropriate responses to social situations. Lessons are practiced through role-playing, rehearsal practice, evaluative study of personal experiences or real life stories, small work experiences, and analyzing social situations. Topics covered are matched to the needs of the students.
  • Adaptive PE is an alternative class to general PE. Students are challenged to maintain health and fitness standards. Students learn and perform in a variety of individual and team activities.
  • Speech and Physical, and Occupational Therapy are usually provided on an individual basis as indicated by the IEP.
  • ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS (ELL) Grades 6 - 8
    • The ELL program provides instruction and practice in the English language for students whose first language is not English. Depending on their current abilities in speaking, reading, and understanding English, students may be placed in regular education classes, in co-taught regular education classes, or in ELL classes. Students may also receive extra help with assignments and class work in an ELL resource where they benefit from being in a smaller group and getting more individual attention. The goal of the ELL program is to help students achieve the fluency in English that will enable them to succeed in regular classes. The amount of time this takes varies depending on each individual student.
  • ELL Math I - Year Long Course
    • This course is geared to the needs of individual students. Students in ELL Math I receive instruction and practice in number awareness, money and time. Addition and subtraction operations are the main concepts taught in this course. A strong emphasis is placed on learning the language of math.
  • ELL Math II - Year Long Course
    • This course is an extension that builds upon the concepts taught in ELL Math I. Students are taught multiplication, division, place value, fractions, decimals, basic geometry, measurement and graphing skills. Students continue to work towards a greater understanding of the language of math along with increasing their ability to solve word problems.
  • ELL Language Arts 1 - Year Long Course
    • This course helps English language learners grow in their ability to understand written and spoken English while becoming better able to express themselves in English. A strong emphasis is placed on building vocabulary, learning phonics and reading skills, understanding time, money, and similar life skills; and improving writing and use of punctuation.
  • ELL Language Arts 2 - Year Long Course
    • This course is for English language learners who are ready for more advanced instruction and practice in English. More emphasis is placed on reading comprehension, grammar and usage; varied writing activities (with a focus on paragraph construction), and use of reference materials. Students become acquainted with many types of fiction and non-fiction. The goal of this course is to help students become better prepared for regular education language arts courses.
  • ELL Social Studies - Semester Course
    • ELL Social Studies covers a wide variety of themes. The course focuses on developing knowledge and skill in history, geography, anthropology, economics, and political science. Students learn about people and how they interact with each other and the world around them. Verbal discussion of topics, use of map skills, and learning vocabulary are given special emphasis.
  • ELL Science - Semester Course
    • This course explores topics in life science, earth science, and physical science. Emphasis is placed on learning vocabulary and terminology in English. The goal of the course is for students to observe and understand scientific concepts that will help them know more about the world they live in.

 

Valid XHTML 1.0 Transitional Valid CSS! Level Double-A conformance icon, W3C-WAI Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0