Three's / Pre K / Kindergarten
5th Grade - 8th Grade
Language Arts
Reading/Literature
Develop vocabulary and literacy analysis skills through short stories, poetry, essays, non-fiction and novels (required and student choice)
Writing
Understand and use the writing process; write poetry, descriptive/narrative stories, letters, book reports, character sketches, how to papers, comparison/contrast papers; respond to literature in journals; develop research skills; and edit for mechanics of writing
Listening
/Speaking
Deliver oral presentations, participate in group discussions, round table discussions and reading/writing connections; give poetry reading and book reports; present research findings
Vocabulary,
Spelling, Grammar and Usage
Develop vocabulary through the study of analogies, roots, context and prefixes/suffixes; review spelling rules, parts of speech, usage, editing skills and capitalization and punctuation rules; understanding simple, compound and complex sentences and analyze and understand sentence parts (phrases, clauses, etc.)
Mathematics
Grade 5
· Recognizes prime and composite numbers
· Understands use of negative numbers
· Finds
square roots
· Adds
and subtracts fractions and decimals
· Finds
percents
· Solves
for mean, median and mode
· Finds
volume and surface area of geometric solids
· Finds
missing factors and recognizes variables
· Uses
concrete models to solve algebraic equations
Grade 6
· Computes and applies concepts of whole numbers, integers, fractions and decimals
· Understands scientific notation
· Measures and constructs angles
· Understands rates and ratios
· Solves simple equations and inequalities
· Understands distributive property
· Solves
problems and models mathematical solutions
Grade 7
· Computes and applies concepts of whole numbers, integers, fractions and decimals
· Finds surface area and volume of geometric solids
· Recognizes and defines characteristics of geometric
figures
· Understands Pythagorean Theorem
· Uses statistics to collect and interpret data
· Investigates and analyzes patterns
OR
· Algebra IA (Concepts of Pre-Algebra) for those students
who qualify
Grade 8
· Algebra IA (Concepts of Pre-Algebra)
OR
· Algebra IB (Concepts of Algebra) for those students who
qualify
Science
Grade 5
· General Science
Students will acquire
knowledge through hands-on experiences that stimulate the natural curiosity that exists
within us all and experience opportunities to explore, experiment and apply
problem-solving strategies within a supportive environment.
Grade 6
· Earth Science
Students will conduct
field and laboratory investigations using safe, environmentally appropriate and ethical
practices. Scientific inquiry methods,
applying critical thinking skills with appropriate tools, will allow students to make
informed decisions. Through content
investigations, the students will gain an understanding of Earth science with exposure to
the basic principles of life and physical science.
Grade 7
· Life Science
Students will
experience a curriculum with a balance of content and activities that guide students
toward the discovery of the basic principles involved with cells, cell processes and
plants and animals emphasized in Life science with exposure to force, motion, energy, and
systems.
Grade 8
· Physical Science/Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC)
Students will
understand the principles and processes involved in energy transformation, force and
motion, chemical and physical properties of matter and human responsibilities regarding
the physical sciences and societal issues. Students
should know how science has built a vast body of changing and increasing knowledge
described by physical, mathematical, and conceptual models and also should know that
science may not answer all questions.
Social Studies
Grade 5
· American History general overview
· Geography
· Map and Globe skills
Grade 6
· World Geography
Cultures
Land Forms
Traditions
· Map and Globe skills
Grade 7
· Texas History
Geography
Exploration and Missions
Colonization and Independence
Statehood and Government
Grade 8
· American History
Discovery and Colonization
Revolution and Democracy
Reconstruction and Industrialization
Imperialism and Depression
WWII and Cold War
Nuclear Era
Physical Education
Physical Education
will consist of fitness and rhythmic activities, cooperative and recreational games and
team sports. Health units will be
incorporated.
After school
Intramural sports participation is available to all middle school students.
Interscholastic
sports include volleyball, basketball and track and field.
Additional sports will be incorporated for grades 6-8 as enrollment grows.
Technology
Middle school classes
use the computer to learn word processing, spreadsheet and database. Proper and safe use of the Internet is a priority. Students use the computer as a tool to expand core
subjects, an aid in research and in writing.
Spiritual Development
· Chapel
Spiritual exposure is
an interdenominational experience designed to strengthen the students personal
relationship with Jesus Christ. Students
will be provided with the skills necessary for understanding the Bible for themselves and
applying its principles to their own lives. They
will study the person and work of Jesus Christ, books of the Bible from the Old and New
Testaments, topical subjects (character studies and moral dilemmas) and Biblical culture. All middle school students will attend a worship
service weekly. Chapel services will
incorporate lessons taught in Bible class.
Library
Middle school
students will master skills in locating, analyzing, organizing and evaluating information
through exposure to all of the resources contained in the library/resource center. They will develop a love of reading by
experiencing a wide range of instructional styles and from a commitment to the value of
access to information and ideas that contribute to lifelong learning. The students will also benefit from the
school-wide Book Fair, summer reading and author visits.
Study Skills
Learning how to study
is an important area for all middle school students.
Study skills will be specifically taught to all fifth and sixth grade
students and will be on-going for seventh and eighth grade students.
Electives
Art
· Introduction of intermediate concepts, techniques and
use of materials
· Experience drawing, painting, origami paper folding,
papier-mâché and other mediums
Music
· Build upon foundations of rhythm, form, timbre, melody,
harmony and expressive control
· Practice music reading and rhythmic skills with selected
instruments culminating in performance
· Experience a variety of musical periods, styles and
culture
· Develop vocal listening, music reading and singing
technique
· Experience music through technology, cooperative groups
and teacher-directed studies
· Performance choir, Grades 5-8
Foreign Language
· Spanish
Spanish instruction
encourages student production in the spoken and written language with increased
concentration on grammatical structure. Appreciation
of Spanish-speaking cultures internationally and within our community remains a priority.
Other Electives
As the school grows,
additional electives will be offered such as journalism, number sense, creative writing,
drama and recreational reading.