Middle School Philosophy

Link to Combined Middle/ High School Homepage

MIDDLE SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

Middle School is a time of transition in a child’s life. Therefore, students are exposed to a wide variety of subjects and activities so they will be better prepared for the expectations placed on them at the high school level. The goal of the middle school team is to encourage students to learn self-discipline, increase their organizational skills, become responsible socially and to take responsibility for their own learning.

COURSE OF STUDY

Seventh Grade:
q       Language Arts
q       Math
q       World Geography
q       Integrated Science
q       Physical Education/Health
q       Seminar

Eighth Grade:
q       English
q       Math/Algebra
q       North American History
q       Integrated Science
q       Physical Education/Health
q       Seminar

OPTIONS PERIODS 6, 7

Languages: French I or II, German I or II, Spanish I or II
Algebra 1
Band: Beginning or Intermediate
AVID
Exploratories: Host Nation, Skills for Living, Art, Mentorship, and Keyboarding/Computer Science

NUTRITION BREAK

Students in the middle school eat lunch at 1:25. Because many students have left home very early in the morning, teachers and students in the middle school break for nutrition at 10:20. Students can bring snacks from home or purchase them through the MS Student Council. Snacks can be purchased in dollars or guilders. Students have the opportunity to socialize with friends while at break. Students return to class at 10:40.

SEMINAR RULES
No release from seminar unless you have a signed pass from a receiving teacher. The receiving teacher will issue passes for make-up work. If you need help, arrange to see the teacher before seminar begins for a pass. Plan ahead to avoid stressful situations. Students will engage in 30 minutes of USSR (Uninterrupted Silent Sustained Reading) 12:15 to 12:45.
Students must read a novel of their choice. Comics and magazines are not permitted at this time. Students will not be dismissed to other locations until 1245. This includes trips to locker, library, or restrooms.

Expectations during study time:

Study for tests or quizzes

Rewrite your notes for a class

Write in your English Journal

Practice your math skills

Seek tutorial help

Read

Students will have a proper research pass to go to the library or computer lab. Teachers have the Media Center Computer Lab Research/Use Authorization available. Book sign outs do not require a research pass and can be issued by the seminar teacher. Students are limited to 15 minutes to check out a library book.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Middle school students have the opportunity to become involved in one or more activities:

Cross Country

Math Counts

National Junior Honor society

Track and Field

Swim Team

Student Council

Yearbook

Wildlife

IYA Activities

NOTE: After school activities/athletics for middle school and elementary school age students are the responsibility of Youth Services - not DoDDS-E. DoDDS-E does not have authority nor does it receive funding to initiate such services.

THINKING SKILLS

Focus

Gather Information

Organize Information

Analyze Information

Generate Ideas

Synthesize Elements

Evaluate Outcomes

Technology Goals

All students should have the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge of current changes in information technologies and the effect these changes will have on the workplace and society. Students will use content-specific tools, software, simulations, (e.g. CBL and MBL probes, graphing calculators, exploratory environments, Web tools) to support their learning and research. Furthermore they will be able to select appropriate tools and technology resources to accomplish a variety of tasks and solve problems.

VOLUNTEERS
If you have the time and inclination to volunteer to work in the Middle School please contact the school. Please feel free to visit the Middle School at anytime. Our classrooms are open to parents.

Last Updated: February 14, 2007