STRONGSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOLS STRONGSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOLS GRADES 7 & 8

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1 STRONGSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOLS Mr. John J. Krupinski Superintendent STRONGSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOLS GRADES 7 & 8 Curriculum Guide The Strongsville Board of Education is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, age, disability, handicap or national origin in its educational programs, activities, employment policies or admission policies and practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Age Discrimination Act of Inquiries and grievances regarding compliance with the above acts and titles may be directed to Strongsville City Schools, Human Resources, Pearl Rd., Strongsville, Ohio 44136; Telephone number: (440)

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Number School Information 3 Academic Content Standards 3 Middle School Is 4 Required Courses for Grades 7 and Honors Courses 6 High School Credited Courses 7-8 Removal from High School Credited Course 8-9 Additional Required Courses for Grade 7 9 Electives for Grade Additional Required Courses for Grade 8 11 Electives for Grade Requirements of the Curriculum 14 2

3 SCHOOL INFORMATION ALBION MIDDLE SCHOOL MAIN OFFICE TELEPHONE: (440) GUIDANCE OFFICE TELEPHONE: (440) ADMINISTRATORS: Dave Riley, Principal Mike Vukovich, Assistant Principal SCHOOL COUNSELORS: Will Bambrick Heather Rothkegel CENTER MIDDLE SCHOOL MAIN OFFICE TELEPHONE: (440) GUIDANCE OFFICE TELEPHONE: (440) ADMINISTRATORS: Jennifer Pelko, Principal Michael James, Assistant Principal SCHOOL COUNSELORS: Will Bambrick Elissa Ray ACADEMIC CONTENT STANDARDS The Strongsville Board of Education and Strongsville City Schools align with the Ohio Department of Education in the adoption of the Common Core Standards in English/Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies. These clearly defined standards outline what all children, college and career-bound, should know and be able to do as they progress through the grade levels. These standards identify and measure a set of common expectations that parents, teachers and other school personnel can use to monitor student development. Every Ohio student, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, limited English proficiency, learning disability or special talent, should have access to a challenging, standards-based curriculum. The Middle School Curriculum Guide outlines the courses that will provide grade-level bands and indicators for the four required academic core subjects. This Curriculum Guide reflects adopted curriculum and policy of the Strongsville Board of Education at the time of publication and is subject to change as established by the Board of Education. 3

4 MIDDLE SCHOOL IS Dear Parents & Students, Welcome 7 th graders to Middle School and welcome back to our 8 th graders! We anticipate an exciting year and hope that both parents and students alike will be involved in the educational experience and course selection process throughout the middle school years. Middle school is a unique and exciting time for students. Our schools provide a climate that addresses many of the developmental needs appropriate for young adolescents. Below you will find a brief description of the distinctive qualities that make up a middle school, specifically Albion and Center Middle Schools. Students are placed on teams at each grade level to provide a smaller, more personal environment. Students work together in teams. Teachers work closely within teams to address student needs. Unique schedules allow for increased communication. Relevant curriculum is challenging, integrative, exploratory and meets the needs of all students. This booklet will provide parents and students with the information that they need in order to make appropriate choices in regards to courses at the middle school level. Please do not hesitate to contact your counselor if you have any questions. Please read the course descriptions carefully and think about what courses will be most beneficial to you and your future. The school makes every effort to schedule students for the courses they would like to take, but it is much easier to accomplish this if students select the proper courses at this time. Schedule changes are difficult to be made when returning to school next fall, and such changes are not guaranteed. For those students taking high school credited courses, refer to page 14 for course drop procedure. Again, please ask for help if you need it. We look forward to a positive and rewarding experience for all students in Strongsville Middle Schools! Middle School Staff 4

5 REQUIRED COURSES FOR GRADES 7 AND 8 By the end of the Middle School experience, it is expected that each student will have reached the benchmarks for the following standards within each discipline: LANGUAGE ARTS (full year): Word Recognition Acquisition of Vocabulary The Reading Process & Reading Applications The Writing Process, Applications, Conventions, and Research Oral and Visual Communication MATHEMATICS (full year): Number Sense and Operations Measurement Geometry and Spatial Sense Patterns, Functions and Algebra Data Analysis and Probability Mathematical Process SCIENCE (full year): Earth and Space Sciences Life Sciences Physical Sciences Science and Technology Scientific Inquiry Scientific Ways of Knowing SOCIAL STUDIES (full year): 7th Grade - World Studies From 750 B.C. to 1600 A.D.: Ancient Greece to the First Global Age The seventh-grade year is an integrated study of world history, beginning with ancient Greece and continuing through global exploration. All four social studies strands are used to illustrate how historic events are shaped by geographic, social, cultural, economic and political factors. Students develop their understanding of how ideas and events from the past have shaped the world today. 8 th Grade - U.S. Studies From : Exploration through Reconstruction The historical focus continues in the eighth grade with the study of European exploration and the early years of the United States. This study incorporates all four social studies strands into a chronologic view of the development of the United States. Students examine how historic events are shaped by geographic, social, cultural, economic and political factors. 5

6 HONORS COURSES CRITERIA: To qualify for any Honors class, the incoming student must have at least a 95 th percentile in Total Reading, Total Math, Science and/or Social Studies using local norms on a standardized test administered within one calendar year. If the student scores within the 90 th to 94 th percentile using local norms in Total Reading, Science and/or Social Studies or the 85 th to 94 th percentile in Total Math and has been recommended by the 6 th grade teacher(s), then the student is eligible for the appropriate honors class. Additional criteria apply to the advanced math classes beyond Pre-Algebra (see high school credited courses on pgs. 7-8). There is a rubric used to determine potential honors placement once the student is enrolled at the middle school. We ask that you contact the teacher directly if you have questions regarding the placement of your child. HONORS LANGUAGE ARTS GRADES 7 AND 8 (full year): The Honors Language Arts student will be expected to attain the benchmarks of the previously listed Language Arts standards as well as demonstrate advanced reading and communication skills. An expectation is that the student will learn at an accelerated pace, read extensively, use expanded vocabulary, interpret varied genres of literature and understand complex concepts. HONORS SCIENCE GRADES 7 AND 8 (full year): The Honors Science student will be expected to attain the benchmarks of the previously listed Science standards as well as demonstrate strong research skills and advanced knowledge of scientific processes and concepts. The student will use complex analytical thinking skills when conducting scientific investigations and will generate conclusions based on data collected and knowledge of scientific theories. HONORS SOCIAL STUDIES GRADES 7 AND 8 (full year): The Honors Social Studies student will be expected to attain the benchmarks of the previously listed Social Studies standards as well as analyze and interpret complex issues related to the geographic, social, cultural, economic and political factors. PRE-ALGEBRA GRADE 7 (full year): The Pre-Algebra student will be expected to move through the regular 7 th grade math curriculum at an accelerated pace requiring higher level thinking skills, utilizing a self discovery process, and holding higher expectations at all levels. The student will attain the indicators of the previously listed Mathematics standards as well as conduct problem-solving activities using beginning algebra skills. 6

7 HIGH SCHOOL CREDITED COURSES ALGEBRA I GRADE 8 (full year): Credit: 1.00 Prerequisites/Special Requirements: Satisfactory completion of Pre-Algebra and teacher recommendation. A graphing calculator is required. Algebra I includes a review of directed numbers, equations, inequalities, systems of linear equations, polynomials, fractions with variable expressions, graphing, variation, rational and irrational numbers, use of the graphing calculator, and basic data analysis. The student should acquire an understanding of the basic structure of algebra as well as be able to apply algebra concepts and skills to problems. Algebra I is a prerequisite for Geometry, Algebra II and Trigonometry, Chemistry, Physics and Computer Programming. This course may be for high school credit and includes a midterm and final exam. Grades earned may be included in the high school point average (GPA). By the end of the course, students may decide if they would like high school credit for Algebra I. If they choose to not receive credit at the middle school level, they MUST sign up for Algebra I for their 9 th grade year. ADVANCED ALGEBRA I GRADES 7 AND 8 (full year): Credit: 1.00 Prerequisites/Special Requirements: Criteria for incoming 7 th grade students to be placed in this class include achieving at the 90 th percentile in Total Mathematics using local norms on the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills, mastery of basic calculation skills as assessed by a sixth grade math placement test, achieving at the 95 th percentile using national norms on the Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test, sixth grade teacher recommendation and grades. Students entering 8 th grade may qualify for Advanced Algebra I based on their successful performance in the Pre-Algebra 7 th grade class and teacher recommendation. The Advanced Algebra I student will be expected to demonstrate a high level of performance and analytical thinking using inductive reasoning to solve complex problems. They will discover algebraic concepts, formulate and defend hypotheses, apply concepts to new situations, and perform advanced calculations. The student will need to work at an accelerated pace and use technology. This course is for high school credit and includes a midterm and final exam. Grades earned will be included in the high school grade point average (GPA) and is a weighted course. HONORS GEOMETRY 8 (full year): Credit 1.00 Prerequisites/Special Requirements: Algebra I & Teacher Recommendation. A graphing calculator is required. Students may need to supply a ruler and protractor. This course includes extensive work with formal proofs and the study of logic. Though topics are generally the same as the regular Geometry class, the rigor used for these topics is greater. As in Geometry, students will explore basic geometry figures and their properties including points, lines, planes, polygons (emphasis on triangles and quadrilaterals), circles and angles. Additionally, students will develop formulas for area, perimeter and volume. Basic trigonometry, compass and straight edge constructions, and Algebra I review will be included. This course is for high school credit and includes a midterm and final exam. Grades earned will be weighted and included in the high school grade point average (GPA) and is a weighted course. 7

8 7 th grade 8 th grade MATH PROGRESSION FROM MIDDLE SCHOOL TO HIGH SCHOOL 7 th grade Math 7 th Pre-Algebra Advanced Algebra 9 th grade 8 th Pre-Algebra Algebra I Honors Geometry 10 th grade Algebra I Geometry or Honors Geometry Algebra II Trigonometry or Honors Algebra II Trigonometry Geometry or Honors Geometry Algebra II Trigonometry or Honors Algebra II Trigonometry Pre-Calculus or Honors Pre-Calculus or Other Options There are multiple math options beyond the 10 th grade year. The recommendation is to consult with school personnel as your child enters high school. REMOVAL FROM A HIGH SCHOOL CREDITED COURSE AT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL Any student enrolled in a high school credited class (excluding Honors Geometry) at the middle school will follow the procedures listed below when a parent/student requests removal. 1. Parent/student concerns regarding removal from a high school credited class should first be directed to the classroom teacher. 2. Parent/student requests for removal must be communicated and documented to the classroom teacher and guidance department no later than fall parent-teacher conference day. 3. If the classroom teacher, guidance, administration and parent agree that removal is the best option, the child will be removed. 4. Guidance will communicate schedule changes to the student as soon as possible. Schedule changes (if applicable) will occur at a time deemed most appropriate by the teacher and guidance department. Similar procedures are in place for classroom teacher requests for student removal from a high school credited course. Regardless of who (student, parent, school personnel) requests a removal from such class, students will not be removed from Advanced Algebra after the winter break. 8

9 ADDITIONAL REQUIRED COURSES FOR GRADE 7 EXPLORATORY (full year): Seventh graders will take each of the courses below. The order of the courses will vary. Each course is 12 weeks in duration. SKILLS FOR SUCCESS: This course will assist 7 th graders in becoming more successful learners by providing opportunities for students to identify their personal strengths and areas needing improvement and to use critical thinking skills. Topics covered include practical strategies and tips for organization, time management, studying, note-taking, test preparation, and essential life habits such as active listening, prioritizing, and the importance of a positive attitude and motivation. Concepts taught in the course are applicable to all disciplines. INTRODUCTION TO FAMILY CONSUMER SCIENCE: This course will serve as an introduction to the study of Family and Consumer Science. Potential topics to be covered include: food science, personal development, sewing and financial literacy. TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS: This course will provide students with an opportunity to learn concepts and skills related to word processing, multimedia presentations, and spreadsheets. As students gain confidence with the software, they will be able to apply their knowledge and skills to complete an assortment of personal and school related tasks. Students may continue to learn concepts related to emerging technologies such as Google, podcasts, wikis, blogs, and digital imaging. ART 7 (1 semester): Art 7 is an introductory class that provides the students with opportunities to experiment with a wide variety of materials and to develop basic art skills. Emphasis is placed on drawing techniques, color theory, and other projects using a variety of media. PHYSICAL EDUCATION 7 (1 semester): Physical Education 7 is designed to promote the physical, social, cognitive, and emotional growth of the student. The course will help develop physical skills through team and individual activities and will promote physical fitness for a lifetime. Students will continue to develop a variety of physical and life skills related to the Physical Education Academic Content Standards for the state of Ohio.. 9

10 ELECTIVES FOR GRADE 7 NOTE: Courses that do not meet minimum enrollment may not be offered. Class size may dictate alternative course selections. BAND 7 (full year course): Prerequisites/special requirements: Membership in 6th grade band or audition for the director demonstrating ability level equivalent to 7 th grade band. The purpose of Band 7 is to develop the fundamentals of group playing: tone quality, tuning, phrasing, musical style, balance of parts, articulation, and listening. The music played and material learned is designed to fulfill the Ohio Department of Education Common Core Standards for music and prepare the student for advanced bands. Band is a performing group and will perform in assemblies, evening concerts, and other out of school festivals and contests. Band members are required to participate in these performances as part of the course. Band members are also required to purchase concert attire and other materials necessary for their specific instruments as stated in the Instrumental Handbook. CHORUS 7 (full year or 1 semester): Full year: Students who choose Choir will learn proper techniques for group singing. The fundamentals of music theory, tone production, diction, listening, and choral singing will be covered in the form of worksheet, tests, quizzes and voice tests. The Choir will perform in at least 3 evening concerts. Attendance at these performances is required of all choir members. Semester: The semester Chorus option is for one semester and will include fundamentals of music theory, tone production, diction, listening, and choral singing will be covered in the form of worksheet, tests, quizzes and voice tests. Members of the semester choir are required to perform in all concerts scheduled during that semester. The concert schedule can be found in the choral handbook. The choir will be required to perform at one concert. Attendance at the concert required. ORCHESTRA 7 (full year course): Prerequisites/special requirements: Membership in 6th grade orchestra or audition for the director demonstrating ability level equivalent to 7 th grade orchestra. The purpose of Orchestra 7 is to develop the fundamentals of group playing: tone quality, tuning, phrasing, musical style, balance of parts, bowing, intonation and listening. The music played and material learned is designed to fulfill the Ohio Department of Education Common Core Standards for music and prepare the student for advanced orchestra. Orchestra is a performing group and will perform in scheduled assemblies, evening concerts, and other out of school festivals and contests. Orchestra members are required to participate in these performances as part of the course. Orchestra members are also required to purchase concert attire and other materials necessary for their specific instruments as stated in the Instrumental Handbook. 10

11 GENERAL MUSIC 7 (1 semester): General Music is designed to develop an appreciation for music (history, listening, theory skills, etc.). Quizzes, tests, oral presentations, and projects are expected of each General Music student. Concert performances are not part of this course. READING PERIOD (1 semester): During Reading Period, students are expected to bring self-selected reading materials each day and spend the period reading. This is a period that will encourage students to become avid readers on a daily basis, while also enhancing their knowledge of varied genres, and further developing their literacy skills. Students can read materials for pleasure or they can read materials that are a part of their school assignments, such as a magazine, novel or their science text. Students are also permitted to utilize our Media Center to check-in/check-out books during this period. No reading instruction is done during Reading Period and students will not receive a grade. ADDITIONAL REQUIRED COURSES FOR GRADE 8 HEALTH 8 (1 semester): Health 8 is a study of the structure and function of the human body. In addition to basic anatomy, a strong emphasis is placed on drug abuse prevention. The course is designed to assist students in acquiring a better understanding of what wellness is and to facilitate positive life decisions. Content is presented through teacher presentations, cooperative learning, classroom activities, role-playing, and lessons presented by guest speakers. PHYSICAL EDUCATION 8 (1 semester): Physical Education 8 is designed to promote the physical, social, cognitive, and emotional growth of the student. The course will help develop physical skills through team and individual activities and will promote physical fitness for a lifetime. Activities will be aligned with the Physical Education Academic Content Standards for the state of Ohio. By the end of the 8 th grade year, all students will be evaluated on specific areas of focus including motor skills, movement concepts, principles, and strategies, physical activity, maintaining health-enhancing levels of physical fitness, responsible personal behavior, goal setting, and positive social interactions within a physical activity setting. 11

12 ELECTIVES FOR GRADE 8 NOTE: Courses that do not meet minimum enrollment may not be offered. Class size may dictate alternative course selections. ART 8 (full year or 1 semester): Full year: Art 8 will provide the student with the opportunity to use more advanced media and materials by relying and building upon the skills learned in the 7 th grade. Activities may include drawing, painting, color work, graphics, 3-dimensional manipulations, printmaking, and ceramics. Semester: The semester art option will include similar topics as the year-long course, but projects will be altered to fit the course length. ART/MUSIC PRODUCTION (full year): *OFFERED AT CENTER ONLY* Full Year: Art/Music Production Art/Music Production offers an alternative and/or enrichment to full year art or performance music. Students will alternate approximately every two weeks between art and music modules. Most modules will be interdisciplinary and the finished project will require two weeks each of music and art. Examples of topics to be covered: A review of the Elements of Art which will be applied to all art assignments Storyboards and the use of illustrations to tell a story Printmaking and the creation of cover art, matted prints and greeting cards Photojournalism and the creation of a presentation Advertising and Product & Graphic Design The Art of Animation Music notation MIDI sequencing on a computer Audio Recording Audio Editing Keyboarding skills Music for Film and sound effects. BAND 8 (full year course course): Prerequisites/special requirements: Membership in 7th grade band or audition for the director demonstrating ability level equivalent to 8 th grade band. The purpose of Band 8 is to develop the fundamentals of group playing: tone quality, tuning, phrasing, musical style, balance of parts, articulation, and listening. The music played and material learned is designed to fulfill the Ohio Department of Education Common Core Standards for music and prepare the student for high school bands. Band is a performing group and may be scheduled for out of school and evening concerts, contests and assemblies. Band members will be required to participate in these performances. Band is a performing group and will perform in scheduled assemblies, evening concerts, and other out of school festivals and contests. Band members are required to participate in these performances as part of the course. Band members are also required to purchase concert attire and other materials necessary for their specific instruments as stated in the Instrumental Handbook. 12

13 ORCHESTRA 8 (full year course): Prerequisites/special requirements: Membership in 7th grade orchestra or audition for the director demonstrating ability level equivalent to 8 th grade orchestra. The purpose of Orchestra 8 is to develop the fundamentals of group playing: tone quality, tuning, phrasing, musical style, balance of parts, bowing, intonation and listening. The music played and material learned is designed to fulfill the Ohio Department of Education Common Core Standards for music and prepare the student for advanced orchestra. Orchestra is a performing group and will perform in scheduled assemblies, evening concerts, and other out of school festivals and contests. Orchestra members are required to participate in these performances as part of the course. Orchestra members are also required to purchase concert attire and other materials necessary for their specific instruments as stated in the Instrumental Handbook. CHORUS 8 (full year): *POTENTIAL SEMESTER OFFERING-ALBION ONLY* Prerequisites/special requirements: Membership in 7 th grade Chorus or recommendation of the director is required. Students who choose Choir will learn proper techniques for group singing. The fundamentals of music theory, tone production, diction, listening, and choral singing will be covered in the form of worksheet, tests, quizzes and voice tests. The Choir will perform in at least 3 evening concerts. Attendance at these performances is required of all choir members. CHORUS SELECT 8 (full year): Prerequisites/special requirements: Audition and teacher recommendation is required. This is a choir composed of students who have a real interest in performance and who intend to continue their choral experience at the high school level. Repertoire will include various genres of music. The fundamentals of music theory, tone production, diction, listening, and choral singing will be covered in the form of worksheet, tests, quizzes and voice tests. The Choir will perform in at least 3 evening concerts. Attendance at these performances is required. Extra performance opportunities may be scheduled. Members are expected to attend and participate. MUSIC APPRECIATION (1 semester): *OFFERED AT CENTER ONLY* This course is two-part. The first half of the semester is a beginning guitar unit. This is for beginners only. Students will be provided with a guitar. The second half of the semester focuses on current musical genres. Students will study today s music, including history, critical listening and composition. One optional concert may be offered for students to demonstrate what they have learned. COMPUTER 8 (1 semester): This course will present an assortment of concepts and skills related to available computer software and technology. The class will incorporate word processing, multimedia presentations and spreadsheets, along with introducing new concepts related to various emerging technologies such as podcasts, wikis, blogs, and digital imaging. 13

14 FAMILY CONSUMER SCIENCE (1 semester): Eighth graders will participate in units that may include building relationships, healthy lifestyles, cooking, ensuring food safety, personal financial literacy, consumerism, and careers. READING PERIOD (1 semester): During Reading Period, students can read school-appropriate, self-selected materials. This is a period that will encourage students to become avid readers on a daily basis, while also enhancing their knowledge of varied genres, and further developing their literacy skills. Students are expected to bring self-selected reading materials to the Reading Period each day and spend the period reading. Students can read materials for pleasure or they can read materials that are a part of their school assignments, such as a magazine, novel or a class textbook. Students are also permitted to utilize our Media Center to check-in/check-out books during this period. No reading instruction is done during Reading Period and students will not receive a grade. REQUIREMENTS OF THE CURRICULUM GENERAL MIDDLE SCHOOL FEES: Lock Planner District General Education Fee The following are courses that have required costs and fees. Additional course requirements are also listed. GRADE 7 FEES: Honors Language Arts Honors Science Language Arts Science Art Band Chorus Family Consumer Science Online resources Orchestra Physical Education (and appropriate gym clothes) GRADE 8 FEES: Algebra I & Honors Geometry (no fee but graphing calculator required, TI-83 plus is recommended) Physical Education (and appropriate gym clothes) Honors Language Arts Honors Science Language Arts Science 14

15 Art Art/Music Production (Center only) Band Chorus (only if a shirt has not previously been purchased) Family Consumer Science Online resources Orchestra 15