Middle School Curriculum Guide

MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM GUIDE

2016-17

May 2016 Mission Statement It is our mission to inspire the curiosity to learn, the self-confidence to lead, and the compassion to serve.

Motto: to Learn • to Lead • to Serve Core Values While the School’s mission determines our institutional direction, our core values shape the culture of our school community. Our core values are: Moral Courage, Personal Responsibility, Active Kindness, Intellectual Purpose. To learn more about the ways in which our core values are intended to advance the mission of the School, visit www.heritagehall.com/about. The Charger Code Living the Charger Oath is entirely about character. It will define who we are, wherever we are, for as long as we live.

The Charger Oath: Io pledge: learn T with Honor, To lead with Courage, and To serve with Compassion. To learn with Honor means that Chargers are committed to pursuing the challenge of learning with passion, integrity, and joy. To lead with Courage means that Chargers do what is right and just, always holding themselves and others accountable. To serve with Compassion means that Chargers seek out opportunities to make a positive difference in the world, in their community, and in the lives of those around them. Message from Ron Allie, Midde School Division Head

An Uplifting Start to The Day As Head of the Middle School (MS), I direct daily operations for over 200 lively, creative, and enthusiastic students in grades five through eight. Our day begins with music! Students arrive at school to the strains of classical music, go to their lockers, greet each other, and ready themselves for class. Our Student Council President transitions to pop music to alert the student body that it is time to head to first period, then reads announcements followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Control to Freedom and Responsibility With each passing year, MS students gain more control over their schedules, increasing both their freedom and responsibility. The fifth graders begin with a self-contained classroom environment, concentrating on a directive and nurturing knowledge-based curriculum. As students move up to seventh and eighth grades, they are allowed to hold elected offices, participate in extracurricular sports, and choose electives in preparation for entry into the Upper School (US). At each grade level, the teachers know their students well and collaborate; this oversight enables students’ strengths to be cultivated and areas for development to be addressed. The length of homework assignments gradually increases. Parents can be helpful in setting calm, structured home routines that allow their middle schoolers time for reading, play, and conversation about school. MS students need to be encouraged to do their homework, but they need to see it as essentially “theirs” to manage. Teachers are resources if patrons develop concerns or questions about their child’s academic or extracurricular work. Dedicated and Engaged Teachers Experience levels among our MS faculty are well-mixed and varied; some teachers have worked in the Middle School for more than 20 years, while others are “rookie” teachers just beginning their careers with youthful enthusiasm and exuberance. Our conscientious and concerned teachers seek ways to bring out the best in each of their students. They see the period of pre-adolescence as a time suited for exploration and discovery which aids the process of self-acceptance and self-awareness. Our balanced program ensures that students develop responsibility for their academic and extracurricular work and prepares them for the college preparatory focus of our US courses. Athletics is Not Just About Sportsmanship Our interscholastic athletic program begins in the seventh grade. Each student normally participates in at least two sports over the course of the year. This is a time for our students to develop interpersonal skills, to learn cooperation and teamwork, and to maintain physical conditioning. As a coach, I enjoy the opportunity to work with students on the playing field, instructing them in skill building, emphasizing sportsmanship, and getting to know them better. I look forward to meeting you and your MS student. 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Mission Statement, Motto, Core Values, Charger Code �� 2

Course Options and After-School Activities...... 4 Course Descriptions by Grade

5th Grade...... 5

6th Grade...... 6

7th Grade...... 7

8th Grade...... 8

7th and 8th Grade Electives...... 9

Special Programs...... 10

Administration Index ...... BACK COVER

3 MIDDLE SCHOOL COURSE OPTIONS The MS curriculum combines required courses with elective offerings designed to prepare students for the Upper School. Opportunities are available for students to try a variety of subjects. The courses present a solid foundation for future curricula by presenting basic fundamentals and applications of knowledge.

REQUIRED COURSES

5th 6th 7th 8th CORE COURSES CORE COURSES English English English English Math or Pre-Algebra** Pre-Algebra or Algebra** History Math Science Science Math Science Spanish 7, French 7, Chinese 7 Spanish 8, French 8, Chinese 8 Science World Geography or Beginning Spanish* or Beginning Spanish* ADDITIONAL COURSES ADDITIONAL COURSES Sports Sports Art Art U.S. History U.S. History & Civics Chorus/Violin Chorus or Violin Computer Computer P.E. P.E. Spanish Spanish, French, and Chinese Writing * For students new to Heritage Hall with no previous world language. ** For students who have successfully completed Pre-Algebra/Algebra. Tests will be administered to determine math placement..

7th/8th ELECTIVE COURSES 7th/8th SPORTS Art Literature Fall Winter Chorus/ Musical* MathCounts Cross-Country (Co-ed) Basketball (Boys and Girls) Competitive Debate* Math Fun Fastpitch Softball Competitive Cheer (Girls) Computer Newspaper Football Wrestling Creative Writing Orchestra 1 or 2* Volleyball Debate Photography Spring Tennis (Boys and Girls) Drama Reading Baseball Track (Co-ed) Film Stagecraft (8th grade only) Soccer (Boys and Girls) Innovative Technology *Yearlong elective * 7th and 8th graders must participate in sports or physical education. AFTER-SCHOOL AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AFTER-SCHOOL STUDY HALL (all grades) The following clubs (open to 5th-8th graders unless Study Hall provides an environment where students can otherwise noted) meet if sufficient interest is successfully complete homework in a safe, supervised atmosphere. generated each semester: Parents may choose daily drop-in or unlimited use. Fees apply. • Book Club (grade 5) GERMAN CLUB AND TRIP • Chess Club German Club meets once a week after school for students • Chinese Club interested in learning the language and culture of Germany. A • Debate Club summer trip to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland is also available • Garden Club every other year, affording students a real-life German language • German Club and travel experience. Fees apply. • Hour of Code Club (Computer) • MathCounts SPIRIT SQUAD (grades 7 and 8) • Negative Numbers Club (grade 5) Girls in grades 7 and 8 who wish to cheer may join the Spirit Squad. • Spark Club Practice is held after school and members of the squad cheer at MS • Writers Club (grade 5) football games, pep assemblies, and half-time shows.

4 FIFTH GRADE CURRICULUM CORE COURSES: COMPUTER Students utilize keyboarding skills software while being introduced ENGLISH to the basic keyboarding techniques which aid accuracy and English encompasses writing, grammar, spelling, and reading skills. efficiency. This largely project-based course allows students to Selected novels, which come from History topics, allow students to create a variety of work and presentations using spreadsheets expand their knowledge and provide a basis for creative expression and documents, along with other basic computer programs. through writing, vocabulary, grammar usage, and project The Internet is used for research and media purposes, and age- development. appropriate digital citizenship concepts are introduced. This year of technological training sets a firm foundation for future courses. MATHEMATICS The fifth grade mathematics program is designed to engage CHORUS/VIOLIN students in problem solving, mathematical reasoning, pattern This class introduces students to the basic elements of music, recognition, spatial ability, and number theory within the context including theory, history, instruments, and vocal pedagogy. Students of both independent work and cooperative group activities. are also given the opportunity to perform in several school music During the year, students should master concepts of place value, programs, as well as perform for community and civic events. multiplication of whole numbers and decimals, division of natural In addition, once a week for a nine-week period, students are numbers with one and two digit divisors, measurement, and introduced to instrumental music with the violin. The School issues fraction addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Fifth a violin and an instruction book for students to use for practice. No graders also study introductory levels of probability, geometry, and students are required to perform. algebra. PHYSICAL EDUCATION HISTORY Physical Education is coeducational and emphasizes participation A great time of change in world history was the era from 1350- in group and individual activities that promote physical fitness, 1600. Fifth grade history focuses on events evolving from the coordination, strength, and endurance. The activities help foster a civilizations in the Americas to European exploration and the positive self-image and help students develop a positive attitude Renaissance. Geography, map work, the study of cultures, and the toward exercise and wellness. events from that era are combined to form a course which uses class discussion, research, and teamwork as tools for learning. WORLD LANGUAGES Students continue the study of Spanish in the fifth grade. Reading, SCIENCE storytelling, music, and other engaging activities give students The science program integrates the skills and concepts of the the opportunity to learn a foreign language in a stimulating biological, chemical, physical, and earth sciences to aid students in environment. New students are encouraged to take a Heritage Hall developing an awareness and appreciation of the world around them. summer Spanish class in order to learn basic vocabulary routinely Exploration, investigation, inquiry, examination, and experimentation used in the classroom. help foster the development of both intuitive and logical thought processes in a manner that engages the interests and curiosities of students.

ADDITIONAL COURSES: ART Fifth grade art introduces students to the basic fundamentals of two and three dimensional design. Students learn through hands- on projects drawn from art topics in the History curriculum and a variety of American artists’ work.

5 SIXTH GRADE CURRICULUM CORE COURSES: CHORUS Students learn the basic elements of music–vocally, theoretically, ENGLISH and historically–and apply this knowledge through active vocal This course emphasizes grammar, usage, mechanics, spelling, participation in class and in performance. Students also learn sight- vocabulary, and paragraph writing. Through medieval literature, singing skills and apply learned vocal pedagogy to written music. myths, and novels, essential literary terms and techniques are introduced and reviewed regularly. The development of reading PHYSICAL EDUCATION comprehension skills constitutes an important aspect of the This program is activity-oriented and coeducational. The emphasis literature program. is on physical fitness, coordination, strength, and endurance. The activities include both team and individual sports. Teamwork MATH concepts and attitudes are a part of the framework for structuring Math in the sixth grade is presented through active participation class activities. in the learning experience. Teachers emphasize basic number skills, integers, decimals, and fractions, with a focus on discovery, VIOLIN investigation, and application. Fundamental skills of problem This class continues working wih violin and also introduces other solving are stressed. orchestral string instruments to further the students’ musical education from the instrumental perspective rather than the SCIENCE (General Science) vocal. Students learn the basics of the viola, cello, and bass, while The science curriculum introduces students to the scientific method continuing their violin study. Permission to enroll must be discussed as a means of problem solving. Students develop critical-thinking with the Orchestra and Chorus teachers. Students may choose skills that may be applied to an understanding of basic life, earth, either Violin or Chorus, but not both. and physical science concepts. WORLD LANGUAGES WORLD GEOGRAPHY In the sixth grade, students rotate their language courses Students study the physical, cultural, and economic geography throughout the year. All 6th graders will have a semester of of the world today. Each of the seven continents is covered, with Spanish, a quarter of Chinese, and a quarter of French. Using TPRS the United States as a separate unit. Throughout the year, special and other Comprehensible Input (C.I.) methods, students quickly emphasis is given to the geographical influence on current world acquire vocabulary and basic grammatical structures in a fun and events. a welcoming classroom environment. All classes are conducted primarily in the target language. Students choose one of the three ADDITIONAL COURSES: languages to study in the 7th and 8th grades. ART Students continue to study the basic fundamentals of art important WRITING for the human response to our world. They are given hands-on This course develops skills in expository, analytical, and creative exposure to major art concepts utilizing the historical periods from writing. The course stresses methods to improve process, revision, Ancient Greece to the Baroque. organization, and creativity.

COMPUTER Students continue to use keyboarding software to reinforce good habits, improve speed, and maintain accuracy, while increasing focus on creating a wide variety of documents such as school reports and letters. Presentation basics are learned through a variety of creative assignments and projects. Emphasis on basic spreadsheet skills equip students to organize, format, and make calculations with mathematical data. Additional age-appropriate digital citizenship and ethics concepts are also emphasized.

6 SEVENTH GRADE CURRICULUM ENGLISH U.S. HISTORY The curriculum emphasizes grammar while also introducing This course surveys our country’s history from early exploration students to higher levels of literature and to the four basic types of through the end of World War I. Students study the social, political, paragraphs. The literature program teaches proper reading skills and economic changes of our nation. and emphasizes vocabulary. WORLD LANGUAGES MATH Students choose either Spanish, French, or Chinese. All classes This course strives to improve computation skills and number are taught primarily in the target language. There is an added sense while introducing formal reasoning through the algebraic emphasis on culture and speaking. New students who have not had concepts of expressions and equations. The curriculum parallels the equivalent language curriculum will take Beginning Spanish. the ten standards set forth by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. 7th/8th GRADE ELECTIVES (see page 9)

PRE-ALGEBRA Pre-Algebra math students refine the four operations on integers, decimals, and fractions. The course stresses practical problem solving with an emphasis on word problems. Understanding is extended through equation writing, the use of ratios, proportions, and percentages. Students develop skills necessary for solving multi-step equations. Geometry is interspersed with a solid base in such topics as geometric figures, measurements, similarities, differences, and comparisons in area and volume.

SCIENCE (Life Science) Life Science continues the development of critical thinking skills through the study of topics such as organ systems, cell structure, genetics, ecology, and the environment. The class emphasizes the scientific method, dissection protocol, and hands-on activities.

7 EIGHTH GRADE CURRICULUM ALGEBRA U.S. HISTORY & CIVICS The course begins with understanding variables and their While covering the history of the world, students focus on the properties, and refines the four operations with respect to real role of the U.S. from 1945 to the present. Students study the Cold numbers and expressions. This course also focuses on linear, War, the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and present- quadratic, exponential, and absolute-value functions. Students day issues. During the second semester, students study the discover the connection between algebraic, graphical, and real- U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the three branches of world applications of these functions. government. Oklahoma history is also examined looking at the physical geography of our region, early exploration, removal of the ENGLISH Five Civilized Tribes, creation of the Oklahoma Territory, and the Students read literature from many genres and practice a wide admission of Oklahoma as a state. range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. Students review grammar and apply knowledge WORLD LANGUAGES of language structure and conventions as they write, both critically Students continue the language they chose in the seventh grade and creatively. (Spanish, French, or Chinese). All languages build on reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills acquired from previous years. PRE-ALGEBRA Successful completion of MS world language study prepares While refining the four operations on integers, decimals, and students for the second level of study in the Upper School. New fractions, students learn practical problem solving with an emphasis students who have not had the equivalent language curriculum will on word problems. Understanding is extended through equation take Beginning Spanish. writing, the use of ratios, proportions, and percentages. Students develop skills necessary for solving multi-step equations. Geometry 7th/8th GRADE ELECTIVES (see page 9) is interspersed with a solid base in geometric figures, measurement, similarities, differences, and comparisons in area and volume.

SCIENCE (Physical Science) Topics such as chemistry, matter, energy, motion, and forces help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving techniques. Using an investigative approach, the course focuses on teaching core skills employed by scientists. Wellness units such as substance abuse, human sexuality, and impaired driving are also included.

8 SEVENTH AND EIGHTH GRADE ELECTIVES ART MATHCOUNTS This studio class focuses on ceramics, painting, print making, and This course complements the competitive MS after-school program. 3-D sculptures. Students learn new tips and tricks to challenging problems while working in teams in a competitive but fun environment. Students CHORUS/MUSICAL who enroll in the first semester are encouraged, but not required, to Students prepare music for and are encouraged to audition for the compete in the official MathCounts competitions. COCDA and OCDA choruses and OSSAA choir contests, perform in the fall and spring Revues, and also produce the MS musical. They MATH FUN learn sight-singing skills and apply learned vocal pedagogy. This elective strengthens basic math skills at the seventh and eighth grade math levels. Concepts will be learned through games, media, COMPUTER technology, exploration and experimentation, competition, and This elective covers Internet research, digital citizenship, and Scratch cross-age teaching. This class is recommended for students wishing programming. In addition, students create documents, spreadsheets, to obtain a better understanding of mathematics. and presentations via Google Docs, and learn proper use of Heritage Hall student email. Keyboarding continues to be emphasized. NEWSPAPER Students in Newspaper conduct interviews, research story ideas, COMPETITIVE DEBATE develop writing skills, and produce the school newspaper. Students This yearlong elective prepares students to debate at tournaments. use Google Docs to design, layout, and print the newspaper. Enrolled students are members of the Middle School Debate Team, practice debating in class, prepare for tournaments, and have the ORCHESTRA 1 (beginning students)/ORCHESTRA 2 opportunity to attend tournaments in Oklahoma and, potentially, to This class introduces students to the challenges and the joys of attend the Middle School National Debate Championships. learning to play and perform on a musical instrument in a group setting. The course focuses on learning proper technique, as well CREATIVE WRITING as reading music, developing good practice habits, understanding Students learn about writing in several genres: poetry, satire, short group etiquette, and performing. Students will perform at one of stories, and stage and screenplays. Students develop the skills of the several Heritage Hall Performing Arts programs. In most cases, writing narratives and using descriptive language in their work. Also students need to either rent or purchase an instrument and must emphasized is proofreading by identifying and correcting run-ons, practice at home. No previous experience is necessary for most comma splices, and fragments. instruments. Woodwind and Brass students must be currently taking DEBATE private lessons and already have basic playing technique. The class includes activities that foster the development of effective PHOTOGRAPHY arguments, incorporates videos and class debates, and give Students learn the basics of digital photography including the students the opportunity to compete in local debate tournaments. proper handling of the camera, the use of different camera DRAMA functions, taking quality pictures, learning perspective, editing, and creating computer-generated prints. Each student must provide This class explores drama, pantomime, improvisation, and script his/her own camera. (Mobile phones are allowed as a camera.) work, and culminates in skits performed in front of an audience.

FILM READING By focusing on different film genres using clips and full-length This class focuses on developing reading speed, comprehension, films, and by learning vocabulary for analysis, writing, and critiques, and vocabulary. Growth in reading speed moves the word-by- students acquire competence in film analysis. word reader to greater levels of comprehension. To develop keener comprehension skills, students will identify main ideas and INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY supporting details, analyze characters, and draw inferences and This one-semester class utilizes the hands-on Spark Innovation Lab conclusions. Vocabulary development includes knowledge of roots, for guided, yet student-directed, project-based learning. Students prefixes, suffixes, and their derivatives, and analogy practice. employ innovative technology in STEM-related projects (robotics, engineering, design, programming, etc.) with options to pursue STAGECRAFT (8th grade only) their own interests in greater depth. This one-semester class introduces students to the different aspects of technical theatre. The class covers a brief history of theatre, LITERATURE backstage safety, scenic drawing (2-D and computer 3-D), sound This survey of modern literature for young adults – short stories, systems, and basic lighting concepts. The semester culminates with novels, and poems – guides students on how to analyze and to students being on running crew for the MS Drama program. enjoy reading. Explored are important components of literature and how they influence short stories, novels, and poems. 9 SPECIAL PROGRAMS

ADVISORY MUSIC PROGRAMS (grades 5-6) MS students are assigned to an advisory class which is comprised of Each year, 5th and 6th grade students present a concert or music students in their grade. Advisory classes meet daily during break to program to showcase the skills reinforced each day in music class. share school news, participate in community service projects, and These skills include proper vocal technique, musicianship, harmonic to compete in advisory challenges in areas including sports and singing, and performance etiquette. academics. CIRCLE THE STATE WITH SONG (grades 5-6) EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES (ESS) MS students have the opportunity to audition for Circle the State This program serves students with diagnosed learning differences with Song (CtSwS), a regional honor choir. CtSwS is a one-day in grades 5-8. The curriculum is designed to duplicate regular festival for talented and motivated fourth through eighth graders classroom offerings through presentations suitable for students with unchanged voices. These students learn and perform with learning differences. Class size is smaller, and the pace is challenging choral literature and work with an outstanding individualized. Students receive instruction in study skills and clinician. organizational techniques. The goal of ESS is to provide students with the tools needed to become independent learners. Students All-OMEA Children’s Chorus, COCDA Honor Choir , and OCDA Jr. High All-State Chorus attend regular classes in addition to their classes in ESS. Students from within the MS chorus classes have the opportunity MS OLYMPICS to audition for a variety of honor groups. Each event takes place This two-day event in May combines the efforts of the entire off campus and is composed of outstanding students from around faculty, staff, and middle school student body to provide an the state. These elite honor groups provide enrichment for serious exciting athletic experience promoting teamwork and camaraderie. music students and help to hone individual musicianship. Students from all four grades are divided into balanced skill-leveled GEOGRAPHY BEE countries coached by one or two faculty sponsors. The top three Each year, Heritage Hall participates in the National Geographic Bee fifth and sixth grade participants in each event receive ribbons and using National Geographic Society materials. To qualify, students in seventh and eighth graders receive medals. grades 5-8 participate in preliminary rounds through social studies CAMP GODDARD (grade 5) classes. Winners advance to the state competition. This is a week-long outdoor environmental education program SPELLING BEE at the Goddard Youth Camp, located at the Lake of the Arbuckles To qualify, students in grades 5-8 participate in preliminary adjoining the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. This location is rounds through English classes. Both the champion and the known for its unique geology which provides a natural plant and runner-up advance to the regional competition sponsored by the animal fossil museum depicting the Earth’s past. The program is Daily Oklahoman newspaper. The alternate is also provided the designed to develop a better understanding of the environmental preparation booklet and is included in all communication, photos, process and an awareness of and appreciation for man’s and more. Winners of the Regional Bee advance to the State Bee. interdependence with his environment. WORDMASTERS (grades 6-8) SCIENCE TRIP (grade 6) The WordMasters Challenge provides an exercise in critical thinking The sixth grade science trip occurs during the summer and reinforces that encourages students to learn 75 new words considerably topics covered during the year. This is traditionally a 5-day, 4-night trip to harder than grade level. In a national competition three times Disney World, NASA, and Sea World in Florida. a year, his program challenges students to use those words to WASHINGTON, D.C. TRIP (grade 8) complete various kinds of analogies. WordMasters is well-suited for Explore the epitome of American government and experience able and interested students who rise to the challenge of the logical democracy in action! Students have the opportunity to deepen word puzzles posed by the analogies. The process of the word study their understanding of American history, culture, government, allows all students to enrich their vocabulary. and politics. Highlights include: Arlington National Cemetery, the Holocaust Memorial Museum, the National Archives, Ford’s Theater, Mount Vernon, the Iwo Jima Monument, the Smithsonian, the Capitol, the White House, the Washington Monument, and the WWII, Korean War, Vietnam Veterans, Jefferson, F.D.R., and Lincoln Memorials. This powerful learning experience encourages students to celebrate the past and to prepare for the future.

10 11 MIDDLE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

Ron Allie Craig Brown Head of Middle School MS Dean of Students [email protected] [email protected] 405.936.3135 405.936.3172 Trisha Goga Sue Harris MS Counselor MS Administrative Assistant [email protected] [email protected] 405.749.3022 405.749.3020 Jimmika Wolf MS Administrative Assistant & Registrar [email protected] 405.936.3132