Introduction to Middle School

The Elisabeth Morrow middle school combines the best aspects of a small school – personal attention, knowledge of each student and individual support with the ideal qualities of a big school – a broad, accessible program that inspires and challenges students. 

Middle school forms the bridge between elementary school and high school.   The Elisabeth Morrow middle school program begins with an elementary model in fifth grade with students studying language arts and social studies with a homeroom teacher. As students grow in maturity and independence, the program becomes departmentalized with many electives. Both rigorous and supportive, the middle school program challenges students to do their best in academics, creative arts and athletics. Opportunities for electives increase as students progress from grade five to grade eight. The program provides options for students to feel a sense of belonging–including sports teams, musical groups, advisory groups and clubs. 

Character development embodied in the 4 C’s (courtesy, cooperation, consideration of others and compassion) and community service is integral to the middle school program.  Students are guided as they develop effective work habits and learning strategies. Through the advisory program and individually, the faculty works closely with students to help them become self-advocates and increase self-awareness.  As well, The Elisabeth Morrow School realizes that early adolescence is a challenging time in life. A commitment to meeting the individual needs of students while providing a safe environment for social development is a hallmark of our middle school.

Graduates of The Elisabeth Morrow School attend a wide variety of secondary schools including independent day and boarding schools, the Bergen Academies and other public high schools, and parochial schools. Graduates have proven to be well prepared for rigorous secondary school programs. Please click here for more information on high school placement.

Advisory Program

Advisory forms the heart of the Middle School program.  In a middle school environment, where students assume increasing personal responsibility and independence, it is important to have adult advocates at school looking after students’ best interests.   Students are introduced to advisory in homeroom groups in fifth grade. Beginning in sixth grade, advisory groups are composed of about eight students.  Advisors are teacher/leaders who meet with advisees briefly every day and know them particularly well.  In addition, there are two longer periods during the week when they work on areas such as organization, self-advocacy, team building, character education, peer relations, and community service.

Advisors maintain consistent contact with parents to collaborate with them as partners.  Advisors hold parent conferences and manage the progress report process, including writing a cover letter summarizing students’ strengths and challenges as well as observations regarding social interactions. In grades seven and eight, students lead the advisor-parent conference.  Additionally, eighth grade advisors assist students in managing the secondary school application process.

Students spend the bulk of the day with their homeroom teacher where they focus on language arts and social studies. They travel as a class to science, art, music, physical education, computer and library. Math groups with an average size of about 10 are comprised of students from each fifth grade class. Students may continue to study Spanish or begin to study French. In some cases the school may recommend that English Skills emphasizing reading comprehension, writing and vocabulary development be studied in lieu of a modern language. Optional after-school sports are available in an intramural program.

Language Arts

Students read and evaluate a variety of genres that includes fiction (primarily historical fiction), non-fiction, newspaper articles, historical documents, biographies, textbooks, poetry, diaries and journals. They develop skills in differentiating between fact and opinion and inferring meaning. Students explore figurative language, point of view, tone and mood as they gain an understanding of an author’s intent. Fifth graders use an array of genres to write about many subjects. They strengthen the structural cohesiveness of their writing through the development of topic and supporting sentences, and concluding statements. Grammar, spelling and vocabulary are integral components of the writing program. Research skills are extended as students use the library, internet and primary sources to create written reports, oral presentations and multi-media projects.

Library

Research is an important component of the social studies curriculum. The library curriculum addresses a broad spectrum of information literacy skills.  Students are instructed in research skills in both print and electronic databases. Students in grades five through eight use the Modern Language Association (MLA) format for works cited.  Relevant aspects of copyright and fair use are discussed and reviewed in library and homeroom classes. Students are encouraged to take out books to read on their own. The library has an extensive collection including fiction and curriculum based non-fiction.

Social Studies 

The fifth grade social studies curriculum is composed of four units–the Hudson River, the American Revolution, the United States Government, and Westward Expansion.  Throughout these units, fifth graders are asked to focus on the essential question: “How do the choices people make change the way they live?”  Research is an integral part of each unit and students are guided through the research process as they are exposed to a variety of resources. Geography and current events are included as part of the overall curriculum. 

Mathematics

Fifth graders review basic mathematical facts, skills and operations with whole numbers and decimals. Two and three digit multiplication and division with two and three digit divisors are introduced and reinforced. Students study geometry, measurement, and operations with fractions, mixed numbers, decimals and percents. They evaluate algebraic expressions and begin solving equations. Problem solving activities are emphasized.

World Language

In fifth grade, students have the option of continuing the study of Spanish or beginning the study of French. In some cases the School may recommend that Language Skills in reading comprehension, writing and vocabulary development be studied in lieu of a second language.

French is an introductory course and focuses on selected cultural aspects of the French culture.  Students learn basic vocabulary and language structures to build the foundation of the language.  Speaking and listening are emphasized, along with the development of elementary writing skills. 

Spanish continues to build on the skills acquired in earlier grades.  Students review and expand vocabulary and key grammatical concepts.  Through cultural readings related to the topics presented, students explore the diversity and differences of major Spanish-speaking countries.

The Language Skills class is a program of study which fosters independent learning by providing an extensive writing skills curriculum linked to content area subjects and expectations. Students are also provided with direct instruction necessary for academic success in organizational and study skills, reading comprehension strategies, and note-taking. Vocabulary and literary analysis are also highlighted throughout the course of study. Teacher recommendation is necessary.

Science 

Fifth graders study the life and work of Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution. They explore living organisms and the food chain of the Hudson River by viewing microscopic life and collllecting and observing river animals. They study evolution of the vertebrate animals: sharks, amphibians and reptiles. Through class discussion, videos, the internet, books, dissection of preserved sharks, individual and group research about each kind of animal, the students learn about the evolution, anatomy, physiology, habitat, niche and the value of theses animals to their ecosystem. Students create projects which may include books, posters, iMovies, board games, puppet shows and PowerPoint presentations.

Music

Music literacy is an important goal in general music.  Music skills are studied through the lens of the humanities curriculum.  Students study note reading in both treble and bass clefs. The singing and identifying of intervals and the study of scales are introduced. Performing, improvising and composing skills are explored through a variety of exercises and units. The historical study of music and composers is used to encourage listening and analyzing skills. Students also perform in the fifth grade chorus.

Students can elect to perform in instrumental groups based on interest and ability. Groups include the Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble and Concert Band.  More advanced groups are offered as students’ abilities increase. Students in grade five may take private music lessons after school or in lieu of one general art or music class or one physical education class.

Art

Art classes at all grade levels are aimed at developing life skills as well as the ability to create a finished product. Eye/hand coordination, visual perception, small motor coordination, creative thinking, problem solving and time management skills are used in every project. Basic art skills, such as the use of color, design, balance, line and shape are also incorporated. Whenever possible, projects are integrated with subject areas studied during the school year. Fifth grade projects include abstract design, scrimshaw, silhouette, masks and quilling.

Physical Education

Students work to enhance their physical, social, and cognitive skills.  Students compete individually and with partners in large and small groups to practice basic sports skills and develop advanced skills and strategies.  Manipulative skills of throwing, catching, kicking, dribbling, shooting, striking, and passing are practiced during the soccer, football, lacrosse, and hockey units.  Throwing, catching, fielding, bumping, serving, passing, dribbling, and shooting skills are practiced using softballs, volleyballs, and basketballs.  Advanced skills of lead passing, moving to open spaces, catching passes on the run, and defensive strategies are implemented in drills and lead-up games. Track and field skills are developed in preparation for Field Day.  Students may participate in an intramural sports program after school.

English as Second Language

This program provides English language instruction to non-native speakers of English to enhance student speaking, reading, listening comprehension and writing.  Students enter the E.S.L. program at different levels by recommendation from the Admissions Committee or classroom teachers. Instruction is individualized according to student ability.

Student Council

Student Council is a middle school program that meets weekly to plan events, discuss issues and give students a voice.  Students elect representatives in their class or advisory each semester

Study Hall

Fifth graders have three weekly study hall periods.  Study halls provide an opportunity for students to have guidance from their teacher as they work on homework assignments or study. It is also an opportunity for students to get extra help or clarification from teachers.

The program is departmentalized in sixth grade. Advisory groups are formed with about eight students in each group. ;Students travel to history, English, science, art and music in learning groups comprised of students from each advisory. Math and language follow the same model as fifth grade. Sixth graders have the option of joining interscholastic sports teams in addition to PE.

English

Sixth graders expand comprehension and vocabulary skills as they read a variety of literary genres, including myths and legends, novels, poetry, plays, primary sources, non-fiction and newspaper articles. Inferential comprehension skills are expanded. Students apply their knowledge and experience to differentiate between fact and opinion, reality and fantasy. They also learn to describe relationships, identify character motivation, problems and solutions, determine cause and effect, recognize points of view and interpret author’s intent. Grammar, spelling and vocabulary are integral components of the English program.

Students focus on writing solid paragraphs as it relates to composing standard essays. Students begin to form and support thesis statements and strengthen writing skills. Figurative language such as idioms, metaphors, personification and poetic devices such as alliteration are explored Writing forms include plays, essays, myths, personal narratives, responses to literature and expository writing.

Library

Research is an important component of the history curriculum. The library curriculum addresses a broad spectrum of information literacy skills. Students are instructed in research skills in both print and electronic databases.Students in grades five through eight use the Modern Language Association (MLA) format for works cited. Relevant aspects of copyright and fair use are discussed and reviewed in library and homeroom classes. Students are encouraged to take out books to read on their own. The library has an extensive collection including fiction and curriculum based non-fiction.

History

Students study the history, culture and mythology of ancient Greece and Rome, as well as Medieval Europe. Students recognize political concepts, understand causality, expand geographical awareness and develop research techniques. Research skills are refined as students focus on utilizing multiple sources, taking notes, paraphrasing, analyzing and synthesizing information. At this level, our students become more independent in managing the scope of a project. Current events are a continued focus.

Mathematics

Topics from fifth grade are explored in greater depth, and the concepts of ratio and proportion are introduced. Advanced concepts are developed in number theory including order of operations, factors, multiples, divisibility, exponents, prime numbers and algebraic expressions. Multiplication and division with decimals and fractions are studied. Operations with integers are introduced. Problem solving strategies are developed and practiced.

World Language

The sixth grade French and Spanish programs build skills by expanding conversational patterns and key grammatical structures. By the end of this grade level, students demonstrate facility with language in a variety of topics. Readings and projects provide the scenario for cultural enrichment.

In some cases, the School may recommend that Language Skills be studied rather than a modern language. Language Skills placement is offered to students in grades three through eight and is evaluated annually.

Science

Sixth grade science focuses on the earth and its processes. Geology, plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes are studied, as well as weather, climate change and astronomy. Students often work on inquiry-based activities in cooperative groups during class. Individual and group projects may include creating PowerPoint presentations, iMovies and models, as well as other formats. Demonstrations, labs and hands-on activities are used to help students deepen their understanding of the material.

Musical Theater

Sixth graders are introduced to musical theatre in this elective class. Students collaborate with each another, build on their creativity and imaginations, and apply decision-making skills.

Music

Sixth-grade students study music skills through the lens of their humanities curriculum. Students learn music literacy skills such as note reading, dictation and ear training. Students compose and perform music to accompany the Greek tragedies that they read in class and medieval cantus firmi which they then write in medieval notation. Sixth graders also perform in the sixth grade chorus.

Students can elect to perform in instrumental groups based on interest and ability. Groups include the Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble and Concert Band.; More advanced groups are offered as students’ abilities increase. Students in grade six may take private music lessons after school or in lieu of one general art or music class or one physical education class.

Art

Art classes at all grade levels are aimed at developing life skills as well as the ability to create a finished product. Eye/hand coordination, visual perception, small motor coordination, creative thinking, problem solving and time management skills are used in every project. Basic art skills, such as the use of color, design, balance, line and shape are also incorporated. Whenever possible, projects are integrated with subject areas studied during the school year. Students work on projects including a collage, a mosaic, medieval banners and miniature stained glass windows.

Physical Education

Students work to improve their physical, social, cognitive, and fitness skills in various sports units: football, hockey, soccer, volleyball, track and field, basketball, baseball and lacrosse. The students test their manipulative abilities individually, with partners, and in groups during drills and lead-up games. Teachers stress the importance of working as a cohesive unit and the value of good sportsmanship. Sixth graders are encouraged to learn rules, strategies, concepts, and team principles to enhance future athletic endeavors. Students also have the option of playing an interscholastic sport.

English as Second Language

This program provides English language instruction to non-native speakers of English to enhance student speaking, reading, listening comprehension and writing. Students enter the E.S.L. program at different levels by recommendation from the Admissions Committee or classroom teachers. Instruction is individualized.

Study Hall

Study halls provide an opportunity for students to get extra help or clarification from teachers, to study and to work on homework assignments. Study hall periods are on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 2:15 – 3 :00 P.M. Except for students participating in interscholastic sports, sixth graders have study hall on Tuesday and Thursday.  During the fall term, those participating in the sixth grade play will practice on Wednesday. Students choosing to be in the play may not participate in sports during the fall season.

Student Council

Student Council is a middle school program that meets weekly to plan events, discuss issues and give students a voice.  Students elect representatives in their class or advisory each semester. 

Students in seventh grade at The Elisabeth Morrow School study a rich, challenging academic curriculum that is enhanced by experiences in visual and performing arts and sports. In addition to their class responsibilities, students are members of advisory groups and belong to clubs that meet during the school day such as culinary skills, ceramics, writing workshop and digital media. Students in take five or six academic classes: English, history, math, science and language (some students take two languages). Students also take classes in creative arts and athletics. Students meet in advisory groups, join clubs and go on an extended overnight Adventure Week field trip.

English

Seventh graders are introduced to literary genres in a variety of forms, including novels, short stories, poetry and plays. They focus on the elements of fiction: the simple literary attributes of plot, characters, setting, irony, symbolism and theme,Students explore creative and expository writing.Our students are encouraged to respond creatively to the literature, including writing poetry and short stories, creating book covers, and producing “radio spots” to “market” novels. Students learn thesis development, introductory paragraphs, using quotations and structuring the literary essay.Students analyze the elements of grammar through sentence diagramming and study vocabulary from Greek/Latin roots.

Library

Research is an important component of the history curriculum. The library curriculum addresses a broad spectrum of information literacy skills. Students are instructed in research skills in both print and electronic databases.Students in grades five through eight use the Modern Language Association (MLA) format for works cited. Relevant aspects of copyright and fair use are discussed and reviewed in library and homeroom classes. Students are encouraged to take out books to read on their own. The library has an extensive collection including fiction and curriculum based non-fiction.

History

Students study Asia and the geography, history, culture, government and economics of its regions. The cradle of many great ancient civilizations, students study these cultures and how they have affected modern Asia and the world. They study the impact of geography on culture and history, along with the main characteristics of government and economics.

Current events are a significant part of the curriculum. Students are encouraged to research and discuss newspapers articles that they may find interesting or relevant to the subjects they are studying at school.

Mathematics

Our most advanced students spend the first part of seventh grade in “Advanced Introduction to Algebraic Problem Solving,” learning to master elementary algebraic concepts. Later in seventh grade, they transition to a rigorous “Algebra I” curriculum which culminates in a thorough study of quadratics, polynomials and rational equations in eighth grade. Other students complete “Pre-algebra” or “Introduction to Pre-algebra” in their seventh grade year. In eighth grade, these students either complete a rigorous “Algebra I” course through quadratics or a more basic “Introduction to Algebra I,” emphasizing and reinforcing core algebraic concepts.

Science

Seventh grade science focuses on chemistry and physics. Students begin the year learning lab safety, metric measurement, and the proper use of standard lab equipment such as balances and glassware.In chemistry, some of the topics studied include the properties of matter, the periodic table, and chemical reactions. Physics units include motion, energy, and the electromagnetic spectrum. As much as possible, topics are related to how science is involved in students’ everyday lives. While doing inquiry-based labs, students are challenged to come to their own conclusions about their observations and results. Individual and group projects may include PowerPoint presentations and iMovies, among other formats. Demonstrations, labs and hands-on activities are used to help students deepen their understanding of the concepts.

World Language

All students in grades seven and eight are required to study a language: French, Spanish or Latin. Some students may elect to study two languages (French or Spanish and Latin).Those that have not studied a language prior to seventh grade may take beginning French or Spanish (offered in alternate years).

Modern Language: French and Spanish

The seventh grade French and Spanish programs target oral proficiency and continue to expand vocabulary and grammatical structures in reading and writing.Students further explore major cultural aspects of the Hispanic and French cultures. Language Lab is introduced in this grade level, featuring the audio, video and interactive conversation components of the programs.

French students complete high school level one by the end of eighth grade. Spanish students complete the essentials of high school level two by the end of eighth grade (since they began the study of the language in the elementary grades).

Classical Language: Latin

Latin is offered at two levels in seventh and eighth grade: “Introduction to Latin” and “Latin I.” Students in “Introduction to Latin” learn the grammatical structures and vocabulary that allows them to build translation skills. “Latin I” moves at an accelerated pace. “Latin I” students expand upon their translation skills as they begin to read and comprehend the more complex passages of classical literature. All Latin classes incorporate aspects of Roman culture, literature and history. Students in Latin I will complete the first-year high school course by the end of eighth grade.

The Creative Arts

Visual Arts, Drama, Technology

Seventh graders are required to take a trimester each of visual art, drama and technology

Art : Students learn to draw using one-, two-, and three-point perspective.They draw a three-dimensional landscape using their choice of perspective and complete the project using water color paints.

Drama: Using creative dramatics, improvisations, role-playing, and theater games, students build self-confidence and self-expression in a basic introduction to theater. Emphasis is placed on team building and learning how to communicate and express oneself.

Technology: Students identify, explore and report on issues relevant to their use of technology today such as on-line safety, protecting identitiy, ethics and conduct.

Performing Arts

Music

Chorus and Orchestra

Students in grades seven and eight have the option of taking “Chorus”, “Orchestra” or both. Students who do not select these courses may take another elective class such as History of Jazz, Painting or Introduction to Animation.

Students may elect to perform in instrumental groups based on interest and ability. Groups include the Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble and Concert Band. More advanced groups may be offered as students’ abilities increase. Students may also schedule private music lessons before or after school. Lessons may be scheduled during lunch or study hall during the school day.

Musical Theater

In grades seven and eight, students may elect to take a production class during clubs. Students work towards putting on a full length production.

Physical Education/Athletics

Interscholastic sports is a major component of the physical education program. Sports are participatory in nature yet competitive, with no cuts and a policy that every player who dresses for a game plays in the game. Teams play a schedule of approximately 6-10 games per season against public and independent middle schools. While on teams, athletes build their skills, learn rules and strategies, and develop new techniques that are tested during practices and games. Above all, coaches stress team commitment and fair play. Every student in seventh and eighth grade participates on an athletic team in the fall. In winter and spring, students may take a physical education class in lieu of a team sport.

English as Second Language

This program provides English language instruction to non-native speakers, assisting them in the areas of speaking, reading, listening comprehension and writing. Students enter the E.S.L. Program at different levels through a recommendation from either the Admissions Committee or their teacher(s). Instruction is individualized according to the student’s ability.

Clubs

Students in grades seven and eight participate in semester-long clubs. The clubs meet weekly during the school day. Clubs are supervised by faculty members and can be initiated by students or faculty members. Current club options include writing, cooking, ceramics, jewelry making, yearbook, nature photography and musical theater.

Student Council

Student Council is a middle school program that meets weekly to plan events, discuss issues and give students a voice. Students elect representatives in their class or advisory. Students in grade seven serve a year long term.

Study Hall

Seventh graders have two study hall periods within each six day schedule. Study halls provide an opportunity for students to get extra help or clarification from teachers, to study and to work on homework assignments. The Academic Center is available to all seventh and eighth grade students during study hall periods. The Academic Center affords students another opportunity to get extra support in all subject areas, from long term projects to vocabulary review. The choice of going to Academic Center is up to each student. This sense of autonomy is important in middle school.

Students in eighth grade have a program similar in many ways to that of seventh grade. They study a rich, challenging academic curriculum that is enhanced by experiences in visual and performing arts and sports. Students take five or six academic classes: English, history, math, science and language (some students take two languages). Students also take classes in creative arts, athletics and Decisions (a class that helps students navigate the secondary school admissions process). In addition to class responsibilities, s tudents meet in advisory groups, join clubs ( culinary skills, ceramics, writing workshop, drama, digital media, etc)  and go on two extended overnight trips: a camping trip during Adventure Week in the fall and a trip to Washington, DC in the spring.

English

The eighth grade study of literature is intricately linked with the American history curriculum. Students read and evaluate a variety of literary genres including novels, short stories, poetry and plays. They focus on the elements of fiction, including plot, characterization, setting, atmosphere, point of view, irony, symbolism and theme. Writing instruction continues to develop students’ abilities to write the literary essay with additional work on personal narrative and poetry. In addition, students have formal grammar instruction. They analyze the elements of grammar through sentence diagramming and study vocabulary from Greek/Latin roots.

Library

Research is an important component of the history curriculum. The library curriculum addresses a broad spectrum of information literacy skills.  Students are instructed in research skills in both print and electronic databases. Students in grades five through eight use the Modern Language Association (MLA) format for works cited.  Relevant aspects of copyright and fair use are discussed and reviewed in library and homeroom classes. Students are encouraged to take out books to read on their own. The library has an extensive collection including fiction and curriculum based non-fiction.

History

Students study American history, including the U.S. Constitution, expansion and reform, the Civil War and reconstruction, the making of modern America, and the World Wars. The curriculum seeks to develop in students a chronological sense of events in American history, help them grasp the complexity of historical causation and understand the significance of the past as it relates to them and to our society. Students study the importance of individuals who have made a difference in history and learn to apply the historical method (research/analysis/synthesis). 

Current events are a significant part of the curriculum.  Students are encouraged to research and discuss newspapers articles that they may find interesting or relevant to the subjects they are studying at school.

Mathematics

Students study algebra at various levels from introductory to advanced. Advanced students continue to study a rich “Algebra I” curriculum which culminates in a thorough study of quadratics, polynomials and rational equations. Other students will complete either a rigorous “Algebra I” course through quadratics or a more basic “Introduction to Algebra I,” emphasizing and reinforcing core algebraic concepts.

Science

Eighth grade science focuses on cell biology. Students study scientific theories about how life on earth began from organic compounds and how these same organic compounds make up the molecules of living cells. Students learn how to use and care for compound microscopes and view living cells and their organelles, particularly the nucleus in animal cells, and nuclei and chloroplasts in plant cells. They study the chemistry of the cell: the atoms that make up the cell’s macromolecules, its proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). The structure of atoms, subatomic particles and the special properties of water are examined. Students study mitosis, cellular reproduction and the cell cycle. The biology and chemistry of the cell are studied through lessons, discussions, videos, a textbook and journal articles. Students use manipulatives to build atomic models, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, RNA and DNA molecules and protein synthesis. Students create projects on the cell, atoms and molecular molecules.

World Language

Students in grade eight continue to study the languages they elected in grade seven: French, Spanish or Latin.  Some students may continue to study two languages (French or Spanish and Latin).

Modern Language: French and Spanish

The eighth grade French and Spanish programs target oral proficiency and continue to expand vocabulary and grammatical structures in reading and writing. Students further explore major cultural aspects of the Hispanic and French cultures.  Language Lab is continued, featuring the audio, video and interactive conversation components of the programs.

French students complete high school level one by the end of eighth grade. Spanish students complete the essentials of high school level two by the end of eighth grade (since they began the study of the language in the elementary grades).

Classical Language: Latin

Latin continues to be offered at two levels in eighth grade: “Introduction to Latin” and “Latin I.”  Students in “Introduction to Latin” learn the grammatical structures and vocabulary that allows them to build translation skills.  “Latin I” moves at an accelerated pace.  “Latin I" students expand upon their translation skills as they begin to read and comprehend the more complex passages of classical literature.  All Latin classes incorporate aspects of Roman culture, literature and history.  Students in Latin I will complete the first-year high school course by the end of eighth grade.

The Creative Arts

Visual Arts, Drama, Technology

Eighth graders are required to take two semesters of creative arts. Each semester, they may choose ceramics, drama, sculpture or technology

Ceramics : Students explore clay as a material and experiment with clay as a means of personal expression in three dimensions. They work with the potters wheel and in free form. 

Drama: Using creative dramatics, improvisations, role-playing, and theater games, students build self-confidence and self-expression in a basic introduction to theater.  Emphasis is placed on team building and learning how to communicate and express oneself.   

Sculpture: Students create free standing sculpture using paper mache. They paint their pieces in folk-art style using a mix of patterns and color with acrylic paints.

Technology:  Students use interactive social media in a mentored environment where they can learn and practice safe, appropriate and civil online behavior. In addition, students work individually and collaboratively in a virtual 3D environment. They develop personal projects, explore commerce, and collaborate on designing community spaces. They also create machinima clips (videos in a 3D virtual environment).

Music

Chorus and Orchestra: Students in grades seven and eight have the option of taking “Chorus”, “Orchestra” or both.  Students who do not select these courses may take another elective class such as History of Jazz, Painting or Introduction to Animation.

Students may elect to perform in instrumental groups based on interest and ability.  Groups include the Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble and Concert Band.  More advanced groups may be offered as students’ abilities increase. Students may also schedule private music lessons before or after school. Lessons may be scheduled during lunch or study hall during the school day.  

Musical Theater

In grades seven and eight, students may elect to take a production class during clubs. Students work towards putting on a full length production.

Decisions

Every student in grade eight takes Decisions class once a week. The class focuses on working with students through all aspects of the secondary school application process. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, test-taking strategies, interviewing skills, essay writing skills, what to look for in a school, what to look for when you visit, and managing the process.

Physical Education/Athletics

Interscholastic sports is a major component of the physical education program.  Sports are participatory in nature yet competitive, with no cuts and a policy that every player who dresses for a game plays in the game.  Teams play a schedule of approximately 6-10 games per season against public and independent middle schools.  While on teams, athletes build their skills, learn rules and strategies, and develop new techniques that are tested during practices and games.  Above all, coaches stress team commitment and fair play. Every student in seventh and eighth grade participates on an athletic team in the fall. In winter and spring, students may take a physical education class in lieu of a team sport.

English as Second Language

This program provides English language instruction to non-native speakers, assisting them in the areas of speaking, reading, listening comprehension and writing.  Students enter the E.S.L. Program at different levels through a recommendation from either the Admissions Committee or their teacher(s). Instruction is individualized according to the student’s ability.

Clubs

Students in grades seven and eight participate in semester-long clubs.  The clubs meet weekly during the school day.  Clubs are supervised by faculty members and can be initiated by students or faculty members.  Current club options include writing, cooking, ceramics, jewelry making, yearbook, nature photography and musical theater.

Student Council

Student Council is a middle school program that meets weekly to plan events, discuss issues and give students a voice. The Student Council president and three at-large officers are elected by the middle school student body.

Study Hall

Eighth graders have two study hall periods within each six day schedule. Study halls provide an opportunity for students to get extra help or clarification from teachers, to study and to work on homework assignments. The Academic center is available to all seventh and eighth grade students during study hall periods. The Academic Center affords students another opportunity to get extra support in all subject areas, from long term projects to vocabulary review. The choice of going to Academic Center is up to each student. This sense of autonomy is important in middle school.