Windsor Middle School
2015-2016
Individual Planning Guide
Course Descriptions
WINDSOR MIDDLE SCHOOL
6208 Highway 61-67
Imperial, MO 63052
636-464-4417
______
PRINCIPAL: Mr. Karl Shininger
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: Mr. Greg Westermayer
______
COUNSELORS:
Mr. Kelly Stoecklein
Mrs. Denise Ballew
GUIDANCE SECRETARY/REGISTRAR: Mrs. Laura Hearst ______
Introduction
The administration, counselors and teaching staff prepared this Course Description Guide. Its purpose is to provide assistance to students, parents and counselors as they help students plan their courses for the next school year and beyond. Students need to take into consideration their interests, abilities and talents when choosing their electives.
Along with the “regular” classes offered by Windsor Middle School, there are also courses offered for individual students diagnosed with special needs. These classes are co-taught by a regular education teacher and a special education teacher. These “co-taught” classes are available in all three grades in the areas of English Language Arts and Math. There are also self-contained core classes for those that qualify, as well as special services (such asEnglish Language Learners andSpeech/Language Therapy) for those who qualify.
In addition, summer school is also offered to allow students the opportunity to catch-up on the concepts and skills that they may have missed during the regular school year.
CORE & REQUIRED COURSE OFFERINGS
AT WINDSOR MIDDLE SCHOOL
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS (ELA)
English Language Arts 6
English Language Arts 7
English Language Arts 8
Remedial Reading 6
Remedial Reading 7
Remedial Reading 8
MATHEMATICS
6th Grade Course 1
7th Grade Course 2
7th Grade Course 3
8th Grade Course 3
8th Grade Algebra (8th grade Algebra is accepted as a high school credit if the student earned a passing grade. This Algebra 1 grade will appear on each student’s high school transcripts.)
SCIENCE
Earth Science-6th Grade
Physical Science-7th Grade
Life Science-8th Grade
SOCIAL STUDIES
World History-6th Grade
Geography-7th Grade
American History-8th Grade
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION Courses
Computer Skills 1
Computer Skills 2
PHYSICAL EDUCATION/HEALTH
Boys’ & Girls’ Physical Education
Health-6th Grade
TRANSITION CORE CLASSES
7th & 8th grade English Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies
ADVISORY (All students are assigned an advisory class.)
Advisory-6th Grade
Advisory-7th Grade
Advisory 8th Grade
NON-CORE AND ELECTIVE COURSE OFFERINGS
6th Grade:
Art 6
Band-Beginning Brass
Band-Beginning Woodwinds
Band-Beginning Percussion
6th Grade Choir
Exploratory Wheel (includes one quarter of FACS, Music, Study Skills, Current Events)
Computer Skills 1
Art 6
Leadership 6
**OWLs Gifted Education
**Guided Study
7th Grade:
Fitness 7-7th Grade
Art 7/8
Band-Beginning Brass
Band-Beginning Woodwinds
Band-Beginning Percussion
Band-Junior Band (2nd year band)
Band-Cadet Band (3rd year band)
**Men's Choir
**Women's Choir
**Chamber Choir
Computer Skills 2
Spanish I-7 & 8th Grade
F.A.C.S.-7th / 8th Grade
**Leadership 7 / 8 (requires application & interview)
**OWLs Gifted Education
**Guided Study
8th Grade:
Fitness 8-8th Grade
Art 7/8
Band-Junior Band (2nd year band)
Band-Cadet Band (3rd year band)
**Men's Choir
**Women's Choir
**Chamber Choir
Spanish I-7 & 8th Grade
Spanish II-8th Grade -- Prerequisite: Spanish 1
F.A.C.S.-7th / 8th Grade
Computer Skills 2
Speech & Drama
**Yearbook (requires application & recommendation)
Business Marketing
Computer-Aided Drawing (CAD)
**Leadership 7 / 8 (requires application & interview)
Economics
**OWLs Gifted Education
**Guided Study
**may be taken more than once in a student’s Middle School career, but only once in a given school year
A number of Special Education courses are also available for those who qualify.
CORE CLASS OFFERINGS
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
6th Grade English Language Arts: Course Description
The English Language Arts course in 6thgrade is evenly divided between grammar, spelling, reading, and writing.The grammar and spelling portion emphasize that mastery in grammar and spelling lead to successful reading and writing.Reading involves the studies of the various aspects found in fictional and non-fictional literature.Emphasis is placed upon explanatory writing with an introduction into argumentative writing.
7thGrade English Language Arts: Course Description
The objective of the seventh grade English Language Arts class is to focus on reading strategies and the writing process. While studying literature, students will develop a greater understanding of nonfiction and fiction material. A variety of short stories, novels, current events, biographies, autobiographies and poetry will be implemented into the curriculum. For the writing element, students will become familiar with and will effectively use the 5 steps of the writing process as well as developing an awareness to the 6+1 writing traits. The focus for writing is learning the mechanics of effective grammar in the English language and proper multi-paragraph writing structure.
8th Grade English Language Arts: Course Description
The objective of the 8th grade English Language Arts class focuses on reading strategies and the writing process. Reading will be a combination of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry to achieve the targeted objectives of State standards. The overall reading goal is awareness to the purpose of reading and the strategies good readers develop and practice. The writing component will be a combination of narrative, expository, persuasive, and other genres, as well as answering constructed response style questions. Students will learn to respond to their reading through written expression and develop awareness to the various methods of the writing process and the 6+1 trait writing.
Remedial Reading:Course Description
This course (for students who qualify) is designed to help students improve phonemic awareness and phonics, word recognition and spelling, vocabulary, grammar, fluency, comprehension (listening and reading), and writing. Students will read, discuss, and examine a broad sampling of short stories and novels with varying genres. These short stories and novels will be utilized to support students in the development of reading skills and strategies.
MATHEMATICS
6th Grade Course 1: Course Description
The sixth grade general Math course introduces a wide array of mathematical information, and continues the development of the skills and concepts taught at the elementary level. The course offers real-life examples in mathematics as a focal theme throughout the school year. Specific topics introduced and discussed include data and probability, numbers and operations, variables and equations, mathematical inquiry, decimal concepts, fractions, conversions, lines, angles, area, perimeter, volume, and transformations. Students will analyze, describe, and recognize mathematical vocabulary related to these topics, while integrating applications, problem solving, and critical thinking in the process of calculating mathematical solutions.
7th Grade Course 2: Course Description
Course 2 at Windsor Middle School will concentrate on the state standards. Students will receive instruction in ratios and proportional relationships, percents, the number systems: rational numbers and integers, expressions, equations, inequalities, geometry, statistics, and probability. The students will actively participate in the learning process. This course prepares the students to take Course 3 mathematics.
7th Grade Course 3: Course Description
The 7thGradeAccelerated Math Class at Windsor Middle School will concentrate on the State standards that are required for both 7thand 8thgrade students. The students will receive instruction using rational and irrational numbers. Focus will be on the four basic skills of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Ratios, proportions, percents, functions, statistics and probability will be included in this course. The geometric area will include congruency, similarity, volume, surface area, and transformations. The students will actively participate in the learning process. The accelerated course moves at faster pace to prepare students to take Algebra in 8th grade.
8thGrade Course 3 Course Description
The 8th Grade Pre-Algebra class at Windsor Middle School will concentrate on the State standards that are required for 8thgrade students. The students will receive instruction in calculating with real numbers, solving equations, evaluating functions, understanding and using the Pythagorean Theorem, transformations, congruence and similarity, calculating volume and surface area, and analyzing data.The students will actively participate in the learning process.This course prepares the students to take Algebra I in 9th grade
8th Grade Algebra I: Course Description
This class deals with symbols, terminology, and the basic structure of the real number system and their application to the solution of problems. In solving these problems, the student will acquire knowledge of applying algebraic concepts and skills. Graphical representation and the roll of deductive reasoning in Algebra are emphasized as well. Successful completion of this class gives students a head start in completing the Math requirements in high school.
SCIENCE
6th Grade Earth Science: Course Description
The sixth grade earth science course introduces a wide array of scientific information. The use, purpose, and understanding of the Scientific Method is the focal theme throughout the school year. The introduction of scientists accredited with major discoveries and accomplishments are intertwined throughout the various topics discussed within the course. Specific topics introduced and discussed include rocks, minerals, weathering, erosion, earth’s processes, earth’s atmosphere, weather, climate, the water cycle, populations, communities, ecosystems, biomes, natural resources, the sun-earth-moon system, and the solar system. Students will analyze, describe, and recognize changes and outcomes related to these topics. In addition students make predictions as well as qualitative and quantitative observations based upon scientific research.
7th Grade Physical Science: Course Description
The 7th grade Physical Science course presents the fundamentals of physics and chemistry. The students will explore matter and atoms, periodic table, how chemicals mix and react, force and motion, simple
machines, sound and light, electricity and magnetism, and different forms of energy and alternative energies. The Scientific Method will be a major theme throughout this course. There will be numerous hands on labs throughout the year and the students will be required to write a detailed lab report.
8th Grade Life Science: Course Description
Students will explore life on Earth. Students will learn about the various processes needed for life at all levels. Cells will be our fundamental unit of study and proceed to unicellular organisms and onto multi-cellular organisms. Plant and animal life will be delved into in great detail.
SOCIAL STUDIES
6th Grade World History: Course Description
The course of study in world history examines the development of ancient western civilizations and the foundations for democracy. Included as topics of study are the first civilizations, river civilizations, Greek and Roman civilizations, Christian and Islamic religions, the Middle Ages, the first Americas, the Renaissance, and the Age of Discovery. Students will be engaged in the learning process by use of a variety of teaching techniques such as discussion, debate, cooperative work, role-play, independent work, projects, lecture, and the writing process.
7th Grade Geography: Course Description
Students in the 7th grade will gain a basic understanding of the Five Themes of Geography—location, place, region, movement, and interaction with the environment. The countries of the world will be examined and students will be able to identify the different types of government (Republic, Democracy, Dictatorship, etc.), the unique subtleties of economics (command, barter, capitalism, etc.), and the main religions of the world (Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam and Christianity). Students will also examine countries in respect to their natural resources, their overall culture as compared to other cultures, and their needs pertaining to ability to care for their people. More detailed analysis will be given to the larger countries of the world, including and especially the United States.
8th Grade American History: Course Description
This course will involve students exploring the development of the United States of America from the Era of Exploration to Reconstruction. Students will obtain information on local, state, and federal governments in order to be a more informed citizen. Topics covered include early exploration, formation of the original 13 colonies, Revolutionary War, Westward Expansion, Civil War, governmental structure, citizenship, economics, foreign affairs, and the criminal justice system.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
6th, 7th & 8th Grade Boys’ and Girls’ Physical Education: Course Description
The purpose of this semester course is based on the development of physical and social skills through a variety of lifetime and team sports. These activities include basketball, bowling, flag football, floor hockey, soccer, softball, team handball, ultimate frisbee, and volleyball. Every third year, archery is included. Classes are not co-ed but may combine for certain sports and activities. The semester grade is based on attendance, participation, and final written exam.
6th Grade Health: Course Description
The purpose of this class is to teach students health related skills that they will use throughout their lifetime. Topics covered in class include: the body systems (skeletal, muscular, respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, excretory), nutrition, drugs/alcohol, advertising techniques related to health products and first aid/CPR. This is a semester class.
TRANSITION CLASSES
7th & 8th Grade English Language Arts, Math, Science & Social Studies
Transition classes are offered, as needed in each grade level, in each of the four core classes. Transition classes progress at a unique, more individualized pace, but students in these classes take the same assessments that are taken in the traditional core classes. Students are placed according to need, as determined by previous assessment data, and by teacher and or counselor recommendation. Transition classes generally have smaller class sizes, which allows for the more individualized student focus.
TECHNOLOGY
Computer Skills 1: Course Description
Students can expect to learn proper typing techniques while building speed and accuracy in this one-semester class. Students will learn basic computer operations including how to create and manage Google Docs applications, and how to create Power Point presentations. Students will gain knowledge on the history of computers through lecture and internet searches. Students will submit assignments through Google Docs applications. This class is used as a stepping-stone for Computer Skills 2, offered in 7th grade.
Computer Skills 2: Course Description
Computer Skills 2 serves as an extension to Computer Skills 1. Students will continue to improve their keyboarding skills by touch (not sight), along with proper finger placement for letters, numbers, and symbols. Students will also gain a more in depth understanding of Google Docs and its various components. Basic formatting, proofreading skills and timed writings are also included in this course. Students will submit assignments through Google Docs applications.
OTHER CLASSES & ELECTIVE CLASS OFFERINGS
Physical Education
7th Grade-Fitness 7: Course Description