!

Warren Hills Regional Middle School Curriculum/Scheduling Orientation

for the class of 2019!

January 7, 2013 January 8, 2013

2012$–$2013!!!

Warren$Hills$Regional$Board$of$Educa9on!Mrs.!Donna!Golda,!President!

Mrs.!Donna!Sbriscia,!Vice6President!Mr.!John!Bell!

Mr.!Daniel!Brundage!Mrs.!Linda!Feller!

Mrs.!Kathleen!Halpin!Mr.!Richard!Havrisko!Mrs.!Theresa!Iacobucci!!Mrs.!Lisa!Marshall!

!!District$Administra9on!

Dr.!Thomas!J.!Altonjy,!Superintendent!of!Schools!Mrs.!Maureen!Joyce,!Business!Administrator!

Mrs.!Dawn!A.!Moore,!Director!of!Curriculum!&!InstrucNon!Ms.!Kim!Unangst,!Director!of!Special!EducaNon!

Ms.!Jaclyn!Russo,!Director!of!Guidance!Mr.!Robert!Lockhart,!Director!of!AthleNcs!&!Extracurricular!AcNviNes!

Mr.!Christopher!Kavcak,!Supervisor!of!MathemaNcs!&!Science!Mr.!Michael!Lapotasky,!Supervisor!of!English!&!Social!Studies!

Mr.!Patrick!Murphy,!Director!of!FaciliNes!!$

High$School$Administra9on!Mr.!Earl!C.!Clymer!III,!Principal!

Mr.!Gregory!CoRrell,!Assistant!Principal/Technology!Administrator!Mrs.!Susan!Rader,!Assistant!Principal!

!!Middle$School$Administra9on!Mrs.!Patricia!Hetrick,!Principal!

Mr.!David!Smith,!Assistant!Principal!

Warren Hills Regional Mission Statement:

“The Warren Hills Regional School District challenges and empowers a dynamic, diverse

student body in a supportive learning environment by providing academic and co-

curricular opportunities to become successful, productive members of the global community.”

Evening’s Agenda:

!  WELCOME!

!  Program Overview – Large Group Session in Middle School Gymnasium

!  Curriculum Overview – Smaller Group Session in the gymnasium

!  Scheduling Process – Smaller Group Session in the cafeteria

!  Small Groups will switch locations to see both presentations.

Middle School Philosophy

!  Students will be exposed to curricula to explore new ideas/options to discover more about themselves and their potential interests.

!  This is especially possible through our elective offerings that 7th grade students will take. More individual choices are then made available in 8th grade, in high school & beyond!

!  Please keep in mind that curriculum is not simply a matter of student, parent, school or district choice – The NJ State DOE sets requirements (standards) that all students must reach.

7th Grade Schedule – 8 Slots:

1.  Language Arts

2.  Language Arts

3.  Mathematics

4.  Science

5.  Social Studies (Geography)

6.  PE/Health

7.  Slot #1 – Electives

8.  Slot #2 - Electives

7th Grade Slot #1 Elective Options:

Concert Band - (Full Year)

Intro. to Chorus,

50

Computer Applications

50

Music in Our

World, 25

Art and Graphics , 25

Computer Apps, 50

OR OR

Computer Applications

(1/2 year)

Intro to Chorus

(1/2 year) Computer

Applications (1/2 year)

Art & Graphics (1/4 year)

Music in Our World (1/4 year)

7th Grade Slot #2 Electives:

OR World Language Ex. or Intro to

Engineering, 25

World Language Ex.,25

Computer Applications,50

One Marking of Each of the following:

Concert Band Students Only:

Spanish Exploration

(1/4)

French Exploration

(1/4)

Intro to Engineering

(1/4)

German Exploration

(1/4)

Computer Applications

(1/2)

World Language

Exploration (1/4)

Intro. Engineering or World Language

(1/4)

Additional Programs to Support and Challenge Our Students!

!  Math Lab – a required course for students identified through state testing as in need of skills reinforcement in the area of mathematics.

!  Interdisciplinary Enrichment – an optional course for students who have been identified through state testing and are interested in a more challenging course.

!  Our Guidance Counselors and Staff will give you additional details on these quality programs during tonight’s presentations.

!  After tonight, please contact us if you have any additional questions/concerns that arise!

District Website:

!  Please access our district website for tonight’s information and much more about our school and district at:

www.warrenhills.org

!

Warren Hills Regional Mathematics and Science

7-12 Presented by

Christopher Kavcak Supervisor of Mathematics and Science

!

Mathematics

7th Grade Curriculum

Pre-Algebra 7

!  Aligned to the Common Core mathematics 7 and 8

!  Course for advanced mathematics students

!  Recommendation based on NJASK scores, 6th grade scores, a placement assessment, and other evaluative criteria

7th Grade Mathematics

!  Aligned to the Common Core Mathematics standards 7

!  Course for all on-level students

8th Grade Curriculum

Algebra I

!  Aligned to Common Core 8th grade and HS Algebra standards

!  Course for advanced mathematics students

!  Prerequisite is the Pre-Algebra 7

!  Satisfies the HS requirement of Algebra I

Pre-Algebra 8

!  Aligned to the Common Core 8th Grade Standards

!  Course for on-level students

Supplemental Courses

!  Math Lab 7 and 8 !  Supplements students’ core curriculum

!  Reinforces areas of weakness

!  Creates an environment that allows for more individualized instruction

!  Students have shown significant gains in achievement as a result of this course !  Average gain of 14 points on the NJ ASK 8 compared to the NJ ASK 7

Highlights of Mathematics 7-8

!  Promoting deep understanding of mathematical concepts and applications

!  Building a solid foundation for high school Mathematics

!  Promoting computational thinking and problem solving

!  Literacy and communication strategies to help students articulate and demonstrate mathematical understanding

!

Science

Middle School Curriculum

!  Science Grade 7 !  Inquiry based approach to learning science

!  Hands-on experiences on the principles of Physical, Life and Earth Science

!  Aligned to the 2009 State Standards and the Common Core State Literacy Standards

!  Science Grade 8 !  Inquiry based approach to building on Science Grade 7

!  Hands-on experiences on the same core areas !  Prepares students for NJ ASK 8

!  Aligned to the 2009 State Standards and the Common Core State Literacy Standards

Highlights of Science 7-8

!  Promoting higher level thinking and problem solving skills

!  Literacy and communication strategies to help students articulate and demonstrate scientific understanding and their findings

!  Challenging curriculum with a emphasis on inquiry-based and hands-on science

How parents can help…

!  BE POSITIVE about Mathematics and Science

!  COMMUNICATE with your students and your students’ teachers

!  Have HIGH EXPECTATIONS

!  POINT OUT Mathematics and Science in your daily life

!  Help your students use INTERNET RESOURCES

!

Warren Hills Regional Language Arts & Social

Studies

Presented by Michael Lapotasky

Supervisor of Language Arts & Social Studies

Middle School Language Arts Literacy (LAL)

!  Aligned to Common Core English Language Arts Standards

!  Focus on Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening, and Language Conventions such as Grammar

!  College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards

!  Grade Level Standards (K-8)

!  Links with Literacy Standards in Social Studies, Science and Technical Subjects

!  Courses address content of the NJASK 7 & NJASK 8

!  Each marking period engages students with different types of text: argumentative, informative, narrative & research-based

!  Students meet in both double and single blocks of time

Highlights of LAL 7 & 8

!  Summer Reading aimed at encouraging life-long learning

!  Integrated, balanced literacy

!  Courses build on one another leading to the High School curriculum

!  Support and Challenge Program

!  Cross-curricular Instruction

Middle School Social Studies

Grade 7 – Geography

!  Basic Geographical and Cultural Principles

!  Understanding our relationship and role with regard to the environment

!  Spatial study of places, regions

!  Analysis of physical and human systems, the environment and society

Middle School Social Studies

Grade 8 – Civics

!  Study of local, state and national governmental institutions, policies, processes

!  Understand American government: basic history, values, principles of American democracy

!  Explore the U.S. Constitution, international diplomacy

!  Evaluate how citizens of the U.S. can effectively participate in the democratic process

Highlights of Middle School Social Studies

!  Preparing Warren Hills students to be effective and contributing members of our democratic society

!  Responsible citizenship with regard to government, environment, society

!  “…productive members of a global community…”

How parents can help…

!  Share a positive curiosity about Language Arts and Social Studies

!  Communicate with your students and their teachers regularly

!  Maintain HIGH EXPECTATIONS

!  Reinforce the importance of reading, writing and social skills/responsibility in daily life

!  Assist your students in using INTERNET RESOURCES

Physical Education Mr. Lockhart A.D.

Blue Streak Athletics

Field Hockey

Boys and Girls Soccer

Wrestling

Boys and Girls Basketball

Boys and Girls Track

Eligibility List

All participating athletes’ grades are checked every two weeks. A pupil who passes every two weeks for athletic eligibility should not normally get a “67” or lower on his

report card.

P.E. Course Description

7th Grade Physical Education - Instruction involves a variety of activities. Emphasis is on the student acquiring proficiency in the elementary skills, rules and strategies of

team sports as well as knowledge and understanding of the components of fitness. Throughout the year, fitness is

integrated into activities and units. 

7 & 8 Grade Requirements

Health 7, Substance Abuse, Character Development, Leadership, Safety, etc.

9284, 9285 Health 8, Family Life, HIB, Stress Management, Careers, etc.

9290 Alternative Health 8, Circulatory System, Cardiovascular System, HIB

9260 Physical Education 7-8, Team Sports (Football, Volleyball, etc.), Individual Sports (Pickle ball, Cross Country, fitness)

9295 Developmental Physical Education (grades 7-8)

7&8 Grade Clubs

Chorus Club

Forensics

Ski Club

Blue Streaks Highlights

Cognetics

Future Educators Club

Student Council

Math Club

Peer Leaders

Builders’ Club

Computer Club

Jazz Ensemble

World Languages Club

Chess Club

Drama Club

Yearbook

Rachel’s Challenge

Horizons

Madame Patrucker

WARREN HILLS MIDDLE SCHOOL FRENCH

Bienvenue

Starting in the 2013-14 school year, the seventh graders will be taking an introduction to the French language, called Exploratory French. This will last one marking period.

If students choose to continue learning French in the eighth grade, they will be enrolled in French class for a full school year. This will then be their first opportunity to: have full conversations in French; to read full sentences and eventually paragraphs in French; and to write in French. Additionally, they will be able to listen to native French speakers and view native French speakers, via CD’s and a DVD program aligned with the textbook, to enrich the curriculum and to learn more about the French culture.

WARREN HILLS REGIONAL FRENCH PROGRAM

If the students choose to continue learning French in High School, they open the door to a wonderful world of possibilities in their futures, such as: higher S.A.T. scores, travel, job opportunities, cultural understanding, and even increasing their own English vocabulary. French has contributed the most foreign words to the English language, amongst all of the languages that have influenced and / or have become part of the English language.

More than a third of all English words are derived directly or indirectly from French. About 10,000 French words were adopted into English during the time the Normans ( a tribe that had settled in Normandy in Northern France for 150 years), occupied England. This French vocabulary is found in government and law, as well as art and literature.

There are 33 countries in which French is either the official language, or one of the official languages.

FRANCOPHONES (FRENCH SPEAKERS)

* 

Sra. Zamora

Sra. Wright

Exploratory Spanish Spanish 1

Some of the topics we cover

* Spanish speaking countries * Greetings and other conversation in Spanish * The seasons * The weather * The family * Characteristics * Parts of the body * Classroom objects * Culture

!

Warren Hills Middle School

7th and 8th Grade Introduction to

Engineering

What is Engineering?

�Engineering is the application of math and science to create something of value from our natural

resources.�

•  The �invisible ��or �stealth ��profession

•  Engineers make things.

•  Everything in society is linked to engineering.

�cool�

Paper Sailboat

Computer Programming and Robotics

Warren Hills !!

Program!of!Studies!Fine!Arts!!

•  Arts!and!Graphics!–Visual!Art!Class!!Marking!period!Course!!IntroducNon!to!two!and!three!dimensional!design!!Survey!of!art!skills,!techniques!using!a!variety!of!mediums!!Fundamental!knowledge!of!art!tools!and!methods!!Designed!as!a!springboard!to!high!school!foundaNons!and!advanced!!art!classes!

!!

Celebrate…..intelligence…..aesthetic beauty….creativity.….Arts give meaning

Program!of!Studies!Fine!Arts!!

•  ! Concert!Band!!Full!year!course!7th!and!8th!grade!!One!to!two!year!proficiency!on!a!band!instrument!!required!!Focused!full!band!ensemble!playing!on!a!daily!basis!!Excellent!preparaNon!for!high!school!band!!programming!!Concert!performances!at!High!School!!!

Independent

Disciplined

Leadership

THE ARTS TEACH STUDENTS TO THINK THROUGH AND WITHIN A

MATERIAL…..ALL ART FORMS EMPLOY SOME MEANS

THROUGH WHICH IMAGES BECOME REAL

E. EISNER !!!!!

Program!of!Studies!Fine!Arts!

•  !IntroducNon!to!Chorus!!Half!year!course!!Experience!welcome!but!not!necessary6All!are!encouraged!to!try!!Highly!interacNve!Individual!and!group!vocal!skills!developed!on!a!daily!basis!Concert!performances!

•  Music!in!Our!World!!Marking!period!course!!!No!music!experience!needed!!InteracNve!“hands!on”!music!learning!acNviNes!!Fundamental!skills!of!music!will!be!emphasized!!Classroom!performances!only!

!!

Confidence

Poise Creative expression

THE!ARTS ENABLE US TO HAVE EXPERIENCE WE CAN HAVE FROM NO OTHER SOURCE

AND THROUGH SUCH EXPERIENCE TO

DISCOVER THE RANGE A VARIETY OF WHAT WE ARE CAPABLE OF FEELING

E. EISNER !

Data consistently shows music and arts education students score

consistently higher on standardized tests including the SAT and reading

achievement scores. All of the worlds top academic countries require music classes through middle and high school

NAMM.org

!Recent studies also show in regards to wellness, college students involved in

music education experienced less anxiety and were not prone to

destructive behavior. NAMM.org

In 2008 and 2012 more than half of the top ten academic students in the senior class were involved in Choir

and/or band.

Above and beyond and Down the Road………… (Extra-curricular District wide)

MS Chorus Club(Select Choir) and instrumental Club(Jazz ensemble) MS and HS Drama Club

(High School Fine Arts courses) Theatre Arts/Advanced Theatre Arts

Technical theatre Graphic Arts I and II

Mixed media Foundations of art/Ceramics

AP Advanced Art Concert Choir /Advanced Choir

Concert Band Music Theory Piano/ Guitar

!!!!!!!!!!!!

Business Education

!  Computer Applications (7th grade – ½ year) !  Microsoft Office Proficiency

!  Touch Keyboarding

!  Internet Research

!  Digital Citizenship

!  Business Exploration (8th grade – ¼ year)

!  Multimedia Technology (8th grade – ¼ year)

Interdisciplinary Enrichment

!  Intended for highly-motivated students

!  Focus on higher-level thinking skills

!  Problem solving

!  Cross-curricular

!

Thank You!