Middle School

English Language Arts (ELA)
Social Studies
Math
Science
Physical Education
Library Skills
Technology Skills

 

Middle school consists of grades 5-8. At both the middle school and high school levels, a full academic curriculum in the areas of English language arts, math, social studies, and science is offered. Basic skills instruction is offered in reading, writing, and math. In addition, students participate in physical education and arts programs. Foreign language instruction is not offered through NHS; however, some students are tutored here in Spanish, French or German through their school districts. Both the middle and high school programs are organized into subject area departments.

 

At the middle school level, English Language Arts (ELA) and Social Studies teachers often collaborate to provide cross-curricular experiences for students. Literature and writing assignments frequently reinforce social studies content. Vocabulary and writing strategies introduced in ELA classes are revisited in social studies. In the 5th grade, students learn about the myths and cultures of ancient civilizations including Egypt, Greece and Rome. In the 6th grade, students study American literature that contextualizes the early history of North America and the United States. Students in the 7th grade read American literature that explores the late 18th and 19th centuries of our nation, while the 8th graders read about the price we paid for freedom as America struggled to save the Union and emerge as a modern nation. The middle school social studies program engages students in a curriculum that is rich in authentic activities. The Rochester Area, New York State and the Northeastern States provide an abundance of historic locations that beg to be explored. Students are given the opportunity to experience history firsthand, including field trips to Gettysburg, Fort Niagara, Genesee Country Village & Museum and Underground Railroad stops.

 

The focus of the middle school Math program is to develop conceptual knowledge through the use of concrete experiences that promote communication, reasoning, and problem solving skills.  Lessons are presented in small, homogeneous groups and are developed with consideration of the overall pace and ability of each class. Students with processing difficulties are allowed extra time to absorb new information and to formulate responses. Attention is also given to building vocabulary specific to mathematics, which assists students in both the oral and written expression necessary to catalyze the learning process. Students whose disabilities are language-based are grouped together so that more intensive program modifications can be implemented, such as reading the text, test questions, directions, and responses to the student.

 

The Science Department’s primary goal is to develop each student’s appreciation of the sciences while meeting his/her individual needs. The science program is highly structured and includes a combination of hands-on activities, lectures, modeling and demonstrations. Hands-on experiences and field trips enhance student understanding of content concepts and vocabulary, while making lessons authentic and providing connections to real life experiences. The multimodal curriculum and small classes enable teachers to meet individual learning styles and needs. Receptive and expressive language skills are strengthened through the use of scientific vocabulary during class discussion, homework and laboratory activities. General Science (5th and 6th grade) includes a variety of topics related to Earth Science (volcanoes, rocks & minerals and weather) and Physical Science (motion, simple machines & energy). Life Science (7th grade) covers topics such as the human body, cells, classification of living organisms, science skills and genetics. Physical Science (8th grade) includes motion, pressure, force, density, simple machines, electromagnetism and the six types of energy.

 

At NHS, students participate in Physical Education classes two to three times per week. The Physical Education curriculum teaches students to understand and participate in activities that can develop and maintain physical fitness throughout their lifetime. There are some requirements that cross grade levels, for example all students are required to walk or run a mile each year. At the same time, the program is quite flexible; the curriculum is adapted to meet individual student needs and physical abilities. The program largely focuses on activities that are readily accessible outside of the classroom and that do not demand especially well-developed athletic abilities. Our faculty strives to develop units that focus on individual development and awareness of the importance of lifelong physical fitness. The program includes instruction and practice of motor/movement skills; aerobic exercise to achieve and maintain cardiovascular fitness; and, ongoing opportunities to nourish the development of self-reliance, social skills, and personal management skills.

 

Middle school students participate in a five-week Library Skills class. They are given hands-on experience in the use of the online catalog and the Dewey Decimal System. The teaching of research skills is paired with instruction on the effective use of the Internet. The goal is to make students able to conduct independent research, and emphasis is placed on understanding copyright laws and plagiarism. Web evaluation is presented, giving students the opportunity to analyze and evaluate information, as well as check for credibility and accuracy. Students also learn to recognize the difference between fact and opinion.

 

Each middle school student participates in a 5-week Technology Skills course that provides foundation-level skills in basic computer operations, file management, and the most common tool programs including: word processing, spreadsheet, multimedia presentations, the integration of images and information found on the Internet, and visual mapping (i.e. Thinking Maps®). Students already possessing basic skills in a particular software application have the opportunity to develop advanced skills in each area or learn to develop a simple web page. Projects can be tailored to suit the student’s individual ability, learning needs, interests, and experience because of the small number of students included in each class session. Every technology-based activity is intended to introduce or reinforce skills that students will need in later academic classes, in college, and potentially on the job. Students develop basic competencies using tool software (word processing, spreadsheets, and multimedia presentations) so that they are comfortable creating written documents, charts and graphs, and slide shows.