Middle School Courses

The middle school day consists of nine 42-minute class periods First period begins at 8:05 a.m. for each middle school.  The last class of the day concludes at 2:50 p.m. Language Arts and Mathematics courses are two periods long to provide opportunities to master the curriculum. Each school has a lunch/activity time during which many team activities take place. Remember that team teachers may sometimes alter period times and lengths to meet the needs of their students.

Courses fall into five categories: Core Courses, Unified Arts, Music, Foreign Language, and Physical Education. These course categories are described in more detail below.


Core Courses
Core courses – Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies – are taught entirely within the student’s team. Students in Language Arts and Math are grouped by ability level.


Unified Arts
Unified Arts courses cover various skill areas and are not taught within the student grade level teams. Students Unified Arts Courses (or “UA” as the students refer to them) rotate over the course of the year so that students may experience more than one elective course. UA can include such subjects as Art, Health, Multi-Media, or Organizational Skills.

Music
Keeping your child participating in music through the middle school years is important. Music is an integral part of the middle school curriculum, and students can find a comfortable, nurturing home, as well as motivated peers, in the instrumental and vocal music departments. Also, students who continue studying music during the middle school years can take advantage of rich and diverse program offerings when they reach high school. The Small Schools of Heights High offer a broad spectrum of courses and extracurricular activities, including four vocal performing groups, two orchestras, three concert bands, a marching band, two jazz ensembles, and multiple chamber groups.


Studying music:

  • Can have a positive impact on a student’s academic success. A growing body of research links learning music with brain development.
  • Develops self-discipline, problem solving and teamwork, valuable life skills and habits.
  • Can be a focus that makes s chool fun and engaging, and can lead to greater participation in all aspects of school life.
  • Gives students a valuable way to contribute to school and community.
  • Plants a seed for lifelong learning and enjoyment.

Music offerings differ by grade level and skill level of the student. Performances for families and our communities usually take place twice a year. Performance dates are listed on the District calendar.


Instrumental Music
In 6th grade, students may elect to take band/orchestra as one of their classes. The schools provide some large band and orchestra instruments, but most must be provided by the student. Piano, guitar, banjo, and beginner drums are not taught in middle school. Please be aware that renting an instrument generally costs at least $300 per year (depending on the instrument). If your child selects band or orchestra, you are making a commitment to provide them with an instrument for a full year of classes. While not required, private lessons are recommended. This is something that you should discuss fully with your child.


Vocal Music
Students who do not join band or orchestra can take vocal music in grade 7 and choir in grade 8. Performances for families and the community are usually scheduled twice a year.

Foreign Language
Sixth grade students take “World Cultures” as part of their Unified Arts rotation. In 7th grade they have the option of taking an introductory foreign language class. The student may only take the foreign language if he or she is reading at or above grade level and is recommended by the 6th grade Language Arts teacher.

Students who take a foreign language in 8th grade are eligible for one high school credit. The credit will be applied to the student’s high school transcript if the student passes the class.


Physical Education
Students take Physical Education (or P.E.) all three years of middle school. Students are required to wear a gym uniform. P.E. teachers send out information about uniforms and other requirements at the beginning of the school year.


Other Offerings
Middle School Scholars Program (MSSP)
The Middle School Scholars Program (MSSP) is offered at each middle school for identified gifted students in grades 6-8. This enrichment program invites gifted students to self-select coursework based on their interests.

Enrichment options include: Between the Lines, Find Out, Guided Independent Projects, Creative Thinking, Global Issues, and Science Olympiad.

Accelerated Math Program
An accelerated math program was started at each middle school during the 2005-2006 school year for eligible students. Qualifying students can enroll in Pre-Algebra in 6th grade, Algebra I (for high school credit) in 7th grade, and Geometry (for high school credit) in 8th grade.

Honors Language Arts Program
An honors reading/language arts program was started during the 2006-2007 school year, beginning with eligible 6th grade students. These programs seek to provide challenging and enriching opportunities for our most capable and gifted students.


Special Education
Monticello, Roxboro, and Wiley Middle Schools all provide services to students identified as having special education needs. The goal of all three programs is to meet the individual academic and behavioral needs of students in the least restrictive environment. This may mean that intervention support is provided, based on the student’s IEP (Individual Education Plan), in a small group in a resource room, within the general education classroom, or in a mixture of the two. Co-teaching or team teaching opportunities between general and special education teachers exist at all middle schools.