Example of Classes Offered

The middle school day usually consists of eight 42-minute class periods. Some middle schools have different start and ending times. Each school has a home base/prime 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

These courses – Language Arts (in 6th grade), English (in 7th and 8th grades), Math, Science, and Social Studies – are taught entirely within the student’s team. Students in Language Arts, English, and Math are grouped by ability level. There also are gifted/accelerated courses. These are described below in the “Other Offerings” section.

Unified Arts

These courses cover various skill areas and are not taught within the students’ teams. Students take four Unified Arts Courses (or “UA” as the students refer to them) over the year, one each quarter. UA can include such subjects as Art, Health, Technology, or Life 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 the rich and diverse 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 school 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 enjoyment

For a comprehensive look at the District’s music programming,
you can download the Parent and Student Guide to the Heights Music Program

Music offerings differ by grade level and sometimes by school. Students who do not join band or orchestra may take general music in grade 6, general or vocal music in grade 7, and choir or life skills in grade 8. 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

All 6th grade students take “Foreign Cultures” as part of their Unified Arts rotation. In 7th grade they have the option of taking a foreign language. 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 begin a foreign language in 7th grade must take that same language throughout 7th and 8th grades, and 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 purchase a pair of shorts and a gym shirt as their 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 up to 5 periods of coursework per week based on their interests.

Enrichment options include Mock Trial, Model United Nations, Academic Challenge, Guided Independent Projects, Creative Thinking, Connections (math/science explorations), and coursework/programs which address the social and emotional needs of gifted students.

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 Reading/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 students. Additional accelerated opportunities exist based upon the individual needs of our gifted students. For additional information, please visit the District’s gifted website.

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 situations between general and special education teachers exist at all middle schools.