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The Middle School Signal
English
All courses at this level approach writing as a process. As students progress
through this process, they foster the development of grammatical and compositional
skills in their writing. They are expected to think critically and express
their thoughts in a logical manner in all forms of communication.
* indicates a required course.
*English / Literature 6
year-long
In 6th grade English, the process of writing is introduced with writing
assignments that focus on an awareness of purpose, audience and writing
in response to literature. Grammar study and usage are taught in conjunction
with composition. Literature study emphasizes reading for learning while
reinforcing reading skills. Literary terms including plot, setting,
characterization, and conflict are introduced and reinforced throughout
the year with novels that support a theme of “Around the World
through Literature”.
Novels may include: Where the Red Fern Grows, Journey to Jo'Burg, Dragonwings, Sing Down
the Moon, and The Cay.
*English 7
year-long
In 7th grade English there is an increasing depth of study into writing
processes including grammar, usage and vocabulary development. Students also study and practice library and research skills. Literature
appreciation includes the study of writer’s techniques, character
development, theme, and point of view. The students study a variety
of literary genres including novels, poetry,
folktales, and short stories.
Novels include: The View from Saturday and The Giver, plus short stories by O. Henry and a fractured fairytale novel of choice.
*English 8
year-long
In 8th grade English, there is an increasing focus on writing and vocabulary
development including preparation of research papers. Students are involved
with speech preparation, delivery and evaluation. Literary analysis
includes a focus on character development.
Novels include: Call of the Wild, The Outsiders, A Christmas Carol and To Kill a Mockingbird.
Math
The math department helps students develop skills needed for further work
in mathematics and everyday life through the teaching of critical thinking,
logical reasoning, problem solving and decision making, as well as appreciation
for the field of mathematics. Placement in math courses is based on the recommendation
of previous math teachers and/or previous courses and test scores. This chart
lists recommended, yet flexible, course sequences.
| Grade |
Students with average/good math skills |
Students with outstanding math skills |
| 6 |
Course 1 |
Course 2 |
| 7 |
Course 2 |
Course 3 |
| 8 |
Course 3 |
Geometry |
Course 1
year-long
This course begins by reviewing the connection between factors, multiples, fractions and percents. The winter portion looks at how to create and interpret graphs (with a unit on trading stocks) and also has a unit on statistics and data analysis (utilizing elements of the Iditarod dog sled race). Spring semester explores predicting outcomes through the use of variables, integers and formulas (pre-Algebra) . This trimester concludes with an introduction to geometry (lengths, areas and the Pythagorean Theorem).
Course 2
year-long
This course includes an introduction to algebra, integers
and negative exponents, rational numbers, percentages, and strategies
for solving equations and inequalities. Topics in geometry, graphing
of linear equations, areas and volume, ratio and proportion, and the
Pythagorean Theorem are also studied.
Course 3
year-long
This course includes solving equations and inequalities, operations
with real numbers, problem solving, graphing linear equations, applying
formulas, solving systems of equations, exponents and radicals, operations
with polynomials, solving and graphing quadratics, proportion and rational
equations.
Geometry
year-long
This course includes the nature of deductive reasoning, planning and
writing proofs, lines, planes, angles, polygons, congruence, parallels,
similarity, circles, solids, coordinate geometry, vectors and trigonometry,
and non-Euclidean geometries.
Science
Science is important not only for the questions it answers, but also for
the questions it asks. The study of science teaches basic principles of the
physical and biological world and their application to everyday lives. Lab
performance and projects, as well as small group work and tests, are a significant
factor in student evaluation.
* indicates a required course.
*Science 6
year-long
Sixth grade science is an introductory course to the years of science
which follow it. The course provides an overview of life science, earth science,
physics and chemistry. Units include cells and heredity, nutrition, plants,
structure of matter, gravity and motion, plate tectonics, rocks and minerals.
Projects include an animal poster, a nutrition analysis and a research paper.
*Life Science (7)
year-long
In this course students learn about the kingdoms of living
organisms, ecology, and human body systems. Students have the opportunity
to learn through reading, researching, preparing oral and written reports,
and by conducting numerous hands-on investigations.
*Earth Science (8)
year-long
Earth Science includes the following subject areas separated by trimesters.
Trimester
one: Astronomy including the universe, sun, planets, moon and earth.
Trimester
two: Geology including basic matter, rock formation, resources and environment,
weathering, soils and mass movement.
Trimester three: Meteorology,
including weather and the atmosphere (heating), evaporation, condensation
and precipitation, atmospheric pressure and winds, storms and weather forecasting.
Social Studies
The Social Studies department seeks to develop students who can identify
and assume the privileges and responsibilities of United States and
global citizenship. Students are given opportunities to develop study
skills and refine communication skills in dealing with contemporary
issues. Students improve their ability to work with historical material,
as well as to evaluate history and global studies from a Christian perspective.
* indicates a required course.
*Social Studies 6
year-long
This course includes one trimester of Minnesota History and two trimesters
of world geography. Through the study of Minnesota Historical Society
texts and source documents, students discover first-hand how diverse
cultures interacted to shape the state of Minnesota. Students then demonstrate
their understanding by creating and filming an original “Newscast
from History.” In the study of world geography, students create
a personalized atlas of the world using on-line government databases,
live web cams, and current events selected from hundreds of news sources.
Throughout the course students are encouraged and challenged to develop
and express an informed Christian world view.
*Social Studies 7
year-long
This course is a broad exploration of the world we live in.
Units in psychology, sociology, anthropology, geography and economics
are covered in the first two trimesters. Thinking and study skills are
also integrated into unit activities. Projects include a map of the
student's neighborhood, a minority history book report
and an oral history interview. The third trimester covers Colonial American
History integrated with the other social sciences and a unit on global issues.
*American History (8)
year-long
United States history from the Revolutionary War period through
today is covered through reading, lecture and small group projects,
including Civil Rights and Revolutionary War projects, a Decades project and
a scrapbook portfolio of current events. The study of U.S. government
is incorporated into this class. Students have an additional opportunity
to experience American History in Washington, D.C., on an optional June
trip.
Sacred Studies
Bible courses are designed to teach the Word of God, by the enabling of
the Holy Spirit, through the following: proclamation of the Gospel, instruction
of Bible and religious studies, encouragement of personal spiritual decision
and growth, and opportunities for service. Students are recognized as persons
who are created by God and who are unique and valuable. All three grade levels
require a specific number of community service hours. The community service
experience is incorporated into the Bible class requirements.
* indicates a required course.
*Bible 6 - Old Testament Survey
two trimesters
Sixth grade is an exciting time for learning about the Bible. Students
have many questions to ask, so the course includes many opportunities
to discuss what we’re reading in the Bible. The curriculum focuses
on the Old Testament narrative story of God’s chosen people and
their experiences with trusting in the one true God. Students interact
with the Bible through character studies, presentations, questions,
discussions, Biblical Times newspapers, posters, and research. Students
are also asked to devote some time to prayer journaling and learning
about different ways people pray. At the core of all these activities
is the belief that the Bible is the Word of God.
*Bible 7 - The Life of Jesus
two trimesters
With the developing abilities of seventh grade students to think conceptually,
the seventh grade Bible curriculum on the Life of Jesus opens up the
analogies, similes and parables found in the Gospels. As students interact
with these Gospel writings and images they begin to “unlock”
the meaning of symbolic language. Students examine Jesus’ parables
and begin to understand more fully the meaning behind the stories and
images. Students are also encouraged to develop a daily Bible reading
time. At the core of this study of the Gospels is the belief that Jesus
is the Christ, the Son of God.
*Bible 8 - The Book of Acts
two trimesters
The focus of this course is on the early Christian Church, exploring
the Book of Acts and letters to the early Church. During eighth grade,
students can often wrestle with making faith their own. “How can
I know this is true?” and “How can I defend my faith with
those who disagree with me?” These are the same kinds of questions
the early Church faced. Students learn tools to help them study the
Bible for the rest of their lives. To answer “Where does it say
that in the Bible?” students learn how to use Bible dictionaries,
concordances, Bible handbooks and atlases. Various Bible translations
are compared. Students are also helped to continue developing a time
of daily personal Bible reading. At the core of this class is the belief
that Jesus is the Christ and how the early Church dealt with being entrusted
with this knowledge. Students are also challenged with “How do
we now live as the Church in the 21st century?”
Fine Arts
Arts courses seek to broaden each student's
appreciation and artistic skills as he or she participates in visual and
performing arts. The department promotes personal confidence, self-worth
and creative expression as it integrates faith and learning. Students are
encouraged to view their efforts as pleasing to God and of service to others.
Elective art courses may require an additional fee for materials.
* indicates a required course.
*Art 6
One trimester
This course studies two artists with diverse artistic and
racial styles: Frida Kahlo (a Mexican self-portrait artist and symbolic
painter) and Romare Beardon (an African-American collage artist). Students
also learn cartooning and study Walt Disney’s beginnings in the
film industry. Students work with clay to create Mexican clay suns and
have the option to learn how to create macramé wall hangings.
Art 7
year-long
Students learn about a variety of artists and emulate their work: painted
wall hangings in the style of Faith Ringgold, Impressionism in the style
of Van Gogh, Cubism in the style of Picasso, clay sculpting in the style
of Augusta Savage, Dadaism in the style of Marcel Duchamp, Australian
Aboriginal dream paintings and Native American wall hangings and paintings.
Throughout the course students learn and incorporate elements of design.
A $30 art fee is charged for paint sets, brushes, palettes, canvas,
mats and clay; at the end of the course these supplies are sent home
with the student.
Art 8
year-long
Students explore a variety of art forms including acrylic painting,
sculpting with clay and other objects, and colored pencil drawing. Students
study Michelangelo’s religious art, Matisse’s papercuts
and still life paintings, Louise Nevelson’s box sculptures, and
Georgia O’Keefe’s acrylic painting. Students work with a
variety of mediums as they learn to express beliefs through art. A $30
art fee is charged for paint sets, brushes, palettes, canvas, mats and
clay; at the end of the course these supplies are sent home with the
student.
General Music 6
year-long
Students develop music-reading skills and demonstrate understanding
of basic elements of music (pitch, time, form, tone color, expression).
Activities include singing, listening, evaluating recorded performances,
playing instruments (recorder, guitar, keyboard), and using computer
music technology to create simple compositions. Students do not
perform in concerts outside of class.
Explore Sound 8
one trimester
Students listen to, compare, and learn to recognize a variety
of musical styles, and explore the creative process of making music.
Students develop an awareness of "what makes good music sound good,"
and use this knowledge to make personal music choices. Students also
compose their own musical works, using computer software (GarageBand™,
Finale Notepad™), guitar, and keyboard.
Drama and Theatre 8
one trimester
Fundamentals of acting, oral interpretation, improvisation, and technical
theatre are taught through theatre games, direct instruction, written
tests, and preformances. Students may perform in class, convocations
and chapels within the Minnehaha community.
6th Grade Girls Choir
7th Grade Girls Choir
8th Grade Girls Choir
6th Grade Boys Choir
7th Grade Boys Choir
8th Grade Boys Choir
each level, year-long
Choir offers a comprehensive approach to musicianship, developing
music reading skills and exploring basic elements of music (pitch, time,
form, tone color, expression). Special attention is given to healthy
vocal technique, and the needs of changing voices during middle school.
Choirs are divided by gender to meet the specific needs of boys and
girls as their voices mature. The choirs combine occasionally, to sing
mixed-voice literature appropriate for this age group. Choirs perform
two or three times each year on campus, and off-campus at least once
during the year. Audition is not required, but the ability to match
pitch is helpful to a singer's success in choir.
6th Grade Band
7th Grade Band
8th Grade Band
each level, year-long
Prerequisite: must be able to play an instrument. Percussionists enrolling in Middle School band must have 2 years of piano background and must have a bell kit for practicing keyboard mallet parts.
The band program is comprehensive, encompassing all aspects of musicianship
including technique, intonation, tone quality and style. Private lessons
are encouraged but not required. Technique is developed in sectional
lessons and rehearsals.
6th Grade Strings
7th Grade Strings
8th Grade Strings
each level, year-long
Prerequisite: must be able to play an instrument.
Designed for students with some past string instrument instruction, this course
gives students opportunity to develop listening skills, experience performance,
explore a variety of musical styles and learn aspects of ensemble playing.
Private lessons are encouraged but not required.
Co-curricular Groups:
Jazz Ensemble
Open to students in 7 and 8 with director permission
Instrumental Lessons
Open to all students on an individual basis.
Special fee.
Redhawk Singers
This co-curricular singing group meets before school once a week and
is open to all Middle School students.
Voice Lessons
Open to all students on an individual basis.
Special fee.
Keyboard Studies
Keyboard lessons are offered to all students on an individual basis. Half-hour
weekly piano lessons are adjusted to the individual student's needs. Two piano
practice rooms are available for lessons.
Special fee.
World Languages
All languages are equally challenging,
and study should begin early. Each language stresses the development of language
proficiency and culture study. All language levels emphasize listening, reading
comprehension, speaking and writing. Grammatical concepts, oral classroom
participation and proficiency testing are included. Skits, culture days,
visual presentations and music enhance the courses.
* indicates a required course
*Introduction to Latin (Grade 6)
One trimester
Meeting two days per week, this course will explore the rudiments of
the Latin language as well as highlight various aspects of Roman culture.
Students will also discover how Latin affects English through word derivation
study.
Grade 7 and 8 Language Options
The first year high school language courses are divided into a two-year
study for 7th and 8th grade students. Successful completion of a IA language
course in 7th grade allows a student to enroll in the IB course in the
8th grade. Students transferring from another school in 8th grade must
pass a proficiency test to be enrolled in any IB language course. Successful
completion of IA and IB language in Middle School allows a student to take
the second year language course beginning in 9th grade.
Beginning language programs introduce students to new vocabulary that
they use
in speaking, writing, reading and listening. Through small-group activities,
skits, projects, daily in-class activities, and the study of the culture
and geography of the country, students begin to develop an understanding
of world language and culture.
Latin 1A
French 1A
Spanish 1A
Chinese 1A
each level, year-long
Latin 1B
French 1B
Spanish 1B
Chinese 1B
each level, year-long
Physical Education / Health
The physical education curriculum provides students with opportunities
to further develop their physical fitness level while enhancing skills
in selected individual and team sports. Emphasis is given to social
development, sportsmanship and participation. All Middle School students
take the Presidential Fitness Tests. All classes are co-ed.
* indicates a required course.
*Physical Education/Health 6
2 trimesters
Activities include fitness testing, ice skating, softball,
track and field, recreational games, soccer, pickleball, tumbling, floor
hockey, football, basketball, volleyball, badminton and pickleball.
Health topics cover Christian perspectives of adolescent changes.
*Physical Education/Health 7
year-long
Physical education units include quadball, basketball, ice
skating, fitness testing, foam stick ice hockey, pickleball, soccer,
rhythms, floor hockey, volleyball, softball, track and field, tumbling,
football, recreational games, lacrosse, one-wall handball, scooter hockey and health fitness.
Health topics include hygiene, nutrition, eating disorders, tobacco,
alcohol, harassment and first aid.
*Physical Education/Health 8
year-long
Tennis, ice skating, speedball, field hockey,
softball, football, golf, team handball, pickleball, fitness tests,
ultimate frisbee, broomball, aerobics, volleyball, floor hockey, fitness
testing, and basketball are physical education units. Health topics
include personality/self image, friendships/dating, and chemical awareness/abuse
prevention.
Computers and Technology
Teaching of technology and library-use
skills are incorporated where appropriate as part of the curriculum of the
individual subject areas.
* indicates a required course
*Keyboarding
one trimester
This course stresses the correct techniques for successful
touch keyboarding. Students learn the alpha-numeric keys and word processing
techniques, which include centering, single and double spacing, underscoring,
deleting and adding spaces, words, sentences and paragraphs.
(8th graders new to Minnehaha will need to take this course
or demonstrate keyboarding proficiency.)
Advanced Computer Applications and Tools
one trimester
Students in this course will learn how to use several pieces
of software throughout three units of study. In the Graphics unit, students
learn how to import, manipulate, and edit digital pictures. Next, students
use one of the programs learned in the first unit to create digital
“Flipbooks” using QuickTime. The course culminates with
making movies using digital video cameras and iMovie.
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Academics
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The Social Studies department seeks to develop students who can identify and assume the privileges and responsibilities of United States and global citizenship. Students are given opportunities to develop study skills and refine communication skills in dealing with contemporary issues. Students improve their ability to work with historical material, as well as to evaluate history and global studies from a Christian perspective.
* indicates a required course.
*Social Studies 6
year-long
This course includes one trimester of Minnesota History and two trimesters of world geography. Through the study of Minnesota Historical Society texts and source documents, students discover first-hand how diverse cultures interacted to shape the state of Minnesota. Students then demonstrate their understanding by creating and filming an original “Newscast from History.” In the study of world geography, students create a personalized atlas of the world using on-line government databases, live web cams, and current events selected from hundreds of news sources. Throughout the course students are encouraged and challenged to develop and express an informed Christian world view.
*Social Studies 7
year-long
This course is a broad exploration of the world we live in. Units in psychology, sociology, anthropology, geography and economics are covered in the first two trimesters. Thinking and study skills are also integrated into unit activities. Projects include a map of the student's neighborhood, a minority history book report and an oral history interview. The third trimester covers Colonial American History integrated with the other social sciences and a unit on global issues.
*American History (8)
year-long
United States history from the Revolutionary War period through today is covered through reading, lecture and small group projects, including Civil Rights and Revolutionary War projects, a Decades project and a scrapbook portfolio of current events. The study of U.S. government is incorporated into this class. Students have an additional opportunity to experience American History in Washington, D.C., on an optional June trip.