• Equations and inequalities involving absolute values
• Simplifying expressions
• Multistep linear equations and inequalities in two variables
• Graphing linear equations
• Relationship of parallel and perpendicular lines & their slopes
• Factoring of second- and third-degree polynomials
• Quadratic equations, including graphing and problem-solving
• Domain and range of independent variables
• Functions

• Physical Science all year
• Grade-appropriate participation in annual Science Fair and Engineering Design Challenge

• The founding of the American nation
• The U. S. Constitution and American political systems
• Growth and change in the new nation, including impact on various immigrant, indigenous, cultural and ethnic groups including African Americans and women.
• Historical and social science analysis skills
• Geography and map skills

Library - The library as an ever-available resource for school and personal use, before or after school, during classes, or during study hall. Additional library time as contracted between middle school teachers and the librarian, to do special projects. Monthly book talks during English class by librarian to stimulate independent reading. Skills emphasized include:

• Using the card catalog and search engines to locate information
• Using the Internet independently to locate information
• Maintaining an interest in reading, and knowledge of recently-published works

• Reading and response to historically significant works of literature; contemporary adolescent literature, poetry, and drama
• Structure and organization of narration, exposition, and persuasion
• Literary devices: dialogues and monologues

• Writing a variety of narrative, expository, descriptive, and persuasive pieces
• Conventions and usage of standard English
• Using the rules of grammar to improve writing
• More tools for researched writing

• Conditioning and fitness activities. Five-Mile-Club walk/jog/run for 30 minutes each week.
• Team sports skill-building continues with the introduction of additional skills as well as practice and enhancement of skills already learned in the areas of Volleyball, Football, Soccer, Basketball, Track and Field, and Baseball/Softball.
• Swimming: introduction of the butterfly stroke; free swim and water games.
  
  More about Program Goals & Basic Sports Activites By Quarter

Foreign Language - French OR Spanish for two years*

• Listening, speaking, reading, and writing in French or Spanish, through textbooks, supplemental computer programs, and a variety of TPR activities
• Pronunciation improvement
• Development of translation skills
• Oral and written historical research and presentations
• Study of the culture and geography of French- or Spanish-speaking countries; cross-cultural connections and comparisons