Technology Education & Student Skills
Sixth and seventh grade students will be taking a technology education course and a student skills course. Beginning in October, these multi-grade classes will meet once per week, and will continue on a year-long, rotating schedule. The technology class will be a project-focused course, during which students will learn to utilize software such as PowerPoint, Inspiration, and Print Shop. The student skills class will focus on developing constructive habits and building effective skills such as time management, organization, note taking and test taking skills, etc.
Eighth grade students will not rotate between technology education and student skills, but will instead spend the whole year involved in a more advanced technology class devoted primarily to media production and editing.
Middle School Identity Discussion
Another aspect of the middle school experience will be the Middle School Identity Discussion. Once per week, the students will divide into two groups (6th grade separate from 7th & 8th grade), and will meet to address relevant issues of middle school students. The format will range from guest speakers to informal conversations and will focus on social issues, teen rights, health, career exploration, stereotyping, friendship, role modeling, leadership, etc. Many of these topics will grow out of the weekly middle school meeting for worship, a time of group silence out of which students and teachers may be led to share a thought or a question for the middle school to ponder.
Advisory Program
Each middle school student will have a faculty advisor (Teacher Todd, Teacher Bobbie or Teacher Bailey) with whom they will meet individually and in small group settings throughout the year. The purpose of this advisory relationship is to address more personal and individual concerns of the student. Advisory sessions will be aimed at offering academic, social and emotional support, monitoring student progress, and reviewing short-term and long-term goals.
|
