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PROGRAM OF STUDIES 2015 - 2016 Deptford Township School District Monongahela Middle School 890 Bankbridge Road Sewell, New Jersey 08080 856-415-9540
PROGRAM OF STUDIES 2015 - 2016
Deptford Township School District
Monongahela Middle School
890 Bankbridge Road
Sewell, New Jersey 08080
856-415-9540
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Monongahela Middle School 890 Bankbridge Road
Sewell, New Jersey 08080
School Closing Number 801
Deptford Township Public Schools
2022 Good Intent Road
Deptford, New Jersey 08096
Administrative Offices Monongahela Main Office
856-232-2700 856-415-9540
Fax: 856-227-7473 Fax: 856-464-9284
Interim Superintendent Principal
Mr. Paul Spaventa Mr. Arthur Dietz
Ext. 3014 Ext. 2010
Assistant Superintendent Vice Principals
Mrs. Carolyn Morehead Mr. Jonathan Collins
Ext. 3014 Ext. 2002
Mrs. Nina Lamb
Business Administrator/Board Secretary Ext. 2002
Mr. Michael Griggel
Ext. 3008 Athletic Coordinator
Ms. Angela Michaelidis
Director of Special Education
Mr. Nathan Barnes
Ext. 3504 Director of Student Activities
Mr. Peter Orio
Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Mrs. Sherry McAteer
Ext. 3002
School Resource Officer
Officer Eric Strouse
Deptford Township Board of Education
Mrs. Trevaline Jackson – President Mr. Brian McDonald
Mrs. Susan Kryszczak – Vice President Ms. Linda Rosser
Mrs. Marianne Covely Mr. Matthew Vilary
Mrs. Jeanine Donohue Mr. Joseph Wilson
Mrs. Stacy Gray
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Table of Contents
Deptford Township Public Schools Mission Statement ..................................................................4
Monongahela Middle School
Our Vision ............................................................................................................................5
Our Mission .........................................................................................................................5
Policies, Procedures and Requirements
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunities .............................................................................7
Curriculum Overview ..........................................................................................................8
Grading Scale .......................................................................................................................8
Change of Advanced Course Policy ....................................................................................8
Core Curriculum Courses/Required Courses
English Language Arts
Grade 7 ...................................................................................................................10
Advanced ELA – Grade 7 ......................................................................................10
Grade 8 ...................................................................................................................11
Advanced ELA – Grade 8 ...............................................................................11, 12
ELA Intervention ..................................................................................................12
Mathematics
Math – Grade 7 & 8 ..............................................................................................13
Advanced Math - Grade 7 (Pre-Algebra) ...............................................................13
Algebra I - Grade 8 ................................................................................................13
Physical Education/Health – Grade 7 & 8 .........................................................................14
Science
Grade 7 …………………………………………………………………………..15
Advanced Science - Grade 7 ..................................................................................15
Grade 8 ...................................................................................................................15
Advanced Science - Grade 8 ............................................................................15, 16
Social Studies
World History – Grade 7........................................................................................17
Advanced World History – Grade 7 ......................................................................17
American History – Grade 8 ............................................................................17, 18
Advanced American History – Grade 8 .................................................................18
Special Area Courses
Art ......................................................................................................................................20
Computers
Computer Skills I ...................................................................................................20
Computer Skills II ..................................................................................................20
English as a Second Language ...........................................................................................20
Music – Grades 7 & 8 ........................................................................................................20
Band ...................................................................................................................................21
Concert Choir .....................................................................................................................21
World Languages
French – Grades 7 & 8 ...........................................................................................22
Spanish – Grades 7 & 8 .........................................................................................22
Course Selection Forms
7th Grade Course Selection Form .......................................................................................24
8th Grade Course Selection Form .......................................................................................25
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DEPTFORD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC SCHOOLS
MISSION STATEMENT
The Deptford Township Public Schools, in cooperation with students, parents, and
community members, will strive to provide all students with the intellectual, cultural, and
technological resources and opportunities necessary to become contributing members of
our democratic society.
It is our mission to focus on high academic achievement and social competency for all
of our students. Our students will be best served by high expectations, by curricula which
go beyond basic skills, and programs which use instructional time to engage students in
problem-solving, critical thinking, and active learning.
In addition, it is our aim to establish a safe educational setting reflecting a
cooperative team approach, while at the same time allowing for independent thought
and growth. Our students should be encouraged to take intellectual risks in an
environment which encourages intellectual exploration, creative thinking, and an
open exchange of ideas.
Students are guided in developing their own personal value systems. They are taught to
appreciate and accept responsibility for themselves. Each student will develop a positive
self-image by being provided with opportunities for personal growth and achievement.
The curriculum of the Deptford Township School District is aligned to the Common
Core State Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics. The Science curriculum
is aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards. The curriculum is aligned to the NJ
Core Curriculum Content Standards in Visual and Performing Arts, Comprehensive Health
and Physical Education, Social Studies, World Languages, Technological Literacy and
Career Education. We are committed to the implementation of these standards for all our
students. It is necessary that we use all available resources to maximize achievement
across all content areas and provide our students the opportunity to master 21st century
skills. It is our goal that all our students become contributing members of our global
society.
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Monongahela Middle School
Our Vision
“Connecting students to academic achievement
and personal excellence”
Our Mission
Just as a bridge offers support and transition, Monongahela Middle School guides
students in their development and growth. As a school community, we are clearly
focused on engaging the students in the following core areas:
Providing a dynamic and challenging curriculum with an emphasis on higher-
order thinking skills
Promoting and maintaining a peaceful and respectful atmosphere that
encourages responsibility for one’s actions
Developing self-confidence and an influential voice that is expressed and
heard in a safe environment
Fostering participation in, and service to, the democratic society in which we
live
The scaffolding of the dedicated community members, parents, and staff helps to
sustain the weight of the bridge that braces our students’ future.
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Policies, Procedures,
and
Requirements
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Affirmative Action
The Deptford Township School District does not discriminate in its employment practices,
business actions, and/or educational opportunities because of age, creed, race, color, national
origin, ancestry, marital status, sex, or handicap. An affirmative action plan has been developed
and is available for review in the office of the principal of each school. Persons having any
questions regarding the affirmative action plan are encouraged to contact the building principal.
The district affirmative action officers (located at the administrative offices) are as follows:
Mrs. Carolyn Morehead - Employment Practices
856-232-2700 Ext. 3014
Mr. Michael Griggel - Contract Practices
856-232-2700 Ext. 3008
Ms. Fran Harwell - School and Classroom Practices
856-415-9540 Ext. 3006
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Curriculum Overview
7th Grade Curriculum 8th Grade Curriculum English Language Arts 7,
Advanced ELA 7
English Language Arts 8,
Advanced ELA 8
Math 7,
Advanced Math 7 (Pre-Algebra)
Math 8,
Algebra I
Science 7,
Advanced Science 7
Science 8
Advanced Science 8
World History 7,
Advanced World History 7
American History 8,
Advanced American History 8
Health 7/Physical Education 7 Health 8/Physical Education 8
World Language –
French 7 or Spanish 7
World Language –
French 8 or Spanish 8
Art 7 Art 8
Computer Skills I Computer Skills II
General Music 7 or Band 7 or
Concert Choir 7
General Music 8 or Band 8 or
Concert Choir 8
Grading Scale
100 – 91 Exceptional Performance
90 – 83 Above Average Performance
82 – 74 Average Performance
73 – 68 Below Average Performance
67 – 0 Not Passing
Advanced-level courses at MMS will earn a 5% weight on grade point average.
Change of Advanced Course Policy
If there is a legitimate reason for a student to change one’s class schedule, he/she must first see
their counselor. Entering or exiting an advanced course must be done according to the following
schedule:
Last day to enter an advanced course: 10th day of the first marking period
Last day to drop an advanced course: first interim date
*Please note that students are chosen for advanced courses based off an order of merit list. There
are a limited number of seats in each of these courses. Students may only be added to a course
provided there are available seats in that particular course.
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Required Core
Curriculum Courses
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English Language Arts
Grade 7 The seventh grade English Language Arts curriculum at MMS is a comprehensive and rigorous
program of instruction in a double period that incorporates selections from various texts. The goal is to
integrate reading, writing, speaking, and listening into daily experiences in the classroom that will foster
student growth and self-confidence. Through selected readings, students will recognize and appreciate
fiction, historical fiction, and non-fiction as literary genres. They will apply reading skills including, but
not limited to, context clues, prediction, making inferences, and determining author’s purpose. A novel
study is done each marking period to reinforce these skills and provide independent reading practice and
group discussion. In addition, students will write for a variety of audiences and purposes, which include
narrative, argumentative and informative/explanatory essays. The art of poetry as a means of expression is
also explored. Daily vocabulary and grammar practice will enhance written and oral communication as
well as listening skills. Students will also focus on 21st century skills which will prepare them for the future
and make them college and career ready. Also, students will be required to take an active role in the
learning process by leading group discussions and having a greater responsibility for their learning. All
lessons will be tailored this way to ensure the new Common Core State Standards are being incorporated in
the classroom and that all students are meeting the expectations of the state. At the close of the seventh
grade ELA program, students will be equipped for future success in reading and writing.
Advanced ELA – Grade 7 This course offers students a challenging preview to Advanced English Language Arts 8. Students
will follow a rigorous curriculum that teaches the same standards as English 7; however, extended learning
activities will require students to increase their critical thinking skills to include analysis, synthesis, and
problem solving. This course integrates reading, literature study, and writing, researching, speaking, and
thinking skills. Students in this course are expected to be avid readers and sophisticated writers. They will
also be responsible for several independent and creative learning activities. Emphasis is on the
development of higher level thinking skills and creativity through enrichment activities, verbal reasoning
and problem solving, as well as the extension of grade level curriculum. Students will also focus on 21st
century skills which will prepare them for the future and make them college and career ready. Also,
students will be required to take an active role in the learning process by leading group discussions and
having a greater responsibility for their learning. All lessons will be tailored this way to ensure the new
Common Core State Standards are being incorporated in the classroom and that all students are meeting the
expectations of the state. The curriculum moves at an accelerated pace with a more concentrated focus.
Prerequisites:
91% cumulative average in subject on May 13th (interim date)
Top tier of district MAP scores in ELA 6
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Grade 8 The Monongahela Middle School eighth grade English Language Arts program is designed to
improve and enhance students’ abilities to use reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in such a way
that benefits and fosters growth and self-confidence. Students will learn to communicate effectively by
writing a range of essays including narrative, explanatory, and argumentative. The strengthening of
standard grammar skills and vocabulary will be taught in context as a necessary component of the reading
and writing process. Students will be reading a number of different short stories in a variety of genres
including fiction, non-fiction, historical fiction, and drama. A novel study will be completed each marking
period. Students will read critically by identifying, analyzing, and applying knowledge of the theme,
structure, style, and literary elements of fiction and non-fiction. They will learn to provide support from the
text as evidence of their understanding. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency
through a variety of assessments including, but not limited to, tests, quizzes, projects, essays, presentations,
choice boards, and menus. Students will also focus on 21st century skills which will prepare them for the
future and make them college and career ready. Also, students will be required to take an active role in the
learning process by leading group discussions and having a greater responsibility for their learning. All
lessons will be tailored this way to ensure the new Common Core State Standards are being incorporated in
the classroom and that all students are meeting the expectations of the state. At the conclusion of the course,
students will have obtained the necessary tools for future academic and vocational endeavors.
Advanced ELA – Grade 8 This course offers students a challenging preview to Advanced English Language Arts 9. Students
will follow a rigorous curriculum that teaches the same standards as English 8; however, extended learning
activities will require students to increase their critical thinking skills to include analysis, synthesis, and
problem solving. This course integrates reading, literature study, and writing, researching, speaking, and
thinking skills. Students in this course are expected to be avid readers and sophisticated writers. They will
also be responsible for several independent and creative learning activities. Emphasis is on the
development of higher level thinking skills and creativity through enrichment activities, verbal reasoning
and problem solving, as well as the extension of grade level curriculum. Students will also focus on 21st
century skills which will prepare them for the future and make them college and career ready. Also,
students will be required to take an active role in the learning process by leading group discussions and
having a greater responsibility for their learning. All lessons will be tailored this way to ensure the new
Common Core State Standards are being incorporated in the classroom and that all students are meeting the
expectations of the state. The curriculum moves at an accelerated pace with a more concentrated focus.
Prerequisites:
83% cumulative average in Advanced ELA 7 on May 13th (interim date)
91% cumulative average in regular ELA 7 on May 13th (interim date)
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Top tier of district MAP scores in ELA 7
ELA Intervention The ELA Intervention class will systematically and explicitly reinforce reading and language skills
based on phonetics. Strategies for decoding and spelling words will be taught in a step-by-step sequential
manner based on individual student needs and readiness. The Wilson Reading and Language methodology
will primarily be used to achieve reading and language goals. Instruction and content reflects the Common
Core Standards in ELA for their readiness levels, and will scaffold students to achieve progress in reading.
Prerequisites: State/District Assessment Scores and Individualized Education Program
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Mathematics Note: Students interested in selection to the Academy of Engineering or Modeling Science courses at Deptford High
School must complete Algebra I by the end of 8th grade.
Math – Grades 7 & 8 The Big Ideas Math program in grades 7 & 8 has been systematically developed using learning and
instructional theory to ensure the quality of instruction. Students gain a deeper understanding of math
concepts by narrowing their focus to fewer topics at each grade level to ensure alignment with the Common
Core Standards. Students master content through inductive reasoning opportunities, engaging activities that
provide deeper understanding, concise stepped-out examples, rich thought-provoking exercises, and a
continual building on what has been previously taught.
Big Ideas Math delivers a unique and revolutionary curriculum providing a balanced instructional
approach of discovery and direct instruction. This approach opens doors to abstract thought, reasoning, and
inquiry as students persevere to answer the Essential Questions that drive instruction. Clearly stepped-out
examples complete the lesson and provide students with the precise language and structure necessary to
build mathematical understanding and proficiency. These courses will prepare students for the PARCC
assessment.
Advanced Math (Pre-Algebra) – Grade 7 A fast paced course that covers all the topics in the seventh grade course and additionally a
multitude of eighth grade topics. Students will need to be self-motivated and hard-working to be successful
in this course. This course is designed to prepare students to take Big Ideas Algebra I in eighth grade. This
course follows the same format as the Big Ideas grade 7 & 8 courses.
Prerequisites:
91% cumulative average in Math 6 on May 13th (interim date)
Top tier of district MAP scores in Math 6
Algebra I – Grade 8 A fast paced course that covers a multitude of the topics in the eighth grade course and also
provides a full Algebra I experience. Students will need to be self-motivated and hard-working to be
successful in this course. This course is designed to prepare students to take Geometry or Algebra II in high
school. This course follows the same format as the Big Ideas grade 7 & 8 courses.
Prerequisites:
83% cumulative average in Advanced Math on May 13th (interim date)
91% cumulative average in regular Math on May 13th (interim date)
Top tier of district MAP scores in Math 7
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Physical Education and Health
Overview of the Physical Education and Health Curriculum Both seventh and eighth grade students are required to pass Physical Education and Health. All
middle school students will be enrolled in Physical Education for three marking periods and Health for one
marking period. While taking Physical Education, students will be required to dress in uniforms and
participate in all class activities, unless they are medically excused. Seventh and eighth grade students
participate in a variety of activities that incorporate physical fitness and team sports, as well as providing
instruction in a variety of individual activities.
Physical Education – Grade 7 The seventh grade Physical Education course is geared to develop organization, cooperation,
discipline, physical fitness, and team concept in sports. The students are introduced to a number of team
sports, with special emphasis placed on increased progression of individual skills, cooperative team
building through sports activities, and cooperative games unit. The purpose of the activities is twofold: (1)
to mold individual techniques into the team concept of sports; and (2) to create an interest to lead a healthy,
active lifestyle.
Physical Education – Grade 8 The students will be introduced to a number of team sports; the development of individual skills
and techniques of these sport activities will be emphasized. The purpose of the activities will be to develop
skills with the hope of creating interest in team sports and lifelong fitness, i.e. allowing the students to
realize any potential they may have for any particular sport or to realize their individual desire to lead a
healthy, active lifestyle. Student evaluation is based primarily on class preparation as well as participation,
performance tests, and written tests.
Health – Grade 7 The 7th grade health curriculum focuses on physical, mental, and social health. Physical health
topics include nutrition, body changes, and an introduction to sexuality. Mental and social health topics
include conflict resolution and the use and abuse of alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
Health – Grade 8 The intention of this course is to provide skills for a healthy lifestyle. The health course will
include promotion of social health and continue to focus on conflict resolution, and the use and abuse of
alcohol, tobacco and drugs. Students will acquire knowledge about the physical, emotional, and social
aspects of human relationships and sexuality, while gaining knowledge on STI’s.
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Science
Grade 7 The seventh grade science course is part of a two year integrated general science program that
stresses interrelationships. The themes of the course encompass catastrophic events, matter, light, and
genetics. The course focuses on the nature of science, science processes, and scientific inquiry through
lecture, discussion, research, and hands on experiences.
Advanced Science – Grade 7 This rigorous, year-long course is designed to engage students in Catastrophic Events, Matter,
Light, and Genetics. The course focuses on the nature of science, science processes, and scientific inquiry
through lecture, discussion, research, and hands on experiences. This class will include more emphasis on
laboratory experience and independent study. This class is designed to provide a base to later succeed in
higher level sciences such as Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The Advanced Science course will move at a
faster pace and cover additional lessons.
Students taking this course will:
• Relate concepts learned to answer higher level, critical thinking problems.
• Use mathematical/algebraic concepts and formulas in problem solving to explain the nature of the
universe.
• Work individually and in collaborative groups to collect and analyze data/graphs in laboratory
experiences.
•Explain information, data and results in written form on a regular basis.
Prerequisites:
91% cumulative average in Math on May 13th (interim date)
Top tier of MAP scores in Math 6
Grade 8 The eighth grade science course is part of a two year integrated general science program that
stresses interrelationships. The themes of the course encompass earth science, ecology, and energy,
machines, and motion. The course focuses on the nature of science, science processes, and scientific
inquiry through lecture, discussion, research, and hands on experiences.
Advanced Science – Grade 8 This rigorous, year-long course is designed to engage students in Earth science, Ecology, and
Energy, Machines and Motion and apply the concepts learned in Algebra I. This class will include more
emphasis on laboratory experience and independent study. This class is designed to provide a base to later
succeed in higher level sciences such as Biology, Chemistry and Physics. It will also meet both the State
and Core Curricular Standards.
The Advanced Science course will move at a faster pace and cover additional lessons. (Classes typically
average 28 students)
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Students taking this course will:
• Relate concepts learned to answer higher level, critical thinking problems.
• Use mathematical/algebraic concepts and formulas in problem solving to explain the nature of the
universe.
• Work individually and in collaborative groups to collect and analyze data/graphs in laboratory
experiences.
•Explain information, data and results in written form on a regular basis.
Prerequisites:
91% cumulative average in Math on May 13th (interim date)
Top tier of MAP scores in Math 7
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Social Studies
World History – Grade 7 The seventh grade social studies curriculum is based on the themes of geography, government,
economy, intolerance, and evolution of empires. Each theme is examined as it applies throughout various
time periods, including Ancient Rome, The Middle Ages, The Renaissance, The Age of Exploration, The
Industrial Revolution, The French Revolution, and W.W.I. The influence of each of these themes on the
development of nations, as well as our own country as a democratic republic, is evaluated through
presentation and a variety of meaningful learning activities. Students will also focus on 21st century skills
which will prepare them for the future and make them college and career ready. Also, students will be
required to take an active role in the learning process by leading group discussions and having a greater
responsibility for their learning. All lessons will be tailored this way to ensure the Common Core State
Standards in ELA and the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards for Social Studies are being incorporated
in the classroom and that all students are meeting the expectations of the state.
Advanced World History – Grade 7 The seventh grade advanced social studies curriculum is a highly challenging curriculum based on
the themes of geography, government, economy, intolerance, and evolution of empires. Each theme is
examined as it applies throughout various time periods, including Ancient Rome, The Middle Ages, The
Renaissance, The Age of Exploration, The Industrial Revolution, The French Revolution, and the Russian
Revolution. The influence of each of these themes on the development of nations, as well as our own
country as a democratic republic, is evaluated through presentation and a variety of meaningful learning
activities. The emphasis throughout each unit is on higher level thinking skills and making connections as
well noting the ongoing cause and effect chain that exists in history. Students will also focus on 21st
century skills which will prepare them for the future and make them college and career ready. Advanced
social studies students will be required to take an active role in the learning process by leading group
discussions and having a greater responsibility for their learning through student based discovery and take
home projects. All lessons will be tailored this way to ensure the new Common Core State Standards in
ELA and the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards for Social Studies are being incorporated in the
classroom and that all students are meeting the expectations of the state.
Prerequisites:
91% cumulative average in subject on May 13th (interim date)
Top tier of district MAP scores in ELA 6
American History – Grade 8 United States History is a required course that covers the period of time from 1607-1865. The
course focus will be centered on Colonization, Revolution, the early Republic, Civil War and
Reconstruction. Students will strengthen their critical thinking skills by examining these time periods and
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how they relate to today through the integration of current events into the daily teaching. In addition, each
student is provided with access to an online textbook to further enhance their understanding of the material.
Students will also focus on 21st century skills which will prepare them for the future and make them college
and career ready. Also, students will be required to take an active role in the learning process by leading
group discussions and having a greater responsibility for their learning. All lessons will be tailored this way
to ensure the Common Core State Standards in ELA and the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards for
Social Studies are being incorporated in the classroom and that all students are meeting the expectations of
the state.
Advanced American History – Grade 8 United States History is a required course that covers the period of time from 1607-1860. The 8th
grade Advanced American History Curriculum is a highly-challenging one where students will lead
discussions and work on critical historical analysis. Students will build on their own knowledge of the
themes in history which were studied last year. The themes will be analyzed while focusing on
Colonization, Revolution, and the early Republic. They will strengthen their critical thinking skills by
examining these time periods in American History to see how they relate to today through the integration of
current events into the daily teaching. In addition, each student is provided with access to an online
textbook to further enhance their understanding of the material. Students will also focus on 21st century
skills and citizenship which will prepare them for the future and make them college and career ready. Also,
students will be required to take an active role in the learning process by leading group discussions and
having a greater responsibility for their learning. All lessons will be tailored this way to ensure the
Common Core State Standards in ELA and the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards for Social Studies
are being incorporated in the classroom and that all students are meeting the expectations of the state. Each
marking period students will be required to work independently on research assignments at home.
Prerequisites (continued on next page):
83% cumulative average in Advanced SS on May 13th (interim date)
91% cumulative average in regular SS on May 13th (interim date)
Top tier of district MAP scores in ELA 7
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Special Area
Courses
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Art
The middle school Art program consists of a 45-day cycle in which students at each grade level will
be introduced to a variety of art materials while learning the fundamentals of Art. Students will explore the
elements and principles of Art while engaging in creative projects which will further their abilities and
knowledge of the art world. Vocabulary, art history, careers, art criticism, and creative thinking skills will
also be infused into this program.
Computers
Computer Skills I This course emphasizes the 21st century skills designed to help students negotiate and thrive in
today’s constantly changing technological landscape. The course focuses on trouble shooting, problem
solving, and learning various types of software. Students work on Apple computers allowing many of them
to learn a completely new operating system. Students utilize Google Docs, where they are required to
collaborate with peers using online tools. Students learn how to use Garage Band, giving them a taste of
software used in the entertainment industry. Students are required to demonstrate understanding of office
productivity software by creating digital presentations and word documents. Also, a significant amount of
time is spent developing search skills and identifying the legal and ethical issues related to using online
content.
Computer Skills II This course is an extension of the seventh grade course. Students will be given time to examine
IMovie, a digital editing software suite. This continues their exploration of digital media editing, building
on their experience with Garage Band in seventh grade. At the end of this course, students will demonstrate
proficiency in document editing, presentation building, using a simple database, using a search engine, and
other related topics. Again, students will be asked to discuss the legal and ethical issues related to using
online content. This course is designed with the intention of developing students’ 21st century skills.
English as a Second Language
Students identified as Limited English Proficient (LEP) will be assigned to an English as a Second
Language (ESL) program as required by New Jersey state code. The goal of instruction is to increase
proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and understanding the English language and to incorporate the
cultural aspects of the students’ experience into their ESL instruction.
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General Music
Grade 7 This music course is designed to provide all students with a basic understanding of music notation,
rhythm, music terminology, musical instrument families, percussion rudiments, and techniques on snare
drum, as well as the opportunity to explore various genres of music through listening and analyzing.
Through class discussion, and exciting hands-on projects, we will invent instruments, and create our own
musical groups. This will entail making our own CDs, designing T-shirts, tour busses, bumper stickers, and
planning our groups’ performances. In this course, we will also investigate the importance of music in
today’s society and in all of our lives. We will discover multitudes of ways in which music affects the
mind, and can improve our health and well-being.
Grade 8 This music course is designed to provide all students with a more in-depth understanding of music
notation, rhythm, music terminology, musical instrument families, advanced percussion rudiments and
techniques on the snare drum, as well as the opportunity to explore various genres of music through
listening and analyzing. In this course, we will be covering fundamentals of conducting a musical
ensemble, as well as introducing musical theater which consists of listening to and discussing the in-depth
meaning behind select songs from well-known musicals. We will also be conducting interviews of student
musicians in our own schools, and discussing current issues in music. This course will conclude with a
music creativity project that will require imagination, originality, and you guessed it – creativity!!
Band The Concert Band is a full-year elective class that is open to all students who want to learn a
musical instrument. The Concert Band is mainly comprised of seventh and eighth grade students who have
studied musical instruments in their elementary school bands, but is open to all students who want to work
hard and learn music in an ensemble setting. The band meets daily and mostly learns music of a classical
nature. The ensemble performs two to four concerts over the course of the school year.
Concert Choir This course is designed to provide choir students with the wonderful opportunity to develop basic
music terminology, proper singing techniques, tone production, diction, vocal intonation, vocal memory,
musical notation, and rhythm reading. Concert choir exposes the students to music theory and a variety of
fun but challenging music, and through this activity, the students will learn to sing individually, in small
groups, and with a large vocal ensemble. They will also perfect their performance skills, ability to critique
themselves and others, and improve their stage presence, which is extremely important for any middle
school student or musician. Music memorization, attendance, and daily practice are significant
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requirements of this course. Concert choir rehearsals will consist of warming up our voices using a series
of fun and engaging choir warm-up exercises and tongue twisters, rehearsing musical selections which
include learning individual parts, then fitting each part into the ensemble, which improves listening skills,
vocal range, and vocal technique. Members of the Concert Choir will perform a Winter and a Spring
Concert, during both the school day and the evening, and may also perform for several events during the
school year such as Middle School Orientation, Barnes and Noble Night, and the Art Show.
World Language
French – Grade 7 Seventh grade students will be enrolled in a 45-day cycle of French. Students will be introduced to
linguistic skills with an emphasis on the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in a
foreign language. Proficiency is taught through oral and written activities. Aspects of French culture from
various countries are also introduced.
French – Grade 8 In grade 8, students will continue the study of French in a marking 45-day cycle using different
activities. Pronunciation and intonation are practiced through oral practice. Students will be able to
communicate orally across specific speaking situations while also demonstrating cultural awareness.
Spanish – Grade 7 Seventh grade students will be enrolled in a 45-day cycle of Spanish. Students will be introduced
to linguistic skills with an emphasis on the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in a
foreign language. Proficiency is taught through reading and storytelling using the text “¡Cuéntame Más!”
Aspects of Spanish culture from various countries are also introduced.
Spanish – Grade 8 In grade 8, students will continue the study of Spanish in a 45-day cycle course using the textbook
series “¡Cuéntame Más!” Vocabulary and grammar are practiced through story creation. Vocabulary is
reinforced through physical gestures while pronunciation and intonation are also practiced. Students will be
able to communicate orally across specific speaking situations while also demonstrating cultural awareness.
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Course Selection
Forms
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Deptford Township Public Schools
Monongahela Middle School 890 Bankbridge Road ~ Sewell, New Jersey 08080
Ph: 856-415-9540 ~ Fx: 856-415-2026
7th Grade Course Selection Form
Student’s Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please Print
REQUIRED COURSES
Please note that the following courses will be chosen for your student if they meet the eligibility requirements listed in the Program of Studies booklet:
English Language Arts: ELA 7 / Advanced ELA 7
Mathematics: Math 7 / Advanced Math 7 (Pre-Algrebra)
Science: Science 7 / Advanced Science 7
Social Studies: World History 7 / Advanced World History 7
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All students will automatically be scheduled for the following courses:
Physical Education 7 & Health 7
Art 7
Computer Skills I
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All students will have the option of choosing a World Language (PLEASE CIRCLE ONE):
Spanish 7 or French 7
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All students have the option of choosing a Music course (PLEASE CIRCLE ONE):
General Music 7 or *Band 7 or *Concert Choir 7
*Please note that it is recommended that any student choosing Band 7 or Concert Choir 7 have previously taken similar courses at the elementary level.
It is imperative that you complete and return all forms no later than Friday, May 8, 2014. Due to increasing enrollment, some classes may close and you may not receive your choice of class.
___________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
25
Deptford Township Public Schools
Monongahela Middle School 890 Bankbridge Road ~ Sewell, New Jersey 08080
Ph: 856-415-9540 ~ Fx: 856-415-2026
8th Grade Course Selection Form
Student’s Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please Print
REQUIRED COURSES
Please note that the following courses will be chosen for your student if they meet the eligibility requirements listed in the Program of Studies booklet:
English Language Arts: ELA 8 / Advanced ELA 8
Mathematics: Math 8 / Algebra I
Science: Science 8 / Advanced Science 8
Social Studies: World History 8 / Advanced World History 8
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All students will automatically be scheduled for the following courses:
Physical Education 8 & Health 8
Art 8
Computer Skills II
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All students will have the option of choosing a World Language (PLEASE CIRCLE ONE):
Spanish 8 or French 8
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All students have the option of choosing a Music course (PLEASE CIRCLE ONE):
General Music 8 or *Band 8 or *Concert Choir 8
*Please note that it is recommended that any student choosing Band 8 or Concert Choir 8 have previously taken similar courses the previous year.
It is imperative that you complete and return all forms no later than Friday, May 8, 2014. Due to increasing enrollment, some classes may close and you may not receive your choice of class.
___________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
