BMS Course Descriptions
Belgrade Middle School course descriptions for 5th through 8th grade.
English Essentials
This course was designed with student interest in mind. We will be reading novels that challenge the student to use comprehension skills through direct instruction. We will be identifying literary elements throughout the year in hopes of progressing reading skills. This class will also require various types of written assignments: summarizing, persuasive, comparative, explanatory, and more.
What is Title One/ English Essentials?
Title One is a federally-funded, general education support program. The goal of Title One Reading is to provide extra reading help and instruction for struggling readers. Title One instruction is specialized reading instruction that is provided through the cooperation of the classroom teacher and the Title One Reading teacher. This supplements classroom instruction. Supplemental reading instruction with the Title One Reading teacher occurs in small groups, daily for approximately 45 minutes, a supplemental program. This can be illustrated as some students needing an “extra snack of reading” during their day. We identify students in need of assistance and offer them extra instruction. The “main course” of reading is not enough instruction for these students.
Title One Goals
To diagnose and identify specific reading problems in each eligible student.
To supplement and support (not replace) the classroom reading instruction.
To foster an enjoyment of books and to encourage reading as a leisure activity.
To develop a positive attitude and self-confidence by providing reading success.
To formulate and implement plans that will improve students’ reading skills.
To help each student acquire the skills needed to function in the classroom.
To obtain parental support and involvement in our program.
Student Identification Process
The opportunity to be a part of a Title One program is determined for each child and based on several pieces of information used by the Title One teacher including teacher recommendation, Fastbridge and iReady testing, and analysis of independent reading behaviors. Students are then monitored throughout the school year to measure progress.
A parent or guardian must sign the permission letter and contact and send it back to the Title One teacher to receive Title One services.
Exit Title One Program
Students may exit the program at any time during the year. Students will be dismissed from the program by showing grade level performance in the classroom, grade level performance on assessments, and/or parent and teacher referral. The student will only be dismissed from the program after consultation with the classroom teacher, parent, student, and Title One teacher. If you elect to receive these services for your child, English Essentials will take the place of an elective class.
Other Considerations:
Students with an IEP for reading are typically not served in the Title One program. Students whose parents object to their placement will not be served.
English
In this course, students will build advanced reading and writing skills through the application of vocabulary, grammar, and literature. The literature components will include an emphasis on fiction, non-fiction and poetry. In addition, students will participate in a series of writing workshops.
Math Essentials
Students will receive extra math support through Math Essentials. The focus is to fill gaps that students have which keep them from achieving grade-level standards in math. We will focus on foundational skills in the four math domains: Numbers & Operations, Algebra & Algebraic Thinking, Measurement & Data, and Geometry.
What is Title One/ Math Essentials?
Title One is a federally-funded, general education support program. The goal of Title One Math is to provide extra math help and instruction for students who are struggling. Title One instruction is specialized math instruction that is provided through the cooperation of the classroom teacher and the Title One Math teacher. This supplements classroom instruction. Supplemental math instruction with the Title One Math teacher occurs in small groups, daily for approximately 45 minutes. This can be illustrated as some students needing an “extra snack of math” during their day. We identify students in need of assistance and offer them extra instruction. The “main course” of math is not enough instruction for these students.
Title One Goals
-
To diagnose and identify specific math problems in each eligible student
-
To supplement and support (not replace) the classroom math instruction
-
To foster an enjoyment of math and to encourage problem-solving as a leisure activity
-
To develop a positive attitude and self-confidence by providing math success
-
To formulate and implement plans that will improve students’ math skills
-
To help each student acquire the skills needed to function in the classroom
-
To obtain parental support and involvement in our program.
Student Identification Process
The opportunity to be a part of a Title One program is determined for each child and based on several pieces of information used by the Title One teacher including teacher recommendation, Fastbridge and iReady testing, and analysis of independent math behaviors. Students are then monitored throughout the school year to measure progress.
Enter Title One Program
A parent or guardian must sign the permission letter and send it back to the Title One teacher in order for their student to receive Title One services. If you elect to receive these services for your child, Math Essentials will take the place of an elective class.
Exit Title One Program
Students may exit the program at any time during the year. Students will be dismissed from the program by showing grade level performance in the classroom, grade level performance on assessments, and/or parent and teacher referral. The student will only be dismissed from the program after consultation with the classroom teacher, parent, student, and Title One teacher. A parent or guardian must sign the exit letter and send it back to the Title One teacher in order for their student to decline further Title One services.
Other Considerations:
Students with an IEP for reading are typically not served in the Title One program. Students whose parents object to their placement will not be served.
Math
Students will participate in a Mathematics curriculum designed to meet state and national standards. Using Common Core Standards, our school will use a primary source with supplemental materials added when needed. Curriculum will be designed using differentiation within the classroom to assure every child has the opportunity to excel in Mathematics as we learn about place value, operations with decimals and fractions, geometry, measurement, and data.
Science
Students will participate in a general science curriculum. They examine chemistry, physical, life, and earth science concepts. Within the curriculum, students develop and use models, plan and carry out investigations, analyze data as well as other science practices to demonstrate understanding of core ideas.
Social Studies
Social Studies focuses on the North American continent. Explorers from many countries and their claims, the division of lands, and governing bodies are explored. The history of the United States of America is studied from conception through the Revolutionary War via cultures, geography, mapping, historical peoples, economics, technology, citizenship, government and society.
Library
Keyboarding skills are strengthened using Typing Quest as well as other keyboarding lessons and programs. Students also receive an introduction to basic Google Suite programs such as Documents, Slides and Sheets. Library Technology class is interdisciplinary and supports other curriculum areas. It assists with the integration of technology into course work through research assignments and projects. This course also focuses on locating and using library resources, both print and digital. Independent pleasure reading is monitored using the Accelerated Reading program.
Health Enhancement
Health Enhancement is designed to offer students the opportunity to learn basic skills in lifetime sport activities. Our main objective is to teach students the basic rules, strategies and importance of sports that they can participate in throughout their lifetime. While participating in these activities an emphasis will be placed on participation, effort, physical fitness, teamwork and sportsmanship. Students will also participate in a district wide maturation class taught by the District Health Nurse.
Exploring Visual Arts (Elective)
This course is split into two different classes:
5th/6th 2-Dimensional Art
In this creative course, students will explore various 2-Dimensional art techniques, including drawing, painting, and mixed media. They will learn about color, composition, and texture while experimenting with different materials to create unique artworks. By the end of the course, students will have a collection of art pieces to showcase their creativity and skills.
5th/6th 3-Dimensional Art
This 3-Dimensional art course is a hands-on course where students will explore the world of art through sculpting, modeling, and construction. Using materials like clay, paper mache, and wire, they will learn basic techniques to create 3-dimensional artwork. By the end of the course, students will have a collection of unique projects that showcase their creativity and craftsmanship.
Intro to Family Comsumer Sceince (FCS) (Elective)
Family Consumer Science is a class where students learn about many different topics that will influence their lives. Students will learn about kitchen safety, kitchen science, light cooking (with no ovens), hand sewing, interior design etc. Students will learn about travel in relation to culture and food around the world. Students will plan and complete labs on the following topics:
-
Consumer Education
-
Fashion, Textiles, and Apparel
-
Food and Nutrition
-
Housing and Furnishings
-
Individual and Family Health
-
Leadership Development
$20.00 suggested donation to offset materials cost in the class.
STEM (Elective)
Get ready to explore, design, and invent! In this hands-on STEM class, you’ll build like an engineer, code and control robots, and bring your ideas to life through sketching, computer modeling, and building. You'll also explore electricity and light with circuits and computer programming. Think, create, and solve problems like an engineer.
Spanish (Elective)
Join us in creating a community of Spanish speakers! Come and enjoy Spanish acquisition while we play games, dance, hear stories and get to know each other. You will be exploring the culture of the world’s 3rd most popular language through video, stories, and crafts. Don’t miss out on this wonderfully interactive class! It is also a great prep class for High School Spanish!
Beginning Band (Elective)
This is an elective course offering beginning instruction for the wind instruments and percussion. You will learn to perform a repertoire of instrumental literature representing various genres, styles, and cultures with expression, technical accuracy, tone quality, and articulation, by oneself and in ensembles. The course also includes music fundamentals, theory, songs, performance, listening, composing, improvising, analyzing, and learning how to read music notation.
Goals
-
To learn to play your chosen instrument accurately and produce a pleasing sound.
-
To learn how to read music notation.
-
To develop an understanding of music fundamentals and theory.
-
To learn how to perform, write, and create music.
-
To develop the ability to analyze, describe, and listen to music.
-
To develop the ability to match pitch and sing on pitch.
-
To develop an understanding of music as it relates to history and culture.
Instruments you may choose from are:
-
Flute
-
Clarinet
-
Trumpet
-
Trombone
-
Baritone
-
Percussion
Beginning Orchestra (Elective)
Join the Orchestra and ROCK!!! This class is designed specifically to meet the needs of 5th grade beginning orchestra students. No experience is required for this class, we will learn everything that is needed to begin playing a string instrument. Students will select violin, viola, cello, or bass to learn to play this year. Learning to play an instrument is both fun and challenging, therefore this is a year long class. We will learn Fiddle, Rock, Jazz, Classical, and other fun styles of music. At the end of every year, 5th Grade students learn to play a REAL rock tune that all orchestra students perform together for our end of year concert.
Intro to Industrual Arts (Elective)
Intro to hand tools and board drafting in our woodshop classroom.
English Essentials
This course was designed with student interest in mind. We will be reading novels that challenge the student to use comprehension skills through direct instruction. We will be identifying literary elements throughout the year in hopes of progressing reading skills. This class will also require various types of written assignments: summarizing, persuasive, comparative, explanatory, and more.
What is Title One/ English Essentials?
Title One is a federally-funded, general education support program. The goal of Title One Reading is to provide extra reading help and instruction for struggling readers. Title One instruction is specialized reading instruction that is provided through the cooperation of the classroom teacher and the Title One Reading teacher. This supplements classroom instruction. Supplemental reading instruction with the Title One Reading teacher occurs in small groups, daily for approximately 45 minutes, a supplemental program. This can be illustrated as some students needing an “extra snack of reading” during their day. We identify students in need of assistance and offer them extra instruction. The “main course” of reading is not enough instruction for these students.
Title One Goals
To diagnose and identify specific reading problems in each eligible student.
To supplement and support (not replace) the classroom reading instruction.
To foster an enjoyment of books and to encourage reading as a leisure activity.
To develop a positive attitude and self-confidence by providing reading success.
To formulate and implement plans that will improve students’ reading skills.
To help each student acquire the skills needed to function in the classroom.
To obtain parental support and involvement in our program.
Student Identification Process
The opportunity to be a part of a Title One program is determined for each child and based on several pieces of information used by the Title One teacher including teacher recommendation, Fastbridge and iReady testing, and analysis of independent reading behaviors. Students are then monitored throughout the school year to measure progress.
A parent or guardian must sign the permission letter and contact and send it back to the Title One teacher to receive Title One services.
Exit Title One Program
Students may exit the program at any time during the year. Students will be dismissed from the program by showing grade level performance in the classroom, grade level performance on assessments, and/or parent and teacher referral. The student will only be dismissed from the program after consultation with the classroom teacher, parent, student, and Title One teacher. If you elect to receive these services for your child, English Essentials will take the place of an elective class.
Other Considerations:
Students with an IEP for reading are typically not served in the Title One program. Students whose parents object to their placement will not be served.
English
In this course, students will build advanced reading and writing skills through the application of vocabulary, grammar, and literature. The literature components will include an emphasis on fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. In addition, students will participate in a series of writing workshops: narrative, argumentative, and informative.
Math Essentials
Students will receive extra math support through Math Essentials. The focus is to fill gaps that students have which keep them from achieving grade-level standards in math. We will focus on foundational skills in the four math domains: Numbers & Operations, Algebra & Algebraic Thinking, Measurement & Data, and Geometry.
What is Title One/ Math Essentials?
Title One is a federally-funded, general education support program. The goal of Title One Math is to provide extra math help and instruction for students who are struggling. Title One instruction is specialized math instruction that is provided through the cooperation of the classroom teacher and the Title One Math teacher. This supplements classroom instruction. Supplemental math instruction with the Title One Math teacher occurs in small groups, daily for approximately 45 minutes. This can be illustrated as some students needing an “extra snack of math” during their day. We identify students in need of assistance and offer them extra instruction. The “main course” of math is not enough instruction for these students.
Title One Goals
-
To diagnose and identify specific math problems in each eligible student
-
To supplement and support (not replace) the classroom math instruction
-
To foster an enjoyment of math and to encourage problem-solving as a leisure activity
-
To develop a positive attitude and self-confidence by providing math success
-
To formulate and implement plans that will improve students’ math skills
-
To help each student acquire the skills needed to function in the classroom
-
To obtain parental support and involvement in our program.
Student Identification Process
The opportunity to be a part of a Title One program is determined for each child and based on several pieces of information used by the Title One teacher including teacher recommendation, Fastbridge and iReady testing, and analysis of independent math behaviors. Students are then monitored throughout the school year to measure progress.
Enter Title One Program
A parent or guardian must sign the permission letter and send it back to the Title One teacher in order for their student to receive Title One services. If you elect to receive these services for your child, Math Essentials will take the place of an elective class.
Exit Title One Program
Students may exit the program at any time during the year. Students will be dismissed from the program by showing grade level performance in the classroom, grade level performance on assessments, and/or parent and teacher referral. The student will only be dismissed from the program after consultation with the classroom teacher, parent, student, and Title One teacher. A parent or guardian must sign the exit letter and send it back to the Title One teacher in order for their student to decline further Title One services.
Other Considerations:
Students with an IEP for reading are typically not served in the Title One program. Students whose parents object to their placement will not be served.
Math
In preparation for 7th grade, students in the 6th grade will study The Number System, Expressions and Equations, Ratios and Proportional Relationships, Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. Students will spend appropriate time on each unit to ensure that the basics of Math are understood. Students’ academic progress will be reviewed by a series of formative and summative assessments given through-out the school year. Research-based data will be used in the decision making of student placement. Students will move between tiers and levels based on data.
Science
The 6th grade Earth and Space Science inquiry-based curriculum provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to understand the world they live in. Students will explore topics involving processes at work below the Earth’s surface, on the Earth’s surface, and in the atmosphere. These topics include, but are not limited to: plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes, storms, climate, ocean processes, and the impact of humans on Earth. Students will also investigate our solar system; partnership of the sun, earth, and moon to create seasons, day and night, and eclipses. They will study Earth’s history as a planet. This course utilizes a hands-on approach to facilitate learning and discovery.
Social Studies
Students will learn about the geographical, political, social, and religious structure of the Stone Age, Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Greece, and Rome. Students will learn about 5 major world religions whose roots began in ancient times. These include Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam.
Library
The goal of this course is to create independent and capable researchers and readers by focusing on locating and using library resources, both print and digital. Students will receive an introduction to basic Google Suite programs such as Documents, Slides Sheets and Kami. Library Technology class is interdisciplinary and supports other curriculum areas. It assists with the integration of technology into course work through research assignments and projects. Independent pleasure reading is monitored and encouraged using the quarterly reading log as well as our “Panthers Read” program.
Health Enhancement
The 6th grade Health Enhancement program is designed to offer students the opportunity to learn basic skills in lifetime sports activities. Our main objective is to teach students the basic rules, strategies, and importance of sports that they can participate in throughout their lifetime. While participating in these activities an emphasis will be placed on participation, effort, physical fitness, teamwork and sportsmanship. Students will also participate in a district wide maturation class taught by the District Health Nurse.
Exploring Visual Arts (Elective)
This course is split into two different classes:
5th/6th 2-Dimensional Art
In this creative course, students will explore various 2-Dimensional art techniques, including drawing, painting, and mixed media. They will learn about color, composition, and texture while experimenting with different materials to create unique artworks. By the end of the course, students will have a collection of art pieces to showcase their creativity and skills.
5th/6th 3-Dimensional Art
This 3-Dimensional art course is a hands-on course where students will explore the world of art through sculpting, modeling, and construction. Using materials like clay, paper mache, and wire, they will learn basic techniques to create 3-dimensional artwork. By the end of the course, students will have a collection of unique projects that showcase their creativity and craftsmanship.
Intro to Family Comsumer Sceince (FCS) (Elective)
Family Consumer Science is a class where students learn about many different topics that will influence their lives. Students will learn about kitchen safety, kitchen science, light cooking (with no ovens), hand sewing, interior design etc. Students will learn about travel in relation to culture and food around the world. Students will plan and complete labs on the following topics:
-
Consumer Education
-
Fashion, Textiles, and Apparel
-
Food and Nutrition
-
Housing and Furnishings
-
Individual and Family Health
-
Leadership Development
$20.00 suggested donation to offset materials cost in the class.
STEM (Elective)
Get ready to explore, design, and invent! In this hands-on STEM class, you’ll build like an engineer, code and control robots, and bring your ideas to life through sketching, computer modeling, and building. You'll also explore electricity and light with circuits and computer programming. Think, create, and solve problems like an engineer.
Spanish (Elective)
Join us in creating a community of Spanish speakers! Come and enjoy Spanish acquisition while we play games, dance, hear stories and get to know each other. You will be exploring the culture of the world’s 3rd most popular language through video, stories, and crafts. Don’t miss out on this wonderfully interactive class! It is also a great prep class for High School Spanish!
Choir (6th Grade) (Elective)
This beginning choir experience is all about growing your love for singing music! Students will engage in fun games and activities to learn skills to become better vocalists and sing as a group. We learn a variety of music from current pop tunes to old classics as well as traditional choral pieces. The class is designed to engage the learners with their musical interests while embedding important music concepts. Students will have a minimum of 3 performances each year with the final performance, the Pop Concert, being student driven with song selections and groups. This course is a great way to start singing and gain confidence!
Beginning Band (Year Long) (Elective)
This is an elective course offering beginning instruction for the wind instruments and percussion. You will learn to perform a repertoire of instrumental literature representing various genres, styles, and cultures with expression, technical accuracy, tone quality, and articulation, by oneself and in ensembles. The course also includes music fundamentals, theory, songs, performance, listening, composing, improvising, analyzing, and learning how to read music notation.
Goals
-
To learn to play your chosen instrument accurately and produce a pleasing sound.
-
To learn how to read music notation.
-
To develop an understanding of music fundamentals and theory.
-
To learn how to perform, write, and create music.
-
To develop the ability to analyze, describe, and listen to music.
-
To develop the ability to match pitch and sing on pitch.
-
To develop an understanding of music as it relates to history and culture.
Instruments you may choose from are:
-
Flute
-
Clarinet
-
Trumpet
-
Trombone
-
Baritone
-
Percussion
Intermediate Band (Elective)
6/7/8(year) (Prerequisite = 5th Grade Band or Beginning 6/7/8 and/or permission from director)
Intermediate Band is intended for students with one year of band experience. This class offers the opportunity to participate in an instrumental music program dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in music through performance. Students participate in daily full-band rehearsals. Students perform two evening concerts during the school year.
Intermediate Orchestra (Elective)
This course is designed for students with one or more years playing a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass), mostly 6th graders. 6th-8th grade students who have never played a string instrument are encouraged to join this class as well. We will begin with a quick review of beginning orchestra skills, then move on to more advanced techniques. Students in this class will study Rock, Fiddle, Jazz, Classical, Mariachi, and other musical styles. Students enrolled in this course are invited to participate in Belgrade’s Rock Orchestra Club.
Intro to Industrual Arts (Elective)
Intro to hand tools and board drafting in our woodshop classroom.
Advanced English
The first of a two -year program which will prepare students for advanced high school English. This course will cover all grade level standards for 7th grade English with an emphasis on critical thinking, analytical writing, and discussion. Enrollment in advanced English is fluid based on student academic performance and classroom behavior.
English Essentials
Self-contained English classes at Belgrade Middle School use a variety of research-based programs that have been proven to be highly effective with struggling readers. It includes a curriculum that focuses on the instruction of basic functional literacy for students needing additional support. This class will help students strengthen basic skills and study skills are emphasized. Writing focuses on building skills in the area of written language. Students work on composition and expression with emphasis on sentence structure and paragraph writing with effective organization. Reading comprehension, vocabulary, and other literacy skills are developed as students read and write about a variety of literary genres. This course is based upon a student’s literacy abilities and their Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals and services. It is offered for students whose scores on standardized tests and/or other local measures indicate a need for additional instruction in these areas. Students may also receive a "double dose" of English instruction with this class paired with the general education curriculum.
What is Title One/ English Essentials?
Title One is a federally-funded, general education support program. The goal of Title One Reading is to provide extra reading help and instruction for struggling readers. Title One instruction is specialized reading instruction that is provided through the cooperation of the classroom teacher and the Title One Reading teacher. This supplements classroom instruction. Supplemental reading instruction with the Title One Reading teacher occurs in small groups, daily for approximately 45 minutes, a supplemental program. This can be illustrated as some students needing an “extra snack of reading” during their day. We identify students in need of assistance and offer them extra instruction. The “main course” of reading is not enough instruction for these students.
Title One Goals
To diagnose and identify specific reading problems in each eligible student.
To supplement and support (not replace) the classroom reading instruction.
To foster an enjoyment of books and to encourage reading as a leisure activity.
To develop a positive attitude and self-confidence by providing reading success.
To formulate and implement plans that will improve students’ reading skills.
To help each student acquire the skills needed to function in the classroom.
To obtain parental support and involvement in our program.
Student Identification Process
The opportunity to be a part of a Title One program is determined for each child and based on several pieces of information used by the Title One teacher including teacher recommendation, Fastbridge and iReady testing, and analysis of independent reading behaviors. Students are then monitored throughout the school year to measure progress.
A parent or guardian must sign the permission letter and contact and send it back to the Title One teacher to receive Title One services.
Exit Title One Program
Students may exit the program at any time during the year. Students will be dismissed from the program by showing grade level performance in the classroom, grade level performance on assessments, and/or parent and teacher referral. The student will only be dismissed from the program after consultation with the classroom teacher, parent, student, and Title One teacher. If you elect to receive these services for your child, English Essentials will take the place of an elective class.
Other Considerations:
Students with an IEP for reading are typically not served in the Title One program. Students whose parents object to their placement will not be served.
English
In this course, students will build advanced reading and writing skills through the application of vocabulary, grammar, and literature. The literature components will include an emphasis on fiction, non-fiction and poetry. In addition, students will participate in a series of writing workshops: narrative, persuasive, descriptive, and informative.
Math Essentials
The course focus will be on improving students’ skills in computation and numbers sense.
In addition, weaknesses and gaps will be identified as a group and addressed. Students in 7th grade Math Essentials will also be in a 7th grade Mathematics class.
What is Title One/ Math Essentials?
Title One is a federally-funded, general education support program. The goal of Title One Math is to provide extra math help and instruction for students who are struggling. Title One instruction is specialized math instruction that is provided through the cooperation of the classroom teacher and the Title One Math teacher. This supplements classroom instruction. Supplemental math instruction with the Title One Math teacher occurs in small groups, daily for approximately 45 minutes. This can be illustrated as some students needing an “extra snack of math” during their day. We identify students in need of assistance and offer them extra instruction. The “main course” of math is not enough instruction for these students.
Title One Goals
-
To diagnose and identify specific math problems in each eligible student
-
To supplement and support (not replace) the classroom math instruction
-
To foster an enjoyment of math and to encourage problem-solving as a leisure activity
-
To develop a positive attitude and self-confidence by providing math success
-
To formulate and implement plans that will improve students’ math skills
-
To help each student acquire the skills needed to function in the classroom
-
To obtain parental support and involvement in our program.
Student Identification Process
The opportunity to be a part of a Title One program is determined for each child and based on several pieces of information used by the Title One teacher including teacher recommendation, Fastbridge and iReady testing, and analysis of independent math behaviors. Students are then monitored throughout the school year to measure progress.
Enter Title One Program
A parent or guardian must sign the permission letter and send it back to the Title One teacher in order for their student to receive Title One services. If you elect to receive these services for your child, Math Essentials will take the place of an elective class.
Exit Title One Program
Students may exit the program at any time during the year. Students will be dismissed from the program by showing grade level performance in the classroom, grade level performance on assessments, and/or parent and teacher referral. The student will only be dismissed from the program after consultation with the classroom teacher, parent, student, and Title One teacher. A parent or guardian must sign the exit letter and send it back to the Title One teacher in order for their student to decline further Title One services.
Other Considerations:
Students with an IEP for reading are typically not served in the Title One program. Students whose parents object to their placement will not be served.
Math
This course will focus on four areas:
-
Students will develop their understanding of proportional relationships.
-
Students will build on their knowledge of operations with rational numbers and work with expressions and linear equations.
-
Students will solve problems involving scale drawings and solve problems working with two- and three- dimensional shapes involving area, surface area, and volume.
-
Students will understand how to draw inferences about populations based on samples.
Accelerated Math
The first of a two -year program which will allow students to enter high school at the Integrated Math II level. This course will focus on all four areas included in the description of 7th Mathematics in addition to several 8th grade level topics.
Science
Success in everyday living depends on students developing an interest in and understanding of their world. The emphasis in the seventh grade life science curriculum is the constantly changing field of biology and living things. The major topics of the year include how organisms are organized from the cellular level and up, the genetic processes of DNA and heredity, how life on Earth is related, and how organisms interact with each other and their environments. Students' critical thinking skills will be a major part of this course. They will also learn how good science is done with a big emphasis on being able to analyze and interpret evidence and draw reasoned conclusions from that evidence.
Social Studies
In 7th-grade social studies, we focus on World History and Geography. The course is designed to introduce students to the major events, individuals, and cultures that have shaped the world. Through the use of primary and secondary sources, students will explore the political, economic, social, and cultural events that have influenced world history. The course will focus on the events of the 20th century, including World War I and World War II.
In addition to studying world history, this course will also focus on geography. Students will learn about the physical features of the world, including climate, landforms, and
resources, as well as how these features have influenced the development and distribution of human civilizations. Students will also learn about world regions and their cultural, political, and economic characteristics, as well as the role that geography has played in shaping world events.
Throughout the course, students will engage in a variety of learning activities, including group discussions, individual research projects, map work, and writing assignments. The course will also emphasize critical thinking skills and the development of historical perspectives, as students analyze and interpret historical events and primary sources.
By the end of this World History and Geography course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of world history and geography and will be prepared to continue their studies in high school and beyond.
Health Enhancement
The middle school Health Enhancement program is designed to give students a chance to learn basic skills in lifetime sport activities. Our main objective is to teach students the basic rules, strategies, and importance of sports that they can participate in throughout their lifetime. While learning these sports we emphasize the importance of participation, physical fitness, and sportsmanship. Students are required to dress with proper clothes (i.e., clean tennis shoes, shorts, sweats, shirt, and socks). Students will also participate in a district wide (5-10) maturation class taught by the District Health Nurse.
Our primary focus in health education is to provide students with information so that they can learn and practice ways to make healthy choices. Students will have opportunities to apply, practice, and assess the skills they need to enhance their own health and the health of others. The health education topics will include taking responsibility for your own health, physical activity and fitness, food and nutrition, growth and development, and ways to protect your health.
Health and Human Development
This course is geared toward young adolescents and covers topics including but not limited to: safety, hygiene, communicable and noncommunicable diseases, the immune system, fitness, nutrition, and tobacco. Students will explore how their mental/emotional, social, and physical health influence each other and what factors influence their overall health. Students will discuss positive character traits, healthy decision making skills, and practice communication techniques. They will also learn methods to strengthen peer, friend, and family relationships as well as how to express emotions and manage stress. Main goals of this course are to provide the students with the information and skills required to be safe, productive, and responsible citizens.
Artist Workshop (Elective)
This course is split into two different classes:
7th/8th 2-Dimensional Art
This 2D art course introduces students to drawing and painting techniques while fostering creativity. Students will explore the fundamentals of drawing and painting while developing their artistic skills. They will be able to experiment with watercolor, acrylics, printmaking, drawings, and abstract art. By the end of the course, students will have a collection of unique projects that showcase their creativity and craftsmanship.
7th/8th 3-Dimensional Art
This 3D art course focuses on hands-on projects allowing students to dive into a world of creativity. Students will learn sculpting techniques using materials like clay, wire, cardboard, recycled objects, and more. They’ll create sculptures and functional art all while encouraging creativity and experimentation. By the end of the course, students will have a collection of unique projects that showcase their creativity and craftsmanship.
Family Comsumer Sceince (FCS) (Elective)
This class is open to all 7th and 8th grade students. It is a semester course that is divided into two quarter units.
One of the two units is the Introduction to Textiles and Sewing unit. Students will learn how to make simple clothing repairs, how to read a pattern, learn different seam finishes, and learn how to use the sewing machine. Once they have mastered threading and practice sewing on paper, they will complete three main projects.
The other unit, An Introduction to Culinary, will cover many aspects of home food preparation. Students will learn kitchen safety, food safety, measurements, equivalents, as well as the proper use of several home appliances. Students will participate in several food labs.
A lab fee of $20 is requested to help with the cost of the class. Students will need to bring 1 yard of cotton fabric, a composition notebook, and other sewing supplies. The list of supplies will be given to the students on the first day of class. The last day to add FCS is the 7th day of the semester, and the student must agree to come in every day at lunch to learn the first 7 days of material.
STEM (Elective)
Take your STEM skills to the next level with more advanced projects in engineering, coding, and design. Whether you’re building on past experience or just getting started, this class supports all learners through hands-on challenges in engineering, coding and robotics, design and prototyping, as well as computer building and programming . Think critically, work as a team, and solve real-world problems like a true innovator!
Spanish (Elective)
Join us in creating a community of Spanish speakers! Come and enjoy Spanish acquisition while we play games, dance, hear stories and get to know each other. You will be exploring the culture of the world’s 3rd most popular language through video, stories, and crafts. Don’t miss out on this wonderfully interactive class! It is also a great prep class for High School Spanish!
Choir (Elective)
This course is designed for students who have been in the choir program for at least one prior year and have been given director approval. Students enrolled in this class have a desire to learn beyond the basics of singing and will engage in advanced music including 3 parts, acapella, and various activities/performances. Students will have a minimum of 3 performances each year with the final performance, the Pop Concert, being student driven with song selections and groups. This class will deepen musical understanding as well as how to perform within a choir in preparation for High School.
Beginning Band (6th 7th/8th) (Elective)
This class is designed specifically for students who have never played in band before! This class will start with all of the foundational elements with the intention that students who did not start band in 5th grade can join the more advanced ensembles in the future.
Students will perform two evening concerts during the school year.
By participating in a band ensemble, the goal of the Belgrade Middle School band program is to develop the values of hard work and self-discipline, create and appreciate aesthetic beauty, learn how to learn and problem solve, and exercise group skills to work toward a common goal.
Instruments permitted in this course are:
-
Flute
-
Clarinet
-
Trumpet
-
Trombone
-
Baritone/Euphonium
-
Percussion
Intermediate Band (Elective)
Year long (Prerequisite = 5th Grade Band or Beginning 6/7/8 and/or permission from director)
Intermediate Band is intended for students with one year of band experience. This class offers the opportunity to participate in an instrumental music program dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in music through performance. Students participate in daily full-band rehearsals. Students perform two evening concerts during the school year.
Advanced Band (7th/8th) (Elective)
Year long (Prerequisite = 6th Grade Band and/or permission from director)
This class is designed for those students with two or more years of previous band experience. The music will be the most exciting and challenging of any ensemble at the middle school level. Students will perform two evening concerts during the school year.
By participating in a band ensemble, the goal of the Belgrade Middle School band program is to develop the values of hard work and self-discipline, create and appreciate aesthetic beauty, learn how to learn and problem solve, and exercise group skills to work toward a common goal.
Intermediate Orchestra (Elective)
This course is designed for students with one or more years playing a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass), mostly 6th graders. 6th-8th grade students who have never played a string instrument are encouraged to join this class as well. We will begin with a quick review of beginning orchestra skills, then move on to more advanced techniques. Students in this class will study Rock, Fiddle, Jazz, Classical, Mariachi, and other musical styles. Students enrolled in this course are invited to participate in Belgrade’s Rock Orchestra Club.
Advance Orchestra (Elective)
This course is designed for students with two or more years of experience playing their instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass). We will be exploring advancing techniques, and more challenging (and FUN) pieces as we prepare for the transition to Belgrade High School Orchestra. We will continue our study of Rock, Fiddle, Jazz, Classical, and Mariachi styles while adding Baroque, Renaissance, Country, Pop, and more! Students enrolled in this course are encouraged to participate in Belgrade’s Rock Orchestra Club in order to continue to grow their skills.
Sports & Fitness (Elective)
Sports and Fitness is designed to be an extension of regular PE class. Students will have this class every day, and will typically play more advanced games, or a more advanced level of games already played during regular PE. The fitness component will feature more advanced workouts for 5th and 6th graders, such as agility ladders, circuit workouts, and HIIT workouts.
Industrial Arts (Elective)
Industrial Arts and Design will be an introductory course. This semester class will explore architectural and project design through the use of computer drafting programs as well as shop safety and proper tool handling techniques. Students will learn how to use measuring tools, basic woodworking tools, basic project planning, and simple joinery to create a multitude of projects. This course includes Computer Aided Drafting, hand tools, machinery, and emphasizes safety. A lab fee of $20.00 is requested to help with the cost of the projects. Scholarships are available.
The last day to add Industrial Arts & Design is the 7th day of the semester, and the student must agree to come in every day at lunch to learn the first 7 days of material.
Medical Detectives (Elective)
This course requires computer access and movie consent; many of the activities are on the computer. Students will also be watching G/PG documentaries. Medical Detectives is a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) class based in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Students will become medical detectives and solve medical mysteries. They will apply experimental design, creative thinking, and problem solving to investigate the inner-workings of the human body, and improve human health. Students will collect and analyze medical data to diagnose disease. They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, measure and interpret vital signs, dissect a sheep brain, investigate disease outbreaks, and explore how a breakdown within the human body can lead to dysfunction.
Unit 1 - Disease Detectives
Students discover how healthcare professionals act as medical detectives to identify, treat, and prevent illness in their patients. They will design and conduct experiments to test the effectiveness of antibiotics on bacteria.
Unit 2 - Mysteries of the Human Body
This unit introduces the human body as a collection of body systems, with a focus on the nervous system. Students will analyze evidence to identify and diagnose specific nervous system dysfunctions. They then will dissect a sheep brain to confirm their understanding and diagnosis. (Sheep brain dissection can be substituted).
Unit 3 - Outbreak!
A mysterious toxin is endangering the health of a community. Using their understanding of the human body systems, students describe how the suspected toxin has impacted the patients. They will analyze patient symptoms and perform lab analysis of patient samples to identify the culprit and determine how it is spreading.
Panthers Planning for Success (PPS) (Elective)
This 7th and 8th grade elective provides an opportunity for students to work on their leadership, teamwork, decision making, character development, communication, time management and organizational skills. PPS students develop a career roadmap and a high school graduation plan to help them plan for their future success. As a learning experience, the PPS students plan and supervise the dodge ball tournament in the fall and the carnival in the spring. In addition, PPS students go on field trips to enhance their classroom education and build confidence. The last day to add PPS is the 7th day of the semester, and the student must agree to come in every day at lunch to learn the first 7 days of material. PPS is limited to 30 students based on the number of chairs that will fit in the classroom.
Yearbook (Elective)
This Yearbook course is a class designed to capture memories, design pages, and create a yearbook that everyone will treasure. Students will understand the basics of photography, journalism, layout design, and content organization to document the highlights of the school year.
Advanced English
The second of a two-year program which will prepare students for advanced high school English. This course will cover all grade level standards for 8th grade English, with an emphasis on critical thinking, analytical writing, and discussion. Enrollment in Accelerated English is fluid based on student academic performance, classroom behavior, and teacher recommendation.
English Essentials
Self-contained English classes at Belgrade Middle School use a variety of research-based programs that have been proven to be highly effective with struggling readers. It includes a curriculum that focuses on the instruction of basic functional literacy for students needing additional support. This class will help students strengthen basic skills and study skills are emphasized. Writing focuses on building skills in the area of written language. Students work on composition and expression with emphasis on sentence structure and paragraph writing with effective organization. Reading comprehension, vocabulary, and other literacy skills are developed as students read and write about a variety of literary genres. This course is based upon a student’s literacy abilities and their Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals and services. It is offered for students whose scores on standardized tests and/or other local measures indicate a need for additional instruction in these areas. Students may also receive a "double dose" of English instruction with this class paired with the general education curriculum.
What is Title One/ English Essentials?
Title One is a federally-funded, general education support program. The goal of Title One Reading is to provide extra reading help and instruction for struggling readers. Title One instruction is specialized reading instruction that is provided through the cooperation of the classroom teacher and the Title One Reading teacher. This supplements classroom instruction. Supplemental reading instruction with the Title One Reading teacher occurs in small groups, daily for approximately 45 minutes, a supplemental program. This can be illustrated as some students needing an “extra snack of reading” during their day. We identify students in need of assistance and offer them extra instruction. The “main course” of reading is not enough instruction for these students.
Title One Goals
To diagnose and identify specific reading problems in each eligible student.
To supplement and support (not replace) the classroom reading instruction.
To foster an enjoyment of books and to encourage reading as a leisure activity.
To develop a positive attitude and self-confidence by providing reading success.
To formulate and implement plans that will improve students’ reading skills.
To help each student acquire the skills needed to function in the classroom.
To obtain parental support and involvement in our program.
Student Identification Process
The opportunity to be a part of a Title One program is determined for each child and based on several pieces of information used by the Title One teacher including teacher recommendation, Fastbridge and iReady testing, and analysis of independent reading behaviors. Students are then monitored throughout the school year to measure progress.
A parent or guardian must sign the permission letter and contact and send it back to the Title One teacher to receive Title One services.
Exit Title One Program
Students may exit the program at any time during the year. Students will be dismissed from the program by showing grade level performance in the classroom, grade level performance on assessments, and/or parent and teacher referral. The student will only be dismissed from the program after consultation with the classroom teacher, parent, student, and Title One teacher. If you elect to receive these services for your child, English Essentials will take the place of an elective class.
Other Considerations:
Students with an IEP for reading are typically not served in the Title One program. Students whose parents object to their placement will not be served.
English
In eighth grade English, we study various aspects of grammar. We also study mechanics. During the year, students will read novels, several short stories in literature and have independent reading projects. Literary terminology is studied and reading comprehension is targeted. We will also discuss strong writing components and compose a variety of pieces. This will, hopefully, prepare them for a successful freshman year.
Math Essentials
The course focus will be on improving students’ skills in computation and numbers sense.
In addition, weaknesses and gaps will be identified as a group and addressed. Students in 8th grade Math Essentials will also be in a 8th grade Mathematics class.
What is Title One/ Math Essentials?
Title One is a federally-funded, general education support program. The goal of Title One Math is to provide extra math help and instruction for students who are struggling. Title One instruction is specialized math instruction that is provided through the cooperation of the classroom teacher and the Title One Math teacher. This supplements classroom instruction. Supplemental math instruction with the Title One Math teacher occurs in small groups, daily for approximately 45 minutes. This can be illustrated as some students needing an “extra snack of math” during their day. We identify students in need of assistance and offer them extra instruction. The “main course” of math is not enough instruction for these students.
Title One Goals
-
To diagnose and identify specific math problems in each eligible student
-
To supplement and support (not replace) the classroom math instruction
-
To foster an enjoyment of math and to encourage problem-solving as a leisure activity
-
To develop a positive attitude and self-confidence by providing math success
-
To formulate and implement plans that will improve students’ math skills
-
To help each student acquire the skills needed to function in the classroom
-
To obtain parental support and involvement in our program.
Student Identification Process
The opportunity to be a part of a Title One program is determined for each child and based on several pieces of information used by the Title One teacher including teacher recommendation, Fastbridge and iReady testing, and analysis of independent math behaviors. Students are then monitored throughout the school year to measure progress.
Enter Title One Program
A parent or guardian must sign the permission letter and send it back to the Title One teacher in order for their student to receive Title One services. If you elect to receive these services for your child, Math Essentials will take the place of an elective class.
Exit Title One Program
Students may exit the program at any time during the year. Students will be dismissed from the program by showing grade level performance in the classroom, grade level performance on assessments, and/or parent and teacher referral. The student will only be dismissed from the program after consultation with the classroom teacher, parent, student, and Title One teacher. A parent or guardian must sign the exit letter and send it back to the Title One teacher in order for their student to decline further Title One services.
Other Considerations:
Students with an IEP for reading are typically not served in the Title One program. Students whose parents object to their placement will not be served.
Math
In preparation for high school, students will study number systems, expressions and equations, geometry, functions, statistics and probability. Hands-on activities and teaching strategies for developing strong mathematical reasoning skills will be emphasized.
Intergrated Math
The first of a two-year program which will allow students to enter high school at the Integrated Math II level. The course differs from Integrated Math 1 at the high school in that it contains content from 8th grade. While coherence is retained, in that it logically builds from 7th Accelerated Math, the additional content when compared to the high school course demands a faster pace for instruction and learning.
Integrated Math I is the entry level mathematics course for ninth graders. Students study linear, quadratic and exponential functions. Geometric constructions, congruencies and transformations and introductory statistics concepts are studied as well. The course develops applications of mathematical concepts and challenges students to broaden their understanding with mathematical modeling.
The course is the most rigorous mathematics class at the middle school and makes several assumptions including: students are committed to studying nightly and have a maturity to focus on completing assignments. If a student is not maintaining a B, they will be moved to the 8th grade Mathematics course.
Science
Physical Science is the study of matter and energy. The course follows Montana State Science Standards that were adapted from the Next Generation Science Standards. The course will involve two main branches of science-Chemistry and Physics. In Physical Science, the student gains an understanding of how nature works. Students in general science will spend 40% of the time in hands on labs and demonstration activities. They will learn to read, understand and reason data collected.
Topics include the following:
-
phases of matter
-
the elements
-
development and use of the Periodic Table
-
atomic structure
-
compounds and mixtures
-
chemical bonding
-
simple chemical reactions
-
and basic concepts in Physics
Concepts include electricity, magnets and the introduction of the physical forces.
History
The study of history in 8th grade focuses on the analysis and evaluation of evidence to create a narrative describing early U.S. History and Montana History. Through our analysis of historical events, students will practice critical thinking, writing skills, note taking and also discussion and debate. During lessons, students will engage in history using multiple perspectives to help them better understand the events of the past. The U.S. History segment focuses on the foundations of our country. We will learn about the original 13 Colonies, the French and Indian War, The Revolutionary War and we will analyze some of our nation's founding documents. In Montana history, students will learn about the geography of the land, the Lewis and Clark expedition, the Rocky Mountain Fur Trade and the Gold Rush. Additionally, there will be a focus on changes experienced by Native American groups throughout Montana's history.
Health Enhancement
The middle school Health Enhancement program is designed to give students a chance to learn basic skills in lifetime sport activities. Our main objective is to teach students the basic rules, strategies, and importance of sports that they can participate in throughout their lifetime. While learning these sports we emphasize the importance of participation, physical fitness, and sportsmanship. Students are required to dress with proper clothes (i.e., clean tennis shoes, shorts, sweats, shirt, and socks). Students will also participate in a district wide (5-10) maturation class taught by the District Health Nurse.
Our primary focus in health education is to provide students with information so that they can learn and practice ways to make healthy choices. Students will have opportunities to apply, practice, and assess the skills they need to enhance their own health and the health of others. The health education topics will include taking responsibility for your own health, physical activity and fitness, food and nutrition, growth and development, and ways to protect your health.
Health and Human Development
This course is geared toward young adolescents and covers topics including but not limited to: safety, hygiene, communicable and noncommunicable diseases, the immune system, fitness, nutrition, and tobacco. Students will explore how their mental/emotional, social, and physical health influence each other and what factors influence their overall health. Students will discuss positive character traits, healthy decision making skills, and practice communication techniques. They will also learn methods to strengthen peer, friend, and family relationships as well as how to express emotions and manage stress. Main goals of this course are to provide the students with the information and skills required to be safe, productive, and responsible citizens.
Artist Workshop (Elective)
This course is split into two different classes:
7th/8th 2-Dimensional Art
This 2D art course introduces students to drawing and painting techniques while fostering creativity. Students will explore the fundamentals of drawing and painting while developing their artistic skills. They will be able to experiment with watercolor, acrylics, printmaking, drawings, and abstract art. By the end of the course, students will have a collection of unique projects that showcase their creativity and craftsmanship.
7th/8th 3-Dimensional Art
This 3D art course focuses on hands-on projects allowing students to dive into a world of creativity. Students will learn sculpting techniques using materials like clay, wire, cardboard, recycled objects, and more. They’ll create sculptures and functional art all while encouraging creativity and experimentation. By the end of the course, students will have a collection of unique projects that showcase their creativity and craftsmanship.
Family Comsumer Sceince (FCS) (Elective)
This class is open to all 7th and 8th grade students. It is a semester course that is divided into two quarter units.
One of the two units is the Introduction to Textiles and Sewing unit. Students will learn how to make simple clothing repairs, how to read a pattern, learn different seam finishes, and learn how to use the sewing machine. Once they have mastered threading and practice sewing on paper, they will complete three main projects.
The other unit, An Introduction to Culinary, will cover many aspects of home food preparation. Students will learn kitchen safety, food safety, measurements, equivalents, as well as the proper use of several home appliances. Students will participate in several food labs.
A lab fee of $20 is requested to help with the cost of the class. Students will need to bring 1 yard of cotton fabric, a composition notebook, and other sewing supplies. The list of supplies will be given to the students on the first day of class. The last day to add FCS is the 7th day of the semester, and the student must agree to come in every day at lunch to learn the first 7 days of material.
STEM (Elective)
Take your STEM skills to the next level with more advanced projects in engineering, coding, and design. Whether you’re building on past experience or just getting started, this class supports all learners through hands-on challenges in engineering, coding and robotics, design and prototyping, as well as computer building and programming . Think critically, work as a team, and solve real-world problems like a true innovator!
Spanish (Elective)
Join us in creating a community of Spanish speakers! Come and enjoy Spanish acquisition while we play games, dance, hear stories and get to know each other. You will be exploring the culture of the world’s 3rd most popular language through video, stories, and crafts. Don’t miss out on this wonderfully interactive class! It is also a great prep class for High School Spanish!
Choir (Elective)
This choir experience is all about growing your love for singing music! Students will engage in fun games and activities to learn skills to become better vocalists and sing as a group. We learn a variety of music from current pop tunes to old classics as well as traditional choral pieces. The class is designed to engage the learners with their musical interests while embedding important music concepts. Students will have a minimum of 3 performances each year with the final performance, the Pop Concert, being student driven with song selections and groups. This course is a great way to start singing and gain confidence!
Advanced Choir (Elective)
This course is designed for students who have been in the choir program for at least one prior year and have been given director approval. Students enrolled in this class have a desire to learn beyond the basics of singing and will engage in advanced music including 3 parts, acapella, and various activities/performances. Students will have a minimum of 3 performances each year with the final performance, the Pop Concert, being student driven with song selections and groups. This class will deepen musical understanding as well as how to perform within a choir in preparation for High School.
Beginning Band (6th 7th/8th) (Elective)
This class is designed specifically for students who have never played in band before! This class will start with all of the foundational elements with the intention that students who did not start band in 5th grade can join the more advanced ensembles in the future.
Students will perform two evening concerts during the school year.
By participating in a band ensemble, the goal of the Belgrade Middle School band program is to develop the values of hard work and self-discipline, create and appreciate aesthetic beauty, learn how to learn and problem solve, and exercise group skills to work toward a common goal.
Instruments permitted in this course are:
-
Flute
-
Clarinet
-
Trumpet
-
Trombone
-
Baritone/Euphonium
-
Percussion
Intermediate Band (Elective)
Year long (Prerequisite = 5th Grade Band or Beginning 6/7/8 and/or permission from director)
Intermediate Band is intended for students with one year of band experience. This class offers the opportunity to participate in an instrumental music program dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in music through performance. Students participate in daily full-band rehearsals. Students perform two evening concerts during the school year.
Advanced Band (7th/8th) (Elective)
Year long (Prerequisite = 6th Grade Band and/or permission from director)
This class is designed for those students with two or more years of previous band experience. The music will be the most exciting and challenging of any ensemble at the middle school level. Students will perform two evening concerts during the school year.
By participating in a band ensemble, the goal of the Belgrade Middle School band program is to develop the values of hard work and self-discipline, create and appreciate aesthetic beauty, learn how to learn and problem solve, and exercise group skills to work toward a common goal.
Intermediate Orchestra (Elective)
This course is designed for students with one or more years playing a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass), mostly 6th graders. 6th-8th grade students who have never played a string instrument are encouraged to join this class as well. We will begin with a quick review of beginning orchestra skills, then move on to more advanced techniques. Students in this class will study Rock, Fiddle, Jazz, Classical, Mariachi, and other musical styles. Students enrolled in this course are invited to participate in Belgrade’s Rock Orchestra Club.
Advance Orchestra (Elective)
This course is designed for students with two or more years of experience playing their instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass). We will be exploring advancing techniques, and more challenging (and FUN) pieces as we prepare for the transition to Belgrade High School Orchestra. We will continue our study of Rock, Fiddle, Jazz, Classical, and Mariachi styles while adding Baroque, Renaissance, Country, Pop, and more! Students enrolled in this course are encouraged to participate in Belgrade’s Rock Orchestra Club in order to continue to grow their skills.
Sports & Fitness (Elective)
Sports and Fitness is designed to be an extension of regular PE class. Students will have this class every day, and will typically play more advanced games, or a more advanced level of games already played during regular PE. The fitness component will feature more advanced workouts for 5th and 6th graders, such as agility ladders, circuit workouts, and HIIT workouts.
Industrial Arts (Elective)
Industrial Arts and Design will be an introductory course. This semester class will explore architectural and project design through the use of computer drafting programs as well as shop safety and proper tool handling techniques. Students will learn how to use measuring tools, basic woodworking tools, basic project planning, and simple joinery to create a multitude of projects. This course includes Computer Aided Drafting, hand tools, machinery, and emphasizes safety. A lab fee of $20.00 is requested to help with the cost of the projects. Scholarships are available.
The last day to add Industrial Arts & Design is the 7th day of the semester, and the student must agree to come in every day at lunch to learn the first 7 days of material.
Medical Detectives (Elective)
This course requires computer access and movie consent; many of the activities are on the computer. Students will also be watching G/PG documentaries. Medical Detectives is a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) class based in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Students will become medical detectives and solve medical mysteries. They will apply experimental design, creative thinking, and problem solving to investigate the inner-workings of the human body, and improve human health. Students will collect and analyze medical data to diagnose disease. They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, measure and interpret vital signs, dissect a sheep brain, investigate disease outbreaks, and explore how a breakdown within the human body can lead to dysfunction.
Unit 1 - Disease Detectives
Students discover how healthcare professionals act as medical detectives to identify, treat, and prevent illness in their patients. They will design and conduct experiments to test the effectiveness of antibiotics on bacteria.
Unit 2 - Mysteries of the Human Body
This unit introduces the human body as a collection of body systems, with a focus on the nervous system. Students will analyze evidence to identify and diagnose specific nervous system dysfunctions. They then will dissect a sheep brain to confirm their understanding and diagnosis. (Sheep brain dissection can be substituted).
Unit 3 - Outbreak!
A mysterious toxin is endangering the health of a community. Using their understanding of the human body systems, students describe how the suspected toxin has impacted the patients. They will analyze patient symptoms and perform lab analysis of patient samples to identify the culprit and determine how it is spreading.
Panthers Planning for Success (PPS) (Elective)
This 7th and 8th grade elective provides an opportunity for students to work on their leadership, teamwork, decision making, character development, communication, time management and organizational skills. PPS students develop a career roadmap and a high school graduation plan to help them plan for their future success. As a learning experience, the PPS students plan and supervise the dodge ball tournament in the fall and the carnival in the spring. In addition, PPS students go on field trips to enhance their classroom education and build confidence. The last day to add PPS is the 7th day of the semester, and the student must agree to come in every day at lunch to learn the first 7 days of material. PPS is limited to 30 students based on the number of chairs that will fit in the classroom.
Yearbook (Elective)
This Yearbook course is a class designed to capture memories, design pages, and create a yearbook that everyone will treasure. Students will understand the basics of photography, journalism, layout design, and content organization to document the highlights of the school year.
-
English Essentials
This course was designed with student interest in mind. We will be reading novels that challenge the student to use comprehension skills through direct instruction. We will be identifying literary elements throughout the year in hopes of progressing reading skills. This class will also require various types of written assignments: summarizing, persuasive, comparative, explanatory, and more.
What is Title One/ English Essentials?
Title One is a federally-funded, general education support program. The goal of Title One Reading is to provide extra reading help and instruction for struggling readers. Title One instruction is specialized reading instruction that is provided through the cooperation of the classroom teacher and the Title One Reading teacher. This supplements classroom instruction. Supplemental reading instruction with the Title One Reading teacher occurs in small groups, daily for approximately 45 minutes, a supplemental program. This can be illustrated as some students needing an “extra snack of reading” during their day. We identify students in need of assistance and offer them extra instruction. The “main course” of reading is not enough instruction for these students.
Title One Goals
To diagnose and identify specific reading problems in each eligible student.
To supplement and support (not replace) the classroom reading instruction.
To foster an enjoyment of books and to encourage reading as a leisure activity.
To develop a positive attitude and self-confidence by providing reading success.
To formulate and implement plans that will improve students’ reading skills.
To help each student acquire the skills needed to function in the classroom.
To obtain parental support and involvement in our program.
Student Identification Process
The opportunity to be a part of a Title One program is determined for each child and based on several pieces of information used by the Title One teacher including teacher recommendation, Fastbridge and iReady testing, and analysis of independent reading behaviors. Students are then monitored throughout the school year to measure progress.
A parent or guardian must sign the permission letter and contact and send it back to the Title One teacher to receive Title One services.
Exit Title One Program
Students may exit the program at any time during the year. Students will be dismissed from the program by showing grade level performance in the classroom, grade level performance on assessments, and/or parent and teacher referral. The student will only be dismissed from the program after consultation with the classroom teacher, parent, student, and Title One teacher. If you elect to receive these services for your child, English Essentials will take the place of an elective class.
Other Considerations:
Students with an IEP for reading are typically not served in the Title One program. Students whose parents object to their placement will not be served.
English
In this course, students will build advanced reading and writing skills through the application of vocabulary, grammar, and literature. The literature components will include an emphasis on fiction, non-fiction and poetry. In addition, students will participate in a series of writing workshops.
Math Essentials
Students will receive extra math support through Math Essentials. The focus is to fill gaps that students have which keep them from achieving grade-level standards in math. We will focus on foundational skills in the four math domains: Numbers & Operations, Algebra & Algebraic Thinking, Measurement & Data, and Geometry.
What is Title One/ Math Essentials?
Title One is a federally-funded, general education support program. The goal of Title One Math is to provide extra math help and instruction for students who are struggling. Title One instruction is specialized math instruction that is provided through the cooperation of the classroom teacher and the Title One Math teacher. This supplements classroom instruction. Supplemental math instruction with the Title One Math teacher occurs in small groups, daily for approximately 45 minutes. This can be illustrated as some students needing an “extra snack of math” during their day. We identify students in need of assistance and offer them extra instruction. The “main course” of math is not enough instruction for these students.
Title One Goals
-
To diagnose and identify specific math problems in each eligible student
-
To supplement and support (not replace) the classroom math instruction
-
To foster an enjoyment of math and to encourage problem-solving as a leisure activity
-
To develop a positive attitude and self-confidence by providing math success
-
To formulate and implement plans that will improve students’ math skills
-
To help each student acquire the skills needed to function in the classroom
-
To obtain parental support and involvement in our program.
Student Identification Process
The opportunity to be a part of a Title One program is determined for each child and based on several pieces of information used by the Title One teacher including teacher recommendation, Fastbridge and iReady testing, and analysis of independent math behaviors. Students are then monitored throughout the school year to measure progress.
Enter Title One Program
A parent or guardian must sign the permission letter and send it back to the Title One teacher in order for their student to receive Title One services. If you elect to receive these services for your child, Math Essentials will take the place of an elective class.
Exit Title One Program
Students may exit the program at any time during the year. Students will be dismissed from the program by showing grade level performance in the classroom, grade level performance on assessments, and/or parent and teacher referral. The student will only be dismissed from the program after consultation with the classroom teacher, parent, student, and Title One teacher. A parent or guardian must sign the exit letter and send it back to the Title One teacher in order for their student to decline further Title One services.
Other Considerations:
Students with an IEP for reading are typically not served in the Title One program. Students whose parents object to their placement will not be served.
Math
Students will participate in a Mathematics curriculum designed to meet state and national standards. Using Common Core Standards, our school will use a primary source with supplemental materials added when needed. Curriculum will be designed using differentiation within the classroom to assure every child has the opportunity to excel in Mathematics as we learn about place value, operations with decimals and fractions, geometry, measurement, and data.
Science
Students will participate in a general science curriculum. They examine chemistry, physical, life, and earth science concepts. Within the curriculum, students develop and use models, plan and carry out investigations, analyze data as well as other science practices to demonstrate understanding of core ideas.
Social Studies
Social Studies focuses on the North American continent. Explorers from many countries and their claims, the division of lands, and governing bodies are explored. The history of the United States of America is studied from conception through the Revolutionary War via cultures, geography, mapping, historical peoples, economics, technology, citizenship, government and society.
Library
Keyboarding skills are strengthened using Typing Quest as well as other keyboarding lessons and programs. Students also receive an introduction to basic Google Suite programs such as Documents, Slides and Sheets. Library Technology class is interdisciplinary and supports other curriculum areas. It assists with the integration of technology into course work through research assignments and projects. This course also focuses on locating and using library resources, both print and digital. Independent pleasure reading is monitored using the Accelerated Reading program.
Health Enhancement
Health Enhancement is designed to offer students the opportunity to learn basic skills in lifetime sport activities. Our main objective is to teach students the basic rules, strategies and importance of sports that they can participate in throughout their lifetime. While participating in these activities an emphasis will be placed on participation, effort, physical fitness, teamwork and sportsmanship. Students will also participate in a district wide maturation class taught by the District Health Nurse.
Exploring Visual Arts (Elective)
This course is split into two different classes:
5th/6th 2-Dimensional Art
In this creative course, students will explore various 2-Dimensional art techniques, including drawing, painting, and mixed media. They will learn about color, composition, and texture while experimenting with different materials to create unique artworks. By the end of the course, students will have a collection of art pieces to showcase their creativity and skills.
5th/6th 3-Dimensional Art
This 3-Dimensional art course is a hands-on course where students will explore the world of art through sculpting, modeling, and construction. Using materials like clay, paper mache, and wire, they will learn basic techniques to create 3-dimensional artwork. By the end of the course, students will have a collection of unique projects that showcase their creativity and craftsmanship.
Intro to Family Comsumer Sceince (FCS) (Elective)
Family Consumer Science is a class where students learn about many different topics that will influence their lives. Students will learn about kitchen safety, kitchen science, light cooking (with no ovens), hand sewing, interior design etc. Students will learn about travel in relation to culture and food around the world. Students will plan and complete labs on the following topics:
-
Consumer Education
-
Fashion, Textiles, and Apparel
-
Food and Nutrition
-
Housing and Furnishings
-
Individual and Family Health
-
Leadership Development
$20.00 suggested donation to offset materials cost in the class.
STEM (Elective)
Get ready to explore, design, and invent! In this hands-on STEM class, you’ll build like an engineer, code and control robots, and bring your ideas to life through sketching, computer modeling, and building. You'll also explore electricity and light with circuits and computer programming. Think, create, and solve problems like an engineer.
Spanish (Elective)
Join us in creating a community of Spanish speakers! Come and enjoy Spanish acquisition while we play games, dance, hear stories and get to know each other. You will be exploring the culture of the world’s 3rd most popular language through video, stories, and crafts. Don’t miss out on this wonderfully interactive class! It is also a great prep class for High School Spanish!
Beginning Band (Elective)
This is an elective course offering beginning instruction for the wind instruments and percussion. You will learn to perform a repertoire of instrumental literature representing various genres, styles, and cultures with expression, technical accuracy, tone quality, and articulation, by oneself and in ensembles. The course also includes music fundamentals, theory, songs, performance, listening, composing, improvising, analyzing, and learning how to read music notation.
Goals
-
To learn to play your chosen instrument accurately and produce a pleasing sound.
-
To learn how to read music notation.
-
To develop an understanding of music fundamentals and theory.
-
To learn how to perform, write, and create music.
-
To develop the ability to analyze, describe, and listen to music.
-
To develop the ability to match pitch and sing on pitch.
-
To develop an understanding of music as it relates to history and culture.
Instruments you may choose from are:
-
Flute
-
Clarinet
-
Trumpet
-
Trombone
-
Baritone
-
Percussion
Beginning Orchestra (Elective)
Join the Orchestra and ROCK!!! This class is designed specifically to meet the needs of 5th grade beginning orchestra students. No experience is required for this class, we will learn everything that is needed to begin playing a string instrument. Students will select violin, viola, cello, or bass to learn to play this year. Learning to play an instrument is both fun and challenging, therefore this is a year long class. We will learn Fiddle, Rock, Jazz, Classical, and other fun styles of music. At the end of every year, 5th Grade students learn to play a REAL rock tune that all orchestra students perform together for our end of year concert.
Intro to Industrual Arts (Elective)
Intro to hand tools and board drafting in our woodshop classroom.
-
-
English Essentials
This course was designed with student interest in mind. We will be reading novels that challenge the student to use comprehension skills through direct instruction. We will be identifying literary elements throughout the year in hopes of progressing reading skills. This class will also require various types of written assignments: summarizing, persuasive, comparative, explanatory, and more.
What is Title One/ English Essentials?
Title One is a federally-funded, general education support program. The goal of Title One Reading is to provide extra reading help and instruction for struggling readers. Title One instruction is specialized reading instruction that is provided through the cooperation of the classroom teacher and the Title One Reading teacher. This supplements classroom instruction. Supplemental reading instruction with the Title One Reading teacher occurs in small groups, daily for approximately 45 minutes, a supplemental program. This can be illustrated as some students needing an “extra snack of reading” during their day. We identify students in need of assistance and offer them extra instruction. The “main course” of reading is not enough instruction for these students.
Title One Goals
To diagnose and identify specific reading problems in each eligible student.
To supplement and support (not replace) the classroom reading instruction.
To foster an enjoyment of books and to encourage reading as a leisure activity.
To develop a positive attitude and self-confidence by providing reading success.
To formulate and implement plans that will improve students’ reading skills.
To help each student acquire the skills needed to function in the classroom.
To obtain parental support and involvement in our program.
Student Identification Process
The opportunity to be a part of a Title One program is determined for each child and based on several pieces of information used by the Title One teacher including teacher recommendation, Fastbridge and iReady testing, and analysis of independent reading behaviors. Students are then monitored throughout the school year to measure progress.
A parent or guardian must sign the permission letter and contact and send it back to the Title One teacher to receive Title One services.
Exit Title One Program
Students may exit the program at any time during the year. Students will be dismissed from the program by showing grade level performance in the classroom, grade level performance on assessments, and/or parent and teacher referral. The student will only be dismissed from the program after consultation with the classroom teacher, parent, student, and Title One teacher. If you elect to receive these services for your child, English Essentials will take the place of an elective class.
Other Considerations:
Students with an IEP for reading are typically not served in the Title One program. Students whose parents object to their placement will not be served.
English
In this course, students will build advanced reading and writing skills through the application of vocabulary, grammar, and literature. The literature components will include an emphasis on fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. In addition, students will participate in a series of writing workshops: narrative, argumentative, and informative.
Math Essentials
Students will receive extra math support through Math Essentials. The focus is to fill gaps that students have which keep them from achieving grade-level standards in math. We will focus on foundational skills in the four math domains: Numbers & Operations, Algebra & Algebraic Thinking, Measurement & Data, and Geometry.
What is Title One/ Math Essentials?
Title One is a federally-funded, general education support program. The goal of Title One Math is to provide extra math help and instruction for students who are struggling. Title One instruction is specialized math instruction that is provided through the cooperation of the classroom teacher and the Title One Math teacher. This supplements classroom instruction. Supplemental math instruction with the Title One Math teacher occurs in small groups, daily for approximately 45 minutes. This can be illustrated as some students needing an “extra snack of math” during their day. We identify students in need of assistance and offer them extra instruction. The “main course” of math is not enough instruction for these students.
Title One Goals
-
To diagnose and identify specific math problems in each eligible student
-
To supplement and support (not replace) the classroom math instruction
-
To foster an enjoyment of math and to encourage problem-solving as a leisure activity
-
To develop a positive attitude and self-confidence by providing math success
-
To formulate and implement plans that will improve students’ math skills
-
To help each student acquire the skills needed to function in the classroom
-
To obtain parental support and involvement in our program.
Student Identification Process
The opportunity to be a part of a Title One program is determined for each child and based on several pieces of information used by the Title One teacher including teacher recommendation, Fastbridge and iReady testing, and analysis of independent math behaviors. Students are then monitored throughout the school year to measure progress.
Enter Title One Program
A parent or guardian must sign the permission letter and send it back to the Title One teacher in order for their student to receive Title One services. If you elect to receive these services for your child, Math Essentials will take the place of an elective class.
Exit Title One Program
Students may exit the program at any time during the year. Students will be dismissed from the program by showing grade level performance in the classroom, grade level performance on assessments, and/or parent and teacher referral. The student will only be dismissed from the program after consultation with the classroom teacher, parent, student, and Title One teacher. A parent or guardian must sign the exit letter and send it back to the Title One teacher in order for their student to decline further Title One services.
Other Considerations:
Students with an IEP for reading are typically not served in the Title One program. Students whose parents object to their placement will not be served.
Math
In preparation for 7th grade, students in the 6th grade will study The Number System, Expressions and Equations, Ratios and Proportional Relationships, Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. Students will spend appropriate time on each unit to ensure that the basics of Math are understood. Students’ academic progress will be reviewed by a series of formative and summative assessments given through-out the school year. Research-based data will be used in the decision making of student placement. Students will move between tiers and levels based on data.
Science
The 6th grade Earth and Space Science inquiry-based curriculum provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to understand the world they live in. Students will explore topics involving processes at work below the Earth’s surface, on the Earth’s surface, and in the atmosphere. These topics include, but are not limited to: plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes, storms, climate, ocean processes, and the impact of humans on Earth. Students will also investigate our solar system; partnership of the sun, earth, and moon to create seasons, day and night, and eclipses. They will study Earth’s history as a planet. This course utilizes a hands-on approach to facilitate learning and discovery.
Social Studies
Students will learn about the geographical, political, social, and religious structure of the Stone Age, Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Greece, and Rome. Students will learn about 5 major world religions whose roots began in ancient times. These include Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam.
Library
The goal of this course is to create independent and capable researchers and readers by focusing on locating and using library resources, both print and digital. Students will receive an introduction to basic Google Suite programs such as Documents, Slides Sheets and Kami. Library Technology class is interdisciplinary and supports other curriculum areas. It assists with the integration of technology into course work through research assignments and projects. Independent pleasure reading is monitored and encouraged using the quarterly reading log as well as our “Panthers Read” program.
Health Enhancement
The 6th grade Health Enhancement program is designed to offer students the opportunity to learn basic skills in lifetime sports activities. Our main objective is to teach students the basic rules, strategies, and importance of sports that they can participate in throughout their lifetime. While participating in these activities an emphasis will be placed on participation, effort, physical fitness, teamwork and sportsmanship. Students will also participate in a district wide maturation class taught by the District Health Nurse.
Exploring Visual Arts (Elective)
This course is split into two different classes:
5th/6th 2-Dimensional Art
In this creative course, students will explore various 2-Dimensional art techniques, including drawing, painting, and mixed media. They will learn about color, composition, and texture while experimenting with different materials to create unique artworks. By the end of the course, students will have a collection of art pieces to showcase their creativity and skills.
5th/6th 3-Dimensional Art
This 3-Dimensional art course is a hands-on course where students will explore the world of art through sculpting, modeling, and construction. Using materials like clay, paper mache, and wire, they will learn basic techniques to create 3-dimensional artwork. By the end of the course, students will have a collection of unique projects that showcase their creativity and craftsmanship.
Intro to Family Comsumer Sceince (FCS) (Elective)
Family Consumer Science is a class where students learn about many different topics that will influence their lives. Students will learn about kitchen safety, kitchen science, light cooking (with no ovens), hand sewing, interior design etc. Students will learn about travel in relation to culture and food around the world. Students will plan and complete labs on the following topics:
-
Consumer Education
-
Fashion, Textiles, and Apparel
-
Food and Nutrition
-
Housing and Furnishings
-
Individual and Family Health
-
Leadership Development
$20.00 suggested donation to offset materials cost in the class.
STEM (Elective)
Get ready to explore, design, and invent! In this hands-on STEM class, you’ll build like an engineer, code and control robots, and bring your ideas to life through sketching, computer modeling, and building. You'll also explore electricity and light with circuits and computer programming. Think, create, and solve problems like an engineer.
Spanish (Elective)
Join us in creating a community of Spanish speakers! Come and enjoy Spanish acquisition while we play games, dance, hear stories and get to know each other. You will be exploring the culture of the world’s 3rd most popular language through video, stories, and crafts. Don’t miss out on this wonderfully interactive class! It is also a great prep class for High School Spanish!
Choir (6th Grade) (Elective)
This beginning choir experience is all about growing your love for singing music! Students will engage in fun games and activities to learn skills to become better vocalists and sing as a group. We learn a variety of music from current pop tunes to old classics as well as traditional choral pieces. The class is designed to engage the learners with their musical interests while embedding important music concepts. Students will have a minimum of 3 performances each year with the final performance, the Pop Concert, being student driven with song selections and groups. This course is a great way to start singing and gain confidence!
Beginning Band (Year Long) (Elective)
This is an elective course offering beginning instruction for the wind instruments and percussion. You will learn to perform a repertoire of instrumental literature representing various genres, styles, and cultures with expression, technical accuracy, tone quality, and articulation, by oneself and in ensembles. The course also includes music fundamentals, theory, songs, performance, listening, composing, improvising, analyzing, and learning how to read music notation.
Goals
-
To learn to play your chosen instrument accurately and produce a pleasing sound.
-
To learn how to read music notation.
-
To develop an understanding of music fundamentals and theory.
-
To learn how to perform, write, and create music.
-
To develop the ability to analyze, describe, and listen to music.
-
To develop the ability to match pitch and sing on pitch.
-
To develop an understanding of music as it relates to history and culture.
Instruments you may choose from are:
-
Flute
-
Clarinet
-
Trumpet
-
Trombone
-
Baritone
-
Percussion
Intermediate Band (Elective)
6/7/8(year) (Prerequisite = 5th Grade Band or Beginning 6/7/8 and/or permission from director)
Intermediate Band is intended for students with one year of band experience. This class offers the opportunity to participate in an instrumental music program dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in music through performance. Students participate in daily full-band rehearsals. Students perform two evening concerts during the school year.
Intermediate Orchestra (Elective)
This course is designed for students with one or more years playing a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass), mostly 6th graders. 6th-8th grade students who have never played a string instrument are encouraged to join this class as well. We will begin with a quick review of beginning orchestra skills, then move on to more advanced techniques. Students in this class will study Rock, Fiddle, Jazz, Classical, Mariachi, and other musical styles. Students enrolled in this course are invited to participate in Belgrade’s Rock Orchestra Club.
Intro to Industrual Arts (Elective)
Intro to hand tools and board drafting in our woodshop classroom.
-
-
Advanced English
The first of a two -year program which will prepare students for advanced high school English. This course will cover all grade level standards for 7th grade English with an emphasis on critical thinking, analytical writing, and discussion. Enrollment in advanced English is fluid based on student academic performance and classroom behavior.
English Essentials
Self-contained English classes at Belgrade Middle School use a variety of research-based programs that have been proven to be highly effective with struggling readers. It includes a curriculum that focuses on the instruction of basic functional literacy for students needing additional support. This class will help students strengthen basic skills and study skills are emphasized. Writing focuses on building skills in the area of written language. Students work on composition and expression with emphasis on sentence structure and paragraph writing with effective organization. Reading comprehension, vocabulary, and other literacy skills are developed as students read and write about a variety of literary genres. This course is based upon a student’s literacy abilities and their Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals and services. It is offered for students whose scores on standardized tests and/or other local measures indicate a need for additional instruction in these areas. Students may also receive a "double dose" of English instruction with this class paired with the general education curriculum.
What is Title One/ English Essentials?
Title One is a federally-funded, general education support program. The goal of Title One Reading is to provide extra reading help and instruction for struggling readers. Title One instruction is specialized reading instruction that is provided through the cooperation of the classroom teacher and the Title One Reading teacher. This supplements classroom instruction. Supplemental reading instruction with the Title One Reading teacher occurs in small groups, daily for approximately 45 minutes, a supplemental program. This can be illustrated as some students needing an “extra snack of reading” during their day. We identify students in need of assistance and offer them extra instruction. The “main course” of reading is not enough instruction for these students.
Title One Goals
To diagnose and identify specific reading problems in each eligible student.
To supplement and support (not replace) the classroom reading instruction.
To foster an enjoyment of books and to encourage reading as a leisure activity.
To develop a positive attitude and self-confidence by providing reading success.
To formulate and implement plans that will improve students’ reading skills.
To help each student acquire the skills needed to function in the classroom.
To obtain parental support and involvement in our program.
Student Identification Process
The opportunity to be a part of a Title One program is determined for each child and based on several pieces of information used by the Title One teacher including teacher recommendation, Fastbridge and iReady testing, and analysis of independent reading behaviors. Students are then monitored throughout the school year to measure progress.
A parent or guardian must sign the permission letter and contact and send it back to the Title One teacher to receive Title One services.
Exit Title One Program
Students may exit the program at any time during the year. Students will be dismissed from the program by showing grade level performance in the classroom, grade level performance on assessments, and/or parent and teacher referral. The student will only be dismissed from the program after consultation with the classroom teacher, parent, student, and Title One teacher. If you elect to receive these services for your child, English Essentials will take the place of an elective class.
Other Considerations:
Students with an IEP for reading are typically not served in the Title One program. Students whose parents object to their placement will not be served.
English
In this course, students will build advanced reading and writing skills through the application of vocabulary, grammar, and literature. The literature components will include an emphasis on fiction, non-fiction and poetry. In addition, students will participate in a series of writing workshops: narrative, persuasive, descriptive, and informative.
Math Essentials
The course focus will be on improving students’ skills in computation and numbers sense.
In addition, weaknesses and gaps will be identified as a group and addressed. Students in 7th grade Math Essentials will also be in a 7th grade Mathematics class.
What is Title One/ Math Essentials?
Title One is a federally-funded, general education support program. The goal of Title One Math is to provide extra math help and instruction for students who are struggling. Title One instruction is specialized math instruction that is provided through the cooperation of the classroom teacher and the Title One Math teacher. This supplements classroom instruction. Supplemental math instruction with the Title One Math teacher occurs in small groups, daily for approximately 45 minutes. This can be illustrated as some students needing an “extra snack of math” during their day. We identify students in need of assistance and offer them extra instruction. The “main course” of math is not enough instruction for these students.
Title One Goals
-
To diagnose and identify specific math problems in each eligible student
-
To supplement and support (not replace) the classroom math instruction
-
To foster an enjoyment of math and to encourage problem-solving as a leisure activity
-
To develop a positive attitude and self-confidence by providing math success
-
To formulate and implement plans that will improve students’ math skills
-
To help each student acquire the skills needed to function in the classroom
-
To obtain parental support and involvement in our program.
Student Identification Process
The opportunity to be a part of a Title One program is determined for each child and based on several pieces of information used by the Title One teacher including teacher recommendation, Fastbridge and iReady testing, and analysis of independent math behaviors. Students are then monitored throughout the school year to measure progress.
Enter Title One Program
A parent or guardian must sign the permission letter and send it back to the Title One teacher in order for their student to receive Title One services. If you elect to receive these services for your child, Math Essentials will take the place of an elective class.
Exit Title One Program
Students may exit the program at any time during the year. Students will be dismissed from the program by showing grade level performance in the classroom, grade level performance on assessments, and/or parent and teacher referral. The student will only be dismissed from the program after consultation with the classroom teacher, parent, student, and Title One teacher. A parent or guardian must sign the exit letter and send it back to the Title One teacher in order for their student to decline further Title One services.
Other Considerations:
Students with an IEP for reading are typically not served in the Title One program. Students whose parents object to their placement will not be served.
Math
This course will focus on four areas:
-
Students will develop their understanding of proportional relationships.
-
Students will build on their knowledge of operations with rational numbers and work with expressions and linear equations.
-
Students will solve problems involving scale drawings and solve problems working with two- and three- dimensional shapes involving area, surface area, and volume.
-
Students will understand how to draw inferences about populations based on samples.
Accelerated Math
The first of a two -year program which will allow students to enter high school at the Integrated Math II level. This course will focus on all four areas included in the description of 7th Mathematics in addition to several 8th grade level topics.
Science
Success in everyday living depends on students developing an interest in and understanding of their world. The emphasis in the seventh grade life science curriculum is the constantly changing field of biology and living things. The major topics of the year include how organisms are organized from the cellular level and up, the genetic processes of DNA and heredity, how life on Earth is related, and how organisms interact with each other and their environments. Students' critical thinking skills will be a major part of this course. They will also learn how good science is done with a big emphasis on being able to analyze and interpret evidence and draw reasoned conclusions from that evidence.
Social Studies
In 7th-grade social studies, we focus on World History and Geography. The course is designed to introduce students to the major events, individuals, and cultures that have shaped the world. Through the use of primary and secondary sources, students will explore the political, economic, social, and cultural events that have influenced world history. The course will focus on the events of the 20th century, including World War I and World War II.
In addition to studying world history, this course will also focus on geography. Students will learn about the physical features of the world, including climate, landforms, and
resources, as well as how these features have influenced the development and distribution of human civilizations. Students will also learn about world regions and their cultural, political, and economic characteristics, as well as the role that geography has played in shaping world events.
Throughout the course, students will engage in a variety of learning activities, including group discussions, individual research projects, map work, and writing assignments. The course will also emphasize critical thinking skills and the development of historical perspectives, as students analyze and interpret historical events and primary sources.
By the end of this World History and Geography course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of world history and geography and will be prepared to continue their studies in high school and beyond.
Health Enhancement
The middle school Health Enhancement program is designed to give students a chance to learn basic skills in lifetime sport activities. Our main objective is to teach students the basic rules, strategies, and importance of sports that they can participate in throughout their lifetime. While learning these sports we emphasize the importance of participation, physical fitness, and sportsmanship. Students are required to dress with proper clothes (i.e., clean tennis shoes, shorts, sweats, shirt, and socks). Students will also participate in a district wide (5-10) maturation class taught by the District Health Nurse.
Our primary focus in health education is to provide students with information so that they can learn and practice ways to make healthy choices. Students will have opportunities to apply, practice, and assess the skills they need to enhance their own health and the health of others. The health education topics will include taking responsibility for your own health, physical activity and fitness, food and nutrition, growth and development, and ways to protect your health.
Health and Human Development
This course is geared toward young adolescents and covers topics including but not limited to: safety, hygiene, communicable and noncommunicable diseases, the immune system, fitness, nutrition, and tobacco. Students will explore how their mental/emotional, social, and physical health influence each other and what factors influence their overall health. Students will discuss positive character traits, healthy decision making skills, and practice communication techniques. They will also learn methods to strengthen peer, friend, and family relationships as well as how to express emotions and manage stress. Main goals of this course are to provide the students with the information and skills required to be safe, productive, and responsible citizens.
Artist Workshop (Elective)
This course is split into two different classes:
7th/8th 2-Dimensional Art
This 2D art course introduces students to drawing and painting techniques while fostering creativity. Students will explore the fundamentals of drawing and painting while developing their artistic skills. They will be able to experiment with watercolor, acrylics, printmaking, drawings, and abstract art. By the end of the course, students will have a collection of unique projects that showcase their creativity and craftsmanship.
7th/8th 3-Dimensional Art
This 3D art course focuses on hands-on projects allowing students to dive into a world of creativity. Students will learn sculpting techniques using materials like clay, wire, cardboard, recycled objects, and more. They’ll create sculptures and functional art all while encouraging creativity and experimentation. By the end of the course, students will have a collection of unique projects that showcase their creativity and craftsmanship.
Family Comsumer Sceince (FCS) (Elective)
This class is open to all 7th and 8th grade students. It is a semester course that is divided into two quarter units.
One of the two units is the Introduction to Textiles and Sewing unit. Students will learn how to make simple clothing repairs, how to read a pattern, learn different seam finishes, and learn how to use the sewing machine. Once they have mastered threading and practice sewing on paper, they will complete three main projects.
The other unit, An Introduction to Culinary, will cover many aspects of home food preparation. Students will learn kitchen safety, food safety, measurements, equivalents, as well as the proper use of several home appliances. Students will participate in several food labs.
A lab fee of $20 is requested to help with the cost of the class. Students will need to bring 1 yard of cotton fabric, a composition notebook, and other sewing supplies. The list of supplies will be given to the students on the first day of class. The last day to add FCS is the 7th day of the semester, and the student must agree to come in every day at lunch to learn the first 7 days of material.
STEM (Elective)
Take your STEM skills to the next level with more advanced projects in engineering, coding, and design. Whether you’re building on past experience or just getting started, this class supports all learners through hands-on challenges in engineering, coding and robotics, design and prototyping, as well as computer building and programming . Think critically, work as a team, and solve real-world problems like a true innovator!
Spanish (Elective)
Join us in creating a community of Spanish speakers! Come and enjoy Spanish acquisition while we play games, dance, hear stories and get to know each other. You will be exploring the culture of the world’s 3rd most popular language through video, stories, and crafts. Don’t miss out on this wonderfully interactive class! It is also a great prep class for High School Spanish!
Choir (Elective)
This course is designed for students who have been in the choir program for at least one prior year and have been given director approval. Students enrolled in this class have a desire to learn beyond the basics of singing and will engage in advanced music including 3 parts, acapella, and various activities/performances. Students will have a minimum of 3 performances each year with the final performance, the Pop Concert, being student driven with song selections and groups. This class will deepen musical understanding as well as how to perform within a choir in preparation for High School.
Beginning Band (6th 7th/8th) (Elective)
This class is designed specifically for students who have never played in band before! This class will start with all of the foundational elements with the intention that students who did not start band in 5th grade can join the more advanced ensembles in the future.
Students will perform two evening concerts during the school year.
By participating in a band ensemble, the goal of the Belgrade Middle School band program is to develop the values of hard work and self-discipline, create and appreciate aesthetic beauty, learn how to learn and problem solve, and exercise group skills to work toward a common goal.
Instruments permitted in this course are:
-
Flute
-
Clarinet
-
Trumpet
-
Trombone
-
Baritone/Euphonium
-
Percussion
Intermediate Band (Elective)
Year long (Prerequisite = 5th Grade Band or Beginning 6/7/8 and/or permission from director)
Intermediate Band is intended for students with one year of band experience. This class offers the opportunity to participate in an instrumental music program dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in music through performance. Students participate in daily full-band rehearsals. Students perform two evening concerts during the school year.
Advanced Band (7th/8th) (Elective)
Year long (Prerequisite = 6th Grade Band and/or permission from director)
This class is designed for those students with two or more years of previous band experience. The music will be the most exciting and challenging of any ensemble at the middle school level. Students will perform two evening concerts during the school year.
By participating in a band ensemble, the goal of the Belgrade Middle School band program is to develop the values of hard work and self-discipline, create and appreciate aesthetic beauty, learn how to learn and problem solve, and exercise group skills to work toward a common goal.
Intermediate Orchestra (Elective)
This course is designed for students with one or more years playing a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass), mostly 6th graders. 6th-8th grade students who have never played a string instrument are encouraged to join this class as well. We will begin with a quick review of beginning orchestra skills, then move on to more advanced techniques. Students in this class will study Rock, Fiddle, Jazz, Classical, Mariachi, and other musical styles. Students enrolled in this course are invited to participate in Belgrade’s Rock Orchestra Club.
Advance Orchestra (Elective)
This course is designed for students with two or more years of experience playing their instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass). We will be exploring advancing techniques, and more challenging (and FUN) pieces as we prepare for the transition to Belgrade High School Orchestra. We will continue our study of Rock, Fiddle, Jazz, Classical, and Mariachi styles while adding Baroque, Renaissance, Country, Pop, and more! Students enrolled in this course are encouraged to participate in Belgrade’s Rock Orchestra Club in order to continue to grow their skills.
Sports & Fitness (Elective)
Sports and Fitness is designed to be an extension of regular PE class. Students will have this class every day, and will typically play more advanced games, or a more advanced level of games already played during regular PE. The fitness component will feature more advanced workouts for 5th and 6th graders, such as agility ladders, circuit workouts, and HIIT workouts.
Industrial Arts (Elective)
Industrial Arts and Design will be an introductory course. This semester class will explore architectural and project design through the use of computer drafting programs as well as shop safety and proper tool handling techniques. Students will learn how to use measuring tools, basic woodworking tools, basic project planning, and simple joinery to create a multitude of projects. This course includes Computer Aided Drafting, hand tools, machinery, and emphasizes safety. A lab fee of $20.00 is requested to help with the cost of the projects. Scholarships are available.
The last day to add Industrial Arts & Design is the 7th day of the semester, and the student must agree to come in every day at lunch to learn the first 7 days of material.
Medical Detectives (Elective)
This course requires computer access and movie consent; many of the activities are on the computer. Students will also be watching G/PG documentaries. Medical Detectives is a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) class based in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Students will become medical detectives and solve medical mysteries. They will apply experimental design, creative thinking, and problem solving to investigate the inner-workings of the human body, and improve human health. Students will collect and analyze medical data to diagnose disease. They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, measure and interpret vital signs, dissect a sheep brain, investigate disease outbreaks, and explore how a breakdown within the human body can lead to dysfunction.
Unit 1 - Disease Detectives
Students discover how healthcare professionals act as medical detectives to identify, treat, and prevent illness in their patients. They will design and conduct experiments to test the effectiveness of antibiotics on bacteria.
Unit 2 - Mysteries of the Human Body
This unit introduces the human body as a collection of body systems, with a focus on the nervous system. Students will analyze evidence to identify and diagnose specific nervous system dysfunctions. They then will dissect a sheep brain to confirm their understanding and diagnosis. (Sheep brain dissection can be substituted).
Unit 3 - Outbreak!
A mysterious toxin is endangering the health of a community. Using their understanding of the human body systems, students describe how the suspected toxin has impacted the patients. They will analyze patient symptoms and perform lab analysis of patient samples to identify the culprit and determine how it is spreading.
Panthers Planning for Success (PPS) (Elective)
This 7th and 8th grade elective provides an opportunity for students to work on their leadership, teamwork, decision making, character development, communication, time management and organizational skills. PPS students develop a career roadmap and a high school graduation plan to help them plan for their future success. As a learning experience, the PPS students plan and supervise the dodge ball tournament in the fall and the carnival in the spring. In addition, PPS students go on field trips to enhance their classroom education and build confidence. The last day to add PPS is the 7th day of the semester, and the student must agree to come in every day at lunch to learn the first 7 days of material. PPS is limited to 30 students based on the number of chairs that will fit in the classroom.
Yearbook (Elective)
This Yearbook course is a class designed to capture memories, design pages, and create a yearbook that everyone will treasure. Students will understand the basics of photography, journalism, layout design, and content organization to document the highlights of the school year.
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Advanced English
The second of a two-year program which will prepare students for advanced high school English. This course will cover all grade level standards for 8th grade English, with an emphasis on critical thinking, analytical writing, and discussion. Enrollment in Accelerated English is fluid based on student academic performance, classroom behavior, and teacher recommendation.
English Essentials
Self-contained English classes at Belgrade Middle School use a variety of research-based programs that have been proven to be highly effective with struggling readers. It includes a curriculum that focuses on the instruction of basic functional literacy for students needing additional support. This class will help students strengthen basic skills and study skills are emphasized. Writing focuses on building skills in the area of written language. Students work on composition and expression with emphasis on sentence structure and paragraph writing with effective organization. Reading comprehension, vocabulary, and other literacy skills are developed as students read and write about a variety of literary genres. This course is based upon a student’s literacy abilities and their Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals and services. It is offered for students whose scores on standardized tests and/or other local measures indicate a need for additional instruction in these areas. Students may also receive a "double dose" of English instruction with this class paired with the general education curriculum.
What is Title One/ English Essentials?
Title One is a federally-funded, general education support program. The goal of Title One Reading is to provide extra reading help and instruction for struggling readers. Title One instruction is specialized reading instruction that is provided through the cooperation of the classroom teacher and the Title One Reading teacher. This supplements classroom instruction. Supplemental reading instruction with the Title One Reading teacher occurs in small groups, daily for approximately 45 minutes, a supplemental program. This can be illustrated as some students needing an “extra snack of reading” during their day. We identify students in need of assistance and offer them extra instruction. The “main course” of reading is not enough instruction for these students.
Title One Goals
To diagnose and identify specific reading problems in each eligible student.
To supplement and support (not replace) the classroom reading instruction.
To foster an enjoyment of books and to encourage reading as a leisure activity.
To develop a positive attitude and self-confidence by providing reading success.
To formulate and implement plans that will improve students’ reading skills.
To help each student acquire the skills needed to function in the classroom.
To obtain parental support and involvement in our program.
Student Identification Process
The opportunity to be a part of a Title One program is determined for each child and based on several pieces of information used by the Title One teacher including teacher recommendation, Fastbridge and iReady testing, and analysis of independent reading behaviors. Students are then monitored throughout the school year to measure progress.
A parent or guardian must sign the permission letter and contact and send it back to the Title One teacher to receive Title One services.
Exit Title One Program
Students may exit the program at any time during the year. Students will be dismissed from the program by showing grade level performance in the classroom, grade level performance on assessments, and/or parent and teacher referral. The student will only be dismissed from the program after consultation with the classroom teacher, parent, student, and Title One teacher. If you elect to receive these services for your child, English Essentials will take the place of an elective class.
Other Considerations:
Students with an IEP for reading are typically not served in the Title One program. Students whose parents object to their placement will not be served.
English
In eighth grade English, we study various aspects of grammar. We also study mechanics. During the year, students will read novels, several short stories in literature and have independent reading projects. Literary terminology is studied and reading comprehension is targeted. We will also discuss strong writing components and compose a variety of pieces. This will, hopefully, prepare them for a successful freshman year.
Math Essentials
The course focus will be on improving students’ skills in computation and numbers sense.
In addition, weaknesses and gaps will be identified as a group and addressed. Students in 8th grade Math Essentials will also be in a 8th grade Mathematics class.
What is Title One/ Math Essentials?
Title One is a federally-funded, general education support program. The goal of Title One Math is to provide extra math help and instruction for students who are struggling. Title One instruction is specialized math instruction that is provided through the cooperation of the classroom teacher and the Title One Math teacher. This supplements classroom instruction. Supplemental math instruction with the Title One Math teacher occurs in small groups, daily for approximately 45 minutes. This can be illustrated as some students needing an “extra snack of math” during their day. We identify students in need of assistance and offer them extra instruction. The “main course” of math is not enough instruction for these students.
Title One Goals
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To diagnose and identify specific math problems in each eligible student
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To supplement and support (not replace) the classroom math instruction
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To foster an enjoyment of math and to encourage problem-solving as a leisure activity
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To develop a positive attitude and self-confidence by providing math success
-
To formulate and implement plans that will improve students’ math skills
-
To help each student acquire the skills needed to function in the classroom
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To obtain parental support and involvement in our program.
Student Identification Process
The opportunity to be a part of a Title One program is determined for each child and based on several pieces of information used by the Title One teacher including teacher recommendation, Fastbridge and iReady testing, and analysis of independent math behaviors. Students are then monitored throughout the school year to measure progress.
Enter Title One Program
A parent or guardian must sign the permission letter and send it back to the Title One teacher in order for their student to receive Title One services. If you elect to receive these services for your child, Math Essentials will take the place of an elective class.
Exit Title One Program
Students may exit the program at any time during the year. Students will be dismissed from the program by showing grade level performance in the classroom, grade level performance on assessments, and/or parent and teacher referral. The student will only be dismissed from the program after consultation with the classroom teacher, parent, student, and Title One teacher. A parent or guardian must sign the exit letter and send it back to the Title One teacher in order for their student to decline further Title One services.
Other Considerations:
Students with an IEP for reading are typically not served in the Title One program. Students whose parents object to their placement will not be served.
Math
In preparation for high school, students will study number systems, expressions and equations, geometry, functions, statistics and probability. Hands-on activities and teaching strategies for developing strong mathematical reasoning skills will be emphasized.
Intergrated Math
The first of a two-year program which will allow students to enter high school at the Integrated Math II level. The course differs from Integrated Math 1 at the high school in that it contains content from 8th grade. While coherence is retained, in that it logically builds from 7th Accelerated Math, the additional content when compared to the high school course demands a faster pace for instruction and learning.
Integrated Math I is the entry level mathematics course for ninth graders. Students study linear, quadratic and exponential functions. Geometric constructions, congruencies and transformations and introductory statistics concepts are studied as well. The course develops applications of mathematical concepts and challenges students to broaden their understanding with mathematical modeling.
The course is the most rigorous mathematics class at the middle school and makes several assumptions including: students are committed to studying nightly and have a maturity to focus on completing assignments. If a student is not maintaining a B, they will be moved to the 8th grade Mathematics course.
Science
Physical Science is the study of matter and energy. The course follows Montana State Science Standards that were adapted from the Next Generation Science Standards. The course will involve two main branches of science-Chemistry and Physics. In Physical Science, the student gains an understanding of how nature works. Students in general science will spend 40% of the time in hands on labs and demonstration activities. They will learn to read, understand and reason data collected.
Topics include the following:
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phases of matter
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the elements
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development and use of the Periodic Table
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atomic structure
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compounds and mixtures
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chemical bonding
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simple chemical reactions
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and basic concepts in Physics
Concepts include electricity, magnets and the introduction of the physical forces.
History
The study of history in 8th grade focuses on the analysis and evaluation of evidence to create a narrative describing early U.S. History and Montana History. Through our analysis of historical events, students will practice critical thinking, writing skills, note taking and also discussion and debate. During lessons, students will engage in history using multiple perspectives to help them better understand the events of the past. The U.S. History segment focuses on the foundations of our country. We will learn about the original 13 Colonies, the French and Indian War, The Revolutionary War and we will analyze some of our nation's founding documents. In Montana history, students will learn about the geography of the land, the Lewis and Clark expedition, the Rocky Mountain Fur Trade and the Gold Rush. Additionally, there will be a focus on changes experienced by Native American groups throughout Montana's history.
Health Enhancement
The middle school Health Enhancement program is designed to give students a chance to learn basic skills in lifetime sport activities. Our main objective is to teach students the basic rules, strategies, and importance of sports that they can participate in throughout their lifetime. While learning these sports we emphasize the importance of participation, physical fitness, and sportsmanship. Students are required to dress with proper clothes (i.e., clean tennis shoes, shorts, sweats, shirt, and socks). Students will also participate in a district wide (5-10) maturation class taught by the District Health Nurse.
Our primary focus in health education is to provide students with information so that they can learn and practice ways to make healthy choices. Students will have opportunities to apply, practice, and assess the skills they need to enhance their own health and the health of others. The health education topics will include taking responsibility for your own health, physical activity and fitness, food and nutrition, growth and development, and ways to protect your health.
Health and Human Development
This course is geared toward young adolescents and covers topics including but not limited to: safety, hygiene, communicable and noncommunicable diseases, the immune system, fitness, nutrition, and tobacco. Students will explore how their mental/emotional, social, and physical health influence each other and what factors influence their overall health. Students will discuss positive character traits, healthy decision making skills, and practice communication techniques. They will also learn methods to strengthen peer, friend, and family relationships as well as how to express emotions and manage stress. Main goals of this course are to provide the students with the information and skills required to be safe, productive, and responsible citizens.
Artist Workshop (Elective)
This course is split into two different classes:
7th/8th 2-Dimensional Art
This 2D art course introduces students to drawing and painting techniques while fostering creativity. Students will explore the fundamentals of drawing and painting while developing their artistic skills. They will be able to experiment with watercolor, acrylics, printmaking, drawings, and abstract art. By the end of the course, students will have a collection of unique projects that showcase their creativity and craftsmanship.
7th/8th 3-Dimensional Art
This 3D art course focuses on hands-on projects allowing students to dive into a world of creativity. Students will learn sculpting techniques using materials like clay, wire, cardboard, recycled objects, and more. They’ll create sculptures and functional art all while encouraging creativity and experimentation. By the end of the course, students will have a collection of unique projects that showcase their creativity and craftsmanship.
Family Comsumer Sceince (FCS) (Elective)
This class is open to all 7th and 8th grade students. It is a semester course that is divided into two quarter units.
One of the two units is the Introduction to Textiles and Sewing unit. Students will learn how to make simple clothing repairs, how to read a pattern, learn different seam finishes, and learn how to use the sewing machine. Once they have mastered threading and practice sewing on paper, they will complete three main projects.
The other unit, An Introduction to Culinary, will cover many aspects of home food preparation. Students will learn kitchen safety, food safety, measurements, equivalents, as well as the proper use of several home appliances. Students will participate in several food labs.
A lab fee of $20 is requested to help with the cost of the class. Students will need to bring 1 yard of cotton fabric, a composition notebook, and other sewing supplies. The list of supplies will be given to the students on the first day of class. The last day to add FCS is the 7th day of the semester, and the student must agree to come in every day at lunch to learn the first 7 days of material.
STEM (Elective)
Take your STEM skills to the next level with more advanced projects in engineering, coding, and design. Whether you’re building on past experience or just getting started, this class supports all learners through hands-on challenges in engineering, coding and robotics, design and prototyping, as well as computer building and programming . Think critically, work as a team, and solve real-world problems like a true innovator!
Spanish (Elective)
Join us in creating a community of Spanish speakers! Come and enjoy Spanish acquisition while we play games, dance, hear stories and get to know each other. You will be exploring the culture of the world’s 3rd most popular language through video, stories, and crafts. Don’t miss out on this wonderfully interactive class! It is also a great prep class for High School Spanish!
Choir (Elective)
This choir experience is all about growing your love for singing music! Students will engage in fun games and activities to learn skills to become better vocalists and sing as a group. We learn a variety of music from current pop tunes to old classics as well as traditional choral pieces. The class is designed to engage the learners with their musical interests while embedding important music concepts. Students will have a minimum of 3 performances each year with the final performance, the Pop Concert, being student driven with song selections and groups. This course is a great way to start singing and gain confidence!
Advanced Choir (Elective)
This course is designed for students who have been in the choir program for at least one prior year and have been given director approval. Students enrolled in this class have a desire to learn beyond the basics of singing and will engage in advanced music including 3 parts, acapella, and various activities/performances. Students will have a minimum of 3 performances each year with the final performance, the Pop Concert, being student driven with song selections and groups. This class will deepen musical understanding as well as how to perform within a choir in preparation for High School.
Beginning Band (6th 7th/8th) (Elective)
This class is designed specifically for students who have never played in band before! This class will start with all of the foundational elements with the intention that students who did not start band in 5th grade can join the more advanced ensembles in the future.
Students will perform two evening concerts during the school year.
By participating in a band ensemble, the goal of the Belgrade Middle School band program is to develop the values of hard work and self-discipline, create and appreciate aesthetic beauty, learn how to learn and problem solve, and exercise group skills to work toward a common goal.
Instruments permitted in this course are:
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Flute
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Clarinet
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Trumpet
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Trombone
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Baritone/Euphonium
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Percussion
Intermediate Band (Elective)
Year long (Prerequisite = 5th Grade Band or Beginning 6/7/8 and/or permission from director)
Intermediate Band is intended for students with one year of band experience. This class offers the opportunity to participate in an instrumental music program dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in music through performance. Students participate in daily full-band rehearsals. Students perform two evening concerts during the school year.
Advanced Band (7th/8th) (Elective)
Year long (Prerequisite = 6th Grade Band and/or permission from director)
This class is designed for those students with two or more years of previous band experience. The music will be the most exciting and challenging of any ensemble at the middle school level. Students will perform two evening concerts during the school year.
By participating in a band ensemble, the goal of the Belgrade Middle School band program is to develop the values of hard work and self-discipline, create and appreciate aesthetic beauty, learn how to learn and problem solve, and exercise group skills to work toward a common goal.
Intermediate Orchestra (Elective)
This course is designed for students with one or more years playing a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass), mostly 6th graders. 6th-8th grade students who have never played a string instrument are encouraged to join this class as well. We will begin with a quick review of beginning orchestra skills, then move on to more advanced techniques. Students in this class will study Rock, Fiddle, Jazz, Classical, Mariachi, and other musical styles. Students enrolled in this course are invited to participate in Belgrade’s Rock Orchestra Club.
Advance Orchestra (Elective)
This course is designed for students with two or more years of experience playing their instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass). We will be exploring advancing techniques, and more challenging (and FUN) pieces as we prepare for the transition to Belgrade High School Orchestra. We will continue our study of Rock, Fiddle, Jazz, Classical, and Mariachi styles while adding Baroque, Renaissance, Country, Pop, and more! Students enrolled in this course are encouraged to participate in Belgrade’s Rock Orchestra Club in order to continue to grow their skills.
Sports & Fitness (Elective)
Sports and Fitness is designed to be an extension of regular PE class. Students will have this class every day, and will typically play more advanced games, or a more advanced level of games already played during regular PE. The fitness component will feature more advanced workouts for 5th and 6th graders, such as agility ladders, circuit workouts, and HIIT workouts.
Industrial Arts (Elective)
Industrial Arts and Design will be an introductory course. This semester class will explore architectural and project design through the use of computer drafting programs as well as shop safety and proper tool handling techniques. Students will learn how to use measuring tools, basic woodworking tools, basic project planning, and simple joinery to create a multitude of projects. This course includes Computer Aided Drafting, hand tools, machinery, and emphasizes safety. A lab fee of $20.00 is requested to help with the cost of the projects. Scholarships are available.
The last day to add Industrial Arts & Design is the 7th day of the semester, and the student must agree to come in every day at lunch to learn the first 7 days of material.
Medical Detectives (Elective)
This course requires computer access and movie consent; many of the activities are on the computer. Students will also be watching G/PG documentaries. Medical Detectives is a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) class based in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Students will become medical detectives and solve medical mysteries. They will apply experimental design, creative thinking, and problem solving to investigate the inner-workings of the human body, and improve human health. Students will collect and analyze medical data to diagnose disease. They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, measure and interpret vital signs, dissect a sheep brain, investigate disease outbreaks, and explore how a breakdown within the human body can lead to dysfunction.
Unit 1 - Disease Detectives
Students discover how healthcare professionals act as medical detectives to identify, treat, and prevent illness in their patients. They will design and conduct experiments to test the effectiveness of antibiotics on bacteria.
Unit 2 - Mysteries of the Human Body
This unit introduces the human body as a collection of body systems, with a focus on the nervous system. Students will analyze evidence to identify and diagnose specific nervous system dysfunctions. They then will dissect a sheep brain to confirm their understanding and diagnosis. (Sheep brain dissection can be substituted).
Unit 3 - Outbreak!
A mysterious toxin is endangering the health of a community. Using their understanding of the human body systems, students describe how the suspected toxin has impacted the patients. They will analyze patient symptoms and perform lab analysis of patient samples to identify the culprit and determine how it is spreading.
Panthers Planning for Success (PPS) (Elective)
This 7th and 8th grade elective provides an opportunity for students to work on their leadership, teamwork, decision making, character development, communication, time management and organizational skills. PPS students develop a career roadmap and a high school graduation plan to help them plan for their future success. As a learning experience, the PPS students plan and supervise the dodge ball tournament in the fall and the carnival in the spring. In addition, PPS students go on field trips to enhance their classroom education and build confidence. The last day to add PPS is the 7th day of the semester, and the student must agree to come in every day at lunch to learn the first 7 days of material. PPS is limited to 30 students based on the number of chairs that will fit in the classroom.
Yearbook (Elective)
This Yearbook course is a class designed to capture memories, design pages, and create a yearbook that everyone will treasure. Students will understand the basics of photography, journalism, layout design, and content organization to document the highlights of the school year.
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