Archive

The Sixth Grade Chorus class continues the work of the fifth grade, with a concentration on international songs. Students investigate their family roots, and compile a list of countries of origin. Songs are selected that represent the always varied, and often fascinating, backgrounds of our students. Each year, the sixth graders get a chance to sing in Irish, English, French, Spanish, Russian, Italian, Korean, Czech, or any combination of these and many more languages. It brings the students closer together.

Public speaking class begins with the students reflecting on the typical feelings and fears surround speaking in front of others. The elements of public speaking (content, intent, audience, delivery, etc) are reviewed and students are asked to watch and review several examples. Students take turns practicing many of these elements in several different class activities, while receiving and provided feedback on delivery and presentation. In the final weeks of the term, students study rhetorical devices, watch and review several famous speeches, and then write and deliver their own original work in the Assembly Hall.

Fifth grade Life Skills is an enrichment course that meets twice a week during the spring term. Throughout the term, students explore a variety of topics including: the changes of puberty, body image, building self esteem, nutrition, and the importance of exercise. Classes consist of participatory activities, group discussions, and selected readings. Through the class, students improve their understanding of how their bodies are growing and changing and develop skills for making healthy decisions about their bodies and health.

Sixth grade Life Skills is an enrichment course that meets twice a week during the spring term. Throughout the term, students explore a variety of topics including: decision making skills, drug and alcohol education, peer pressure, bullying, and stereotypes. The format of the class encourages group discussion. Through the class, students improve their ability communicate effectively with one another and to make positive choices about relationships and their health.

The seventh grade winter course is entitled, Emotions and Relationships. Students explore communications skills, conflict management, tolerance, relationships with friends and family, and gender roles.

Eighth grade Life Skills is an enrichment course entitled “Human Relationships and Sexuality.” Classes meet twice a week during the fall term for a total of twenty classes. Throughout the course, students will explore a variety of topics including personal values, decision-making within relationships, male/female anatomy, reproduction, abstinence, contraception, sexually transmitted infections (including HIV/AIDS), sexual orientation, and sexuality in the media. Classes will consist of discussions, participatory activities, group work, multimedia presentations, and selected readings. Altogether, this course is full of vital information that we hope students will carry with them for years to come.

Substance Use and Abuse is the title and focus in the ninth grade winter term. In addition to information about brain functioning, stress, addictive substances, treatment, and legal issues, discussion centers on making decisions regarding substance use.

Mandarin II is an intermediate course for students who have completed Mandarin IA and IB or have equivalent experience. The course focuses on topics such as travel, shopping, health, and Chinese songs, poems, and customs. Students will learn approximately 180 new characters, aiming to master around 500 characters and recognize up to 1200 words by the end of the course. They will practice using sentences and engage in conversations, presentations, and short social interactions on familiar topics. Cultural knowledge will include famous Chinese sayings, color symbolism, Chinese Zodiac signs, and discussions about Chinese culture in Mandarin.

Introduction to Latin is a presentation of the language with two primary goals. First, is to prepare the student for the study of Latin at the secondary school level. In this regard, the student is exposed to basic concepts of acquiring a second language such as vocabulary acquisition, word declentions, verb conjugation and a working knowledge of inflection. Intro to Latin stresses basic grammar, syntax and translation skills. The second goal of the course is to support students in general language acquisition, drawing the important connections between English and its Latin roots. Instruction is geared towards students with a variety of learning styles. Topics on Roman society are discussed, especially the impact of the language, as well as the history of Roman culture upon our society. By the end of this ninth grade class, students should be prepared to begin the study of Latin in high school.