Maple Avenue
MIDDLE SCHOOL

Maple Avenue Handbook

 
 
  Maple Avenue Home   |  School Information  |  Mapletogian  | Faculty & Staff   |  School Calendar   |
 

Courses

 

 

 
 


MAPLE AVENUE MIDDLE SCHOOL

515 Maple Avenue
Saratoga Springs,
New York, 12866


maple avenue phone

518-587-4551


Dear Parents/Guardians:

It is with a great deal of pride and pleasure that I welcome you to the Maple Avenue Middle School.  The school has entered its second decade with much anticipation and excitement with the completion of our building project.

The school’s strong instructional program has become even better with the addition of the eighth grade to the middle school.  The school’s program supports the development of the whole student.

Your son/daughter will be assigned to an instructional team.  These teams are made up of 75-80 students in the sixth grade with three teachers, plus a Special Education teacher.  Seventh and eighth grade teams involve 130 students, five teachers, plus a Special Education teacher.  The team structure helps meet the special needs of these pre-adolescent teens during this transitional period.

I ask you to pay special attention to the school’s mission and philosophy statements included in this booklet.  The school’s instructional program supports our goal of ensuring the success of all our students.

Included in this booklet are brief descriptions of our courses, pupil support services, grading procedures, and promotion/retention guidelines.  I encourage you to review this material with your son/daughter and to keep it for future reference.  Please bear in mind that with the addition of the eighth grade to Maple Avenue, this handbook is a work in progress, and is subject to change.

Communication between home and school will be a key to a smooth transition and a successful experience for your son/daughter at Maple Avenue.  We at Maple Avenue will communicate with you through phone calls, memos, notes, parent conferences, warning/failing notices and report cards.  Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

We look forward to meeting you and your son/daughter and having a successful 2006-2007 school year.

                                                                                    Sincerely,

                                                                                    Stuart F. Byrne
                                                                                    Principal
 

 

 

MISSION STATEMENT

Maple Avenue Middle School provides an excellent educational program with an emphasis on the unique characteristics and needs of middle level students.  The promotion of life-long learning enhances the development of all students as they transition from childhood into adolescence.  An essential balance between a child’s academic excellence and social, emotional, cultural, physical, and ethical needs is created.

VISION STATEMENT

Maple Avenue Middle School is an educationally progressive student-centered learning community that is committed to excellence.  An integrated educational program, with a focus on excitement for life-long learning and responsibility to provide a caring and harmonious multi-cultural environment, is emphasized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE ARTS 6

The goal of the sixth grade Language Arts program is to help our students improve their ability to communicate through written (reading and writing) and oral (speaking and listening) expression.  Therefore, sixth graders at Maple Avenue Middle School are scheduled to receive 80 minutes of language arts instruction daily.  Included in this are components of reading, writing, speaking and spelling.

The literature/reading component consists of the Prentice Hall Literature Copper edition supplemented by other materials such as articles, magazine articles, poems, trade books, and a variety of other materials supplied by the teacher.

Throughout the year, students will be come familiar with the terminology which applies to various genres (short story, drama, novel, poetry, nonfiction and oral tradition) of literature.

Skills such as editing, spelling, usage, and grammar and usage will be taught in connection with the students’ writing and through mini lessons presented by the teacher and through related components of the Prentice Hall Literature series.

By the end of the course, the students will have experience in reading and analyzing various types of literature.  Writing in a variety of modes in response to the literature (including, but not limited to: essays, journals, reports, poems, letters), and responding orally through class discussions, cooperative groups and oral presentation will be an integral part of the curriculum.

 

LANGUAGE ARTS 7

Students in English 7 are grouped heterogeneously and are taught their language arts skills primarily through an integrated approach.  The literature/reading component consists of the Prentice Hall Bronze edition supplemented by other materials such as articles, poems and novels supplied by the teacher.  Materials are taught through a genre approach, but where possible, a thematic approach is preferred, especially when team planning with other content areas indicates possible common areas.  In some classes, students are expected to do outside reading of novels and nonfiction works and report on them either in writing or in oral form as the teacher indicates.

Throughout the course of the year, students will work with the following concepts: theme, plot, foreshadowing, symbolism, conflict, suspense, setting, mood, tone, point of view, and figurative language.  Students will also become familiar with the terminology that applies to the various genres including short story, drama, novel, poetry, and non-fiction.  A special unit dealing with mythology will also be part of the curriculum.

By the end of the course, the students will have experience in reading and analyzing various types of literature, writing in a variety of modes in response to the literature (journals, narratives, essays, poems, letters, etc.) and responding orally (discussions, group work, oral interpretation, and oral reports).  Language Arts classes also work with other disciplines for some units.  These units often involve novels, nonfiction articles, research skills, note taking skills, report writing or oral presentations.

Skills – such as editing, spelling, usage and grammar – will be taught in connection with the students’ writing and through related components in the Prentice Hall series.  In addition, there will be incorporation of various mini-lessons in areas of grammar, usage, and punctuation.

 

 

ENGLISH 8

The English 8 curriculum is the next step in the sequence following Grade 7 and uses as its basic literature text the Prentice Hall Silver 1994 edition.  Students will be reading selections in the area of short stories, poetry, nonfiction, drama, myths, and the novel.  They will also gain experience with units which relate to other curriculum areas.  They will experience a research unit, a speech component, and will be exposed to vocabulary through their literature.

Grammar and the technical aspects of language development will be addressed within the context of the literature and student writing.

Major literature units include:  The Diary of Anne Frank (drama), The Pearl (novel), and a unit of legends, folklore and tall tales.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATH 6

The 6th grade mathematics program, in conjunction with the current New York State Syllabus and recommendations of the national Council of Teachers of Mathematics, recognizes that mathematics can no longer be an isolated subject.  This comes with the realization that the students we educate can be expected to change jobs many times during their lifetimes.  To prepare for this job mobility, students must develop a thorough understanding of mathematical concepts and principles.  Classroom assessments will be used that are instructionally useful indicators of individual student growth and performance, not only to monitor each student’s progress in meeting the State’s learning standards but also to plan instruction.  As a result of the new assessments for performance in math, a variety of problem solving experiences will be necessary at all grade levels.  Students must be able to explain, in writing, how they are solving mathematical equations.  The goal for 6th grade students is that they gain competence in fundamental arithmetic skills, operations and problem solving and data analysis.  By achieving mastery of the basics, students will be better prepared to grasp and manipulate more complete concepts and develop a higher level of critical thinking.

Decimals

Decimals and Metric Units

Multiplication:  Whole Numbers and Decimals

Division:  Whole Numbers and Decimals

Understanding Fractions & Customary Units

Addition & Subtraction: 

        Fractions & Mixed Numbers

Multiplication & Division: 

        Fractions & Mixed Numbers

Geometry

 

Ratio Proportion and Percent

 

Using Percent

 

Integers

 

Measurement

 

Perimeter Area & Volume

 

 

 

 

MATH 7

In grade 7 there are four levels of instruction.  Our course selection provides students with an opportunity for success and challenge in their math program.  Below are the course designations for various levels of instruction:

  • ACC – Accelerated
  • RX – Enrichment 7R
  • R – Regents
  • B – School Level and Academic Intervention

The accelerated program in 7th grade is for a select group of 7th grade students.  Math 7ACC students complete four years of mathematics in three years.  The courses covered are Math 7ACC (Math 7R and Math 8RX), Math 8ACC (Math 8RX and Math 1RX) and Math 2R.  Students are expected to be highly motivated and excel in the program.

Math 8ACC students will prepare for the Math A Regents Exam.  In ninth grade, students will take the Math A Exam and will begin preparation for the Math B Regents Exam. Students not meeting the criteria for the accelerated math program at this time will still have the opportunity to take advanced placement Calculus in their senior year.

Math 7R is a pre-algebra course with sequential courses in grades 8 and 9.

Math 7B has a major emphasis on mechanics.  Class sizes at this level are smaller to provide more individual attention.  Students may also receive additional remedial help through academic intervention services.

During the first ten weeks of the school year and at the end of the year, there is the opportunity for the student to move between levels.  In order to meet the individual needs of each student, movement between levels occurs when a student is achieving either far above or below the level of his or her class.  In either case, the instructor usually initiates the process and closely examines the situation before making a recommendation.

An excellent prediction of success at any level is the student consistently doing his or her homework.

 

MATH 7ACC

Prerequisites:

1.      Minimum 6th Math Placement Score–27

2.      Minimum CTBS Local Percentile–90

3.      Minimum NYS Math Contest Score–25

4.      A strong recommendation by the classroom teacher.

Math 7ACC is designed to prepare students for a five-year sequence in mathematics culminating in AP Math (Calculus) in their senior year.  Topics include all of the 7R curriculum with additional emphasis on rational and irrational numbers, compound interest problems, first degree algebraic equations, inequalities, geometric proofs and coordinate geometry involving an introduction to quadratics, probability and statistics.  Students are expected to work with abstract concepts beyond the state syllabus.  Students must maintain a 90 average to stay in the program.

MATH 7RX

Math 7RX is designed to prepare students for a minimum of a three-year Regents sequence in mathematics, with students taking both the Math A and Math B Regents Exams.  Topics include problem solving, integers, decimals, fractions, ratios, proportions, percents, probability, statistics, algebraic equations, geometry, coordinate geometry and measurement.  Math 7RX is an enrichment program which covers topics in more depth than Math 7R.  Emphasis is equally distributed between mechanics and concepts.  Students in Math 7RX also continue their preparation for the Eighth Grade Math Assessment.  To qualify for Math 8RX, students must have an excellent homework record, a grade equal to or greater than 90 and a strong teacher recommendation.  There is an option for students from this program, in their senior year, to take two math courses (Math 4 and Calculus).  Students must maintain a 90 average with teacher recommendation to stay in the program.

MATH 7R

Math 7R is designed to prepare students for a minimum of a three-year Regents sequence in mathematics, with students taking both the Math A and Math B Regents Exams.  Topics include problem solving, integers, decimals, fractions, ratios, proportions, percents, probability, statistics, algebraic equations, geometry, coordinate geometry and measurement.  Emphasis is equally distributed between mechanics and concepts.  Students in Math 7R also continue their preparation for the Eighth Grade Math Assessment.  To qualify for math 8RX, students must have an excellent homework record, a grade equal to or greater than 90 and a strong teacher recommendation.  There is an option for students from this program, in their senior year, to take two math courses (Math 4 and Calculus).

 

MATH 7B

Math 7B is designed to prepare students for a minimum of a three-year sequence in mathematics which culminates with the Math A Regents Exam in grade 11.  Topics include problem solving, integers, decimals, fractions, ratios, proportions, percent, probability, statistics, algebraic equations, graphing, geometry, and measurement.  Emphasis is on mechanics and concepts.  Students in Math 7B also continue their preparation for the Eighth Grade Math Assessment.  Students with a 90 average, excellent homework effort, and a strong teacher recommendation, will be recommended for math 8R.

 

ACADEMIC INTERVENTION SERVICE MATH

AIS Math is designed to supplement and reinforce the Math 7B program.  Class sizes are small with a focus on individualized programs.

 

MATHEMATICS 8

Grade 8 has four levels of instruction.  Our course selection provides students with an opportunity for success and challenge in their math program.  Below are the course designations for the various levels of instruction:

8ACC    -         Accelerated

8RX       -         Pre-Regents Enrichment

8R          -         Pre-Regents

8B          -         Pre-Regents for Math A only

                        and Remediation

During the first ten weeks of the school year and at the end of the year, there is the opportunity for the student to move between levels.  In order to meet the individual needs of each student, movement between levels occurs when a student is achieving either far above or far below the level of his or her class.  In either case, the instructor usually initiates the process and closely examines the situation before making a recommendation.

The accelerated program is a continuation of the grade 7 Accelerated Program.  These students complete the normal course content for grades 8, 9, and 10 in grades 8 and 9.  The students will take the Math A Regents Exam at some point in grade 9.  The students will also begin preparation for the Math B Regents Exam in ninth grade and would be on schedule to take the Math B exam at the end of their sophomore year (grade 10).  Students in this program were chosen during grade 6 on the basis of selected criteria, a strong teacher recommendation and parental permission.  Students are expected to be highly motivated and must demonstrate, on the basis of their report card grades and Regents Exam grades, that they should continue in the program from year to year.

Students not in the accelerated program will still have the opportunity to take two math courses during their senior year.  Thus, Advanced Placement Calculus remains an option for students who are not accelerated, but who have demonstrated strong ability in mathematics in grades 9-11.

The courses at the B Level are designed to strengthen basic skills, while at the same time preparing students for the Eighth Grade Assessment and introducing concepts that students will be required to master as they prepare for the Math A Regents Exam in high school.  Some students at the B Level may also be required to receive additional instruction in mathematics outside of their regular math class.  The additional instruction will focus on preparing students for the New York State assessments that are required in grade 8 and again in high school.

MATH 8ACC

Designed to continue the preparation of students for a five-year sequence in mathematics culminating in AP Math (calculus).  Topics include the remainder of the 8RX curriculum and the Math 1RX curriculum.  The Math A Regents Exam will be administered in grade 9.  Pre-requisite:  The student must have a minimum grade of 90.

MATH 8RX

Designed to prepare students for at least four years of Regents level mathematics.  Students would be expected to eventually take both the Math A and the Math B Regents Exams.

The topics are a continuation of the 7R courses.  Additional emphasis is placed on rational and irrational numbers, compound interest problems, first degree algebraic equations, inequalities, geometric proofs and coordinate geometry involving an introduction to quadratics, probability and statistics.  Students are expected to work with abstract concepts beyond the required state syllabus.  Attention is paid to problems “in context” as students prepare for the eighth grade assessment.  Pre-requisite:  The student must have a minimum grade of 90 in 7R and a teacher recommendation.

 

MATH 8R

Designed to prepared students for a Regents sequence in mathematics.  Students at this level will be on schedule to take the Math A Regents Exam in grade 10 and many students will also take the Math B Regents Exam in grade 11.  The topics are a continuation of the 7R course.  Additional emphasis is placed on solving algebraic equations, word problems, decimals, fractions, percents, irrational numbers, geometry (volume and surface area), probability and statistics.  Attention is paid to problems “in context” as students prepare for the eighth grade assessment.

 

MATH 8B

Designed to prepare students for three years of high school mathematics.  Students would take the Math A Regents Exam in June of their junior year (grade 11).  Passing the Math A Regents Exam is now a mandatory requirement that must be satisfied before students will be eligible to receive a high school diploma.  The Math 8B content is a continuation of the Math 7B program.  Topics include problem solving, whole numbers, decimals, percents, ratios, proportions (scale drawings), integers, algebraic equations, geometry (area and volume), probability and statistics.  Attention is paid to problems “in context” as students prepare for the eighth grade assessment.

 

 

SOCIAL STUDIES 6

Introduction:

  • Five Fundamental Themes of Geography

  • Reviewing Maps & Globes

Unit 1        Studying the Earth

Chapter 1     Learning About Earth’s Geography

Chapter 2     Learning About Early People

Unit 2        Four Early Civilizations

Chapter 3     Ancient Egypt

Chapter 4     The Fertile Crescent

Chapter 5     Ancient India & Ancient China

Unit 3        Ancient Europe

Chapter 6     Ancient Greece

Chapter 7     Ancient Rome

Unit 4        The Growth of Europe

Chapter 8     The Middle Ages

Chapter 9     The Renaissance

Chapter 10   The Age of Exploration

Supplemental Topics:

Unit 5        Europe and North Asia in Modern Times

Chapter 11   Two Revolutions Change Europe

Chapter 12   From Russia to Commonwealth of Independent States

Chapter 13   The Twentieth Century

Unit 6        Middle East & North Africa

Chapter 14   Middle East and North Africa Long Ago

Chapter 15   Middle East and North Africa Today

Unit 7        Africa South of the Sahara

Chapter 16   African Kingdoms

Chapter 17   Modern Africa

Unit 8        South Asia, China, Japan & Korea

Chapter 18   South Asia

Chapter 19   China

Chapter 20   Japan & Korea

Unit 9        southeast asia, oceania, australia

Chapter 21   Southeast Asia

Chapter 22   Australia and Oceania

Unit 10      The Western Hemisphere

Chapter 23   The History of the Western Hemisphere

Chapter 24   The Western Hemisphere Today

 

Unit 5        Europe and North Asia in Modern Times

Chapter 11   Two Revolutions Change Europe

Chapter 12   From Russia to Commonwealth of Independent States

Chapter 13   The Twentieth Century

Unit 6        Middle East & North Africa

Chapter 14   Middle East and North Africa Long Ago

Chapter 15   Middle East and North Africa Today

Unit 7        Africa South of the Sahara

Chapter 16   African Kingdoms

Chapter 17   Modern Africa

Unit 8        South Asia, China, Japan & Korea

Chapter 18   South Asia

Chapter 19   China

Chapter 20   Japan & Korea

Unit 9        southeast asia, oceania, australia

Chapter 21   Southeast Asia

Chapter 22   Australia and Oceania

Unit 10      The Western Hemisphere

Chapter 23   The History of the Western Hemisphere

Chapter 24   The Western Hemisphere Today

 

 

SOCIAL STUDIES 7

AMERICAN HISTORY

This is the first year of a two-year sequence. United States history and geography are covered from Native American times through 1865. Various activities are also planned for this study, including instruction in writing DBQ’s (Document-Based Questions).

                    THE FIRST AMERICANS
    1. Early People and Cultures
    2. People of North America
    3. Great Civilizations in the Americas
    4. After 1492

 EXPLORATION AND EUROPEAN COLONIZATION OF THE NEW WORLD

    1. Europe discovers the riches of the East
    2. European exploration of the New World
    3. The Spanish colonize Latin America
    4. The French settlement in North America
    5. The English establish the 13 colonies
    6. The Dutch and Swedish settlement of the Colonies

THE COLONIES WIN THEIR FREEDOM

    1. Life in the Colonies
    2. The French and English fight to control North America
    3. England tightens its grip on the Colonies
    4. The Colonies rebel
    5. The Declaration of Independence
    6. The War for American Independence

OUR NATION’S GOVERNMENT IS ESTABLISHED

    1. Problems in the new Nation
    2. The Constitution
    3. Our Federal Government

OUR NATION GROWS IN SIZE AND STRENGTH

    1. The Growing Years
    2. Growth of Political Parties
    3. The War of 1812
    4. Industrial Revolution
    5. Westward Expansion – Manifest Destiny

AGE OF REFORM

    1. Labor reform
    2. Anti-slavery movement
    3. Women’s rights movement
    4. Social Reform

DIFFERENCES LEAD TO CIVIL WAR

    1. Sectionalism
    2. Slavery and King Cotton
    3. The road to Civil War
    4. Lincoln is elected
    5. The Civil War
    6. Lee meets Grant – the War ends
    7. Assassination of Lincoln

 

 

 

SOCIAL STUDIES 8

UNITED STATES HISTORY

The program consists of a survey of United States History from 1865 to the present, as a continuation of the curriculum begun in grade 7. There is an emphasis on reading and writing skills, political cartoon interpretation as well as the important and colorful characters in the rich pageant of American History. The following topics will be discussed:

 

THE RECONSTRUCTION ERA
    1. Reunion
    2. Radical Reconstruction
    3. Changes in the South
    4. Reconstruction Ends
CHANGE IN THE WEST
    1. The Plains Indians
    2. Miners and Railroaders
    3. Ranchers and Cowhands
    4. A Way of Life Ends
    5. The Farmers
RISE OF INDUSTRY AND UNIONS
    1. Railroads and Industry
    2. Big Business
    3. Inventions
    4. Labor in the Age of Industry
IMMIGRATION AND THE GROWTH OF CITIES
    1. The New Immigrants
    2. Booming Cities
    3. City Life Transformed
    4. Education and Culture
PROGRESSIVES AND REFORMERS

          A.  Early Reforms
          B.  The Progressives and Their Goals
          C.   President Support Reforms
          D.  Progress for Women
          E.   Fighting for Equality

BECOMING A WORLD POWER

            A.   Across the Pacific
           B.   The Spanish-American War
           C.   Relations with Latin America

WORLD WAR ONE
    1. War Erupts in Europe
    2. The United States Enters the War
    3. Winning the War
    4. Wilson and the Peace

THE ROARING TWENTIES

    1. Politics and Prosperity
    2. New Ways of Life
    3. The Jazz Age
    4. Trouble Below the Surface

THE GREAT DEPRESSION

    1. The Economy Crashes
    2. The New Deal
    3. Reaction to the New Deal
    4. Surviving Hard Times
WORLD WAR TWO
    1. Dictatorship and Aggression
    2. The War Begins
    3. The Home Front
    4. The Allies Advance
    5. Final Victory
THE COLD WAR ERA
    1. The Nation Faces a Cold War
    2. The Cold War Heats Up
    3. Cold War Battle Grounds
    4. The Vietnam War
    5. The End of the Cold War
PROSPERITY AND REFORM
    1. The Booming Postwar World
    2. The Civil Rights Movement
    3. The Post Cold War World
    4. War and Peace in the Middle East

 

 

 

 

Maple Avenue Middle School
Science Department

 

Science Department Philosophy and Mission

Science provides an objective system in which to frame our questions about the world around us and seek their answers.  It consists of a great body of knowledge as well as a systematic means for evaluating the validity of our ideas and beliefs.  We understand that individual scientists and discoveries have not always followed a prescribed path, but also realize that the advancement of scientific knowledge depends on a structured method for proving hypotheses to be true or false.  General science knowledge and an understanding of and appreciation for the nature of science and how science advances provide the foundation for a scientifically literate society. 

We believe that students learn best when engaged in activities that are not simply hands-on but more importantly minds-on.  Through teacher led demonstrations, student conducted demonstrations, and longer lab activities we strive to engage students to illustrate the often-abstract concepts of science.  While we understand that the wide variety of student interests and abilities result in varying degrees of responsiveness, we try to foster a view of science as a means to better understand the world and our place in it, a method of exploration for new and verifiable knowledge, and as a process to solve problems in a logical way.

Our goal is to produce students who:


 

SCIENCE 6

The 6th grade science curriculum consists of various units concentrating on major science strands. Content material is correlated with both demonstrations and student directed activities to provide opportunities for inquiry and discovery of scientific principles.

The program shares some of the following objectives:

 

Environmental/Life Science/Health

 Astronomy

 

SCIENCE 7

The 7th grade science program deals with topics from the physical sciences and Earth science.  In laboratory activities, students will learn to make accurate measurements and record data in an organized form with correct units.  Our text in grade 7 is Science Explorer: Adventures in Life, Earth, and Physical Sciences. 

Physical Sciences

 Earth Science & Meteorology

SCIENCE 8

Science 8 program is a diverse program including the study of chemistry, physics, and biology.  The course uses Holt Science and Technology: Physical Science as its primary resource.

The 8th grade science curriculum is enhanced by teacher demonstrations and laboratory investigations.  This hands-on approach seeks to spark interest and enthusiasm and encourage life-long learning in science.

Each topic within a unit progressively builds on the previous topic to provide the student with a more complete picture about the world of science.  Topics include:

Chemistry

Physics

Biology

 New York State 8th Grade Science Assessment Test Preparation/Review

 

SCIENCE ACCELERATION

A thorough analysis of seventh grade science student performance is done during the second half of the school year.   Based on their performance in the first 2 quarters, some students will be invited to begin their high school science sequence by skipping Science 8 and taking Regents Earth Science in the eighth grade.  Science and math grades are given the highest weighting as selection criterion, with less consideration given to overall grade averages.  Teacher recommendation is given only a minor consideration in an attempt to keep the selection process evidence and performance based.  Students will only be invited for acceleration if their performance merits it according to this analysis.

The accelerated science student is forced to drop a half credit class from the typical 8th grade schedule because of the added every-other-day lab period.  Additionally, the accelerated science student misses the foundation of chemistry and physical science concepts from Science 8.  Some of what is lost in the eighth grade schedule is gained at the high school level because students complete the high school science sequence a year early.  This makes it possible for the student to schedule Advanced Placement (AP) science courses like biology, chemistry, or physics, or part of the Science Research class without having to take two Regents level science courses in the same year.  Though the original intention is that a student continues in science throughout high school, acceleration can also be viewed as a way to free a student’s schedule in the junior or senior year to specialize in other areas or take advantage of other electives.  An explanatory letter is sent to all students selected for this opportunity, usually sometime in March or April.

 

 


  

 

 

 

REGENTS EARTH SCIENCE
Accelerated Science with Alternate Day Additional Lab Period

Accelerated Earth Science is a Regents level science course designed for students that are highly motivated and excel in science and math. Like all Regents level lab sciences, Earth Science meets every day with a double period on alternating days.  Students are invited to take this course based on their academic performance as described above.  Students taking this course will take the Regents Earth Science Exam in June and continue with Regents Biology as ninth graders.  (Eighth grade students in accelerated Earth Science are still required to take the New York State 8th Grade Science Assessment during eighth grade.)  

Accelerated Regents Earth Science is a fast paced course designed to provide students that are interested in majoring in science a challenging course affecting a broader and deeper background than is typically taught in the 1 year Regents Earth Science course.  It is hoped that this will better prepare these students for the honors and Advanced Placement science courses offered at the high school.

Quoting the Earth Science Regents portion of “Saratoga Springs High School Course Description Guide”:

This is a laboratory-centered course involving a study of the planet Earth.  The student will see how the interplay of surroundings produces various landforms, weather patterns, star motions, and Earth history.

 

 

 

HEALTH 7

The seventh grade health program meets every day for 20 weeks (one semester). The course covers age appropriate topics in the following units:

KNOWING YOURSELF AND SETTING GOALS

We focus on the importance of positive self-esteem in one’s life

BODY SYSTEMS AT WORK

Anatomy and physiology of body systems

SAFETY AND FIRST AID

Stress the importance of preventing accidents as well as treating them

DRUG USE AND ABUSE

Primary focus on tobacco, alcohol, steroid and other substances common in today’s society

CONTROLLING DISEASES

Examine communicable and non-communicable diseases that are common today

FAMILY LIFE

Explore human growth, development, reproduction and human sexuality

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Stress current environmental problems and their effects on human health

 

 

 

 

 

COMPUTER LITERACY 6

The Computer Literacy program at Maple Avenue Middle School offers every sixth grader the opportunity to gain valuable "life skills." The program is broken into several modules, all teaching necessary skills to keep current in an ever-changing technological society. The course is taught on IBM-compatible computers and meets on an A/B schedule throughout the full year.

The program is taught from an inter-disciplinary approach and prepares students for computer experiences encountered in various subject areas throughout their middle and high school education.

    1. The keyboarding unit will provide students with a strong foundation of the keyboard using the "touch type" technique. Keyboarding skills are utilized in all units throughout the course.
    2. Word processing skills will assist the students throughout their grades 6-12 Language Arts curriculum. Word processing skills will also assist students with paper writing assignments using MLA (report and term paper) format in many subject areas.
    3. The Internet unit will aid students in their research skills. When searching for references, they will have an understanding of how the Internet works and how to retrieve necessary information efficiently.
    4. The graphics unit will provide the students with mouse manipulation and page layout and design skills. These skills are needed in art, technology, and in advanced computer courses, such as the eighth grade Computer Exploration course.
    5. The PowerPoint unit will enable students to create electronic multi-media slide shows for other discipline areas.
    6. The DataStudio unit will enable students to use scientific probes attached to the computer to record, graph, and analyze data.

 

 

 

COMPUTER EXPLORATION

The computer exploration course offers every eighth grader the opportunity to develop technical skills to create actual presentations reinforcing material learned in other subject areas as well as prepares students for computer experiences throughout their middle and high school experience. The course is taught on Dell computers. The program is offered as a one-semester course.

  1. The telecommunications unit provides students with advanced researching skills when using the Internet. The effective retrieval of information used for projects is on going throughout the course. Evaluation of web sources reinforces critical thinking skills as well as highlighting the proper citation of web sources.
  2. Students create documents in the desktop publishing unit thereby supporting subject matter taught throughout grades 8-12. Design and layout techniques are learned for documents such as brochures, newsletters and catalogs. Major emphasis is afforded to proofreading and paying attention to detail.
  3. The graphics unit provides students with the opportunity to use a digital camera and scanner and manipulate these digital tools within documents. Proper documentation of graphics obtained from various sources is emphasized. These skills strengthen expertise needed for social sciences, art, technology and advanced computer courses.
  4. The DataStudio unit will enable students to manipulate scientific probes and software to record, graph and analyze data.
  5. Presentation software is utilized to give students a different perspective of design, decision-making and organization. Employing the multi-media concept, students prepare various presentations to exercise their knowledge and skills involving many of their daily courses.

 

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 6 & 7

Students at Maple Avenue participate in Physical Education every other day for 40 minutes. Each student is provided with a lock and locker for use during class. Students are expected to have the following items in their locker in order to participate safely in class: shorts or sweatpants, a shirt different than the one worn to school, socks, sneakers with tied shoelaces, and a small box or container to hold their jewelry.

Throughout the year, students will be given study sheets, homework assignments, extra credit sheets and other P.E. information that will be kept in a notebook for future reference. During their two years at Maple Avenue, students will have the opportunity to participate in the following activities:

Aerobics

Group Games

Volleyball

Soccer

Broomball

Gymnastics

Orienteering

Tennis

European Handball

Tumbling

New Games

Basketball

Lacrosse

Dance

Badminton

Circus Arts

Flag Football

Fitness Training

Golf

Wrestling

Softball

Field Hockey

Track and field

Rhythmic Gymnastics

X-Country Skiing

Project Adventure

Floor Hockey

Many students will receive special recognition during the year such as Athlete or Student of the Week, Academic All-stars, or selection to an individual unit’s All-star team (Basketball, Hockey, Volleyball, etc.).

After school activities are offered through our various Sports Clubs. Most activities taught in class are also offered after school. The P.E. department also runs the following special events:

Punt, Pass and Kick Contests

Basketball Hot Spots Contest

Baseball Card, Craft & Trade Show

Track Meet at the Senior High

Library Retrieval Challenges

X-Country Ski Trip to the State Park

Academic All-Star Nite

Reading Jogs Your Mind Marathon

Adult-Student Hot Spots Contest

Bowl for Kids Sake

Health-Wellness-Fitness Night

Floor Hockey All-Star Games

Foul Shooting Contests

Swim Trip to YMCA

Olympic Challenge

Volleyball Smash

Go for Fit Challenges

Turkey Trot

 

 

 

 

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 8

Physical Education is required for all students in grade 8. Classes meet for five periods every two weeks on alternate days. Grades are based 90% on preparation and participation and 10% on tests.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION is a required course for graduation. You are required to change for class and to participate to the best of your ability. Each class is 40 minutes long (30 minutes of participation, and 5 minutes at either end for changing). Exceptions to the rule are as follows:

  1. Legal Absence (home sick, health office, guidance office, principal’s office)
  2. Medical Excuse (a note from a parent or doctor must be presented to the nurse in the Health Office before school)

You will be responsible for making up any class you miss any time you are legally absent or medically excused. Instructions for the make up work can be found in the PE Office.

You may not make up any Unprepareds (a missed class because of a lack of proper athletic attire).

GRADING POLICY: Your grade for each marking period is based upon the following: