Program of Studies

The Mount Olive Public School District English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum is based on and aligns with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for ELA. This curriculum fosters the development of literate individuals who critically read and write for a variety of purposes, so as to fulfill their need to connect with texts, their lives, and the world. Through a balanced literacy framework, students who meet the NJSLS will build strong content knowledge, comprehend and analyze a variety of texts, and understand author’s purpose, craft, and structure in both informational and literary texts. In addition, the curriculum fosters a life-long love of reading through time devoted to independent reading self-selected texts. Students will write analytical essays with appropriately-selected evidence, narratives, journal responses, literature responses, and synthesized responses. The course allows for frequent opportunities to collaborate with peers. Students will hone research skills and will practice presenting in a variety of formats. Vocabulary, grammar, and mechanics instruction will be infused throughout writing units. Writings will include narratives, informational essays, and argumentative essays.

The Mount Olive Public School District English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum aligns with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for ELA. This curriculum fosters the development of literate individuals who critically read and write for a variety of purposes, so as to fulfill their need to connect with texts, their lives, and the world. Through a balanced literacy framework, students who meet the NJSLS will build strong content knowledge, comprehend and analyze a variety of texts, and understand author’s purpose, craft, and structure in both informational and literary texts. In addition, the curriculum fosters a life-long love of reading through time devoted to independent reading self-selected texts. Students will write analytical essays with appropriately-selected evidence, narratives, journal responses, literature responses, and synthesized responses. The course allows for frequent opportunities to collaborate with peers. Students will hone research skills and will practice presenting in a variety of formats. Vocabulary, grammar, and mechanics instruction will be infused throughout writing units. Writings will include narratives, informational essays, and argumentative essays.

Students in Accelerated ELA Grade 7 will continue to develop advanced skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and research. Students will be consistently challenged to expand their knowledge and skills in these areas. The use of various texts and topics will allow for complex discussions amongst their peers, collaboration for better insight as well as, independent pacing for career readiness. Students will also focus on style and voice of authors and how those elements can be used to develop a theme and achieve the author's purpose.

The 7th grade Math themes and topics include: the real number system, ratio and proportion, geometry, probability and statistics, solving algebraic equations, and inequalities. The course allows for flexibility with the teacher being able to differentiate instruction with remediation, practice, and higher-level thinking problems offered within the curriculum. The units include: Real Number System, Rational Number Operations, Proportions, Angle Properties, Geometric Construction, Volume and Surface Area, Statistics, Probability, Algebraic Expressions, Algebraic Equations, and Inequalities. The curriculum is enhanced via the use of technology, interactive SMARTBOARD, real and virtual manipulatives, math games, real-world problems, and group work.

The 7th grade Honors Math themes and topics range from the real number system to ratio and proportion to geometry to probability and statistics to solving algebraic equations and inequalities. The course allows for flexibility with the teacher being able to differentiate instruction with remediation, practice, and higher-level thinking problems within the curriculum. The units include: Real Number System, Rational Number Operations, Proportions, Angle Properties, Geometric Transformations, Geometric Construction, Volume and Surface Area, Statistics, Probability, Algebraic Expressions, Algebraic Equations and Inequalities, and Slope. The curriculum is enhanced via the use of technology, interactive SMARTBOARD, real and virtual manipulatives, math games, real-world problems, and group work.

This course focuses on the description of relationship between changing quantities using the language of symbols and graphs.Students use symbols to represent situations, create and apply formulas, and make predictions or generalizations. Students learn to create graphs, communicate ideas with graphs, and draw conclusions from graphs.Variables play a variety of different roles in symbolic expressions. In this course, students explore contexts that involve them in developing flexible notions about the uses of variables. In particular, students use variables to communicate about constant rates of change, and use equivalent algebraic expressions to illuminate different aspects of a situation.Students learn techniques of algebraic reasoning in the context of making justifications and drawing conclusions. Facility with symbolic manipulation is an important outcome of the course, but students also expand their ability to coordinate verbal, graphical, and numerical representations.By drawing from mathematical topics of the Common Core State Standards, students in this course learn to apply variables to a variety of contexts. Technology is used to implement experiments, build understandings, and confirm written solutions.

This course focuses on the description of the relationship between changing quantities using the language of symbols and graphs. Students use symbols to represent situations, create and apply formulas, and make predictions or generalizations. Students learn to create graphs, communicate ideas with graphs, and draw conclusions from graphs. Variables play a variety of different roles in symbolic expressions. In this course, students explore contexts that involve them in developing flexible notions about the uses of variables. In particular, students use variables to communicate about constant rates of change, and use equivalent algebraic expressions to illuminate different aspects of a situation. Students learn techniques of algebraic reasoning in the context of making justifications and drawing conclusions. Facility with symbolic manipulation is an important outcome of the course, but students also expand their ability to coordinate verbal, graphical, and numerical representations. By drawing from mathematical topics of the Common Core State Standards, students in this course learn to apply variables to a variety of contexts. Technology is used to implement experiments, build understandings, and confirm written solutions.

Physical Education is an integral component of the total educational program of each student in the Mount Olive School District. Through the medium of sport and movement, all students will participate in a sequential, differentiated program that fosters each student’s personal health, fitness and safety. Through exposure to a wide variety of activities, students will gain necessary knowledge to understand the importance of and make educated decisions about how to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. In the classroom, students will be given frequent and varied opportunities to assess the information acquired and make the decisions necessary to improve the quality of their life now and in the future.

The values, principles and concepts associated with a quality physical education program surpass the boundaries of the gymnasium, classroom and playing fields. Physical activity is a catalyst for learning in all content areas. The importance of physical education cannot be understated as the lessons of physical education are constantly tested throughout life. The Mount Olive Health and Physical Education department is committed to providing a program that allows frequent and diverse opportunities to master the concepts of fitness and engagement in physical activities necessary to support a healthy mind and body.

In 7th grade, the content of the curriculum emphasizes building upon previously acquired skills, knowledge and movement concepts to enhance game performance and maintain physical fitness. The objective of this course is to refine and improve motor skills and movement skills, using self assessment.and to build upon knowledge of essential fitness components and strategies. The application of positive social interaction, self-advocacy, active participation and group dynamics aid in performance of these activities.

Units of study include:

Fitness - Students will learn movements, principles, and concepts in order to safely participate in primarily teacher led fitness programs, utilizing teacher and peer feedback to correct movement performance. Students will utilize technology to track, enhance and evaluate fitness programs and personal progress.

Team Games - Students will explain, evaluate and demonstrate offensive and defensive strategies in small-sided game settings. They will continue to perform mechanically correct movements in small-group settings. Students will demonstrate control while modifying force, flow, time and space in small-sided games. Movement skills will include hand dribble, foot dribble, passing, shooting, throwing, catching.

Cooperative Games - Students will continue to learn the roles and responsibilities to become a positive contributor during game play. They will self assess player behavior for evidence of sportsmanship in small group and team activities.

Net Games - Students will explain and perform mechanically correct movements in small-sided games. They will demonstrate control of force, flow, time and space in individual and small group settings. Movement skills will include vollying, setting, bumping, serving, spiking, smashing, lobbing, and racquet control.

Health education is an integral component of the total educational program of each student in the Mount Olive School District. Through the process of direct instruction, small group instruction, station rotation, peer review, and guided discovery, all students will participate in a sequential, differentiated program that fosters each student’s personal health, fitness, and safety. Through exposure to a wide variety of activities, students will gain the necessary knowledge to understand the importance of and make educated decisions about how to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. In the classroom, students will be given frequent and varied opportunities to assess the information acquired and make the decisions necessary to improve the quality of their life now and in the future.

The values, principles, and concepts associated with a quality health education program surpass the boundaries of the classroom and the importance of health education cannot be understated as the lessons are constantly tested throughout life. The Mount Olive Health and Physical Education department is committed to providing an evolving program that allows frequent and diverse opportunities to master the concepts of health, fitness, and safety to support a healthy mind and body.

In 7th grade, the content of the curriculum emphasizes student exploration and assessment of individual safety and health concerns. The objective of this course is to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to increase their personal and community health. The application of positive social interaction, self-advocacy, active participation, and group dynamics aid in the performance of these activities.

Units of study include:

First Aid, Safety, and Personal Health Care - Students will demonstrate basic first aid procedures (CPR, AED use, EpiPen use, and Heimlich Maneuver) and victim/situation assessment. They compare the risk of specific cancers and will learn the timing of and procedures for self-cancer checks. Students will assess prevention, recognition/treatment of Lyme’s Disease. They will create a fire safety plan for their personal situation.

Exercise - Students will use health data to develop and implement a personal fitness plan and evaluate its effectiveness. They will be immersed in the vocabulary of fitness and exercise planning. Students will use the FITT and SPORT principles to modify their personal fitness plan as needed.

Nutrition - Students will analyze food labels and the nutritional values of foods and supplements. They will then create a meal plan, while evaluating the cost and nutritional value of the foods included.

Please Note: Band, Orchestra, and Chorus are Full Year courses. Selecting any one of the music program offerings will result in forgoing the Exploratory Cycle rotation.

Band - Grades 6-8

The Middle School Band program is a continuation of the elementary instrumental music program. Students will develop a greater understanding of the elements of music (melody, rhythm, harmony, form, and timbre), proper playing techniques, expanded listening and critiquing techniques, and an overall deeper appreciation of instrumental music through a variety of music literature. Students also receive smaller group-specific instruction during pull-out lessons. The goal of our program is to provide students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and understanding to become lifelong musicians and patrons of the arts.

Through enrollment in the curricular band program, students are eligible to participate in Junior Winds, Jazz Band, Jazz Club, Jr. Tri-M Music Honors Society, and for sponsorship for North Jersey Area Band, North Jersey Region Band, NJAJE Junior Region Jazz Ensembles, and North Jersey Region Elementary Honor Band.

Please Note: Band, Orchestra, and Chorus are Full Year courses. Selecting any one of the music program offerings will result in forgoing the Exploratory Cycle rotation.

Choir - Grades 6-8

The Middle School Choir program is a performance-based ensemble music program where all singers are welcome! Students will develop a greater understanding of the elements of music (melody, rhythm, harmony, form, and timbre), proper singing techniques, expanded listening and critiquing techniques, and an overall deeper appreciation of choral music through varied music literature. The goal of our program is to provide students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and understanding to become lifelong musicians and patrons of the arts.

Through enrollment in the curricular choir program, students are eligible to participate in Select Choir, Jr. Tri-M Music Honors Society, and for sponsorship for Morris Area Honor Choir, Region I Honor Choir, NJ Honor Choir, ACDA Eastern Division Honor Choir, and ACDA National Honor Choir.

Please Note: Band, Orchestra, and Chorus are Full Year courses. Selecting any one of the music program offerings will result in forgoing the Exploratory Cycle rotation.

Orchestra - Grades 6-8

The Orchestra is an instrumental performing group with an emphasis on the students of violin, viola, cello, and bass. String students will receive one small group lesson a week in addition to their orchestral experience. String students will learn correct technique, posture, intonation, and maintenance of their respective instruments. The goal of our program is to provide students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and understanding to become lifelong musicians and patrons of the arts.

Through enrollment in the curricular orchestra program, students are eligible for sponsorship for North Jersey Region Orchestra.

This middle school computer science course is modeled after the first half of CS Discoveries course offered by code.org and is mapped tightly to the Computer Science standards. Defined Learning's Grade 7 BackPack Design Challenge was added as a supplement. This class exposes students to computer science as a vehicle for problem-solving, communication, and personal expression. As a whole, this course focuses on the visible aspects of computing and computer science, and encourages students to see where computer science exists around them and how they can engage with it as a tool for exploration and expression. More specifically, students learn the problem-solving process, the input-output-store-process model of a computer, how computers help humans solve problems, and eventually propose their own app to solve a problem. Students then learn to create websites using HTML and CSS inside Code.org’s Web Lab environment. Students consider questions of privacy and ownership on the internet as they develop their own personal websites. At the end of the course, students learn fundamental programming constructs and practices in the JavaScript programming language while developing animations and games in Code.org’s Game Lab environment. Students end the unit by designing their own animations and games.

This trimester course is designed to introduce students to the four fundamental skills of language study - listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The students will learn basic pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar through interpersonal modes. Emphasis is placed on students' use and comprehension of the language. The students will develop an understanding and appreciation of the customs and cultures of French-speaking countries.

The 7th grade S.T.E.A.M. Tank - Innovation and Design course is designed to have students experience multiple aspects of STEAM learning with a variety of hands-on experiences. Since the basis of STEAM relies on engineering, students begin with an introduction to STEAM and engineering, including the use of the Engineering Design Process (EDP) to solve a problem and the use of an Engineering Design Notebook (EDN) to document the process. Students will then move on to study the six simple machines (lever, inclined plane, pulley, wheel and axle, wedge, screw) and ways we can use these machines to do work with less effort. Next, students will move on to mechanisms (gears, cams, and linkages), learning how these mechanisms can be used to change the amount and/or direction of a force. This unit will culminate with the creation of a toy that uses a mechanism. The course wraps up with a study of aerospace engineering where students will learn about flight, rocketry, and the history of space exploration. Students will research and build solid-fueled rockets, which will be launched as a culminating activity. Throughout the unit, students will learn about Newton’s Laws of Motion, and need to rely on their math skills to calculate the velocity and apogee of their rocket launches.

In this fun and dynamic course, students will select their own books and engage in discussions and projects that reinforce reading and writing skills. Like Hooked on Books, students will set their own individualized reading goals and self-report reading progress. Emphasis will be placed on students making connections between literature and the greater world and on creative and insightful thinking with the ultimate goal of instilling a love of reading within the student.

Over the past few years, podcasts have become increasingly popular for entertainment and information. In this course, students will gain practical skills for producing distinctive podcasts and learn the essentials of audio storytelling. Students will explore various forms of podcasts and work collaboratively to produce professional-quality content.

The Middle School General Music program is a continuation of the elementary music program. Students will explore different aspects of music throughout their three years in middle school. In this course, students will study the history of popular music tracing present-day music back through the turn of the century.

This course fosters sustainability thinking. We must offer students the tools and opportunities they need to reconsider our impact upon the world and tackle complex global environmental challenges. This process begins with each of us recognizing our personal impact on the Earth as well as our responsibility to be a steward of Earth. Next, students can cultivate a deeper understanding of how to act sustainably, how to understand our impact on Earth’s systems, and how to balance the dynamic relationship among people, the planet, and profit. With this approach, we can encourage teachers, students, and parents to rethink and redesign human systems and creations to exist in balance with natural systems, and we can create a new generation of leaders—young and old. A great way to learn how human systems and societies impact the world is to start by taking a close look at local systems, structures, traditions, and geography. By first appreciating what we love about our communities, we can instill a deep connection to the place in which we live. From this sense of connection, we can begin to dream up solutions to local problems and seek out the ways that other communities have successfully addressed similar issues. Then we can begin to find motivation to relate to other people’s perspectives and experiences around the world and a larger sense of responsibility to the Earth.

In this course, students will utilize critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, computer programming, writing, and communication skills to solve programming challenges. Working collaboratively, students will research robotics, develop a strategy, document their progress, and practice engineering design and building skills using LEGOs and LEGO Mindstorms software. Students will be introduced to basic programming through LEGO Mindstorms program blocks, including the use of motors and sensors. At the end of the course, students will be asked to program their robot to complete “missions” that are presented by First Lego League (FLL).

The 3D Arts Curriculum reviews and builds upon three-dimensional fundamental concepts and techniques in art. Concepts, techniques, and skills are established, reviewed, and enriched through meaning and application within each unit. They will emphasize personal feelings through visual imagery within various areas of concentration such as Elements of Art, Principles of Design, Color Theory, Art History, Cultures, and Aesthetics. Some art media may include printmaking (linoleum, ink, brayers, barren, and paper), plaster, clay (earthenware clay, ceramic tools, and glaze), cardboard (Exacto knives, acrylic/Tempra paint, and hot glue guns), and mixed media. During the course of the school year, students will be exposed to various concepts and techniques in all the units: Elements of art-2D, Printmaking, Plaster/Cardboard, and clay. Within the artistic process, students are encouraged to communicate and participate in student dialogue, critical inquiry, and reflection in response to the art. Classroom dialogue and written expression are also encouraged in order for students to reflect on their artistic process and brainstorm with other students. Students will also use an extensive array of art media and be instructed on how to engage in the safe and appropriate use of classroom materials and tools. They will engage in a sequence of learning experiences that will develop student understanding and self-assessment of their own artwork through planned learning- doing - reflecting segments. This will be achieved by pedagogical pacing through various classroom activities that encompass active learning strategies, multi-sensory instruction, guided instruction, independent practice, and student evaluation. In the end, students will have experience working three-dimensional in a variety of different mediums.

As the need for understanding and accepting other customs and cultures becomes increasingly important due to our global society and the diversity we encounter on a daily basis, it is important that we appreciate and respect cultural diversity. Food is one of the most natural ways to bridge the gap between cultures.

This course gives students the opportunity to learn about international cultures and cuisines. Various regions of the world will be covered, including Latin America, Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia, the Mid-East, Canada, and the regions of the United States. Geography, climates, customs, and the traditions of each area will be explored through research, individual and group presentations, class participation and laboratory work. The course will also focus on patterns of family meals, food habits, unique ingredients and methods of preparation. Students will use the food laboratory for cultural food preparation on a regular basis.Units are intermingled and are continued throughout the year where appropriate.

The Mount Olive Public School District English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum is based on and aligns with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for ELA. This curriculum fosters the development of literate individuals who critically read and write for a variety of purposes, so as to fulfill their need to connect with texts, their lives, and the world. Through a balanced literacy framework, students who meet the NJSLS will build strong content knowledge, comprehend and analyze a variety of texts, and understand author’s purpose, craft, and structure in both informational and literary texts. In addition, the curriculum fosters a life-long love of reading through time devoted to independent reading self-selected texts. Students will write analytical essays with appropriately-selected evidence, narratives, journal responses, literature responses, and synthesized responses. The course allows for frequent opportunities to collaborate with peers. Students will hone research skills and will practice presenting in a variety of formats. Vocabulary, grammar, and mechanics instruction will be infused throughout writing units. Writings will include narratives, informational essays, and argumentative essays.

The Mount Olive Public School District English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum aligns with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for ELA. This curriculum fosters the development of literate individuals who critically read and write for a variety of purposes, so as to fulfill their need to connect with texts, their lives, and the world. Through a balanced literacy framework, students who meet the NJSLS will build strong content knowledge, comprehend and analyze a variety of texts, and understand author’s purpose, craft, and structure in both informational and literary texts. In addition, the curriculum fosters a life-long love of reading through time devoted to independent reading self-selected texts. Students will write analytical essays with appropriately-selected evidence, narratives, journal responses, literature responses, and synthesized responses. The course allows for frequent opportunities to collaborate with peers. Students will hone research skills and will practice presenting in a variety of formats. Vocabulary, grammar, and mechanics instruction will be infused throughout writing units. Writings will include narratives, informational essays, and argumentative essays.

The Pre-Honors Curriculum builds further upon these skills by having students take a critical look at author's voice and artistic choices in a text. Students will analyze such elements in regards to how they impact mood and tone and help deliver the ultimate message of the piece. Students will also use these texts as mentor pieces as they begin developing their own voices as writers.

This course is intended to help students develop a strong understanding of algebraic concepts and processes via consistent experiences in classroom activities. The course allows for flexibility with the teacher being able to differentiate instruction with below grade level, middle, and high-level problems within the curriculum. The units include: Number Sense, Exponents, Scientific Notation, Algebraic Expressions, Linear Equations, Systems of Equations, Functions, Geometry, Probability, and Statistics. The curriculum is enhanced via the use of technology, interactive SMARTBOARD, real and virtual manipulatives, math games, real-world problems, and group work.

The Mount Olive Public School District Algebra II curriculum is aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards - Mathematics, recently adopted in New Jersey. This curriculum fosters the development of literate individuals who reason mathematically, become effective critical thinkers, communicate mathematically, and become proficient users of technology. Through a balanced mathematical framework, students who meet the Common Core standards are expected to demonstrate independent problem-solving skills, build strong content knowledge, and comprehend as well as critique and apply increasingly complex mathematical concepts. These concepts include (but are not limited to) rational and irrational expressions, linear equations and inequalities, quadratic equations, systems of linear and quadratic equations, higher degree equations (polynomials), rational and irrational exponents, trigonometry, sequences and series, and probability and statistics. To meet the developmental needs of every individual, ongoing assessment and differentiation are put into practice on a consistent basis. Students will demonstrate mastery of content and skills by transferring understandings to real-world problems and assessments. Students are expected to leave the Mount Olive Mathematics program well prepared for college and/or the workplace.

Physical Education is an integral component of the total educational program of each student in the Mount Olive School District. Through the medium of sport and movement, all students will participate in a sequential, differentiated program that fosters each student’s personal health, fitness, and safety. Through exposure to a wide variety of activities, students will gain the necessary knowledge to understand the importance of and make educated decisions about how to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. In the classroom, students will be given frequent and varied opportunities to assess the information acquired and make the decisions necessary to improve the quality of their life now and in the future.

The values, principles, and concepts associated with a quality physical education program surpass the boundaries of the gymnasium, classroom, and playing fields. Physical activity is a catalyst for learning in all content areas. The importance of physical education cannot be understated as the lessons of physical education are constantly tested throughout life. The Mount Olive Health and Physical Education department is committed to providing a program that allows frequent and diverse opportunities to master the concepts of fitness and engagement in physical activities necessary to support a healthy mind and body.

In 8th grade, the content of the curriculum emphasizes building upon previously acquired skills, knowledge, and movement concepts to enhance game performance and maintain physical fitness. The objective of this course is to apply advanced motor skills and movement skills within gameplay. Students will utilize self and peer assessment to create goals while tracking their growth and development. The application of positive social interaction, self-advocacy, active participation, and group dynamics aid in the performance of activities.

Units of study include:

Fitness - Students will utilize teacher, peer, and self-feedback to detect, analyze, and correct errors and apply enhancements to refine movement skills. They will use health data to develop and implement a personal fitness plan and evaluate its effectiveness. Students will apply a choice of technology to track, enhance and evaluate fitness programs and personal progress.

Team Games - Students will create and demonstrate offensive and defensive strategies in game settings. Students will perform mechanically correct movements in game settings. Demonstrate control of force, flow, time, and space in game settings. Movement skills will include increased speed, control, force and deception of the hand dribble, foot dribble, passing, shooting, throwing, and catching.

Cooperative Games - Students will demonstrate the roles and responsibilities to become a positive contributor during game play. Students will self and peer assess player behavior for evidence of sportsmanship in team activities and group challenges.

Net Games - Students will demonstrate and peer teach mechanically correct movements in gameplay. Students will demonstrate control of force, flow, time, and space in game settings. Movement skills will include enhanced speed, control, force, and deception of volleying, setting, bumping, serving, spiking, smashing, lobbing, and overall racquet control.

Health education is an integral component of the total educational program of each student in the Mount Olive School District. Through the process of direct instruction, small group instruction, station rotation, peer review and guided discovery, all students will participate in a sequential, differentiated program that fosters each student’s personal health, fitness and safety. Through exposure to a wide variety of activities, students will gain the necessary knowledge to understand the importance of and make educated decisions about how to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. In the classroom, students will be given frequent and varied opportunities to assess the information acquired and make the decisions necessary to improve the quality of their life now and in the future.

The values, principles and concepts associated with a quality health education program surpass the boundaries of the classroom and the importance of health education cannot be understated as the lessons are constantly tested throughout life. The Mount Olive Health and Physical Education department is committed to providing an evolving program that allows frequent and diverse opportunities to master the concepts of health, fitness and safety to support a healthy mind and body.

In 8th grade the content of the curriculum emphasizes student knowledge of mental, social and physical health components. The objective of this course is to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to increase their personal and community health. The application of positive social interaction, self-advocacy, active participation and group dynamics aid in performance of these activities.

Units of study include:

Decision Making, Addiction & Mental Illness: Students will analyze how genetics, heredity, environment, and choices can impact their emotional, mental and physical health. Students will predict how unforeseen challenges can impact their future goals and aspirations through a guided goal setting activity. Students will create alternate routes to achieve their goals if relationships end, illnesses occur, finances are impacted or career changes occur. Students will be able to identify professionals in the school and community available to assist with health emergencies should they occur.

Safe Dating, Reproductive Systems, Abstinence, Pregnancy, Contraceptives & Sexually Transmitted Infection: Students will analyze the difference between healthy behaviors and abuse in a variety of settings. Students will assess a relationship that illustrates the four main types of abuse and evaluate the short term and long term consequences. Students will predict challenges that may arise in a sexual relationships and research management strategies for relationship boundaries, abstinence, pregnancy, contraceptives and sexually transmitted infections.

Please Note: Band, Orchestra, and Chorus are Full Year courses. Selecting any one of the music program offerings will result in forgoing the Exploratory Cycle rotation.

Band - Grades 6-8

The Middle School Band program is a continuation of the elementary instrumental music program. Students will develop a greater understanding of the elements of music (melody, rhythm, harmony, form, and timbre), proper playing techniques, expanded listening and critiquing techniques, and an overall deeper appreciation of instrumental music through a variety of music literature. Students also receive smaller group-specific instruction during pull-out lessons. The goal of our program is to provide students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and understanding to become lifelong musicians and patrons of the arts.

Through enrollment in the curricular band program, students are eligible to participate in Junior Winds, Jazz Band, Jazz Club, Jr. Tri-M Music Honors Society, and for sponsorship for North Jersey Area Band, North Jersey Region Band, NJAJE Junior Region Jazz Ensembles, and North Jersey Region Elementary Honor Band.

Please Note: Band, Orchestra, and Chorus are Full Year courses. Selecting any one of the music program offerings will result in forgoing the Exploratory Cycle rotation.

Choir - Grades 6-8

The Middle School Choir program is a performance-based ensemble music program where all singers are welcome! Students will develop a greater understanding of the elements of music (melody, rhythm, harmony, form, and timbre), proper singing techniques, expanded listening and critiquing techniques, and an overall deeper appreciation of choral music through varied music literature. The goal of our program is to provide students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and understanding to become lifelong musicians and patrons of the arts.

Through enrollment in the curricular choir program, students are eligible to participate in Select Choir, Jr. Tri-M Music Honors Society, and for sponsorship for Morris Area Honor Choir, Region I Honor Choir, NJ Honor Choir, ACDA Eastern Division Honor Choir, and ACDA National Honor Choir.

Please Note: Band, Orchestra, and Chorus are Full Year courses. Selecting any one of the music program offerings will result in forgoing the Exploratory Cycle rotation.

Orchestra - Grades 6-8

The Orchestra is an instrumental performing group with an emphasis on the students of violin, viola, cello, and bass. String students will receive one small group lesson a week in addition to their orchestral experience. String students will learn correct technique, posture, intonation, and maintenance of their respective instruments. The goal of our program is to provide students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and understanding to become lifelong musicians and patrons of the arts.

Through enrollment in the curricular orchestra program, students are eligible for sponsorship for North Jersey Region Orchestra.

As the need for understanding and accepting other customs and cultures becomes increasingly important due to our global society and the diversity we encounter on a daily basis, it is important that we appreciate and respect cultural diversity. Food is one of the most natural ways to bridge the gap between cultures.

This course gives students the opportunity to learn about international cultures and cuisines. Various regions of the world will be covered, including Latin America, Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia, the Mid-East, Canada, and the regions of the United States. Geography, climates, customs, and the traditions of each area will be explored through research, individual and group presentations, class participation and laboratory work. The course will also focus on patterns of family meals, food habits, unique ingredients and methods of preparation. Students will use the food laboratory for cultural food preparation on a regular basis.Units are intermingled and are continued throughout the year where appropriate.

This course is designed to introduce students to the four fundamental skills of language study - listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The students will learn basic pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar through interpersonal modes. Emphasis is placed on students' use and comprehension of the language. The students will develop an understanding and appreciation of the customs and cultures of French-speaking countries.

Students work in teams to develop a product, pitch their idea, and launch their business. The experience culminates in a ‘pop-up’ marketplace experience where students sell their products. Students leave entrepreneurship having defined, built, and launched a product in the market. Evidence of learning includes a business model canvas, a budget, and pricing model for the business, a product name and brand, a pitch deck, communications and marketing material, sales goals, and reflections.

In this course, students will be introduced to the basics of debate and argumentation, including affirmative and negative sides of an issue, supporting claims with evidence, and refuting points made in spoken debate. They will engage in academic debate learning how to disagree in a professional manner and how to support their points with facts and statistics.

The Middle School General Music program is a continuation of the elementary music program. Students will explore different aspects of music throughout their three years in middle school. This course is a performance-based class studying the music and culture of African and South African countries.

This course provides students with the opportunity to learn about the many benefits of community outreach through hands-on service learning projects, as well as the outcome of decisions they make both now and in the future. This class is a culmination of previously learned material focusing on building one's character and helping others along the way.

Students will master the use of 21st Century Skills such as Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, and Critical Thinking in a technological environment. Students will collaborate using essential tools including the engineering design process, design thinking, and the seven resources of technology to produce viable solutions by defining real-world problems, brainstorming multiple solutions, and effectively designing a solution. Students will be able to fabricate a 3D printed innovation, a closed-circuit autonomous robot that creates art, and a hydraulic arm with specialized end-effectors designed for product packaging.

Students will be exposed to a full spectrum of video tools, techniques, equipment, planning, and materials, as well as the history of video. Students will have hands-on experience and learn how to operate professional video equipment. Students will work as crew members for in-studio and on-location shoots. They will also use problem-solving skills to create and produce original projects.

This digital art curriculum reviews and builds upon fundamental concepts and digital art techniques in Procreate. Concepts such as the Elements of Art, Advertising, Illustration/Concept, and Design will be established, reviewed, and enriched in order for 8th-grade students to be well versatile in the world of graphic arts. With each concept, students will acquire technical skills and become proficient in Procreate, while applying their knowledge of the Elements of Art, Principles of Design, Color Theory, Art History, Cultures, and Aesthetics obtained from each lesson. Emphasis is placed on student dialogue, critical inquiry, and reflection in response to the digital art-making process. Classroom dialogue is encouraged by student artists about their own art and the artwork of master and current conceptual artists working in the digital field.

The students will use an extensive array of digital platforms (procreate, google drive, and/or photoshop) and technology (ipads, apple pens, SD cards, and/or flash drives) in order to participate in the appropriate use of classroom materials and tools. The digital platform will provide students with a variety of brush tools, replicated as pencil drawings (graphite, colored, charcoal, ink, and pastel), paints (watercolor, tempera, air-brush, and acrylic) to emphasize their overall artistic ideas during the creative process. During the course of the school year, students will engage in a sequence of learning experiences that will develop student understanding and self-assessment of their own artwork through planned learning- doing - reflecting segments. This will be achieved by pedagogical pacing through various classroom activities that encompass active learning strategies, multi-sensory instruction, guided instruction,

This course is designed to educate students in Baking and Pastry Arts. Students will receive hands-on experience in preparing a wide array of baked goods, pastries, and confections. Career options in the baking industry and hospitality areas will also be discussed. Several baking labs will provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in preparing various types of cookies, pies, quick breads, yeast breads, specialty desserts, cakes, and cake decorating. Our culminating project will be a "Cupcake Wars" style competition.