Required Courses

Math, ELA, Social Studies, Science, and Physical Education are required 6^th grade courses. These courses are year-long and are automatically added to each student’s schedule. 

Math 6

This course will focus on the Kansas College and Career Readiness Standards for 6th grade, which include ratios and proportional relationships, the number system, expressions, equations, geometry, statistics, and probability. In keeping with the Mathematical Practices Standards, students will be expected to persevere and to develop the ability to monitor their own thinking.

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ELA 6

Language Arts 6 provides an integrated balance of reading narrative and informational text with developing speaking, listening, and writing skills. Each grade level has unique units developed that incorporate these elements around a particular theme. Students will become adept at gathering information, evaluating sources, citing material accurately, and reporting findings from their research and analysis of sources in a clear manner. Skills and strategies will be developed and applied through the Kansas College and Career Readiness Standards.

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Social Studies 6

This course will prepare students to be informed, thoughtful, engaged citizens as they enrich their communities, state, nation, world, and themselves. This course focuses on discipline- specific habits of mind that encourage the application of content in authentic situations as a framework for curriculum, instruction, assessment, and lessons. Following best practices and literacy expectations, these standards encourage educators to address an integrated approach to learning. Both deep content knowledge and effective real-world expertise are essential for a rich learning experience. Our ancient civilization curriculum resources provide standards-based content, developed from the latest research, and organized around the themes of social studies. Units are taught with consideration of all four social studies disciplines.

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Science 6

This course will prepare students in disciplinary core ideas in four domains: 1) physical sciences; 2) life sciences; 3) earth and space sciences; and 4) engineering, technology, and applications of science. Disciplinary core ideas focus on the most important aspects of science. Provide a key tool for understanding or investigating more complex ideas; relate to the interests and life experiences of students, connect to societal or personal concerns that require scientific or technological knowledge; be teachable and learnable at increasing levels of sophistication. Crosscutting concepts apply across all domains, and they are a way of linking different domains. They include: 1) patterns, similarity, and diversity; 2) cause and effect; 3) scale, proportion, and quantity; 4) systems and system models; 5) energy and matter; 6) structure and function; 7) stability and change. The eight practices describe behaviors that scientists engage in to investigate theories and the key set of engineering practices used to design and build models and systems. The intent is to better explain and extend what is meant by “inquiry” and the range of cognitive, social and physical practices.

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Physical Education 6

Instruction will include the basics of all skills and a variety of techniques needed for athletics and lifelong fitness activities. Students will gain a better understanding of their motor control and development. They will learn what muscles are used and learn an appreciation and understanding of the benefits of physical activity. This course will only include 6th graders and will be co-ed to work with students of all skill levels. A gym shirt is required (which may be purchased from the school), athletic shoes, and approved athletic attire.

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Exploratory Courses

All 6^th grade students will take Exploratory Classes. Other than Band and Orchestra, these classes are assigned and unable to be changed. 

• Band (4 Quarters)
• Orchestra (4 Quarters)
• Art
• Keyboarding
• 6^th Grade Success
• Writing Across the Curriculum
• FACS – Family and Consumer Sciences
• Foreign Language
• STEM – Science Technology Engineering Math
• Music Exploration

 

Art

Through a series of hands-on experiences using a wide variety of materials and techniques, students use the elements and principles of design to translate thoughts and feelings into 2 and 3- dimensional works of art. Students create from direct observation, memory, and their imagination. They are introduced to the art of various artists and cultures to expand their appreciation of the role of the arts in different societies. Units involve studio exercises in drawing, painting, printmaking, design, or sculpture. There is an emphasis on fundamental skills, particularly drawing from observation. There is a focus on line, gesture, value and the study of linear perspective. Color theory is explored in painting and mixed media. Students learn about the history and methods of printing and learn to apply the building blocks of design in mixed media assignments. Three dimensional forms are investigated through projects.

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Keyboarding

This is a course that allows students to develop and refine their keyboarding skills using an online typing program. At the end of the course, it is our goal each student will have gained the skill to key at least 30 words per minute with at least 95% accuracy. Basic instructions on using the computer will be included in this course.

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6^th Grade Success

Provides an in depth look at Social, Emotional, and Character Development Standards. Students will explore and develop skills including social awareness, self-awareness, self- management, and personal development through responsible decision-making and problem solving. Skills and strategies will be developed and applied through the Kansas Standards.

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Writing Across the Curriculum

This course will focus on the driving question of – how can we use writing to communicate effectively? It will also integrate technology, when appropriate, to make the writing process more effective and efficient.

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FACS – Family and Consumer Sciences

Students will be introduced to such topics as the importance of family roles in personal development, how to be a supportive family member and how to evaluate personal shared living spaces for meeting the needs of family and self. It will also include basic babysitting skills to accommodate family needs. Human development and hygiene matters will be addressed. Skills such as laundry care, consumerism, foundational nutrition, and wellness knowledge will also be a part of this course. Students will be able to demonstrate basic knowledge and skills for success in career and work as well as an introduction to Family and Consumer Science careers.

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Foreign Language

Students will receive an introduction to the phenomenon of language, its development, language families and language relationships. This course will provide experiences with the following languages and cultures: Spanish, French, and German.

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STEM – Science Technology Engineering Math

6th Grade STEM is a 9-weeks course that the majority (depending on Band/Orchestra) of 6th graders take as a part of the Electives wheel. They will explore STEM topics through both independent and collaborative hands-on activities. These topics include Rolling Robots, Fueling the Future, Theme Park Physics and Real-World Coding.

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Music Exploration

Student will explore music through project-based learning. Projects may include, but are not limited to, multi-cultural music, composition, sound technology, poetry and music, vocal technique, playing instruments, filmmaking, and music.

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Beginning Band

Beginning Band is offered to any student who wants to learn a band musical instrument. Classes will be grouped by instrument families (i.e., Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion). The Beginning Band class offers instruction on woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments with a focus on the skills necessary for long-term student success. Fundamentals stressed include proper posture and playing position, development of characteristic tone quality and training in music literacy. The following instruments are offered for instruction in Beginning Band:

• Woodwinds – Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone
• Brass – Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone
• Percussion – Snare Drum, Bells

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Beginning Orchestra

This is a class for sixth grade students to learn to play a string orchestra instrument. The basics will be covered from the ground up, starting with knowledge of the instrument, posture and position, note reading, and habits for practice and performance. No prior experience is needed. Seventh and eighth graders who are beginners may also register for this class, but it may be more difficult to schedule. The following instruments are offered for instruction in Beginning Orchestra:

• High Strings – Violin, Viola
• Low Strings – Cello, String Bass

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Other Course Descriptions

Please contact the counselors to inquire about enrollment in these courses.

Reading

Reading is a course designed to meet the needs of students with a wide range of reading abilities. Each section of this course focuses on a particular skill or set of skills (phonics, fluency, and/or vocabulary and comprehension). Students will be enrolled in the section that best fits their needs. Students will work with many different types of text, both fiction and nonfiction, to improve skills and increase efficacy. Some texts will be assigned, and others will be self-selected. Comprehension, collaboration, and presentation of knowledge will be displayed in many ways by students and project- based learning will help support literacy as a whole. Reading is a Tier 2/Tier 3 intervention designed to support students who show risk of not meeting grade level benchmarks by the end of the year. Reading may be required for students who demonstrate a need for additional support, based on screening scores and/or classroom performance.

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Math Lab

Math Lab is a course designed to meet the needs of students with a wide range of math skills. A large portion of the course uses an online program called Ascend Math. Ascend Math diagnoses students’ skill gaps based on Kansas State Standards and Common Core Standards. It prescribes individual learning paths regardless of grade level. Students only work on the objectives they do not know. Ascend Math motivates students through a blend of award-winning video instruction and online explorations selected for them. Intervention students work at their own pace filling gaps quickly. Math Lab is a Tier 2/Tier 3 intervention designed to support students who show risk of not meeting grade level benchmarks by the end of the year. Math Lab may be required for students who demonstrate a need for additional support based on screening scores and/or classroom performance.

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English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

This assigned course offers students, whose native language is NOT English, the opportunity to improve their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. A great variety of activities and a colorful curriculum make language learning interesting and exciting. Another important aim of the ESOL program is to promote the students’ successful transition into the American educational system.

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Sheltered Math Lab

In this course, students are provided a variety of visual and linguistic supports to support their mathematical academic language. Math Lab is a course designed to meet the needs of students with a wide range of math skills. The iReady assessment diagnoses students’ skill gaps based on Kansas State Math Standards. It prescribes individual learning paths regardless of grade level. This course will utilize iReady My Path intervention program as well as student individualized instructional strategies that are aligned with the iReady curriculum that is utilized in the classroom while being cognizant of the English Language Proficiency Standards to support their learning.

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Special Education Programs Core Extension

Successful completion of fifth grade gifted education goals and recommendation of gifted facilitator are pre-requisites for this course. Core Extension is a series of courses designed for students who have qualified under the gifted program to provide an interesting and challenging educational experience. Each Core Extension course is an extension of the core courses students are required to take. Fifth grade students are encouraged to enroll in Core Extension course. This course has study and organizational skills embedded and will help students transition to middle school.

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Learning Strategies

All special programs are as closely tied to regular classroom instruction as is possible. Key features of special education services include:

• Individual Education Programs
• Least-restrictive environment – instruction delivered in a way that is most like a “typical” classroom (as much as is beneficial to the student).
• Parents’ rights to participate in the development of programs for their children and to participate in placement decisions.

Parents who have questions about special education services for their child should contact the building principal. The Kansas State Department of Education maintains a toll-free number (1-800-332-6262), which may be called for additional information or resource materials on special education services, rights, and procedures.

 

Required Courses

Math, ELA, Social Studies, Science, and Physical Education are required 7^th grade courses. These courses are year-long and are automatically added to each student’s schedule. 

 

Math 7

This is the math course that most seventh-grade students will take. This course will focus on the Kansas College and Career Readiness Standards for seventh grade, which include ratios and proportional relationships, the number system, expressions and equations, geometry, statistics, and probability. In keeping with the Mathematical Practices Standards, students will be expected to persevere and to develop the ability to monitor their own thinking. Math 7 is the next step in the math curriculum taught at the elementary level in USD 383.

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Accelerated Math 7

This course is an accelerated alternative to Math 7 that is designed to cover the content of Math 7 and critical elements of Math 8 to prepare students for Algebra I/Accelerated Math 8 the following year. Seventh grade students who qualify (based on the district selection process) will have the opportunity to take ACCELERATED MATH 7 rather than MATH 7. It is intended for students who will be able to accelerate in math without skipping any essential knowledge by focusing on all needed skills taught in current Math 7 and ½ the skills Math 8 classes. Upon successful completion of this course, students have the opportunity to take Algebra I/Accelerated Math 8 or Math 8.

 

USD 383 Secondary Mathematics Acceleration

• Typical Path
  • 7^th Grade: Math 7
  • 8^th Grade: Math 8
  • 9^th Grade: Algebra 1
  • 10^th Grade: Geometry
  • 11^th Grade: Algebra 2
  • 12^th Grade: Trig/Pre-Calc
• Example A – Partially Accelerated Path
  • 7^th ​​​​​​​Grade: Math 7
  • 8^th Grade: Math 8
  • 9^th Grade: Algebra 1
  • 10^th Grade: Geometry
  • 11^th Grade: Accelerated Algebra 2/Trig
  • 12^th Grade: AP Calc AB
• Example B – Partially Accelerated with Doubleup Path
  • 7^th ​​​​​​​Grade: Math 7
  • 8^th Grade: Math 8
  • 9^th Grade: Algebra 1
  • 10^th Grade: Geometry & Algebra 2
  • 11^th Grade: Trig/Pre-Calc
  • 12^th Grade: AP Calc AB
• Example C – Partially Accelerated Path
  • 7^th ​​​​​​​Grade: Accelerated Math 7
  • 8^th Grade: Algebra 1/AcceleratedMath 8
  • 9^th Grade: Geometry
  • 10^th Grade: Algebra 2
  • 11^th Grade: Trig/Pre-Calc
  • 12^th Grade: AP Calc AB
• Example D – Accelerated Path
  • 7^th ​​​​​​​Grade: Accelerated Math 7
  • 8^th Grade: Algebra 1/AcceleratedMath 8
  • 9^th Grade: Geometry
  • 10^th Grade: Accelerated Algebra 2/Trig
  • 11^th Grade: AP Calc AB
  • 12^th Grade: AP Calc BC

 

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ELA 7

Language Arts 7 provides an integrated balance of reading narrative and informational texts with developing speaking, listening, and writing skills. Each grade level has unique units developed that incorporate these elements around a particular theme. Students will become adept at gathering information, evaluating sources, citing material accurately and reporting findings from their research and analysis of sources in a clear manner. Skills and strategies will be developed and applied through the Kansas College and Career Readiness Standards.

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Social Studies 7

This course is a study of the world and its people. The course is designed to give students a basic understanding of the world in terms of history, geography and culture and is required for every seventh student. Maps, pictures, tables and reference materials are used regularly; skill in using the tools of social studies are consciously and systematically developed. Freehand mapping is a skill that is developed and emphasized in this class. An attempt is made to study both the past and present. Current news resources are used in studying the present. Special projects may include: student atlas, Europe projects, reports on Middle Eastern nations, library work, holiday reports, guest speakers, travel brochures, mobiles, China projects, National Geographic Geography Bee, computer lab work and a current events journal.

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Science 7

Seventh students explore the natural world in two domains: life processes and planetary dynamics. Students investigate the methods of science, characteristics of life, importance of the cell, animal systems, plant processes, principles of heredity, ecological systems, human body systems and microbes for the Life Sciences. Topics in the Earth and Science units include: earth movement relative to the moon and sun, earth's structure, planetary dynamics (earthquakes, rock formation, volcanism, etc.) and the movement of heavenly bodies in our solar system.

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Physical Education/Health 7

Physical education classes will be a combination of seventh and eighth grade girls and boys. The curriculum includes individual and team sports and fitness activities. Activities that may be included in our curriculum are dance, games, tennis, volleyball, basketball, aerobics, ping-pong, and other recreational activities. Physical fitness is emphasized throughout the year with activities that improve strength, agility, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness. Through these activities, the physical, emotional, and social growth and development of the individual is perpetuated. A gym shirt is required (which may be purchased from the school), athletic shoes, and approved athletic attire. Physical Education will include sections on drug education, which covers the following topics: body systems overview, major drugs most frequently abused, alternative to drug abuse, and risks involved in drug abuse.

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Fitness and Leadership

Fitness & Leadership will be an option to the Physical Education class taught at the middle level, based on student interest. This course will expand what is offered in Physical Education, to include advancing individual personalized fitness levels and leadership training. This class will replace one semester of physical education.

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Lifetime Fitness (EMS Only)

A wellness course designed to develop a student’s desire to pursue and plan for lifelong physical fitness. Included in the course are basic exercise routines and activities to develop each student’s personal fitness. Activities that may be included in our curriculum are walking, dance, aerobics, yoga, ping-pong, and other recreational activities. Physical fitness is emphasized throughout the year with activities that improve strength, agility, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness. Through these activities, the physical, emotional, and social growth and development of the individual is perpetuated.

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Exploratory Courses (Electives)

All courses are one semester unless noted.

 

Spanish Communication Connections

This course focuses on structure, vocabulary acquisition, original responses, and dialogues. This course is a pre-requisite to the year-long 8th grade Spanish I course and is intended to prepare students to advance to second year Spanish in high school.

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Multimedia

This course will teach the students various skills and applications related to utilizing multimedia programs in an ever-changing technological society.

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Intro to Microsoft Office

This course will be combining three existing quarter long courses (Exploring Word Processing, Exploring Digital Presentations, and Exploring Presentations) into one semester long course. Students will learn various steps and concepts of document, spreadsheet, and presentation applications respectively.

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Exploring STEM

Exploring Technology is an elective course comprised of 20 STEM-related modules that provide hands on learning. Examples of modules include 3D Printing, Applied Physics, Engineering Towers, Rocketry and Space and Video Production. This course may be repeated.

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2D Art

Students will explore a variety of drawing and painting techniques. Materials include pencil, scratchboard, marker, charcoal, colored pencil, pastels, ink, acrylic, and watercolor.

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3D Art

Students will explore the use of clay in a variety of hand-built techniques including building, pinch, and slab construction. Clay projects will be constructed and fired in a kiln, then painted or glazed. Students will also explore different sculpting projects in a variety of materials. Media might include paper, papier-mâché, wire, plaster craft, metal, and other materials to create three-dimensional art.

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Sewing and Interior Design

This class will focus on sewing skills as well as interior design concepts. In this course, students will be required to purchase or acquire materials needed to complete projects. In sewing various projects will be completed using hand and sewing machine techniques. Students will learn about different fibers and fabrics suitable to complete projects. In interior design, the elements and principles of design will be the main focus as well as an introduction to floor plans and how to choose design options for current living situations. The final project will be to design a specified room in the house.

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Culinary Arts

This class will focus on nutrition basics in making healthy food choices. Nutritional wellness in terms of multiple aspects of life will be examined along with applying concepts to prepare healthy food. Students will analyze food sources and practices that impact the nutritional value in the food we consume. They will demonstrate food preparation and food safety concepts and kitchen safety and personal sanitation habits when preparing food. By the end of the course, students will also be able to read recipes, understand and apply basic cooking terms and tools, use kitchen math, and prepare a recipe from start to finish.

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Choir

A non-auditioned vocal group where students will sing, learn vocal technique, sing varied styles of music and will be performing at least once each quarter. Students may have the opportunity for solos as well as small groups. We will also learn music theory fundamentals and utilize solfege/sight-reading. This course may be repeated.

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Beginning Band (year-long)

Beginning Band is offered to any student who wants to learn a band musical instrument. Classes will be grouped by instrument families (i.e. Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion). The Beginning Band class offers instruction on woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments with a focus on the skills necessary for long-term student success. Fundamentals stressed include proper posture and playing position, development of characteristic tone quality and training in music literacy. The following instruments are offered for instruction in Beginning Band:

• Woodwinds – Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone
• Brass – Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone
• Percussion – Snare Drum, Bells

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Band (year-long)

There are two sections of Advanced Band; neither band requires an audition. Each band performs challenging middle school level and some high school level music literature. This class has an incredible amount of fun and performs three to four concerts per year. Daily rehearsals will have students work on musical fundamentals through performance of sheet music and method book(s) exercises. Both Advanced Bands (and usually the Beginning Students are included in Advanced Band by the end of the year) will present a GRADE SCHOOL TOUR SHOW where the Eisenhower Bands travel to area feeder grade schools and present a 30- minute concert at each school. This course may be repeated.

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Beginning Orchestra (year-long)

This is a class for 7th grade students to learn to play a string orchestra instrument. The basics will be covered from the ground up, starting with knowledge of the instrument, posture, and position, note reading, and habits for practice and performance. No prior experience is needed. Seventh and eighth grade students who are beginners may also register for this class, but it may be more difficult to schedule. The following instruments are offered for instruction in Beginning Orchestra:

• High Strings – Violin, Viola
• Low Strings – Cello, String Bass

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Intermediate Orchestra (7th + 1 year experience, year-long)

Development of string playing skills. In Intermediate Orchestra, students will build upon the fundamental techniques established in their first year of playing. They will learn to play in multiple keys, modes, and meters. They will become acquainted with more complex rhythmic patterns and chromatic figures. Intermediate students will also develop confidence in techniques like shifting, vibrato, and others. Students will present concerts of more complex music.

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Publications and Media Journalism (year-long)

This course is designed for students with computer experience and familiarity with programs related to photo and video editing as well as desktop publishing and design. This course will focus on a more in-depth approach to content creation for the purpose of sharing various aspects of the school with the local community. Topics and tasks covered will include Photography, Photo Editing, Video Editing, Desktop Publishing and Publication creation. Primary focus will be on the creation and development of the annual school yearbook, but may also include additional projects such as videos, advertisements, announcements, and news publications for the school.

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Guided Study Hall

This course is offered to students who need a class period each day for help with organization and assignment completion. This class may be required for students based upon work completion and/or teacher recommendation. Guided Study Hall may also be requested by parent/student as needed when openings are available if not required.

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MTSS Interventions

USD 383 uses the MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) model to ensure that all students receive the support they need to meet educational goals. Students complete a screening assessment in the fall, winter, and spring to help teachers better identify which students are likely to meet end-of-year learning goals in math and reading, as well as students who may need more targeted intervention. All students receive core (Tier 1) instruction in math and reading.

Students who need additional support receive a Tier 2 or Tier 3 intervention in addition to core instruction to help accelerate their learning. Intervention courses are listed below.

 

Reading

Reading is a course designed to meet the needs of students with a wide range of reading abilities. Each section of this course focuses on a particular skill or set of skills (phonics, fluency, and/or vocabulary and comprehension). Students will be enrolled in the section that best fits their needs. Students will work with many different types of text, both fiction and nonfiction, to improve skills and increase efficacy. Some texts will be assigned, and others will be self-selected. Comprehension, collaboration and presentation of knowledge will be displayed in many ways by students and project-based learning will help support literacy as a whole. Reading is a Tier 2/Tier 3 intervention designed to support students who show risk of not meeting grade level benchmarks by the end of the year. Reading may be required for students who demonstrate a need for additional support based on screening scores and/or classroom performance.

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Math Lab

Math Lab is a course designed to meet the needs of students with a wide range of math skills. A large portion of the course uses an online program called Ascend Math. Ascend Math diagnoses students’ skill gaps based on Kansas State Standards and Common Core Standards. It prescribes individual learning paths regardless of grade level. Students only work on the objectives they do not know. Ascend Math motivates students through a blend of award- winning video instruction and online explorations selected for them. Intervention students work at their own pace filling gaps quickly. Math Lab is a Tier 2/Tier 3 intervention designed to support students who show risk of not meeting grade level benchmarks by the end of the year. Math Lab may be required for students who demonstrate a need for additional support based on screening scores and/or classroom performance.

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Other Course Descriptions

Please contact the counselors to inquire about enrollment in these courses.

 

English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

This assigned course offers students, whose native language is NOT English, the opportunity to improve their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. A great variety of activities and a colorful curriculum make language learning interesting and exciting. Another important aim of the ESOL program is to promote students’ successful transition into the American educational system.

---

Sheltered Math Lab

In this course, students are provided a variety of visual and linguistic supports to support their mathematical academic language. Math Lab is a course designed to meet the needs of students with a wide range of math skills. The iReady assessment diagnoses students’ skill gaps based on Kansas State Math Standards. It prescribes individual learning paths regardless of grade level. This course will utilize iReady My Path intervention program as well as student individualized instructional strategies that are aligned with the iReady curriculum that is utilized in the classroom while being cognizant of the English Language Proficiency Standards to support their learning.

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Special Education Programs Core Extension

Successful completion of sixth grade gifted education goals and recommendation of gifted facilitator are pre-requisites for this course. Core Extension is a series of courses designed for students who have qualified under the gifted program to provide an interesting and challenging educational experience. Each Core Extension course is an extension of the core courses students are required to take. Sixth grade students are encouraged to enroll in Core Extension course. This course has study and organizational skills embedded and will help students’ transition to middle school. This course has study and organizational skills embedded and will help students’ transition to eighth grade when determining their course schedule.

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Learning Strategies

All special programs are as closely tied to regular classroom instruction as is possible. Key features of special education services include:

• Individual Education Programs
• Least-restrictive environment – instruction delivered in a way that is most like a “typical” classroom (as much as is beneficial to the student).
• Parents’ rights to participate in the development of programs for their children and to participate in placement decisions.

Parents who have questions about special education services for their child should contact the building principal. The Kansas State Department of Education maintains a toll-free number (1-800-332-6262), which may be called for additional information or resource materials on special education services, rights, and procedures.

Required Courses

Math, ELA, Social Studies, Science, and Physical Education are required 8th grade courses. These courses are year-long and are automatically added to each student’s schedule. 

 

Math 8

This is the math course most eighth grade students will take. This course will focus on the Kansas College and Career Readiness Standards for eighth grade, which include work with radicals and integer exponents, proportional relationships, solving linear equations, functions, applying the Pythagorean Theorem and problems involving volume of cylinders, cones and spheres.

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Algebra 1/Accelerated Math 8

This course is an accelerated alternative to Math 8 that is designed to cover the content of Math 8 and the full year of Algebra I. It is intended for students who will be able to accelerate in math without skipping over any essential knowledge. It will enable students to move directly into Geometry as a freshman. Eighth grade students who qualify (based on the district selection process) will have the opportunity to take ALGEBRA I/ACCERLATERED MATH 8 rather than MATH 8. Students will not receive high school credit toward graduation for this course at the middle school level.

 

USD 383 Secondary Mathematics Acceleration

• Typical Path
  • 7^th Grade: Math 7
  • 8^th Grade: Math 8
  • 9^th Grade: Algebra 1
  • 10^th Grade: Geometry
  • 11^th Grade: Algebra 2
  • 12^th Grade: Trig/Pre-Calc
• Example A – Partially Accelerated Path
  • 7^th Grade: Math 7
  • 8^th Grade: Math 8
  • 9^th Grade: Algebra 1
  • 10^th Grade: Geometry
  • 11^th Grade: Accelerated Algebra 2/Trig
  • 12^th Grade: AP Calc AB
• Example B – Partially Accelerated with Doubleup Path
  • 7^th Grade: Math 7
  • 8^th Grade: Math 8
  • 9^th Grade: Algebra 1
  • 10^th Grade: Geometry & Algebra 2
  • 11^th Grade: Trig/Pre-Calc
  • 12^th Grade: AP Calc AB
• Example C – Partially Accelerated Path
  • 7^th ​​​​​​​Grade: Accelerated Math 7
  • 8^th Grade: Algebra 1/AcceleratedMath 8
  • 9^th Grade: Geometry
  • 10^th Grade: Algebra 2
  • 11^th Grade: Trig/Pre-Calc
  • 12^th Grade: AP Calc AB
• Example D – Accelerated Path
  • 7^th ​​​​​​​Grade: Accelerated Math 7
  • 8^th Grade: Algebra 1/AcceleratedMath 8
  • 9^th Grade: Geometry
  • 10^th Grade: Accelerated Algebra 2/Trig
  • 11^th Grade: AP Calc AB
  • 12^th Grade: AP Calc BC

 

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ELA 8

Language Arts 8 is an expansion of skills acquired in Language Arts 7 with a continued emphasis on literary analysis of narrative and informational text, written and oral expression along with the mechanics of language. Mastery of these skills may be demonstrated through speeches, compositions, research projects, short stories and/or poetry as well as other products, as assigned. This integrated language arts curriculum is aligned to the Kansas College and Career Readiness Standards.

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Social Studies 8

Students will study Kansas history from prehistoric times to present-day, American history concentrating on the nineteenth century, and an extensive study of the beginnings of our country and its government. Other topics of study also include the early years of the United States, the Civil War, Reconstruction and Westward Expansion. The program is enriched with media, technology, and various projects.

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Physical Science 8

This is a lab-oriented course with most class time spent doing investigations, collecting, and interpreting data, and drawing conclusions. Basic Chemistry stresses the structure and properties of matter and heat and electricity. Basic Physics deals with types of energy, energy transfer, applications of energy, motion, waves, sound, light and radiation.

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Physical Education/Health 8

Physical education classes will be a combination of seventh and eighth grade girls and boys. The curriculum includes individual and team sports and fitness activities. Activities that may be included in our curriculum are dance, games, tennis, volleyball, basketball, aerobics, ping-pong, and other recreational activities. Physical fitness is emphasized throughout the year with activities that improve strength, agility, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness. Through these activities, the physical, emotional, and social growth and development of the individual is perpetuated. A gym shirt is required (which may be purchased from the school), athletic shoes, and approved athletic attire. Students will also study maturation and family life, including the following topics: pre-natal development, childbirth, puberty, dating, teenage pregnancy, family planning, and sexually transmitted diseases.

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Fitness and Leadership

Fitness & Leadership will be an option for the Physical Education class taught at the middle level, based on student interest. This course will expand what is offered in Physical Education to include advancing individual personalized fitness levels and leadership training. This class will replace one semester of physical education.

---

Lifetime Fitness (EMS Only)

A wellness course designed to develop a student’s desire to pursue and plan for lifelong physical fitness. Included in the course are basic exercise routines and activities to develop each student’s personal fitness. Activities that may be included in our curriculum are walking, dance, aerobics, yoga, ping-pong, and other recreational activities. Physical fitness is emphasized throughout the year with activities that improve strength, agility, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness. Through these activities, the physical, emotional, and social growth and development of the individual is perpetuated.

---

Exploratory Courses (Electives)

All courses are one semester unless noted.

 

Spanish Communication Connections

This course focuses on structure, vocabulary acquisition, original responses, and dialogues. This course is a pre-requisite to the yearlong 8th grade Spanish I course and is intended to prepare students to advance to second year Spanish in high school.

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Spanish I (8th-grade only, year-long class)

This is for students who are ready for a rigorous coursework and immersion in Spanish. Spanish I is an introductory course in which equal emphasis is placed on oral, written, and cultural aspects of the Spanish language. Instruction is based on the development of skills in the four areas of language learning: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. It is strongly recommended that students enrolled in this course have a “C” or better in English and well-developed study habits. This course is equivalent to, and follows the same course material, as the first-year high school foreign language. Upon successful completion, the student will progress to second year Spanish in ninth grade

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Multimedia

This course will teach the students various skills and applications related to utilizing multimedia programs in an ever-changing technological society.

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Intro to Microsoft Office

This course will be combining three existing quarter long courses (Exploring Word Processing, Exploring Digital Presentations, and Exploring Presentations) into one semester long course. Students will learn various steps and concepts of document, spreadsheet, and presentation applications respectively.

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Exploring STEM

Exploring Technology is an elective course comprised of 20 STEM-related modules that provide hands on learning. Examples of modules include 3D Printing, Applied Physics, Engineering Towers, Rocketry and Space and Video Production. This course may be repeated.

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2D Art

Students will explore a variety of drawing and painting techniques. Materials include pencil, scratchboard, marker, charcoal, colored pencil, pastels, ink, acrylic, and watercolor.

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3D Art

Students will explore the use of clay in a variety of hand-built techniques including building, pinch, and slab construction. Clay projects will be constructed and fired in a kiln, then painted or glazed. Students will also explore different sculpting projects in a variety of materials. Media might include paper, papier-mâché, wire, plaster craft, metal, and other materials to create three-dimensional art.

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Sewing and Interior Design

This class will focus on sewing skills as well as interior design concepts. In this course, students will be required to purchase or acquire materials needed to complete projects. In sewing various projects will be completed using hand and sewing machine techniques. Students will learn about different fibers and fabrics suitable to complete projects. In interior design, the elements and principles of design will be the main focus as well as an introduction to floor plans and how to choose design options for current living situations. The final project will be to design a specified room in the house.

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Culinary Arts

This class will focus on nutrition basics in making healthy food choices. Nutritional wellness in terms of multiple aspects of life will be examined along with applying concepts to prepare healthy food. Students will analyze food sources and practices that impact the nutritional value in the food we consume. They will demonstrate food preparation and food safety concepts and kitchen safety and personal sanitation habits when preparing food. By the end of the course, students will also be able to read recipes, understand and apply basic cooking terms and tools, use kitchen math, and prepare a recipe from start to finish.

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Office Assistant

Students may gain experience in handling many office tasks that are vitally important to the operation of our school. Messages, filing, processing of supplies, etc. are some examples of the many things to be done. Above all, students must learn how to work with people and complete assigned tasks responsibly. Students will work in the administrative office, library, and counseling office. Students must be in good academic standing and remain academically eligible to be an office assistant.

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Choir

A non-auditioned vocal group where students will sing, learn vocal technique, sing varied styles of music and will be performing at least once each quarter. Students may have the opportunity for solos as well as small groups. We will also learn music theory fundamentals and utilize solfege/sight-reading. This course may be repeated.

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Beginning Band (year-long)

Beginning Band is offered to any student who wants to learn a band musical instrument. Classes will be grouped by instrument families (i.e. Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion). The Beginning Band class offers instruction on woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments with a focus on the skills necessary for long-term student success. Fundamentals stressed include proper posture and playing position, development of characteristic tone quality and training in music literacy. The following instruments are offered for instruction in Beginning Band:

• Woodwinds – Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone
• Brass – Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone
• Percussion – Snare Drum, Bells

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Advanced Band (year-long)

There are two sections of Advanced Band; neither band requires an audition. Each band performs challenging middle school level and some high school level music literature. This class has an incredible amount of fun and performs three to four concerts per year. Daily rehearsals will have students work on musical fundamentals through performance of sheet music and method book(s) exercises. Both Advanced Bands (and usually the Beginning Students are included in the Advanced Band by the end of the year) will present a GRADE SCHOOL TOUR SHOW where the (Eisenhower Band only) travel to the area feeder grade schools and present a 30-minute concert at each school. This course may be repeated.

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Beginning Orchestra (year-long)

This is a class for 7th grade students to learn to play a string orchestra instrument. The basics will be covered from the ground up, starting with knowledge of the instrument, posture, and position, note reading, and habits for practice and performance. No prior experience is needed. Seventh and eighth grade students who are beginners may also register for this class, but it may be more difficult to schedule. The following instruments are offered for instruction in Beginning Orchestra:

• High Strings – Violin, Viola
• Low Strings – Cello, String Bass

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Intermediate Orchestra (7th + 1 year experience, year-long)

Development of string playing skills. In Intermediate Orchestra, students will build upon the fundamental techniques established in their first year of playing. They will learn to play in multiple keys, modes, and meters. They will become acquainted with more complex rhythmic patterns and chromatic figures. Intermediate students will also develop confidence in techniques like shifting, vibrato, and others. Students will present concerts of more complex music.

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Advanced Orchestra (8th + 2 year experience, year-long)

String instrument performance ensemble. Advanced Orchestra will focus on increasing confidence with skills developed in previous years’ of orchestra and advancing to even more complex techniques. Students will gain experience with more nuanced ensemble performance techniques and meaningful musical expression. Advanced Orchestra students’ will become capable of playing scales in every major key and reading complex rhythms. Student presentations will present ambitious musical literature and polished performances.

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Publications and Media Journalism (year-long)

This course is designed for students with computer experience and familiarity with programs related to photo and video editing as well as desktop publishing and design. This course will focus on a more in-depth approach to content creation for the purpose of sharing various aspects of the school with the local community. Topics and tasks covered will include Photography, Photo Editing, Video Editing, Desktop Publishing and Publication creation. Primary focus will be on the creation and development of the annual school yearbook, but may also include additional projects such as videos, advertisements, announcements, and news publications for the school.

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Guided Study Hall

This course is offered to students who need a class period each day for help with organization and assignment completion. This class may be required for students based upon work completion and/or teacher recommendation. Guided Study Hall may also be requested by parent/student as needed when openings are available if not required.

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MTSS Interventions

USD 383 uses the MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) model to ensure that all students receive the support they need to meet educational goals. Students complete a screening assessment in the fall, winter, and spring to help teachers better identify which students are likely to meet end-of-year learning goals in math and reading, as well as students who may need more targeted intervention. All students receive core (Tier 1) instruction in math and reading.

Students who need additional support receive a Tier 2 or Tier 3 intervention in addition to core instruction to help accelerate their learning. Intervention courses are listed below.

 

Reading

Reading is a course designed to meet the needs of students with a wide range of reading abilities. Each section of this course focuses on a particular skill or set of skills (phonics, fluency, and/or vocabulary and comprehension). Students will be enrolled in the section that best fits their needs. Students will work with many different types of text, both fiction and nonfiction, to improve skills and increase collaboration, and presentation of knowledge will be displayed in many ways by students and project-based learning will help support literacy. Reading is a Tier 2/Tier 3 intervention designed to support students who show risk of not meeting grade level benchmarks by the end of the year. Reading may be required for students who demonstrate a need for additional support based on screening scores and/or classroom performance.

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Math Lab

Math Lab is a course designed to meet the needs of students with a wide range of math skills. A large portion of the course uses an online program called Ascend Math. Ascend Math diagnoses students’ skill gaps based on Kansas State Standards and Common Core Standards. It prescribes individual learning paths regardless of grade levels. Students only work on the objectives they do not know. Ascend Math motivates students through a blend of award-winning video instruction and online explorations selected for them. Intervention students work at their own pace filling gaps quickly. Math Lab is a Tier 2/Tier 3 intervention designed to support students who show risk of not meeting grade level benchmarks by the end of the year. Math Lab may be required for students who demonstrate a need for additional support based on screening scores and/or classroom performance.

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Other Course Descriptions

Please contact the counselors to inquire about enrollment in these courses.

 

English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

This assigned course offers students, whose native language is NOT English, the opportunity to improve their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. A great variety of activities and a colorful curriculum make language learning interesting and exciting. Another important aim of the ESOL program is to promote students’ successful transition into the American educational system.

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Sheltered Math Lab

In this course, students are provided a variety of visual and linguistic supports to support their mathematical academic language. Math Lab is a course designed to meet the needs of students with a wide range of math skills. The iReady assessment diagnoses students’ skill gaps based on Kansas State Math Standards. It prescribes individual learning paths regardless of grade level. This course will utilize iReady My Path intervention program as well as student individualized instructional strategies that are aligned with the iReady curriculum that is utilized in the classroom while being cognizant of the English Language Proficiency Standards to support their learning.

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Special Education Programs Core Extension

Successful completion of sixth grade gifted education goals and recommendation of gifted facilitator are pre-requisites for this course. Core Extension is a series of courses designed for students who have qualified under the gifted program to provide an interesting and challenging educational experience. Each Core Extension course is an extension of the core courses students are required to take. Sixth grade students are encouraged to enroll in Core Extension course. This course has study and organizational skills embedded and will help students’ transition to middle school. This course has study and organizational skills embedded and will help students’ transition to eighth grade when determining their course schedule.

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Learning Strategies

All special programs are as closely tied to regular classroom instruction as is possible. Key features of special education services include:

• Individual Education Programs
• Least-restrictive environment – instruction delivered in a way that is most like a “typical” classroom (as much as is beneficial to the student).
• Parents’ rights to participate in the development of programs for their children and to participate in placement decisions.

Parents who have questions about special education services for their child should contact the building principal. The Kansas State Department of Education maintains a toll-free number (1-800-332-6262), which may be called for additional information or resource materials on special education services, rights, and procedures.