King George Middle School
2018-2019 Program of Study
#UNDER CONSTRUCTION
BUILDING PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS
8246
Dahlgren Road
King
George, VA 22485
Phone:
(540) 775-2331
Fax: (540)
775-0263
King George Middle School Faculty
2018-2019 School
Year
Administration
Mrs.
Jennifer Collins – Principal
Mr. Christopher
Bryant – Assistant Principal
Mr. Casey
Nice, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Cheryl
Conklin – Administrative Secretary
Mrs. Dalyn
Pettit– Financial Secretary
Counseling Center
Mrs.
Allison Daughtridge – 8th Grade Counselor
Mrs. Janet
Gay - 7th Grade Counselor
Mrs. Kelley
Cox - Secretary
Mr. Jeff
Smith – Attendance Officer
Mrs. Betsy
Dzula – School Social Worker
Deputy Rod
Shriver – School Resource Officer
Mrs. Kristi
Brouillette – School Nurse
King George Middle School Mission Statement:
Building
Productive Citizens
Notice of Non-Discrimination
King George County Schools does not discriminate
on the basis of race, color, national, origin, sex, disability, or age in its
programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other
designated youth groups. The following person(s) has been designated to handle
inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Elizabeth Yezierski, Supervisor of Human
Resources eyezierski@kgcs.k12.va.us
PO Box 1239,
King George, VA 22485
Welcome to King George Middle School
This course guide has been prepared to inform you
and your parents about King George Middle School and its academic program. Part
of the Middle School experience is to explore different subjects. Seventh graders will take the four core
classes, PE and Health and an elective class.
Eighth graders will take four core classes and two elective classes.
Course descriptions should be carefully read and
your future education goals considered.
Please contact your child’s School Counselor if you have any concerns or
questions about course selections.
Courses are based on the Standards of Learning for
each subject area. Every course has Standards of Learning or competencies.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Changes in teachers and/or classes may be made in
writing with sufficient reason for requesting a change. Forms are available in the Counseling Office. Please fill out and return to your child’s
counselor. Changes will only be made during the first week
of school.
The grading scale for King George Middle School is
as follows:
A
= 90-100
B
= 80-89
C=
70-79
D=60-69
F=Below
59
Report cards are distributed every nine
weeks. Interims are distributed four
times a year, halfway through (four and a half weeks) the nine week grading
period.
King George Middle School students are recognized
for outstanding academic
achievement:
Distinguished Honor Roll (all A’s)
Honor Roll (A’s and B’s)
Honorable Mention (A’s and B’s with only one
C)
Homework
is essential to the middle school student because it provides content practice,
reinforcement of key terms and concepts, and assists in mastery of
subjects.
Counselors provide time management, study skills,
counseling services, mediation, character education workshops and Academic and
Career Planning throughout the year.
Standards of Learning exams are
administered in the 7th and 8th Grade:
The Commonwealth of Virginia requires that all students
enrolled in English, Mathematics, Science and History/Social Sciences take
Standards of Learning tests at designated grade levels and in certain high
school courses. Students have the opportunity to take several high school
credit-bearing courses in middle school.
|
Middle School Course
|
VA SOL Test
|
|
Gr. 7
English/Language
Arts
|
Reading
|
|
Gr. 7 Civics and
Economics
|
Civics and Economics
|
|
Gr. 7 Math 7
|
Mathematics 7
|
|
Gr. 7 Math 7X
|
*Mathematics 7
|
|
Gr. 8 English/Language
Arts
|
Writing, and Reading (2 separate SOLs)
|
|
Gr. 8 Physical Science
|
Science 8
|
|
Gr. 8 Math 8
|
Mathematics 8
|
|
Algebra I
|
**Algebra I
|
|
Geometry
|
**Geometry
|
|
World History I
|
**World History to
1500
|
|
Biology
|
**Biology
|
*See prerequisites for this
course, see page 7.
**High School Standards of
Learning tests that count toward graduation requirements.
Course Types
Academic Courses
Academic courses, i.e.
English, Mathematics, Science, and History/Social Sciences are required and are
aligned to the state standards.
Talented and Gifted Courses
The TAG courses are for the
student that has been identified as gifted through the KGCS process. At the 7th and 8th grades, students are
grouped in designated gifted classes in their identified academic aptitudes.
Elective Courses
Seventh grade students may
select Chorus, Band, or a Foreign Language as a full year course or take semester
electives which include Art, Drama, Guitar, Make it Your Business with
Keyboarding, Digital Input Technologies and Introduction to Coding and Computer
Solutions.
Eighth grade electives are semester
or year-long. The semester elective classes are listed above, as well as the
year-long courses. Health and Physical Education is a year-long elective.
Health and Physical
Education Courses
Students are taught a variety of physical activities, to
understand the benefits of achieving and maintaining a physically active
lifestyle. They are also taught to understand health concepts and how to
achieve good health for a lifetime. Health and Physical Education is required
in the 7th grade and is an elective in the 8th
grade.
High School
Credit-bearing Courses
High school credit-bearing
courses are classes in which a student may earn credit counting toward the
requirements for high school graduation. Biology, World History I, Algebra I,
Geometry, Spanish and French are all offered for 1 unit of high school credit. Students must pass the class to receive the
standard credit.
Course Selections
Language Arts
Grade 7 English/Language Arts
The Grade 7 English program provides instruction in all
aspects of language arts, including reading, writing, and speaking. A
variety of text will support development of mature vocabulary and comprehension
of literature at the middle school level. Literary analysis of fiction
texts will focus on character, plot, theme, point of view, tone, word
choice, mood and figurative language will be supported through discussion,
graphic organizers, and exposure to a wide range of narrative texts.
Author's purpose will be emphasized in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.
Authentic informational, persuasive and functional text will be used to develop
understanding of text structure, author's viewpoint and author's purpose. An independent reading project will cultivate
lifelong readers, and synthesize the curriculum with relevant literature.
The writing process will be practiced to produce narrative, persuasive and
expository writing with attention to composition, word choice, and mechanics.
Students will take the English 7 SOL Reading test.
Grade 8 English/Language Arts
The Grade 8 English program
provides instruction in all aspects of language arts, including reading,
writing, and speaking. Literary elements, including character, plot,
theme, point of view, mood and figurative language will be analyzed in a variety
of narrative text and poetry. In addition, author's purpose, tone, text
structure, and viewpoint will be evaluated in informational text including
articles, essays, and speeches. Reading skills will emphasize
comprehension and critical thinking. The writing process will be utilized
to produce expository and persuasive writing with attention to composition,
word choice, and mechanics. Students will take the English 8 SOL Reading
and the English 8 SOL Writing tests.
Grade 8 English/Language
Arts Honors Minimum requirement (Pass Advance on English 7 SOL,
straight A's in English 7 and teacher recommendation) must be met before
consideration for placement in the honors course. There is an additional
placement test.
The Grade 8 Honors
English program provides instruction in all aspects of language arts, including reading, writing, and
speaking. Literary elements, including character, plot, theme, point of
view, mood and figurative language will be analyzed in a variety of narrative
text and poetry. In addition, author's purpose, tone, text structure, and
viewpoint will be evaluated in informational text including articles, essays,
and speeches. Reading skills will emphasize comprehension of increasingly
advanced texts and critical thinking. Students will practice advanced
application of the English curriculum through extensive written and oral
response to text. The writing process will be utilized to produce
expository and persuasive writing with attention to composition, word choice,
and mechanics. Students will take the English 8 SOL Reading and the
English 8 SOL Writing tests.
History/Social
Sciences
Grade 7 Civics and Economics
The Civics and Economics
course will focus on the structure and functions of government institutions at
the national, state and local levels. Through this course the student will
foster patriotism, gain a respect for the law, and encourage a sense of civic
duty. The role of the citizen in the American political and economic systems
will be explored. Students will take the Civics and Economics SOL.
Grade 8 World History I (1 High School Credit)
Students will explore the
historical development of people, places, patterns of life, and geographic
influences from pre-historic time to 1500 A.D.
Students study the origins of much of our heritage using texts, maps,
pictures, stories, charts, and chronological skills. Students will take the World History Part I SOL.
Grade 8
World History I Honors (1 High School
Credit) Minimum requirement (straight A’s in English 7 and Civics 7) must be met before consideration for
placement in the honors course. There is
an additional placement test.
Students will explore the
historical development of people, places, patterns of life, and geographic
influences from pre-historic time to 1500 A.D.
Students study the origins of much of our heritage using texts, maps,
pictures, stories, charts, and chronological skills. The course has an additional writing
component. Students will take the World
History Part I SOL.
Mathematics
Any student new to the
county must meet the same criteria. Students must earn and maintain an
85% in an accelerated math course (7X or Algebra) to remain in the course and
maintain acceptable progress on the quarterly benchmarks.
Students may be removed from a course if the criteria for
success are not maintained. Parents and the student must meet with the
teacher, counselor and an administrator to discuss the student’s achievement.
The final decision must be a joint decision between the parents,
student, teacher and Principal.
Grade 7 Math 7
This course will cover the Standards of Learning to prepare students to
apply practical mathematical skills in real life situations and for further
study in algebra and geometry. Students will use fractions, decimals, percents
and proportional reasoning to solve a variety of problems. Students will use
the properties of real numbers to solve linear equations and inequalities.
Units of study will include data analysis techniques to make inferences and
predictions. The principles of plane and solid geometry will be used in solving
problems. Students enrolled in this class will take the Math 7 SOL.
Grade 7 Math 7X (Pre-Algebra) Prerequisite: Rising 7th graders
who have completed 6X or have taken a placement test administered in 6th
grade may be placed in this course.
This course will
cover the Standards of Learning to prepare students to apply practical mathematical skills in real life situations
and for further study in algebra and geometry. The content extends concepts and
skills learned in previous grades such as solving consumer-related problems,
using numerical patterns in understanding relationships, and using probability
and statistics to make predictions and inferences. Real numbers and their
properties will be used to solve and justify the solutions in multi-step
equations. The study of geometry will be expanded to include graphing and
transformations in the coordinate plane, using the Pythagorean Theorem and the
characteristics and measure of geometric figures to solve problems. Students enrolled in this class will take the Math 7
SOL. Students will enroll in Algebra I the following year.
Grade 8 Math 8
This course will
cover the Standards of Learning to prepare students to apply practical
mathematical skills in real life situations and for further study in algebra
and geometry. The content extends concepts and skills learned in previous
grades such as solving consumer-related problems, using numerical patterns in
understanding relationships, and using probability and statistics to make
predictions and inferences. Real numbers and their properties will be used to
solve and justify the solutions in multi-step equations. The study of geometry
will be expanded to include graphing and transformations in the coordinate
plane, using the Pythagorean Theorem and the characteristics and measure of
geometric figures to solve problems. Students enrolled in this class will take
the Math 8 SOL. Students will enroll in Algebra I the following year.
Grade 8 Algebra
I (1 High School Credit) Prerequisite: Completion of Math 7X
(Rising 8th graders must also take an Algebra Readiness placement
test to be placed in this course).
This course is
the first mathematics course in which students may earn high school credit.
Algebra I includes the use of technology in algebra, linear and quadratic
equations and functions, using algebra to analyze data, and to solve problems.
Students enrolled in this course will take the Algebra SOL. Students who
successfully complete the course will go on to Geometry the following
year. Students who do not pass the course will retake Algebra I the following
year. Students who pass the course and fail the SOL will progress to the
next course and continue to take the Algebra I SOL until they receive a passing
score.
Grade 8 Geometry (1 High
School Credit) Prerequisite: Completion
of Algebra I
Geometry
is the second course in which students may earn high school credit. Geometry is
a course whose basic elements are points, lines, and planes. Plane, solid, and
coordinate geometry are studied. This course is designed to develop effective
methods of thinking through deductive reasoning, application of theorems in
proofs and in problem solving. Students
enrolled in this course will take the Geometry SOL. Students who successfully
complete the class will take Algebra II the following year. Students who do not
pass the class will retake Geometry the following year, and those who do not
pass the SOL will retake it until a passing score is received, without being
enrolled in the class.
Science
Grade 7 Life Science
Life Science promotes an understanding of the
changes, cycles, patterns, and relationships in the living world. The nature of
science is illustrated by the idea that explanations of nature are developed
and tested using observations, experimentations, models, evidence, and
systematic processes. Areas of study include: cell structure, function, and
organization; physical and chemical processes essential to life, especially
photosynthesis; DNA and transmission of genetic information. In addition, a
large number of ecological concepts are studied including living and nonliving
components of an ecosystem, chemical cycles and energy flow and organization
and interactions within populations, communities, and ecosystems.
Grade 7 Integrated Life
Science Minimum requirements (enrolled in Algebra and Pass Advance on
Science 5 SOL) must be met before consideration for placement in this
honors course. There is an additional
placement test.
This
course is a combination of Life Science and Physical Science. This course prepares students to take Biology
in 8th grade if they pass the class and the placement test. Students will take the Science 8 SOL as a 7th
grader.
Grade 8 Physical Science
Physical Science
stresses an in-depth understanding of the nature and structure of matter and
the characteristics of energy. Research methods and skills are emphasized as
students focus on understanding the nature and process of science. Students use
appropriate tools for gathering data in classroom experimentations and share
their work in written reports and other presentations. Major areas of study
include: basic properties of matter and atomic structure; understanding and
using the periodic table; physical and chemical changes; types, transfers, and
transformations of energy; principles of work, force and motion. The nature of
light, sound, electricity, and magnetism are studied and investigated. Students
will take the Science 8 SOL.
Grade 8 Biology (1 High
School Credit) Prerequisite: 90%
pass rate in both Algebra and 7th grade
Integrated Life Science and placement test
Biology is a science course which incorporates both lab and
lectures in the presentation of the following areas: ecology, anatomy, physiology,
biochemistry, taxonomic relationships of plants and animals, reproduction and
heredity, microbiology cellular structure and function, general biology, and
scope of Biology. Students will take the
Biology End of Course exam/SOL.
Physical Education and Health (Year-long)
Grade 7 Physical Education (Required of all 7th
graders)
Students
develop competence in games/sports, dance/rhythms, and recreational activities.
Recreational pursuits are emphasized, broadening lifetime physical activity
options. Students relate the importance of physical activity to health. They
create plans for improving personal fitness. Students develop responsible
personal and social behaviors by demonstrating decision-making skills, conflict
resolution skills, appropriate etiquette, and respect for others. Students
achieve and maintain personal fitness standards and set reasonable and
appropriate goals for improvement or maintenance of health-related fitness.
Health education covers the topics of wellness and healthy living, violence
prevention, safety and injury preventions, mental and emotional health, disease
of the body, alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, and family life education. There is a new initiative
from the Virginia Department of Education to provide a curriculum for Career
Exploration. This information will be
provided during the PE/Health class by the school counselors and PE teachers.
Grade 8 Physical Education (Elective)
Students demonstrate
competence in skillful movement in more complex dynamic game/sport situations
and in a variety of dance/rhythm activities and recreational activities.
Students demonstrate mature responsibility as they show respect for others,
make reasoned and appropriate choices, resist negative peer pressure, and
exhibit fair play. Students are able to set goals, track progress, and
participate in physical activities to improve health-related fitness, including
strength training. They develop abilities
across a variety of game/sport and recreational pursuits.
Career and Technical Education (Semester)
Make It Your Business
with Basic Keyboarding
In this course students will design,
establish, and operate a small group or class business, producing a service or
product that meets an identified school or community need. Emphasis is placed on the introduction and
application of business terminology, basic entrepreneurship concepts, and
fundamental business principles. Basic Keyboarding and academic skills (Mathematics,
Science, English, and History/Social Science) are integrated into this course,
to develop and enhance touch skills for entering alphabetic, numeric, and symbol
information on a keyboard. Students compose
and produce personal, educational, and professional documents.
Introduction to Technology
Introduction to Technology
presents the basic elements of technology, including processes, energy,
information, and people. Students
explore up to four systems of technology, including construction, medical,
agriculture, energy, transportation, information and communication, and
manufacturing and construction. Finally,
students relate the impact of technology on society, environment, and culture
to future consequences and decisions.
Introduction to Coding and Computer Solutions
Students are introduced to the
world of business using the computer as a problem-solving tool. Students will learn the basic tools of
computer programming and explore social and ethical concerns relating to
working in the software developments field as well as internet safety. Students will use a variety of software and
web based applications. Students will
complete a variety of projects incorporating word processing, database,
presentation, and spreadsheet software.
Foreign Languages (Year-long)
French I (1 High School Credit) Prerequisite: B or
above in English (A for 7th graders)
Students gain an
understanding of the components of a foreign language and of the study skills
necessary to learn a foreign language. As students begin to develop skills in
listening, speaking, reading, and writing, they engage in active practice in
real-life situations and in a variety of cultural context.
French
II (1 High School Credit) Prerequisite:
85 or higher in French I
This class will foster a respect for and
understanding of other languages and cultures, and provide a skills base to
facilitate further language learning. Students are graded on the five
competencies of language: reading, writing, listening, speaking, and
culture. They will also work towards the five foreign language elements:
Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities. To
fully understand the impact and the influence of the French language on today’s
society, this class will also be studying the rich cultures, customs, current
events, and geographies of several French speaking countries. Be
expected to use and hear French in class.
Spanish I
(1 High School Credit) Prerequisite: B or above in English (A for 7th
graders)
Spanish I is a class
stressing beginning language acquisition. The method we will be using to
achieve this is called Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling,
TPRS®. The 1st semester, we will focus on providing students extensive oral and
written input through listening to, reading, and acting out stories. As
we begin the 2nd semester, we will focus more heavily on skills of
production: speaking, writing, and language structure study. Students should be prepared to be fully
engaged as we listen, read, write, speak, sing, dance, and act in Spanish
Spanish II (1 High School Credit)
Prerequisite: 85 or higher in Spanish I
Spanish II continues the process
of language acquisition in the immersion teaching style of TPRS®. Students will
be exposed to more advanced oral and written input through listening to,
reading, and acting out intermediate stories. Students will also continue
to refine their skills of production: speaking,
writing, and language structure study. Students should be prepared
to take their Spanish skills to a new and exciting level.
Fine and Performing Arts
Art (Semester)
Art
includes the development of visual perception, recording from direct
observation, memory and the imagination. The student should prepare and develop
an idea or theme by collecting and organizing visual resources. The student
will use art vocabulary while describing the student’s work and the work of others.
Artwork should reflect increased manual and creative skills in addition to
expanded knowledge of the use of texture, pattern, shape, line and color. The
student should be able to apply the basic rules of perspective, proportion,
value, and color theory. The Art course also
includes the ability to select and control the use of materials, tools and
techniques to develop an understanding of the visual language of art and apply
these in their own work to develop, express, and modify their ideas, intentions
and feeling. In classroom discussions, the student will continue to use an
expanding art vocabulary while describing the student’s work and the work of
others. Artwork should reflect increased manual and creative skills in addition
to expanded knowledge of the use and application of the elements of design. The
student should be able to use simple perspective systems for symbolizing what
they are rendering. The student should be able to manipulate proportion, value
and color to create realistic/or expressive images.
Art II (Semester) Prerequisite: 1
semester of Art, B or above
The goal for Art II
is for students to grow as artists. Students will build on and expand
their art knowledge to include making more complex and challenging artwork, the
option for independent projects, more writing, reflecting, and critiquing art
and art history.
Grade 7 Concert Band Brass/Percussion
(Year-long) Prerequisite: 1 year of Band coursework, or director approval
In 7th grade band, the student continues to
learn proper playing technique and develop ensemble skills on trumpet, french
horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, or percussion. The teacher follows the
curriculum based upon the Virginia Standards of Learning. Evaluation of
progress will be based on individual playing tests, practice records, written
work, and daily class participation. Daily at-home practice is necessary to
continue mastering playing technique. The student will attend and receive a
grade for scheduled performances, which are an extension of classroom activities
and SOL objectives.
Grade 7 Concert Band Woodwinds (Year-long) Prerequisite: 1 year of Band coursework, or director
approval
In 7th grade band, the student continues to learn proper
playing technique and develop ensemble skills on flute, oboe, clarinet,
bassoon, or saxophone. The teacher follows the curriculum based upon the
Virginia Standards of Learning. Evaluation of progress will be based on
individual playing tests, practice records, written work, and daily class
participation. Daily at-home practice is necessary to continue mastering
playing technique. The student will attend and receive a grade for scheduled
performances, which are an extension of classroom activities and SOL
objectives.
Grade 7 and 8 Beginning Band (Year-long) Prerequisite: None
This
course is for students who are starting
out on a band instrument. Students
will learn proper playing technique on either flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone,
trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone, or tuba. Percussion students will play the bells for
first semester, and then start the snare drum in second semester. The teacher follows the curriculum based upon
the Virginia Standards of Learning. Evaluation of progress will be based on
individual playing tests, practice records, written work, and daily class
participation. Daily at-home practice is
necessary
for the
student’s progress. The student will
attend and receive a grade for scheduled performances, which are an extension
of classroom activities and SOL objectives.
Grade 8 Symphonic Band (Year-long) Prerequisite: 1 full year of Middle School Band, or
director approval
In eighth grade band, the student refines playing
skills and develops higher-level listening skills. Students are highly
encouraged to attend All-District Band Auditions and Solo & Ensemble
Festival. The teacher follows the curriculum based upon the Virginia Standards
of Learning. Evaluation of progress will be based on individual playing tests,
written work, and daily class participation. Daily at-home practice is
necessary to continue mastering playing technique. The student will attend and receive a grade
for scheduled performances, which are an extension of classroom activities and
SOL objectives.
Grade 8 Jazz
Ensemble (Year-long) Prerequisite:
1 full year of Middle School Band, or director approval
This course is designed for 8th Grade students who are already
enrolled in Symphonic Band.
Students who wish to take Jazz Ensemble as their ONLY
band class needs approval from the band director. Students will perform literature from
a variety of styles including Swing, Bebop, Bossa Nova, Funk, Rock, Rhythm and
Blues, and Blues. Students
will perform a minimum of three concerts per school year to include the
District XV State Jazz Assessment. These performances are graded and held
outside of the regular school day. Some rehearsals are also held outside of the
regular school day. Students will also be engaged in ear training, rhythmic dictation, music history, music theory, and
improvisation throughout the course.
Grade 7 and 8 Beginning Guitar (Semester) Prerequisite: None
The standards for Middle School Guitar enable
students to begin receiving instruction on acoustic guitar at any middle school
grade level. Students demonstrate proper care of the instrument and become
familiar with the technology of the guitar. They demonstrate basic positions,
right-hand and left-hand techniques, and tone production. Students count, read,
and perform music of varying styles and levels of difficulty. They begin to
describe, respond to, interpret, and evaluate works of music and create basic
variations of simple melodies. Students investigate career options in music. Students
may use standard method books in class settings.
Grade 7 and 8 Chorus (Year-long) Prerequisite: None
The standards for Middle School Vocal/Choral Music,
Beginning Level enable students to obtain musical knowledge and skills in the
choral setting. Students begin to develop choral skills, including singing in
unison and two-part harmony, with emphasis on vocal production and technique.
Students learn to read, write, and compose music, using basic music theory.
They explore and perform music in a variety of music styles. In addition,
students develop an understanding of acceptable concert etiquette. Students are
provided with opportunities to participate in local, district,
regional, and state events.
Grade 7 and 8 Select Chorus (Year-long) Prerequisite: Audition
The standards for Middle School Vocal/Choral Music, Intermediate
Level enable students to build upon the skills and knowledge acquired at the
beginning level. Students continue the development of vocal production
techniques and ensemble participation. Opportunities are provided for students
to explore choral music as a means of expression and communication. Through the
collaborative environment of the choral setting, students develop an
understanding of teamwork and leadership skills. Students are provided with
opportunities to participate in local, district, regional, and state events.
Grade 8 Drama (Semester)
Students are introduced to
the foundation skills and concepts required for Middle School Drama.
Practical, design and written activities provide opportunity for exploration of
themes, self-expression and a basic understanding of performance skills.
Cooperative group work and evaluative reflection are key concepts of the
course.
