What is Teaming?

At Linden Middle School, teaming brings together four core teachers of Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies and a common group of students. The teaming approach to middle schools has several advantages.

For sixth grade students leaving the safety and comfort of the elementary school, teaming offers a smooth transition into the middle school. Changing teachers and classrooms each hour in a new building may be intimidating. A good balance is reached with teaming. Students are learning how to move around the school and transition between teachers, but the same group of students moves among the same four core teachers, creating consistency.

The team of teachers creates a smaller learning community that allows for close, caring relationships to form between students and staff. Staff and students of a team form a team name, set goals for academic growth and celebrate achievements. The identity formed by being part of the team gives all students a place to belong and feel safe.

Adolescence is a time when children want to be seen as “grown-up” while still having the safety of being able to say, “But, I’m just a kid.” Advisory periods within teams give students the opportunity to address questions and concerns regarding education and the school. Within teams, the advisory period teaches students problem-solving skills, how to build and maintain positive relationships, and the importance of a successful learning experience.

Themes are another way teaming increases the academic success of our students. The transition to sixth grade, with the number of classes and demands of course work, often brings frustration. Themes allow teachers to connect content knowledge to each of the four core classes. Rather than gathering isolated bits of information to clutter their world, themes allow students to see connections form one course to the next.

Finally, teams are made for our kids in the middle. This is a sensitive time of life for our youth. Many changes are happening and what used to seem black and white is now gray. A major focus of teaming is to address the needs of adolescence while striving for academic excellence.

General Information

Progress Cards/Report Cards:

Progress reports are mailed home each six weeks. Report cards are mailed home after the end of each semester. During scheduled Parent/Teacher conferences, report cards may be picked up. Those not picked up will be mailed home the following day.

Parent/Teacher Conferences:

Parent/Teacher conferences are usually held twice a year school-wide. A schedule can be obtained from the main office and/or the district website. Individual team/teacher contacts may be made at anytime by calling the main office.

MEAP Testing

According to the requirements of the State of Michigan, students take the English/Language Arts MEAP in the seventh grade. Eighth grade students will take the mathematics, science and social studies MEAP tests.

Both middle school and high school students have the potential to earn scholarship money based on MEAP test results. Currently, middle school students earning a level 1 or 2 score on each test can earn $500. High School students earning a level 1 or 2 on each test can earn $2,500.

Career Pathways

The Career Pathway system is designed to give students a jump-start on their future by providing them with opportunities to explore a variety of careers throughout their education and be prepared to make educated career decisions.

Seventh grade students are given opportunities to explore and research careers as well as participate in a fieldtrip to learn first-hand about the career opportunities available to them.

Eighth grade students use the career knowledge gained in seventh grade and begin mapping out their four-year plan for high school. Each career pathway has a suggested course of study that students use while making high school course selections.

English

READING

Students will:

· develop a positive attitude toward reading.

· read and understand a variety of materials such as informational text, short stories, poetry, drama, essays and novels.

· read for a variety of purposes.

· relate literature to one’s life and surrounding world.

WRITING

Students will:

· use the writing process (pre-writing, rough drafting, revising, editing, publishing) to create various types of writing.

· learn the rules of the English language while working through the writing

process and other classroom activities.

· write reflectively and in response to literature.

TECHNOLOGY

Students will:

· Use technology as a tool to obtain and present information throughout the language arts program.

EIGHTH GRADE FOCUS

· Poetry, Narrative Writing, Letter Writing, Creative Writing, Response Writing to Listening Skills and Editorial Writing.

Mathematics

Eighth Grade Math

¨ Number Patterns and Sequences

¨ Integers and Rational Numbers

¨ Algebraic Expressions and Equations

¨ Graphing Geometry

¨ Ration, Proportions and Percents

¨ Systems of Measurement

¨ Statistics and Probability

Eighth Grade Algebra

· Integers Graphing

· Evaluating Equations and Inequalities

· Rational and Irrational Numbers

· Systems of Equations

· Functions and Relations

· Factoring Polynomials

· Quadratic Functions

· Statistics and Probability

· Graphing Calculators

Methodology to be used in this class will be teacher lecture, as well as student discovery through the use of simulations, cooperative groups, and problem solving. Assignments will be given daily. Chapter tests will be given approximately every two weeks. Grades will be based on homework, quizzes, and tests. In addition, there is a cumulative exam at the end of each semester.

Science

§ Electricity and Magnetism

§ Electromagnetic Waves

§ Structure of the Atom

§ The Periodic Table

§ Chemical Equations

§ Solids, Liquids and Gasses

§ Weather

§ Ocean Water and Life

§ Organic Chemistry

§ Heredity

§ Solar System

§ Stars and Galaxies

Social Studies

Eighth grade Social Studies covers US History (colonization through reconstruction)

Required Core Extension (RCE)

RCE provides an extension and enrichment of the four academic classes, enabling students to receive more in depth exposure to core subject related topics and skills. Each RCE class usually is four and one half weeks in length, offering eight during the course of the school year. In some cases, the grade level may determine to have just four RCE classes during the

year, with each extending nine weeks. Learning areas may include, but are not necessarily limited to:

· Astronomy

· Magnetism and Electricity

· Criminal Justice

· Economics

· Graphing Calculators

· Probability

· Greek Mythology

· Journalism

Exploratories

Art:

All Students of the nine-week rotation class will review and apply the elements of art introduced at the elementary level. All students will focus on the importance of art in their world, the need for effective use of elements and principles of design, and the creation of personal art.

Computer Science:

Students will:

§ continue to improve keyboarding and word processing skills.

§ master desktop publishing skills.

§ enhance and manipulate photography, using a variety of applications.

§ design a Power Point presentation.

§ improve spreadsheet skills.

§ improve data base skills.

§ learn to merge applications.

§ design a web page using HTML.

§ learn research and search procedures on the Internet.

§ create, edit, and publish videos.

§ create a movie using multimedia applications.

Spanish:

Eighth grade Spanish students focus on:

¨ Basic -ar verbs and verb conjunction

¨ Family vocabulary and related grammar

¨ Adjectives and adjective agreement

¨ Customs and life in Spanish-speaking countries.

Tech Prep:

Students will explore six different technologies at nine activity centers to include: Architectural Cad, Robotics, Land Transportation, Applied Mechanisms, Alternate Energy, and Lasers/Fiber Optics. They will learn about careers related to these technologies and practice teamwork in both small and large group settings. Large group activities include: Flight projects and Competitive bridge and tower construction.

Health

Health classes meet one week out of every three weeks until the required topics have been taught. Health classes are based on the “Michigan Model.” AIDS/HIV education is included in the Health program.

Physical Education

Physical Education classes meet daily with at least one semester for each student and two semesters for most students. All classes begin with an exercise warm-up session. Units include football, softball, volleyball, basketball, floor hockey, soccer, various types of races, ping-pong, tug-o-war, archery, track and field skills; rhythmic activities, including simple dances, are also included. Tumbling is offered, but not required. Activities are designed to help encourage life long health and fitness.

Band

Eighth grade band meets daily and the students are divided into two separate classes; woodwinds or brass/percussion. The entire eighth grade band will perform in four evening band concerts held throughout the year as well as a Pops Concert. They are also required to participate in MSBOA District III Band and Orchestra Festival.

Vocal Music & Drama

Students will be exposed to various types of theatrical and musical productions and the basic components of acting. Students will be required to work cooperatively with developing and participating in role-play activities, skits, songs, and other performance based assignments. Students will participate in productions at the high school auditorium.

Special Education

Special Education services are available to qualifying students who require a more individualized educational program. Departmentalized resource classes support core academics. When appropriate, Special Education students are included in general education classes with accommodations to receive support from Special Education teachers.

A class is offered for those students who are mildly mentally impaired to foster and promote the learning of basis of life and prevocational skills, along with academics that are appropriate.

The Learning Assistance Center (LAC) is available to Special Education students. It provides assistance to students in the general education program. Students who use this service, receive help on assignments and have tests read aloud.

Extra-Curricular Activities

LMS is a member of the Flint Metro League conference. We offer*:

Basketball Cheerleading

Cross Country Football

Track Volleyball

Wrestling

* A physical is required before a student can participate in any Metro League sport.

Through Linden Community Education and the LMS Youth Center, various intramural sports and activities are available. Schedules of what is offered

can be obtained through Community Education or the main office.

Eighth graders are allowed to participate in Book Bowl, Yearbook, Student Council, Chess Club, and Ski Club. Throughout the year, 7^th/8^th grade dances are held from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

At the end of the seventh grade, eligible seventh graders are invited to join the National Junior Honor Society for their eighth grade year.

Linden Middle School’s

MISSION STATEMENT

Linden Middle School,

in partnership with families

and the community, guarantees a commitment to

student success.