CURRICULUM

Quick Reference Guide

  The Jr. High Art Curriculum is based on the Illinois State Art Goals. To encourage creative development, lessons are designed to meet the needs of students in Art History, aesthetics, hands-on exploration and art criticism.

ART - 6th Grade
In 6th grade art, students build on concepts from elementary art in four units. The curriculum includes a unit on Contour Line, Color, Design, and Sculpture. Students will learn the necessary vocabulary, art concepts, and studio process to complete a major project in each of these units. Students need to have 1 folder (2 pockets), 2 pencils and 1 fine line marker.

ART - 7th Grade
The art curriculum builds on the concepts taught in grade 6. This course covers four main units: Drawing, Color and Sculpture and Computer Graphics. Individual projects can vary and the concepts presented are progressively more complex. Students need to have 1 folder (2 pockets), 2 pencils and 1 fine line marker.

ART - 8th Grade
The art curriculum builds on the concepts taught in grade 7. This course covers four units: Value Drawing, Perspective Drawing, Sculpture and Computer Graphics. Individual projects can vary. These units are the foundation for entry-level art courses in high school. Students need to have 1 folder (2 pockets), 2 pencils and 1 fine line marker.

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SIXTH GRADE BAND
Sixth grade students who have successfully completed one year of band instruction are enrolled in the Indian Trail Sixth Grade Band. The Sixth Grade Band at Indian Trail meets daily, with students divided into three separate classes—allowing for more individualized instruction during daily rehearsals. These three classes are labeled the Green Band (clarinets), White Band (flute, oboe, bassoon, and saxophone), and Purple Band (brass and percussion). For all concerts, these three classes are combined to form the full Sixth Grade Band. In addition to their daily scheduled rehearsals, students are also required to come to lunch lessons once a week for twenty minutes. Lunch lessons are small group sessions which afford students the opportunity to work on musical concepts that they might find particularly challenging. During the sixth grade, band students continue developing their mastery of the basic musical concepts and skills of rhythm, articulation, intonation, and style. The Sixth Grade Band has two concerts-a-year and students have the opportunity to participate in the Illinois Grade School Music Association's Solo and Ensemble Contest. Contact George Andrikokus for updated info on the Jazz Bands.

CONCERT BAND
Students in the 7 th and 8 th grades who have successfully completed at least 2 years of band instruction are placed in the Indian Trail Concert Band. Concert Band meets as a class and conducts full group rehearsals every day. Students in the ensemble are also required to attend lunch lessons once a week for twenty minutes. These lunch lessons are small group sessions which allow for more individualized instruction than the daily, full-group classes. In Concert Band, students review and reinforce the basic musical skills and concepts acquired in previous years while developing intonation, interpretation and musicianship, fluency of technique, and rhythmic accuracy. The Concert Band has two concerts-a-year and students have the opportunity to participate in the Illinois Grade School Music Association's Solo and Ensemble Contest. In addition, Concert Band students join the Symphonic Band members in forming the I.T. Pep Band to perform at home basketball games. Contact George Andrikokus for updated info on the Jazz Bands.

I.T. BIG BAND
The I.T. Big Band is a group open to any interested 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student playing saxophone, trumpet, trombone, guitar, piano, bass, or drums. The group rehearses from 3:00 to 5:00pm Thursdays during the school year. Throughout the year, students learn the basics of jazz style, harmony, and structure. Students start to learn to play the blues scales and basic chord structures and then begin to create their own improvised solos. The I.T. Big Band performs numerous times throughout the course of the school year: at three school concerts, a jazz festival, and the Illinois Grade School Music Association Jazz Organizational Contest where they get to show off all that they've learned in a variety of styles, from the blues to swing, Latin to rock!

JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Jazz Ensemble is a performing group that interested 6th, 7th, or 8th grade students playing saxophone, trumpet, trombone, guitar, piano, bass, or drums make it into by audition only. Auditions are held at the start of the school year. Only the most advanced, experienced jazz players at Indian Trail are chosen to fill out the band. Jazz Ensemble meets from 6:00 to 8:00 pm Tuesday evenings throughout the school year. Students in Jazz Ensemble enter the group having already gained a basic understanding of playing in the jazz style, and throughout the year, we build on that knowledge. We learn about playing jazz through performance of a diverse selection of music, ranging from the classic big band charts of the Glenn Miller Orchestra to 1970's Rock-fusion tunes recorded by Herbie Hancock, Cool Jazz favorites from Miles Davis's Quintet to Blues masterpieces by the Count Basie Orchestra, and from the Latin-Jazz of Tito Puente and Afro-Cuban Bop tunes of Dizzy Gillespie from the 1950's and 1960's to arrangements and originals being made by some of the best composers and arrangers writing for junior high and high school jazz bands today. All students are encouraged to improvise solos as much as possible, and we spend time learning basic patterns for improvisation utilizing melodic patterns, scales, and chord changes.  During the year, the Jazz Ensemble is a very busy group, performing at 3 concerts, 2 coffee house gigs, 2 jazz festivals, the Illinois Grade School Music Association Organizational Jazz Contests, Wesley's Senior Breakfast, the ACPTA Dinner, the Addison Trail Teacher-Parent Organization Spaghetti Dinner, and the Indian Trail 5 th Grade Orientation, among others.

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BILINGUAL EDUCATION
The students in the bilingual program begin instruction in a self-contained classroom and follow the 6th, 7th and 8th grade curriculums in the core academic areas. The subjects are presented in Spanish so that students do not fall behind in each subject matter. English is studied daily as well, and students are transitioned into English instruction as their English proficiency increases. During the second and third years of enrollment in the bilingual program, students are mainstreamed into English academic classes with their peers. Classes are selected based on the student's strengths. After completing the three-year progression of instruction, students are exited from the bilingual program and placed in all general education classes in English.

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ESL (English as A Second Language)
ELL (English Language Learner) students are provided one class of ESL.  The classes concentrate on all aspects of the English language to develop the students’ English language proficiency.  Students are placed into ESL I, ESL II, ESL III or ESL IV classes according to proficiency level.  Students are assessed annually to track their progress and determine time of exit from the program. The ELL students that are not enrolled in the Spanish bilingual classroom have all other instruction in English, but receive alternate, modified grading if needed.   

LITERACY LAB
This course is for all 6 th, 7th and 8th grade students who are not involved in a foreign language, band/orchestra, or choir. The course is designed to promote student motivation, creativity, and achievement in both reading and writing. The objectives are to explore and apply various aspects of written and oral communication, drama, creative writing, fiction and non-fiction printed materials. Listening skills and technology are also incorporated on a weekly basis. Some activities included in this course are: Readers Theatre, oral communication (including presentations and debate), advertising, and writing from the senses.

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COMPUTER CLASSES
The computer classes have now all joined the PC world and are working in Windows XP. We are excited that we can offer the students of Indian Trail current and usable programs that they will use later in life. We will primarily use the Microsoft Office package and their different programs such as, Word, Power Point, Publisher, Access and Excel.

6th Grade
The sixth grade students’ work on two major projects. One is writing a newsletter in MS Word and the other utilizes HyperStudio. In addition, they work on a variety of other shorter projects that require the use of Word, Publisher and Paint. Most projects are printed out so that students can take them home. In the near future, we plan to introduce keyboarding as part of our curriculum.

7th Grade
The seventh grade students also work on two major projects. The first project is writing a newsletter in MS Word and second, designing a HyperStudio presentation. These projects build on the skills learned in 6th grade and incorporate advanced techniques. In addition, we also work on Power Point, Publisher, and Access.

8th Grade
The eighth grade students work on reviewing the basic functions that they learned in 6th and 7th grade, and then they add to that by studying more advanced techniques. We spend our time focusing on concepts and projects that will help prepare the 8th grade student for high school and the business world. Our current projects revolve around word processing, drawing/painting, spreadsheets, Publisher and HyperStudio.

HUMANITIES - 6th Grade (Geography)
This course acquaints students with the global world with emphasis on geography and the culture of Western Europe. Students are exposed to each country through audio-visual, print, tactile objects, and technology materials.  Note taking and research are principle skills taught and utilized. The curriculum covered includes  maps,  governments, languages, religions, economies, significant people, places and events, literature and fine arts. A Junior Achievement course, Global Marketplace, is included in the curriculum.  

HUMANITIES - 7th Grade
This course acquaints students with the global world as it relates to the culture and history of Southeast Asia.  Students are exposed to each country through audio-visual, print, tactile objects, and technology materials.   Note taking and research are principle skills taught and utilized. The curriculum covered includes maps,  governments, languages, religions, economies, significant people, places and events, literature and fine arts. A Junior Achievement course, America Works, is also included.

CAREERS - 8th Grade
This course gives students the opportunity to explore the world of careers.  It emphasizes the importance of personal job analysis, work permits, job applications and resumes, and familiarization with secondary and post-secondary school options as well as occupations and professions. Students become acquainted with the Illinois High School Association graduation requirements and complete a four-year plan to accomplish their current desired goals.  They examine catalogs and brochures and view audio-visual material from technical and business schools, the armed services, colleges and universities.    In addition, students practice work communication skills and access information on the Internet.  An optional one-day job shadowing is also offered in addition to a Junior Achievement course, Economics for Success.  

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APPLIED TECHNOLOGY - 7th & 8th GRADE
The 2006-2007 year will be a very exciting for the Applied Technology Department because we have just received a brand new, state-of-the-art module learning system! This course uses multimedia-rich training systems (modules) that provide general introductions and opportunities for intense exploration into 14 different technology fields. Every program incorporates hands on activities through which students reinforce technical knowledge. These projects also enable students to develop technology-specific skills and essential life skills, such as creative thinking and problem solving."

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LIFE SKILLS - 6th Grade
This course focuses on food and nutrition, personal development, and the use of basic hand sewing stitches and techniques. Students will understand and demonstrate skills necessary for measuring and mixing techniques to prepare healthy and nutritious snacks and breakfast foods, use listening and cooperation skills in a lab setting, and understand the use of the Food Guide Pyramid for selection of healthy and nutritious foods to eat. Secondly, students will learn and demonstrate proficiency of basic hand sewing techniques to promote self-reliance in fundamental life skills tasks. Students will develop proficiency with needle and thread using basic hand sewing stitches and techniques. The project will consist of students being able to pin, cut, and construct a project using previously learned information of sewing stitches and buttons. The final component of this course is personal development. The QUEST program has been implemented into the 6th grade curriculum. This program focuses on skills for adolescence; respecting others, handling emotions, conflict resolution, self-esteem, peer pressure, and developing effective communication skills.

LIFE SKILLS - 7th Grade
This course focuses on foods, nutrition, personal development, and the use of the sewing machine. The foods and nutrition component incorporates the use of safe practices and proper work procedures in the kitchen: writing, reading, following recipe directions in a real life situation, integrating the use of accurate measurement in food preparation; and developing an understanding of the food pyramid, nutrients, and how they build a healthy body. The personal development component strives to have students identify strategies to form positive friendships and to deal with feelings and conflict. The objectives are to evaluate the values and qualities associated with being a good friend, recognizing the steps in identifying and coping with feelings, developing ways to deal and resolve conflict situations at home and in school, and implementing the learning objectives of the V.E.G.A. program (Violence Education and Gang Awareness). The final component of this course is a project. The project will consist of students safely operating a sewing machine in order to construct a drawstring tote bag and identifying vocabulary and sewing tools used in sewing.

LIFE SKILLS - 8th Grade
This course focuses on foods, nutrition, personal development, and the use of the sewing machine. Students will practice proper table etiquette, analyze their diets in relation to eating patterns, learn how food is related to their health, and how to maintain a proper weight through diet and exercise. They also will prepare foods and demonstrate cooking skills in a laboratory setting. Students will also enhance personal growth through discussions of peer pressure and the use of alcohol and drugs. They will also participate in the learning objectives of the D.A.R.E. program (Drug Awareness Resistance Education). Project construction will consist of the students being able to pin, cut and construct a fabric project. They will also learn about fabric, sewing terms, how to safely operate a machine, and be able to identify stains and their removal.

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MATH - 6th Grade
The focus in math this year is on numbers, their operations, and their algebraic representations. Students will build their understanding of these concepts through a variety of models, such as base-ten pieces, rulers, and verbal models. Students will also apply their skills to problem-solving situations and use estimation to check reasonableness. Topics from other math strands, such as area, averages, and data displays, are introduced early in the course and then integrated and expanded upon throughout. Every lesson has both skill practice and problem solving, including multi-step problems. Technology support for course content and standardized test preparation is available at classzone.com.

MATH - 7th Grade
The math program used in 7th grade is called Connected Mathematics, which is based on a problem-centered curriculum. This course is structured into 4 to 6 week units. Each unit is focused around situations that help students become skillful at solving real-life problems. In Covering and Surrounding students' knowledge is extended to include area and perimeter of circles and irregular shapes. The study of Bits and Pieces II continues with an emphasis on application of percents, as well as, a review of fractions and decimals. In Variables and Patterns algebraic concepts are introduced including variables and representations of relationships, which includes tables, graphs, words, and symbols. In Stretching and Shrinking students learn about similarity, which includes similar figures, scale factors, basic similarity transformations, algebraic rules, and a review of geometric shapes and notations. In the unit called What Do You Expect? students continue their study of probability, which includes expected values, and probabilities of two-stage events.

MATH - 8th Grade
The math program used in 8th grade is called Connected Mathematics, which is based on a problem-centered curriculum. This course is structured into 4 to 6 week units. Each unit is focused around situations that help students become skillful at solving real-life problems. The unit called Accentuate the Negative covers understanding and modeling integers, integer operations, and four-quadrant graphing. In Comparing and Scaling students reinforce and extend their knowledge of rates, ratios, proportions, percents and proportional reasoning. Filling and Wrapping covers three-dimensional measurement including volume and surface area relationships, volume and surface area of various solids, and a review of two-dimensional measurement. In Moving Straight Ahead students are introduced to linear relationships including recognizing and representing linear relationships in tables, graphs, words, symbols, and solving simple linear equations. In Say it with Symbols students continue their study of algebraic reasoning, which includes order of operations, equivalent expressions, and solving equations.

MATH LAB
Math Lab is a nine-week course that is provided to students in addition to their regular mathematics course. Our students take Math Lab as part of their special rotation if they are not already participating in Band, Orchestra, Chorus, or taking a Foreign Language. The main emphasis is to provide additional instruction in the areas of math that have been found to be challenging for students. Currently, the Math Lab curriculum is focusing on the integration of geometry and computer technology. Students use software programs that are customized to help them learn concepts in geometry. The sixth grade program focuses on an in-depth study of lines, planes, coordinate graphing, symmetry, angles, and triangles. In addition, students learn to problem solve and experience geometry through a hands-on approach.

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GENERAL MUSIC
General Music provides students with a variety of musical experiences. This one-quarter course is offered to students at each grade level and the musical skills and knowledge gained are built upon in subsequent years. Class begins each day by listening to the classical music "piece of the week" and analyzing it in regards to the basic musical elements of type, style, instrumentation, dynamics, tempo, meter, melody, harmony, and form. Information about the composer and musical period are also discussed. By the end of eighth grade, students will be familiar with twenty-seven pieces of classical music! On Fridays, students bring in the music and it is analyzed in the same manner. Active, hands-on learning is an integral part of the curriculum. Students learn lummi stick routines, play rhythm instruments in a drum circle, perform on Orff instruments in ensembles and play on Yamaha keyboards. Information detailing specific units for each grade level is listed below. General music students need to have a folder with 2 pockets and center prongs.

MUSIC - 6th Grade
An introductory unit entitled Music in the World Around Us shows students that music is an integral part of every day life. Units on Rhythm and Pitch lead students to read treble clef notation and enable them to play simple right-hand only melodies during the Keyboard unit. Students are introduced to the four families of instruments and concert etiquette in the Orchestra unit.

MUSIC - 7th Grade
In the Sounds of Music unit students explore program music, environmental sounds and compose their own "Stomp-like" sound pieces. Note reading skills gained in the sixth grade are built upon and units in Rhythm and Pitch teach students to read notation on both the treble, bass, and grand staves. In the Keyboard unit students learn pieces with two hands in middle-C position.

MUSIC - 8th Grade
Sound is the first unit of study as students revisit the instruments introduced in the sixth grade. The focus this time is on how the sounds are produced. Students complete activities at sound stations and use the knowledge gained to create a musical instrument. Rhythm and Pitch units build on skills gained in the sixth and seventh grades, with students reading music on the grand staff and playing songs hands-together in C position for the Keyboard unit. Students end the quarter with a Jazz unit that offers a brief overview and the opportunity to learn to play a twelve bar blues pattern. 

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CHORUS
The chorus program at Indian Trail involves students in grades 6-8. We have three choirs, which are grade level choirs, as well as, swing choir which is extra-curricular and meets one a week at night. 

Chorus is a performance class.  It involves using your entire body and focus of the mind to transmit melodies and harmonies in an aesthetic atmosphere.  Chorus requires the student to warm up the voice properly and practice scales. Students also need to practice at home.

Students in all grade levels here at Indian Trail meet and rehearse as a large group ensemble every day for 40 minutes. They also have lunch lessons once a week, which consist of students coming in for half of their lunch period (20 minutes) and working in smaller groups. We use lunch lesson time to fine tune things that students need extra help learning.

All students involved in the choir program in grades 6-8 at Indian Trail have the opportunity to participate in the Illinois Grade School Music Association's Solo and Ensemble Contest every February. Different schools within our IGSMA District host this contest. Students can prepare a solo and/or small group ensemble. They perform in front of a qualified judge who then gives them a score along with written comments on their performance. Students have the opportunity to do several events for this contest. Students receive medals for ratings of I or II.

Our Music Parent's Organization also offers $100.00 scholarships for students who would like to audition. They must perform a solo and a qualified judge makes the decision on the scholarship winners. Winners can use the $100.00 towards the cost for private lessons or music camp. These auditions take place during February every year.

Our seventh and eighth grade choirs participate in the IGSMA District Organization Contest. This contest takes place every March. Large group ensembles prepare three different pieces and they perform them for three judges. Based upon how well they perform, they receive ratings of I, II, or III, with I being the best. One of the judges also gives the students a short clinic after they are finished performing. Students receive a medal for their participation. If they receive a Division I rating at District Contest in March, then they move onto State Contest in April, which is the same format.  

The choirs perform 3 concerts a year with the exception of eighth graders who perform 4 concerts. We have a concert in December, February (which involves the high school program we feed into), and May. The eighth graders also have a concert in October.

When asked, we will occasionally do other events.

INDIAN TRAIL ORCHESTRA PROGRAM
The orchestra program at Indian Trail involves students in grades 6-8. We have three orchestras, which are grade level orchestras. If students are interested in learning how to play a musical instrument, they begin learning that instrument when they are in fifth grade at their elementary school.

Students in all grade levels here at Indian Trail meet and rehearse as a large group ensemble every day for 40 minutes. They also have lunch lessons once a week, which consist of students coming in for half of their lunch period (20 minutes) and working in smaller groups. We use lunch lesson time to fine tune things that students need extra help learning.

All students involved in the orchestra program in grades 6-8 at Indian Trail have the opportunity to participate in the Illinois Grade School Music Association's Solo and Ensemble Contest every February. Different schools within our IGSMA District host this contest. Students can prepare a solo and/or small group ensemble. They perform in front of a qualified judge who then gives them a score along with written comments on their performance. Students have the opportunity to do several events for this contest. Students receive medals for ratings of I or II.

Our Music Parent's Organization also offers $100.00 scholarships for students who would like to audition. They must perform a solo and a qualified judge makes the decision on the scholarship winners. Winners can use the $100.00 towards the cost for private lessons or music camp. These auditions take place during February every year.

Our seventh and eighth grade orchestras participate in the IGSMA District Organization Contest. This contest takes place every March. Large group ensembles prepare three different pieces and they perform them for three judges. Based upon how well they perform, they receive ratings of I, II, or III, with I being the best. One of the judges also gives the students a short clinic after they are finished performing. Students receive a medal for their participation. If they receive a Division I rating at District Contest in March, then they move onto State Contest in April, which is the same format. The orchestras at Indian Trail have gone to state contest for the last 11 years.

The orchestras perform 3 concerts a year with the exception of eighth graders who perform 4 concerts. We have a concert in December, February (which involves the high school program we feed into), and May. The eighth graders also have a concert in October.

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PHYSICAL EDUCATION MISSION
The mission in physical education is a constitution between the students and the teachers. The mission is to provide quality instruction and educational support equitably, educating all students to be lifelong self-directed learners, with a desire for lifelong fitness, in a safe and student-friendly learning environment. The P.E. Department strives to encourage and empower all students to reach their full potential succeeding in and out of the classroom, establishing high expectations, compassionately helping them reach those expectations, fostering student, teacher, and parent partnerships.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION - 6th Grade
This course of study offers students basic skill development in general education/physical fitness/sport related activities, while developing individual personal fitness with a desire for lifelong learning. Personal fitness training and development is the major theme of this course, developed/practiced in all activities throughout the year. Major units include, spin room, fitness center, flag football, basketball, line dance, volleyball, soccer and softball. Students have written and fitness skill assessments for the major units as well as two fitness logs per quarter. Mini units include, but are not limited to, team handball, floor hockey, collaborative games, team building activities, juggling and badminton. It is the goal of the physical education department to develop skills in a progressive manner throughout the middle school years based on the Illinois State Goals.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION - 7th Grade
This course of study builds off the skills developed in 6th grade, offering students skill development in general education/physical fitness/sport related activities, while developing individual personal fitness with a desire for lifelong learning. Personal fitness training and development is the major theme of this course, developed/practiced in all activities throughout the year. Major units include, spin room, fitness center, flag football, basketball, line dance, volleyball, soccer and softball. Students have written and fitness skill assessments for the major units as well as two fitness logs per quarter. Mini units include, but are not limited to, team handball, floor hockey, collaborative games, team building activities, juggling and badminton. It is the goal of the physical education department to develop skills in a progressive manner throughout the middle school years based on the Illinois State Goals.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION - 8th Grade
This course of study builds off the skills developed in 6th and 7th grade, offering students advanced skill development in general education/physical fitness/sport related activities, while developing individual personal fitness with a desire for lifelong learning. Personal fitness training and development is the major theme of this course, developed/practiced in all activities throughout the year. Major units include, spin room, fitness center, flag football, basketball, line dance, volleyball, soccer and softball. Students have written and fitness skill assessments for the major units as well as two fitness logs per quarter. Mini units include, but are not limited to, team handball, floor hockey, collaborative games, team building activities, juggling and badminton. It is the goal of the physical education department to develop skills in a progressive manner throughout the middle school years based on the Illinois State Goals.

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READING - 6th Gbrade
At each grade level, students read selected novels as well as short stories from the literature textbook, Language of Literature. An emphasis is placed on story elements, character analysis, and vocabulary development. In addition, various reading strategies are utilized to enhance reading comprehension. In sixth grade, cross-curricular units of study are based on various novel titles and themes.

READING - 7th Grade
This course exposes students to the following unit themes: Learning from Experience, Relationships, Flights of Imagination, Nothing Stays the Same. Reading and vocabulary skills and strategies are emphasized to enhance reading comprehension. In seventh grade, cross-curricular units of study are based on various novel titles and themes. Questions, based on Bloom’s Taxonomy, target various levels of understanding and aid students in becoming strategic readers.

READING - 8th Grade
This course exposes students to the following unit themes: Insights, Rising to the Challenge, The Human Spirit, Strange Going-Ons, and American Voices. Reading and vocabulary skills and strategies are emphasized to enhance reading comprehension. Questioning, based on Bloom's taxonomy, targets various levels of understanding and aids students in becoming strategic readers. Supplementing the program are novel selections based on various titles and themes.

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SCIENCE - 6th Grade
The sixth grade students begin with Diversity of Living Things. Second quarter we explore the states of matter with our Matter and Energy unit. Quarter 3 is our Geology unit where we study Our Changing Earth. We round out the year with our Ecology unit.

SCIENCE - 7th Grade
The seventh grade students start with the unit on Earth's Waters. Second quarter they learn about how things move here on Earth's surface while doing the Motion and Forces unit. Third quarter they lift off and study Space Science. The year ends back here on Earth where they will be studying Geology via the Earth's Surface.

SCIENCE - 8th Grade
Eighth grade students start the year studying Sound, Waves, and Light. Second quarter students will learn about the Earth's Atmosphere. Third quarter focuses even more closely on Biology whilst studying Cells and Heredity. Last quarter is spent focusing on Human Biology.

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SOCIAL SCIENCE - 6th Grade
This course introduces students to ancient civilizations from around the world. Students begin the year by studying the first civilization, Mesopotamia, and end the year with the discovery of the New World as well as both the French and American Industrial Revolutions. Throughout the course students will study the progression of major world civilizations and cultures, including those of Egypt, China, India, Mesoamerica, South America, Greece, and Rome. Students then study the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Emphasis is placed on developing geography and critical thinking skills, as well understanding the interconnectedness of all civilizations. All lessons are aligned with the Illinois Learning Standards.

SOCIAL SCIENCE - 7th Grade
This course introduces students to American History from 1492 to 1896. Political, economic, social, cultural, and geographical issues are presented as they relate to historical events. Significant topics include, but are not limited to, Exploration and Colonization, The Thirteen English Colonies, The American Revolution, The U.S. Constitution, Westward Expansion, The Civil War and Reconstruction. Emphasis is placed on engaged learning through discussion and analysis of pertinent information throughout the course. All lessons are aligned with the Illinois Learning Standards.

SOCIAL SCIENCE - 8th Grade
This course introduces students to American history from 1896 to the present. Political, economic, social, cultural and geographical issues are presented as they relate to historical events. Significant topics include, but are not limited to, industrial growth, World War I, The Great Depression, World War II, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Illinois State Constitution. History is not presented exclusively in terms of who, what and when, but also in terms of why, in an attempt to relate the past to the present. All lessons are aligned with the Illinois Learning Standards.

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FOREIGN LANGUAGE PROGRAM
A select group of seventh graders begin a two-year journey into the world of "SPANISH" or "ITALIAN". Eighth graders complete it. The focus of "La Clase de Español" and "La Classe d'Italiano" is to promote the reading, listening, speaking, and writing of the target language. Students are encouraged to speak the language of Spanish or Italian in the classroom, as well as, out of the classroom. Students learn to ask questions and respond in the target language. The majority of the lessons are given in Spanish or Italian. Students are immersed in the language, thereby improving their listening skills. Reading and writing are necessities in the area of language. Students are taught the rules of grammar and spend many hours a week practicing these rules in their workbook, on worksheets, or in their spiral. Whether led by the teacher, working with a small group, or working independently, students will be working to improve their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills on a daily basis.

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WRITING - 6th, 7th & 8th Grade
Students learn grammar skills in conjunction with the writing process. The Six-Traits of writing will be applied to writing activities throughout the year. Narrative, persuasive, and expository essay writing are taught while students learn to express themselves clearly and descriptively. In addition, thematic units based on team related activities may be covered.

HEALTH - 6th Grade
Health is a nine-week course taught only in the sixth grade. It covers the following systems of the body: nervous, digestive, respiratory, circulatory skeletal, and muscular. Health topics also covered are drugs, alcohol, tobacco, smoking, and exercise. Each student is given a textbook and is expected to have a two-pocket folder.

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