Middle School Information Night
February 11, 2014
6:00 p.m. in the Commons
Welcome & Introductions
Mr. Brick & Mrs. Brick
Mr. Becker & Mrs. Frary
Mrs. Hiebel
Mr. Ellis & Mrs. Malacari
Mrs. Shull
Mrs. Sison
Mrs. Hansen
Mrs. Mathis, Principal
Humanities
Math
Science
Band/Orchestra
Health and Fitness
Counselor/Psychologist
Middle School Administrative Assistant
Schedules/Blocks
Mrs. Hiebel
Electives
Mrs. Brick
Family Access
Mrs. Mathis
Website
Mr. Becker
http://teacher.edmonds.wednet.edu/maplewood/mmiddle/
Friday Enrichment Classes
Mr. Brick
Athletics
Mrs. Shull
Parent Involvement
Mrs. Lynaugh, PC
Frequently Asked Questions
Mrs. Hansen
Closing & Questions
Mrs. Mathis
Schedules
MS Schedule: Monday-Thursday
8:20 - 9:15 Zero Period
Choir: M, W, F
Jazz Band: T, Th
9:20 - 10:10
First Period Elective
10:15 - 11:15
Second Period
11:20 - 12:20
Third Period
12:20 - 12:50
Lunch
12:55 -
1:55
Fourth Period
2:00 -
3:00
Fifth Period
3:05 -
3:50
Sixth Period Elective
MS Schedule: Friday
8:20 - 9:15 Zero Period
MS Schedule: Friday/Assembly
8:20 - 9:15 Zero Period
9:20 - 10:15 First Period
9:20 - 10:15 First Period
10:20 - 11:15 Sixth Period
10:20 - 11:15 Sixth Period
11:20 - 12:15 Second Period
11:20 - 12:00 Second Period
12:15 - 12:45 Lunch
12:00 - 12:30 Lunch
12:50 - 1:45 Third Period
12:35 - 1:15 Third Period
1:50 - 2:45 Fourth Period
1:20 - 2:10 Assembly
2:50 - 3:50 Fifth Period Elective
2:15 - 3:00 Fourth Period
3:05 - 3:50 Fifth Period Elective
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a core class and an elective?
Humanities, math, and science are core classes that follow instructional guidelines and districtadopted materials. The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and District Standards drive the
instructional practices and learning targets for core classes. Health and fitness is a core class as
the curriculum and instruction are based on the CCSS and District standards; however, it is offered
during the electives periods in order to reach all middle school students. Electives compliment the
core classes and feature an academic interest of the teacher, i.e. art, government, student
leadership, and yearbook.
What’s a block?
Elementary students are placed in classes and stay with the same group of kids all year. Middle
school students are grouped in ‘blocks’ by grade level. The blocks are a way for us to organize the
middle school master schedule.
Do students stay in the same block class all year?
Students change block classes at the beginning of the second semester, usually at the end of
January. Students change electives quarterly to gain exposure to many areas of interest.
Do middle school grades count?
Yes! Algebra I and Geometry are high school classes taught in the middle school setting. Parents
may choose to carry these grades forward as part of a student’s grade point average. Equally
important, eighth grade students who earn a score “below grade level” (1) during the spring
semester will not be eligible for fall sports in high school until the end of the first grading cycle.
How do I know how my student is doing in class?
In sixth grade, students and parents were able to monitor progress using the weekly grade sheet.
Family Access replaces the grade sheet in middle school. Teachers post scores to their electronic
gradebooks; and parents and students can view progress at any time. It’s recommended that
parents and students check Family Access together once a week. This gives teachers opportunity
to assess and record progress and gives families opportunity to make decisions together, i.e. no
hanging out with friends if a student has missing assignments.
How much homework is assigned in middle school?
A general ‘rule of thumb’ is 70-80 minutes, 5 nights per week. Much of the homework is a
continuation of assignments that were not completed in class. A student can expect to have
homework from math class each week night. Time outside of class for reading and writing may
be necessary for humanities. Science class is mainly ‘hands-on’ and may require students to
watch an online video to in preparation for the next class and review lab notes. Studying class
notes a few minutes each day is preferable to ‘cramming’ the night before a quiz/test.
Who do I talk to if I have a concern?
It’s best to encourage your student to talk with his/her teacher when there is a question about
instruction, homework, and/or grading practices. However, we realize there is a learning process
that takes place during the transition from elementary education to secondary education and
there will be times when parents want direct communication. We recommend approaching the
person closest to the situation, i.e. ask the teacher if you have a question relating to the
classroom. Talk with a parent coordinator with questions about rotations, enrichments, and
committees. Mrs. Sison, our school counselor/psychologist, can help with developmental
concerns, friendship issues, and referrals to agencies that offer support for teens and families.
What are dances like?
Maplewood dances are the BEST! Three to five dances are hosted by parent-led committees
throughout school year. Dances take place after school from 4-6 p.m. in the commons. A small
fee is charged to cover the costs of the DJ and snacks. Dances provide a safe environment for kids
to have fun!
Do the students go on field trips?
Of course! The Unity Retreat at the beginning of the school year is our first field trip and builds
friendships between the seventh and eighth grade students. We also attend plays and
performances, visit regional museums, and seize opportunities to connect classroom learning
experiences and the ‘real world’.
What are enrichments?
Enrichments are similar to electives, but led by parent volunteers. There are three cycles of
enrichment classes during the school year. Parents present the classes to students at the
beginning of the school year and students identify their preferences. Cooking is a favorite, along
with art and introductions to world languages like French, German and Japanese!
How is middle school different from previous years?
Our teachers have worked hard to implement the Common Core State Standards and to integrate
curriculum across content areas. Reading, writing and reflection are incorporated into all of the
classes. Humanities (language arts and social studies) classes are taught by grade level and
during two periods of instruction daily. Science is taught by grade level and during one period
daily. Electives are at the beginning and end of the day instead of back-to-back at the beginning
of the day.
Name: ______________________
SAMPLE
Current grade: _____
First Quarter Schedule Request
2013-2014 School Year
The Middle School Schedule
Middle school students at Maplewood Co-op spend the majority of their school day in three core subject
areas: humanities, math, and science. One period at the start of each day, from 9:20-10:10 a.m. and one
period at the end of the day, from 3:05-3:50 p.m., are times available for students to choose from a variety of
elective courses. Every effort is made to give students what they want, but scheduling is tricky and we cannot
promise that everyone will get one of their preferences. Be patient- enjoy learning something new and know
that we will try really hard to give everyone a first or second choice elective during the school year.
Choosing Elective Classes
1. Enrollment in jazz band or choir is a FULL YEAR commitment.
2. Circle 7/8 Band or Orchestra in the box for first period if you are a musician. Band and orchestra are FULL
YEAR commitments.
3. Please label your preferences by writing a “1” for your first choice, a “2” for your second choice, and a “3”
for your third choice on the line near that class title. If you don’t communicate your next choices by
labeling a second and third choice, we will randomly assign you to a class that has available space.
4. Each middle school student is required to take 3 P.E. classes during seventh and eighth grades.
Second Quarter
First Period
9:20-10:10
___7/8 Band
___7/8 Orchestra
___ P.E. *
___ Leadership
*may be repeated
Sixth Period
3:05-3:50
___ P.E. *
___ Spanish I
___ Student Court*
___ Sci-no Fi
___ Yearbook**
*may be repeated
**Some students will continue with
Yearbook.
Return this form to your teacher before leaving class on Wednesday, January 22
Student Signature: ________________________
MAPLEWOOD K-8 PARENT COOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM
Middle School Program
Maplewood K-8 offers a unique middle school experience for all students. Our goal is to provide students with
experiences and skills to confidently advocate for themselves as lifelong learners. Staff and parents work together to
prepare students to be academically, emotionally and socially ready for the transition from middle to high school. We
successfully attain our goal for each student by enhancing and integrating district-adopted curriculum, working
efficiently as a teaching team and utilizing the talents of our parent partners.
One hundred eight to one hundred fifteen students enroll in grades seven and eight at Maplewood. The small size of
our middle school program and parent partnership increase attention to students’ needs. Each teacher provides
instruction in an area of interest (known as an elective) in addition to teaching his/her content specialty. Staff members
get to know students as individuals and work collaboratively to help them set and attain goals.
The core classes are humanities (English/language arts and social studies), math, and science. Students explore areas of
interest through elective classes that have included: astronomy, band, leadership, orchestra, physical education,
Spanish and yearbook. Parent-led enrichment courses on Friday mornings serve to further broaden the learning
opportunities available to our students. Enrichment courses in the past have included: art, cooking, German, hiking,
Japanese, life skills, PE games, weight training, and yoga.
HUMANITIES
Traditionally separated as language arts and social studies, the humanities class incorporates content and skills from
each core subject to support and build on the other. Students encounter meaningful and rigorous academic learning
experiences in context when introducing, building, and assessing literacy and communication skills. Essential questions,
which are relevant to students’ lives, are the focus of humanities. Examples of essential questions are: “When is it okay
to disobey?” or “How much fear and love does an effective leader use?” Literary and historical examples combine to
increase understanding of the questions and develop answers.
Students focus on literacy and comprehension strategies through a broad spectrum of media, including: fictional novels,
film, music, nonfiction news articles and primary source documents, photographs, poetry, short stories, and textbooks.
Emphasis is given on the process of gathering information, documenting understanding of the content, and organizing
thoughts. Drafting and prewriting, revising, editing, and final presentation are repeated throughout the year to practice
and develop mastery in the areas of comprehension, critical thinking (synthesis and analysis), and communication.
MATH
Math courses are a dynamic combination of learning, thinking, and doing. Middle schools across the Edmonds School
District utilize a matrix comprised of data from multiple measures to assign each student a mathematical score- an
indicator of success relative to the varied levels of math instruction. Student growth data including: sixth grade
progress report scores in algebra and number sense, the Orleans Hanna Algebraic Prognosis Test, and fifth grade MSP
scores in math and science are used to place students in math courses. Most MW students qualify for placement in
“Honors 7” and receive instruction using the district-adopted Glencoe Math Accelerated Pre-algebra Program. A much
smaller percentage of seventh grade students qualify for algebra and receive instruction using the McDougal Littell
Algebra 1 curriculum.
Most eighth grade students take Algebra I. Algebra I is the foundation for high school mathematics courses. It is the
bridge from the concrete to the abstract study of mathematics. This course focuses on generalizing the algorithms of
arithmetic to learn how to develop equations and mathematical formulas to simulate real-life problems and solve them
through mathematical manipulation. Topics include simplifying expressions, evaluating and solving equations and
inequalities; and linear, quadratic and various functions.
There are a few students, very few, who qualify to take Algebra I in seventh grade and Geometry in eighth grade. The
McDougal Littell Geometry curriculum is the primary set of instructional materials for this 10th grade level math course.
Geometry provides students with experiences that deepen the understanding of two and three-dimensional objects and
their properties. Deductive and inductive reasoning, as well as investigative strategies are stressed to enhance the
development of problem solving skills.
Washington State End of Course Exams (EOC) in Algebra or Geometry are administered in June each year and meeting
standard on both EOCs are high school graduation requirements.
SCIENCE
What’s your favorite story? You can probably remember the plot, characters, conflicts, dramatic crescendos to the story
line and a happy or not-so-happy resolution. Our brains love stories. People have been passing down stories as long as
there has been language. During middle school, we will learn about the biggest story of all; the 13.7 billion year story of
the universe and how we ended up here at this place and time. This story will be used as the framework onto which we
can attach and organize all our past, present and future learning across all content areas.
This story will be spread across the two years of middle school. In seventh grade we will start at the beginning, with the
Big Bang. We will follow the story as stars light up, galaxies are formed, and our Earth takes shape. Understanding how
this all happened means we will be learning about all the physical science and earth and space science concepts involved
in these processes. Our learning this year sets the stage for success in future chemistry, astronomy, geology, and
meteorology courses.
As the eighth grade year launches, we’ll pick up the story where we left off, and learn how life began on Earth, how we
humans fit into that part of the story, how change happens over time, and we will even try to peer into the future to see
what it may hold. That part of the story will engage us in learning about life, and all the concepts of life science. This
learning provides a strong foundation for future studies in biology, sociology, botany, ecology and more.
MUSIC
Students have the opportunity to participate in band or orchestra. Band and orchestra taught daily and require a full
year commitment. Choir and jazz band are also offered before school as electives for interested students. Participation
in jazz band requires enrollment in band or orchestra, except for piano and guitar since they are not typical band or
orchestra instruments.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION and ATHELTICS
Students gain a deep understanding of the importance of health and fitness. They learn lifelong skills and gain social
interaction skills. Middle school students are required to take a minimum of three quarters (of eight possible) of p.e.
The K-8 athletic program offers co-ed cross-country, volleyball, and track; and boys’ basketball and girls basketball.
There is a $40 participation fee for athletics. The athletic season is usually 6-8 weeks long with the philosophy that
“everyone gets to play!” Participation, healthy habits, and sportsmanship are emphasized in the K-8 athletic program.
Scholarships are available through the PCEP. Please contact Mrs. Sison for more information about scholarships.
EVENTS
Field trips are an integral part of the PCEP and are interwoven throughout the curriculum. We begin the school year
with a middle school unity retreat. Parents are urged to turn in driver’s abstracts during the first week of school as we
need to quickly assemble drivers for the retreat. Seventh and eighth grade students have enjoyed field trips to
Experience Music Project, UW Engineering Day, regional museums and theater productions. School dances and socials,
day outings, eighth grade graduation and the Spring Fling Dinner and Dance make for lasting memories of Maplewood
Middle School.