Parkway Montessori and Community Middle School Courses
School Year 2014-2015
Science Department
Parkway Science is a three-year loop of all middle school science requirements. We are
currently teaching all students Life Science, next year our students will study Earth
Science, and the following year Physical Science. We are able to meet the individual
needs of all our students through differentiated instruction and focus on building both the
science content and inquiry skills through hands-on instruction.
School Year 2014-2015
Physical Science covers middle school physics and chemistry concepts as well as the
engineering design process and the nature of science. Students learn about the properties
of matter, how materials and atoms interact in a physical change, types of energy, waves,
light, forces and motion. Students use observations, laboratory investigations, and
problem solving to analyze and understand the science of everyday physics and chemical
phenomena.
School Year 2015-2016
Life Science is an introductory biological science course that introduces the basic life
science concepts through inquiry labs, models, and hand-on activities. The topics covered
are: cells, ecology, genetics and evolution, human body and the nature of science and
engineering.
School Year 2016-2017
Earth Science an introductory earth and space sciences course; students are introduced to
the basic earth science concepts through inquiry labs, models, and hand-on activities. The
topics covered are: geology, meteorology and astronomy along with the history and
nature of science.
English Department - Literacy: Reading and Writing
Reading and Writing courses at Parkway Montessori are taught in mixed-age classrooms.
Roughly half of the literacy block is focused on reading skills, the other half on writing.
Reading
The goal of the reading program at Parkway is to foster a love for reading. Our
classrooms are filled with the most current and interesting young adult literature – along
with many classic works of literature. In September, students are taught how to choose
carefully from these libraries - to make sure that they have a book that’s “just right” for
them. After they have found their “just right” books, students are encouraged to have an
independent reading book with them – always. By second semester, students gather in
literature circles and are taught to dig more deeply into the author’s craft together. They
also meet with their teachers for guided reading and mini-lessons.
Aside from independent reading books, students are guided through shorter texts
together. Over the course of their three years at Parkway, students will examine the
characteristics of informational, narrative, and persuasive texts. This work aligns with
SPPS curricular requirements, as well as the Common Core Standards.
Writing
The goal of the writing program at Parkway is two-fold: students learn to write and write
to learn.
Each quarter begins with a kick-off activity that introduces the genre and theme they will
be studying. Students are then guided through a series of language lessons and practice
activities that lead to a final writing project that allows them to creatively apply their
knowledge and skills.
Language activities, such as Greek and Latin word roots and sentence structure, are
accomplished individually and supported by mini-lessons. Students’ progress is
monitored with daily and weekly check-ins, as well as mastery quizzes. Aside from
learning the content, students learn to monitor their own learning – determining when
they are ready for a quiz and when they need more practice.
Homework
Students at Parkway will have Reading and Writing homework each night. Most nights,
this means that students will need to read 20 minutes from an independently selected
novel or a literature circle book. Current literacy research supports daily reading as the
best way to ensure growth – it also fosters a sense of imagination!
Beginning second quarter, students will also have weekly essays. These essays are
generally assigned on Mondays and are due the following Monday. Students receive
weekly feedback from their teachers in order to hone their ability to write clear thesis
statements and provide specific details for their claims. The first essays are very basic:
simply an introduction, body, and conclusion. As the year progresses, students write
longer and more sophisticated compositions. By the end of their third year, they will be
writing in-class essays from a variety of prompts – in preparation for the advanced
coursework they may choose when then enter high school.
Social Studies Department
The Social Studies Department will be focusing on World Geography for the 2014 - 2015
school year. The goal is to discover how the geography of a region directly reflects their
culture. We will uncover the major regions around the world and look at how they are
similar from where we live. Students will understand why people have different beliefs
and customs by learning about the different cultures around the world.
Math Courses
Parkway offers a wide variety of mathematics classes. Using MCA scores, grades and
teacher recommendations, students are placed in math courses that will challenge and
motivate them. Each grade level has several available options. All math classes meet
every day for an entire block all year long. Typically students will have homework four
nights a week, in addition to their daily in-class requirements (class work and shelf
work). Class work includes whole group lessons, small-group lessons, individual minilessons, problem solving, math review, shelf-work and a variety of hands- on activities.
Sixth Grade Math
This class is designed for 6th graders who are partially proficient or not proficient on their
MCA Math Test. Coursework for this class focuses on the high priority benchmarks
designated by SPPS.
Advanced Sixth Grade Math
This class is designed for 6th graders who are proficient on the previous year’s MCA
math test. Coursework for this class will go more in-depth into the benchmarks to
prepare students for more advanced math courses in the future.
Pre-Algebra (7th Grade Math)
This class is designed for 7th graders who are partially proficient or not proficient on their
MCA math test. Coursework for this class focuses on the high priority benchmarks
designated by SPPS.
Advanced Pre-Algebra (7th Grade Math/Very advanced 6th graders)
This class is designed for 7th graders who are proficient on the MCA math test and for 6th
graders that exceeded proficiency on the MCA math test. Coursework for this class will
go more in-depth into the benchmarks to prepare students for more advanced math
courses in the future.
Algebra (8th Grade Math)
This class is designed for 8th graders who are partially proficient or not proficient on their
MCA Math Test. Coursework for this class focuses on the high priority benchmarks
designated by SPPS.
Advanced Algebra (8th Grade Math)
This course is for students who successfully completed Advanced Pre-Algebra and who
are at or above grade level on multiple assessments or by teacher recommendation.
Students will be able to go more in-depth into the benchmarks to prepare for more
advanced math courses in the future. This course covers both the 8th grade standards as
well as the 9th grade Algebra standards.
Advanced Geometry (8th Grade Math)
This course is for 8th graders who successfully completed Advanced Algebra in 7th grade
and scored at or above grade level on multiple assessments. Students will be able to go
more in-depth into the benchmarks to prepare for more advanced math courses in the
future. This course is equivalent to the high school level geometry class. Students who
successfully complete this course will receive high school credit.
Elective Courses
Montessori Visual Art Beginning (I)
This class is studio-based where students learn the basic concepts of creating visual art
through keeping a developmental art sketchbook, which records artistic growth and
documents their learning and development. Choice Projects are designed to build upon
one another and the curriculum begins at the student’s level. Lessons are differentiated to
meet individual needs through the choices that are available for each project. Because of
the vast scope of art education, all aspects of the Montessori thematic approaches are
incorporated into learning.
Montessori Visual Art Intermediate (II)
This class is studio-based and students will create public art in various forms. Students
will design, plan, and create public art. Many opportunities exist in the school and the
surrounding community to create a public mural or other art instillations. Creating art in a
group will focus their skills on verbal communication, negotiating compromises and
building consensus among their group members. This experience of working in a group
with respect for one another to achieve community is the work of a Montessori student.
Montessori Visual Art Advanced (III)
This class is studio-based and involves students creating their own projects based on their
personal interests. Development of a portfolio of work that has consistent growth and a
common message will be the main focus of the work. Students will design the project and
discuss with their teacher the growth that they will achieve from the project. This course
is meant for students who are interested in perusing art as a hobby or a possible career
choice. This process of students designing their own projects that are connected through
themes and medium is a rich Montessori experience that will propel students into deep
learning about art, the world, and themselves.
Montessori Physical Education
Our classes offer a variety of sports and fitness experiences as we cover the components
of the national physical education expectations. Students will take physical education at
least once each year to complete these requirements. Activities will include soccer,
football, volleyball, badminton, basketball, floor hockey, ultimate Frisbee, softball,
kickball, informal games, and cultural games. Students will also demonstrate knowledge
and decision-making in fitness planning through fitness testing, active lifestyle recordkeeping and reflection on their fitness goals and successes.
Lifetime Sports
Lifetime sports is a class available for students who have successfully completed
Montessori Physical Education. The class is geared towards teaching students a variety
of lifetime sports and activities. The students will be exposed to different individual
indoor and outdoor activities. Along with learning about each sport and activities the
students will be required to research and write a research paper about each sport. Each
unit will provide leadership activities for students both inside and outside of school. The
units students will learn are bowling, golf, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, fitness,
weight lifting, and many others.
Health
Students will learn health behaviors and concepts related to health and well-ness. The
goal is to learn how to live a healthy life. The class will focus around the three areas of
health: physical, mental/emotional, and social health.
Core Units:
Personal Wellness
Mental Health
Fitness and Nutrition
Tobacco, Alcohol, and other Drugs
Body Systems / Diseases
Human Sexuality
Beginning Choir
In this course students will develop their vocal technique by learning and performing a
wide variety of choral literature. They will explore elements of music theory, music
history, and sight singing. Students will gain experience singing in both ensembles and
solo settings. In addition to learning and performing music, students will have the
opportunity to listen to and analyze a variety of musical performances.
Advanced Choir
This is the most advanced level performing ensemble. Students will practice and perform
choral music written specifically for choirs. A study of style, harmony, and history of
music will also be incorporated into class. Students will be required to participate in after
school performances and practices.
Beginning Piano
Students in this class will develop their ability to play the piano. Students will learn a
variety of piano literature that develops their note and rhythm reading skills as well as
their technical skills. Piano students will gain experience performing for a group, as well
as listening to and analyzing a variety of musical performances.
Beginning Guitar
Students in this class learn the basics of playing guitar using chord and note reading
techniques. They learn 8 to 10 chords, proper playing position, and beginning rhythm,
lead and bass guitar styles. The class is designed for those with little or no playing
experience.
Beginning Band
This course is for students with little or no previous band experience. Students will be
instructed in the basics of caring for and playing their instrument. Students will be taught
how to read music. Previous musical training is helpful but not necessary to be in
Beginning Band. Beginning instrumental technique and group rehearsal etiquette will be
included. Students will consult with the director to select an instrument to play. All band
students are required to perform in a formal evening concert at the end of the semester. A
limited number of school instruments are available for loan with parental permission and
required responsibility. (Students with previous band experience should register for
Advanced Band.)
Content or instructional materials needed to teach this course: Tradition of Excellence
book 1 by Bruce Pearson and Ryan Nowlin; Level 1⁄2 and 1 band arrangements
Advanced Band
This course is for students with previous band experience: at least one year of elementary
band or one semester of middle school band. Students will receive instruction to develop
their skills on their instruments and their knowledge of music. Instrumental technique
and group rehearsal etiquette will be included. All band students are required to perform
in a formal evening concert at the end of the semester. A limited number of school
instruments are available for loan with parental permission and required responsibility.
Content or instructional materials needed to teach this course:
Tradition of Excellence book 1 by Bruce Pearson and Ryan Nowlin
Level 1, 1 1/2 and 2 band arrangements
Orchestra
This is an exploratory course for students who have no previous music training.
Fundamentals of music and string playing are taught. Students may borrow a school
string instrument with parental permission and required responsibility.
French 1
French 1 introduces students to the language and culture of the French-speaking world.
The course revolves around the World Language Standards of Communication, Culture,
Connections, Communities and Comparisons. Students will listen to, speak, read and
write French daily in various small group, whole class and individual activities.
Thematic units include greeting people, describing people, ordering food and drink, daily
activities, telling time, describing possessions, places to live and visit including Paris, and
clothing preferences. Students will develop a portfolio of their class work, assessments
and projects in French class. In addition, students will participate in French cooking labs
and French-related field trips. Successful completion of this course allows a student to
enroll in French 2 at any St Paul High School or at Parkway as an 8th grader.
French 2
French 2 begins with a review of the language and culture introduced in French 1.
Students continue to focus on the World Language Standards of Communication,
Culture, Connections, Communities and Comparisons. Topics include friends and
possessions, food, entertainment and free time activities, and sports and health. Students
will learn to discuss past activities and begin to read longer passages about French
speaking world and the French influence in the United States. In addition, students will
learn more recipes to add to their knowledge of French cuisine. Successful completion of
this course allows a student to enroll in French 3 at any St. Paul High School.
Japanese 1
Students in Japanese One will learn both oral and written Japanese, covering the World
Language Standards of Communication, Culture, Connections, Communities and
Comparisons. Through thematic study of daily life, seasons, holidays, art, history, and
culture, this course will provide students with the language skills and cultural knowledge
to communicate in basic Japanese. The two Japanese phonetic writing systems, hiragana
and katakana will be taught, along with basic Chinese characters, kanji. Cooking lessons,
field trips and guest artists will contribute to a full experience and meaningful
understanding of Japan, its people, and speakers of Japanese around the world.
Japanese 2
Students in Japanese Two will build on both the oral and written skills they have acquired
in Japanese One. Topics of study will include school life, city life, travel, food and
restaurants, the environment, and pop culture. Fields trips and projects with community
artists will continue to strengthen understanding of Japanese language and culture. More
Chinese characters, kanji, will be introduced. Mastery of the hiragana and katakana
writing systems is required to enroll in this course.
Completion of Japanese courses at Parkway Middle School will allow students to enroll
at either the 2nd or 3rd year level (depending upon teacher assessment) at Harding High
School.
Media Arts
Media Arts introduces students various forms of art by learning about animated graphics
and digital video compositing and photography, which are used in film and print
advertisements, music videos, and web sites. Students will create original artwork using
complex layers of graphics, video, text, photography, and audio. Students will explore
several computer programs including Photoshop, Premier and Microsoft Office, and learn
how to use these programs to communicate artistic expression.
Media Arts Explorations
Students enrolled in Media Arts Explorations will use digital cameras, scanners,
computers, and software to create original art. This course introduces students to, graphic
design, visual communication, computer coding and illustration through extensive use of
computer technology.
Digital Photography and Video
This is an introduction to digital cameras and the programs associated with them.
Students will learn how to shoot pictures, and manipulate them. They will explore the
elements of art, principles of design, and composition while exploring such genres as
portraits, landscapes and architecture. Students will also learn how to storyboard and
explore expression through digital video.