Middle school course descriptions
LANGUAGE ARTS
6th Grade Language Arts:
The major focus of this class will be a solid grounding in the basic skills of vocabulary, spelling, grammar, writing,
research, and discussion. Literature is a prominent part of our curriculum as well. We will complete a variety of
projects, and all will coincide with the requirements from the Core Knowledge Sequence Guide and the Colorado State
Standards for education for sixth grade.
7th Grade Language Arts:
The major focus of this class will be a solid grounding in the basic skills of vocabulary, spelling, grammar, writing,
research, and discussion. Several types of literature will also be covered. We will complete a variety of projects, and all
will coincide with the requirements from the Core Knowledge Sequence Guide and the Colorado State Standards for
education for seventh grade.
8th Grade Language Arts:
This course will consist of reading, writing, speaking, and word study. Eighth grade students will be exposed to multiple
genres of literature. Students will use Step Up to Writing and Six Traits of Writing to gain writing mastery. Grammar,
vocabulary, spelling, and root word study will be combined to provide a solid foundation in the English language. We
will complete a variety of projects, and all will coincide with the requirements from the Core Knowledge Sequence
Guide and the Colorado State Standards for education for eighth grade.
Honors English:
8th grade only
Requirements: Application and teacher appointed
8th Grade Honors English will consist of reading, writing, grammar, and word study with a concentrated emphasis on
literature and writing. Honors students will be exposed to multiple genres of literature, including advanced-level
novels. Students will synthesize and interpret text to gain contextual understanding. There will be a continual focus on
refining the student’s mastery of writing using Six Traits of Writing. Grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and root word
study will be combined to provide a solid foundation in the English language.
MATH COURSES
Math Lab:
This course is designed for students who have math needs that are not met by the regular curriculum or in a regular
classroom setting. The teacher/student ratio is very small and allows students to progress in mathematics on an
individual basis. We offer leveled curriculum with repetition as necessary to achieve mastery and progression that is
tailored to each student’s individual learning style and current placement level. Students participate in individual, small
group, and larger group lessons and activities.
Math 7/6:
Emphasis is placed on attainment of 6th grade level standards in this course. In addition to basic operations involving
whole numbers, fractions, mixed numbers and decimals, Math 7/6 includes word problems, functions and coordinate
graphing, integers, exponential expressions, divisibility concepts, prime factorization, ratios and proportions, statistics
and probability, area of polygons and circles, and complementary and supplementary angles.
Math Connects 2:
Emphasis is placed on attainment of 7th grade level standards in this course. This includes: powers and exponents; add,
subtract, multiply, and divide integers, fractions, and decimals; terminating and repeating decimals; mathematical
properties of operations; algebraic representation and one and two-step equations, linear relationships, and
inequalities; unit rates, ratios and proportions, and percent; the coordinate plane and graphing ordinate pairs; units of
measure for length, angles, area, and volume; modeling geometric shapes; area, volume and surface area of two- and
three-dimensional objects composed of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, cubes, and right prisms; the formulas for
area and circumference of a circle; statistical analysis of samples as well as comparing samples and computing and
predicting probabilities.
Math Connects 3:
A preparatory Pre-Algebra course that in addition to attaining 6th-7th grade level standards, includes the study of
operations with real and rational numbers, proportions and similarity, percent applications, geometry, measurement
and spatial reasoning, algebraic thinking, equations and inequalities, data analysis, probability and statistics.
Pre-Algebra:
This course is designed to prepare students for the study of Algebra. Major concepts include: operations with real and
rational numbers, proportions and similarity, applications of percent, geometry, measurement and spatial reasoning,
algebraic thinking, including equations and inequalities, data analysis, probability and statistics. Emphasis will be
placed on attainment of grade level standards as well as strengthening the foundation for high school mathematics.
Algebra I:
A problem solving approach to Algebra concepts with emphasis on real-world applications. Major concepts include:
solving linear equations, analyzing linear functions, simultaneous equations, inequalities, absolute value equations,
polynomials and nonlinear functions, radical expressions, rational expressions and equations.
Geometry:
A course in Euclidean Geometry with emphasis on problem solving and logical proofs. Major concepts include:
Perpendicular and parallel lines, congruent and similar triangles, inequalities in triangles, quadrilaterals and their
properties, right triangles and trigonometry, and circles. Throughout the year special topics include coordinate
geometry, area and volume, transformations, and geometric constructions and review of Algebra I content.
HISTORY
6th Grade History:
This is a broad and sweeping course that looks at some of the major eras of both World and American history and the
connections between them. From Greece and Rome to the Enlightenment, from the French Revolution to the American
Gilded Age, this course is truly broad in its scope. It also covers geography of deserts around the world and South
America, as well as studying some of the major religions of the world.
7th Grade History:
This is a survey course detailing American History at the turn of the 20th Century. The focus is on the Spanish
American War, World War I (including the Russian Revolution), the Roaring 20’s, the Great Depression, and World
War II. This course also offers an overview of North American Geography.
8th Grade History:
This is a survey course detailing the major issues of 20th Century American History as well as reviewing relevance of
earlier events and movements of both United States History and World History. The main focus concerns topics such as
the decline of European Colonialism, the rise of communism, the Cold War (including the Korean and Vietnam Wars),
the Civil Rights Movement, social-political-economic aspects of the 1950’s through the 1980’s, and issues of Modern
America including a study of the Middle East and the impact of “oil politics”. This course also covers the Constitution
and the development of the American Government. Lastly this course offers brief geographical studies of modern Asia,
Europe, and North America.
SCIENCE
6th Grade Science:
Within the guidelines of the State Standard and the Core Knowledge Sequence guide, students investigate energy in the
Universe and its impact on matter. Specific areas of study include energy, heat and heat transfer, and the physical
changes in matter due to energy transfer. On a larger scale, students study Plate Tectonics and Oceans and the role
energy plays in the changes in both. Students also learn about the structure of the Universe by studying galaxies, stars,
and planets. Finally, students explore human body systems.
7th Grade Science:
Within the guidelines of the State Standard and the Core Knowledge Sequence guide, students learn aspects of physical
science emphasizing chemical principles of atomic structure, types of chemical bonds, and kinds of reactions. They
explore biological science related to cell division, genetics, reproductive anatomy, physiology, evolutionary models, and
ecology. The study of geology covers the Geologic timeline.
8th Grade Science:
Within the guidelines of the State Standard and the Core Knowledge Sequence guide, the course covers extensive
studies in physics, including motion, force, pressure, work, and machines. Students explore electrical energy,
magnetism, waves, sound, and light through various inquiry based labs. Earth’s climates, atmosphere, and weather is
covered, allowing students to understand and predict weather patterns. The course concludes with an introduction into
classification of plants and animals.
Honors Science:
8th grade only
Requirements: Application and teacher appointed
Within the guidelines of the State Standard and the Core Knowledge Sequence guide, the course covers extensive
studies in physics, including motion, force, pressure, work, and machines. Students explore electrical energy,
magnetism, waves, sound, and light through various inquiry based labs. Earth’s climates, atmosphere, and weather is
covered, allowing students to understand and predict weather patterns. The course concludes with an introduction into
classification of plants and animals. While students learn the same material presented in 8th grade science, they do so
in different ways, focusing on problem and project based learning. All students are required to participate in the
Monument Academy Science Fair and highly encouraged to compete at the Pikes Peak Regional Science Fair.
MUSIC
Music Appreciation I: Semester course
6th-8th grade
This class seeks to explore the basics of music as well as some background in music history. The class covers such
topics as instruments and their families, notes and rests, note names in treble and bass clef, musical terms and other
basic elements of music. Students in Music Appreciation also study music history starting with the 1600’s focusing on
composers such as Bach and Handel and moving forward until the time of Beethoven.
Music Appreciation II: Semester course
6th-8th grade
Prerequisite: Music Appreciation I
This class covers the same basic music review that is addressed in Music Appreciation I and also continues in the study
of music appreciation. Music Appreciation II, begins with the music of Beethoven and the Romantic period and
continues into the 20th century. Students also cover a unit on blues and jazz.
Concert Choir: Full year commitment
6th-8th grade
This choir class is designed to teach students the basic elements of singing through work on proper vowels, good
breathing, precise diction, and more. The goal of the class is to not only provide students with a strong foundation of
vocal techniques that they can take with them into high school, but to also teach them how to work in a group setting
to achieve excellence. This class is designed to help students learn to sing and enjoy what they are doing in the process.
Advanced Choir: Full year commitment
7th and 8th grade
Prerequisite: Concert choir
Requirements: Audition
This class is an audition- only select group of singers that focuses on challenging repertoire, advanced vocal techniques,
and the opportunity to perform high quality music at an elevated level. The Advanced Choir also has the opportunity to
perform in many outside venues.
Beginning Band: Full year commitment
6th-8th grade
Students have an opportunity to begin playing an instrument in this band. Many of the students have played previously
in 5th Grade Band, but in this band all students start back at the beginning with basic fundamentals of playing an
instrument.
Intermediate Band: Full year commitment
6th-8th grade
This band is the next level after Beginning Band. Students are required to have at least played a year and may be subject
to an audition. This group plays more advanced musical literature and goes to musical festival and competitions.
Advanced Band: Full year commitment
6th-8th grade
Requirements: Audition
The premiere band at Monument Academy requires an audition to participate. This group plays the most advanced
literature and competes at many contests and festivals. Most students have been playing at least three years and take
private lessons.
Jazz Band: Full year commitment
6th-8th grade
Requirements: Audition – skill level must be Intermediate or higher
This group focuses on jazz literature such as swing, latin, funk, big band, and other jazz styles. Students have an
opportunity to learn improvisational skills and to perform in a musical setting different than that of concert band. This
band is open to students who exhibit strong technical and musical abilities on their instrument. Saxophone, trombone,
trumpet, and rhythm section players are strongly encouraged to audition; however, other instruments are welcome to
audition.
Beginning Strings: Full year commitment
6th – 8th Grade
In this class, students can begin to play violin, viola, cello, or string bass. No previous experience is required. Students
will develop fundamental orchestra skills, including basic playing technique, music reading and listening/ear training
skills.
Intermediate/Advanced Strings: Full year commitment
6th – 8th Grade
Students with previous experience playing violin, viola, cello, or string bass will continue to strengthen their
fundamental skills and learn to play more complex orchestral music in a variety of styles. Students must have at least
one year of private lessons or string group experience on their chosen instrument.
FINE ARTS
Intro to Drama: Semester course
6th-8th grade
First year drama students
There are two main focuses for the Monument Academy Drama program. The goal of the Intro to Drama class is to
teach students basic level acting skills such as projection, characterization, blocking, improvisation, group skits,
monologues, etc. and to prepare students to go into the Drama Performance class.
Drama Performance: Semester course
6th-8th grade
Prerequisite: Intro to Drama
Requirement: Audition
This course is an audition~ only performance based course. Students will need to have had Intro to Drama and will
also need to audition. The students will review the basics of theater performance and stage rules and will be guided to
perform in the Fall/Spring performances. The fall performance is a play and the spring performance is a musical.
Extra-curricular time is required for this class. Students will also be expected to provide a costume and makeup for the
show.
Acting: Semester course
6th-8th grade
Prerequisite: Intro to Drama
This class focuses on the basics of comedic and dramatic improvisation and acting technique. Students learn how to
develop characters, create scenes, and find genuine motivation for character acting. This class will take the basics that
are covered in Intro to Drama and develop greater characterization techniques. Topics covered include: agreement
(“yes and”); active listening; using the environment; basic narrative skills; understanding stage status; and making your
fellow improviser look good. Students must have taken Intro to Drama prior to taking Acting.
Drama Production: Semester course
6th-8th grade
This course provides an opportunity for middle school theatre students to gain proficiency in costume design, makeup
design, lighting design, set design, stage management, house management, business management, and technical theatre
skills through production. This hands-on course will emphasize artistic perception, creative expression, historical and
cultural awareness, and the interconnections of the arts and other disciplines. Students will apply theatre arts skills to
all aspects of theatre in the production of the Drama Performance class. Students must be able to work independently.
Extra-curricular time is required for this class.
6th Grade Art Appreciation: Semester course
“The Roots of Western Art”. 1) Exemplary Lessons: Students are to choose a painting from the Sixth Grade Core
Knowledge art history sequence, (Ancient Greek to Realism or late 19th century), and depict it in a collage format.
Representations of the original art works will be shown alongside the students’ collages to display the departures they
have taken to alter the composition. 2) Mythological Mask Project: As an interdisciplinary project with the English
class, students will be inventing their own mythological creature. This involves writing the myth, inventing and
drawing the mythological creature, and sculpting it out of clay followed by a coat of acrylic paint.
7th Grade Art Appreciation: Semester course
The evolution of artistic movements from Impressionism to Abstraction and from objective to non-objective subject
matter is discussed. Exemplary Lessons: 1) Visual Pun: A free standing sculpture combining the concept of a literal
“play on words” with the technical aspect of gravity and weight with clay. 2) 3 Part Composition: Taking a composition
through three mediums to study art in terms of the compositional elements they are composed of; thus giving the
students the tools to evaluate compositions; representational and non-representational, in an objective fashion. 3) Shield
Project: Students create a shaped canvas which depicts, through personal symbols, their own identity. This is a selfportrait in symbols.
8th Grade Art Appreciation: Semester course
Students investigate the Modernist, Post-Modernist and Post-Impressionist art periods and create a skit which they will
share with the class that describes an artist’s impact and contribution to art history and culture. Exemplary Lessons:
1)Artist as Social Critic Painting: A study of the role of the artist as a social critic throughout history. 2) Surrealist Tone
Drawing: Building on the skills acquired through perspective and tone drawing, students will compose a pencil
drawing using a Surrealist approach with a surprise element. A review of the Surrealist movement will be required. 3)
Clay Heads: This is the final clay project for middle school students where they design and build a clay head of their
choosing.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
SPANISH
Spanish A - Full year course
6th -8th grades
Requirement : must be taken a minimum of one time during middle school.
The goal of this first year course aligns with Colorado Academic Standards in that it is to acquire Spanish language and
to learn about and understand other cultures. During the preliminary unit, a foundation will be laid by covering
numbers 0-100, Spanish alphabet and pronunciation, greetings and farewells, calendar, weather and seasons, telling
the time, basic school items, colors, body parts and interrogative words. The main methodology during the units that
follow will be TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) that was developed by Blaine Ray and
based on the work of Dr. James Asher. We will focus our class time on the acquisition of high frequency structures (the
most frequently used words in a language) and use these structures
in class discussions, stories and cultural explorations. During the year, we will read some novice level novels.
Spanish B - Full year course
7th & 8th grades
Prerequisite: Spanish A
The goal of this second year course aligns with Colorado Academic Standards in that it is to increase acquisition of the
Spanish language and to learn about and understand other cultures. This course builds on the structures acquired in
Spanish A and while continuing in the TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) methodology,
introduces more advanced grammatical structures and expands high frequency vocabulary. We will continue to use
these structures in class discussions, stories and cultural explorations. During the year, we will read some novice-mid
level novels.
Students who successfully complete this course will likely be able to test out of High School Spanish I.
Spanish C (will be discontinued after the 2015 -2016 school year)- Full year course
7th & 8th grades
Prerequisite: Spanish A & Spanish B
The goal of this third year course aligns with Colorado Academic Standards in that it is to increase acquisition of the
Spanish language and to learn about and understand other cultures. This course builds on the structures acquired in
Spanish A and B while continuing in the TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) methodology,
introduces more advanced grammatical structures and expands high frequency vocabulary. We will continue to use
these structures in class discussions, stories and cultural explorations. During the year, we will read some novice-mid
level novels.
Students who successfully complete this course will likely be able to test out of High School Spanish I.
Please Note: French A and B will be offered in 2016-17.
TECHNOLOGY
Technology I: Semester course
Required for 6th grade
Technology 1 is designed to teach every middle school student at Monument Academy the necessary computer skills
that will enable them to succeed in school and beyond. Keyboarding is covered in the first month and then followed
with the skills based programs needed in middle school. Projects will be unit-based and will use components of the
Microsoft Office Suite, with an emphasis on Word and Excel. Students will produce and format reports and business
letters, create spreadsheets, and design effective presentations and publication materials. Internet applications and
research tips will be included in many of the units. Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher 2010 are the software
versions currently used at Monument Academy.
Technology II: Claymation: Semester course
7th or 8th grade Class Size Limit is 20
Prerequisite: Technology I
Complete the course with your very own short films! Create your own sets, characters, and story to tell through the
“Claymation-style” of animation. Students will be exposed to all aspects of stop-animation using clay. Students will
plan storylines, create storyboards and manipulate clay to create the characters for their films. Students will work to
create a variety of outcomes from quick clips to mini-films. We will end this course with a grand red carpet premiere
starring your films.
Technology III: Broadcast Journalism
8th grade (7th Graders may be considered upon teacher approval only) Class Size Limit is 20
Prerequisite: Technology I
The broadcast program at Monument Academy is designed to give students a taste of the broadcast journalism world.
Through creating daily announcement for the school, students are introduced to the different aspects of this field—
from story creation, to the technology behind the scenes. In this class, students will work in groups creating feature
stories that highlight the activities and events the school has to offer. Along the way, students learn the process for
creating a quality news story. They learn to plan, set up interviews, use proper interview techniques, report, use a
camera and edit video. Each group is responsible for turning in a new feature story every two weeks. Along with these
feature stories, each group rotates through the news studio one day a week, serving either as a news anchor,
weatherperson, or technical equipment operator.
Yearbook/Journalism: Full year course
Elective for 8th grade
Prerequisite: Technology I
Requirement: interview and instructor permission
This cross-disciplinary class teaches writing skills, layout and design, advanced computer skills, teamwork,
photography, and media literacy. The major concentration is producing a yearbook for the middle school. The
students will also produce articles for the middle school’s newsletter, along with other media projects.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical Education 6th-8th grades: Semester course
6th-8th grade
Requirement: All students must take PE a minimum of one semester each year.
Can be used as an elective for another semester
The Monument Academy Middle School PE course is designed to focus on four basic goals. Great care is taken by the PE
Department to ensure the course is always in alignment with the core curriculum, state standards, as well as the
character traits of MA. Team sports, individual sports, health, hygiene, and nutrition are some of the main methods of
reaching the four basic goals.
Students that participate in the Middle School Physical Education program at Monument Academy will learn to:
 Be skillful while performing various movements
 Be physically fit in order to do required activities in all areas of life
 Enjoy the benefits of being physically aware and physically fit
 Develop a healthy lifestyle and the core knowledge to maintain one
CHARACTER EDUCATION
Character Building: Semester course
6th-8th grades
This course is designed to help students build character by heightening their awareness of the character qualities that
lead to achievement and success. We use the CHARACTER FIRST! © curriculum, which provides definitions of 49
different qualities. Students read stories of men and women in history who have shown good character by
demonstrating these qualities. Group work in the form of skits and discussions along with practical assignments and
self-evaluation are used throughout the course. We hope that by examining and exploring these character qualities, the
easier it will be to make the qualities a part of their daily lives.
Leadership building:Semester course
6th - 8th grades
This course uses the CHARACTER FIRST! © curriculum entitled “ENGAGE”, which develops leaders in the specific area
of how to identify, prevent, and respond to bullying. It addresses the negative attitudes and root character issues that
foster anti-social behavior. Group work in the form of skits and discussions along with practical assignments and selfevaluation are used throughout the course. Students will understand the importance of having a strong base of good
character in order to make right choices. They will learn how to build good habits and get rid of bad ones and gain a
better understanding of how to develop character, much like they develop a physical skill.
LANGUAGE ARTS/THEATRE
Forensics: Semester course
7th & 8th grades (Eighth grade students receive preference in placement.)
Students will learn the art of literary interpretative performance through a variety of assignments both prepared and
impromptu. Forensics helps empower students to become effective communicators and critical thinkers. Students will
prepare and deliver speeches and prepare oral interpretations (including humorous interpretation, dramatic
interpretation, and duet acting). Students will synthesize passages from literary selections, perform their own unique
interpretation of the story to convey a particular theme or message, and learn to use language effectively to
communicate their ideas. The fundamentals of physical and vocal delivery skills, use of language and gesturing, as well
as listening skills will also be learned. The Forensics program at Monument Academy engages students artistically and
intellectually, while encouraging creative expression and self-confidence. Students develop strong critical thinking and
collaboration skills, as well as an appreciation for the discipline, through preparation for performance.
Speech and Debate: Semester course
7th & 8th grades (Eighth grade students receive preference in placement.)
Students will learn the art of public speaking through a variety of assignments both prepared and impromptu. Students
will prepare and deliver speeches, participate in debates and forums, and prepare oral interpretations (including
humorous interpretation, dramatic interpretation, and duet acting). Students will practice structuring and organizing
information effectively for oral presentations. Students will judge, critique, analyze, and question speeches and debates.
The fundamentals of physical and vocal delivery skills, use of language and gesturing, as well as listening skills will also
be learned. The Speech and Debate program at Monument Academy engages students artistically and intellectually,
while encouraging creative expression and self-confidence. Students develop strong critical thinking and collaboration
skills, as well as an appreciation for the discipline, through preparation for performance.
Corrective Reading: Full year course
6-8TH Grade
This course is designed for students who are struggling readers. Teachers or parents may recommend students for this
class. Recommendations are based on reading data for comprehension, fluency, and segmenting. Students reading
below grade level should seriously consider this course.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Aide: Semester course
Eighth Grade Preference
Teacher, Office, and Library aides are reserved for students who have demonstrated responsible behavior. It is designed
to expose them to the classroom or office setting. It gives them the opportunity to assist and serve in an “on the job”
experience. This is an elective that can be given through teacher approval only. Students are assigned an aide position
based on teacher recommendation.