SEVENTH GRADE COURSE REGISTRATION GUIDE 2015-2016
Table of Contents Page 2 – Welcome
Page 3 – Course Offerings
Page 4 – Language Arts Class Descriptions
Page 5 – Mathematics Class Descriptions
Page 6-7 – Science and Social Studies Class Descriptions
Page 8-9 – Electives (Art, World Cultures, STEM, Band, Choir, Physical Education/Health)
Dear seventh graders and families,
We are excited to have you at Westwood Middle School for your seventh grade year. We are thrilled to
have you as a part of our learning community that fosters personalized experiences so each student feels
valued, inspired, and has a sense of belonging. Our mission statement drives us to continue to raise our
community to the highest levels of learning. There is a sense of Panther Pride in our classrooms, at our
performances and on the field. Students are tremendously proud of their academic and co-curricular
accomplishments. We are excited that you are a part of the Spring Lake Park Schools community.
This guide includes descriptions of classes that are available at Westwood Middle School. There are
various levels of academic rigor and opportunities in music and other electives. When choosing classes,
it’s important to plan for high school and college. Our goal is to help students establish productive habits
to guide them through middle school, high school and college. Make sure your schedule allows you to
have balance in your life. When scheduling classes, keep in mind your educational goals and be sure to
plan a rigorous but manageable schedule.
We are excited to have you continue your experience at Westwood Middle School for seventh grade. If
you have any questions about courses and placement, please reach out to your dean listed below for
help.
As always, please feel free to contact either Megan or myself if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Tom Larson
Principal
Heather Krier
Dean of Students
Students last name with A-F
Megan Jahnke
Associate Principal
Stacey Benz
Dean of Students
Students last name G-L
Kim Harris-Robinson
Dean of Students
Students last name M-R
Caleb Luecke
Dean of Students
Students last name S-Z
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Course Core Classes
Our mission in Spring Lake Park Schools is high expectations, high achievement for all, no excuses. At
Westwood Middle School we hold true to this mission and carry it out on a daily basis. The partnership
between students, teachers, and parents or guardians is important in the academic and personal
success for each student. We have individually and collectively committed to taking whatever actions are
necessary each day to design engaging learning experiences to meet the unique and varied needs of
each student. This focus is necessary to put each young person on a trajectory to pursue whatever
direction they may take beyond graduation, whether it’s college or a career.
Students will have many opportunities to experience a variety of classes at Westwood. The core classes
we offer are language arts, math, social studies, and science. The core classes are designed to create
the foundation for a successful high school career, college readiness and development towards students’
goals for post secondary education.
There are various levels of classes students are placed in that provide varying amounts of challenge and support.
The needs of some of our students exceed the expectations of a regular classroom. To meet the needs of these
students, WMS provides honors and accelerated classes. Other students may need more support than a
traditional classroom offers. To meet the needs of these students, WMS provides additional time in
specific content areas.
When looking at placement of students, we look at assessments using multiple criteria to determine
appropriate levels. The assessments include NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP and
Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment, MCA) for reading and math, in-district assessments, available ability
tests, teachers' ratings and demonstrated student performance.
Electives
Electives are typically courses that fall outside of the main core academic subject areas (Language
Arts, Math, Social Studies, and Science). Electives are designed to provide students experiences or
introductions to other curricular areas of study outside of the core academic subject areas. Students
often find electives connect many of their core classes together into projects they are interested in.
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Seventh rade Core Classes
Language Arts
Language Arts 7
Seventh Grade Language Arts is based on the Minnesota state standards, which means that it focuses on reading
and analyzing a variety of genres in literature and non-fiction, incorporating grade appropriate vocabulary, writing
for different audiences and purposes, and strengthening skills in speaking, listening and media literacy.
Integrated Language Arts 7
Seventh Grade Integrated Language Arts explores a variety of genres in literature and non-fiction. It also includes
the acquisition of nationally recognized accelerated, grade appropriate vocabulary. Additionally, it incorporates both
creative and analytical writing that demonstrates higher ordered thinking skills. This class is integrated with Honors
Seventh Grade American Studies with common units, themes and projects to provide students with experiences to
make relationships and connections over time, between disciplines and from different points of view. The rigorous
and accelerated nature of this integrated course re- quires self-direction, the ability to work independently and
cooperatively, and the willingness and persistence to succeed.
Honors Language Arts 7
Students in 7th grade Honors Language Arts will engage in higher-level thinking skills, enabling them to meet the rigorous
standards of the coursework. Literature, writing, speaking, and listening skills are developed over the course of this class. The
content of the course focuses on fiction and nonfiction reading skills and strategies, as well as vocabulary building and
comprehension skills. Writing requirements for sixth grade include a response to literature, descriptive writing, compare and
contrast, and biographical research. Writing assignments will focus on well-developed paragraphs and multi-paragraph
compositions and developing independent revision skills through the use of a writing process. Students are expected to
explore various genres for independent reading. These choices should challenge their reading ability. Students will need to
be confortable with text above grade level and want to write multi-paragraph essays.
Language Arts 7 with Bridge
Bridge Language Arts 7 is a course for students who are not projected to pass the MCA Reading test, who have a
history of struggling in reading comprehension, test-taking, and/or low grades in core areas due to read- ing and/or
writing difficulties.
Resource Language Arts 7
This course is an intensive review of academic reading and writing skills needed for school success. Students will demonstrate
their understanding of reading and writing processes and will apply strategies learned to expand their knowledge and skills. An
emphasis will be placed on the following skills: comprehension, reading fluency, vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure,
spelling, and the writing process.
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Mathematics
Mathematics 7
During this course students will be learning the following skills and concepts:
• Operations on rational numbers (integers, positive/negative fractions and decimals)
• Ratio and proportion concepts (percent, similar figures, probability, unit rate, scale factor)
• Surface area and volume of 3-D figures
• Simplifying and evaluating numerical and algebraic expressions
• Solving basic equations
• Analysis and representation of data (histogram, stem-and-leaf plots, circle graphs, and line plots)
Pre-Algebra 7
During this course students will be learning the following skills and concepts:
• Probability
• Geometry (Transformations, Pythagorean Theorem, Surface Area and Volume of 3-D figures)
• Proportional Reasoning
• Algebra (Inequalities, Graphing and Solving Equations, Slope, Non-linear Equations)
Linear/Quadratic Algebra
During this course students will be learning the following skills and concepts:
• Simplifying and evaluating algebraic expressions
• Solving multi-step equations and inequalities
• Representing linear and quadratic functions in patterns, graphs, tables, and equations/ rules
• Using the Distributive Property to multiply and factor expressions
• Solving systems of equations
• Converting between various forms of linear equations (point-slope, slope-intercept, and standard form)
• Using the Laws of exponents to simplify expressions and solve equations
*Pre-requisites: Student must have taken Pre-Algebra. The recommended RIT score is at least 250.
Note: Linear/Quadratic Algebra at Westwood Middle School is the same course taught at Spring Lake Park HS.
It is a HS level course, meaning the grades you earn in 8th grade will be on your HS transcript, and upon
successfully passing the year, you can earn 3 HS credits.
Mathematics 7 with Bridge Mathematics 7
Bridge class focuses on developing the pre-requisite skills necessary for success in the mainstream math class.
Bridge class also reinforces new skills and concepts introduced in the main- stream class, with additional guided
practice. Finally, bridge class provides students with an opportunity to preview upcoming material in order to gain
familiarity with new skills and concepts.
Mathematics 7 with Bridge Resource Mathematics 7
This course is intended as a developmental Mathematics for students who need assistance in basic arithmetic skills. Based
on assessment of student needs, instruction includes performing the four arithmetic operations with whole numbers, fractions,
geometry, measurement, graphing and probability.
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Science
Life Science 7
In 7th grade life science we will study living things and the world around us, including: Matter, Cells, Genetics,
Evolution, Interactions of Living Things, Disease and the process of "doing" science. Students are expected to
maintain a Science Notebook, work frequently in cooperative groups, problem solve, ask questions and apply there
learning to new situations. This course requires very little at-home work, however, students are expected to fully
participate in a variety of in-class activities to meet their learning targets. There will be a heavy emphasis on
learning and retaining vocabulary as it pertains to each of the units.
Honors Life Science 7
In 7th grade honors life science we will complete a rigorous study of living things and the world around us,
including: Matter, Cells, Genetics, Evolution, Interactions of Living Things, Disease and the process of "doing"
science. This course moves at a faster pace and covers material in more depth than the standard life science class.
Students are expected to maintain a high quality Science Notebook, work frequently in cooperative groups,
problem solve, ask questions and apply their learning to new situations. This course requires some at-home work,
however, students are expected to fully participate in a variety of in-class activities to meet their learning targets.
There will be a heavy emphasis on learning and retaining vocabulary as it pertains to each of the units. Honors
students are expected to have the following characteristics in order to help them to be successful in class: ability to
be self-directed learners, a true affinity for the subject matter, the willingness to think more deeply about the topics
and consistently make connections between their learning and the outside world.
Social Studies
American Studies 7
This course is the study of United States history from early 1900's through the end of the Cold War. In this course
students explore economic, political, and social events from multiple perspectives. This is accomplished through
investigating many sources, including primary and electronic sources. Students will be involved in small and large
group discussions as well as individual work. Students will explore current world events and integrate them into the
curriculum and connect to historical content throughout the year.
Honors American Studies 7
This course is the study of United States history from early 1900's through the end of the Cold War. In American
Studies Honors the students are expected to be motivated to work independently in and out of the classroom. The
class will move at a faster pace, involve significant research, critical thinking, and students will be required to
actively participate in rich classroom discussion. There will be more essay writing outside of the classroom and
most reading materials will be above grade level. Students analyze and evaluate historical fiction novels. Student
product and assessments will be held to a higher standard.
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Social Studies
Integrated American Studies 7
This course is the study of United States history from early 1900's through the end of the Cold War. This course will
connect common themes, units and projects with the Honors Language Arts Integrated course. This course will
provide students with experiences to make relation- ships and connections over time, between disciplines and from
different points of view. Students are expected to be motivated to work independently in and out of the classroom.
The class will move at a faster pace, involve significant research, critical thinking, and students will be required to
actively participate in rich classroom discussion. There will be more essay writing outside of the classroom and
most reading materials will be above grade level. Students analyze and evaluate historical fiction novels. Student
product and assessments will be held to a higher standard.
*This course must be taken with Integrated Language Arts 7
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Art
Seventh rade Electives
Art 7
This class builds on the concepts learned in Art 6, using different projects and art styles for more advanced
learning. Students taking this class will learn how to analyze, design and create artworks in a variety of media; such
as drawing, etching, painting, pastels, clay and yarn. Each unit begins by viewing, analyzing and discussing
artworks by known artists. Then students use the concepts that were learned to design their own artwork. Following
designing and practice, each student creates his/her own piece of art. Students in this class are challenged to
develop 21st century skills such as creativity & innovation, critical thinking & problem solving, communication
(visual and verbal), and collaboration to help them be successful in their 21st century lives.
STEM
STEM 7
STEM is an integrated, interdisciplinary curriculum involving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The curriculum involves students looking at and trying to understand real-world issues through exploration, inquiry,
and problem-solving experiences. The STEM class provides opportunities for students to think critically, creativity,
effective collaboration, research skills, and communication.
World Cultures
World Cultures 7
In this course, students will explore many different facets of the topic of culture. We will discuss some of the many
aspects of culture, such as our personal culture, factors that influence culture, cultural change, and different world
cultures. We will also develop our 21st century skills by exploring subjects such as global interdependence, global
citizenship, etc. We will experience culture through arts and language as well. This class will engage students in
higher order thinking on a regular basis, it will challenge us to analyze our opinions and viewpoints, and it will
encourage us to become global citizens.
Instrumental Music
Band 7
7th Grade Band is a continuation of the sixth grade year band experience. It is a yearlong commitment whose
bands perform twice per year. Students receive individual/small group lessons. Rhythmic skills include rhythms up
to dotted quarter notes and syncopation and includes playing in keys of Bb, Eb and F concert.
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Vocal Music
Choir 7
This course further develops opportunities in creating, listening to, performing and responding to music. Through
the study of vocal music students will learn about the elements of melody, rhythm, form, texture, harmony, timbre
and expression in music. Vocal development through the voice change will be a major theme. When possible,
students will study in single gender groups during this course. A variety of choral music representing many styles
and cultures will be used throughout the year. Students will demonstrate their learning both in class and during
public performance in the evening. Concerts take place approximately twice per school year.
General Music
General Music 7
This course further develops opportunities in creating, listening to, performing and responding to music. Keyboard
will be the primary instrument however a variety of instruments including percussion and the voice will be used to
teach the elements of melody, rhythm, form, texture, harmony, timbre and expression in music. A major theme will
be an exploration of several American cities and of the musical styles and composers that developed there. A
variety of classroom performances and activities will take place.
Physical Education & Health
Physical Education 7
Our Physical Education program contains a variety of team and individual activities that focus on meeting
objectives specific to that activity. Elements of knowledge, skills, sportsmanship and teamwork are included in the
objectives. Units are structured so students learn skills and terms specific to an activity and then use those skills in
game situations. Students will experience a variety of activities that encourage lifelong fitness experiences outside
of school. Pre- fitness testing is used as a tool for student goal-setting for physical fitness growth. Daily participation
and sportsmanship are required. Students are also expected to change into a Physical Education uniform and wear
tennis shoes for class.
Health & Self-Management Skills 7
Students will demonstrate the ability to use decision-making skills and goal-setting skills to enhance their personal
health. Students will analyze the influence of family, peers, culture, media, technology, and other factors on health
behaviors. Students will also comprehend concepts re- lated to health promotion and disease prevention to
enhance health. Units included but not limited to: decision making, goal setting, refusal skills, body systems,
tobacco, alcohol, nutrition and personal wellness.
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