MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM
Middletown Area Middle School reflects the attributes identified as necessary for successful schools for young adolescents. It is necessary for middle schools to differ from elementary schools, because young adolescents have needs that are quite different from their pre-adolescent years. It is a time for students to try on new identities to see which one fits them best. They also have an emerging need for greater independence, albeit a need that must be balanced with continued adult guidance and support. Some of the essential differences between elementary and middle school are listed below:
- There is homework, usually every night.
- There are formal tests, quizzes, and grades in all subjects.
- They will have different teachers for different subjects.
- They will have a schedule which they must learn to follow.
- They will have a locker, which will require them to organize their day.
The Middle school provides a bridge between elementary and high school teaching and curriculum practices. Middle school students are at an age where they are ready to study with teachers who have expertise in a particular subject matter, which is typical of high school teachers, yet they still need the support and comfort level provided in elementary classrooms. To this end, staff "teaming" is used to support and teach middle school students. Each of the three grade levels has four major or "core" subject areas: English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. The teachers in each of these areas work together during the year, keeping track of the academic and developmental progress of individual students as well as the cohort of students for whom they are responsible. Teachers have common planning times, enabling them to meet with the guidance counselors, support staff, and administrators as needed. They are also able to use this time to ensure that work is evenly distributed, organize special activities, and plan interdisciplinary instructional units. The core teachers are also available to meet as a group with parents during this time, if needed, to discuss a student's progress. This type of meeting can be arranged through the guidance staff.
In addition to the core courses, students at the middle school receive daily instruction over the course of the year in the creative and physical arts, including: health and physical education, music, art, family and consumer science, industrial technology, digital media/library and STEM. This balanced approach is beneficial to middle school students, as it enables them to explore a wide variety of content and engage in hands-on, active learning for a substantial portion of their day. The middle school day also features a flex period, which enables students the opportunity to receive assistance or enrichment in various subjects.
The faculty and staff at Middletown Area Middle School understands the importance of educating the whole child - the developmental as well as the academic picture - and of building personal relationship to help students navigate the challenges of adolescence while attending to their studies. At the conclusion of three nurturing, intellectually challenging years of study, middle school students emerge prepared and confident to take full advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead in high school.