Middle School Curriculum by Grade

Students solidify all operations with whole numbers, integers, and rational numbers. During this course, students continue to develop strong number sense and mathematical fluency with foundational arithmetic. Students explore algebraic thinking and apply it to real-world problems. With each topic that is explored, a balance between conceptual understanding and computational fluency is emphasized.

Other topics include:
•    Integers
•    Rational Numbers
•    Percentages
•    Ratios and Proportions
•    Basic Geometry
•    Solving One- and Two-Step Equations
•    Simplifying Expressions
•    Algebraic Reasoning
•    Basic Graphing
•    Data Analysis

•    Operations with Integers
•    Operations with Rational Numbers
•    Proportions
•    Percent
•    Data Analysis
•    Simplifying Expressions
•    Solving Multi-Step Equations and Inequalities
•    Composite 2D and 3D Constructions
•    Exploration of Perimeter, Area, Surface Area, and Volume
•    Circles
•    Triangle Properties and Identification

French A

Skill Development:

Reading Comprehension:
Students read stories written for French language learners, including: Les aventures d’Isabelle and La classe des confessions. These stories use natural language and are formulated to use the highest frequency French vocabulary and verbs (which will quickly help students to integrate new vocabulary and grammar into their speaking, reading, and writing, as appropriate). Students may also choose from French language magazines and books available in the classroom.

Oral and Written Practice:
Students read stories aloud, translate them, act them out, summarize the main events, and create presentations adding on to the stories. They answer comprehension questions and use their new grammar knowledge to write sentences about the content. Students steadily increase both production and accuracy.

Cultural Competence:
Cultural topics naturally emerge in the stories, and conversations organically arise as students reflect, have questions, and give feedback about their reading. Paris and French culture and history are the main areas of focus.

Vocabulary:
• Salutations and greetings
• Numbers 0 to 1,000
• Colors
• Classroom vocabulary, school subjects
• Leisure activities, family and pets, sports
• Physical descriptions and personality traits
• Days of the week, telling time, seasons, months, weather

Grammar:
• Subject pronouns
• Il y a and il n’y a pas
• Definite and indefinite articles
• The present tense forms of the verbs avoir, être, faire, and aller
• Regular present tense forms of -er and
-re verbs
• The near future tense (aller + infinitive)
• Venir and the recent past
• Expressions with avoir
• Basic negation
• Noun-adjective agreement; possessive adjectives
• Contractions with à and de; conjunctions; adverbs
• Question words
• C’est vs. Il/Elle est
• Some imperfect (c’était/il y avait)

Spanish A

Skill Development:
Spanish classes in the Middle School closely follow the ACTFL (American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages) Proficiency Guidelines and the Can-Do Statements. Students are asked to speak Spanish in responses to the teacher and in conversations with peers. They typically develop their reading and listening skills first, as they are absorbing the language.

All students progress at different rates in their speaking and writing skills, and by the end of their Spanish A year, they may be at the Novice Low or Novice Mid level, meaning that they can express their ideas in short phrases around topics that they are comfortable talking about.

Spanish Language Arts is designed for native or heritage speakers of Spanish with oral proficiency but little or no formal training in writing the language. Native/heritage speakers expand their existing proficiency and develop reading and writing skills. Spanish learners have the opportunity to integrate the grammar and vocabulary that they have studied in a full immersion setting and experience colloquial Spanish and authentic materials. Emphasis is placed on usage appropriate to academic and professional settings, as well as deepening understanding of Hispanic and Latinx cultures.


Topics & Activities:

• Reading and discussing short novels
• Writing a short fictional narrative
• Reading and discussing current events articles
• Writing a research-based expository essay
• Speaking and writing interpersonal exchanges in a variety of formats
• Creating a social/political research project and multimedia presentation
• Watching a documentary/movie in Spanish and writing a review or reaction paper
• Poetry Unit:
• Analyzing poems by well-known Spanish language poets
• Translating poetry
• Writing original poetry

Technology Literacy
Topics include:

• Digital Citizenship: digital reputation, cyberbullying, electronic communication, private vs. personal information, presenter on social media
• Word processing: advanced layout and introductory desktop publishing
• Spreadsheet functions: formatting, basic formulas, and graphing data
• Presentations: using a variety of software and different media (slides, audio, video, etc.)
• Creation and manipulation of video, audio, and images
• Understanding local, network, and cloud storage and the importance of back-ups
• Organizational skills using an electronic calendar
• Note-taking skills using electronic devices
• Collaborative editing
• optional competitive robotics team

6th Grade Computer Science/Engineering & Design Class
In this class, students learn about circuits and use the Design Thinking process to build a toy with LED lights.

Topics include:

• What is a computer?
• What is making?
• What is electricity?
• How do we design and construct circuits?

Skills & Concepts:

• Collaborating
• Ideating
• Journaling
• Sketching to convey ideas
• Prototyping—Design & Execution
• Testing—Collecting & Analyzing Feedback
• Iterating/Refinement
  

All Sixth Grade students rotate through each of the following five classes:
Studio Art

Photography

Innovations
Students explore how circuits work and build their own LED circuits. They learn to sew together different types of fabric to create an animal or inanimate object of their choice, connect an LED light to it with a Lily Pad switch and conductive thread, and stuff and enclose it to finish their product. In addition, students learn to use Bloxels as a platform to design and create their own arcade games.

Music
This class develops in students a stronger understanding in reading and hearing music. A variety of repertoire and voice parts helps the young singer to become a stronger musician. There is a balance of structured skill-based learning and collaboration with a group. Students are encouraged to understand their own personal vocal growth as well as how their voice works in an ensemble. There is also a musicianship component to this class, in which students learn the fundamentals they will build on in preparation for their future music experiences.

Creative Dramatics
This course introduces students to the basic skills of acting through creative dramatics. Young performers explore three of the four basic questions actors must consider, or CORE (Who am I? How am I connected to others on stage? Where are we?) as they create, rehearse, and perform collaboratively created original scenes and plays. The class serves as a step toward the more advanced performance levels to be experienced later in Middle School. In addition to cultivating an appreciation for the process of acting, the class helps students become more poised and confident when speaking in front of a group.

• Promotes community building through small group interactions and cross-grade interactions.
• Provides challenging, hands-on experience.
• Promotes student leadership through trip planning and execution.
• Fosters grit and resilience through physically and psychologically challenging activities.
• Examples of past Interims include: fly fishing, scuba diving, cooking, mountain biking, slam poetry, play production, Utah canyoneering, canoeing, and language immersion in a Spanish- or French-speaking country.

Sample Curricular Trips:

Sample Optional Local Activities

• Challenge students’ physical strength and stamina.
• Enjoy the aesthetic beauty of the Colorado wilderness.
• Explore plant and animal adaptations in the alpine environment.
• Learn the role of erosion on heavily impacted sites.
• Identify pika and marmot via habitat, coloring, calls, and size.

• Learn a new skill
• Foster patience and attention to detail
• Bond with classmates outside of the classroom
• Learn about watershed dynamics
• Fly fishing strategy
• Fly pattern selection
• Fish behavior

• Introduce winter travel skills.
• Provide opportunities for cross-grade interactions.
• Promote principles of self-care (hydration, hypothermia, nutrition, pacing, etc.).
• Provide a novel experience.
• Learn to prepare a healthy and nutritious meal.
• Learn to build a minimal fire.
• Observe winter weather patterns.
• Identify avalanche terrain, snow instabilities, and how to travel safely in the backcountry.

• Face fears and perceived limitations
• Create community
• Understand fundamentals of climbing movement
• Introduce climbing equipment (harnesses, ropes, shoes, belay devices, and carabiners)

Sample Optional Travel Opportunities

The following topics are taught to all students throughout the school year during Advisory group sessions.

Giving and Receiving Feedback:
Learning how to give and receive feedback is an essential collaboration and learning skill. Without the skill to deliver informative and effective feedback, one's ability to collaborate is severely limited. Additionally, being open to receiving feedback is equally important, as it is the acceptance of feedback that leads to growth and change. Students learn strategies and common pitfalls to avoid during the feedback process.

Students lay a foundation for future math and science courses and are immersed in thinking abstractly about mathematical concepts. Manipulatives are occasionally used to help make the abstract concepts more concrete. Students finish the year with a basic understanding of graphing calculators. Students develop a stronger sense of how to solve word problems using variables and how algebra will be integrated into their science courses and geometry. With each topic that is explored, a balance between conceptual understanding and computational fluency is emphasized.

Topics include:

•     Radicals (Operations with Radicals)
•     Rationalizing the Denominator with Radicals
•     Solving Multi-Step and Complex Equations
•     Solving Multi-Step Inequalities
•     Graphing Inequalities and Compound Inequalities
•     Solving and Graphing Linear Equations
•     Applying Point-Slope, Slope-Intercept, and Standard Form
•     Working with Expressions and Word Problems
•     Data Analysis, including central tendencies and visual representations
•     Exponent Rules
•     Scientific Notation
•     Multiplying, Adding, and Factoring Polynomials
•     Solving and Graphing Quadratics
•     Factoring using a=1,a≠1, GCF, Completing the Square, and Quadratic Formula
•     Applying Standard and Vertex-Form of Quadratic Functions
•     Solving and Graphing Systems of Linear Equations
•     Exploring Systems of Inequalities and Quadratics

In French B, students continue their study of the French language with a focus on speaking, reading, and writing. Students quickly build on the basic vocabulary and elemental structures from the previous year. Students are able to describe the near future and the recent past; talk about interests, pastimes, and activities both in and out of school, and describe their experience with increasing accuracy.

Through the study of grammar and structure, students gain an understanding of question formation, present and past tense, the use of irregular and compound verbs, as well as the ability to identify direct and indirect objects. Students apply their growing skills to reading a short novel, Brandon Brown à la conquête de Quebec.

Emphasis is placed on the ability to speak in a classroom context and in increasingly less-structured situations. Students also write short paragraphs, papers, and letters. We work almost completely in French, learning through direct instruction and immersion.

Cultural exploration:
• Paris
• Sénégal
• Québec

Vocabulary:
• Breakfast foods and drinks; café foods; place settings
• Clothing and accessories, sports equipment
• High numbers (1,000 to 1,000,000)
• House and furniture, chores
• Places in the city

Grammar:
• The partitive
• Regular present tense –re verbs
• Commands
• Irregular verbs prendre, mettre, voir, vouloir, boire, pouvoir, devoir, dormir, sortir, and partir
• Present tense of –yer verbs
• The verbs connaître and savoir
• The passé composé with avoir of regular –er, -ir, and –re verbs
• The passé composé of irregular verbs
• The passé composé with être
• Negative expressions
• Expressions with faire
• Ordinal numbers

Spanish B

Skill Development:
Spanish classes in the Middle School closely follow the ACTFL (American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages) Proficiency Guidelines and the Can-Do Statements. Students are asked to speak Spanish in responses to the teacher and in conversations with peers. They typically develop their reading and listening skills first, as they are absorbing the language.

All students progress at different rates in their speaking and writing skills, and by the end of their Spanish B year, students may be at Novice Mid level, meaning that they can express their ideas in short phrases around topics that they are comfortable talking about. Some students are able to form sentences in their speech, as well. At this point, students are able to understand language that they read and hear at a higher level than they can produce. 

Spanish Language Arts is designed for native or heritage speakers of Spanish with oral proficiency but little or no formal training in writing the language. Native/heritage speakers expand their existing proficiency and develop reading and writing skills. Spanish learners have the opportunity to integrate the grammar and vocabulary that they have studied in a full immersion setting and experience colloquial Spanish and authentic materials. Emphasis is placed on usage appropriate to academic and professional settings, as well as deepening understanding of Hispanic cultures.

Various assignments are meant to expose students to different styles of writing and communication, spur discussion, increase cultural competence concerning historical and cultural differences among Spanish-speaking countries, improve research skills, and practice spelling and grammar with targeted exercises and hands-on practice. Performance is evaluated by demonstrating growth and development, with differentiated expectations depending on each student’s level of experience.

Topics & Activities:

• Reading short novels
• Writing a short fictional narrative
• Reading current events articles for discussion
• Writing a research-based expository essay
• Creating a book folio, including a formal book review
• Creating a social/political research project and multimedia presentation
• Watching a documentary/movie in Spanish and writing a review or reaction paper
• Poetry Unit:
• Analyzing poems by well-known Spanish language poets
• Translating poetry
• Writing original poetry

Technology Literacy
Topics include:

• Digital Citizenship: digital reputation, cyberbullying, electronic communication, private vs. personal information, presenter on social media
• Word processing: advanced layout and introductory desktop publishing
• Spreadsheet functions: formatting, basic formulas, and graphing data
• Presentations: using a variety of software and different media (slides, audio, video, etc.)
• Creation and manipulation of video, audio, and images
• Understanding local, network, and cloud storage and the importance of back-ups
• Organizational skills using an electronic calendar
• Note-taking skills using electronic devices
• Collaborative editing
• optional competitive robotics team

Computer Science/Engineering & Art/Design
In this class, students learn key computer science concepts and apply the Design Thinking process to create new games and interactive robotic animals.

Topics include:

• Design toys and games using a block-based language and micro-controllers
• Programming Introduction, Sequence, Branching, Loops, Variables, Robotics and Procedures
• Learn about motors and sensors and additional programming concepts

Skills & Concepts:

• Design Thinking process
• 2D Digital Design
• Prototyping with Laser Cutter
• 3D Modeling with SolidWorks
• 3D Printing

VISUAL ARTS
Studio Art
Artists explore their personal style in a choice of art media. Students have the opportunity to use drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and more to expand their individual creativity, technical skills, and knowledge of art history. Drawing skills are emphasized, along with color theory and composition. Paint, pen and ink, printmaking, and clay design are all possible media for exploration.

Innovation & Computer Science Art (required in 7th Grade) 
In this class, students learn key computer science concepts and apply the Design Thinking process to create original video games and interactive robotic animals. Students develop skills for using 2D and 3D modeling tools, including CorelDraw, Solidworks, the laser cutter, and 3D printers.  

Ceramics
This 3D class gives students the opportunity to explore a variety of hand-building methods including pinching, coiling, slab building, and sculpting. Students will learn how to apply several surface treatments and glazes to their projects, as well as a basic understanding of the kiln-firing process.

Photography/Mixed Media
Is it a photograph? Is it a drawing? Is it a sculpture? This class introduces students to contemporary artistic practice, where artists work across multiple disciplines to produce creative works with loaded symbolism. Students learn the fundamental skills in photography, drawing, and printmaking, such as manual settings on a DSLR camera, tonal rendering to acquire realism, and mono printing to create painterly images. These skills allow students to produce beautiful artworks that are informed by photography. Furthermore, students learn to critically analyze and interpret photographic artworks to make meaning.

Moving Image
This class takes creation beyond pen and paper. Students are challenged to explore, discuss, and make work that incorporates the principle of design “motion.” Students focus on beginning video usage and Adobe Premiere Pro editing software to engage in authentic meaning making. Projects are self-directed, drawing influence from themes explored in the classroom and the works of selected contemporary artists. Students sharpen their skills of media analysis and practice the art of giving and receiving constructive feedback.

Choir
Middle School Choir is an opportunity for students to sing a wide variety of repertoire. A cappella, classical, folk, pop, and holiday music is studied throughout the year. Students sing in a group of their peers and have the opportunity to perform with Upper School students in at least one major performance each trimester.

Instrumental Lab
This is a precursor for the Rock or Jazz Combos for students who would like to try instruments like guitar, bass, drums, or keyboards. This is a non-performance class, and no prior experience is necessary.

Jazz Ensemble
Jazz ensemble is a performance group. Students learn creativity and discipline through the study of jazz music. An emphasis is placed on understanding music theory as the basis for improvisation. There is one performance per trimester. Students are encouraged to provide their own instruments, excluding drum set and piano, which CA provides.

Music Tech
This course provides a platform to explore music technology through digital audio workstations, digital instruments and equipment, notation software, and a project-based curriculum for students to craft their own musical creations. This is a non-performance class, and no prior experience is necessary.

Orchestra
This class focuses on the educational components of playing in an orchestra, including music history, music theory, instrumental technique, and ensemble skills. The class performs “classical” pops, as well as recent pop music. Prerequisite: previous experience on instrument to be played; private lessons strongly recommended; most instruments accepted.

Rock Band
Rock Band is a performance group. Students learn creativity and discipline through the study of rock and pop music. Emphasis is placed on understanding music theory as it relates to songwriting and musical form. There is one performance per trimester. Students are encouraged to provide their own instruments, excluding drum set and piano, which CA provides.

Private Music Lessons
Music lessons are offered to Middle School students on the following instruments: Traditional Piano, Viola, Violin, Cello, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Classical Guitar, and Music Composition.

THEATER AND TECHNICAL THEATER
Acting
This class takes the basic questions of 6th Grade Drama (Who am I? How am I connected to others on stage? Where are we?) and expands them into scripted work and improvisation. It is active, creative, and tons of fun! No previous experience necessary.

Musical
Students in this class study the art and performance of musical theater—singing, acting and dancing—as they put together a show that will be performed at the end of the trimester. Everyone enrolled in the class will be part of this musical, although there is an audition process for specific roles. There is an after-school component of this class. Students are required to attend after-school rehearsals and evening performances as part of their final grade.
Play
Students in this class experience the world of acting and performance by auditioning for, learning, and rehearsing a published play for performance.  Although there is an audition process for specific roles, everyone who signs up will be on stage in this production. There is an after-school component of this class. Students are required to attend after-school rehearsals and evening performances as part of their final grade.
General Technical Theater
This class explores the design process of producing theater. Students work through theoretical productions and use a variety of programs, including Sketchup and Q Lab, to design projects. Students are introduced to the basic shop tools, and they work as a support team for building the set for the Upper School Play.

Set Design and Construction
The goal of this class is to work closely with the adult team to design the sets, lights, sound, and props for the Middle School Musical in Trimester 2. Students develop a design, learn to work within a budget, and set a schedule in order to meet the production deadlines. Students are also offered the option to work as running crew for Middle School productions. This class also covers the basics of working in the shop and acts as a support team for Upper School productions.

Sports Performance
Based in the Bansbach Strength and Conditioning Center, the Sports Performance class is intended to aid in the development of health and wellness in each student, with a structured plan designed to enhance strength, speed, mobility, and specific energy systems, while also developing educational and character traits.
Topics:

• Strength: Work Capacity, Strength Base, Strength Power, Strength Speed, and Muscular Endurance
• Speed: Mechanics, Speed Strength, and Change of Direction.
• Mobility: Correctives, Warm-up, Cool-down
• Energy Systems: Training for the activity, Anaerobic vs Aerobic, and Activity Demands
• Education: Nutritional Needs, Cognitive Reconditioning, and Independence in Movement
• Character: Time Management, Respect, and Effort

• Promotes community building through small group interactions and cross-grade interactions.
• Provides challenging, hands-on experience.
• Promotes student leadership through trip planning and execution.
• Fosters grit and resilience through physically and psychologically challenging activities.
• Examples of past Interims include: fly fishing, scuba diving, cooking, mountain biking, slam poetry, play production, Utah canyoneering, canoeing, and language immersion in a Spanish- or French-speaking country.

French Language Immersion Interim: Québec, Canada (curricular trip offered approximately every other year)
Open to Middle School Students enrolled in French.
Students take French classes in the morning, are engaged in cultural activities in the afternoon, and experience homestays with local families in the evening. The last two days, the group travels to Mont Tremblant for a ropes course and a yoga class. This is a challenging experience designed to improve students’ French language skills, as well as their awareness and appreciation of a different culture.


Sample Optional Local Activities

• Challenge students’ physical strength and stamina.
• Enjoy the aesthetic beauty of the Colorado wilderness.
• Explore plant and animal adaptations in the alpine environment.
• Learn the role of erosion on heavily impacted sites.
• Identify pika and marmot via habitat, coloring, calls, and size.

• Learn a new skill
• Foster patience and attention to detail
• Bond with classmates outside of the classroom
• Learn about watershed dynamics
• Fly fishing strategy
• Fly pattern selection
• Fish behavior

• Introduce winter travel skills.
• Provide opportunities for cross-grade interactions.
• Promote principles of self-care (hydration, hypothermia, nutrition, pacing, etc.).
• Provide a novel experience.
• Learn to prepare a healthy and nutritious meal.
• Learn to build a minimal fire.
• Observe winter weather patterns.
• Identify avalanche terrain, snow instabilities and how to travel safely in the backcountry.

• Face fears and perceived limitations
• Create community
• Understand fundamentals of climbing movement
• Introduce climbing equipment (harnesses, ropes, shoes, belay devices and carabiners)

Sample Optional Travel Opportunities

The following topics are taught to all students throughout the school year during Advisory group sessions.

Giving and Receiving Feedback:
Learning how to give and receive feedback is an essential collaboration and learning skill. Without the skill to deliver informative and effective feedback, one's ability to collaborate is severely limited. Additionally, being open to receiving feedback is equally important, as it is the acceptance of feedback that leads to growth and change. Students learn strategies and common pitfalls to avoid during the feedback process.

• Examine how science is represented in our world
• Collect and represent real-life data with appropriate graphs and other visuals
• Analyze data and use relevant data to draw conclusions
• Apply both standard and metric measurements appropriately

• Develop and use a model of the Earth-Sun-Moon system to describe the cyclic patterns of lunar phases, eclipses of the sun and moon, and seasons
• Observe the role of gravity and Newton’s Laws in rocket design and the motions within celestial bodies
• Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system
• Recognize the relationship between light, the Sun, and other stars.
• Develop an understanding of how a telescope forms an image and use telescopes to observe and analyze the night sky

• Write and interpret code using Swift Playgrounds
• Design, build, and program Spike Prime robots to complete field challenges
• Investigate the role technology plays in our lives and its integration into our society

• Explore the properties of matter through a variety of experiments
• Investigate characteristic properties of substances, such as density, hardness, and other physical properties
• Compare and contrast physical and chemical changes
• Design and conduct experiments to determine the chemical properties of substances
• Use the Periodic Table to identify elements and their characteristics
• Explain the attraction between two atoms, creating covalent and ionic bonds

Apply the Lewis Dot Structure to determine the reactive properties of atoms

Civics & Citizenship                  

• What is government and why is it necessary?
• What types of government are there and what are the pros and cons of each type?
• How and why is America’s government structured?
• How does the United States Supreme Court safeguard the Constitution and the rights of the citizens?
• What is the role government plays in addressing current controversial issues?

French C is an immersion experience that allows students to hear and speak the language while in class in order to further develop speaking and listening skills. The goal of the course is to expand upon speaking, reading, writing, listening, and thinking skills while gaining confidence and enjoyment with French. We study a variety of topics, grammar tenses, and structures, and expose students to a variety of media tools.

Student skills are assessed through traditional tests as well as collaborative projects and multimedia work. There is an emphasis on active learning. Active Learning is defined as having a positive attitude, putting forth focused effort, striving to participate daily in meaningful and productive ways, remaining engaged in class, and finally, coming to class prepared for the day with homework and materials ready.

While maintaining a strong emphasis on learning new skills in French grammar and pronunciation, students are also exposed to contemporary cultural trends (music, fashion, and politics) in France and francophone countries. They read a short novel, Le nouvel Houdini.

Cultural Exploration:
• Paris
• Québec
• Bretagne

Vocabulary:
• Celebrations and parties
• Shopping for and preparing food
• School places and events
• Computers
• Childhood activities, daily routines
• Country life

Grammar:
• Direct and indirect object pronouns
• The verbs offrir, ouvrir, recevoir, suivre
• All of the passé composé past tense
• Expressions used in the past
• Reflexive verbs in the present and passé composé
• Negative expressions
• The partitive
• The pronouns y and en
• Contractions with à and de
• The imparfait and the passé composé
• Comparatives and superlatives

Skills:
By the end of the year, students’ speaking and writing skills should be at Novice High to Intermediate Low or Mid of the ACTFL proficiency guidelines. Their listening and reading skills may be a little higher, since those are receptive vs. productive language acquisition skills. Students at the Intermediate Low or Mid skill level for speaking and writing can convey their ideas if the topic is one that they are familiar with. They can carry on a brief exchange with some errors and hesitancy.

Spanish C

Skill Development:
Spanish classes in the Middle School closely follow the ACTFL (American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages) Proficiency Guidelines and the Can-Do Statements. Students are asked to speak Spanish in responses to the teacher and in conversations with peers. They typically develop their reading and listening skills first, as they are absorbing the language.

All students progress at different rates in their speaking and writing skills, and by the end of their Spanish C year, students may be between the Novice Mid and Novice High level, meaning that they can express their ideas in short phrases and some sentences around topics that they are comfortable talking about. Some students are able to elaborate with more complex or connected sentences, as well. More advanced students are able to carry on a longer conversation on familiar topics, or comment in phrases about a topic that is less familiar to them. Students are able to understand language that they read and hear at a higher level than they can produce.

Spanish Language Arts is designed for native or heritage speakers of Spanish with oral proficiency but little or no formal training in writing the language. 8th grade Spanish language learners who have demonstrated a high level of accomplishment, intellectual curiosity, and risk-taking are invited to test into this course, if there is space available. Native/heritage speakers expand their existing proficiency and develop reading and writing skills. Spanish learners have the opportunity to integrate the grammar and vocabulary that they have studied in a full immersion setting and experience colloquial Spanish and authentic materials. Emphasis is placed on usage appropriate to academic and professional settings, as well as deepening understanding of Hispanic cultures.

Various assignments are meant to expose students to different styles of writing and communication, spur discussion, increase cultural competence concerning historical and cultural differences among Spanish-speaking countries, improve research skills, and practice spelling and grammar with targeted exercises and hands-on practice. Performance is evaluated by demonstrating growth and development, with differentiated expectations depending on each student’s level of experience. All continuing 8th grade students will have covered the grammar necessary to enter Spanish III at the high school level.

Topics & Activities:

• Reading short novels
• Writing a short fictional narrative
• Reading current events articles for discussion
• Writing a research-based expository essay
• Creating a book folio, including a formal book review
• Creating a social/political research project and multimedia presentation
• Watching a documentary/movie in Spanish and writing a review or reaction paper
• Poetry Unit:
• Analyzing poems by well-known Spanish language poets
• Translating poetry
• Writing original poetry

Technology Literacy
Topics include:STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art/Design, and Math)
This class is an interdisciplinary elective that integrates the application of literacy, design, imagination, and problem-solving. Through experimentation, investigation, and the use of Sphero robots, students generate and conceptualize artistic work, as well as explore action art and advanced concepts of logic, design thinking, and computer science.

Topics & Skills:

• Developing spatial visualization skills to reach beyond one’s capacities, to explore playfully without a preconceived plan, and to embrace the opportunity to learn from mistakes
• Using journals to think about an aspect of one’s work or working process, including successes, failures, and lessons learned
• Engaging and persisting in designing solutions to basic and complex problems
• Accurately measuring, marking, cutting, and assembling various projects using specialized tools.
• Working together as artists and engineers to design appealing and functional solutions to problems
• Applying computational thinking by programming Sphero through coding

Activity Examples:

• Assemble and decorate a wooden tool box
• Design and craft an effective carrying case, such as a wallet or purse for everyday use
• Study and fold various origami patterns. Explore the many applications of origami, including packaging, architecture, décor, storage, and structural engineering
• Explore the FEEL of tactile technology, such as a typewriter, to get a sense of the effects modern, more efficient technology has on our everyday lives

VISUAL ARTS
Studio Art
Artists explore their personal style in a choice of art media. Students have the opportunity to use drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and more to expand their individual creativity, technical skills, and knowledge of art history. Drawing skills are emphasized, along with color theory and composition. Paint, pen and ink, printmaking, and clay design are all possible media for exploration.

Innovation & Computer Science Art (required in 7th Grade) 
In this class, students learn key computer science concepts and apply the Design Thinking process to create original video games and interactive robotic animals. Students develop skills for using 2D and 3D modeling tools, including CorelDraw, Solidworks, the laser cutter, and 3D printers.  

Ceramics
This 3D class gives students the opportunity to explore a variety of hand-building methods including pinching, coiling, slab building, and sculpting. Students will learn how to apply several surface treatments and glazes to their projects, as well as a basic understanding of the kiln-firing process.

Photography/Mixed Media
Is it a photograph? Is it a drawing? Is it a sculpture? This class introduces students to contemporary artistic practice, where artists work across multiple disciplines to produce creative works with loaded symbolism. Students learn the fundamental skills in photography, drawing, and printmaking, such as manual settings on a DSLR camera, tonal rendering to acquire realism, and mono printing to create painterly images. These skills allow students to produce beautiful artworks that are informed by photography. Furthermore, students learn to critically analyze and interpret photographic artworks to make meaning.

Moving Image
This class takes creation beyond pen and paper. Students are challenged to explore, discuss, and make work that incorporates the principle of design “motion.” Students focus on beginning video usage and Adobe Premiere Pro editing software to engage in authentic meaning making. Projects are self-directed, drawing influence from themes explored in the classroom and the works of selected contemporary artists. Students sharpen their skills of media analysis and practice the art of giving and receiving constructive feedback.

Choir
Middle School Choir is an opportunity for students to sing a wide variety of repertoire. A cappella, classical, folk, pop, and holiday music is studied throughout the year. Students sing in a group of their peers and have the opportunity to perform with Upper School students in at least one major performance each trimester.

Instrumental Lab
This is a precursor for the Rock or Jazz Combos for students who would like to try instruments like guitar, bass, drums, or keyboards. This is a non-performance class, and no prior experience is necessary.

Jazz Ensemble
Jazz ensemble is a performance group. Students learn creativity and discipline through the study of jazz music. An emphasis is placed on understanding music theory as the basis for improvisation. There is one performance per trimester. Students are encouraged to provide their own instruments, excluding drum set and piano, which CA provides.

Music Tech
This course provides a platform to explore music technology through digital audio workstations, digital instruments and equipment, notation software, and a project-based curriculum for students to craft their own musical creations. This is a non-performance class, and no prior experience is necessary.

Orchestra
This class focuses on the educational components of playing in an orchestra, including music history, music theory, instrumental technique, and ensemble skills. The class performs “classical” pops, as well as recent pop music. Prerequisite: previous experience on instrument to be played; private lessons strongly recommended; most instruments accepted.

Rock Band
Rock Band is a performance group. Students learn creativity and discipline through the study of rock and pop music. Emphasis is placed on understanding music theory as it relates to songwriting and musical form. There is one performance per trimester. Students are encouraged to provide their own instruments, excluding drum set and piano, which CA provides.

Private Music Lessons
Music lessons are offered to Middle School students on the following instruments: Traditional Piano, Viola, Violin, Cello, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Classical Guitar, and Music Composition.

THEATER AND TECHNICAL THEATER
Acting
This class takes the basic questions of 6th Grade Drama (Who am I? How am I connected to others on stage? Where are we?) and expands them into scripted work and improvisation. It is active, creative, and tons of fun! No previous experience necessary.

Musical
Students in this class study the art and performance of musical theater—singing, acting and dancing—as they put together a show that will be performed at the end of the trimester. Everyone enrolled in the class will be part of this musical, although there is an audition process for specific roles. There is an after-school component of this class. Students are required to attend after-school rehearsals and evening performances as part of their final grade.
Play
Students in this class experience the world of acting and performance by auditioning for, learning, and rehearsing a published play for performance.  Although there is an audition process for specific roles, everyone who signs up will be on stage in this production. There is an after-school component of this class. Students are required to attend after-school rehearsals and evening performances as part of their final grade.
General Technical Theater
This class explores the design process of producing theater. Students work through theoretical productions and use a variety of programs, including Sketchup and Q Lab, to design projects. Students are introduced to the basic shop tools, and they work as a support team for building the set for the Upper School Play.

Set Design and Construction
The goal of this class is to work closely with the adult team to design the sets, lights, sound, and props for the Middle School Musical in Trimester 2. Students develop a design, learn to work within a budget, and set a schedule in order to meet the production deadlines. Students are also offered the option to work as running crew for Middle School productions. This class also covers the basics of working in the shop and acts as a support team for Upper School productions.

Sports Performance
Based in the Bansbach Strength and Conditioning Center, the Sports Performance class is intended to aid in the development of health and wellness in each student, with a structured plan designed to enhance strength, speed, mobility, and specific energy systems, while also developing educational and character traits.
Topics:

• Strength: Work Capacity, Strength Base, Strength Power, Strength Speed, and Muscular Endurance
• Speed: Mechanics, Speed Strength, and Change of Direction.
• Mobility: Correctives, Warm-up, Cool-down
• Energy Systems: Training for the activity, Anaerobic vs Aerobic, and Activity Demands
• Education: Nutritional Needs, Cognitive Reconditioning, and Independence in Movement
• Character: Time Management, Respect, and Effort

All students participate in Middle School Interim as well as the 8th Grade Leadership Retreat.

8th Grade Leadership Retreat (curricular experience)
Skills & Topics:

• Promote solitude and reflection as modality for personal growth.
• Push students off balance through physical discomfort.
• Set challenging group objectives to promote teamwork and organic leadership.
• Provide a common experience to facilitate shared identity and community building.
• Teach skills such as map reading, non-technical hiking, nature interpretation, and camp craft

Interim (curricular experience)
A weeklong immersive experiential program that includes the arts, outdoors, physiology, community engagement. All students participate in Middle School Interim and can choose from a variety of experiences.
Skills & Topics:

• Promotes community building through small group interactions and cross-grade interactions.
• Provides challenging, hands-on experience.
• Promotes student leadership through trip planning and execution.
• Fosters grit and resilience through physically and psychologically challenging activities.
• Examples of past Interims include: fly fishing, scuba diving, cooking, mountain biking, slam poetry, play production, Utah canyoneering, canoeing, and language immersion in a Spanish- or French-speaking country.

French Language Immersion Interim: Québec, Canada (curricular trip offered approximately every other year)
Open to Middle School Students enrolled in French.
Students take French classes in the morning, are engaged in cultural activities in the afternoon, and experience homestays with local families in the evening. The last two days, the group travels to Mont Tremblant for a ropes course and a yoga class. This is a challenging experience designed to improve students’ French language skills, as well as their awareness and appreciation of a different culture.


Sample Optional Local Activities

• Challenge students’ physical strength and stamina.
• Enjoy the aesthetic beauty of the Colorado wilderness.
• Explore plant and animal adaptations in the alpine environment.
• Learn the role of erosion on heavily impacted sites.
• Identify pika and marmot via habitat, coloring, calls, and size.

• Learn a new skill
• Foster patience and attention to detail
• Bond with classmates outside of the classroom
• Learn about watershed dynamics
• Fly fishing strategy
• Fly pattern selection
• Fish behavior

• Introduce winter travel skills.
• Provide opportunities for cross-grade interactions.
• Promote principles of self-care (hydration, hypothermia, nutrition, pacing, etc.).
• Provide a novel experience.
• Learn to prepare a healthy and nutritious meal.
• Learn to build a minimal fire.
• Observe winter weather patterns.
• Identify avalanche terrain, snow instabilities and how to travel safely in the backcountry.

• Face fears and perceived limitations
• Create community
• Understand fundamentals of climbing movement
• Introduce climbing equipment (harnesses, ropes, shoes, belay devices and carabiners)

Sample Optional Travel Opportunities

The Middle School (Raether) Library provides resources that support the Middle School curriculum. Library services are integrated into the curriculum and foster collaboration between teachers and library staff.

The following topics are taught to all students throughout the school year during Advisory group sessions.

Giving and Receiving Feedback:
Learning how to give and receive feedback is an essential collaboration and learning skill. Without the skill to deliver informative and effective feedback, one's ability to collaborate is severely limited. Additionally, being open to receiving feedback is equally important, as it is the acceptance of feedback that leads to growth and change. Students learn strategies and common pitfalls to avoid during the feedback process.