West Ada School District Preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s challenges. Middle School Philosophy West Ada School District subscribes to a philosophy that the unique needs of students in grades 6 through 8 can best be met in a middle school setting that provides a student-centered program and recognizes that the students of this age are undergoing greater physiological, psychological, and social re-orientation than at any other period in their lives. The overall purpose of the middle school is to meet the educational, developmental, and social needs that emerge during this transitional period. The middle school program will provide a supportive and flexible environment so students will have opportunities to develop skills and explore a variety of learning experiences while making the transition from elementary to high school. In keeping with this philosophy, the middle school will establish and provide: A core curriculum of language arts, math, science, and social studies. Exploratory programs and activities in all areas of the curriculum to help students discover and extend interests and abilities. An extensive advisory and counseling program. A supportive environment for the physical and social development of student. A gradual transition in programs from the self-contained classroom of the fifth grade to the departmentalized structure of high school. An intramural and activity-oriented program to accommodate the needs of the early adolescent. A positive climate that fosters self-esteem, self-discipline, and student responsibility. Knowledgeable educators who are committed to the middle school design. An ongoing program of training and professional skills that are based on the characteristics and needs of the adolescent. Close contact and communication between parents and school. A challenging curriculum and pace of learning to meet individual levels and understanding. Opportunities for intervention and acceleration when needs are identified. We believe these goals will be reached when the student, parents/guardians, and the teacher assume responsibility. The student will attend school regularly, maintain a positive attitude, and make an effort to achieve these goals. Parents/guardians will be supportive of the school system and encourage the student in learning. The teacher will strive for an optimal, professional approach to meet the individual needs of each student. When these responsibilities are met, maximum learning will be achieved.
Be Responsible Have a mindset ready for learning. Complete assigned work. Use the entire class period. Observe the no touch policy. Walk on the side of the hallway/stairway. Don't block lockers or intersections. Observe the no touch policy. Throw your trash and any trash left behind by others in the garbage. Recycle. Observe the no touch policy. Throw your trash and any trash left behind by others in the garbage. Recycle. Observe the no touch policy. Be Reliable Turn in work on time. Be honest. Walk with a purpose. Make every effort possible to be on time to each class. Practice patience. Be polite. Use conversation voices. Notify an adult of any spills. Stay in areas designated for students. Don't take food or drink outside. Be Ready Come prepared with materials. Go to your locker only during designated times: before school, during break, before and after lunch, before 9th period, after school. Make your lunch selection quickly in order to keep the line moving. When the bell rings to reenter the building, do so in an orderly manner. Use entrances designated for your grade level. Don't block entryways. 6th Grade Course Descriptions English, World Civilizations General Science, Math Exploratory, PE/Music Students are assigned to a three or four teacher team. Within that team, the required core classes designated below are taught. 6th Required Core Classes Advisory Course Number(s): 00102G0011 Content: Advisory is a twenty-minute daily meeting time for students and their teachers. Advisory serves as a home base for students, offering them the opportunity to develop personal, social, academic, and study skills that will help them make a successful transition from an elementary to a middle school setting.