Curriculum
- Art
- English-Language Arts
- Library - Media
- Math
- Music, Dance, and Theatre
- Physical Education and Health
- Quest
- Science
- School Counseling
- Social Emotional Learning
- Social Studies
- Technology
- World Language
Art
Middle School Art Curriculum |
If you have questions regarding our curricular documents, please feel free to contact us at your convenience. The MTMS ART program focuses on the elements of 'art and design' while providing exceptional hands-on project-based experiences for our students. The craft of assessing / critiquing student work and effectively communicating feedback to peers is an essential component of the program. Self-assessment is also critical.
Art is part of the Related Arts Department and all students participate for one trimester per year.
Below you will find general learning objectives and related projects delineated by grade level.
If you have questions regarding our curricular documents, please feel free to contact us at your convenience.
Art Curriculum 5-8
English-Language Arts
READING OVERVIEW
1. Teacher Facilitated Literature Studies
All MTMS students will read SIX core novels per grade level in language arts class. Additional novels will be read at the discretion of the classroom teacher. There are four corresponding fundamental themes (Tolerance, Courage, Maturation, and Adventure) that spiral through our reading selections as indicated in the Core Reading List. As it is our school community’s Mission to lead our students to life-long learning and to responsible productive lives, these themes are fundamentally essential to in-class discussions, writing prompts, homework assignments, and assessments.
5th Grade: 10 pgs 1st semester/15 pages second semester
6th Grade: 15 pgs 1st semester/20 pages second semester
7th & 8th grades: 20 pgs all year
2. Self-Selected Reading
All MTMS students will self-select books to read throughout the school year. The activity / assignment / assessment associated with the self-selected readings will address Fundamental Literary Elements(characterization, plot & conflict, setting, narrative point of view, and mood & tone) as delineated in the related file charts below.
WRITING OVERVIEW
The MTMS staff is committed to providing students with a plethora of authentic writing instruction, experiences, activities, and assessments through the integration of content from all subject areas. Additionally, we strive to improve writing fluency through daily journal activities and approximately 23 timed writing samples, which are assessed via a New jersey Holistic Writing Assessment Rubric. Teachers systematically document individual and group progress so to target areas in need of improvement.
All students will self-select two writing pieces per marking period and rewrite/edit/publish these pieces to a "final draft". Various strategies and procedures will be utilized to complete this activity. These 8 finished pieces serve as the students' writing portfolio.
Research Strand
See learning objectives related to research by Clicking Here
Grade 5 - Language Arts Curriculum
Grade 6 - Language Arts Curriculum
Grade 7 - Language Arts Curriculum
Grade 8 - Language Arts Curriculum
Library - Media
Math
Music, Dance, and Theatre
Physical Education and Health
Grades 5 - 8 Health & Physical Education Curriculum
Grade 6 - "Too Good For Drugs" (MTPD Facilitated)
Family Life Letters to Families (click grade level to view letters)
Grade 5
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8
Health Videos (use mendham as the password)
7th Grade - Growing Up - For Girls https://vimeo.com/271263163
7th Grade - Growing Up - For Boys https://vimeo.com/270105123
6th Grade - Just Around the Corner - For Girls https://vimeo.com/270084546
6th Grade - Just Around the Corner - For Boys https://vimeo.com/270084577
5th Grade Girls – Puberty https://vimeo.com/268843909
5th Grade Boys – Puberty https://vimeo.com/268843781
Quest
The Middle School’s Quest programs are a continuation of the elementary programs. Students work collaboratively to propose and implement solutions to real life phenomena through logic-based simulations. Students continue to develop effective oral and written communication skills, however, developing effective ‘cooperation skills’ are paramount to producing successful projects as students move through the grades. In addition, there is an increased focus on authentic ‘building’ and creative problem solving in grade 7 and 8.
Quest 5 and 6 classes meet weekly during enrichment periods and are open only to those students who meet the eligibility requirements outlined below. Quest 7 and 8 classes meet at least once per week during enrichment but may meet more frequently based on the complexity of the units or activities. Quest activities may include field trips, competitions, and or special presentations.
Overview of Eligibility
All MTES students in grade 2 will be screened for Quest services beginning with CogAt Testing. Students found eligible for Quest services in grade 2 will remain eligible for Quest services indefinitely through grade 8.
All students will again be screened for Quest services in grade 5. The grade 5 screening shall not terminate Quest eligibility for any student regardless of score, rather, grade 5 students who earn in the 96th percentile (CogAT) Composite or Non-Verbal will be added to Quest service rosters for grade 6. In grades 7 and 8, all “interested” students shall have the opportunity to participate in Quest 7 and 8 based upon successful completion of preliminary summer projects.
Grade 5 Eligibility Process for Grades 6-8
- All students found eligible for Quest in grade 2 will remain eligible through grade 8
- CogAt administration in grade 5
- Grade 5 students who earn in the 96th percentile (CogAt) Composite or Non-Verbal will be added to the Quest rosters for grade 6.
- In grades 7 and 8, Quest services will be available to all Middle School students based upon interest. However, eligibility may be contingent upon successful completion of a lengthy summer project.
Science
SCIENCE CURRICULUM
The MTMS science curriculum detailed below encompasses a brief topical narrative for each major unit of study as well as essential questions; estimated unit lengths; resources; correlations to the New Jersey Core Standards; and learning outcomes.
Paramount to the successful implementation of our science curriculum is a fundamental belief that students will learn and retain conceptual and procedural knowledge most effectively through authentic engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration. and evaluation. As a result, the instructional staff employs the environmental characteristics and instructional strategies encompassed within the 5E Model of Inquiry <--- click for great link to strategy overview.
Grades 5 - 8 Science Curriculum