EDS Middle School: 6^th - 8^th Grade

For the most current EDS Middle School News, see EDS Middle School News Page which is  updated by EDS Staff

EDS Middle School has 6^th through 8^th grades.  Our goal is to enroll students at two 6^th grades, two 7^th grades, and two 8^th grades.  This gives us a total school population of about 560 students K - 8.

In 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grades we provide Multi-grade, differentiated math classes.  These classes are set up using a placement test such as the Berkley Algebra Readiness Test at the beginning of the year.  Students will have the opportunity to complete Algebra 1, and possibly geometry before they enter high school.
 

Core (Social Studies and Language Arts) and Science curriculum is based on the California Content Standards and reflect a balance of basic skill development, higher level thinking skills, cross-curricular application, and project-based learning.

Electives will be offered as part of a rotation and taught by middle school teachers.  These include, but are not limited to: art, music, performing arts, leadership, cooking, technology, and video production.  Selections will depend on the middle school staff hired and their specialties.  Students will attend 3 different enrichment classes each year.

New computers are available in our middle school classrooms.  These computers integrate with our video lab here at EDS.  The video lab will be used as a tool for assignments in core classes and possibly as part of an elective.

Daily Physical Education: Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth graders will have daily P.E. provided by a P.E. Teacher.

Field Experiences:  Our goal is to continue to offer field trips and community service opportunities that extend what is being taught in the classroom.  We are looking into additional optional field trips to Point Reyes, Yosemite, and Washington D.C.

Facilities:  All 6 - 8 students are located in the new construction that was completed for the 2008-2009 academic year and beyond.

Parent Involvement:  While parent participation will look different at the middle school level than it does at the elementary level, parent involvement will continue to be a strong focus at the 6-8 level.  Our Mission continues to be to have 100% of the parents at EDS actively participate in their child’s education and in our school community. 

Student Advisement:  This spring we are piloting a student advisement program in which small groups of students are assigned to staff members who serve as mentors and/or advocates for long-term, multiple-year personal and academic support.

Band and Orchestra will be offered for instrumental music students.  This may be instead of an elective OR as a “zero” period before or after school. 

The district will support an After School Sports program equitable to the sports program at Moreland Middle School.

EDS Middle School Program

EDS Middle School Students have a seven period day ending with an Advisory Period.  Because of the size of the program and the focus on integration of curriculum across subject areas, students will often spend more than one period with the same teacher. 

The following classes are required for all students:

• Reading

• Mathematics

• Language Arts

• Science

• Social Studies

• Physical Education

• Mathematics

• Elective*

Electives

Students may choose either a year-long or trimester elective.  Priority for selecting electives is given to 8^th graders first followed by seventh and then sixth graders.  Electives meet Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday each week. Elective choices include:

• Band (full year)

• Mass Media (trimester)

• Orchestra (full year)

• Fine Arts (trimester)

• Spanish (full year)

• Healthy Living (trimester)

Advisory Period:
Students will be placed in multi-grade advisory groups with the same teacher for all of 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade at EDS.   The advisory curriculum will include support for students in the areas of time and task management, study habits and skills, conflict management, leadership, etc. 

Physical Education Information:
All students are required to dress out everyday, except  those with physical disabilities or a doctor’s excuse.  The uniform consists of a shirt, shorts, athletic shoes and socks.  Students are expected to clean up before changing back into school clothes and must provide their own combination lock and towel.  Sweatshirts and sweatpants are optional.  P.E. Uniforms can be purchased during orientation or during the first week of school.

Bell Schedule

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

• Wednesdays

EDS Homework Plan and Guidelines

EDS Homework guidelines are in line with the Moreland School District homework policy, and include:

• Purpose: EDS staff assigns students relevant, challenging, and meaningful homework assignments that reinforce class assignments and help them develop independent study skills

• Time Guidelines: Students are expected to spend on average a total of 60-120 minutes per day on homework.  Occasionally a major  project may require more time.  Actual time required to complete assignments will vary with each student’s study habits, academic skills and selected course load.  Teachers will coordinate projects, homework, tests and assignments to remain within the average daily homework time guidelines.  Each teacher, or teaching team, will provide a class syllabus which states their individual homework expectations and grading policies.

• Individualized Homework: When appropriate, teachers will make every effort to differentiate homework assignments to meet the needs of an individual student.

• Accountability: Students are accountable for turning in homework and notices that are to be read and signed by parents and returned to school.   Each teacher’s Homework Hotline will be kept updated so that students can confirm homework assignments from home.

Community Service Requirement:  All students will be expected to participate in some kind of community service during each school year.  Opportunities will be provided both on and off campus in a variety of service areas.    Information regarding opportunities, timelines and requirements will be sent home early in the school year.

Middle School Activities

After School Sports: This program is sponsored by the Moreland School District.  There is an athletic fee for participating in after school sports that helps support league fees and district transportation.  All students will take district buses to and from all sporting events under the supervision of the team coach.  Sports will include (but may not be limited to) Cross Country Running (co-ed), Girls and Boys Basketball, and Track and Field (co-ed).  All students on teams MUST have either private or school insurance. 

Dances:  Student leaders and staff will work together to plan and put on Friday night dances periodically throughout the year.  Dance tickets MUST be purchased before the evening of the dance.  Parents must park and check out students promptly when the dance ends. Students will not be released without an adult.

Student Leadership:  It is our goal for every student to take on a leadership role of some kind during each year.  Leadership opportunities may include student leadership teams, Cornerstone, Big Buddy Peer Support Program, leading school events, yearbook team, running the student store, leading community service activities, etc. 

Clubs and After School Activities:    After school activities offered will be based on interest and may include Math Olympiad, Junior Achievement, Drama Productions, Homework Club, and other enrichment activities. 

Field Trips:  All grades participate in curriculum-based field trips during the year.  Students are expected to behave as responsible citizens while off campus and to take the learning objectives of the field experience seriously.

Spirit Days and Lunchtime Activities:  Students will have opportunities to celebrate school spirit on fun Spirit Days throughout the year as well as participate in fun lunchtime activities led by staff and classmates. 

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