program of studies 2011 12

8/7/2019 Program of Studies 2011 12

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ACS Athens Excellence in Education since 1945

Program of Studies

A full IB Diploma School

Accredited by theMiddle States Association

of Colleges & Schools

American Community Schools

Middle School2011-12


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ACS M IDDLE SCHOOL G RADE 6, 7 AND 8

P ROGRAMS & C OURSES

PROGRAM OF STUDIES

PREFACE

The Middle School offers a variety of required courses in the eight subject areas, as wellas exploratory and elective courses in the arts, computer technology and modernlanguages. What follows is a brief description of each of these courses.Instruction is organized in both homogeneous and heterogeneous groupings. In theModern Language, Mathematics, English, Humanities and Science or ESL coursesstudents are grouped according to ability or proficiency levels. All other classes areheterogeneously grouped. Students with special needs are supported by an OptimalMatch teacher. Students learning English as a Second Language are supported by avariety of ESL courses and a teaching assistant in some classes.

I. REQUIRED COURSES

A. LANGUAGE ARTS

The Language Arts Program continues to focus on critical thinking skills and on makingconnections in concepts and skills with the other disciplines. The goal is to makestudents life-long readers and writers.

1. Sixth Grade Language Arts A (MS 1000) Students in the sixth grade language arts class will learn grammar, vocabulary, readingwriting skills, speaking, and listening skills. The reading program emphasizesimprovement of comprehension and vocabulary development through reading a variety of literature and focusing on research- based active reading strategies. Students willbecome skilled literary critics as they read, analyze, and interpret literature throughwritten and oral responses.Additionally, students will become experienced writers, adept in various forms and stylesof writing for multiple purposes. They will engage in all the different stages of thewriting process to bring creatively written pieces to finished drafts.Independent reading throughout the school year is a requirement of the course, andstudents will give book reviews regularly.

Texts: The Language of Literature 6, McDougal Littel, 2006 Write Source 2000, Houghton - Mifflin 1999

Selected Novels such as Walk Two Moons, Hatchet, Tuck Everlasting, Holes, TheGolden Goblet, The Breadwinner and Shakespeares A Midsummer NightsDream.


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2. Sixth Grade Language Arts ESL ( MS 1001)Any students in the ESL program will be placed in LA 6 ESL based on their performanceon the admissions test, ESL entrance or exit examination and teacher recommendation.Students enrolled in this course will have a developed knowledge of the Englishlanguage, but will still have difficulties with materials written for native speakers. Thebooks used for this course might vary from the 6 th Grade Language Arts A course, but theskill sets attained by the students are the same in both levels (MS 1000 and MS 1001).

Students in the sixth grade ESL language arts class will learn grammar, vocabulary,reading writing, speaking, and listening skills. The reading program emphasizesimprovement of comprehension and vocabulary development through reading a variety of literature and focusing on research- based active reading strategies. Students willbecome skilled literary critics as they read, analyze, and interpret literature throughwritten and oral responses.Additionally, students will become experienced writers, adept in various forms and stylesof writing for multiple purposes. They will engage in all the different stages of thewriting process to bring creatively written pieces to finished drafts.Independent reading throughout the school year is a requirement of the course, andstudents will give reviews regularly.

Texts: The Language of Literature 6, McDougal Little, 2006Write Source 2000, Houghton- Mifflin, 1999Selected Novels such as: Walk Two Moons, The Breadwinner, Holes , 20, 000Leagues Under the Sea, Frankenstein, Call of the Wild, The Crown of Violet, andShakespeares A Midsummer Nights Dream

3. Seventh Grade Language Arts A (MS 1010) The seventh grade language arts course is a literature-based program that encouragesstudents to develop their own voices as writers and to appreciate the work of others.Through the study of novels, poetry, short stories and plays, students will learn to readincreasingly challenging texts and will explore what to do when reading breaks down inreading. Students will also take their narrative and expository writing skills to a higherlevel by crafting multiple drafts of poetry, literary essays and research papers. The studyof correct English usage and spelling will be taught through the writing process.Vocabulary enhancement will focus on using vocabulary in contexts and onunderstanding root words, prefixes, and suffixes. Independent reading throughout theschool year is a requirement of the course, and students will give book reviews regularly.Texts: The Language of Literature 7, McDougal Littel, 2006

Write Source 2000, Houghton - Mifflin 1999Selected Novels such as: Freak the Mighty,The Pigman, Anna of Byzantium, TheKite Rider, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, Habibi, The Storytellers Beads, andShakespeares Much Ado About Nothing

4. Seventh Grade Language Arts ESL (MS 1011)Any students in the ESL program will be placed in LA 7 ESL based on their performanceon admissions test, the ESL entrance, and teacher recommendation .Students enrolled in this course will have a developed knowledge of the Englishlanguage, but will still have difficulties with materials written for native speakers. Thebooks used for this course might vary from the 7 th Grade Language Arts A course, but theskill sets attained by the students are the same in both levels (MS 1010 and MS 1011)


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The seventh grade language arts course is a literature based program that encouragesstudents to develop their own voices as writers and to appreciate the work of others.Through the study of novels, poetry, short stories, and plays, students will learn to readincreasingly challenging texts and will explore what to do when meaning breaks down inreading. Students will also take their narrative and expository writing skills to a higherlevel by crafting multiple drafts of poetry, literary essays, and research papers.The study of correct English usage and spelling will be taught through the writingprocess. Vocabulary enhancement will focus on using vocabulary in context and onunderstanding root words, prefixes, and suffixes. Independent reading throughout theschool year is a requirement of the course, and students will give book reviews regularly.

1 The Language of Literature 7, McDougal Little, 20062 Write Source 2000, Houghton Mifflin 1999Selected Novels such as: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, The Pigman, TheAdventures of Sherlock Holms, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The StorytellersBeads and Shakespeares Much Ado About Nothing.

5. Eighth Grade Language Arts A (MS 1020) Grade 8 Language Arts is a thematically organized course. Students will utilize contentand materials to answer the essential questions for each unit. The thematic units include:Teenage Identity, Individualism vs- Conformity, Personal Freedom and Choice, FutureWorld, Prejudice/Discrimination, Power/Control, Coping with Loss, Maturity.

Students will read novels, plays, short stories, poetry, and articles related to the studiedliterature. These may include: The Outsiders, The Giver, Animal Farm, Flowers for Algernon, Of Mice and Men, Julius Caesar, October Sky, The Bridge of San Luis Rey,The Old Man and the Sea, The Hound of the Baskervilles, Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.Students will also read at least two books independently throughout the year. Vocabularywill be studied through a variety of genres, and grammar study will be completed usingvarious workbooks.The focus of writing instruction will be on understanding the process of writing as ameans of thinking that can be applied to any writing task.Texts: The Language of Literature (Grade 8), McDougal Littel, 2006

Write Source 2000, Houghton-Mifflin, 1999Vocabulary Workshop (Level C), Sadlier-Oxford, 2009Grammar for Writing (grade 8), Sadlier-Oxford, 2009

6. Eighth Grade Language Arts ESL (MS 1021)

Any students in the ESL program will be placed in LA 8 ESL based on their performanceon the admissions test, the ESL entrance exam, and teacher recommendation. Studentsenrolled in this course will have a developed knowledge of the English language, Englishreading and vocabulary, but will still have difficulties with materials written for nativespeakers. The books used for this course might vary from the 8th Grade Language ArtsA course, but the skill sets attained by the students are the same in both levels (MS 1020and MS 1021).

Similar to Grade 8 Language Arts, Grade 8 Language Arts ESL is a thematicallyorganized. Students will utilize content and materials to answer the essential questionsfor each unit. The thematic units include: Teenage Identity, Individualism vs-Conformity, Personal Freedom and Choice, Future World, Prejudice/Discrimination,Power/Control. Students will read novels, plays, short stories, poetry, and articles related


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to the studied literature. These may include: The Outsiders, The Giver, Animal Farm,Flowers for Algernon, Of Mice and Men, Julius Caesar, The Old Man and the Sea.Vocabulary will be studied through a variety of genres, and grammar study will becompleted using various workbooks. The focus of writing instruction will be onunderstanding the process of writing as a means of thinking that can be applied to anywriting task.Texts: The Language of Literature (Grade 8), McDougal Littel, 2006

Write Source 2000, Houghton-Mifflin, 1999Vocabulary Workshop (Level C), Sadlier-Oxford, 2009Grammar for Writing (grade 8), Sadlier-Oxford, 2009

B. SOCIAL STUDIES

1. Sixth Grade, Social Studies World Studies: History and Geography of theAncient World (MS 2001) The sixth grade course explores the history, geography, economics and cultures of theancient world, focusing on the study of Prehistoric Humans and the foundations of theancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, China, Egypt, Greece and Rome. Students compare

life in the past with life today. They also study important achievements of the past andtheir profound effects on the modern world. Students are taught to consider, as well asappreciate, the differences in human expression, language, art, religion and beliefs of people. Geography skill development is integrated into each unit of study, as well as skilldevelopment in the evaluation of primary source materials. M aps, video, and othermaterials will be integrated regularly in this course. Textbook -World Studies: The Ancient World, Prentice Hall, 2005

2. Sixth Grade, Social Studies - ESL World Studies: History & Geography of theAncient World (MS 2002)Students enrolled in this course will have a developing knowledge of English reading and

vocabulary, but will still have difficulties with social studies content written for nativespeakers. Any students in the ESL program will be placed in this class based on the ESLexit examination and the recommendation of core teachers.

Students will begin by exploring the history, geography, economics and cultures of theancient world, focusing on the study of Prehistoric Humans and the foundations of theancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, China, Egypt, Greece and Rome. Students comparelife in the past with life today. They also study important achievements of the past andtheir profound effects on the modern world. Students are taught to consider, as well asappreciate, the differences in human expression, language, art, religion and beliefs of people. Geography skill development is integrated into each unit of study, as well as skilldevelopment in the evaluation of primary source materials. M aps, video, and othermaterials will be integrated regularly in this course. ESL World Studies 6 will emphasizebuilding language skills, such as vocabulary development, writing mechanics and publicspeaking.Textbook -World Studies: The Ancient World, Prentice Hall, 2005

3. Seventh Grade, Social Studies World Studies: History & Geography of theEastern Hemisphere (MS 2011)This course is designed as an interdisciplinary study of the Eastern Hemisphere. Studentswill begin by learning the five themes of geography (location, place, human-environmentinteraction, movement, and regions) and exploring how geography shapes the way people


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live. Students will use the disciplines of geography, culture, history, government, andeconomics to study the regions of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East and Asia. Specificcountries will also be visited as case studies to further the students understanding of eachregion. Geography, current events and critical thinking opportunities enable students toevaluate historical and world issues. Primary sources, maps, video, and other materialswill be integrated regularly into this course. Textbook-World Studies: Eastern Hemisphere, Prentice Hall 2005

4. Seventh Grade, Social Studies - ESL World Studies: History & Geography of theEastern Hemisphere (MS 2012)Students enrolled in this course will have a developing knowledge of English reading andvocabulary, but will still have difficulties with social studies content written for nativespeakers. Any students in the ESL program will be placed in this class based on the ESLexit examination and the recommendation of core teachers.Students will begin by learning the five themes of geography (location, place, human-environment interaction, movement, and regions) and exploring how geography shapesthe way people live. Students will use the disciplines of geography, culture, history,government and economics to study the regions of Europe, Africa, and the Middle Eastand Asia. Specific countries will also be visited as case studies to further the studentsunderstanding of each region. Geography, current events and critical thinkingopportunities enable students to evaluate historical and world issues. Primary sources,maps, video, and other materials will be integrated regularly in this course. ESL WorldStudies 7 will emphasize building language skills, such as vocabulary development,writing mechanics and public speaking.

5. Eighth Grade, Social Studies -World Studies: History & Geography of theWestern Hemisphere (MS 2021) The eighth grade Social Studies course examines early U.S. history in a larger culturalcontext. Additionally, students study early history and geography of South and CentralAmerica. The course follows both a thematic sequence, and familiarizes the student withpersons, places and events from pre-Columbian times to the Civil War. Major units of study include the Themes of Comparative Government, Colonization, Revolutions andCivil War. Students will interpret and analyze data in various formats, and will be able toformulate generalizations that allow them to compare and contrast historical highlightsacross time and cultures. Geography skills and current event topics will be incorporatedin each unit of study.Textbook-World Studies: Western Hemisphere, Prentice Hall 2005

C. SCIENCE

1. Sixth Grade Science (MS 4000) The goal of the sixth grade science course is to enable students to develop the skills tocarry out scientific investigations, research scientific questions and communicate their findings through writing lab reports and research projects. Students work cooperatively ingroups to observe, hypothesize, identify variables, measure, collect and present data,draw conclusions and evaluate results. Units of study include, the living world, bacteria,protists, fungi, plants and animals, the composition and properties of matter, chemicalinteractions, sound and light. The units taught are at an introductory level and thescientific method is used throughout. Students also take part in the NESA VirtualScience Fair, an open-ended project whereby students independently or in groups choosea topic of interest and formulate questions that can be answered through experimentation.


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5. Eighth Grade Science (MS 4020) The eighth grade science course further develops the skills necessary to carry outscientific investigations, understand how the scientific principles and knowledge areapplied in the world today, recognize the uses and limitations of science and develop apositive attitude towards conservation and the environment. This course continues thesequence, with topics in cells and genetics, human biology and health, environmentalscience, motion and forces, studied through integrated units. Students also take part in theNESA Virtual Science Fair, an open-ended project whereby students independently or ingroups choose a topic of interest and formulate questions that can be answered throughexperimentation. This project uses the Moodle platform to connect students withscientists, mentors, judges and other participant schools from all over the NESA SchoolSystem.Text: Science Explorer , Prentice Hall, 2009

D. MATHEMATICS

1. Sixth Grade Mathematics

a. Fundamental Math 6 (MS 3005) This course is designed for students whose basic math skills need further practice. It alsoservices students who are below grade level in their basic math knowledge. The sametopics will be covered as in Math 6, but at a pace that will allow students the extra timethey need to understand the concepts and to reinforce their skills.The skills of adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing, decimals and fractions areextended and strengthened. Also included are graphing, statistics, metric measurement,number theory and geometry, ratio, proportion, percent and an introduction to algebra.Students learn an variety of problem solving techniques. Reasoning, logic and mentalmath techniques are emphasized throughout the course.There are projects and activities throughout the year to enrich and enhance theirknowledge and appreciation of mathematics.Text: Prentice Hall Mathematics , Course 1

b. Math 6 (MS 3010)In this course the skills of adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing, decimals andfractions are extended and strengthened. Also included are graphing, statistics, metricmeasurement, number theory, geometry, ratio, proportion, percent, and an introduction toalgebra. Students learn a variety of problem-solving techniques. Reasoning, logic andmental math techniques are used throughout the course.There are projects and activities throughout the year to enrich and enhance theirknowledge and appreciation of mathematics.A student who successfully completes this course will go into Math 7 course in grade 7.Text: Prentice Hall Mathematics , Course 1

c. Advanced Math 6 (MS 3015) This course is intended for accelerated sixth graders and requires teacherrecommendation. A seventh grade curriculum is followed. All operations of decimalsand fractions are reviewed for mastery. Students evaluate and write algebraicexpressions, as well as write and solve algebraic equations with decimals and fractions.The students study number theory, ratio, proportion, percent, measurement, geometry,


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perimeter, area, and volume. Statistics and integers are introduced. This course has aheavy emphasis on Problem-Solving and Problem-Solving techniques.A student who successfully completes this course will go into the Advanced Math 7course in grade 7.Students participate in 2 contests: the American Mathematics Competition and theMathematical Olympiads Competitions.Text: Prentice Hall Mathematics , Course 2

2. Seventh Grade Mathematics

a. Fundamental Math 7 (MS 3025) This course is designed for students whose basic math skills need further practice. It alsoservices students who are below grade level in their basic math knowledge. The samecontent will be covered as in the Math 7 course, but at a pace that will allow the studentsthe accommodations they need to understand the concepts and to reinforce their skills.The topics include interpreting and making graphs, order of operations, properties,decimals, metric measurement, number theory, fractions, integers, introduction toalgebra, ratio and proportion, geometry, percent, statistics, probability, and problemsolving techniques. Reasoning, mental math, and estimation skills are emphasizedthroughout the course.There are projects and activities throughout the year to enrich and enhance theirknowledge and appreciation of mathematics.Text: Prentice Hall Mathematics, Course 2

b. Math 7 (MS 3030)This course is designed to prepare seventh grade students for Pre- Algebra in the eighthgrade. The content of this course includes interpreting and making graphs, order of operations, properties, decimals, metric measurement, number theory, fractions, integers,introduction to algebra, ratio and proportion, geometry, percent, statistics, probability,and problem- solving techniques. Reasoning, mental math, and estimation skills are

emphasized throughout the course.There are projects and activities throughout the year to enrich and enhance theirknowledge and appreciation of mathematicsText: Prentice Hall Mathematics, Course 2

c. Advanced Math 7 (Pre-Algebra) (MS 3035) This course is designed for accelerated seventh graders and requires teacherrecommendation. It prepares the student for algebra in the eighth grade. Writing,simplifying, and evaluating numerical and algebraic expressions; order of operations,patterns; number theory; integers; rational numbers; irrational numbers; writing andsolving equations; writing, solving, and graphing inequalities; identifying and using

properties; ratios, proportions, and percent; geometry; square roots; and coordinategraphing are some of the topics that are included.A variety of problem-solving methods are explored, with an emphasis on using equations.There are projects and activities throughout the year to enrich and enhance theirknowledge and appreciation of mathematics.Students participate in 2 contests: the American Mathematics Competition and theMathematical Olympiads Competions.

Students are required to have a scientific calculator.Text: Pre- Algebra, Prentice Hall Mathematics


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3. Eighth Grade Mathematics

Eighth grade math students are required to have a scientific calculator.

a. Fundamental Math 8 (MS 3041) This course is designed for students whose basic math skills need further practice. It alsoservices students who are below grade level in their basic math knowledge. The samecontent will be covered as in the Pre-Algebra course, but at a pace that will allow thestudents the extra time they need to understand the concepts and to reinforce their skills.Topics include writing, simplifying, and evaluating numerical and algebraic expressions;order of operations; patterns; number theory; integers; operations with rational numbers;irrational numbers; exponents; writing and solving equations; writing and solvinginequalities; identifying and using properties; ratios; proportions, and percent; geometry;probability; square roots; and coordinate graphing.There are projects and activities throughout the year to enrich and enhance theirknowledge and appreciation of mathematics. Emphasis is also placed on improving mathvocabulary and communication skills.Text: Prentice Hall Mathematics, Course 3

b. Pre-Algebra (MS 3055)The content of this course includes writing, simplifying, and evaluating numerical andalgebraic expressions; order of operations; patterns; properties of exponents; numbertheory; integers; operations with rational numbers; irrational numbers; writing andsolving equations; writing, solving and graphing inequalities; identifying and usingproperties; ratios; proportions, and percent; geometry; square roots; the metric system;and coordinate graphing.A variety of problem-solving methods are explored, with an emphasis on using equations.There are projects and activities throughout the year to enrich and enhance theirknowledge and appreciation of mathematics. Emphasis is also placed on improving mathvocabulary and communication skills. A student who successfully completes this coursewill go into the Algebra I course in grade nine.

Students are required to have a scientific calculatorText: Pre- Algebra, Prentice Hall Mathematics

c. Algebra I (MS 3060)This course is designed for accelerated eighth graders and requires teacherrecommendation. The content includes integers; rational numbers; expressions andequations; properties of exponents; polynomials; factoring; graphing linear equations andinequalities(including simple and compound); systems of equations; quadratic equations;radical expressions and equations, equations; real number axioms a properties; linearfunctions, scattered data, and probability. Word problems are stressed throughout. A

student who successfully completes this course will go into the Geometry Honors coursein Grade nine.There are projects and activities throughout the year to enrich and enhance theirknowledge and appreciation of mathematics. Emphasis is also placed on improving mathvocabulary and communication skills.

Students participate in 2 contests: the American Mathematics Competition and theMathematical Olympiads Competitions.

Eighth grade Algebra 1 students are required to have a graphics calculator.Text: Forester Algebra 1 , Prentice Hall


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E. PHYSICAL EDUCATION (MS 6000, MS 6020, MS 6030)

Physical Education instruction is required for all 6 th, 7 th and 8 th grade students. Throughregular fitness activities, individual and team games, direct instruction, group discussionsand team-building activities where students will meet the following program objectives:

Assessment and development of basic physiological variables such as muscularstrength and endurance, cardiovascular endurance, body composition and flexibility;

Understanding and practice of the basic principles of good hygiene;Consideration of health issues such as nutrition, substance abuse, eating disorders,with the goal of providing students the information they need to make healthy lifechoices;Development of the students interest in maintaining the best possible physical,mental, social and emotional well-being (in conjunction with the Counselingdepartment);Development of basic physical skills through various motor activities;Development of initiative, alertness, self-control, sportsmanship values andcooperation in group activities and individual games;Development of knowledge of basic rules and skills required to play a range of individual and team games, sports, and activities at a satisfying level of achievement;Exploration of dance/movement as a means of creative and cultural expression.

F. VISUAL AND PREFORMINGARTS/TECHNOLOGY/HEALTH/RESEARCH/GUIDANCEThe following sequence of courses is required of all students :

1. Sixth Grade Exploratory

a. Music 6 (MS 7120 )This semester course offers students the opportunity to learn fundamental concepts of music through the study of vocal technique, performance, theory and history. Studentsalso develop musicianship skills by engaging in authentic music-making opportunities,music reading and listening exercises.

*Students enrolled in this course are required to participate in all concert performances.

b. Foundations of Technology, Health, Research and Guidance 6 (MS 7400) This semester course is required of all sixth graders. This class will enhance currentskills in keyboarding and computer operations. In addition, past and current trends in

technology will be discussed. Power Point and Microsoft Word will be used for variousassignments. The four focus topics in health will include caring for self, family, andcommunity; personal wellness; use and misuse of materials (including media literacy); aswell as physical growth and development. The middle school counselor will work jointlywith the teacher in Guidance Seminars. Some topics included in the Guidance Seminarsfor sixth grade include time management, defining your learning style, and setting goalsfor academic success. Concurrently, students will work with the instructor to strengthenresearch skills both in the library and internet. Two research papers will be writtenduring the semester.


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2. Seventh Grade Exploratory

a. Art/ Design 7 (MS 7020) This semester course is an introduction to the principles of design and the elements of artthrough drawing, painting and sculpture. Students will develop an appreciation of theprocess of art through the creative studio experience in a variety of media.

b. Foundations of Technology, Health, Research and Guidance 7 (MS 7410) This semester course is required of all seventh graders. This class will further enhancecurrent skills in keyboarding, computer operations, and past and current trends intechnology. Further examination of health topics (in four focus areas) will continue. Themiddle school counselor will work jointly with the teacher in some topics included in theGuidance Seminars. The focus of seventh grade Guidance Seminars will be to encouragethe students to strive for responsible citizenship on campus and the world outside theclassroom. Some activities will include the understanding of the social-self, valuesclarification, and the Bully-Free Campus program. Students will continue to work withthe instructor to refine and strengthen their library and internet-based research skills.Two research papers will be written during the semester.

3. Eighth Grade Exploratory

a. Drama 8 (MS 7111) This semester course provides opportunities for students to get to know themselves, toinvolve themselves with others, to take safe risks and to actively participate in activitiesand projects all of which help them to respond to the world around them with increasedenergy and sensitivity. Pantomime, improvisation, characterization, memorization, skits,scenes and one act plays are the vehicles through which the concepts and the basicelements and techniques of drama are taught and explored. In addition, students work ingroups to create and write original plays for production and performance.

b. Foundations of Technology, Health, Research and Guidance 8 (MS 7411) This semester course is required of all eighth graders. The students will usethe Microsoft Windows environment as they work with more advanced word processingand desktop publishing applications. They will further familiarize themselves withMicrosoft Microsoft Excel. Topics in health will include caring for yourself, community,and family; personal wellness; uses and misuses of materials; as well as physical growthand development. The middle school counselor will continue in teaching GuidanceSeminars. Some of the Guidance Seminars in eighth grade focus on interestidentification, understanding of the world of work, and character traits. The eighth gradestudent will be encouraged through the guidance seminar activities to reflect on personalinterests, values and interests, and relate them to the world of work. Students willcontinue to work on refining their research skills. Two research papers will be writtenduring the semester.


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G. MODERN LANGUAGES

Entrance into modern language courses requires the recommendation of the teacher and Department Chair.

A. GREEK

Students need a grade of C or better to move up to the next level in a language course.

Greek language in the Middle School is offered as a Foreign Language (Language B)and as a Native Language (Language A).

1. Greek as a Foreign Language: Language B

Greek as a Language B in the Middle School is offered at three levels:(a) Greek Beginning (b) Greek Intermediate (c) Greek AdvancedAll these classes are open to students from the sixth, seventh or eighth grades.The general objectives of the above courses are to provide the students with instruction(varying according to the level) that will allow them to understand, speak, read and writeGreek correctly and to develop an understanding and an appreciation for Greece, its

culture, its history and its people.

a. Greek Beginning (MS 5000) This course is for beginners who have very little or no knowledge of Greek. It provides avery basic acquaintance with the language, enough to allow students to communicate onan everyday basis. Although reading and writing are not stressed, the students dobecome familiar with the Greek alphabet and are taught to read in order to be able torecognize road signs, street names and any other written Greek they might come intocontact with on an everyday basis. Very basic grammatical structures are taught throughsimple dialogues and phrases. Students are encouraged to create their own dialogues andto use their Greek outside the classroom.

b. Greek Intermediate (MS 5005)This course is a continuation of Beginning Greek. The students, having masteredBeginning Greek, begin the year with a review of verbs in the present, past, and futuretenses and go on to a more in-depth study of the language. Great emphasis is placed onthe enrichment of vocabulary. Students are taught to write descriptive paragraphs as wellas to talk and write about themselves, their families, and their environment. They areenabled to extend their abilities beyond routine daily communication. Importance isplaced on speaking, reading, and writing.

Note: On occasion, students of Greek background with very little Greek language

experience will be placed in the above two courses if they are unable to follow thecourses provided for students who already speak Greek.

c. Greek Advanced (Greek Language Arts Preliminary Course) (MS 5020) The general objective of this course is to provide the students with instruction that aimsto develop better skills in the Greek language: oral, reading and writing.This course is for students who speak, read and write Greek at some level. The course istaught in Greek although some use of the English is not excluded. Emphasis is placed onreading fluently and writing correctly.


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2. Greek as a Native Language: Language AGreek as a Native Language A course in the Middle School is offered at three levels:Greek Language Arts A Courses are offered as:1) Greek Language Arts A 6th grade2) Greek Language Arts A 7th grade3) Greek Language Arts A 8th grade

3. Greek Language Arts A

The general objectives of the Greek Language Arts A classes are to promote the learningand understanding of the Greek Language, heritage and culture (including Greek geography, history, Greek life etc.) In addition, the above courses provide students withthe opportunity to learn, understand, and appreciate Greek Literature at a more in-depthlevel. All Greek Language Arts courses (6-8) are taught in Greek.

a. Sixth Grade Greek Language Arts A 6 (MS 5040) The sixth Grade Language Arts A Program is for native speakers of the language who arefluent readers and relatively proficient writers.Emphasis is placed on writing, reviewing basic grammar, and studying selected topics of Greek history, geography and culture. Students learn how to experiment with a variety of writing activities such as poetry, personal narratives, short stories, essays and researchprojects, incorporating all stages of the Writing Process.

b. Seventh Grade Greek Language Arts A 7 (MS 5045) The seventh grade Greek Language Arts A program is for students who are fluent inwritten and oral language. The program includes Greek literature, Greek history, Greek grammar and structure. Emphasis is given to comprehension skills and vocabularydevelopment.The written work covers a variety of writing modes such as stories, poems, essays andpersonal responses to the various readings. Students work through all stages of theWriting Process in completing writing assignments. At the same time students getinvolved in group work and research projects related to the literature and history unitsunder study.The course is a continuation of Greek Language Arts 6.

c. Eighth Grade Greek Language Arts A 8 (MS 5050)The eighth grade Greek Language Arts A program is for students who have mastered thelanguage as native speakers. Taught entirely in Greek, it focuses on Greek literature,Greek poetry and vocabulary development. Students read selected pieces from Greek literature, which provide them with an opportunity to identify personally with Greek culture and heritage.At the same time, a humanities-based approach which combines the study of Greek history and culture with the literature readings enables students to express theirpersonal thoughts orally and in writing.


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. FRENCH

French MS 1 (MS 5101)This course is for students who have very little or no knowledge of French. Theobjectives for this class include: acquiring competence in communication that enables thestudent to conduct a simple conversation with native French speakers, understanding of some types of authentic texts, writing paragraphs and small descriptive compositions onsubjects such as themselves, their families, their hobbies, etc.Text: selected chapters from Junior Plus 1, Cle International, 2006

French MS 2 (MS 5102)Students are expected to be able to understand, speak, and write with a reasonable degreeof fluency. The course covers all the basic French grammar required to do this. Studentsare expected to be able to express themselves reasonably well in writing and to refinetheir style during the course of the year. To do this, they are given a wide variety of topics on which to write and discuss, as well as structural drills. The material ispresented in a contemporary cultural background, which is ideal for the Middle Schoolstudents. Students take a placement exam for this course. Simplified versions of different works of French literature are introduced.Text: selected chapters from Junior Plus 1 Cle International, 2006 and Junior Plus 2Cle International, 2006

French MS 3 (MS 5103)This course is the third level of French offered in the Middle School. Students areaccepted upon successful completion of French MS 2. The four skills: reading, writing,listening, and speaking are expanded to a more advanced level. More complicatedgrammatical structures are introduced. French culture is introduced with everyopportunity. After complete the course successfully, 8 th graders will be placed in French2 (Academy) or French III after t eachers recommendation. Text: selected chapters from Junior Plus 2, Cle International, 2007

C. MANDARIN CHINESE

Chinese MS 1 (MS 5500)This course is designed for students who have very little or no knowledge of Chinese. Inthis course students will learn 5 language skills- Alphabet spelling with tones forpronunciation (Ping-Yin), oral speaking, listening, Chinese Character Reading and ChineseCharacter Writing starting with a few strokes.Through the learning process, the studentswill be expected to demonstrate the basic communicative skills in everyday situations.Text: Easy Steps to Chinese 1

Basic Sentences of Spoken Chinese (Lower- Intermediate)

Chinese MS 2 (MS 5501)This is the second year of Chinese language studies. Students are expected to understandand speak more fluently. Students will begin reading Chinese text without using thealphabet for pronunciation (only Chinese characters). Students will also write shortparagraphs with different topics using Chinese characters.Along with learning the language students will also be exposed to the Chinese world,learning about Chinese History, Culture, Literature and Art.


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Text : Easy steps to Chinese 2Basic Sentences of Spoken Chinese (Lower Intermediate)

Chinese 2 Advanced (MS 5502)This is the third year of Chinese language studies for students that have completedChinese 2. Students are expected to understand and speak the language fluently. Studentswill read Chinese texts without using the alphabet for pronunciation (only Chinesecharacters). Students will also write short essays in different topics using only Chinesecharacters. Along with learning the language students will also be exposed to the Chineseworld, learning about Chinese History, Culture, Literature and Art.Text : Easy Steps to Chinese 2 / 3New Practical Chinese Reader 1Basic Sentences of Spoken Chinese (Lower-Intermediate)

Chinese MS 3 (MS 5503) This course is a continuation of the Chinese language program after Chinese 2 Advanced.In this course students will learn five language skills- Alphabet spelling with tones forpronunciation (Ping-Yin), oral speaking, listening, Chinese Character Reading andChinese Character Writing.Through the learning process, the students will be expected to have clear pronunciationand intonation; to listen with understanding, to use a range of vocabulary; to buildgrammatical structures; and also to read and write the Chinese Characters. With thelanguage learning we will also lead students into the wonders of the Chinese world Chinese History, Culture, Literature and Art.Easy Steps to Chinese 3New Practical Chinese Reader 1

D. SPANISH

Spanish MS 1 (MS 5401) This is a foreign language learning program designed to be studied by students who haveno previous experience in the language. Students will be expected to demonstrate thecommunicative skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing in everyday situations,as defined by the core syllabus and language syllabus. Basic skills are emphasized aswell as dialogues and drills.The textbook used is Chicos Chicas .

Spanish MS 2 (MS 5402)Students are expected to read, write and speak reasonably well. Students do projects andwrite reports on the culture and history of the lands involved.Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 1and teacher recommendation.

E. ARABIC

This MS Arabic Program concentrates on correct reading, comprehension and writing of complete sentences to construct a short paragraph. Oral expression is taken into accountto help students express themselves as fluently as possible and encourage discussions.Course expectations:


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Reading and Comprehensiona. Read meaningfullyb. Understand what is being read (with guidance)c. Acquire new vocabularyd. Correct pronunciatione. Understand main idea and sub-ideasGrammara. Sentence structureb. Verb tensesc. Nouns, pronouns, associative pronouns, etc.d. Apply grammatical skills acquired in writing and reading.

Writing Skillsa. Prepared dictationb. Answer simple questionsc. Summarize a given textd. Finish a story / start one if given the ending, etc.

Arabic 6 (MS 5300)Beginning: Introduction to Arabic, Book(Spelling and Basic Grammar Rules)

Advanced Reading: Al Kiraat Wal Al Taabeet (Textbook No. 4 and Exercise Book)

Grammar: Written Expression, Spelling, Grammar

Arabic 7 (MS 5310)Reading: Speak and Read (Textbook) 3

(Grammar and Spelling, Written Expression and Stories)

Arabic 8 (MS 5320)Reading: Speak and Read (Textbook) 3

Grammar Textbook and Spelling, Written expression and Stories

F. GERMAN

1. German MS 1 Beginner course (MS 5200)

In this course students are encouraged to get to know the life and the culture of theGerman speaking countries. It enables the learners to enlarge their language abilities bylearning German as a second or third foreign language and to strengthen their social

competences.Within an interactive class atmosphere and a creative learning environment the studentswill have all possibilities to experience the German language most authentically.

During the first year students of this class are expected to achieve basic communicativeskills as to speak about themselves, their friends and family and to describe theireveryday life at school and their free time. At the end of this course the learners will alsobe able to understand and to write simple and small texts (e-mail, letter) about familiarand everyday-matters.


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2. German MS 2 (MS 5204)

This intermediate course German MS 2 is designed for students with a 2-3 yearsexperience of learning German or for those having attended the course German MS 1.Students of this class will be guided to enlarge their communicative horizon and tointensify their language abilities, meeting a variety of communicative areas, like theworld of Media, the world of Sport or living environments. Through specific projects thestudents will be encouraged to get in touch with students from other international schools,also learning German as a foreign language, to extend their cultural understanding.In this class students will experience the German language authentically. At the end of the course the learners will be able to understand and to handle more complex texts aboutthe above mentioned various social topics.Text books : Team Deutsch 1 and Team Deutsch 2, Klett Verlag

H. ELECTIVES

A. Beginning Instrumental Music (Year) (MS 7123) This course offers students the opportunity to begin study on an instrument in the

woodwind, brass or percussion sections of the band. In addition to the core performancecurriculum, students study music theory, music history, sight- reading and ear -training.* Students enrolled in this course are required to participate in all concert performances.

B. Intermediate Instrumental Music (Year) (MS 7124)This course is designed for students who have completed Beginning Instrumental Musicor who have a least one years playing experience on a wind, brass or percussioninstrument of the band. The performance based curriculum further develops proficiencyon an instrument through the study and performance of technical exercises andintermediate level instrumental repertoire. In addition to the performance curriculum,musicianship is cultivated through the study of music theory, music history, sight-

reading and ear- training.*Students enrolled in this course are required to participate in all concert performances.

C. Middle School Choir (MS 7101)This course offers students the opportunity to learn basic concepts of vocal musicperformance within a choir setting. Students also engage in authentic performanceexperiences such as duets and solos in combination with music reading and listeningactivities. In addition to examining the fundamentals of music theory, a brief overview of music history is covered.*Students enrolled in this course are required to participate in all concert performances.

D. Art Studio (Year) Grades 6,7, 8 (MS 7011)Through drawing, painting, and design projects, students explore the question Why andhow do artists mak e art? Using media such as tempera paint, oil pastels, and threedimensional materials students experiences various techniques for realizing their ownartistic potential.

E. Drama (Year) (MS 7110) The focus of this elective course is to develop creative and expressive skills for dramathrough practical workshops. The students will take part in group and individual dramatasks and exercises which will involve theater play, improvising, creating scenes andskits, developing a role, as well as reflecting and exploring a variety of stimuli. This


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course will help students develop a set of life-transferrable skills: confidence, effectivecommunication, concentration of attention, team work, imagination, space, time and bodyawareness, creativity and spontaneity to mention but a few.This course is open to grades 6, 7, and 8, and there is no pre-requisite.

I. LEARNING SUPPORT

A. EFL ( English as a Foreign Language) (MS 1202)EFL is a course that provides the foundation for English and content study by focusing ondeveloping conversational skills and basic vocabulary, grammar, reading writing skills.This course is a precursor to the ESL Level I course. It is possible that students enrolledin EFL many not be enrolled in all of the content classes such as Humanities, Science andLanguage Arts. ( Available as a course given a certain number of 6 th grade studentsenroll)

B. ESL Level I (Grades 6, 7 and 8) (MS 1200)ESL Level I is a course that focuses on language skills for the beginning-intermediatestudent of English. Writing, reading, speaking, listening and grammar as a central focus

are the principal skills and curriculum areas covered in this class.

C. ESL Level II (Grades 6, 7 and 8) (MS 1203) ESL Level II is a course for students approaching a higher level of English proficiency.This course will have a strong emphasis on vocabulary building, reading and writingskills. Students in this class will receive instruction in the specific strategies involved inreading a text and will also be exposed to the application of writing process techniques incomposition.

D. ESL Content ( Grade 8) (ESL 1260)This support class is designed and custom made to meet the academic needs of emergent

student of English. In this class, the academic demands of content classes are reviewedand sometimes modified so that ESL students may meet academic challenges withsuccess in mainstream subjects. Concepts and vocabulary that are encountered in contentsubjects are used as enrichment and background building, so that the ESL student maybuild a content based as well as and knowledge based foundation of English. In thisclass students will engage with writing as a medium of thought.

A fee is charged for enrollment in any ESL or EFL class

E. OM-Optimal Match Program (OM 6: MS 1046, OM 7: MS 1047, OM 8: MS 1048)The Optimal Match program provides students an equal opportunity at excelling in the

classroom by providing individualized and small group instruction that supplementsvarious learning styles. The process begins with the student being referred by theclassroom teacher or parent. The Child Study Team which consists of the Middle SchoolPrincipal, the K-12 counseling-psychologist, the Middle School counselor, and the OMspecialist and the OM Supervisor work together to determine which programs offered bythe school will most effectively meet the students needs.

A full battery of psycho-educational assessments, which are administered by non-school-based psychologists, must be completed prior to enrollment in the OM program. Basedon their findings and subsequent report, standards are set according to the individualneeds of the referred student. Effective strategies are developed by the Optimal Match


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Specialist and are then shared with all teachers working with each particular student.Small group instruction and cooperative learning activities are incorporated within thestudents curriculum in order to complement various learning abilities.

The Individual Learning Plan is a formal, comprehensive document that outlines eachstudents profile. It indicates the students learning difference, preferred learning style,strengths and areas of difficulties . It also states the accommodations that students areeligible for and lists the goals the Optimal Match Specialist works on in the classroom.Lastly, there is a section on the ILP where the counselors are asked to develop goals forstudents that are in need of counseling services, as stated in the psyco-educationalassessment.

Additionally, the Optimal Match Program may administer informal subtests to studentswho are performing academically below expectation in order to determine reading,writing and math levels. These subtest results may show a need for the students to enrollin the Optimal Match Program only after a full battery of psycho-educational assessmentshave been completed

The Optimal Match specialist provides support and guidance to the classroom teachers inorder to properly support student abilities. Collaboration is established amongst the entireteam and valuable tactics are adopted in order to enable students to maintain successwithin the classroom. Monitor sheets are student assessments that are distributed monthlyto validate student strengths and to determine areas that need improving. The MonitorSheets are kept in the students confidential file. This information provides the programwith evidence of student strengths and areas where additional assistance is needed inorder for the student to excel in the classroom.

The Optimal Match program also uses the an inclusion type model as a support servicefor students who need monitoring to help them succeed in the regular content classesThe OM teacher and/or OM aide enter the content classes with the students to provide onthe spot assistance. The OM specialist communicates and meets regularly with membersof the faculty which help to regulate the monitoring of the student.

F. OM-Optimal Match Consultation (MS 8067)OM Consultation is a support service for students who need monitoring and/ or testingaccommodations to help them succeed in the regular class; it does not involve classroominstruction.The OM teacher meets with the student on a pull out basis during a scheduled convenienttime for both. This consultation may be up to 20 minutes long and takes place once aweek.

OM consultation students are entitled to accommodations which are specific to eachstudents needs. Accommodations are specific guidelines for teachers to follow so thatindividual student needs are met. These guidelines are presented in the IndividualLearning Plan.

Formal communication with parents takes place once a month by the monitor sheet andphone calls or emails as often as necessary.

The OM teacher communicates regularly with members of the faculty which helps toregulate the monitoring of a consultation student.


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Students who require more support and small group instruction are placed in an 80minute block of time which meets every other day by grade level.

Placement of students in the OM program, either OM consultation or OM small groupinstruction, will be determined by the Child Study Team (CST).

* There is a fee for enrollment in the Optimal Match Program.* A full battery of Psycho Educational assessment is required prior to enrollment.

H. The High Performing Student Program (HPS) ( MS 8068)The High Performing Student Program (HPS) has been developed in order to cater for theneeds of students who have exceptional abilities. These students can be referred to theprogram by their teachers and/or parents. Once they have been referred, the student needsto undergo a battery of psycho educational tests in order to assess their areas of strengthand weakness. The purpose of the HPS program is to provide students with adequatechallenge and a ceiling high enough for them to achieve the utmost of their potential.Once a child has been identified, the Optimal Match specialist works closely with thestudents teacher in order to differentiate the students curriculum and adjust their learning experience to suit their individual needs. Students will be offered a variety of services such as mentor programs, individualized projects, consultations and advancedplacement programs.

There are fees for enrollment in the HPS Optimal Match Program

Placement of students in the OM program, either OM consultation or OM smallgroup instruction, or OM Inclusion Program will be determined by the Child StudyTeam (CST).* There is a fee for enrollment in the Optimal Match Program.* A full battery of Psycho Educational assessment is required prior to enrollment .


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American Community Schools of Athens129 Aghias Paraskevis St. & Kazantzaki, 152 34 Halandri, Athens, Greece

Tel.: +30 (210) 639 3200, Fax: +30 (210) 639 0051www.acs.gr [email protected]

program of studies 2011 12

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