MATAPEAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Home of the Stingrays
671 Romancoke Road
Stevensville, Maryland 21666
(410) 643-7330
FAX (410) 643-7445
COURSE DESCRIPTION BOOK
(For current and future Matapeake Middle School students)
This booklet contains a description of the courses offered to middle school students. In addition, math recommendations for rising 7th and 8th grade students are included on the final page. If you have any questions concerning the information in this booklet, please do not hesitate to call Matapeake Middle School.
Administrative Personnel
Matapeake Middle School
Dr. Angela Holocker – Principal
Mr. Jon Marketto - Assistant Principal
Placement Philosophy
No two students learn exactly the same way. Every classroom organizational pattern has its strengths and limitations. What we strive to do is provide a learning setting in all classrooms and a broad repertoire of grouping/teaching strategies to better meet the learning needs of each and every student. We believe there are times when students need to be with their intellectual peers, times when they need to work in cooperative groups, times when they need to work in pairs, and times when they need to work alone.
Students will be identified for their final course placement using the following criteria:
In addition, the following factors are considered in making recommendations for placement:
Regardless of which school your child attends, the curriculum remains the same at all Queen Anne’s County Schools which follow the Maryland Voluntary State Curriculum (VSC). For more information regarding the Maryland VSC please visit: www.mdvsc.com. Enclosed we have provided brief course descriptions for all major content areas. Math recommendations for rising seventh and eighth grade students are listed on the final page of this book.
QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOLS
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT MIDDLE SCHOOL COURSES
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6th Grade |
7th Grade |
8th Grade |
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Reading/ Language Arts |
This course is designed to develop Student achievement in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Blocks of time are provided for lessons on reading and writing, vocabulary development and grammar and usage. Literature is introduced through texts and novels. Instruction is based on the Maryland Voluntary Curriculum. |
This course is designed to enhance student achievement in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Blocks of time are provided for lessons on reading and writing, vocabulary development and grammar usage. Literature is introduced through texts and novels. Instruction is based on the Maryland Voluntary Curriculum. |
Students continue skill development in all areas of previous years of instruction. Instruction is designed to refine and extend their skills toward more analytical, interpretive thinking and writing. Instruction is based on the Maryland Voluntary Curriculum. |
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History |
The Ancient World History Students will work independently, in cooperative groups, give presentations and do project work. Service learning participation is required. |
World History – The 1600’s Students will work independently, in cooperative groups, give presentations and do project work. Service learning participation is required. |
U.S. History beginning with the origins of the country and continuing to the late 1800’s. Service learning participation is required.
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Science |
Earth Science the focus is on exploring and examining the structure of Earth and its relationship with other celestial objects. |
Life Science the focus is on living organisms and includes the Family Life Unit (parent permission required to participate). |
Physical Science includes chemistry and physics concepts. Students will examine the change of state and energy. |
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Math |
Everyday Math is used in our 6th grade classes. Students will actively engage in the mathematics content and process standards that are outlined in the Maryland Voluntary Curriculum. |
In 7th grade mathematics students will be expected to further develop the mathematics content and process standards that are outlined by the Maryland Voluntary Curriculum. Pre-Algebra concepts are introduced. |
See Pre-Algebra
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Math (cont.) 6th grade |
Algebraic Thinking: Algebraic Thinking is a three-year middle grades mathematics program designed to help students learn and understand the concepts of Algebra. Students not only gain understanding, but also confidence in mathematics which in turn helps them to achieve goals and apply mathematics to all aspects of life. The Algebraic Thinking program combines comprehensive staff development support with unique methodology. Students are able to make connections between concrete and abstract reasoning. |
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Pre-Algebra |
This course is designed to provide a foundation of algebraic concepts. In addition to focusing on variables, integers and expressions, students will apply learned concepts to multi-step equations and functions. Graphing and systems of equations will also be investigated using the graphing calculator TI-83. Problems Solving, mathematical reasoning and communication will be reinforced. |
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Algebra I |
This course is designed to present students with the terms and procedures necessary for analyzing algebra problems. Students will also be given the opportunity to apply their knowledge through an individual software program (Carnegie Cognitive Tutor) where problem solving and real life application will be emphasized. The TI-83 calculator is used throughout this course. At the middle school level, students must pass the county Algebra I final exam as well as the course to receive high school credit in Algebra I. This course will appear on the student’s high school transcript. Students must take the Maryland High School Assessment for Algebra/Data Analysis. Placement in Algebra I is based on successful completion of Pre- Algebra, proficient score with an 85% National Percentile Score on the Maryland State Assessment, fewer than 20 absences during the school year and/or teacher recommendation. Students scoring Basic on MSA will not be eligible for Algebra I. |
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This course provides students with the terms and procedures necessary for solving advanced algebraic problems. Emphasis is on representing function families in a variety of ways, performing operations and geometric transformations on functions, and solving equations and inequalities. It is recommended that each student have a graphing utility. At the middle school level, students must pass the county Algebra II final exam as well as the course to receive high school credit in Algebra II. This course will appear on the student’s high school transcript. Placement in Algebra II is based on successful completion of Algebra I, proficient score with 85% National Percentile Score on the Maryland State Assessment, fewer than 20 absences during the school year and/or teacher recommendation. Students scoring Basic on MSA will not be eligible for Algebra II. |
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UNIFIED ARTS
Unified Arts Courses are those courses offered each marking period. Students are required to participate in a Unified Arts Course each year they are in the middle school as per the Maryland State Department of Education Fine Arts Requirement. These electives are assigned each marking period
Physical Education is a state required course for all students every year. Students are required to take a minimum of one marking period of physical education. Students are exposed to a variety of team and individual sports, recreational activities, dance, and fitness activities targeting some advance skills, game rules, sportsmanship, and individual responsibility. All classes are taught in a co-educational setting. For health and safety reasons, proper gym attire is required.
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Visual Art Grades 6-8 |
The art programs in QAC middle schools provides for student involvement in a wide range of activities. Students will create projects that integrate skills from various art mediums. Students will learn how to use the elements of art and the principals of design to create works of art. At the end of the marking period student artwork will be showcased. This course meets the MSDE Fine Arts requirement. |
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Fundamentals of Art Grade 8 Elective |
This class is designed for the student who is considering Art as a major emphasis of study in high school or college and would like a more advanced course. Teacher recommendation is required. Student/parent may seek the recommendation from an art teacher, or an art teacher may recommend a student for the course based on past performance. Students will be required to complete a portfolio of their artwork and include a written critique of best work. The portfolio will be given to the high school art department. This course meets the MSDE Fine Arts requirement. |
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*General Music Grades 6-8 |
The general music program provides instruction in music theory, composition, history, and instruction to develop basic math skills. Students will experiment with the different facets of music as they gain musical background. This course meets the MSDE Fine Arts requirement. |
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*Chorus Explore Grades 6-8 Elective |
This is a one semester course designed to provide students with an opportunity to explore the vocal and choral skills needed for performance. Basic music theory and sight reading methods will be introduced to further enhance and develop musicianship. Opportunities for performance may be presented. |
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Computer Applications and Keyboarding Grades 6-8 |
This course is designed to develop a foundation of essential computer skills by integrating Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Internet research. Keyboarding skills will also be developed. |
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Foreign Language Exploratory (FLEX) Grade 6 |
This course provides students with an opportunity to explore different languages and cultures. As a result of this class, students develop clearer concepts of the role and nature of language and a better understanding of people and cultures. |
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Focus Reading & Focus Math |
Students will be placed in either one or both of these courses if testing scores and/or academic performance warrant such instructional support. By attending math and reading focus groups, the students will learn valuable strategies that they will apply in their daily learning. Reading comprehension and/or decoding skills are areas of emphasis for Focus Reading. In Focus Math, 6th grade students use the Moving With Math program, which is used to improve basic math skills. For 7th and 8th grade students, the Carnegie Bridges to Algebra program is used. This is a computer-based program that has been proven to increase math scores and understanding. |
*We are initiating these courses next year. In order to have an idea of the number of students who may wish to participate, please indicate on the selection sheet if this is a course in which your child would like to participate.
Electives
UNIFIED ARTS COURSES (YEAR LONG COURSES) Students may elect to take ONE year long course: Spanish I - 7th grade, Spanish I, part II - 8th grade only, Instrumental Music, or Chorus.
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Instrumental Music Grades 6-8 Elective |
This course is designed to give students the knowledge, skills, and guidelines needed to make musical performance an active part of their lives. All students must provide their own instrument, music folder, and method book. Students are expected to participate in rehearsals during school and outside school hours when scheduled and perform in concerts. Each student is expected to practice at home daily. This course meets the MSDE Fine Arts requirement. |
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Chorus Grades 6-8 Elective |
This course is designed to give students the opportunity to develop their vocal skills and use those skills in performance. Students are expected to participate in rehearsals and perform in concerts. This course meets the MSDE Fine Arts requirement. |
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Spanish I Grades 7 & 8 Elective |
This is the high school Spanish I course completed at the middle school over two years. Students will begin their skill development in the seventh grade and continue instruction in eighth grade. At the completion of this course in 8th grade, students are required to take the high school final exam. Students who pass the course and final exam earn high school credit. Prerequisites for this course include scoring proficient or above on state assessments, reading on or above grade level and having fewer than 20 absences during the school year. Seating is limited and on a first come first serve basis of those who meet the qualification. |
SELECTION SHEET
YEAR LONG ELECTIVES
To better meet the needs of scheduling your child’s classes, we are requesting you provide us with the following information by June 3, 2008. Please have your child return this form to their 1st period teacher.
6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Students
YEAR LONG Elective Music Classes – Please indicate if you wish to continue instrumental music (Band) at the middle school by checking Instrumental Music and indicate the instrument you play. If you are interested in being a member of the Choir, please check Chorus. PLEASE REMEMBER YOU MAY ONLY SELECT ONE YEAR-LONG ELECTIVE COURSE. Please leave blank if you do not want to be in band or chorus.
_____ Instrumental Music (the instrument I play is the________________________)
_____ Chorus
SEMESTER LONG Unified Arts classes – Please indicate if you would like to participate in one of the following classes:
_____ General Music: I am interested in reserving a space in this class.
_____ Chorus Explore: I am interested in reserving a space in this class.
Grade 7 Students ONLY
YEAR LONG Spanish – Please check below if you are interested in applying to take Spanish in the seventh grade. Indicating an interest in Spanish does not automatically enroll you in the course. Candidates will be screened for qualifications and admission will be on a first-come-first serve basis for those who qualify. If not interested, please leave blank.
_____Spanish
Grade 8 Spanish Students ONLY
YEAR LONG Spanish – Please check below if you are electing to take the second part of the high school credit bearing Spanish I. If you did not take Spanish in 7th grade you are not eligible for Spanish in 8th grade.
_____Spanish (Part II – must have taken Spanish in 7th grade
MATH RECOMMENDATIONS
Your child’s math course recommendation will be reflected in their schedule which will be sent home over the summer. These recommendations are currently being considered based on the placement philosophy at the beginning of this booklet. A few of those criteria are not available at this time to make an accurate placement for your child.