The eighth grade language arts program offers a variety of standards-based learning experiences.  The program is based on eighth grade Language Arts Common Core State Standards.  These standards offer    a focus for instruction to ensure an adequate exposure to a range of texts and tasks.  Rigor is infused through reading and studying the components of literature with increasingly complex text, both fiction   and non-fiction.  Students will further  integrate English grammar, literature and the writing process, along with   appropriate speaking and listening skills.  Writing conventions are also learned, used and edited.  Vocabulary is presented and used in a critical manner. Writing assignments will include all genres of   writing including argumentative, narrative, and research based. Students will study text structure and learn how that helps to understand the author’s meaning. They will learn interpretive and critical reading skills, along with literary analysis.  An emphasis will be placed on individual responsibility to help the transition to high school. 

The accelerated program at the eighth grade levels is offered to those students who have shown a need for an accelerated delivery of rigorous content. Reading and writing skills above grade level are necessary for success in these classes. Subject matter will be taught at an accelerated pace and in greater depth. 

Accelerated Placement:  Student placement in the accelerated program is based on both reading and writing benchmark assessments and classroom observations. The advanced requirements for success in an accelerated class include the need for self-motivated, self-disciplined, and academically driven students. 

This three-year curriculum addresses grammatical mechanics and usage through specific exercises as well as writing tasks involving narrative, creative and expository forms.  Students work with intensive vocabulary lessons and readings in a variety of literary genres.  

 Speaking, writing and listening activities will emphasize critical thinking and creative expression. Leadership skills will be addressed through participation in individual and group projects.  Major emphasis is placed on the novel, short story, poetry, and drama using a series of thematic units which  emphasize literary analysis and terms necessary for deeper understanding of the literature.  Research skills and writing across all genres will also be emphasized.

Students can only be enrolled in gifted ELA if designated by the service hours listed in their annual IEP (Individualized Education Plan).  

This course is designed to build upon the foundation formed in previous years, ultimately  preparing students for Algebra I in high school.  Students will perform computation with  integers, solve linear equations, and practice graphing on the Cartesian coordinate plane.   Students will expand their prior knowledge of plane geometric relationships and explore basic statistics and probability.  Students will also continue to apply concepts in number operations (fractions, decimals, percents) in problem-solving applications.  Students will apply and extend their knowledge of linear relationships.  Students will also be introduced to more complex  concepts such as exponential and quadratic functions.   

This course is an alternative to regular 8th grade mathematics.  It is designed for  students capable of  investigating mathematics in a challenging, in-depth fashion.  The material addressed in this course is a fast-paced introductory algebra course.  Acceleration of content is provided to prepare students for the honors algebra program in high school.  Students who wish to enroll in the Honors/AP math program in high school, will not receive high school credit for this course; they will be registered to take  Honors Algebra I as freshmen.   

Selection Process:    Students will be placed in Algebra based on a matrix of data.   This data will include student performance in the top 25% tier of fall/winter Winter i-Ready scores, classroom performance, and teacher recommendation. 

 Special requirements DURING the course:    Any student who has below an 80% average at the end of the 1st 9 weeks will be placed on probation.  If a probationary student has below an 80% at the semester, they will be transferred to regular math. 

This course is the foundation of all advanced mathematics.  Honors Algebra I is designed for the student with exceptional ability and interest in mathematics.  It develops concepts, techniques, and theory in much more depth than the Algebra I course.  Both acceleration and enrichment are integral components of the curriculum.  Students taking this class will receive high school credit.

Selection Process:    Students will be placed in Honors Algebra based on a matrix of data.   This data will include student performance in the top 25% tier of fall/winter Winter i-Ready scores, classroom performance, and teacher recommendation. 

 Special requirements DURING the course:    Any student who has below an 80% average at the end of the 1st 9 weeks will be placed on probation.  If a probationary student has below an 80% at the semester, they will be transferred to regular Algebra. 

Students will be using an integrated curriculum during middle school.   This lab-based 8th grade science course will be covering the following disciplinary core ideas in science this year: 

•  Chemistry: Elements/Compounds/Chemical Reactions

•  Physics:  Forces/Motion and Tools

•  Energy:  Electrical/Electromagnetic

•  Waves: Sound/Electromagnetic

This course is an introduction to US history from America’s exploration through 1877.  Major events and topics such as the American Revolution, the Civil War and Reconstruction, westward expansion and industrialization will be the focus of study.  Connections between how the events of the past influence today’s world will be made.  A focus on the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights will encourage students to develop skills, knowledge and attitudes leading to responsible citizenship in a democratic society.  There is an emphasis on physical geography, map reading and atlas skills.  Teaching students to read informational text is a key component of the social studies classes, along with an emphasis on writing.