Junior High
The courses students take in 7th grade are largely determined by the curriculum sequence determined by the District. Below are the required courses, which include descriptions.
Language Arts and Math course placement is determined by the previous year’s teacher(s). Once we have received your Band, Choir, or Study Hall registration information and the placement information form the 6th grade teachers, we will send you a copy of your personal registration form.
7th Grade
CORE ACADEMIC COURSES
Bluejay Connect
BLUEJAY CONNECT 7 [BC1200, BC1202, BC1202]
The purpose of this course is to provide a smaller environment for students to make connections with their peers and a grade level teacher. Students will explore current topics appropriate to each grade level, and investigate their own learning strengths and weaknesses through the creation of a digital Learner Profile that develops between 7th and 12th grades. Bluejay Connect meets every day for twenty minutes.
Computer Skills
COMPUTER SKILLS 7 [BU3105, BU3106, BU3107]
Computer Skills 7 provides knowledge of and experience in the proper and efficient use of previously written software packages and explores a wide range of applications, including word-processing, spreadsheets, graphics, and database programs.
Language Arts
LANGUAGE ARTS 7 [LA4003, LA4004, LA4005]
Language Arts 7 focuses on improving comprehension, identifying literary elements, analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating literature and improving writing skills through the study of various types of literature within a smaller, special education setting.
FOUNDATIONS OF LITERATURE 7 [LA4006, LA4007, LA4008]
In Foundations of Literature 7, we will be working on improving reading and writing skills to increase overall reading comprehension and communication abilities. We will focus on reading comprehension, vocabulary, and other essential reading skills through whole class, small group, and individually targeted interventions. The curriculum of this class provides students a refresher on the fundamentals of reading through reading and studying engaging fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. In addition to reading instruction, students will be studying and practicing a number of skills in written and verbal communication.
LANGUAGE & LITERATURE 7 [LA4009, LA4010, LA4011]
In Language & Literature 7, students will study and practice a number of skills surrounding the English language such as vocabulary, reading, grammar, and writing. The focus of this class is to allow students the opportunity to build upon and fine-tune the English skills they have previously learned and to gain a greater knowledge of the English language.
Mathematics
BASIC MATH [MA5003, MA5004, MA5005]
The focus of Basic Math 7 is on mastering math skills and concepts such as basic math skills and concepts; money and banking; measurement; preparation for algebra; consumer math; and use of calculators within a smaller, special education setting.
PRE-ALGEBRA [MA5012, MA5013, MA5014]
Pre-Algebra is an introduction to basic algebra concepts and a review of arithmetic algorithms. Students will explore proportional relationships; use number lines and coordinate planes to reason with integers; develop fluency writing, interpreting, and translating between various forms of linear equations and inequalities, and using them to solve problems; and learn about the laws of exponents to the creation and solution of simple exponential equations.
ENRICHED PRE-ALGEBRA [MA5015, MA5016, MA5017]
Pre-Algebra Enriched 7 goes at a faster pace and is an introduction to basic algebra concepts and a review of arithmetic algorithms. Students will explore proportional relationships; use number lines and coordinate planes to reason with integers; develop fluency writing, interpreting, and translating between various forms of linear equations and inequalities, and using them to solve problems; and learn about the laws of exponents to the creation and solution of simple exponential equations.
ENRICHED ALGEBRA [MA5024-7,MA5025-7, MA5026-7]
Students develop algebraic fluency by learning the skills needed to solve equations and perform manipulations with numbers, variables, equations, and inequalities. They also learn concepts central to the abstraction and generalization that algebra makes possible. Students learn to use number properties to simplify expressions or justify statements; describe sets with set notation and find the union and intersection of sets; simplify and evaluate expressions involving variables, fractions, exponents, and radicals; work with integers, rational numbers, and irrational numbers; and graph and solve equations, inequalities, and systems of equations. They learn to determine whether a relation is a function and how to describe its domain and range; use factoring, formulas, and other techniques to solve quadratic and other polynomial equations; formulate and evaluate valid mathematical arguments using various types of reasoning; and translate word problems into mathematical equations and then use the equations to solve the original problems.
GEOMETRY [MA5027, MA5028, MA5029]
This course is designed to provide students with understanding of geometry concepts. Geometry is the study of shapes and configurations. It attempts to understand and classify spaces in various mathematical contexts. For a space with lots of symmetries, the study naturally focuses on properties which are invariant (remaining the same) under symmetries. This course includes writing expressions, solving linear equations, operations with polynomials, linear functions and word problems.
Physical Education
PHYSICAL EDUCATION 7 [PH6013, PH6014, PH6015]
Physical Education 7 builds students’ knowledge and skills that increase strength, endurance, and flexibility; reinforce safe technique; teach the rules and conventions of games and sports; and explore the relationship between physical activity and health.
Science
LIFE SCIENCE 7 [SC7008, SC7009, SC7010]
Life Science 7 covers the fundamental concepts of life and life processes. The topics studied include, but are not limited to, cell structure and function; general plant and animal physiology; genetics; and taxonomy.
Social Studies
AMERICAN HISTORY 7 [SO8007, SO8008, SO8009]
American History 7 examines the history of the Americas leading to the United States from the indigenous peoples, colonial period, to the Civil War, and includes a historical overview of political, military, scientific, and social developments.
Exploratory Classes
HEALTH 7 [PH6005]
This course will provide students an opportunity to develop an understanding of health concepts, behaviors, and skills that reduce health risks and enhance the health and well-being of self and others. Students will learn skills they will use to make healthy choices throughout their lifetime.
FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE (FACS) 7 [FA3207]
FACS 7 prepares students to begin their journey toward becoming independent, productive citizens. The aim of this course is for all students to increase their ability to act responsibly and productively; work cooperatively; apply concepts of balancing school/work and family; create solutions to critical and emergent issues; utilize technology effectively in personal and family settings; and maintain healthy lifestyles.
SPANISH 7 [WL3600]
In this 6-week class we will begin to explore the basics of the Spanish language, focusing on the interpretive and interpersonal aspects of language learning. We will work together as a class to understand and practice our conversational Spanish-speaking abilities. No prior Spanish knowledge is required!
Elective Classes
BAND 7 [MU3400, MU3401, MU3402]
Band 7 is designed to promote students’ technique for playing brass, woodwind and percussion instruments and cover a variety of band literature styles, primarily for concert performances.
BAND STUDY HALL 7 [SH1515, SH1516, SH1517]
Band Study Hall 7 meets on opposite days of Band 7.
CHOIR 7 [MU3406, MU3407, MU3408]
Choir 7 develops students’ vocal skills within the context of a large choral ensemble in which they perform a variety of styles of repertoire. This course is designed to develop students’ vocal techniques and their ability to sing parts.
CHOIR STUDY HALL 7 [SH1521, SH1522, SH1523]
Choir Study Hall 7 meets on opposite days of Choir 7.
STUDY HALL 7 [SH1527, SH1528, SH1529]
Study Hall 7 meets every day of the week.