Middle School

The purpose of the Middle School is to provide an environment that challenges and supports students as they enter and move through their adolescence. The academic program emphasizes critical thinking, exploration, and the creation of meaningful projects. Students have a variety of experiences in their classes that provide opportunities for thought and reflection which can be demonstrated through writing, art, drama, animation, and other forms of expression. Along the way, students learn the study and organizational skills that will make them successful in competitive high school and college environments. Outside of academics, students are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities that allow them to explore and develop their interests.

Sixth grade enjoys Treasure Island "pirate style".

Language Arts and Literature

The Middle School Language Arts program is designed to develop the receptive and expressive language abilities of its students. They learn to listen and read with greater thought and depth, and they learn to structure their speaking and writing to better communicate their understandings, ideas, and conclusions. The Literature program has students interacting with books, stories, poems, and plays that connect their experiences to the greater human condition.

Mathematics

The goal of the Middle School Mathematics Program is to place 8th grade students who are ready into Algebra 1. Not all students are developmentally ready for this, and individual differences are respected. In 5th and 6th grade, students solidify their understandings of integers, fractions, decimals, and percents and the four basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) with them. They also focus on the geometry and probability that can help them understand and represent the world around them. Throughout, the students are challenged to think mathematically. Following the completion of this basic curriculum, students are placed into Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1 in one or two-year courses depending on student ability and development.

Science

The Middle School Science Program emphasizes direct, hands-on experience with science procedure and content through the use of experiments and models. In fifth grade, students complete a progression of integrated units that begins in third grade. In sixth through eighth grade, students focus for a year on Life Science (6th), Earth Science (7th) and Physical Science (8th). Scientific method is taught and used throughout, and all students participate in Science Fair.

Students remove invasive species from Jesse Jones Park

Social Studies

The Middle School Social Studies Program addresses the question "How did we get here?" by taking the students through a four-year journey of exploration. 5th grade focuses on the development of Western Civilization (and some non-Western civilizations) from pre-historic times through the Renaissance and Reformation. 6th grade picks up the story with the history of the American Continent through the time right before the Civil War. 7th grade focuses on the history of the state of Texas. 8th grade begins with the Civil War and continues up through contemporary time. Throughout the four years, students explore the themes of government, economics, technology, religion, power, conflict, and citizenship. They also build connections between the events of the past and the present.

Texas History students research and conduct an indepth study of the Alamo and San Jacinto. The living historical characters connect the past with the present on a classroom roadshow...please meet James Bowie, Sam Houston, and Davy Crockett.

Spanish

Middle School students attend Spanish class on a daily basis. They focus on conversation, reading and writing in Spanish as well as experiencing the rich cultures and traditions of countries that have Spanish as their language. Students who consistently work hard and practice their skills will have completed the requirements for Spanish 1 by the end of their 8th grade year.

Religion & Ethics

Middle School students develop their spiritual life through regular participation in Chapel. They do the reading of scripture and contribute to the discussions of meaning during the lessons. As with other texts, they analyze and reflect on Scripture and its connection to universal human values. Seventh and eighth graders participate in a more formal discussion of religion and ethics as it applies to them in their changing lives.

Service

Middle School students participate in two special service projects. At Christmas and on Valentine's Day, they visit the Rosemont Assisted Living Facility and perform for the residents. Following the performances, they spend some time visiting with residents and sharing the spirit of the holidays. The second project involves care for the environment. The Middle School has adopted a trail in Jesse Jones Park. Three times per year, the students go and remove invasive species that threaten the ecological balance of the park. These projects provide an opportunity for Middle School students to directly serve the world and see the results of their work.

2011Homecoming Parade Grand Marshalls

Overnight Trips

Overnight trips provide an opportunity for Middle School students provide enrichment experiences. Eighth graders have a class trip coordinated with the American history curriculum. Examples include a trip to Washington, D.C.; Boston, Massachusetts; or a visit to D Day Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana. Fifth through seventh graders traveled this year to Camp Cho-Yeh in Livingston, Texas for a two day team building experience, science exploration, and outdoor sports including kayaking, low ropes, rockwall climbing, fishing, etc.

The Middle School Extension

Middle School Students have a variety of opportunities outside of the regular school day. Tutoring and academic support are available for those who would like. Athletic teams for both boys and girls practice and play throughout the year. Those who want to participate get the opportunity.

Sports Teams Currently Offered