A 8th grader has 7 mandatory periods. An Advisory class (25 Minutes) and 6 periods of 50 minutes each. 5 periods are common to most students: Language Arts (LA 8) or Honors Language Arts (LA 8H – known as Spectrum)
Please note that class offerings vary from one year to another and that this information is a rough guide for reference only. The budget dictates how many Exploratory Classes may be available in any given year.
Toward the end of 7th grade (late Spring), you can expect your student to bring home a yellow/orange form that will allow you and your child to pick electives and/or express preferences for Exploratory Classes.
A 8th grader has 7 mandatory periods. An Advisory class (25 Minutes) and 6 periods of 50 minutes each. 5 periods are common to most students:
Language Arts (LA 8) or Honors Language Arts (LA 8H – known as Spectrum)
Social Studies (SS 8)
Math (8 th grade, Algebra 1 or Geometry)
grade, Algebra 1 or Geometry) Science 8
[simple_tooltip content=’This is the Physical Education Class for 6th to 8th grade students required by the Seattle School District. Students will have team sport units of Soccer, Softball, Football, Basketball, Hockey, Volleyball and Ultimate Frisbee. Students will be instructed on the proper use of fitness machines and how to use them to increase their muscle endurance.’] Physical Education [/simple_tooltip] – PE*(1 semester). For the other semester, students will be placed in a semester-long Exploratory Class (see list below).
*Note: It is sometimes possible for a child who is actively involved in a sport all year long to get a PE waiver so that they may take an additional semester-long Exploratory Class instead. Download the PE waiver form or talk to the school administration to learn more.
Students who did not meet the state standards the previous year will be placed in [simple_tooltip content=’Math Topics intervention classes in each grade provide additional support to help students raise their math skills to grade level. While they share common goals, content and procedures vary among the different grade levels’]Math Topics[/simple_tooltip] or [simple_tooltip content=’This yearlong course focuses on building comprehension and fluency skills that are essential to success and independence in reading. We use Scholastics’ Read 180 curriculum, which involves building vocabulary, oral fluency, spelling skills, and comprehension. Part of students’ time is spent on the adaptive Read 180 computer software and in small-group instruction. Students are selected on the basis of MSP and MAP scores as well as class performance.’]Reading Improvement[/simple_tooltip], depending on the area of need.
For the 7th period (50 minutes), 8th graders can choose a [simple_tooltip content=’Students will remain with the same teacher for the full year in yearlong courses. Students should choose courses carefully as schedule changes are extremely limited.’]full-year elective[/simple_tooltip]:
o Music: [simple_tooltip content=’The Band performs in a variety of settings including parades, concerts and athletic events. Students will improve their skills in articulation, rhythm, tone production, intonation, instrument facility and overall musicality. Participation in occasional rehearsals and performances outside of class time is mandatory for all students. There are two band classes: Junior Band and Senior Band. All grades — yearlong. Prerequisites: Basic proficiency on band instrument or teacher permission‘]Band[/simple_tooltip] or [simple_tooltip content=’The Orchestra is a dynamic ensemble that performs at a variety of concerts and events throughout the school year. Students gain a solid foundation in string technique, music theory and history as we explore a wide variety of classical and contemporary literature. Participation in occasional rehearsals and performances outside of class time is mandatory for all students. All grades — yearlong. Prerequisites: Basic proficiency on string instrument or teacher permission.‘]Orchestra[/simple_tooltip], all Grades. Students who are in Band or Orchestra might be eligible for Jazz Band. Jazz Band is an “extra period”, from 7:15 until 7:45 every morning. Jazz Band also practices for 2 hours after school on Early Release days. If your child plays saxophone, trombone, trumpet, piano, bass, guitar or drums and is interested in auditioning for Jazz Band, please contact Mr. Bathum: [email protected]
o [simple_tooltip content=’French level 2 adds the past tense to the skills mastered in level one, with additional vocabulary and more details of grammar and syntax in spoken language, reading and written work. There is a continued focus on cultural information.’]French 2*[/simple_tooltip] (Prerequisite: French 1). Two years of French in middle school might count as one year of French in High School, depending on student’s level of knowledge (entrance exam in High School).
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o [simple_tooltip content=’French level 1 focuses on written and oral communication in the present tense. The first year covers greetings and simple conversations, the use of correct grammar, spelling, punctuation and syntax in basic writing assignments, and simple reading of forms, maps, advertisements and letters. Basic cultural information is also part of the course.’]French 1*[/simple_tooltip]. Two years of French in middle school might count as one year of French in High School, depending on student’s level of knowledge (entrance exam in High School).
o [simple_tooltip content=’Spanish level 2 adds the past tense to the skills mastered in level one, with additional vocabulary and more details of grammar and syntax in spoken language, reading and written work. There is a continued focus on cultural information.’]Spanish 2*[/simple_tooltip] (Prerequisite: Spanish 1). Two years of Spanish in middle school might count as one year of Spanish in High School, depending on student’s level of knowledge (entrance exam in High School).
o [simple_tooltip content=’Spanish level 1 focuses on written and oral communication in the present tense. The first year covers greetings and simple conversations, the use of correct grammar, spelling, punctuation and syntax in basic writing assignments, and simple reading of forms, maps, advertisements and letters. Basic cultural information is also part of the course.’]Spanish 1*[/simple_tooltip]. Two years of Spanish in middle school might count as one year of Spanish in High School, depending on student’s level of knowledge (entrance exam in High School).
* Note: If your student has a PE waiver, he/she might be able to choose Band AND a World language.
And/Or express preferences for semester-long Exploratory Classes:
o [simple_tooltip content=’Students will learn the basics of 2-D and 3-D design for visual art, and will be challenged to create artwork which is both technically strong and has expressive meaning for them personally. Students will be introduced to the elements and principles of art, to a wide variety of art materials and processes, and to the process involved in creating original art with meaning. This class builds on the introduction to the arts to enhance the appreciation, understanding, and development of 21st Century skills needed for everyday life.’]Visual/Fine Arts Intermediate[/simple_tooltip]. 7th and 8th Grade.
o Computer Technologies (Tech Art): [simple_tooltip content=’Students will be learning advanced digital photography and digital art skills. Students may use digital cameras from home, or one of the cameras here at school, to explore the artistic side of photography: composition, color, contrast, subject matter, line, texture, theme, and more. We will dig into Adobe’s Photoshop Elements to edit and transform our photos. Students will also develop a digital portfolio of their best work in PowerPoint.’]Digital Photography[/simple_tooltip] or [simple_tooltip content=’Students will be developing their communication skills through the medium of video production. We will be developing skills with video cameras and video editing software. The theme for the semester will be “Storytelling,” and video will allow us to tell a variety of “stories:” public service announcements, music videos, and personal and fictional stories. We will also do a unit on stop-motion animation to tell children’s stories. Software will include iPhoto and especially iMovie.’]Video Production[/simple_tooltip]. 7th and 8th Grade. Photography and Video alternate so their is no repeat for students who take this class twice in a row.
o [simple_tooltip content=’Design and Modeling (1st quarter). Students use industry standard 3D modeling software to create a virtual image of their designs. They experience an engineering design lifecycle from initial concept to 3D Printed Models and Prototypes. Each student produce a portfolio to showcase their creative solutions. Automation and Robotics (2nd quarter). Students learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation and computer control systems. Students use a robust robotics platform to design, build, and program a solution to solve an existing problem.’]Technology Education[/simple_tooltip], known as Tech Ed. 7th and 8th Grade.
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o [simple_tooltip content=’Dynamic and active curriculum exploring several aspects of effective leadership, such as clear communication, group dynamics, leadership skills, conflict management, assertiveness, problem solving, and cultural awareness. Lessons will be more like “workshops” where students work together to accomplish tasks and explore aspects of the above topics. Because the class will also include the nine members of the elected ASB (Associated Student Body), everyone will have an opportunity to put their emerging leadership skills to use in planning school activities and service learning projects.’]Leadership Development Class[/simple_tooltip]. 7th and 8th grade, including ASB officers.
o [simple_tooltip content=’We are in partnership with Junior Achievement of Washington to provide Madison students with business, economics, and life-skills programs that will not only enhance their education but their lives. These are experiential, hands on programs that help students discover and apply entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy concepts and skills. Financial literacy lessons will cover topics such as savings and checking, credit vs. debit, financial goal setting, budgeting basics, bank basics, wants vs. needs, and more!’]Financial Literacy[/simple_tooltip]. 7th and 8th Grade.
o [simple_tooltip content=’The TA program is a class where students help out a teacher of their choice for one semester, or they can help in the school office or in the library. Through this program, students can learn organizational and problem solving skills by helping grade papers, entering scores, organizing cabinets, files, books, etc. They also get a chance to improve their interpersonal skills while interacting with many staff members.’]Teacher’s Assistant[/simple_tooltip], known as TA. 7th and 8th Grade. 3.35 cum GPA and application required. Students are allowed to TA for one semester TOTAL during their 7th and 8th Grade year.
Schedule Changes (ten day rule): If you have strong feelings about the Exploratory Classes your student has been assigned to, please get in touch with the school administration. Schedule changes must be completed before the end of the 10th school day of the semester.
During 8th Grade, students will need to start thinking about High School… To know more, click here.
If you have additional questions regarding your student, please contact the school administration or school counselors. If you have suggestions on how to improve this page and make it more useful for parents and students, please contact us directly at webmastermadisonptsa.com. We welcome any feedback, thank you!
Piano Guidance
Photo: João Vítor Heinrichs
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