WUMS 7th Grade Team

Wanda Stetson - English / global studies
Debbie Pelkey – math/social studies
Anne Lessard – English/social studies
Melissa Fellows – science/math
Paul Buhler – science, math
Glenna Coleman – English, Language Enhancement

Jason Tarleton – Health
Marie Olson-Badeau - Life Skills
Dave McFarlin - Tech. Ed.
Tim Whitney - Physical Education
Matt Rogers – Computer Skills I
Vali Stuntz – Middle School Counselor
Jan Winslow – Special Education

ELECTIVES
Bob Riccio - Spanish
Keri Bristow - Spanish
Karen Hawkes - French
Colleen O’Connell - French
Ben Potvin– Band
Lisa Robar- Chorus
John Hiers – Horticulture
Caddie Johanssen – Art
Nina Salvatore - Art

REQUIRED COURSES - GRADE 7

ENGLISH 7

English in Grade 7 is a full year course emphasizing the basic language skills of reading, writing, speaking, spelling, sentence and paragraph structure, grammar usage, and mechanics.  The literature presented includes novels, short stories, poetry, nonfiction and drama from a variety of sources.  Many materials are chosen which relate to topics presented in Global Studies, and several interdisciplinary units are taught.  During the course of the year, students have opportunities for expository and creative writing.  All writing pieces are linked to the Vermont Standards and Grade Expectations and many will appear in the students’ Learning Chronicles.  Responses to literature, personal, persuasive, and article summaries as well as narratives and a research paper are the focus of the writing program in 7th grade English.

LANGUAGE ENHANCEMENT

The Language Enhancement class is open to students from grades 7 and 8 who require extra practice in reading, writing, spelling, critical thinking, and vocabulary skills.  This class meets regularly in addition to the regular core English class. Students receive a grade for this class independent of their English grade. The goal of the program is to aid students in achieving grade level reading and writing skills by the end of 8th grade.  Inclusion in the program is determined by teacher recommendation and standardized test scores.  In addition, each student will be assessed at the beginning and end of the year to track progress.   

LIFE SCIENCE 7

This course focuses on living organisms.  We begin the year with an interdisciplinary unit on the forest and the cycles within it.  We then study scientific classification, animals, and their adaptations to the environment.   We learn about cells and their processes; genes, heredity and how genetic traits are passed from one generation to the next.  We study the science behind the water cycle; impacts on, and the importance of our local watersheds and water management.  During the year we also integrate discussions involving our natural resources and world environmental issues.       

GLOBAL STUDIES

The 7th grade team focuses on world geography in their Global Studies classes.  A primary goal is for students to demonstrate their knowledge of physical and cultural geography by identifying the majority of the world’s countries and acquiring an understanding of regional characteristics.  Students will develop an appreciation for the cultural contributions of the vast array of the world’s people.  The units of study include Getting our Bearings, Japan-Land of Tradition and Change, Being Global Citizens, India: A Land of Contrasts, Profile of an African Nation, Latin America, and the Euro-Market.  Many units of study are integrated with other core subject areas of English, Science and Math. 

THERE ARE TWOMATH OPTIONS AVAILABLE BASED ON STUDENT CLASSROOM PERFORMANCE, TEACHER RECOMMENDATION AND STANDARDIZED TEST SCORES

MATHEMATICS 7   

Description:  “This curriculum is devoted to developing student knowledge and understanding of mathematics that is rich in connections—connections among core ideas in mathematics, connections between mathematics and its application in other school subjects, connections between the learning activities and special aptitudes and interests of middle schools students.” (CMP)  The curriculum includes four Connected Math units covering proportional reasoning, understanding patterns of change in algebra, integers, and graphing linear relationships, and four skills units and a unit on geometry. “Math Mates,” a skills review unit, is used throughout the year to sharpen math skills

MATH SKILLS

This course is designed to strengthen math knowledge and skills.  Stress is placed upon calculation in the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division), plane geometry, percents and measurement.  No calculators are allowed as students work to improve their usage of math facts.  Students are recommended by their current classroom teachers for placement in this class.

TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION 7

Technology Education is a program designed to provide the student with an overview of several technologies.

The Grade 7 program covers units in communications and transportation.  The communications unit includes basic drafting skills.  The transportation unit includes a study of the history of transportation and the construction of a CO2 powered car.

FACS 7 (Family and Consumer Science)

This is a required class that introduces the student to making healthy food choices and understanding about family dynamics and learning about A.I.D.S/H.I.V., fetal alcohol syndrome and effect of drugs with the fetus and babies. Emphasis is placed on time management, food safety and sanitation and working in small and large groups.

Focus is on personal and interpersonal development especially with group work. Students will use self reflections and rubrics for group grades. Learning about nutrition and culture of foods around the world and meal management will take a large part of the class time. Students will start the quarter learning about the design principles and work on individual quilt squares that will be made into a baby size quilt that later will get donated to local organizations like a hospital in Vt. or N.H.

HEALTH 7

Middle School Health is a required class where students will be enabled to identify areas of strength in their emotional, social and physical health.

Topics in Grade 7 include goal setting, decision-making, bullying, conflict resolution and substance abuse prevention.  Students will be graded on class participation, homework and quizzes.  Parental participation in homework assignments is highly encouraged.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 7

The Grade 7 program attempts to develop areas of physical fitness, team building, decision making, motor coordination and knowledge.

Traditional and non-traditional team activities are taught along with individual specialties utilizing ropes, rings, juggling materials, balance beams and stilts.

Grading and evaluations are based upon the student performing skills to the best of their ability, displaying a positive attitude, being respectful of others, cooperation and being prepared for class with appropriate clothing and footwear.

COMPUTER SKILLS I - 1/4 Year

This course is required of all seventh grade students unless Exit skills Test is passed. 

Using a personal computer, the student will be introduced to keyboarding using a “touch” method. The student will gain familiarity with computer operations and concepts, and develop skills with basic word processing procedures and formatting. The student will become familiar with the World Wide Web as a resource, and refine basic search techniques. Throughout the course, emphasis will be placed on key word processing and file management concepts.  The student will also be able to demonstrate a minimum typing speed of 20 words per minute.  *Students can test out of this course by successfully completing the Exit Skills Test at this level.

ELECTIVES

The following courses are electives for Grade 7 students.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Students entering WUMS may have studied foreign language in elementary school.  Depending on the amount of time studying the language, as well as the skill level, some seventh grade students may enroll in grade 8 language classes.  A placement test will be administered to any student wishing an 8th grade language class.  Placement will be determined based on the performance of that assessment.

FRENCH 7 – All Year

French 7 is an academically oriented course which is designed to provide a strong foundation for the sequential study of French.  It covers the same topics as the first semester of high school French I.

Students begin their study of the French language and culture with an emphasis on oral communication.  Students also read and write French within the context of basic vocabulary and language structure.  Good study skills are essential.  Daily homework assignments complement classwork.

SPANISH 7 - All Year

Grade 7 Spanish is a more challenging foreign language course for the beginning student and is the first half of a two-year sequence that encompasses the same material as is taught in the high school Spanish I course.  It is an academically-oriented course with high expectations of student participation and interest.  Study skills and note-taking will be an important component of the course, with nightly homework assigned.  Students will be developing speaking, comprehension, reading and writing skills, as well as learning about the Hispanic world.  Games, dialogues, projects, videos, music and a basic textbook are part of the daily activities of this beginning language course.

STUDIO ART 7 - 1/4 year

This course introduces middle school students to ways of being a “citizen of the art room”.  We will explore ways of working with a variety of materials such as clay, paint, pastels, printmaking, various crafts, as well as basic drawing skills.  All seventh graders are invited to sign up and bring with them an open attitude and readiness to try new things! 

The following are elective courses for students in Grades 7 and 8.

MIDDLE SCHOOL CONCERT BAND - All Year

This course is open to all seventh and eighth grade students who are looking to build their musical skills in a band setting.  Middle school band meets every other day and performs at least three concerts per year. Students are expected to practice their instruments outside of school and to bring their instruments to class along with an enthusiastic willingness to learn! 

STARTER BAND—1/4 Year                            

Have you ever dreamed of learning to play the trumpet, trombone, tuba, saxophone, clarinet, or percussion, and because you didn’t join band in elementary school you missed your chance to try?  Well, now is your chance to join the band!  Your band director, Mr. Potvin , has a limited number of instruments for you to try. . .free of charge!    Students are expected to practice at least 5 nights per week, with the eventual goal to have them join Middle School Concert Band.  Class size is limited to 10 students per quarter so sign up now!

MIDDLE SCHOOL CHORUS - All Year

Middle School Chorus is open to all students who enjoy singing. Through regular practice, we will explore music from around the world. We will develop good singing technique (body posture, breath support, good intonation and tone) and learn how to sing expressively.  We will sing on a regular basis and will participate in at least 4 scheduled concerts throughout the school year.

VOICE CLASS – 1/4 Year

 Do you love to sing? Do you wish to learn how to be a better singer? If you answered “yes!” then voice class is for you! Along with having fun through singing, we will explore our voices through music from different cultures. How to decode the music on the page will be explored in addition to the development of good vocal technique. Everyone will be expected to sing during class time. NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE NECESSARY – just a willingness to learn and have fun.

BEGINNING ACOUSTIC GUITAR CLASS - 1/4 Year

If you always wanted to explore making music with a guitar and to accompany yourself while singing this is your chance! This class is designed for students who have an interest in learning how to play the acoustic guitar. We will learn basic guitar techniques and home practice will be expected. Class Requirement – You will need to provide your own working acoustic guitar for the class.

“ROCK TO POP” MUSIC EXPLORATION - 1/4 Year

Have you ever wondered why we listen to the music we listen to? Where did it come from? Who were the people involved with its creation? We will explore popular music from the 1960’s to present day. We will listen to musical examples; explore the creation of a song from an idea to the release of a new album; research the development of the growing music industry as well as learn to sing a variety of songs in the major musical styles of the time period. (Rock and Roll, Pop, Disco, Funk, R&B, Rap and Alternative to name a few)

CREATIVE FILM - 1/4 Year

Students write, produce, act, edit and otherwise create films. We combine artistic expression with purpose. Traditional homework, reading, writing, and arithmetic, will not apply to this course but there will be requirements. Script journals, story boards, supplies for sets, edited films, and thoughtful introductions prior to a showing are among some of the assignments. Serious fun.

(Priority will go to 8th graders)