WUMS 8th Grade Team

Nancy Pejouhy - Math
Mike Young - Social Studies
Beth Hayslett-English/social studies
Ryan Becker – Science
Glenna Coleman - Language Arts
Barbara Drufovka - Science/Language Arts

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

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

REQUIRED COURSES - GRADE 8

ENGLISH 8

English in Grade 8 continues the study of the basic language skills.  Emphasis is given to reading and writing through both individualized and class programs.  The Vermont Writing process is emphasized, as is writing portfolio development and assessment.  In addition, the study of literature is divided into segments focusing on poetry, short stories, novels and dramas.  Some materials are chosen which relate to topics presented in American Studies and several interdisciplinary units are taught.  Students are encouraged to use personal and classroom computers.

LANGUAGE ENHANCEMENT

The Language Enhancement class is open to students from grades 7 and 8 who require extra practice in reading, writing, 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. 

PHYSICAL SCIENCE 8

Physical science in the 8th grade includes one semester of introductory chemistry and one semester of introductory physics.  The chemistry topics focus on the properties and composition of matter such as mixtures, solutions, acids, bases, bonding, etc.  The physics topics include forces, motion, energy, machines, and more. In addition, topics of an interdisciplinary nature may be taught in cooperation with other subject area teachers.

Emphasis will be placed on building a strong background in the basic concepts and important processes of physical science.  Much of the student learning will be through scientific inquiry.  Student laboratory experiments make up a major part of the classwork.  Homework is assigned on a regular basis and consists of text reading, home investigations, completing lab work from class, and more.  Students may need access to the school or community library for some assignments.  Samples of writing done in science class are added to the writing portfolio each year.

 

AMERICAN STUDIES

American Studies examines the origin, nature and condition of our American culture with an emphasis on the twentieth century.  Some units of study include industrialization, the Civil War, westward expansion, economics and American artistic expression.  Special focus is placed on our constitutional heritage and our democratic, social and political traditions.

MATHEMATICS 8

Math 8 is a pre-algebra course with emphasis on problem solving.  Topics studied include probability and statistics, linear and exponential functions, solving simple equations, and geometry.  Basic math skills are also reinforced throughout the year.

 

GRADE 8 ACCELERATED ALGEBRA

Prerequisite:  A preferred final grade average of 93 or better in Mathematics 7, standardized test scores and teacher recommendation.

This is an accelerated Algebra I course and the foundation for the high school accelerated mathematics program.  The following areas are covered: real numbers, problem solving, coordinate geometry, systems of equations, exponents, radicals, polynomials, factoring, rational expressions, and quadratics. 

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 8

The Grade 8 program covers units in manufacturing and construction.  The manufacturing unit includes the making of a cutting board and the study of how a mass production line works.  During the construction unit, students will design and construct a model bridge.              

FACS (Family and Consumer Science) 8

In Grade 8 the student is introduced to careers, money management, child development and first aid care, and creative use of textiles.  Here the student learns how to use practical skills to complete a textile project.  Emphasis is placed on practicing a leisure time craft.  Participation and attitude toward the lesson will be a contribution to their grade, along with self-assessments and individual participation rubrics.  Students will have one major test in child development and several quizzes.

HEALTH 8

Middle School Health is a required class where students will be enabled to identify strengths in their emotional, social and physical health.  Topics in Grade 8 include goal setting, decision-making, conflict resolution and teen sexuality.  Students will be graded on class participation, homework and quizzes.

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 8

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

Traditional and non-traditional team activities are taught along with individual specialties utilizing ropes, rings, juggling material, 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 II- 1/4 Year

Using a personal computer, the student will complete reinforcement exercises to increase speed and accuracy in keyboarding.  The student will develop intermediate level word processing skills, explore basic spreadsheet applications and develop a slide presentation using PowerPoint.  Throughout the course, the student will learn computer ethics and timesaving procedures that will improve individual overall ability and efficiency in the completion of research projects. The student should also be able to demonstrate a minimum typing speed of 30 words per minute.

             

*Students can test out of this course by successfully completing the Exit Skills Test at this level.

 

The following are elective courses for students in Grade 8.

 

FRENCH 8 (85 in French 7 recommended) - All year

French 8 is a continuation of French 7 and together they complete the equivalent of French I.  The basic text is supplemented by a workbook, tapes, video, skits, projects, and various cultural studies.  Students are encouraged to speak and write French creatively.

 

SPANISH 8 (85 in Spanish 7 recommended) - All year

Spanish 8 is a continuation of Spanish 7 and together they complete the equivalent of Spanish I.  Students are encouraged to increase their speaking and writing skills, including writing creatively for the portfolio assessment program.

 

STUDIO ART 8 - 1/4 Year

This course reinforces concepts and skills introduced in Art 7.  Drawing skills are emphasized.  Sculpture and printmaking are introduced.  Other media, particularly clay and paint, are included and explored as time allows.  Students will be asked to submit one piece to be included in the end-of-the-year art show in May.

 

ADVANCED ART 8 - 1/2 Year

This is a more challenging middle school art course with high expectations for student participation, interest and independence in carrying out and completing projects.  Students will be drawing, painting, and sculpting from life and will be developing facility with a variety of materials which may include: clay, paint, pastels, charcoal, graphite pencil, and various forms of printmaking (monoprint, linoleum, dry-paint embossing are some possibilities).  Homework is occasionally assigned.  Recommendation of previous art teacher is required.

 

8th GRADE PLANT AND WILDLIFE SCIENCE  - 1/4 Year

This nine- week course is an exploratory course in the subjects of Horticulture, Forestry and Natural Resources.  Students will have numerous hands-on experiments in the greenhouse as well as a few outdoors.  Projects include, plant propagation, landscape design, flower arranging, bonsai art, wreath construction (seasonal), tree leaf identification (seasonal), wildlife identification and seed planting.  Also there will be classroom activities related to the hands-on projects.  Students are graded on their participation, projects and lab reports

 

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)