Middle Level
Education (Grades 6 - 8)
District 7 has two
middle schools, Lincoln Middle School and Liberty Middle
School, which house all sixth, seventh, and eighth grade
students across the district. Students are assigned to
academic core teams. Teaming provides a student-centered
learning environment and a smoother transition from
elementary school to high school than the traditional junior
high setting.
Academics:
The core curriculum at the middle level consists of language
arts, social studies, science, and mathematics. These
subject areas are taught by academic core teams, with the
size of each team varying at each grade level. Smaller teams
are utilized at the sixth and seventh grade levels; larger
teams are utilized at eighth grade so students’ schedules
more closely resemble what they will experience at high
school. Individuals with disabilities receive instruction as
determined by their respective Individualized Education Plan
(IEP).
Exploratory classes
taught by specialists are offered on a quarterly basis and
vary according to grade level. They include art, computer
applications, music appreciation, industrial arts, and
Spanish. Students take physical education and health all
three years. Students may also elect to take band and/or
orchestra all three years. In sixth grade, students may
elect to take one quarter of chorus. In seventh and eighth
grade, students interested in chorus must audition for the
program.
Parent handbooks
contain more details on specific grade level courses.
Gifted and Talented
Program: Both
Liberty and Lincoln Middle Schools implement an Honors
Program that is incorporated into students’ academic
classes. Students are identified for participation in the
areas of language arts and math. Special enrichment is part
of most classes and is also offered to the entire student
body through extracurricular activities.
Grade Reporting and
Parent Conferences:
Report cards are issued four times per year. A progress
report is issued at the midpoint of each quarter. Teams are
available to meet with parents as needed and requested. All
teachers have voice mail and e-mail addresses to facilitate
communication. Formal parent conferences are conducted
annually in November, with either parents calling to
schedule a conference or teachers requesting a conference.
Student Support:
Both middle schools provide a variety of services for
students. Each student is provided with a planner as an
organizational tool that assists them in recording and
planning their work and other school activities. Direct
instruction in study habits is a part of most classrooms.
The planner is also a communication tool for parents and
teachers.
The first level of
student support is each grade level’s student services team.
The student services team consists of a social worker and an
assistant principal. This team oversees student discipline
and assists students with problems and concerns. The student
services team is assisted by a School Resource Officer
(SRO); an interventionist, who works with students at risk
of alcohol and/or other drug abuse; and a prevention
counselor, who coordinates positive activities for students,
including the Spring and Fall Flings, the Health Fair, DARE
Day, Celebrate Sober, and many other activities.
The middle schools have
many programs, as well as an academic counselor, designed to
provide interventions to help ensure student success. These
programs are designed to help students who are having
significant difficulties at school in the areas of behavior,
academics, health, and/or attendance. Referrals to the
student assistance team come from parents, staff, and peers.
Supplemental instruction and tutoring are available from a
variety of sources. Evening tutoring is provided by Lincoln
School Alumni and is open to all students K - 12.
Extracurricular
Activities: The
middle schools provide a variety of opportunities for
students beyond the school day. Athletic opportunities
include both interscholastic competitive sports and an
intramural program. A variety of clubs is also available,
providing opportunities for students to pursue special
interests and to develop leadership skills.
Parent Involvement:
There is no formal parent volunteer organization at the
middle level, but both middle schools receive a tremendous
amount of parent support through a variety of volunteer
efforts. Parents actively participate in tutoring programs,
assist in registration and scheduling parent conferences,
and volunteer in classrooms. Parents also provide assistance
in the major social activities hosted by the middle schools,
such as the Fall, Winter, and Spring Flings, Sixth Grade
Welcome, and Eighth Grade Celebration.
Middle School Level High Math and Honors Language Arts Placement:
At the middle level,
the staff identifies students for Honors Math in grades six,
seven, and eight. Placement in Honors Math is based on high
achievement in the previous grade, math assessment scores,
student performance in math contests and enrichment
activities, and teacher recommendation.
The regular curriculum is very rigorous and provides the
opportunity for all students to be well prepared for a
college prep curriculum in high school. For example, all
eighth grade students who qualify take a rigorous algebra
class at eighth grade and take geometry in ninth grade.
Placement in Honors Language Arts, which begins in seventh
grade, is based on writing ability as evidenced by the
student’s writing portfolio. Five samples, graded according
to the ISAT rubric, are averaged. Students whose scores fall
in the exceeds range are recommended for Honors Language
Arts. The purpose of this program is to serve those students
who demonstrate proficiency and creativity in the area of
writing.
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