1st Semester	2nd Semester
English Language Arts - Reading	English Language Arts - Reading
Social Studies/Writing	Social Studies/Writing
Math	Math
Science or Health	Science or Health
Digital Literacy or PE	Digital Literacy or PE
Elective or Academic Support	Elective or Academic Support

English Language Arts (ELA)
Middle level English Language Arts classes provide intensive instruction in reading and writing aligned to the Washington Common Core State Standards. Throughout the course students will focus on developing critical reading, writing, listening, speaking, research, and thinking skills. Students will apply those skills to comprehend and analyze literary and informational text as they study units in Plot, Conflict & Setting, Analyzing Character and Point of View, Understanding Theme, and Information, Argument, and Persuasion.  

All 6th - 8th grade students will be provided differentiated learning opportunities to make growth in reading and writing. This includes providing all students--including students identified as Highly Capable--opportunities to extend and deepen their learning beyond grade level standards. 

Dual Language English Language Arts (ELA) & Social Studies 
The Dual Language Program is available exclusively at Park Place and is a continuation of the program from Frank Wagner Elementary. Students can join this program in 6th grade if they have a strong foundation in Spanish fluency. The course follows the same curriculum as described above, with instruction provided in both English and Spanish, utilizing both English Language Arts and Spanish Language Arts standards. Dual Language Arts classes are designed for students to improve their literacy skills in both English and Spanish, with the goal of biliteracy. For any questions regarding enrollment, please contact Park Place.

Social Studies in Writing: Ancient Civilization
At PPM this year-long (separate from ELA or Reading) course will focus on critical reading (informational text), writing, listening, speaking, and research skills. 

Through a variety of resources and projects, students will focus on the essential skills of interpreting, analyzing, and applying informational text related to the following topics:

• Early civilization of the Eastern Hemisphere, including its geography and culture.
• Geography, government and daily life of ancient Egypt, India, China, Greece, and Rome.
• Challenges and responses to challenges of ancient Egypt, India, China, Greece or Rome.
• Reading maps, interpreting charts, graphs, and illustrations, conducting research and thinking critically.

Additionally, students will focus on sentence/paragraph structure while using the writing process to produce creative writing, personal narratives, and small/large research projects

6th Grade Dual Language Social Studies in Writing: Ancient Civilization
The Dual Language Program is available exclusively at Park Place and is a continuation of the program from Frank Wagner Elementary. This course covers the same content as described above, but is taught exclusively in Spanish.

Math 1
The focus of Math 1 is on four critical areas: 

• connecting ratio and rate to whole number multiplication and division and using concepts of ratio and rate to solve problems
• completing understanding of division of fractions and extending the notion of number to the system of rational numbers, which includes negative numbers
• writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations
• developing understanding of statistical thinking

Science/Health
The middle school science program and curriculum empowers students to ask questions, design investigations and solutions, and to use scientific reasoning and communication to figure out the natural world. We use an integrated approach to learning that incorporates opportunities to learn about Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science throughout 6th - 8th grades.

Our middle school science program empowers students to be both knowers and doers of science and develops a classroom culture in student ideas and thinking that emerge from units of study shapes the way we think, read, write and argue as scientists and engineers. Our middle school science program is:  

• Phenomenon Based - Centered around exploring phenomena or solving problems 
• Driven by Student Questions - Storyline based on students’ questions and ideas 
• Grounded in Evidence - Incremental building and revision of ideas based on evidence 
• Collaborative - WE, the class and the teacher, figure out ideas together 
• Equitable - Builds a classroom culture that values ideas and learning of all students

Health in 6th grade incorporates a comprehensive life skills program that develops communication and coping skills to promote healthy adolescence.  The human development unit of studies identifies physical, emotional and social changes of puberty and the understanding that HIV is preventable. 

Physical Education
Students are required to take two quarters of physical education during the year. Develop fundamental and complex motor skills through a variety of sports and activities.

• Use principles of fitness/conditioning to develop a fitness plan.
• Understand the importance of good nutrition, healthy eating habits, and their impact on an active lifestyle.

Digital Literacy 
This course will give students entering middle school the skills needed to utilize technology creatively and effectively, allowing for growth and success through middle school and beyond. Developed with Washington’s educational technology standards, students will become empowered learners, constructing and designing digital communications and responsible digital citizenship skills. 

Students will develop digital literacy skills through the exploration of digital citizenship and critical thinking around media use, interaction, and navigating a technology-rich world. Students will focus on creating, sharing, and collaborating with multiple tools like the Google Suite, learning online communication etiquette, and practicing safe and creative digital media and personal expression.

Students will be introduced to digital skills and routines for middle school, including time management and scheduling, navigating online resources for course work, and goal setting as part of the foundational skills for middle school success. These skills will build as students progress through 7th and 8th grade, giving students room for additional creativity and exploration of interests and content in general education classes.

1st Semester	2nd Semester
English Language Arts - Reading	English Language Arts - Reading
Writing/Washington State History	Writing/Washington State History
Math	Math
Science or Health	Science or Health
Digitools or PE	Digitools or PE
Elective	Elective

Students continue to have a block class with one teacher, while the remainder of the day is a different teacher for each class period.

English Language Arts
Middle level English Language Arts classes provide intensive instruction in reading and writing aligned to the Washington Common Core State Standards. Throughout the course students will focus on developing critical reading, writing, listening, speaking, research, and thinking skills. Students will apply those skills to comprehend and analyze literary and informational text with increasing complexity as they study units in Plot, Conflict & Setting, Analyzing Character and Point of View, Understanding Theme, and Information, Argument, and Persuasion.  

All 6th - 8th grade students will be provided differentiated learning opportunities to make growth in reading and writing. This includes providing all students-- including students identified as Highly Capable-- opportunities to extend and deepen their learning beyond grade level standards. 

Dual Language: English Language Arts (ELA) & Writing 
Composition/Social Studies: Washington State History
(2 periods) 
This course is a continuation of the Dual Language Program and aligns with the English Language Arts and Writing curriculum for non-Dual Language students. Instruction is delivered in both English and Spanish, following both English Language Arts and Spanish Language Arts standards. Dual Language Arts classes are designed to enhance students' reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in both languages, supporting their progress toward biliteracy.

Writing Composition
Students will focus on writing unified, coherent paragraphs and short essays which logically support a main idea with textual evidence, strong reasoning, and standard conventions. Students will use the writing process to produce creative writing, personal narratives, and small/large research projects. Throughout the course students will focus on critical reading, writing, listening, speaking, research, and thinking skills.

Social Studies: Washington State History
Students will study the history, civics and geography of Washington State, with a specific focus on Washington State Territory and Treaty Making and state government. This will meet the Washington State History graduation requirement.

This course also includes the State mandated curriculum, Since Time Immemorial, focusing on the culture and history of Pacific Northwest Native Americans. 

Math 2
The focus of Math 2 is on four critical areas: 

• developing understanding of and applying proportional relationships
• developing understanding of operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations
• solving problems involving scale drawings and informal geometric constructions, and working with two- and three-dimensional shapes to solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume
• drawing inferences about populations based on samples

Math 2/3 Accelerated 
For students able to work at an accelerated rate, we have compacted the content that is typically taught at 7th and 8th grade into one year. This would enable a student to take Algebra 1 in 8th grade. While coherence is retained in that it logically builds from the previous grade, the additional content demands a faster pace for instruction and learning. The focus of Math 2/3 Accelerated is in four critical areas: 

• developing understanding of and applying proportional relationships
• developing understanding of operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations
• formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation
• analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem

Science/Health
The middle school science program and curriculum empowers students to ask questions, design investigations and solutions, and to use scientific reasoning and communication to figure out the natural world. We use an integrated approach to learning that incorporates opportunities to learn about Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science throughout 6th - 8th grades.

Our middle school science program empowers students to be both knowers and doers of science and develops a classroom culture in student ideas and thinking that emerge from units of study shapes the way we think, read, write and argue as scientists and engineers. Our middle school science program is:  

• Phenomenon Based - centered around exploring phenomena or solving problems 
• Driven by Student Questions - storyline based on students’ questions and ideas 
• Grounded in Evidence - incremental building and revision of ideas based on evidence 
• Collaborative - WE, the class and the teacher, figure out ideas together 
• Equitable - builds a classroom culture that values ideas and learning of all students

Health in 7th grade incorporates a comprehensive life skills program that develops communication and coping skills to promote healthy adolescence.  The human development unit of studies identifies physical, emotional and social changes of puberty and the understanding that HIV is preventable.

Physical Education
Students are required to take two quarters of physical education during the year.

Students will:

• Apply basic offensive/defensive strategies when playing various racket and court sports and field games.
• Perform fundamental and complex movement skills and adapt and apply safe practices and procedures when playing various sports.
• Work cooperatively to achieve group goals in competitive and noncompetitive activities.
• Select appropriate exercise methods to achieve fitness goals, monitoring performance and progress.
• Understand the role of nutrition in weight control and disease prevention.
• Analyze how media and social eating habits influence personal food choices.
• Perform movement combinations in rhythmic activities such as dance, gymnastics, and aerobics.

DigiTools
Through the Canvas Learning Management System, this course will give students academic learning choices as they perform basic data, text, and presentation tasks. Students will explore coding through hands-on and web based activities. Leadership skills will be enhanced through integrated communication and collaboration tasks as well as analyzing media and representing data. During the final project, students will use the Engineering Design process to develop possible solutions to real world problems. Students will explore tools for word processing, spreadsheets, databases, 3D design, coding applications and more. Through career exploration, this course will also show students how their schooling is directly linked to their future life and work roles.  

1st Semester	2nd Semester
English Language Arts	English Language Arts
Social Studies (U.S. History)	Social Studies (U.S. History)
Math	Math
Science	Science
Health or PE	Health or PE
Elective	Elective

Students continue with a secondary schedule with different teachers for different classes. Students will have a two-period block class integrating social studies and language arts as well as a math, science, health and physical education class. In addition 8th graders will have the opportunity to take several electives. 

English Language Arts
Middle level English Language Arts classes provide intensive instruction in reading and writing aligned to the Washington Common Core State Standards. Throughout the course students will focus on developing critical reading, writing, listening, speaking, research, and thinking skills. Students will apply those skills to comprehend and analyze literary and informational text with increasing complexity as they study units in Plot, Conflict & Setting, Analyzing Character and Point of View, Understanding Theme, and Information, Argument, and Persuasion.  

All 6th - 8th grade students will be provided differentiated learning opportunities to make growth in reading and writing. This includes providing all students-- including students identified as Highly Capable-- opportunities to extend and deepen their learning beyond grade level standards. 

Social Studies: US History
Using the National Council for the Social Studies frameworks of Time, Continuity, and Change; Civic Ideals and Practices; and Power, Authority, and Governance, students will study the history of the United States (Colonialism - 1870). Specifically, students will study the causes and impact of the Revolutionary War, including the development and nature of the U.S. Constitution. Students will also learn about the political, social, and economic effects of the Civil War and Reconstruction. These skills will be addressed with primarily informational text, and Expository and Persuasive writing at a more complex and difficult level. This course will also include the State mandated curriculum, Since Time Immemorial, focusing on the culture and history of North American Native Americans. 

Math 3
The focus of Math 3 is on three critical areas: 

• formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations
• grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships
• analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem

Algebra 1 (Advanced High School credit granted)
Algebra 1 will introduce students to families of functions, with special emphasis on linear and quadratic functions.  Students will learn to represent functions in multiple ways – as verbal descriptions, equations, tables, and graphs.  Students will model real-world situations using functions in order to solve problems arising from those situations.  Algebra I also includes lessons on probability and data analysis, as wMLL as applications involving geometry.

Science
The middle school science program and curriculum empowers students to ask questions, design investigations and solutions, and to use scientific reasoning and communication to figure out the natural world. We use an integrated approach to learning that incorporates opportunities to learn about Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science throughout 6th - 8th grades.

Our middle school science program empowers students to be both knowers and doers of science and develops a classroom culture in student ideas and thinking that emerge from units of study shapes the way we think, read, write and argue as scientists and engineers. Our middle school science program is:  

• Phenomenon Based - centered around exploring phenomena or solving problems 
• Driven by Student Questions - storyline based on students’ questions and ideas 
• Grounded in Evidence - incremental building and revision of ideas based on evidence 
• Collaborative - WE, the class and the teacher, figure out ideas together 
• Equitable - builds a classroom culture that values ideas and learning of all students

Health
Students will gain knowledge and skills to increase their ability to make positive decisions and maintain healthy relationships. Students will be introduced to the balance of physical, mental, and social/emotional health and how to take care of themselves, support others, and enrich the health of the community.  

Physical Education
Students are required to take two quarters of physical education during the year.  They may choose additional time through their elective choices at schools where this choice is available.

Students will:

• Apply basic offensive/defensive strategies when playing various racket and court sports and field games.
• Perform fundamental and complex movement skills and adapt and apply safe practices and procedures when playing various sports.
• Work cooperatively to achieve group goals in competitive and noncompetitive activities.
• Select appropriate exercise methods to achieve fitness goals, monitoring performance and progress.
• Understand the role of nutrition in weight control and disease prevention.
• Analyze how media and social eating habits influence personal food choices.
• Perform movement combinations in rhythmic activities such as dance, gymnastics, and aerobics.
• Learn and demonstrate CPR principles and skills.

DIGITAL and FINE ARTS

Art I (7th/8th)
1 semester
Students will use multiple art techniques and materials to support various projects.  Students will gain an understanding of basic elements of arts. (Course Fees apply)

Art II (7th/8th)
1 semester
Students explore three-dimensional art through different mediums. (Course Fees  apply)

Pottery (7th/8th)
1 semester
An introduction to pottery with impressive results for beginners. During this course you will be given guidance in relation to different projects. This will include detailed teaching in relation to how to make pinched, coiled and slab built forms and how to use these techniques to make pieces of art. (Course Fees applies)

Band 1 (Beginning) (6th-8th)
All year
Students learn to read music, improvise, compose, analyze and evaluate music, as well as study music history and relationships between music and other disciplines. (Course Fees apply)

Concert Band 2 & Symphonic Band 3 (7th/8th)
All year
Students must have a minimum of one year of experience with their instrument and work on a more advanced level, learning advanced theoretical and technical skills through performance. (Course Fees apply)   

Choir (6th-8th)
All Year
Choir is a non-auditioned, large group open to all students who want to learn to sing and perform a variety of choral styles. Students will learn basic vocal-technique, basic music theory, choral music history, sight-singing, and music reading, performance and analyzing. Participation requirements include, but are not limited to, four to five evening concerts, one or two festivals, and the purchase of agreed upon concert attire. (Course Fees apply)

Creative Expressions (7th/8th)
1 semester
This course encourages creative expressions including, computers and animation, art, computers, drama, foreign language, map-making, storytelling, poetry and creative writing, foreign languages, map making, and games.

Publications (7th/8th)
All Year
Students collaborate to develop writing and publication skills while producing daily video announcements, school publications, and the yearbook. The course also builds foundational skills in video editing and photography. (ASB fee applies)

TECHNOLOGY

Aerospace, CAD and Cars (STEM) (7th/8th)
1 semester
Students will learn about the history of flight, properties of air, forces of flight while building and testing a small airplane.  Students will be introduced to Newton’s laws while building a rocket which will be tested and launched. Students will also learn the basics of 2D and 3D design using SolidWorks Design software to design, and 3D print the nose cone of a rocket they build.  The course concludes with students applying the engineering design process to design and manufacture a small CO2 powered car. Students will learn the safe operation and handling of tools, machines and processes and they will learn techniques and methods for a variety of materials. (Special project fees may apply)

Robotics and Manufacturing (STEM) (7th/8th)
1 semester
Students will learn about the basics of Robotic design and programming using the Lego EV3 system. They will learn about the different subsystems of a robot: structure, motion, power, sensors and control. Students will learn the basics of 2D and 3D design using SolidWorks Design software to design, and 3D print parts for custom robots they build. Students will learn and apply the Engineering/design process through problem definition, brainstorming, prototyping and manufacturing. The class is structured to teach students safe operation and handling of tools, including some power tools.  Students will also explore career opportunities in the field of robotics and manufacturing. (Special project fees may apply)

Woods and Materials (7th/8th)
1 semester
Students will design and build a variety of basic wood and plastics projects that require the use of hand and power tools.  They will develop the technical skills and knowledge for assembly of the projects, lab safety procedures, and the use and purpose of various materials. Students will also learn and apply measurement, scale and geometry during the design/build process.  The student’s will increase their knowledge of machines, tools and processes as they design and build more advanced projects throughout the term. (Special project may fees apply)

HEALTH AND OTHER

Foods and Nutrition (STEM) (7th/8th)
1 semester
This course is based on cooking with everyday items and cooking tools. Food Safety and Sanitation protocols will be studied, observed, and used on a daily basis. Students will learn how to record the cooking labs on recipe cards, which turns into a mini-cookbook. They will evaluate recipes to increase and decrease the amounts, using basic math skills; write shopping lists and learn to set a food budget. Additionally, students will participate in several group/class challenges and cookoffs!. (Course Fees may apply)

Family Consumer Science (STEM) (7th/8th)
1 semester
This is a “Skills for Life” course. The students will engage in conversations about communication, families, and babysitting. Identify and describe vocabulary words associated with our studies. Other Skills for Life include: addressing an envelope & folding the paper to fit inside; fold a fitted sheet; iron a dress shirt, fill out recipe cards and write a shopping list. Additionally, they will work with a group, while engaging in small group projects such as cooking labs, and participate in semester culminating cooking projects. (Course Fees may apply)

Beginning Sewing (7th/8th)
1 semester
This is a project based course. Students will learn how to complete four stitches which will lead to their creating a pillow, blanket, and a tote bag. Additionally, students will learn how to create patterns, fabric usage and types of textiles, embellishments, and machine stitching projects for the community. (Course Fees may apply)

Sewing 2 (7th/8th)
1 semester
Utilizing your previous sewing experience, expand your skills with Sewing 2. We will learn how to read patterns, identify fabric, and explore careers in the fashion/garment industry. Projects to include garment construction, stuffed animals, pillows, blankets, installing zippers and buttons, garment repair, and upcycling or repurposing old clothing. (Course Fees may apply)

Leadership (7th/8th)
1 semester
This class will involve training in effective leadership techniques and give students the opportunity to recognize and enhance their leadership potential through group process, decision making, goal setting and problem solving.  Students may also be involved in running pep assemblies, making posters for sports and other activities and generally promoting school spirit. 

Spanish I (8th)
All Year
Through listening, speaking, reading and writing exercises, students will learn to speak, read, and write Spanish. Along with focusing on the usage of correct grammar, emphasis will be placed on the many different cultures where Spanish is spoken today. Students will earn High School credit.

Teacher Assistant (7th/8th)
1 semester 
Students who wish to assist at their school are screened and selected by the staff.

Exploratory Wheel - the courses can vary year to year due to staffing
Rotation of 4 classes, every term (9 weeks)

• Art: Explores the elements of art using a variety of materials. ($12 Fee)
• Student Success: This nine-week course is designed to ease the transition to middle school.  Engaging activities will help students with organization, study skills and goal setting.  Integrated technology projects will also be used to enhance students’ strategies for success.
• Creative Expressions: Encourages creative expressions including, computers and animation, art, computers, drama, foreign language, map-making, storytelling, poetry and creative writing, foreign languages, map making, and games.
• Tech Ed: Students participate in a variety of exciting hands-on activities that involve both plastics and woods. Students participating in these areas will learn basic skills working with a variety of materials to make and take home several projects. Students will also learn and demonstrate the skills necessary for safe and successful operation of basic machines and tools.  (Special project fees apply)
• Home Exploratory:  This course will teach the students four stitches, which leads to them completing a small pillow. Also, students will learn how to write recipes on cards. The cards represent their cooking labs that are completed in class. ($12 Fee)
• Experience Music Project: This course is called Kanikapila (which means jam session). This is a ukulele course that will provide students with the opportunity to experience music through various perspectives. Students will explore music by listening, reading music, and performing. Students will leave this course with enough basic knowledge to pursue music outside of the classroom should they choose.

Multilingual Learners  (6th/7th/8th)
Multilingual Learners (MLL) participate fully in the Monroe School District curriculum through language and academic support from highly-qualified MLL teachers.

LAP/ Support Classes (6th/7th/8th)
LAP is designed  to provide additional intervention and support to students struggling academically in Math or Reading/Writing. This is a one semester course (so students may still access another elective) to provide reading and/or math support to bring up to grade level. This course is recommended by staff, test scores and/or family recommendation.