MISSION & CORE VALUES
CORE VALUES
Miami Country Day School empowers every student, every day, everywhere to learn with vigor, explore with purpose, strive for excellence, and serve with honor, respect, and compassion as global citizens.
We do this in a community where every student is known and included by engaging the whole child, in and out of the classroom as they discover their full potential.
Purpose: Cultivates the curiosities, motivations, and interests of all our learners to build individual and collective purpose.
Honor: Fosters integrity and honesty in all that we do and ensure trust and confdence within our community.
Respect: Upholds dignity and rights of each member and values our diverse perspectives and experiences.
Wisdom: Grows through our commitment to the intellect, spirit, and character of every person and of the whole community, as well as seeking truth, knowledge, and excellence.
Compassion: Builds on the foundation for empathy and is indispensable to learning, productive inquiry, and civic engagement.
MIDDLE SCHOOL COURSE OFFERINGS
English History & Social Studies
World Languages
Science
Mathematics
Physical Education & Wellness
Technology
Academic Skills
English 6
English 6 Foundations
Social Studies 6 - World
Geography
French 6
Nativos 1
ESOL
Spanish 6
Spanish 6 Honors
Chinese - Novice Low
STEM 6 - Earth Science
Middle School Math I
Middle School Math II
Middle School III
Physical Education 6
Innovative Technology
Habits for Academic Success
English 7
English 7 Honors
Social Studies 7 - U.S. History
French 7
Spanish 7
Spanish 7 Honors
Nativos 2
ESOL
Chinese - Novice Middle
STEM 7- Life Science
Middle School Math II
Middle School Math III
lntergrated Math 1
Physical Education 7
The Connected Mind
English 8
English 8 Honors
Government/Civics
Government/Civics Honors
French 8
Nativos 3
ESOL
Spanish 8
Spanish 8 Honors
Chinese II
Physical Science 8
Physical 8 Honors
lntergrated Math l
Integrated Math II
Integrated Math II Honors
Physical Education 8
The Connected Mind
MIDDLE SCHOOL ELECTIVES
Art Foundations
Mixed Media
Sculpture
Painting & Drawing Explorations
Drama 1
Drama 2
Film Acting
Stagecraft
Dance 1
Dance 2
Chorus
Instruments - Beginner
Concert Band
Guitar
Early Bird Orchestra: Beginning
Early Bird Orchestra: Intermediate
Early Bird Orchestra: Advanced
None
Art Foundations
Art Foundations
Art Foundations
None
Drama 1
Drama 1
None
None
Permission of Department
None
None
Permission of Department
None
None
Permission of Department
Permission of Department
MIDDLE SCHOOL ELECTIVES
Discipline Credits Prerequisites Course
Introduction to Portuguese
Language and Culture
Digital Journalism
Broadcast News & Filmmaking
Creative Writing
Introduction to Law and Mock Trial
Model UN
Math Cubed
Underwater Robotics
Game Development 101
Chess
The Connected Mind
Meteorology & Climatology
Natural Disasters
Python 1
Python 2 Honors
Mobile App Development
COEP 6/7
COEP 7/8
Yoga
Fitness & Wellness
Study Hall
None
Open to Grades 7 and 8
Open to Grade 8
Open to Grade 8
Open to Grade 8
Open to Grade 8
Open to Grade 8
Open to Grades 6 and 7
Open to Grades 7 and 8
None
None None
Term
Semester
Semester
Semester
Semester Full Year Course Full Year Course
Semester
Full Year Course
Semester
Semester
Semester
Semester
Semester
Semester
Semester
Semester
Full Year Course
Full Year Course
Semester
Semester
Semester
What will my day look like?
Community Time
Daily rotations include: Life Skills, Academic Advising, Clubs and Honor Societies Meetings, Middle School Assembly, Class Meetings, Service Programs, Diversity, Equity, and Belonging Education, and Social-Emotional Learning Education
(EBO) Early Bird Orchestra is a string orchestra class that happens before school each day, 7:30 - 8:23 am. There are three EBO’s: Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced, all being skill-based. Students in Middle School can play in any of the three ensembles.
Extra-Help
Each Middle School teacher has extra-help sessions available after school twice weekly. Students are encouraged to attend extra-help to reinforce concepts learned in class and prepare for upcoming projects and assessments.
Community
Service
Each year our Middle School students ore asked to participate in community service activities that can toke place on or off-campus.
9th Period (Study Hall)
In addition, a teacher-guided silent study hall is available every day in the Whitman Library.
8:15 - 8:23 8:30 - 9:43 9:45 - 10:40 10:47 - 12:00 12:00 - 12:40 12:47 - 2:00 2:07 - 3:20
*School begins at 8:15 Monday through Friday, with dismissal at 3:20 every day except Wednesday when school begins at 9:00.
CLUBS & SOCIETIES
Clubs
Art Club/Crafting for a Cause
Best Buddies
Bionic Spartan Robotics
Board and Card Games Club
Creative Writing
Esports Club
Fashion Design Club
Geography Bee
LEGO Challenge
Math Team
MaxBrain for Sports and Beyond
Model UN
Music Hang
Photography Club
Scrapbooking Club
Yearbook Club
Honors and Leadership Societies
National Junior Honors Society
National Honors Society for Dance Arts
Junior Thespians
EI Junior Honors Society
Grade Level Class Offcers
Middle School Student Leadership
GARNER INNOVATION CENTER
The MCDS Garner Center for Innovation is a hub of experiential and project-based learning for our entire PreK3-12 campus. In the GCI students are immersed in innovative technology, skills, and their applications. Using the principles of design thinking, engineering, programming, invention, and innovation; students and teachers work with the Garner Center Team, to bring hands-on, design, and interactive projects to life. The Innovation Center experts collaborate with teachers to design and facilitate projects that thoroughlyengage and motivate students to think beyond the classroom, critically analyze, problem solve, and often, to create solutions in the form of original prototypes and products
The GCI is the home to our EI² Jr. Honor Society, a technology, and product development opportunity for 7th and 8th Grade students to become profcient in the tools of the Innovation Center, and produce products in one of three tracks; Programming and Robotics, Invention and Product Development, and Education. Interested students will be asked to attend one of our Fall “Take a Look” sessions in the Garner Center for Innovation, and then apply. Once accepted students will begin core skills.
The Garner Center is also home to our Lower, Middle, and Upper School competitive FIRST Robotics Teams. Our Student Teams serve as engineers, programmers, fundraisers, marketing experts, and overall problem solvers, to design, build, and code robots to compete in an alliance format against other teams.
THEATER
Every year, the Middle School has a musical and at least one play. Auditions are open to all middle school students.
COEP
THE COMPREHENSIVE OUTDOOR EDUCATION PROGRAM (COEP) program (5th grade- 8th grade) challenges students in: Academic skills, Outdoor and Physical tasks, and Leadership development. The goals of COEP are to complement and enhance traditional education by offering hands-on experience. The curriculum uses a standard class schedule and includes areas like camping and backpacking skills, using a compass, first aid and survival skills.
GLOBAL ACCESS TO EDUCATION
Gateway Jr.
Students in Grade 6 and 7 have the opportunity to travel with their cohort to experience and learn about the culture, history, and customs of a chosen country. For the 2023-2024 school year, 7th and 8th grade students will study across the province of Québec, Canada
G8Way
This travel program is specifically designed and reserved for our 8th graders. For the 2023-2024, 8th grade students will study primarily across Buenos Aires, Argentina and will also have the opportunity to study nearby in Colonia, Uruguay.
ATHLETICS
Our athletics help to foster team-building skills, problem-solving skills, self-discipline, and self-confdence. The program also promotes a healthy lifestyle with physical activity. Practice is every day after school during each season.
STUDENT SUCCESS NETWORK
Our student success network facilitates the whole child development by offering a broad range of tutoring services. It is designed to enhance opportunities for students to achieve success. The network employs highly specialized tutors who possess the magic required to transform complex concepts into relatable ideas using creative explanations.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ELECTIVE DESCRIPTIONS
ACADEMIC SUCCESS
Habits for Academic Success
In this course, 6th grade students will unlock strategies to be successful in middle school and beyond. Prioritizing, managing time, organizing materials, reading with purpose, taking notes across disciplines, studying for tests, staying motivated, reflecting on learning, and learning from mistakes are all lifelong skills developed through instruction and practice. (Required Elective)
STUDIO ARTS
Art Foundations
This course is an introduction to art. Students will explore art history, from cave art to contemporary artists who are pushing the boundaries of art and design.
Mixed Media
In this course, students will explore creative thinking regarding concepts and the use of materials. Art Foundations is a prerequisite for this course.
Sculpture
Students will explore three-dimensional art and design using various materials and techniques. Art Foundations is a prerequisite for this course.
Painting and Drawing Explorations
Students will learn advanced techniques in painting and drawing. Projects include learning to shade and depict value with acrylic paint, color theory with oil pastels, learning the basics of oil paint, and collage techniques.
PERFORMING ARTS
Drama
This course is designed to give students an in-depth introduction to theatre and build their acting skills in a creative and supportive environment. Students will learn about ensemble building, auditioning, improvisation, monologues, scenes, backstage elements, movement, and stage combat.
Film Acting
This course takes a deep dive into the exciting world of acting on camera while expanding on the acting skills developed by students during Drama 1, and teaching students how to adapt their acting vocabulary for the camera.
Stagecraft
Students receive a in-depth introduction to the various jobs in backstage theatre. They will learn about sound, scenic, lighting, and costume design. As well as producing, marketing, theatre vocabulary, and stage management.
Dance
Students will work to develop body awareness and kinesthetic awareness as we build flexibility, stamina, and muscle tone. They will understand various dance genres, history, techniques, elements, and cultures while exploring dance as a means of expression and performing in the Spring dance production.
Chorus
Students will develop basic vocal performance techniques in a small ensemble setting by studying varied choral literature. They will learn to read music and focus on vocal techniques and music theory.
Concert Band
This is a music ensemble class designed for second and third-year instrument students. Students will learn sight reading, the vocabulary of music symbols, development of ensemble balance and blend, soloing, and repertoire building.
Early Bird Orchestra
The courses teach students the orchestral string instrument of their choice. Beginning students develop proper posture and techniques necessary to play a string instrument. Intermediate students will learn about sight reading, the vocabulary of music symbols, and ensemble balance. Advanced students receive exposure to music history and basic theory and training in the fundamental techniques of string orchestra playing violin, viola, cello, and bass: bowling technique, scale fingerings, articulations, and ensemble blending. No previous musical experience required for Beginners.
Guitar
Students will learn fundamentals such as chords, simple strums, and tuning in a fun and relaxed group setting. Students will focus on building basic guitar skills step-by-step with the help of hands-on exercises, audio and video recordings, and detailed illustrations.
Instruments - Beginner
Beginning Band is an ensemble class for students with little or no previous instrumental experience. Students will learn the fundamentals of playing music on a woodwind or brass instrument, sound production, sight reading, the vocabulary of music symbols, and ensemble balance and blend.
HUMANITIES
Creative Writing
MIDDLE SCHOOL ELECTIVES
Students will be able to practice writing diferent genres (poetry, short stories, etc.) on a range of self-directed topics. Students will strengthen their writing skills while developing a portfolio of written work, participate in writing contests, and contribute to the Middle School Literary Arts magazine.
Broadcast News & Filmmaking
Students will learn how to make a film from script to screen and gain skills as a director, editor, cinematographer, scriptwriter, or sound designer. Class meetings will focus on conceptualizing, preparing, and completing the various pre-production, production, and post-production stages with extensive in-class techniques.
Digital Journalism
Student journalists will work across digital media (photography, video, podcasts) to create news and feature stories on trending topics that matter to them. Students will learn how to gather information, organize ideas, format stories for online media, and edits stories for publication on the Spartan Chronicle website.
Leadership
Students will have the opportunity to develop their efectiveness as leaders by enhancing leadership skills and taking part in team-building exercises, engaging with other students in Middle School, and working closely with Student Government.
Introduction to Law and Mock Trial
Students are introduced to the basic fields of law: Criminal, Constitutional, Contract, Property, and Tort Law. They will also be introduced to the basics of Civil and Criminal trial procedures, Each student will play a role in a mock trial.
Model UN
Students explore the foundation and historical significance of the creation of the United Nations. They will learn how to research and present a topic through oral and written methods, as well as identify the 17 Sustainable Goals of the UN and apply them to current world events.
MATH, SCIENCE, & TECHNOLOGY
Chess
This course is for chess players who want to elevate their level to compete socially, online, or in US Chess Federation-rated events. The course is taught by FIDE International Grandmaster Ron W. Henley, who was the Chief Trainer for the 12th World Champion, Anatoly Karpov.
The Connected Mind
This course is designed to help students forge healthy and positive interactions on and ofine. Through innovation, the Connected Mind engages students to explore the efects of technology and smartphone use on the adolescent brain. Trends, such as 3D printing, laser printing, and virtual resources, help students communicate and navigate strategies to connect with the changes learned about in TCM. (Required Elective)
Game Development 101
Students discover what it takes to become software developers by learning how to design video games. Students describe games using standard terminology learned early in class. They outline the rules and procedures before constructing prototype versions of their original games.
Innovative Technology
Students will explore informational technology through innovation to demonstrate a deeper understanding of computer hardware and software. Through collaborative eforts, students will deconstruct and identify computer hardware, enhance software application skills, learn the basics of web page development and coding, and explore their relationship with technology and social media. (Required Elective)
Math Cubed
In this course, students will experience math in a creative and fun way through investigations, visualizations, and play. Students will use communicative and creative activities to understand math in new ways.
Mobile App Development
Mobile App Development is an entry-level course in which students learn to build basic iOS and Android apps. Students will learn fundamental computer science concepts, but the focus will be on mobile-specific coding practices.
Meteorology & Climatology
Students will be introduced to the basics of meteorology and climatology. Once they complete the course, they will be active participants in the conversation surrounding our current global climate crisis and how it impacts South Florida.
Natural Disasters
MIDDLE SCHOOL ELECTIVES
In this course, students will learn about natural disasters and how emergency management agencies keep us safe. Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fire, and extreme heat are all phenomena we deal with in South Florida. While we might know what they are, not many of us know how our region handles these events.
Python 1
Python 1 focuses on teaching students the core essentials of computer science as well as Python-specific coding practices. The fundamentals learned in this course will serve as a foundation on which students can build as they explore diferent opportunities and pathways within the field of computer science.
Python 2 Honors
Python 2 is the second phase of a sequence of Python programming classes that are designed to take you from a coding novice to a coding ninja. In Python 2, you will get your first exposure to advanced coding concepts by building a wide variety of applications.
Underwater Robotics
Students dive into the engineering design process by creating their own Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). Hands-on activities will explore the operation of a ROV, from buoyancy and thrust to electrical current and switches. Students will compete in the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) competition.
WORLD LANGUAGE
Introduction to Portuguese Language & Culture
Students explore the foundations of the Portuguese language and its culture through a thematic approach.
WELLNESS
COEP
Students will learn survival skills, canoeing, fishing, archery, map and compass usage, wilderness first aid, base camping, outdoor cooking, and wildlife appreciation. Students will participate in weekend and day treks where they will enjoy indoor rock climbing, paintball, fishing, and kayaking.
Fitness & Wellness
Students will develop a solid foundation of strength training, cardiovascular fitness, and basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology. Students will perform exercises with body weight, bands, med balls, kettlebells, and free weights.
Yoga
This course is designed to introduce students to the basic postures, breathing techniques, and relaxation methods of yoga. Students will begin to experience the benefits of stretching, moving, and breathing as they relieve built-up stress, learn to relax, and get more out of day-to-day life.
Every Student. Everyday. Everywhere.