Fall (practice daily, 2:45 - 4:15, later end time on game days) Soccer (boys’) • Football (boys’, see A and B team weight designations below) A Team Division Weight Limit: • Offensive Linemen—unlimited from tackle to tackle • Offensive Ends—145 lb. limitation • Offensive Backs and Ball Carriers—125 lbs. limitation • Defensive Down Linemen—unlimited weight • Defensive Linebackers, Ends, and Backs—145 lbs. limitation B Team Division Weight Limit: • Down Linemen—145 lbs. limitation • Backs and Ends—125 lbs. limitation • Field Hockey (girls’) • Volleyball (girls’, limited to 24 players) • Cross Country (coed team) Winter (practice daily, 2:30 - 4:00, later end time on game days) • Basketball (boys’ and girls’, limited to 30 players each team) • Wrestling (boys’) • Indoor Track (coed team) Spring (practice daily, 2:45 - 4:15, later end time on game days) • Baseball (boys’, limited to 16 players) • Lacrosse (girls’ and boys’) • Soccer (girls’) • Tennis (coed team—limited to 24 players)
Computer Science-8
The eighth grade Computer Science curriculum builds on the problem-solving skills developed in previous years. The course focuses on exposing students to real-world problems for which they have to design, build, and test various solutions with enduser specifications. Although the students generate a product, the application/program design process is a main focus. The first half of the course focuses on programming and algorithmic thinking as students build on their basic skills. Students investigate and implement processes that form the basis of computer science, with topics including variables, sorting, and graphs, and also expand their knowledge of programming languages and environments. Throughout the year, students employ computer science as a tool to enhance other studies, performing cross-curricular projects such as using spreadsheets to analyze data from science experiments and building HTML websites based on social studies reports. Students also investigate modern technology from the perspectives of both hardware (the functions of computer components) and software (internet operations and computer security).
Human Dynamics and Development-8: “Decision Making” and “Capstone Investigation”
In this alternating seminar course, students enrich their decision-making skills and utilized scheduled time to pursue their 18
Capstone Investigation. In Decision Making students enhance their self-awareness, develop perspective on the internal and external forces acting upon them, and broaden their knowledge about healthy/unhealthy behaviors. The course does not seek to instill values, but is designed to provide students with an opportunity for clarification of their own. Students identify their personal decision-making styles, learn a decision-making rubric and practice using it in practical, authentic applications. They explore the external factors that influence decisions and learn factual information needed to make informed decisions about matters affecting their emotional and physical health. Students periodically use the class period to attend to their Capstone Investigations. A student’s Capstone Investigation asks them to explore something (a topic, a question, a goal, a hobby, a solution to a problem, etc.) that they find meaningful to themselves and others through disciplined investment of their time, energy, and creativity. The culminating product of the investigation involves the presentation of evidence showing the process of learning, growth, planning, adaptation, discovery, communication, time management, resilience, mindfulness, collaboration, creativity, inquiry and engagement applied to the fulfillment of the investigation. The focus of class meetings will alternate between the two content areas every three-to-four seven-day cycles.
Information and Technology Literacy-8: “Information Critics”
In eighth grade, the Library Media Center introduces students to advanced search techniques, alternative search engines, subject-specific databases and other search tools. Students evaluate sources for specific criteria and learn to defend their choice of sources in an annotated bibliography. Students use advanced tools to organize information and files. Students continue to master techniques for effectively presenting information in formal research papers, public speaking, and graphic representations. Students also continue to look at the role of technology in their lives and the implications in appropriate behavior and acceptable use.
Performing Arts-8
8th Grade Musical In addition to the classroom courses and ensembles, there is an annual eighth grade musical, in which every member of the class participates—as a member of the cast, pit band, stage In addition to the music courses and ensembles, crew, or technical crew. Exploring the Arts in America The eighth grade music class expands the students’ experience with the music and theatrical traditions of the United States. Students become more aware of the
there is an annual eighth grade musical, in which every member of the class participates—as a member of the cast, pit band, stage crew, or technical crew.
