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Math 7 - 8: A two-year pre-algebra class with an inquiry-based hands-on approach to learning using MathScape, Course 2 and 3 published by Glencoe/McGraw Hill (2005)

Students will practice and improve their number sense, measure sense and estimation skills, review and extend their arithmetic, calculator, and thinking skills by working with fractions, decimals, percents, large and small numbers and negative numbers. Students will study variables, expressions, equations, multiple representations of data, and other algebra topics. Students will extend their understanding of geometry, including transformations and 2 and 3 dimensional figures, and their knowledge of probability and statistics. They will investigate the uses of mathematics outside the classroom.

Successful completion of Math 7 and Math 8 will prepare a student to take Algebra in high school.

Pre-Algebra is designed to prepare seventh grade students for success in Algebra I. The emphasis will be on continued development of pattern recognition, computational skills, elementary algebra topics, geometric relationships, problem solving and the use of technology. Students will extend their knowledge of probability and statistics and analyze data to make decisions and defend conclusions.

Algebra I: A one-year high school level algebra class using Algebra 1, An Integrated Approach published by McDougal Littell (1991, 1994)

Students will review and extend their knowledge of problem solving, data analysis, and the use of technology (i.e., scientific calculator, graphing calculator, computer). They will extend their knowledge of the theory, use and understanding of the fundamental operations to real numbers. Students will learn to express quantitative statements in the language of algebra, solve equations and inequalities, use rational expressions in equations, graph using the coordinate plane, perform operations with polynomials and irrational numbers, and solve quadratic equations. They will use their mathematical knowledge to solve problems.

Geometry: A one-year high school level geometry class using Geometry for Enjoyment and Challenge published by McDougal Littell (1993)

This course covers the study of plane and three dimensional geometry. There is an emphasis on clarity and precision of language and the logical development of geometric principles in deductive reasoning and proof. This will include work with points, lines, planes, angles, congruent triangles, circles, polygons and transformations.

Math Support provides assistance to students who want to strengthen their foundation in 7th grade math.

Seventh Grade Students will be developing skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking that can carry over to all other subject areas. A variety of literature will be covered including fiction and non-fiction works. To reinforce reading skills, students should be reading 20-30 minutes every night. Reading material should be from books, novels, magazines, or newspapers.

Eighth grade students continue studying the four modes of writing and genres of literature. Content focus follows the 8th grade social studies curriculum-American History up to the Civil War.

Gifted Language Arts In Language Arts, students are expected to demonstrate a higher level of proficiency in the use of the 6 writing traits: mechanics, organization, voice, ideas, effective word choice and sentence fluency. Students will also read independently at an advanced level with an emphasis placed on interpretation of the text.

Science 8 This is an integrated thematic program that teaches science the way it really is – a study of nature in which common principles operate in relationship to one another. Our program seamlessly interweaves major scientific disciplines such as life science, earth science, chemistry, physics and space science into a thematic framework. The program encourages technological and computer literacy as well as keeping abreast of scientific innovations. Students are required to plan, research and create a major term paper that sharpens and reinforces their intellectual skills. Students are encouraged to participate in the Science Olympiad, Alaska Science Fair, and other mentally stimulating competitions. Hands/minds-on activities are provided throughout the year.

Science 7 This is an integrated thematic program that teaches science as an interdisciplinary study of nature in which common principles operate in relationship to one another. Students explore areas of life science, earth science, chemistry, physics and technology. Emphasis is placed on scientific thought and reasoning as well as laboratory experiences.

Gifted Science In Science, 7th grade students will complete at least one structured research project during the academic year. In 8th grade, students will complete a more advanced independent project with choices ranging from science writing competitions, inventor competitions, engineering competitions and science fair projects. Also, any student that completes 7th and 8th grade gifted science will also have completed most of the objectives for 9th grade science. This will allow for a smoother transition for students into Biology during their freshman year.

Spanish Students who choose to take Spanish will take IA in 7th grade and IB in 8th grade. In order to take the class in 8th grade, the student must have taken it in 7th grade because it is a sequence. At the end of 8th grade, they will have completed level I Spanish and will be able to take level II when they go to high school. After completing level II in high school, if they receive a grade of "C" or better, they will receive a high school credit for the two years they took in middle school.

The seventh and eighth grade Japanese Immersion classes dovetail as a continuation from Sand Lake Elementary School into Mears Middle School emphasizing what many students consider to be a life long commitment to learning the Japanese language, culture and history. Classes are taught by either native Japanese speakers or teaching professionals that have fluent knowledge of the Japanese language.

Students must have been enrolled in the Sand Lake Immersion program and have a firm command of the language by the time they are ready for middle school. Exceptions have been made for students who are proficient in Japanese based upon teacher approval. While in the Japanese immersion program at Mears, students must commit to enrolling in a Japanese language class as an elective as well as a standard ASD curriculum Social Studies class taught entirely in the Japanese language.

In this course, students will be introduced to the study of technology and will see how technologies affect our lives. Students will be able to participate in hands-on activities like CO₂ dragsters, electronics, robotics, and rocketry. Students will also learn basic engineering concepts and skills.

Using the elements and principles of design, students will expand their knowledge of two and three dimensional media through drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, pottery, and sculpture. Each student will build a sketchbook and a portfolio of their completed artwork.

Business Tech 7 assignments cover keyboarding, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, internet safety, PowerPoint, Photoshop Elements, and iMovie. Computers 8 assignments include keyboarding, internet safety, word processing, getting your first job and career exploration, layout and design, computer aided design, website creation, iMovie and music editing.

This course will focus on hands-on learning experiences. Students will have the opportunity to learn skills in problem solving; following directions; working cooperatively and individual accountability. FCS 7 includes quick and easy recipes, nutrition, care-giving and textiles. FCS 8 includes recipes from scratch, nutrition, textiles, care-giving, living environments, personal finance and careers.

7^th Grade Exploratory Rotation: One quarter each of all of the above classes.

Fees: Applied Tech, Art, and Family Consumer Science charge a fee of $5 per quarter or $10 per semester.

ORCHESTRA

Intermediate Orchestra Level 1
Grade level: 7
Length of course: Year
Prerequisites: Beginning Orchestra (sixth grade) or Director approval

This course is for students who wish to learn the fundamentals of music through playing an orchestra instrument (violin, viola, cello, bass). Basic left and right hand technique, proper care of the instrument and reading musical notation will be learned in a large group setting. Limited public performances may be required. Students usually provide their own instrument except for the larger instruments that may be available from the school.

Intermediate Orchestra Level 2
Grade Level: 7
Length: Year
Prerequisites: Director approval

This course is for students who wish to develop their performance skills beyond a fundamental level. Students will encounter a continuation of skills and fundamentals from intermediate orchestra (level 1) with increasing emphasis on better tone production, good intonation, refinement of muscular coordination, and experimentation in small ensembles. Responsibilities of the individual within the large music ensemble will be stressed. Public performances will be required. Students usually provide their own instrument except for the larger instruments that may be available from the school.

Intermediate Orchestra Level 3
Grade level: 8
Length of course: Year
Prerequisites: Director approval

This course is for students who wish to develop their performance skills beyond intermediate orchestra (level 2). Students will continue development of all skills taught in intermediate orchestra (level 2). Responsibilities of the individual within the large music ensemble will be stressed. Public performances will be required. Students usually provide their own instrument except for the larger instruments that may be available from the school.

Concert Orchestra
Grade level: 7,8
Length of course: Year
Prerequisites: Director approval

This course is for students who wish to develop their performance skills beyond an intermediate level. Students will continue development of string skills with more emphasis placed on performing. Responsibilities of the individual within the large music ensemble will be stressed. Public performances will be required. Students usually provide their own instrument except for the larger instruments that may be available from the school.

CHOIR

This course is open to all 7th grade students. Fundamentals of choral music will be stressed, including note reading, part-singing, interpretation, individual and group response to direction and basics of vocal technique. There will be limited required performance opportunities throughout the year including district festivals.

7th Grade Chorus
Grade level: 7
Length of course: Year
Prerequisites: Beginning Chorus or director approval

As a sequel to Beginning Chorus, this course is for students with previous choral training. An emphasis will be placed on vocal technique and a variety of choral literature. Several required performances include school concerts and district festivals.

Concert Choir:
Grade Level: 8
Length of course: Year
Prerequisite: None

This course is open to all 8th grade students. An emphasis will be placed on vocal technique and a variety of choral literature. Several required performances include school concerts and district festivals.

8th Grade Chorus
Grade Level: 8
Length of course: Year
Prerequisites: Audition or director approval

This course is for students with previous training in the fundamentals of choral music. It will involve further study of vocal technique with emphasis on individual and group musical development. Several required performances include school concerts, school district festivals and outside school performances.

BAND

Intermediate Band Level 1
Grade level: 7
Length of course: Year
Prerequisites: Beginning Band or director approval

This course is for students who wish to develop their performance skills beyond the beginning level. Students will encounter a continuation of skills and fundamentals from beginning band with increasing emphasis on better tone production, good intonation, refinement of muscular coordination, experimentation in small ensembles, and memorization of scales in basic keys. Responsibilities of the individual within the large music ensemble will be stressed. Public performances will be required. Students provide their own instrument except for the larger instruments that may be available from the school.

Intermediate Band Level 2

Length of course: Year
Prerequisites: Intermediate Band 1 or director approval

This course is for students who wish to develop their performance skills beyond intermediate band level 1. Responsibilities of the individual within the large music ensemble will be stressed. Public performances will be required. Students provide their own instrument except for the larger instruments that may be available from the school.

Advanced Band

Grade level: 7,8
Length of course: Year
Prerequisites: Intermediate Band or director approval

This is open only to those students who successfully audition with the director. Students will develop all skills taught in intermediate band with more emphasis placed on performing. Responsibilities of the individual within the large music ensemble will be stressed. Several required performances include school concerts, school district festivals, and outside school performances. Students provide their own instrument except for the larger instruments that may be available from the school.

Jazz Band
Grade Level: 8
Length: Year
Prerequisites: Intermediate Band and director approval

This course is for students interested in performing and learning jazz. This is open only to those students who successfully audition with the director and must be taken simultaneously with Advanced Band. Students will be introduced to jazz theory, style and the art of improvisation. Several required performances include school concerts and outside school performances. Students provide their own instrument except for the larger instruments that may be available from the school. Instrumentation of each jazz band may vary depending on director’s discretion.

The goals of the PE program are to:

1. promote the important role of regular physical activity in the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle.

3.Provide opportunities to work on skills to perform a variety of physical activities.

It is our belief that physical education is a vital ingredient in our school program. It is our aim to provide an enjoyable environment in which to pursue these goals.

These activities are conducted after the normal school day. They require a physical, parent permission paperwork and some require a fee.

CITC is one of Cook Inlet Region Inc.'s non-profit organizations established to provide social, educational, and employment opportunities for Our People, Alaska Natives and Native Americans, residing in South Central Alaska. On average 14,000 participants are served each year with a staff of 300 employees.

Our Partners for Success Program offers a unique educational experience, providing high quality academic instruction, academic support, cultural environment, and social services for students in grades 7-12, delivered through a team model designed to serve both students and parents.

The principle tasks of our teams are to help develop each of our student's individual acedemic potential and goals utilizing the strengths from our Native cultures and values along with the involvement of our families and the communuity.

The Bilingual/ESL counselor program assists and supports ESL teachers and tutors, as well as regular classroom teachers, in the performance of their instructional duties. The counselor assures the appropriate placement of English Language Learners in ESL and regular classrooms. The counselor consults with teachers regarding the needs of English Language Learners. Also serves as a liaison between the home, school, and the English Language Learner.
The students are encouraged the use and development of their native language in a social as well as in an academic context.

Counselors are advocates for students in school. Many students and parents visit us to discuss a wide range of issues, such as academic support, mediations, personal issues and anything else that may keep learners from being actively engaged during the day. We also support teachers infusing social emotional standards and developmental assets into their curriculum. We are a valuable resource center for your student’s middle school experience.