LANGUAGE ARTS

LANGUAGE ARTS 8

This full-year English/language arts class offers a literature-based curriculum that integrates listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills across the entire year for all students. The School Board approved content for this class, American unity and diversity, supports integration with the social studies curriculum. Speaking and listening skills instruction focuses on listening strategies, methods of note taking, and opportunities for participating and facilitating small groups, and delivering both informal and prepared presentations. Reading instruction will provide opportunities for whole group, small group, and individual reading in a variety of genres. Writing instruction will continue to build fluency and correctness strategies begun at earlier levels. Students will practice standard English grammar, mechanics, and usage. This course, or its equivalent, is required of all eighth grade students in the Anchorage School District.

LANGUAGE ARTS 8 - ENRICHED

This course emphasizes the four areas of language arts: WRITING, READING, SPEAKING, and LISTENING. In each of the four areas, the teacher will include material covered in the prescribed eighth grade program. The students read many challenging literary works, fiction and non-fiction, including novels, biographies, short stories, essays, plays, and poetry. They participate in group discussions/seminars on selected readings and develop listening, speaking, and critical thinking skills. The students write extensively: essays, book critiques, short stories, poems, scripts, letters. In responding to literature, in both discussion and writing, the students are expected to support the ideas presented with specific evidence from the reading and to support or disagree with the author's point of view with their own ideas/knowledge. The students are expected to master the eighth grade grammar curriculum including correct usage, capitalization, and punctuation. The students in this class are expected to be self-motivated, independent workers who are eager learners willing to spend the time necessary to master challenging material. Students must score in the 80th-95 percentileon a standardized achievement test.

LANGUAGE ARTS 8 - GIFTED

This course emphasizes the four areas of Language Arts: WRITING, READING, SPEAKING, AND LISTENING. In WRITING, the primary emphasis is on varying sentence structure; writing essays, editorials, critiques, and reviews; writing persuasively; and editing own work. READING focuses on synthesizing information from several selections and evaluating the quality of literary selections. SPEAKING develops organization and presentation skills in debates, panels, informative speeches and develops summarization, extension of discussion ideas and reevaluation of ideas and opinions based upon input from other students. In addition, an emphasis on research and independent/group study skills stresses establishing evaluation criteria, organization, skimming, previewing, and synthesis of material. Students must qualify for the Anchorage School District gifted program in order to be considered for entrance into this class.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE

BEGINNING E.S.L./ENGLISH

This is an intensive beginning English as a second language (E.S.L.) course designed for monolingual speakers of another language (i.e., students who speak little or no English). Course content includes instruction and activities in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Placement is determined through testing.

INTERMEDIATE E.S.L./ENGLISH

This is an intermediate English as a second language (E.S.L.) course designed for bilingual students who are predominantly speakers of another language. Course content expands upon the content in Beginning E.S.L. including instruction and activities in listening, speaking, reading and writing with emphasis on oral and written comprehension and expression. Placement is determined through testing.

ADVANCED E.S.L/ENGLISH

This is an advanced English as a second language (E.S.L.) course designed for bilingual students who may appear fairly verbally fluent in English, but need strengthening in speaking, reading and writing skills. Placement is determined through testing.

TUTORIAL E.S.L./ENGLISH

This is an advanced English as a second language (E.S.L.) course designed for bilingual students who may appear fairly verbally fluent in English, but need strengthening in speaking, reading and writing skills. It continues to develop skills covered in Advanced E.S.L. Placement is determined through testing.

MATHEMATICS

MATH 8

This course reviews fractions, and decimals. Number theory, ratio, proportion, percent, and geometry are studied in detail. Topics studied also include integers, rational numbers, and an introduction to algebra.

BASIC MATH E.S.L.

This course is designed for ESL students who are not yet literate in the content areas of math and English; who are non-English-proficient or limited-English-proficient (NEP/LEP); and who need targeted assistance in accessing the content and language of mathematics curriculum. This course covers addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions and decimals; estimation, percents, solution of word problems, calculator applications and mathematics content vocabulary development.
This course should not be taken by any ESL students who have successfully completed pre-algebra or Math 7 with a "C" or better (in US schools) or any higher math course.

ALGEBRA

This course reviews and extends the use and understanding of the fundamental operations on real numbers as well as expressing quantitative statements in the language of algebra and solving equations and inequalities. The second semester covers factoring polynomials, the use of rational expressions in equations, coordinate graphing, irrational numbers, and the solution of quadratic equations. Students must have completed a pre-algebra program with a grade of A or B.

GEOMETRY

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.

SCIENCE

SCIENCE 8

This is an integrated thematic program in which the process of scientific inquiry are infused throughout all science learning. Students explore areas of life, chemical, physical, earth and space science.

Basic course outline:

Astronomy
Chemical Interactions
Inside Earth
Motion, Forces and Energy
Sound and Light
Electricity and Magnetism

SCIENCE 8 - GIFTED

In addition to the content covered in Science 8, this course allows students to focus on in-depth areas of physical science. Emphasis is placed on higher cognitive processes such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Students complete long and short term projects. This is a year-long course. Students must qualify for the Anchorage School District gifted program in order to be considered for entrance into this class.

SOCIAL STUDIES

SOCIAL STUDIES 8

This course will introduce students to geography, anthropology, psychology, sociology, economics, political science, and government on the local and state level. Current developments in these areas will be an integral part of this course.
1) The student will develop the vocabulary and skills necessary to understand the basic concepts of the 8th grade social studies curriculum;
2) The student will be instructed in the interpretive and applied comprehension skills as applied to 8th grade social studies program.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

PHYSICAL EDUCATION/HEALTH (Semester)

Physical Education (one semester required)

The 8th grade program offers students a wide variety of individual, dual and team activities. These activities build on the 7th grade introductory program and emphasize student participation. Skill development through demonstration, drill, and competition within the class offers an excellent opportunity for the student to find areas where they can achieve success and have fun. Activities include: flag football, soccer, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, wrestling, ice hockey, figure skating, track and field, softball, badminton, pickle ball, weight training, tumbling, gym hockey, aerobics, recreational games, and ping-pong.

Health (one semester required)

This is a required 8th grade semester course. This course offers effective health instruction methods that are active and promote personal responsibility, lifelong learning, critical thinking, cooperation, and uses interdisciplinary approaches. The major topic areas include personal health, nutrition, physical development, social development, and substance abuse.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Federal law regarding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) determines the qualifications for special equation services. Elementary special education teachers meet with the students' parents and with the Romig Middle School special education staff to ensure appropriate class placement. Romig's regular education teams work well with special education teachers and students. We strive to put as many students as possible on regular education teams with special education support.

Romig Middle School special education classes offer a continuum of services depending on individual student needs. Classes offered in special education include: reading, language arts, math, science-social studies, study skills, affective-social skills, and life skills.

ELECTIVES

AIDE POSITIONS Semester (office, library, media)

A limited number of students will be selected for aide positions. Interested students must submit an application complete with references. Interviews will be conducted. Students must have excellent attendance, be reliable, trustworthy, organized, and able to follow through with projects and instructions.

ART (EXPLORATORY)

Art Exploratory is primarily an introductory course utilizing the elements and principles of design as a point of departure for experimentation with a variety of media including pencil, paint, plaster, clay, drawing and sculpture. Passing this class is a requirement for Expanded Art. A supply fee is required.

ART (EXPANDED)
The expanded art program is a one semester course which will provide students with opportunities to expand and translate ideas, feelings and values into aesthetic experiences. Design elements and principals will be expanded and reinforced within the four components of art education. Students must have successfully completed Art 1 or be in the eight grade and have a keen interest in art to be eligible for enrollment in this class.

BAND - ADVANCED

Advanced band is the major performing group in middle school. All members are chosen by the band director on the basis of performance, experience, dedication, self discipline, and instrumentation. At least three performances plus participation in music festivals are expected. This is usually the largest band group.

BAND - INTERMEDIATE BAND

This full-year course is designed for students previously in beginning band who have a working knowledge of fundamentals of music theory including key signatures (scale study), counting, rhythms, and knowledge of fingerings. The "Yamaha Band Student Book," (parts 1, 2, and 3) is the basic method book used. Dedicated effort (group and self discipline) is expected.

BAND - JAZZ

Romig's Jazz Band is offered as a second musical elective for students already enrolled in Advanced or Intermediate Band. Students are exposed to a variety of jazz techniques, including improvisation skills and sight reading. Big band charts, jazz and blues standards, and contemporary hits are all part of the Romig Jazz Band experience. Students must audition with Mr. Morgan before selecting Jazz Band as an elective.

BUSINESS EDUCATION AND MARKETING: INTRO TO COMPUTERS

Learning to live with technology is a part of this course. It provides hands-on exploratory experiences for students to better understand contemporary technology being used in the fields of business and marketing. Computers are used to introduce spreadsheets, database, graphics and much more.

BUSINESS EDUCATION AND MARKETING: ADVANCED COMPUTERS

This course reviews and expands keyboarding and computer skills. The course includes applications on the Macintosh, Hyperstudio, and an introduction to integrated software to do graphics, spreadsheets, databases, and painting documents.

CHORUS

This course is for students with little music experience. 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 may be limited performance opportunities throughout the year

DEVELOPMENTAL/READING

This class is designed for students reading below grade level. Placement is based on a CAT reading score at the 30th percentile or lower and teacher recommendation. Students who have difficulty doing work and completing it, who have trouble comprehending written materials, who need vocabulary enhancement, who have little tolerance for difficulties in the text and who are poor writers will benefit from this class and should be recommended for developmental reading.

DRAMA

This course emphasizes the many techniques that humans use to communicate and interact, from the very simple to the very complex. Students will also be studying drama and the discipline of acting. They are expected to actively participate in small and large group activities.

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE

This course is designed to give students a conceptual view of family and personal relationships. Students will be learning by selecting the projects that most interest them using the newest computer software, equipment, and research materials. The following areas will be explored during classroom activities: children, foods and nutrition, sewing and clothing care, careers, living environments, and personal finances.

FRENCH IB - Prerequisite French IA

Students continue to develop and expand their proficiency in listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing of French. Thematic topics such as transportation, stores, clothing, hobbies, food and drinks, body, and house and furniture are continued. Communicative activities in French will involve students in a variety of practical situations for further independent development of their oral fluency and written language skills. A more in-depth study of French and Francophone cultures as well as grammatical structures is done to assist students in building a strong foundation for entry into the high school level II language course.

KEYBOARDING

This course is highly useful for both personal and vocational needs. Students will work toward mastery of the keyboard by touch and be introduced to typing manuscripts, reports, business and personal letters, tabulation, centering, rough drafts and compositions.

JAPANESE LANGUAGE & CULTURE

Conversational language through fun activities, games, drama, songs, and poems. Students learn to speak about family, professions, hobbies, sports, musical instruments, food, home, school, city, transportation, colors, pets, shopping, and clothing. Students learn about Japanese culture through Japanese cartoons and movies for kids, guest speakers, and visitors from Japan. Students celebrate Japanese holidays in class. They will learn how to make (and eat) Japanese food.

MATH PROJECTS

This course provides math understanding and enrichment through participation in activities that improve math skills and application. Students are engaged in various math projects, games, math and applications. The activities are developed to make students think and have fun doing math.

ORCHESTRA - CONCERT

This is a full-year course designed for the student capable of playing competently in the upper positions, using vibrato and who has displayed understanding of ensemble playing. Students should be attuned to balance, musical style, and, good intonation. They should be responsive to conducting. Members are selected on the basis of performance, experience, dedication self discipline and instrumentation.

ORCHESTRA - INTERMEDIATE

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 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 usually provide their own instrument except for the larger instruments that may be available from the school.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

This is a year-round course for 8th graders, filling the requirement for Physical Education and Health, designed for students who enjoy fitness-related activities, and are willing and able to go beyond the requirements of a regular P.E. class. We run one day per week outside unless the temperature is below zero. In the spring semester we train for a triatholon--swimming once every two weeks, and biking once a week when the weather permits. A 5-K community run is a class requirement. Two days a week, we study health-related issues and cover exercise physiology.

PEER MEDIATION

Student leaders are selected to be taught mediation skills. Once these skills have been learned, a sense of community achieved, and mediators have signed their own non-violence contracts; students may use the class period as a study hall if they are not mediating a problem.
Students chosen on the bases of being natural leaders among peers, interest on their part, and willingness to sign behavior contract. (non-violence)

SCHOOL BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP

Students learn entrepreneurial skills to develop a successful business and school community partnership. The school business partnership class offers opportunities for career exploration, collaborative networking, mentorship connections as well as volunteer opportunities. Students are involved with business community and social issues and assume leadership roles which strengthen and enhance their success.

SCIENCE/ART

Students in this science and art class will explore the natural world doing activities that integrate art and science, using a hands-on approach. The lessons engage students in the scientific process of observing, comparing and describing natural phenomena and in the artistic process of perceiving, creating and evaluating. This course connects the concepts of art and science in meaningful ways.

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD

Science Olympiad is devoted to improving the quality of science education as well as to increase student interest in science. The Science Olympiad class is designed to help students prepare for the Alaska State Science Olympiad competition. The tournament consists of rigorous academic interscholastic competitions. The competitions are similar to popular board games, sports competitions, and TV shows. All science disciplines are included in the competition. In the class we will practice for as many of the events as possible before the competition.

SCIENCE PROJECTS

In this elective students will generate projects of their own interest, then organize and carry out experiments to answer their questions. They will also read and discuss scientific and mathematical writings, which have had major impacts of the growth of scientific thought.

SCIENCE/ROCKETRY

This elective will teach students about aerodynamics, airplanes, and rockets. Students will build a glider, a rocket from scratch, and an Estes Model Rocket. At the same time students will be learning about stability, circuits, currents, the space program, laws of motion, orbits, trajectories, and altitude tracking.

SCIENCE BIOLOGY WILDLIFE

This elective covers topics that deal with wildlife populations and their interactions with the surrounding ecosystems. Concepts such as adaptation, habits, biomes, predator-prey, and population fluctuations will be addressed.

SPANISH IB: Prerequisite: Spanish IA

This full-year course is an intensive continuation of Spanish I with more emphasis on speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish. As in Spanish I, the Total Immersion Method is continued. The teacher speaks no English in class. Students are expected to be self-disciplined, self-motivated, and to actively participate in all activities. Students are expected to improve and to increase their fluency in Spanish, and to gradually eliminate all English. Students are expected to master challenging vocabulary and grammatical structures necessary for building gradual fluency in speaking, reading, and writing. In-depth cultural awareness is continued. This is part two of a two-year sequence. Students who successfully complete Spanish IA in 7th grade and Spanish IB in 8th grade will be eligible for the second level of Spanish in high school.

WORLD CULTURES

This courses uses the REACH (Respecting Ethnic and Cultural Heritage). The lessons and activities prepare the students to live effectively and positively within a culturally diverse world.

Typical Eighth Grade Schedule

Language Art
Math
Social Studies Team Classes
Science
Physical Education/Health
Elective
Elective