Program of Study

GRADE 6 Required Encores

(in addition to ELA, Math, Social Studies and Science)

Grade 6 Wellness

The Wellness course is designed to promote the overall well-being and healthy development of students. This course integrates physical activity, health education, and personal well-being to foster a comprehensive understanding of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Students will engage in a variety of physical activities, explore concepts related to nutrition and fitness, and develop skills necessary for lifelong wellness.

Grade 6 Writing

(5th core for grade 6, meets every day)

Welcome to the amazing world of SEL Writing Class! This course is all about learning skills that will help you shine in every part of your life. These skills include knowing yourself, understanding others, managing your feelings, making good choices, and building strong relationships. You will practice these skills through the awesome art of creative and mindful writing. You’ll write an "All About Me" book where you'll share everything that makes you special, a food memoir where you can tell delicious stories, letters to share your thoughts, poetry to make words dance, silly stories that will make you giggle, opinion papers to share your point of view, and persuasive speeches to convince others. In this class, your voice is super important, and we want to hear what you have to say! Writing gives you a special chance to express yourself and show the world who you are. It's a chance to be creative, thoughtful, and make a difference.

Grade 6 ENCORE Music Choices (must choose one):

Band, Chorus, or Orchestra.

Grade 6 Band

(meets every day, fills two encore openings)

Grade 6 Concert Band is an entry level instrumental band ensemble. The primary focus is to learn basic performance skills and  gundamentals (tuning, scales, arpeggios, rudiments, etc.) Music will be selected appropriately and each piece will enhance these basic performance skills. The band will perform at least 2 concerts during the school year.

Grade 6 Chorus

In this course, our main focus will be becoming one ensemble through singing. We will build basic vocal pedagogy and music theory while learning songs of diverse cultures and languages. Students will be split into two sections and sing songs in two-part harmony. There will be three required evening concerts in this class.

Grade 6 Orchestra

Grade 6 Concert Orchestra is an entry level instrumental string ensemble. The primary focus is to learn basic performance skills and fundamentals (tuning, scales, reading music) Music will be selected appropriately and each piece will enhance these basic performance skills. The orchestra will perform at least 2 concerts during the school year.

Grade 6 ENCORE Choices:

Art, Project Lead The Way (Design & Modeling), Flex, Independent Reading, Intro to Latin, Intro to Spanish, and a second Wellness class. Students can also take additional music classes: Band, Chorus, or Orchestra (see descriptions above)

Grade 6 Art

The 6th grade art class will focus on art practices using drawing, collage, and painting along with some sculpture through a variety of projects. Printmaking will be explored at an introductory level. Students will be exposed to some famous artists and art periods. The emphasis of the class will be on becoming better visual observers.

Grade 6 Project Lead The Way (Design & Modeling)

PLTW - Design & Modeling: "Have you ever wanted to create a toy or a device to help people? Students use tools such as the design process, a dynamic mathematics software, a computer-aided design program, computer simulations, an engineering notebook, and possibly a 3D printer to design, model, and build objects. Discover the design process and turn your ideas into realities!" Part of this course includes a ‘build your own boat’ out of cardboard project with a ‘race’ in the NHS pool at the end of the year. The cardboard boat project is supported by the Egan Maritime Institute.

Grade 6 Independent Reading

Reading is a predictor of academic, social, and personal success, and reading choice promotes student reading ability and ownership. In partnership with the Nantucket Atheneum, students in Independent Reading will work with their teacher, the CPS Librarian, and librarians from the Atheneum to find and read books of their choosing. Students will spend the majority of their class time reading books they have chosen. Students will not be reading the same books or genres unless they choose to do so. Students will set personal reading goals and maintain reading logs and journals to track individual progress and thinking, and will be challenged to read one book outside their comfort area, whether that be author or genre. Students will sometimes be asked to share the books they are reading with the group.

Grade 6 Flex

Students will receive support to stay organized in school: planner checks, back-pack purges, and updating folders and binders for CPS courses. There will also be time for students to work on homework, make-up missing assignments, and receive help for lessons that were missed.

Intro to Latin

CPS Middle School Latin students will be introduced to the immortal Language of Ancient Rome, Latin. Students will engage in storytelling and listening in order to acquire a core set of frequently used classical Latin vocabulary terms. Students will begin by learning words in context, and over the course of time be able to read short simple sentences within stories that expose students to the culture of Ancient Romans themselves. Learning vocabulary can strengthen students’ knowledge of Spanish and English vocabulary as well.

Intro to Spanish

An introduction to Spanish language and culture, is designed for the true beginner. We devote more or less equal energy to the four skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking, while also learning about the Spanish and Latin American cultures. In class, students will be exposed to the food, music, traditions and celebrations of the Spanish- speaking world. Emphasis will be placed on building a strong foundation of the Spanish language. Assessment: Students are evaluated on the basis of classroom participation and class work, homework, tests, quizzes, online assignments and projects, which will assess their speaking, writing, reading and listening proficiency in Spanish. For native Spanish speakers, we also offer a Spanish Heritage encore.

Additional PE

This class is a duplicate of the required Wellness course, except there is not an additional health class component. Every effort will be made to schedule this section on the opposite days of a student’s required Wellness class so that students have physical education every day.

GRADE 7 Required Encores

Grade 7 Wellness (5th core for grade 7, meets every day)

The Wellness course is designed to promote the overall well-being and healthy development of students. This course integrates physical activity, health education, and personal well-being to foster a comprehensive understanding of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Students will engage in a variety of physical activities, explore concepts related to nutrition and fitness, and develop skills necessary for lifelong wellness.

Grade 7 ENCORE Choices:

Spanish, Latin, Art, Band, Chorus, Orchestra, Project Lead The Way (Design & Modeling), Project Lead The Way (Automation & Robotics), Lego Robotics, Independent Reading, Flex, and Creative Writing.

Grade 7 Spanish

Spanish 1, an introduction to Spanish language and culture, is designed for the true beginner. We devote more or less equal energy to the four skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking, while also learning about the Spanish and Latin American cultures. In class, students will be exposed to the food, music, traditions and celebrations of the Spanish- speaking world. Students will begin to recognize basic cultural similarities and differences not only between the various Hispanic cultures, but also between the cultures studied and their own. They will compare and contrast essential structures of the target language with their own. Students are expected to devote time each night to homework and/ or to review vocabulary and current concepts. Students will be introduced to vocabulary around making plans, what they like to eat and wear, describing someone, talking about family, school, sports and the weather. Emphasis will be placed on building a strong foundation of the Spanish language, on cultural literacy and on broadening the student’s knowledge and experience of other cultures and worldviews. Assessment: Students are evaluated on the basis of classroom participation and class work, homework, tests, quizzes, online assignments and projects, which will assess their speaking, writing, reading and listening proficiency in Spanish, as well as their cultural literacy. For native Spanish speakers, we also offer a Spanish Heritage encore.

Grade 7 Latin

CPS Middle School Latin students will be introduced to the immortal Language of Ancient Rome, Latin. Over the course of 7th and 8th grade students will engage in storytelling and listening in order to acquire a core set of frequently used classical Latin vocabulary terms.
Students will begin by learning words in context, and over the course of time be able to read short simple sentences within stories that expose students to the culture of Ancient Romans themselves. Learning vocabulary can strengthen students’ knowledge of Spanish and English vocabulary as well.

Grade 7 Art

The 7th grade art class will focus on art practices including drawing, collage, painting, and sculpture through a variety of projects. Additionally, printmaking will be further explored. Students will deepen their exposure to techniques while continuing with a reinforcement of the importance of visual observation.

Grade 7 Band

(meets every day, fills two encore openings)

Grade 7 Concert Band is the intermediate level instrumental band ensemble. The focus is to develop performance skills and practice fundamentals (tuning, scales, arpeggios, rudiments, etc.) Music will be selected appropriately and each piece will enhance these performance skills. The band will perform at least 2 concerts during the school year. Grade 7 Band may be combined with the Grade 8 Band.

Grade 7 Chorus

In this course, our main focus will be becoming one ensemble through singing. We will build upon basic vocal pedagogy and music theory while learning songs of diverse cultures and languages. Students will be split into three sections and sing songs in three-part harmony.  There will be three required evenings in this class.

Grade 7 Orchestra

Grade 7 Concert Orchestra is an entry level instrumental string ensemble. The primary focus is to learn basic performance skills and fundamentals (tuning, scales, reading music) Music will be selected appropriately and each piece will enhance these basic performance skills. The orchestra will perform at least 2 concerts during the school year.

Grade 7 Project Lead The Way (Design & Modeling)

PLTW - Design & Modeling: "Have you ever wanted to create a toy or a device to help people? Students use tools such as the design process, a dynamic mathematics software, a computer-aided design program, computer simulations, an engineering notebook, and possibly a 3D printer to design, model, and build objects. Discover the design process and turn your ideas into realities!" Part of this course includes a ‘build your own boat’ out of cardboard and a ‘race’ in the NHS pool.

Grade 7 Project Lead The Way (Automation & Robotics)

PLTW- Automation & Robotics: PLTW Automation & Robotics is a STEM unit of study. Students are given the opportunity to combine mechanisms with input and output devices to automate the mechanisms. Construction and programming skills are layered, and projects and the problem provide students the opportunity to connect their learning throughout the lessons in the unit. Students take on the role of interns, and work in teams to identify design requirements and create prototypes to meet the needs of clients. They also explore different aspects of automation and robotics, and experience how solving real-life problems involves the teamwork of mechanical engineers, software developers, and electrical engineers.
PLTW (Design & Modeling) is a suggested pre-requisite for this course.

Grade 7 Lego Robotics

Students will build using Legos and learn to apply coded steps for robots to perform simple tasks.

Grade 7 Independent Reading

Reading is a predictor of academic, social, and personal success, and reading choice promotes student reading ability and ownership. In partnership with the Nantucket Atheneum, students in Independent Reading will work with their teacher, the CPS Librarian, and librarians from the Atheneum to find and read books of their choosing. Students will spend the majority of their class time reading books they have chosen. Students will not be reading the same books or genres unless they choose to do so. Students will set personal reading goals and maintain reading logs and journals to track individual progress and thinking, and will be challenged to read one book outside their comfort area, whether that be author or genre. Students will sometimes be asked to share the books they are reading with the group.

Grade 7 Flex

Students will receive support to stay organized in school: planner checks, back-pack purges, and updating folders and binders for CPS courses. There will also be time for students to work on homework, make-up missing assignments, and receive help for lessons that were missed.

Grade 7 Creative Writing

Do you know that your absolute favorite show is your favorite show because of the amazing writers? Ok, yes the actors may be great, but they wouldn't be able to put on a phenomenal performance without an awesome script! Writing gives a voice to those who may otherwise go unheard allowing you to advocate for your beliefs, share your stories, contribute to discussions on important topics, and promote social change. In this 7th-grade writing class, you will engage in different types of writing for various audiences, such as personal stories, poetry, flash fiction, comedy skits, plays, commercials, songs, and much more! You will tap into your imagination and learn how to use just the right words that will make your writing come alive! Think of this as a writing community. When you step into the writer's room, we will work
together as a team, helping each other grow as writers. We'll give each other friendly feedback and learn from one another. And most importantly, we'll have fun discovering the power of our words! Develop a love for storytelling as you embark on a writing journey filled with creativity, self-expression, and unique voices.
 

GRADE 8 Required Encores

Wellness and Environmental Science

Grade 8 Wellness

The Wellness course is designed to promote the overall well-being and healthy development of students. This course integrates physical activity, health education, and personal well-being to foster a comprehensive understanding of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Students will engage in a variety of physical activities, explore concepts related to nutrition and fitness, and develop skills necessary for lifelong wellness.

Grade 8 Environmental Science

(5th core for grade 8, meets every day)

Environmental Science focuses on three different Open SciEd Units: Plate Tectonics, Natural Disasters, and Weather & Climate. Students will discuss global warming and the local impact that may include field trips to island locations with the Land Council, Maria Mitchell Association, Egan Maritime Institute, Linda Loring Nature Foundation, and the town’s natural resources coordinator as Nantucket develops its Coastal Resiliency Plan to manage sea level rise.

Grade 8 ENCORE Choices:

Art, Band, Chorus, Orchestra, Project Lead The Way (Design & Modeling), Project Lead The Way (Automation & Robotics), Journalism, Lego Robotics, Independent Reading, Latin 1A, Latin 1B, Spanish 1A, Spanish 1B, Spanish Heritage, Flex, additional Wellness class, and voc-tech exploratory (Wood Tech, Nursing, and Boat Operations).

Grade 8 Art

The 8th grade art class will focus on art practices including drawing, collage, and painting. Exposure to sculpture will occur through a variety of projects and will also involve hand building and glazing of clay. More options for printmaking exploration will be enabled. Careful visual observation will be regularly emphasized.

Grade 8 Band

(meets every day, fills two encore openings)

Grade 8 Concert Band is the next level instrumental band ensemble. The focus continues to be on developing performance skills and practicing fundamentals (tuning, scales, arpeggios, rudiments, etc.) Music will be selected appropriately and each piece will enhance these
performance skills. The band will perform at least 2 concerts during the school year. Grade 8 Band may be combined with the Grade 7 Band.

Grade 8 Chorus

In this course, our main focus will be becoming one ensemble through singing. We will build upon the knowledge of vocal pedagogies and music theory while learning songs of diverse cultures and languages. Students will be split into three sections and sing songs in three-part
harmony. There will be three required evenings in this class.

Grade 8 Latin

CPS Middle School Latin students will be introduced to the immortal Language of Ancient Rome, Latin. Over the course of 7th and 8th grade students will engage in storytelling and listening in order to acquire a core set of frequently used classical Latin vocabulary terms. Students will begin by learning words in context, and over the course of time be able to read short simple sentences within stories that expose students to the culture of Ancient Romans themselves. Learning vocabulary can strengthen students’ knowledge of Spanish and English vocabulary as well.

Grade 8 Orchestra

Grade 8 Concert Orchestra is an entry level instrumental string ensemble. The primary focus is to learn basic performance skills and fundamentals (tuning, scales, reading music) Music will be selected appropriately and each piece will enhance these basic performance skills. The orchestra will perform at least 2 concerts during the school year.

Grade 8 Project Lead The Way (Design & Modeling)

PLTW - Design & Modeling: "Have you ever wanted to create a toy or a device to help people? Students use tools such as the design process, a dynamic mathematics software, a computer-aided design program, computer simulations, an engineering notebook, and possibly a 3D printer to design, model, and build objects. Discover the design process and turn your ideas into realities!" Part of this course includes a ‘build your own boat’ out of cardboard and a ‘race’ in the NHS pool.

Grade 8 Project Lead The Way (Automation & Robotics)

PLTW- Automation & Robotics: PLTW Automation & Robotics is a STEM unit of study. PLTW Automation & Robotics: PLTW Automation & Robotics is a STEM unit of study. Students are given the opportunity to combine mechanisms with input and output devices to automate the mechanisms. Construction and programming skills are layered, and projects and the problem provide students the opportunity to connect their learning throughout the lessons in the unit. Students take on the role of interns, and work in teams to identify design requirements and create prototypes to meet the needs of clients. They also explore different aspects of automation and robotics, and experience how solving real-life problems involves the teamwork of mechanical engineers, software developers, and electrical engineers. PLTW (Design & Modeling) is a suggested pre-requisite for this course.

Grade 8 Independent Reading

Reading is a predictor of academic, social, and personal success, and reading choice promotes student reading ability and ownership. In partnership with the Nantucket Atheneum, students in Independent Reading will work with their teacher, the CPS Librarian, and librarians from the Atheneum to find and read books of their choosing. Students will spend the majority of their class time reading books they have chosen. Students will not be reading the same books or genres unless they choose to do so. Students will set personal reading goals and maintain reading logs and journals to track individual progress and thinking, and will be challenged to read one book outside their comfort area, whether that be author or genre. Students will sometimes be asked to share the books they are reading with the group.

Grade 8 Journalism

Course description is being developed by Ms. Smith.

Grade 8 Lego Robotics

Students will build using Legos and learn to apply coded steps for robots to perform simple
tasks.

Grade 8 Spanish

Spanish 1B reinforces and builds upon the skills and content learned in Spanish 1A. We devote more or less equal energy to the four skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking, while also learning about the Spanish and Latin American cultures. In class, students will be exposed to the food, music, traditions and celebrations of the Spanish- speaking world. Assessment: Students are evaluated on the basis of classroom participation and class work, homework, tests, quizzes, online assignments and projects, which will assess their speaking,
writing, reading and listening proficiency in Spanish, as well as their cultural literacy.

Learning Objectives:

• Students engage in conversational dialogue, and learn to make requests, and obtain information in practical settings
• Students use authentic materials, such as menus, photos, charts, etc. when reading
• Students write postcards and letters
• Students understand and convey information about themselves and their personal surroundings, regarding such contexts as family, home, school, health, likes and dislikes and clothes
• Students understand and convey information beyond themselves such as geography, directions,
• weather, dates, time, food, travel, colors, and numbers
• Students learn how to best express their needs and wants
• Students understand and can express their opinion in limited detail
• Students use and understand expressions indicating emotion
• Students create simple and original written assignments using different verb tenses and their proper conjugations
• Students understand important ideas in highly contextualized and authentic text
• For native Spanish speakers, we also offer a Spanish Heritage encore.

Grade 8 Flex

Students will receive support to stay organized in school: planner checks, back-pack purges, and updating folders and binders for CPS courses. There will also be time for students to work on homework, make-up missing assignments, and receive help for lessons that were missed.

Grade 8 Voc-Tech Exploratory at NHS

Grade 8 students can select an encore ‘package’ that consists of three voc-tech ‘previews’ at NHS: Wood Tech, Nursing, and Boating Operations. This is a package option. Students can’t take just one, an interested student gets all three voc-tech operations, one each trimester. This encore meets every other day to fit with other CPS encore choices.