Schedule Forecasting
Every spring, students do schedule forecasting to request their elective classes for the year. Students are provided with materials for forecasting in advance and should bring them home to be discussed with parents. We encourage parents to be involved with their student in this process. Proposed schedule forms should be signed by parents to indicate the parents’ involvement.
CHANGING CLASSES
Students should use all resources including their Homeroom teacher, Madison's handbooks, teachers, parents, counselors, etc. to ensure the best schedule of classes at the beginning of each term. At times, however, it may be necessary for students to change a class. Decisions regarding schedule changes will be made by the counselor/assistant principal. Any student requesting a schedule change is asked to pick up a schedule change request form, fill out the form, include a parent signature verifying parental approval of the request, and then turn the form in at the main office. Students may not change schedules until final approval is given by an administrator.
Grade 8 Curriculum
Click here to download a complete copy of the Curriculum Guide.
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All students are required to take at least 1 semester of Spanish and 1 semester of PE every year.
For 8th grade, the Block class (Language Arts, Reading, Social Studies) takes up two periods of the day in one "block."
All 8th Grade students will take these course subjects-
- Block (2 periods)
- Math (1 period)
- Science (1 period)
Plus one of the following options:
Option #1
- Band or Orchestra - year long (1 period)
- Spanish - year long (1 period)
- 1 Sem. PE & 1 Sem. Elective (1 period)
Schedule Option #2
- Band or Orchestra - year long (1 period)
- 1 Sem. Spanish & 1 Sem. PE (1 period)
- 2 Sem. Electives (1 period)
Schedule Option #3
- Spanish - year long (1 period)
- 1 Sem. PE & 3 Sem. Electives (3 periods)
Schedule Option #4
- 1 Sem. Spanish & 1 Sem. PE (1 period)
- 4 Sem. Electives 2 periods)
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Descriptions of Required Classes
NOTE: Courses offered are subject to change based on our ability to staff programs.
8TH GRADE BLOCK - Language Arts, Social Studies and Reading
(Full Year - Two Periods)
Each eighth grader will take a class every day which is a combination of language arts, writing, literature, communications and history. Part of the time involves using literature and writing with a variety of themes and prespectives. Research skills, short essay writing, poetry writing and oral communications will be practiced. Literature such as Slave Dancer, Nothing but the Truth, The Giver and The Glory Field are examples of the reading for the classes.
In fall term we will focus on historical events and concepts with the founding of our nation. Winter will center on westward expansion and the Civil War. In the spring, we will concentrate on Reconstruction and Reform.
Eighth grade is a Benchmark III year, which means that all students will be formally assessed in writing, reading, literature, social studies, and speech.
MATH (Full Year)
Madison offers a full range of Math courses: Math Fundamentals, Pre-Algebra, Algebra and Geometry. Eighth graders are recommended for their math level by their math teacher. This recommendation is based on test scores, class performance, and teacher judgment.
Textbooks and supplementary materials are used in combination for most math classes. Mathematics laboratory activities are included in many classes.
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Algebra is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in mathematics as they transition into algebra. Students will develop their understanding of such concepts as decimals, fractions, ratio and proportion, measurement, integers, functional relationships, solving equations and inequalities, and geometry. Students will represent and analyze mathematical situations and structures using algebraic symbols. Problem solving will be interwoven throughout the mathematics curriculum to provide a context for learning and applying mathematical ideas.
Algebra
In Algebra students will investigate and understand patterns, relations, and functions. Students will represent and analyze mathematical situations and structures using algebraic symbols. Students will also use mathematical models to represent and understand quantitative relationships. Students will explore and analyze change in different contexts, including slope.
Geometry
In this course we offer an extention of the algebraic concepts students have learned into real world examples. Students will explore spatial relationships and geometric figures; they will also learn how to form an argument and prove solutions. Prerequisites: Algebra and teacher recommendation.
SCIENCE (Full Year)
This is the third required year of science for Madison students. By this year students have had three years of practice doing real, hands-on science. The nature of scientific processes is reviewed first. Then students survey cell structures, heredity, and modern genetics, change over time, plants, animals, bacteria, fungi, and animal behavior. All units covered include hands-on activities and labs. Students do scientific research and formal inquiry. Laptops and other technnology are used by students to do research, write up experiments and complete online assessments. They even get to dissect an oranism (usually a frog). During this year, more emphasis is placed on high school and college preparation. The Middle Years I B program themes are also woven into the units of this course.
PE: FITNESS & LIFETIME ACTIVITIES (1 Semester)
The physical education curriculum will include fitness activities, climbing wall, individual and team sports that focus on skill development, teamwork and activity rules/strategies. The activities offered will vary depending on the time of year. Evaluation is based on participation, fitness, skills, knowledge of activity, attitude and attendance. 8th graders will work toward State and District PE standards and benchmarks.
SPANISH (1 Semester)
This is one of three required semester courses taken in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade that will provide Spanish instruction allowing students to aquire skills in comprehending, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish. Students will explore the geography, customs, art, music, and traditions of Spaish speaking countries and populations in the United States. (Please note: 7th & 8th graders have the option to enroll in the year long Spanish Elective instead.)
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Descriptions of Elective Classes
Elective courses at Madison provide students with an opportunity to experience a variety of classes in areas of interest.
During the sixth grade year, students may take a year long music choice of Band or Orchestra OR a choice of Semester electives: Art and/or Consumer & Family Studies. Seventh and eighth graders have options in their schdules for up to 3 periods of year-long or semester electives.
The following course descriptions are listed alphabetically by department. Students will receive an updated list of elective classes to be offered prior to registration each term. It is the responsibility of the student to get help from their parent(s) and homeroom teacher in making choices regarding their schedules.
NOTE: Courses offered are subject to change based on our ability to staff programs.
Year-Long Electives
SPANISH
Spanish I
Year long introductory class to Spanish as a foreign language. Students will learn listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Additional studies of culture and civilization of Spanish-speaking countries are included. Spanish is a two year commitment. Students who do well in Spanish I and II are placed in Spanish II at the high school level.
Spanish II
This class will be a continuation of Spanish I with the goal of preparing the students for entry into Spanish II at the high school level.
MUSIC
Beginning Band
For those students who would like to discover the exciting world of music through the study of band instruments: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion. Students learn skills necessary to accurately read and perform music on their instrument. Madison has a limited supply of instruments for rent. Some students will need to rent from a local store. Students who sign up for Beginning Band should plan on completing the entire school year in the program.
Concert Band
Prerequisite: Successful completion of beginning band demonstrated through performance of basic skills including simple rhythms, melodies and scales with good tone quality. Students will continue to develop technical facility, refine tone production and expand upon basic musical skills during the year. The Concert Band performs in three school concerts each year and presents community performances as well. Students are responsible for their own instruments, books and supplies.
Jazz Band
The Jazz Band is open to students who play saxophone, flute, clarinet, trumpet, bass guitar, string bass, guitar, drum set and piano. The class is for students who have mastered the fundamental skills on their instrument. Student will learn to perform in the jazz style and learn the fundamental skills necessary to improvise. The Jazz Band performs at Festivals and presents concerts in the community. Instructor consent is required to sign up for Jazz Band.
Orchestra
For string players on violin, viola, cello and string bass. Emphasis on technique development and performance of string orchestra music. School instruments provided as much as possible. 6th graders must have completed one year of study in 5th grade or have prior experience. One experienced piano student can be accepted with instructor permission.
Performance Band
Prerequisite: Mastery of fundamental skills on a band instrument including consistent tone quality throughout the range of the instrument, knowledge of fingerings, performance of major scales and chromatic scale and ability to perform mixed rhythms with accuracy. Performance band plays a wide variety of music and represents Madison Middle School in school and community events. Instructor permission required. Students are responsible for their own instruments, books and supplies.
Semester-Long Electives
ART
Ceramics
If you like the art of Ceramics , this is the class for you. Students will study the art of ceramics. They will learn a variety of techniques such as slab, coil, and thrown, as well as styles and cultures from around the world.
Pop Art
Students will study the pop art culture and the artist who belong to that period of art exploration. Students will create projects related to that time in art history.
Art
Students will learn and create about the element and principles of design:
line; shapes and forms; light, value and color; texture; space; balance; rhythm
and movement; proportion; emphasis; pattern; unity and variety.
CONSUMER & FAMILY STUDIES
Celebration Foods
Plan, prepare, serve, and celebrate the foods from different holidays of the year. Emphasis is given to helping the community in a variety of different ways through this class.
Teens and Tots
A fast moving fun course which teaches about child care, parenting skills and development of a child. A student-operated preschool will be run with preschool children from the area will attend on a five day a week basis. A great way to learn skills for summer baby-sitting jobs!
Today's Foods
Students will be trained for food handling permits and be given the opportunity to receive their permit along with acquiring food preparation skills. A lot of hands on learning will take place providing life long skills.
USA Foods
A study of the foods from different regions of the United States. Travel through
the U.S. by studying, preparing, and tasting the foods from each region. We will be visiting the regions of New England, Pennsylvania Dutch area, Creole area, Hawaiian, Southwest, Midwest and Northwest areas.World Foods
A study of the foods from the world. Travel through the world stopping in exotic places like the Middle East, Far East, Europe and South American through cooking and tasting experiences.
TEACHER AIDES/OFFICE AIDES
Students will perform a variety of office and clerical tasks for teachers or office staff. Teacher/secretary signature required.
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Downloadable Curriculum Guide
Click here to download a complete copy of the Curriculum Guide.
How long is a school year?
One school year (36 weeks) consists of 2 semesters (18 weeks each).
Each semester is then divided into several grading periods for progress reporting purposes.
There are only 2 offical report cards for each year. Progress reports are not a part of your student's permanent transcript.
Click here to see the list of no-school days and report card dates.
How many periods are there in a school day?
There are 7 periods in each school day. Each one lasts approximately 45 minutes. In addition, students will meet in their Advisory groups for approximately 50 minutes, twice a month.
Wednesdays are early release days, with 7 shorter periods and school ending 1 hour earlier at 2:20 pm.Click here to see the complete regular bell schedule and the special early-release Wednesday schedule.