USJ's Middle School, for grades 6-8, eases students through the transition from Lower School to the college preparatory classes in Upper School in a safe, nurturing and supportive environment. The Middle School's curriculum is content driven; by the end of each school year, students are expected to accomplish specific performance goals in each area of the curriculum.
The Middle School offers a core of academic subjects that are enriched with the fine arts, computer technology, foreign language, and physical education. Honors courses are offered in mathematics and English. Seventh and eighth graders take a full period of either Spanish or French.
Middle School teachers use a variety of teaching methods to address the various learning styles of students. These include hands-on activities, lectures, research, technology and many cross-curriculum activities. Technology and character education are integrated throughout the curriculum.
Students' performance is tracked so teachers have a good idea about what students know and what they need to be taught to meet learning objectives.
Classroom Olympics: It's all Greek to Seventh Graders
In history, Athens and Sparta held year-long competitions between the Greek city-states. For seventh graders, the battle is not that long, but it is just as intense when they wind up their year of studies with Greek Day. This epic battle of the classes is the culmination of their study of Greek mythology in English and early city-states and the origin of Olympics and their games in history class.
“We spend a good portion of the second semester in seventh grade history studying the geography, development, and history of early Greek city-states,” said Shonda Vargason, who teaches seventh grade history. “We also study Greek Olympics and the games they played.” Vargason and Middle School English teacher Ruth Ann Morrison developed Greek Day for some hands-on fun to culminate their Greek studies.
From the first day of school, students are put on either the Spartan or Athenian team and compete throughout the year as a team. On Greek Day, they proudly represent their city on the “battlefield” of games. The fierce competition includes games such as the pentathalon, stadion, horse racing, pancratium, and chariot racing.
“The culmination of the Greek studies with ‘USJ Greek Olympics’ is a fun-filled day for the seventh graders that they look forward to each year,” said Morrison. “The winner, just like in ancient times, claims a laurel crown and the glory.”
Middle School Math: Learning how to problem solve
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Janice Baldwin works with Clare Robertson in one of her 8th Grade Honors Math classes.
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Every question asked by a student in Janice Baldwin's Middle School math classes is an opportunity for her to teach problem solving — a technique the student can use outside the classroom.
"We're teaching the child to think logically, to approach any kind of problem," says Baldwin, who has been teaching math and science for 43 years, with 28 years at USJ. "When a child asks a question, I lead him through the problem by asking him questions so that he comes up with his own answer. We learn lots of tools and techniques to solve problems."
Instead of giving out the answer, she says, she teaches the student to say, "This is what I'm asked to find. This is what I know. Where do I want to go? And what tools do I have to go from what I know to where I want to go?"
Baldwin taught math and science for five years at Episcopal Day School, moved to Texas for several years, and returned to Jackson and USJ in 1988. Since then, she has taught Middle School math.
All three Middle School grades offer both honors and non-honors math classes. Not every Middle School student is at the same readiness level for math, Baldwin says. "Some children have an aptitude for math and a readiness to think abstractly. Based on previous test scores, teacher recommendations, and the student's commitment, the student is placed in an honors or non-honors math class in Middle School. We want our children to be challenged and successful whether they are in honors or a regular math class."
Students who take USJ's honors math in Middle School are a step ahead of freshmen in other high schools when they enter ninth grade, she explained. "They've already had a year of basic Algebra I. Honors Algebra I in USJ's Upper School is the equivalent of Alegebra II. This puts the students on a pace to take college-level calculus as seniors."
She enjoys the Middle School age. "I really just love these kids. They're funny. They're enthusiastic. It's fun to watch them enjoy learning new skills and being able to figure things out on their own."
Smoothing the transition to Middle School
Moving from fifth to sixth grade, from the comfortable home of the Lower School to that BIG Middle and Upper School down the hill, can seem a little daunting. That’s why the Middle School makes a special effort to create a gentle transition.
“We want that transition to be smooth and exciting, so we do all we can to prepare students and their parents for their official arrival in the fall,” said Middle School Director Courtney Burnette. The Rising 6th Grade parent meeting usually in January or early February gives parents an opportunity to tour the building and discuss classes, activities, athletics, and other topics with the Middle School faculty.
In February, current fifth graders spend most of a day on the Middle School campus, having lunch, touring the building, meeting teachers, and having a question-and-answer session. “At this point the students have developed an interest in what takes place at the Middle School,” said Burnette. “This visit culminates with the Middle School talent show, which the fifth graders really enjoy.”
Students also are exposed to Middle School Fine Arts and sports programs when they attend theater productions and athletic events. In late spring, Burnette and Middle School Guidance Counselor Julia Brundige visit the fifth grade to register students for sixth grade classes. “By now, the rising sixth graders have a good idea about the neat activities in Middle School,” said Burnette. “At the end of the year, when the students participate in Fifth Grade Celebration, I go over and watch because I want them to know that we are excited about their arrival at the Middle School.”
When school starts, sixth graders have orientation by themselves so they can easily find their way around the building and meet teachers without the confusion of seventh and eighth graders being there, she said. “They get to gently transition to Middle School. They come excited, and we welcome them
enthusiastically.”
