2026 - 2027

Studio Art 7 & 8

The studio art curriculum will allow students to experience a little bit of everything. The focus will be on producing artwork and interpreting that artwork for meaning, while actively engaging in creative problem-solving and self-expression using a variety of concepts and materials. Students at both levels will be exposed to the principles of composition, painting, clay, 3-dimensional sculpture and craft, self-portraiture, landscape, figure drawing, color theory, and much more. Art history is incorporated throughout, encouraging a deeper understanding of the arts and their connections to culture, history, and society. Students are provided the opportunity to use art to explore personal thoughts and opinions and those of the world around them.  Studio art is offered in 7th and 8th grade. You may take it once or both years. Classes meet twice in each six-day cycle for the school year (60 days total). 

3D Art 7 & 8

The 3-dimensional design class provides students with the opportunity to work with their hands. This class takes the concepts of 2-D design and transforms them into 3-dimensionally manipulated sculpture and form. Students will have the opportunity to build works of varying sizes using a variety of materials which may include, but are not limited to clay, plaster, wax, fabric, wire, wood, recycled and found objects, cardboard, and metal. The pieces created will have decorative and functional purposes. 3D Art is offered in 7th and 8th grade. You may take it once or both years. Classes meet twice in each six-day cycle for the school year (60 days total).

Digital Art 7 & 8

Digital Art focuses on graphic design, marketing, and web design. Learn industry-standard programs that professionals use like Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Photoshop. Digital Art is offered in 7th and 8th grade. You may take it once or both years. Classes meet twice in each six-day cycle for the school year (60 days total).

All art courses will culminate at our annual Art Exhibit in the spring, where students will have the opportunity to share their creative endeavors with the school and the community.

7th Grade

The seventh-grade English Language Arts (ELA) course is designed to develop students' proficiency in reading comprehension and analysis through engagement with complex and varied texts. Students will closely read texts from a broad range of genres, including poetry, memoirs, informational articles, and historical documents. Students develop skills to analyze text structure and literary elements, such as point of view, character motivation, and theme, often exploring multiple layers of meaning that may be subtle or inferred. Furthermore, students work on synthesizing central ideas developed across multiple texts, requiring them to make high-level inferences and interpret nuanced text details. The course also focuses on substantially expanding students' vocabulary and knowledge base across various subject areas, from classic literature to neuroscience.

A significant component of the course is the development of evidence-based written and oral communication skills. Students practice argumentative, informative, and narrative writing, learning to structure their ideas, use logical reasoning to support claims, and employ domain-specific vocabulary. They develop revision skills to strengthen elaboration and improve their authorial choices, such as using stronger verbs or figurative language. In terms of speaking and listening, students participate in activities such as Socratic seminars, debates, and presentations, which require them to articulate their perspectives, engage in student-led discussions, and integrate information from multiple sources. These activities foster critical thinking by pushing students to move beyond surface-level understanding and grapple with interesting, complex ideas.

The seventh-grade ELA course also prepares students for future academic success by building essential research and media literacy skills. Students will learn to distinguish between primary, secondary, and tertiary sources, evaluate a source's reliability, and construct their own focused research questions. Units incorporate media analysis, such as comparing film adaptations of texts, storyboarding, or creating multimedia presentations. Students also practice using technology to enhance their learning and communication skills. Ultimately, the course empowers students to become independent, critical thinkers who can confidently tackle complex texts and communicate their insights effectively.

8th Grade

The eighth-grade English Language Arts (ELA) course advances students' skills in reading comprehension and rigorous analysis by exposing them to increasingly complex literary and informational texts. Students will move beyond identifying themes to analyzing how multiple themes interact and build upon each other across a whole text. A key focus is analyzing rhetorical strategies and the impact of authorial choices, such as irony, satire, and figurative language, on a work's meaning and tone. They will practice evaluating the soundness of reasoning and the relevance of evidence in arguments presented in historical, scientific, and literary sources. Furthermore, the course substantially enhances students' academic vocabulary and their ability to grapple with challenging historical and cultural contexts embedded in texts.

A significant goal of the course is to develop sophisticated evidence-based written and oral communication skills. Students will focus on mastering argumentative writing by crafting precise, knowledgeable claims, organizing counterclaims logically, and supporting their positions with highly relevant, well-integrated evidence from multiple sources. In informative writing, they learn to explain abstract ideas or processes in depth and to choose a structure that best suits their purpose and audience. Speaking and listening skills are refined through formal presentations and collaborative discussions, where students must evaluate the claims and reasoning of others and respectfully build on ideas. These activities are designed to foster critical thinking by requiring students to synthesize complex information and present a well-reasoned, compelling case.

The course prepares students for high school by deeply integrating research and advanced media literacy skills. Students will conduct focused research projects, learning to distinguish between reliable, peer-reviewed sources and biased or unverified online information. They practice synthesizing information from diverse media formats—including videos, podcasts, and data visualizations—with written texts to gain a comprehensive understanding of a topic. Students also engage in creative digital projects, which helps them understand the difference between print, digital, and visual platforms. Ultimately, the eighth-grade course culminates in students becoming more proficient communicators and media-savvy individuals.

7th Grade

The 7th grade FCS course includes a general introduction to preparing food in the kitchen, kitchen equipment, MyPlate, and superfoods. Kitchen experience is gained through classroom lab work and reinforced through a project completed at home. Laundry care, child development, and an introduction to sewing is also included. Students will leave sewing with not only a hand-made project, but also the skills gained from exercising patience and persistence while learning a process which is new to many students.

8th Grade

The 8th grade FCS course includes units on kitchen safety, the basics of how to follow a recipe, food science, and nutrition. Students will collaborate during food labs and projects (both personal and community service-related), and an emphasis is placed on executing recipes accurately, teamwork, and time management. Other units include sewing basics, measuring & cutting fabric, following pattern directions, and hand sewing skills. An introduction to budgeting and finance is also covered, with an exploration into credit cards, debit cards, earning money from your first job, and consumerism in the 21st Century.

Gifted education services are provided through specially designed instruction individually tailored to accelerate and/or to enrich a student’s regular education courses.  A Gifted Individualized Educational Plan (GIEP) is developed for students for whom gifted services are appropriate. Students should address questions about gifted education services with their gifted education teacher.

All students must take health in 7th and 8th grades.

It is important during these formative years that students acquire a knowledge base to make healthy lifestyle decisions.  Students will view health as a state of physical, mental, intellectual and social well-being.  The course content is designed to meet the following state standards:  concepts of health, healthful living, safety and injury prevention.  Topics included in the middle school health program are:  life skills, systems of the body, human growth and development, drugs, alcohol and tobacco,  mental health, diseases, and nutrition.  It is the intent that the student will acquire or further develop worthwhile habits, knowledge, skills and attitudes that will last a lifetime.  Parents have the right to opt their child out of the Human Growth and Development unit by completing and returning the letter sent to each family.  Students who opt out will be assigned an alternate health unit of study.

Integrated into the 7th grade Health series is First Aid CPR/AED content. This instructional content provides students with an opportunity to gain life skills that can be applied in everyday life situations. Successful mastery of the instructional material certifies the students in American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED. 

More specifically, the students will be provided with an introduction to anatomy and physiology, prevention and care for intentional and unintentional injuries, and treatment/care/and prevention of common athletic injuries. Additional content will include Alcohol/Drug Use and Misuse, Signs and Symptoms, and Activating EMS. After taking this class, the students will have the skills necessary to act if an emergency situation presents itself.

The middle level mathematics program consists of a variety of course offerings.  Students are placed in courses based on their mathematical skills, readiness, performance on standardized assessments, growth measures, performance on prior course assessments, and successful completion of prerequisite courses.  

7th Grade Mathematics:

Students in 7th grade will be placed in Grade 7 Math, Grade 7-8 Math, or Algebra I (see chart below).  At the end of 7th grade, multiple mathematics criteria will be considered for the next year’s placement. Specifics will be communicated to families in the Spring.

Grade 7 Math:

The 7th-grade math program aims to build a comprehensive understanding of key mathematical concepts through exploration, problem-solving, and application. The curriculum focuses on helping students make connections between mathematical ideas and real-life contexts, fostering a strong foundation for Algebra 1 and higher-level math in high school. The units of study include: Proportional Relationships, Numbers and Operations: Operations with Rational Numbers, Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities, Proportional Reasoning, Geometry, and Probability.

Grade 7-8 Math:

The Grade 7-8 Math program is designed for students ready for both half of 7th grade and all of 8th grade content. The curriculum offers a faster-paced, in-depth exploration of foundational math concepts, emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world applications. The course prepares students for Algebra 1 and beyond, with a strong focus on algebraic thinking, data analysis, and geometric concepts. The units of study include: Proportional Reasoning, Geometry, Probability, Geometric figures: Transformations, Congruence, Similarity and Angle Relationships, Linear Relationships: Slope, Linear Equations, and Systems, Functions: Linear and Non-Linear Relationships, Integer Exponents, Rational Numbers, Irrational Numbers, the Pythagorean Theorem, and Statistics.

Algebra 1:

Topics include real numbers, properties, simplifying terms and expressions using the order of operations, solving equations, inequalities, systems of equations, factoring polynomials, simplifying radical expressions, and graphing linear equations and inequalities. This course follows Grade 7-8 Math. Students may not take Algebra 1 through alternate means, i.e., summer school, online course through district approved providers, teacher-directed independent study, etc. due to it being a Keystone tested course.

8th Grade Mathematics:

Grade 8 Math:

The 8th-grade math program aims to build a comprehensive understanding of key mathematical concepts through exploration, problem-solving, and application. The curriculum focuses on helping students make connections between mathematical ideas and real-life contexts, fostering a strong foundation for Algebra 1 and higher-level math in high school. The units of study include: Geometric figures: Transformations, Congruence, Similarity and Angle Relationships, Linear Relationships: Slope, Linear Equations, and Systems, Functions: Linear and Non-Linear Relationships, Integer Exponents, Rational Numbers, Irrational Numbers, the Pythagorean Theorem, and Statistics.

Algebra 1:

Topics include real numbers, properties, simplifying terms and expressions using the order of operations, solving equations, inequalities, systems of equations, factoring polynomials, simplifying radical expressions, and graphing linear equations and inequalities. This course follows Grade 7-8 Math. Students may not take Algebra 1 through alternate means, i.e., summer school, online course through district approved providers, teacher-directed independent study, etc. due to it being a Keystone tested course.

Algebra 2:

Algebra 2 is available to 8th grade students who have successfully completed Algebra 1 in 7th grade.  Emphasis is placed on systems of equalities and inequalities, quadratic relations, polynomials, functions, probability and statistics, logarithms and conic sections.  (Prerequisite:  Algebra 1)

Math Extensions:

Math Extensions is a course offered to 7th and 8th grade students by recommendation only and is considered to be a general education math intervention.  Students are enrolled in this course, in addition to their regular mathematics classes, two, four, or six times per six-day cycle.  The purpose of this class is to assist students in overcoming academic gaps in mathematics, in addition to providing students with pre-teaching and review opportunities in conjunction with the mathematics instruction offered in Grade 7 Math and Grade 8 Math. 

DASD Middle School to High School Mathematics Progression

A variety of offerings are provided for the wide range of student interests and talents.  Students may choose from one of the following music courses:

General Music:

General Music is offered in 7th and 8th grades.  This class meets twice per cycle.  General Music focuses on giving students experiences in music through the use of technology: listening, creating original compositions and performing on instruments (piano, ukulele, world percussion).  Elements of music included in the course are:  theory, styles, technology, cultures, history, instruments and current trends in music.  There are no prerequisites or participation fees for this class.

Band:

Band is offered in 7th and 8th grades.  Students participating in band meet twice per cycle in a large group rehearsal setting where they learn the fundamentals of music through performance of a variety of musical styles as well the relationship to music theory and history.  Band students are also scheduled for a small group lesson once per cycle on a rotating schedule.  These lessons provide students with the necessary opportunities to learn the proper technique of playing their unique instruments and allow for individual student assessment.  Students at all levels of ability are challenged to meet their own personal musical potential through home practice, lesson attendance, rehearsals and performances. All band members are required to attend two evening concerts and any after school rehearsals scheduled by the director. Wind Ensemble is an advanced level band available to 8th graders who meet musical performance criteria.  Jazz Band is an after-school group available to 7th and 8th grade students who play jazz instruments and provides a smaller group experience in that genre.  There are no beginning level band classes and all students entering band at the middle level must have participated in a band program for at least one year.  Participation in this class may require payment of the DASD activity fee.

Chorus:

Chorus is offered to students in 7th and 8th grades. Students at all levels of ability are challenged to meet their own personal musical potential through classroom rehearsal and home practice. All chorus members are required to attend two evening concerts and any after school rehearsals scheduled by the director. Students are instructed in correct vocal technique, music theory and musicianship skills. Written work will include but not be limited to concert reviews, practice logs, music theory, tests and quizzes. Grading is based on class participation, written work, vocal technique, rehearsals and concerts. Participation in this may require payment of the DASD activity fee.

Vocal Ensemble:

Vocal Ensemble is an advanced level choir available to 7th and 8th graders who audition in the spring for placement for the following school year. Vocal ensemble members are required to attend two evening concerts, and four after school rehearsals as scheduled by the director. Vocal ensemble students will learn the chorus songs as well as more advanced repertoire in their Vocal Ensemble classes.  They are encouraged but not required to also sign up for a Chorus class where they will function as section leaders. Students are instructed in correct vocal technique, music theory and musicianship skills. Written work will include but is not be limited to concert reviews, practice logs, music theory, tests and quizzes. Grading is based on class participation, written work, vocal technique, rehearsals and concerts. Participation in this may require payment of the DASD activity fee.

String Orchestra:

String Orchestra is offered to students in 7th and 8th grades.  Students participating in orchestra meet twice per cycle in a large group rehearsal setting where they learn the fundamentals of performance. Students will develop through exposure to and the performance of a variety of musical styles as well as its relationship to music theory and history. Orchestra students are also scheduled for a small group lesson once per cycle on a rotating basis.  Small group lessons provide students with the necessary opportunities to learn proper technique and allow for individual student assessment.  Students at all levels of ability are challenged to meet their own personal musical potential through home practice, lesson attendance, rehearsals and performances.  Students in orchestra are required to attend two evening concerts and any after school rehearsals scheduled by the director.  There are no beginning level orchestra classes and all students entering orchestra at the middle level must have participated in an orchestra program for at least one year. Participation in this class may require payment of the DASD activity fee.
 

The 7th and 8th grade Physical Education program is designed to meet the physical, mental, emotional and social needs of the middle school student through vigorous physical exercise, life skills including cooperative learning, team building, problem-solving and positive peer interaction. Flexibility, strength, coordination, and cardio-vascular endurance are the ultimate goals of the total fitness-based program.

The program for 7th and 8th grade includes team sports, large group games, fitness activities, and adventure-based activities such as group challenges, a low ropes course and a bouldering wall.  Each grade level may include different games or focus on advanced skills of the same sport offered at a lower grade level.  Activities are designed to meet state standards:  safety and injury prevention, physical activities that promote fitness, effects of regular participation in physical activity, response of the body systems to physical activity, physical activity preferences, motor skill improvement, physical activity and group interaction, and concepts, principles, and strategies of movement.  It is our intent that students acquire or further develop healthy habits, knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will last a lifetime.
 

The Middle School Reading Program promotes effective, proficient and independent readers.  The following courses are offered to provide instruction that best fits the individual needs of the middle school student.

LINGUISTICS

Linguistics is an academically rigorous course that builds a deep understanding of the structure and function of the English language through systematic study and application. Students explore the relationships between sounds, spelling patterns, and word structure while strengthening decoding, encoding, and fluency skills. Instruction emphasizes phonemic awareness, morphology, and the principles of English orthography to enhance accuracy, comprehension, and written expression. The Reading and Counseling Departments schedule students in this course.

READING & DECODING

Reading & Decoding is a structured literacy course grounded in the Orton-Gillingham approach, providing systematic, multisensory instruction in reading and spelling. Students engage in explicit lessons that build mastery of sound-symbol relationships, word patterns, and decoding and encoding skills. Consistent routines and tactile strategies, including Touch-Spelling to reinforce linguistic understanding and promote confident, accurate reading and writing. The Reading and Counseling Departments schedule students in this course.

ORTHOGRAPHY

Orthography is a structured literacy course that explores the patterns and principles of English spelling and word formation. Students study phonemic awareness, syllable types, and common Latin roots to strengthen decoding, encoding, and vocabulary skills. Emphasis is placed on applying linguistic knowledge to enhance reading fluency, spelling accuracy, and overall academic literacy. The Reading and Counseling Departments schedule students in this course.

READING FOUNDATIONS

Reading Foundations is a literacy course designed to strengthen students’ comprehension, vocabulary, and critical reading strategies across a variety of texts. The course integrates adaptive instructional technology, ongoing assessment, and high-interest fiction and nonfiction materials to support growth in reading proficiency and confidence. Instruction emphasizes purposeful pacing, explicit strategy instruction, guided practice, and opportunities for independent application. Learning experiences are tailored to align with each student’s strengths, interests, and goals as a reader. The Reading and Counseling Departments schedule students in this course.

APPLIED LITERACY SKILLS

Applied Literacy Skills is an academic literacy course designed to strengthen students’ comprehension, vocabulary, and critical reading strategies across a variety of informational and literary texts. Instruction emphasizes explicit modeling, guided practice, and independent application of strategies that promote deeper understanding of complex material. Students engage with high-interest and content-rich texts that support success in all academic areas. Differentiated instruction and adaptive learning tools allow teachers to tailor instruction to individual student strengths and goals. The Reading and Counseling Departments schedule students in this course.

7th Grade Science:

The 7th Grade curriculum is structured into six comprehensive units. The first three units focus on the concepts and phenomena of chemistry, while the last three delve into biology/ecology. Each unit is designed to guide students through scientific investigation, experimentation, and discovery, as well as effective informational communication.

The units of study include Chemical Reactions and Matter, Chemical Reactions and Energy, Metabolic Reactions, Matter Cycling and Photosynthesis, Ecosystem Dynamics and Biodiversity, and Earth Resources and Human Impact

All units feature open-ended text, allowing students to record their observations and insights as they encounter new ideas. Additionally, assessments are authentic to the phenomena being assessed, enabling students to utilize their course notebooks and available resources to support their assignments and evaluations.

8th Grade Science:

8th Grade Science is composed of 6 units of study presented in a storyline format (a logical sequence of lessons that are motivated by students' questions) that integrates science and engineering practices and involves cross-curricular concepts.  Anchoring phenomena are the foundation to the storyline approach. Ultimately, every storyline is a journey to figuring out a phenomenon that defies easy explanation.  Each unit has open ended text and opportunities that engage students in critical thinking and problem-solving.

Units of study include Contact Forces, Sound Waves, Forces at a Distance (magnetism), Earth in Space, Genetics, and Natural Selections & Common Ancestry.

Students will engage in content through questioning, investigating, and building understanding that is anchored in the students’ own experiences and questions.

The Social Studies curriculum is designed to provide the student with knowledge and appreciation of their own culture and history as well as that of their closest neighbors in North, Central and South America.  Certain strands are interwoven within each grade level course:  current events, cultural diversity, geographical influences, history, economics, and political science all become parts of the course content.  The inclusion of these strands provides a much broader view of the particular topics being studied.

7^th Grade: History of the United States, American Revolution to the Civil War:

Units of study include creating a new nation, the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, the New Republic, and United States expansion across the North American continent.  Common Summative Assessments include written tests, quizzes, projects and journals.

8^th Grade:  History of the United States (1850-1918):

Units of study include the Civil War, Reconstruction, Progressivism, United States Imperialism and World War I.  Common Summative Assessment of learning encompasses a variety of formats and may include:  projects, written tests, quizzes and student presentations. Writing is incorporated into the 8^th grade Social Studies curriculum through multiple means including essays, personal responses and journals.

The Middle School Special Education program addresses the needs of students with varying educational disabilities.  The program ranges from supplemental to itinerant levels of support.  Students all have an Individualized Education Program/Plan (IEP) and services are delivered through a variety of programs. 

Supported instruction is a team approach where a regular education teacher and a special education teacher collaborate to meet the varying educational needs of the special education students in a regular education setting.

Special Education students are also given the opportunity to participate in a Curriculum Support class, known as Executive Functioning.  This scheduled class addresses the needs of organization and time management in addition to supporting various curricular areas.  Curriculum Support classes are scheduled for two, four, or six days per cycle, based upon the individual student’s needs.

There is a Life Skills, Autistic, and Emotional Support program offered at each middle school. 

Technology and Engineering Education courses introduce students to the engineering design process and core concepts like energy, electricity, robotics, and manufacturing. Students acquire design thinking and engineering skills through introductory open-ended projects and design challenges allow students to apply engineering practices to real-world problems. Hands-on, inquiry-based learning is emphasized to engage students in prototyping, modeling, testing, and refining solutions. Students also explore career paths in various fields of engineering and technology. These courses aim to build a foundation of design, engineering, and problem-solving skills. 

Technology and Engineering Foundations:

Technology and Engineering Foundations prepares students to understand and apply technological concepts and engineering processes, the cornerstones of our technology and engineering programs. Through both individual and collaborative activities, students will actively create ideas, develop innovations, and devise practical solutions. The technology and engineering content, resources, and hands-on lab/classroom activities will enable students to apply their knowledge of science, mathematics, and other subjects to real-world situations. Students will use industry-standard tools and software to solve problems and design projects while developing critical thinking, communication, and teamwork abilities. By the end of the course, students will have built a strong foundation in core engineering and technology skills. This course is a mandatory course while in middle school.

Design and Modeling:

Design and Modeling - In this course students begin to recognize the value of an engineering notebook to document and capture their ideas. They are introduced to and use the design process to solve problems and understand the influence that creative and innovative design has on our lives. Students use industry standard 3D modeling software to create a virtual image of their designs and produce a portfolio to showcase their creative solutions. 
Prerequisite: Technology and Engineering Foundations

Automation and Robotics:

Automation and Robotics – In this course, students trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics. They learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation and computer control systems. Students use a robust robotics platform to design, build, and program a solution to solve an existing problem. 
Prerequisite: Technology and Engineering Foundations

Engineering:

Engineering - Future Cities Team is offered to 8th grade students who have an interest in engineering and/or STEM based fields.  Students will utilize a team-based approach to research, design, construct, and problem solve to create a city of the future while simultaneously writing a comprehensive 1000-word essay that summarizes the major engineering components of the city, a 500-word narrative of the top 10 innovative ideas to be utilized in the city and lastly building a physical city from recycled material.  The culmination of the course is participation in the annual National Engineers Week Future Cities team competition held during the month of January.  Students will be selected based upon the completion of an application which will be evaluated by members of the technology education department and school administration.

One section of the course will be offered and students will meet every day for the entire academic year. The first two marking periods of the academic year (90 days) will be dedicated to Future Cities. The last two marking periods will be dedicated to courses currently offered at the middle level. 

Middle School World Language Options:

French, German, or Spanish for 7th and 8th Grades

The primary goal of our World Language Curriculum at the middle school level is:
to cultivate proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing within the chosen language. Additionally, the curriculum aims to offer a gateway to a deeper comprehension and appreciation of the language through the exploration of the vibrant cultures linked to it.

• Foster immersive and engaging experiences that utilize the new language and enrich cultural understanding.
• Cultivate effective communication skills for real-world scenarios.
• Encourage positive and inclusive attitudes towards individuals from diverse cultures.
• Inspire students with the motivation to pursue ongoing language learning journeys.

French, German, and Spanish Expeditions (2x/cycle): 

• Explore relevant day-to-day topics such as studies, social interactions, personal preferences, sports, and hobbies.
•  Gain insight into the culture and traditions of the target language community and their impact on daily life.
• Comprehend short, context-rich texts effectively.
• Utilize present tense forms of both regular and irregular verbs.
• Participate in basic interpersonal exchanges, including greetings, introductions, and polite interactions.
• Initiate short, personalized written compositions using correct grammatical structures.
• Engage in both formal and informal spoken interactions with peers and instructors.

Level 1 of a World Language: 

Level 1 language courses are introductory programs designed to cultivate fundamental communication skills in the target language, encompassing reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on mastering elementary grammar structures and acquiring essential vocabulary, laying a solid foundation for effective communication. Throughout the course, students embark on a journey to explore and appreciate the rich cultures and customs of the countries where the language is spoken, fostering both linguistic and cultural awareness.