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Core Classes

Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies

Language Arts

Language Arts - 6^th Grade – 1 year

Language Arts classes focus upon TUSD's 6th Grade Reading and Writing Standards. The Reading Standards consist of three strands: the reading process, comprehending literary text, and comprehending informational text. The Writing Standards encompass the writing process, academic, functional, and research-based writing. All formal writing assignments are assessed by the six trait/six point rubric of writing. We promote and support literacy in all content areas.

Language Arts - 7^th & 8^th – 1 year

Students focus on thinking strategies that are used by proficient readers and writers. Students will learn more about their own thinking processes as they explore different genres and writing styles. Through the OMA program, students will also explore art as a means of comprehension in reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Language Arts – 6^thAE – 8^th AE – 1 year

Students in Adaptive Education Language Arts classes focus on thinking strategies that are used by proficient readers and writers. Students will learn more about their own thinking processes as they explore different genres and writing styles. Through the OMA program, students will also explore art as a means of comprehension in reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Science

Science - 6^th Grade – 1 - year

This class includes: Science Safety and the Scientific Method. Teachers will instruct students on how to use the equipment and teach observing: qualitative (using senses) and quantitative (measurements). Weather and Water will provide information on layers of the atmosphere, heating, air movement, air pressure, weather patterns and more. Students will explore the Physical Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy, Meteorology, and Geology) and Diversity of Life which includes cells, plants and more.

Science - 7^th Grade – 1 year
At this level, students continue their learning of physical and life sciences, proceeding from the distant - exploring our universe through Astronomy, to the study of our own planet in Earth History (plate tectonics, forces that shape our earth, rock identification), to the interactions of our environment in Ecology (habitats, food webs, species interdependence). During each of these courses of study, students utilize observation and inference skills and the scientific method.

Science - 8^th Grade – 1 year
Science at this level includes Physical, Chemical, and Life Sciences. Students explore the laws of Physics in their study of Forces, Energy & Motion, as they measure and calculate speed and velocity and even build roller coasters to demonstrate these concepts. In Chemical Building Blocks, students learn about the interactions of atoms and elements as they observe physical and chemical changes and study the organization of the periodic table of elements. Adaptation and "change over time" is the study of Evolution while Genetics helps students understand the patterns of inheritance of traits through generations.

Math

Math - 6th Grade - 1 year

This class will focus on building upon the concepts and skills learned in previous grade levels, and will promote increased student understanding in the process standards of application, communication, problem solving, reasoning and proof, connections, and representation. This course addresses the 6th grade math standard with a strong focus on numerical operations (+, -, x, and +-) of fractions and a secondary emphasis on basic algebraic ideas and basic geometric properties and measurement.

Math - 7th Grade - 1 year

The Math 7 course will focus on building upon the concepts and skills learned in previous grade levels, and will promote increased student understanding in the process standards of application, communication, problem solving, reasoning and proof, connections, and representation. This course addresses the 7th grade math standard with a strong focus on numerical operations accelerated

Math - 8th Grade - 1 year

This course will focus on building upon the concepts and skills learned in previous grade levels, preparation for high school level algebra, and will promote increased student understanding in the process standards of application, communication, problem solving, reasoning and proof, connections, and representation. This course addresses the 8^th grade math standard with a strong focus algebraic representations and geometric properties and measurement. Also Math 8 Accelerated.

HS Credit Algebra – 1 year –Most often for 8^th graders

Students will use algebraic methods to explore, and describe patterns, relationships and functions. These functions involve numbers, shapes, data, graphs and problem-solving. This course is aligned with the AZ State Standards for Mathematics at the high school level and students are given a credit for passing the class. This class offers a high school credit.

Math – 6th AE – 8 AE – 1 year

The Adaptive Education courses will focus on building upon the concepts and skills learned in previous grade levels, and will promote increased student understanding in the process standards of application, communication, problem solving, reasoning and proof, connections, and representation. This course addresses the math standard according to each grade with a focus on student's individual education plan goals.

Math Intervention / Core Class - 1 quarter, 1 semester, or 1 year

This class will focus on supporting students to achieve higher performance levels in mathematics. This course in addition to a standard mathematics course offers support. Course instruction will be based upon individual student's strengths and needs determined by achievement data and addressed through differentiated instruction. This course may be mixed grade levels and may be repeated. Depending upon student need, this course may be taken for any length of time.

Social Studies

Social Studies - 6^th Grade - 1 year

The main focus is on ancient cultures and civilizations. Students begin the school year with the Paleolithic and Neolithic people, early domestication of plants and animals and the beginning of agriculture. Major civilizations that are covered include Mesopotamia, Egypt, Israel, Greece, India, China, the Romans to the Byzantine era, and the ancient Americas.

Social Studies - 7^th Grade – 1 year

Students will learn about social issues utilizing the OMA art connection to enrich our lessons. World War II mobiles, Colonial flags, colorful tab booklets, and have a Cold War "Lines" project.

Social Studies - 8^th Grade – 1 year

Students study the Revolutionary War, Constitution, Great Depression and World War II, Cold War, Space Race, Korean War, Viet Nam, Post-war life in the U.S., Civil Rights, Watergate, technology, micro and macro economic issues and individuals involved in these times.

GATE

(Gifted And Talented Education)

Your gifted child needs gifted education just like he or she needs food and water. Our GATE teachers are trained, certified, and experienced in supporting the academic, intellectual, social, and emotional growth of gifted children.

6^th Grade GATE – Block Classes

Language Arts and Social Studies - 6^th Grade – 1 year

The curricula are integrated; all projects and class work are based in and derive from the literary texts we read together during the year. The overarching study is the nature of culture, specific ancient cultures, and their interplay in historic times.

Science and Math - 6^th Grade – 1 year

These students experience an accelerated program, learning 7th grade Math enriched by hands-on and cooperative activities, manipulative, literature, and national (SIGMA, AMC) and local (AATM) competitions. The 6th grade Science curriculum consists of three units: Investigations in Physical Science, Diversity of Life, and Weather and Water. Annual field trips are planned.

7th & 8^th Grade GATE

Social Studies- 7^th & 8^th – 1 year

The Social Studies program is designed so that students learn through systematic investigations of human behavior, past and present, with an eye to the future. Critical thinking opportunities and lively discussions on timely topics combine with the academic disciplines to present a comprehensive picture of the comedies, tragedies, achievements, and accomplishments of people and human events.

Language Arts - 7^th & 8^th – 1 year

This class teaches the skills and processes of Language Arts through themed units, literature, and simulations. In seventh grade, students study poetry, advertising, public speaking, and Utopias. In eighth, students become student journalists and formal debaters. For details, visit Mrs. G. Mitchell's Website.

Science- 7^th & 8^th 1 year

The Science curriculum includes astronomy, earth history, and ecology. The eighth grade focuses on evolution, genetics, forces and motion, and chemistry. The approach is a combination of scientific inquiry, cooperative learning, projects, and relevant field trips.

Math - 7^th and 8^th – 1 year

GATE Math will continue to develop mathematical skills and their higher-level mathematical thinking. The focus will be on algebra, geometry, and probability and statistics. Qualified eighth graders may take an honors first year algebra course for high school credit.

Exceptional /Special Education

Exceptional Education, which includes an Autism Spectrum Disorder program and an Emotional Disabled Self-Contained program, both of which promote encouragement of increased inclusion in the Core Curriculum are well-established at Alice Vail. Special Education programs are available for students who have or are experiencing learning difficulties due to any of several handicapping conditions. Parent’s participation in placement and planning decision is required. Course requirements vary according to each student’s specifically designed Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Students must be staffed into the area to enroll in these courses. In addition to the staffed courses, inclusion classes combine students and teachers and regular education teams in the classroom. Students may receive content instruction from a teacher specializing in that content area as well as special support staff teachers.

Fine Arts/ Electives

Please NOTE that Fine Arts & All Electives are subject to change based on availability.

Opening Minds Through the Arts - Alice Vail is an OMA School!

(OMA) is a nationally recognized, research based program that integrates the arts into academic courses. Vail has an arts integration specialist (AIS) and a team of teaching artists who work alongside classroom teachers, adapting each lesson to support the teaching of core skills and knowledge. Based on availability.

Band

Beginning Band - 6^th Grade– 1 year

In this class we teach proper technique to play the instrument, and the extremely important musical skills of listening, reading, and analyzing music. Students are expected to perform.

Concert Band - 6^th Grade– 1 year

This class welcomes 6th grade students that have had one full year of Band experience in 5th grade. In this class, we continue to build upon elements learned at the beginning level and begin to move into more abstract musical concepts.

Intermediate Band – 7^th Grade - 1 year

This class is designed for 7th and 8th grade students with more experience. This class reviews concrete musical terms and begins to provide students with instruction in the creative elements of music. It is a building block from the BEGINNING and 6TH CONCERT class so that students become prepared to perform at a higher level.

Jazz Band – 1 year

In this class students rehearse and perform music in jazz and other popular styles such as rock, pop, Latin, etc. Students in this class must commit to performing at major festivals and various community events. JAZZ BAND is open to all seventh and eighth graders, currently enrolled in intermediate band or symphonic band that pass the audition and meet the standards of specific audition requirements. Students begin to learn and enhance their improvisation skills.

Symphonic Band – 1 year

This is the highest level of concert-style band at Vail. Students in this class must commit to performing at major festivals throughout the year. This class is open to all seventh and eighth grade band students that pass the audition and meet the standards of specific audition requirements. Students that do not meet the requirements for audition, that do not pass the audition, or that do not wish to audition, will be placed into intermediate band for the following school year.

Orchestra

Intermediate Orchestra - 6th Grade - 1year

This class is an intermediate string class for students who have at least one year of class instruction prior to middle school. Instruments that participate are the violin, viola, cello or bass instruments. Students are taught string and bow technique, music reading, advanced rhythms, and various music literature. Students are expected to perform in concerts and festivals.

Advance Orchestra - 7^th Grade – 1 year

This is an advanced string class for students with a minimum of two years of instruction on the violin, viola, cello, or bass instruments. Students learn advanced string techniques by studying scales, advanced rhythms, method books, and advanced string literature. Students perform at multiple concerts and festivals throughout the year.

Orchestra - 7^th & 8^th – 1 year

This is the most advanced class for violin, viola, cello or bass instruments. Students must audition to participate. This class prepares students for high school orchestra through scales, advanced bowing, method book instruction and performances of advanced string literature. Students perform in multiple concerts and festivals throughout the year. 8^th grade students are eligible to audition in the TUSD Honors Orchestra and the Middle School All-State Orchestra.

Drama

Drama - 6^th Grade- (Quarterly Rotation):

This is an introduction to creative dramatics. Students work on exercises in stage movement, pantomime, improvisation, and characterization. Each class performs a final presentation in front of family and other Vail classes to showcase their skills.

Drama - 7^th Grade - (Quarterly Rotation):

Building on skills learned in 6th grade drama, students focus on creating characters for the stage. A brief review of 6^th grade drama begins the quarter, followed by exercises specifically focusing on characterization. There is a final performance of a memorized scene or short one act to showcase these skills.

Advanced Drama - 7^th / 8^th Grade (Full Year):

An invitation/audition only class, focused on production. This class performs 3 times a year in the evenings for family & friends. Students may also be invited to join the honorary Junior Thespian Troupe. This class may be combined or two separate classes, depending on numbers, each class doing their own performance.

Film

Film - 6^th &7^th Grades: (Quarterly Rotation): This class will allow students to look at the history of film making. Students will view the artistic set up of film through classical films that may be considered old movies to the world but they will be new movies to our students. Students are requested to write opinions and information about film making.

Advanced Film

8^th Grade: (1- Year): Students are either recommended and/or requested to take this course. Advanced Film focuses on the film making process but expectations are that there will be more creative writing required.

Art

Art - 6^th & 7^th Grade: (Quarter rotation) Art class for both 6^th and 7^th grades will introduce our students to the world of art. Students will develop an awareness of art elements and general principles of design. Students will be encouraged to use their creativity and work with crayon, pencil, ink, paint, clay and more.

Advanced Art

8^th Grade: (1-Year) Students need teacher permission to be enrolled in this class. Advanced Art will offer our students and opportunity to extend their artistic skills and move in various directions. Students will learn to create projects as they learn to develop their personal artistic style.

Folklorico

Folklorico - 6^th Grade: (Quarterly) & 7^th & 8^th Grade are (1 year - permission only): All classes learn dances form different states in Mexico and from International countries. We have performances every 9 weeks. We perform at the Pima County Fair and participate at the International Mariachi Conference. Our last performance is a special performance for Mother's Day. This can be a more advanced class for our experienced students.

Global Electives

Physical Education

6^th, 7^th Grades: (Quarterly Rotation): These classes teach basic skills in a variety of team (soccer, basketball, etc.) and individual (tennis, golf, etc.) sports and game activities. Game rules are enforced as are strategies and techniques which are taught to all students.

· To assure the most comfortable exercise attire students are required to wear a solid white or gray T-shirt, blue or black athletic shorts and fastened athletic shoes.

· If a child cannot bring a uniform to school, one will be provided.

· Lockers are also provided to secure belongings; HOWEVER, the school is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

· A PE newsletter is provided to each student when they begin PE.

The PE professional team relates these activities to their goals of RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY AND RESOURCEFULNESS.

Physical Education - 8^th Grade - Semester Rotation. See description above.

Cultures - 6^th grade only – (Quarter rotation)

Students are exposed to proverbs, quotes and stories from the cultures of Native Americans, African-Americans/ Africans and Mexicans/Central and South Americans. Their reactions to these makes up much of the "work." We also watch documentary and dramatic movies about these and other cultures. The emphasis is more about the general elements of any culture (including the "culture of school") rather than an in-depth look at any one culture.

Hispanic Studies/Cultures - 8^th Grade – (Quarter rotation)

Health

6^th & 7^th grade (Quarter rotation) & 8^th grade (semester class)

This class provides students with an understanding of health issues facing today’s youth. It is designed to make students aware of problems that they may encounter. Topics covered include physical fitness, nutrition, personal safety, conflicts and violence, teens and tobacco/alcohol/drugs. The emphasis is on having good information with which to make wise personal choices. There are class sets of textbooks for each grade level. Other media (movies, etc.) are also used.

Foreign Languages

Spanish - 6^th Grade: (Quarter Rotation) this class is offered for 9 weeks so that 6th graders are exposed to the language. This is an Exploratory Spanish language experience. Students learn the basics of a language through fun activities. Students will learn the alphabet, pronunciation, grammar in context, numbers, days, months, greeting, farewells, body parts, clothing, telling time, birthdates, and more. Cultural activities include: how to make cascarones where they learn the colors, how to ask for materials and to follow directions. A special project will teach them how to follow instructions and learn to follow a recipe for tortillas; here they learn vocabulary, history of the tortilla, the importance of it in the past and present, and then the fun of making and eating a tortilla!

Spanish - High School Credit - 8^th Grade (Full Year)

High School Spanish is offered to 8th graders. It is an intensive one year High School class. Students must receive and A or a B to receive the H.S. Credit. They have to show proficiency in speaking and writing the language. A students overall grade average should be no lower than a B.

German – High School Credit – 8^th Grade (Full Year)

Students will learn to speak, understand, read and write contemporary German as well as learning about aspects of the cultures of Austria, Germany and Switzerland and other countries of the European Union. We will also learn about contributions of German speaking people to our own multicultural American heritage. Our focus will be on learning basic everyday expressions, vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar. This is a recitation class and class room participation is sehr important Mach’s gut!

High School Credit Classes:

Alice Vail Middle School offers 3 classes for high school credit. They are:

· SPANISH

· GERMAN

· HS ALGEBRA.

In order to earn credit a student must earn a passing grade after 1 semester in the class. They are not allowed to enter the class after the 1^st semester. If a student remains in the class for the full year and earns a passing grade they can earn 1 full credit that will be transferred to their HS transcript.