2017-18
7th Grade Course Catalog
HAPPY VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL
HOME OF THE HERONS
13865 SE King Road, Suite B
Happy Valley, OR 97086
Main Office: 503.353.1920
Attendance:503.353.1933
FAX: 503.353.1935
Website:
INTRODUCTION
1
1
Table of Contents
IntroductionPage 2
Principal’s MessagePage 2
Mission and Vision StatementsPage2
Course of StudyPage3
CoursesPage4
Principal’s Message
Dear HVMS Families,
We have lofty goals for our students, for ourselves, and for our community. We are committed to working collaboratively to provide a quality education for our students. We look forward to a great year.
Emily Behunin
Principal
Vision Statement
Preparing graduates who are inspired and empowered to strengthen the quality of life in our local and global communities.It is our moral purpose to ensure that each student is:
Engaged… as a sincere participant in his or her learning, school, and community
Inspired… to develop the skills and confidence to think critically and solve problems
Ready… to learn and succeed in an information-rich world
Mission Statement
HVMS will challenge all students academically, help each student discover their strengths and explore new content. HVMS is a place to create meaningful experiences where all students feel safe to take risks and make positive connections with adults and peers. These experiences will
provide students with diverse and rigorous opportunities to prepare them for high school and beyond.
In order to prepare students for successful next steps, the staff of Happy Valley Middle School is committed to developing the academic, social, and emotional strengths of each student.
We believe we must ENGAGE students in learning that:
•provides advanced literacy and numeracy skills in an on-going rigorous curriculum
•embeds technology to leverage how today's learners participate in their world
•practices and models sustainability and conservation
•connects with other cultures, languages, and learners
We believe we must INSPIRE students to:
•make healthy choices physically, socially, and emotionally
•be creative, curious, and insightful contributors to society
•hope, build trust, model respect, and celebrate success
•find relevance in learning through exploration, mentorship, stewardship, and service
We believe we must ensure that students are READY as learners to:
•think critically, problem solve, and work collaboratively with others
•navigate, analyze, and apply information
•connect globally with issues and ideas that impact the world
•participate in advanced and college credit classes in high school
School Colors and Mascot
Navy Blue and Green
Herons
7TH GRADE COURSES
Health 7
Health Education provides information and skill development for students to make informed decisions about their health and wellness. Units of study are aligned with state standards and include promotion of healthy eating and physical activity, as well as the prevention of drug abuse, disease, violence and suicide. The Family Life unit includes study of the concepts of healthy communication in relationships, setting limits, sexual harassment and prevention of sexual violence, including human trafficking. Instruction includes individual and group projects, opportunities to practice decision-making and refusal skills by participating in role-playing.
Language Arts 7
Language Arts is designed to strengthen the student's literacy skills and enjoyment of reading and writing. The content includes instruction and practice in the writing process as well as a focus on reading instruction, including strategies to improve reading. Students will participate in state assessments. Study skills, listening and speaking will be reinforced and expanded.
PE 7/8
The physical education curriculum emphasizes skill development and strategies in a variety of team, dual, and lifetime sports. Strength, flexibility, and endurance are presented in aerobic and anaerobic fitness activities. Appropriate social skills and sportsmanship are emphasized. Students are required to dress down daily; they must wear a Happy Valley PE uniform. Uniforms can be purchased in the main office and at registration.
Science7
Science 7 focuses on scientific inquiry related to Earth's systems, matter, energy, and
ecosystems. The format of the class includes hands-on activities, teacher and student-directed
projects, direct instruction, use of technological resources, science inquiry, and engineering and
design.
Social Studies 7
World History, World Geography and connections with the modern world dominate the curriculum and learning activities of 7th grade Social Studies. Course experiences begin with the early civilizations of the western world focusing on ancient Greece and Rome. The course concludes with examination of the fall of Rome and European Kingdom's relationships withthe Muslim and Byzantine Empire. Ultimately, this course is a study in understanding humanity, their history, their relationships to the earth, and their relationships to each other. Respect for individual, ethnic and cultural differences is one of the guiding ideals of this course. This is a year-long, every other day course.
7TH GRADE MATH COURSES
Math classes at Happy Valley Middle School are determined through the use of multiple pieces of information. These include performance in their current course, state assessments, teacher recommendation and the end of year final in their current course. All classes are year-long.
Math 7
Teaching and learning will focus on the following critical areas: (1) developing understanding of and applying proportional relationships; (2) developing understanding of operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations; (3) solving problems involving scale drawings and informal geometric constructions, and working with two- and three-dimensional shapes to solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume; and (4) drawing inferences about populations based on samples. Emphasis will center on reasoning and communicating mathematically through a balance of problem solving, conceptual understanding and procedural fluency opportunities. Students will develop conceptual understanding and procedural fluency through an emphasis on problem-solving tasks.
Math Compacted7/8
This course includes all of the content in Math 7 and a significant portion of Math 8. Teaching and learning will focus on the following critical areas of Math 7: (1) developing understanding of and applying proportional relationships; (2) developing understanding of operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations; (3) solving problems involving scale drawings and informal geometric constructions, and working with two and three-dimensional shapes to solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume; and (4) drawing inferences about populations based on samples. This course continues with the following mathematical concepts from Math 8: (1) developing an understanding of number to include irrational and rational numbers; (2) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations including work with radicals and integer exponents; (3) understanding the connection between proportional relationships and linear equations; (4) analyzing and solving linear equations; and (5) analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem. Emphasis will center on reasoning and communicating mathematically through a balance of problem solving, conceptual understanding and procedural fluency opportunities. Students will develop conceptual understanding and procedural fluency through an emphasis on problem-solving tasks.
Algebra*
This course includes the remaining content in Math 8 and all of a high school level Algebra 1 course. Teaching and learning will focus on the following critical areas of Math 8: (1) analyzing and solving simultaneous linear equations; (2) defining, evaluating and comparing functions and using them to model relationships; (3) investigating patterns of association and bivariate data. This course continues with all Algebra 1 content which focuses on 5 critical areas: (1) analyzing linear equations and inequalities; (2) exploring functions and systems of equations and inequalities; (3) analyzing and evaluating linear models of data; (4) creating and solving problems involving exponential expressions; and (5) modeling with quadratic functions. Emphasis will center on reasoning and communicating mathematically through a balance of problem solving, conceptual understanding and procedural fluency opportunities. Students will develop conceptual understanding and procedural fluency through an emphasis on problem-solving tasks. High school credit may be received for this course.
* High School Credit, Opt-Out Policy:
Algebra I is a high school credit course. Overall course grade may result in a 1.0 math credit and affect grade point average on the student’s high school transcript. Students may retake Algebra I in highschool and choose to opt out of the credit earned in 8th grade. The deadline for this action is the end of first semester of the student’s freshman year.
ELECTIVE COURSES– Every Other Day
ART
Drawing & Painting
Prerequisite: None
Fee: $20
We start with a line. The line becomes shapes and forms. We study portraiture using a variety
of drawing and painting media. Color and parody are explored in paintings, and we have fun
with mixed media collages. We will not be contained to paint and draw only on paper, but will
explore other surfaces to create our art. For example, we may paint on a board you found or
draw on some other reusable surface. Drawing & Painting is a great fundamental class for
beginning artists and a way to dive deeper into materials for experienced artists.
Advanced Art Projects
Prerequisite: Drawing and Paintingor 2D Design (with a grade of A or B)
Fee: $20
Now that you have learned some basic concepts of art, apply them with greater freedom in
Advanced Art. We build on skills learned in Art 6, Drawing & Painting, and 2D Design to
build larger projects and explore personal experience. Work with acrylic paints, printmaking, and
mixed media. Students work with writing artist statements and developing themes within their
compositions. Advanced Art offers more in-depth work, including a variety of media.
Ceramics
Prerequisite: None
Fee: $20
Use your hands to create sculptural and functional ceramics pieces. The class will complete a
chess project along with individual works using different techniques. Emphasis is on hand
building from both slab and a block of clay. If time allows, advanced students can explore using
the wheel to throw a simple form. Completed pieces will be fired, glazed, or stained.
ALL ART STUDENTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY
A $20 MATERIALS FEE PER COURSE
ASSISTANTS
In order to be selected to be an Assistant, students must meet the following criteria: 3.0 GPA,
90%+ attendance, and no more than 1 discipline referral.
Media Assistant
Prerequisite: Staff Signature
Students selected will assist staff in the library. Students will learn routine library procedures and will perform a variety of tasks that help with the day-to-day operation of the library. These jobs will include shelving books, checking books in and out, and running errands. Students who want to become an assistant are required to obtain the media assistant’s signature on their forecast sheet.
Office Assistant
Prerequisite: Staff Signature
Students will work in the main office and student services assisting office staff, faculty, students and parents. Students must be responsible, reliable, have good attendance, and maintain confidentiality. Duties include running call slips, checking-in/checking-out students, working on various projects, and providing good customer service. Students who want to become an assistant are required to obtain an office staff member’s signature on their forecast sheet.
Teacher’s Assistant
Prerequisite: Staff Signature
Teacher assistants work in the classroom with teachers. Students are required to contact the teacher they wish to assist and obtain his or her signature on their forecast sheet.
AVID
AVID 7
Prerequisite: Selection through application and interview process
AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. Students will learn organizational
and study skills, work on critical thinking and questioning strategies, get academic help from
peers or college students, and participate in enrichment and motivational activities that make
college attainable. AVID students will become successful leaders and role models for other
students. AVID students will be selected through an application and interview process. AVID
students will be enrolled in an elective class that meets every other day for an entire school
year.
ENGINEER IT!
Engineer It!
Prerequisite: None
Fee: $20
In this project-based course, students will learn and practice the process of technology design. This will involve identifying and defining problems or needs within society. Science principles will then be used to investigate possible solutions to these problems or needs. Finally, solutions will be designed, constructed, tested and evaluated for possible improvement.
FOOD SCIENCE
Food Science 7/8- Baking 101
Prerequisite: None
Fee: $20
Baking 101 introduces you to the chemistry behind breads, cookies, cakes, and quiches. Learn proper techniques for measuring and mixing, and build an understanding of how each ingredient functions in a recipe to make it rise, brown, flake, and melt in your mouth.
HERON TV
Heron TV
Prerequisites: None
Fee: None
This class teaches students how to use digital media in a creative, safe, responsible and expressive way. Students will learn how to use digital photography, audio, and video to create short films that include writing, filming, directing, and editing Heron TV. Students will produce weekly Heron TV broadcasts that air on our school's website and will need a set of headphones for class participation.
LEADERSHIP
Introduction to Leadership
Prerequisite: None
Fee: None
Looking for a course that makes you feel good about yourself and the world around you? Looking to make a difference while learning important life skills? If so, Introduction to Leadership is the class for you! This introductory course will help students develop leadership skills in a variety of areas. This is an excellent opportunity for students to learn people skills while promoting a positive and productive school climate. We will learn skills through many “hands on” activities. Topics to be covered include: goal setting, team building, awareness of self and others, community service, heroic traits and leadership styles of great leaders throughout history.Students are required to complete six hours of community service during the quarter. These hours must be completed outside of the regular school day.
If you already took Introduction to Leadership, you must move on to Advanced Leadership.
Advanced Leadership2 - Vision Project
Prerequisite: Introduction to Leadership
Fee: None
This course teaches students to be positive change agents. In Advanced Leadership 2, you are expected to answer this essential question: How do leaders effectively communicate? Through this course students will gain a better understanding of their true leadership potential by focusing on goal setting and exploring the influence and potential of effective communication. Students will also help to lead our Take a Stand for Respect work. Throughout the semester, students will participate in class activities, fundraisers and community service that will demand their best effort.
Student Council
Prerequisite: None
Fee: None
Student Council is not limited to elected students. Anyone can choose this as an elective if they’d like to contribute to our positive school climate, however, students who are elected to positions of student leadership in Student Government (President, Vice-President, Secretary, etc.) will be enrolled in this classfor the duration of the school year. Student Council organizes fund-raising events, assemblies, dances, and creates positive messages about an inclusive school culture. This class of students helps create the culture of our school through selfless leadership and dedication. Student Council students are expected to regularly spend time before and after school working on leadership service.
MUSIC - BAND
Beginning Band
Prerequisite: None
Fee: See Teacher
This class will include the fundamentals of band playing, including flute, clarinet, trumpet, and trombone. Students will learn to develop an appreciation of music, build skills for efficient practicing, follow a conductor, and increase music literacy - including music reading, recognizing articulations, recognizing musical styles, and understanding musical terms. Emphasis will also be placed on exposing each student to a variety of performing experiences and music in which to apply these skills. Some instruments are available through the school based on need. Since this is a performance-based class, students will be expected to attend 4 concerts and practice outside of regular school hours.
Intermediate Band
Prerequisite: Beginning Band or Lessons as well as teacher approval
Fee: See Teacher
This course is for students who have played at least one year. Questions relating to this course should be directed to the instructor. Some instruments are available through the school based on need. Since this is a performance-based class, students will be expected to attend 4 concerts and practice outside of regular school hours.
Jazz Band
Prerequisite: Must be enrolled in Intermediate or Advanced Band as well
Fee: See Teacher
This class will be available to students who are also enrolled in either Intermediate or Advanced
Band. We will study a variety of styles of jazz literature, including individual improvisation and
ensemble performance. This is a performing class and will have a minimum of 2 required
evening performances.
This will be a semester class and can be repeated by students if they wish to choose it for both semesters.
Advanced Band
Prerequisite: 1 year Intermediate Band or Lessons as well as teacher approval
Fee: See Teacher
This class is for students who play at an advanced level. Advanced Band has many performances and participates in contest festivals and evening and daytime concerts. Questions relating to this course should be directed to the instructor. Some instruments are available through the school based on need. Since this is a performance-based class, students will be expected to attend 4 concerts and practice outside of regular school hours.