Middle School

Grades 5-8

How do you describe a middle school student? This complex transitional stage embodies so many changes. At Banner, our experienced and dedicated faculty addresses these developmental needs by nurturing and challenging each child to reach his or her potential. Whether in the science lab or on the soccer field, Middle School students are engaged 100%. If there is one term that applies to our students collectively, it must be “spirit”! Banner Middle School students have spirit – the spirit to examine, explore, reach, ponder, demonstrate … and achieve. In so doing, they gain self-confidence and a mastery of skills in Language Arts, Math, Science, History, Spanish, Technology, Art, Physical Education, Health, and Music & Performing Arts.

The Banner Middle School incorporates grades 5 through 8, based in homerooms with a 6-period day. Technology, performing arts, P.E., and art classes are scheduled year-round along with the core academic subjects. Field trips throughout the year are scheduled that complement the program.

HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR CURRICULUM:

· Eighth-grade students enrolled in the accelerated math program receive Algebra I credit upon graduation while our Spanish students are prepared for high school Spanish II.

· Our science curriculum features an instructional sequence of 5^th grade earth science, 6^th grade physical science, 7^thgrade biology, and 8^th grade chemistry. Lab experiments, field studies, and science fair projects enhance higher-order thinking skills.

· Through guided exposure to a wide variety of literature, instruction in grammar, and extensive experiences in writing, our students acquire skills necessary to express themselves with clarity and competence. Debates, discussions, and dramatic readings and performances enhance their speaking and listening abilities.

· Social Studies projects, reenactments, debates, and discussion enhance our students’ appreciation for diversity, whether it pertains to different cultures and traditions, political systems, or simply opposing opinions. Frequent opportunities in research and essay writing enable our students to develop a position, and support it using reference material from a variety of print, human, and electronic resources.

In addition to our academic program, we foster social and emotional growth and leadership skills through a variety of experiences. For example, our weekly Community time consists of school-wide adopt-a buddy partnerships and service-oriented projects. Eighth- grade students organize and operate a monthly Coffeehouse, with the proceeds benefiting numerous charitable organizations, and members of the Student Council participate in our school store enterprise. Students are also seen assuming leadership roles in many other facets around the school, be it making announcements at our weekly All-School Assemblies, producing the Yearbook, organizing recycling projects for the National Junior Honor Society, or assisting with after-school interscholastic sports programs. Our team is the Banner Bobcats, and we have Banner Spirit!