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NORTHERN MIDDLE SCHOOL COURSE DESCRIPTION GUIDE

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS 7 (2 SEMESTERS)

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In the seventh grade, students are exposed to a variety of selections in literature (e.g., mystery, poetry, drama, mythology, legends, etc.), as well as outside readings.

Students develop

  • Reading and writing strategies
  • Academic vocabulary
  • Spelling skills
  • Speaking and listening skills

Understanding thematic units and thesis support writings are a focus at this grade level. English Language Arts 7 involves a learning environment that creates opportunities for all students to go deep into the FHPS Literacy Framework while connecting to the real world.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS 8 (2 SEMESTERS)

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In the eighth grade, a continued development of composition skills occurs with an emphasis on  writing from selected topics.

The following are strongly emphasized in the course:

  • Speaking
  • Listening
  • Grammar
  • Writing
  • Reading comprehension

Extended learning in poetry, short stories, and dramatic techniques through selected topics in literature are three major units of study. Additionally, students will expand their research skills to develop sound, informative and argumentative skills.

English Language Arts 8 involves a learning environment that creates opportunities for all students to go deep into the FHPS Literacy Framework while connecting to the real world.

SPANISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE 7 (2 SEMESTERS, SI STUDENTS ONLY)

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This course is designed to meet the Michigan Standards for Language Arts (see English Language Arts 7) while also meeting the National Foreign Language Standards. Teachers will “immerse” students in authentic literature and informational media by carefully implementing instruction to increase their L2 proficiency levels (aligned by ACTFL to the Michigan Academic Standards).

SPANISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE 8 (2 SEMESTERS, SI STUDENTS ONLY)

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This course further develops the strong foundational language skills and cross-cultural knowledge base students acquire in SI Language and Literature 7 while also preparing them to meet the more academically challenging setting of high school.

By continuing to meet both the Michigan Academic Standards for Language Arts (see English Language Arts 8) and National Foreign Language Standards through the study and analysis of authentic literature and informational media, teachers will intentionally foster the L2 linguistic development necessary to support students’ increased cognitive capacity.

SI 21ST CENTURY COMPARATIVE LANGUAGE 7 (1 SEMESTER, SI STUDENTS ONLY)

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This course is designed to foster the metalinguistic awareness of students’ first language (eg. English) through the comparative study of their second language (eg. Spanish). This course will facilitate learning through opportunities designed to dissect language and its structure in order to accurately construct and convey meaning.

The objective of the course for second language learners (immersion) is to elevate the quality of the four modes of communication (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) in their primary language as well as other acquired languages.

SI 21ST CENTURY COMPARATIVE LANGUAGE 8 (1 SEMESTER, SI STUDENTS ONLY)

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This course builds on the knowledge and understanding developed in 21st Century Comparative Language 7 and is designed to continue to foster the metalinguistic awareness of students’ first language (eg. English) through the comparative study of their second language (eg. Spanish). This course will facilitate learning through opportunities designed to dissect language and its structure in order to accurately construct and convey meaning.

The objective of the course for second language learners (immersion) is to elevate the quality of the four modes of communication (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) in their primary language as well as other acquired languages.

MULTILINGUAL LEARNER ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS DEVELOPMENT

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This class is designed to provide multilingual learners acquiring English with educational strategies to achieve their language goals while effectively accessing the mainstream curriculum. The course emphasizes improving literacy in English through targeted instruction in reading, writing, and vocabulary development. Additionally, students will develop tools and strategies to enhance their assigned work, meet assignment deadlines, and become more proactive and confident in the school environment.

MATHEMATICS

FOR INCOMING 7TH GRADERS

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Incoming 7th grade students have been placed into the appropriate math course. Placement information was sent home in late January to all 6th grade families.

MATH 7 (2 SEMESTERS)

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Math 7 develops mathematical concepts and skills in four important mathematical strands:

  1. Number and Operations
  2. Geometry and Measurement
  3. Data Analysis and Probability
  4. Algebra and
    Functions

Students will engage in a research-based, problem-centered learning environment to develop proficiency in both mathematical reasoning and communication. The majority of FHPS students take Math 7, preparing for Math 8 in 8th grade and Algebra 1 in high school.

MATH 7/8 (2 SEMESTERS)

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Math 7/8 is an accelerated course that combines the standards from Math 7 and Math 8 and prepares students for Algebra 1 in 8th grade. This class is geared toward students who are willing to engage and exhibit high levels of commitment, achievement, and a passion for math.

Students who qualify for Math 7/8 should have excellent study skills and the time to devote to a significantly higher workload in math outside of school. For both semesters, a minimum of a 83% must be maintained to remain in the Math 7/8 class or advance to Algebra 1.

MATH 8 (2 SEMESTERS)

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Math 8 develops mathematical concepts and skills in major areas of study that include:

  1. Number
    System
  2. Expressions and Equations
  3. Functions, Geometry
  4. Statistics and Probability

Students will engage in a research-based, problem-centered learning environment to develop proficiency in both mathematical reasoning and communication.

ALGEBRA I (2 SEMESTERS)

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Prerequisite: Demonstrated proficiency in Math 7/8 standards

Algebra 1 in 8th grade is an accelerated math course that provides credit for high school Algebra 1. This course covers the high school Algebra 1 standards and their applications:

  • Linear
  • Quadratic
  • Radical
  • Absolute value
  • Exponential functions

Methods for solving equations, inequalities, and systems will be emphasized. Since this course is part of our two-year acceleration at middle school, students will go deeper into the Algebra 1 standards than in a traditional Algebra 1 course. Students who take Algebra 1 in 8th grade should have excellent study skills and the time to devote to a significantly higher workload in math outside of school. A minimum grade of B should be maintained to continue in the accelerated math sequence. Students earning below a B may be recommended to retake the course, as Algebra 1 provides the foundation for success in future math classes. Students who complete this course will be eligible to take the Advanced Placement Calculus or the Advanced Placement Statistics course during their senior year of high school. Also, upon successful completion of Algebra 1, the letter grade earned and the credit will be recorded on the student’s permanent high school transcript and applied to high school graduation requirements.

SCIENCE

SCIENCE 7 (2 SEMESTERS)

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The Science 7 course is based on student-driven questions and discoveries based on the NGSS structure.

Students are involved in numerous hands-on labs and group discussions. The main units include

  • Chemistry: Identifying substances based on properties
  • Physics: Manipulating the transfer of forces
  • Body Systems: Distinguishing cells and systems
  • Weather: Measuring and predicting patterns

SCIENCE 8 (2 SEMESTERS)

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The Science 8 course includes units in

  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Life Science
  • Earth Science

The units of study are

  • The science and engineering practices
  • How the Earth is changing
  • Why organisms look the way that they do
  • How things move
  • How food provides our bodies with energy.

Students will experience phenomena, investigate questions, and participate in collaborative investigations to solve relevant problems.

SOCIAL STUDIES

SOCIAL STUDIES 7 (2 SEMESTERS)

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Social Studies 7 encompasses World History from the beginnings of human society through 300 C.E.

Students will learn geographic, environmental, biological, and cultural processes that influenced the rise of the earliest human communities, the migration and spread of people throughout the world, and the causes and consequences of the growth of agriculture. Students will discover the innovations and social, political, and economic changes that occurred through the emergence of classical civilizations in Africa and Eurasia, and their impact on our world today.

Social Studies 7 involves an in depth, Project Based Learning environment that creates opportunities for all students to go deep into the C3 Framework while connecting to the real world.

US HISTORY 8 (2 SEMESTERS)

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US History 8 encompasses major themes of the 18th and 19th centuries in American History. Students will learn about the fight for independence from Britain and the forging of a new nation.

Moving into the 19th century, students will investigate the underlying causes and results of westward expansion, and its consequences for American Indians and enslaved African Americans. Students will also study reform movements such as abolition and women’s suffrage, sectional tensions that contributed to the Civil War, and the successes and failures of Reconstruction.

SPANISH E. HEMISPHERE EXPLORATIONS 7 (2 SEMESTERS, SI STUDENT ONLY)

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Using the Spanish language, students will experience World History from the beginnings of human society through 300 C.E. With an emphasis on Spanish content-rich vocabulary and grammar, students learn geographic, environmental, biological, and cultural processes that influenced the rise of the earliest human communities, the migration and spread of people throughout the world, and the causes and consequences of the growth of agriculture.

Students will discover the innovations and social, political, and economic changes which occurred through the emergence of classical civilizations in Africa and Eurasia, and their impact on our world yet today, while practicing language functions in order to improve their language proficiency.

SPANISH EXPLORING AMERICA 8 (2 SEMESTERS, SI STUDENTS ONLY)

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Using the Spanish language, students will experience major themes of the 18th and 19th centuries in American History. Students will learn about the fight for independence from Britain and the forging of a new nation. With an emphasis on Spanish content-rich vocabulary and grammar, the learning focus will be the 19th century, and students will investigate the underlying causes and results of westward expansion, and its consequences for American Indians and enslaved African Americans.

Students will also study reform movements such as abolition and women’s suffrage, sectional tensions that contributed to the Civil War, and the successes and failures of Reconstruction, all while practicing Spanish language functions in order to improve their language proficiency.

WORLD LANGUAGE

CHINESE LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE 7 (2 SEMESTERS, REQUIRED FOR CHI IMMERSION)

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This course is a continuation of the Chinese Immersion experience for our students. This course focuses on speaking, writing, reading, and listening. In addition, cultural experiences will also be included. Students will be engaged in various learning experiences to allow further practice of the target language.

CHINESE LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE 8 (2 SEMESTERS, REQUIRED FOR CHI IMMERSION)

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This course is a continuation of the Chinese Immersion experience for our students. This course continues to focus on speaking, writing, reading, and listening. In addition, cultural experiences will also be included Students will be engaged in a variety of learning experiences to allow the further practice of the target language. Upon successful completion of this course, the credit and grade will be recorded on the student’s high school transcript and applied to high school graduation requirements.

INTRODUCTION TO SPANISH (1 SEMESTER)

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This course is meant to bridge students’ previous World Language exposure to a future high school Spanish experience. Students will practice all four language components: reading, speaking, listening and writing in Spanish. Students will also participate in activities, games, songs, and utilize technology to further their skills. Project–based learning will be utilized as a way to learn about Spanish and Latin American cultures, and literature.

SPANISH I (2 SEMESTERS, 8TH GRADE ONLY)

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Students will become immersed in the language and culture through a variety of listening, reading, writing, and speaking experiences. Students will take the equivalent of the high school final exam at the end of the year. This course is a great way to earn 1 of 2 required High School World Language credits. Upon completing Spanish 1, the credit and grade will be recorded on the student’s high school transcript and applied to high school graduation requirements.

PERFORMING ARTS

BAND 7 (2 SEMESTERS)

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Recommended Prerequisite: Demonstrated proficiency in Band 6 and/or one year of study on the instrument they are planning to play in Band 7.

A variety of band literature is studied and performed. Practice at home and attendance at all performances are expected. The bands perform several concerts throughout the year and may attend music festivals. Additional opportunities exist through solo and ensemble festivals. Students are scheduled into this course for the entire year.

BAND 8 (2 SEMESTERS)

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Recommended Prerequisite: Demonstrated proficiency in Band 7.

This course is for students who have completed two previous years of band. Students new to Forest Hills should contact the school office to determine appropriate placement. A variety of band literature is studied and performed. Practice at home and attendance at all performances is expected. The Band performs several concerts throughout the year and may attend music festivals. Additional opportunities exist for participation in solo and ensemble festivals. Students are  scheduled into this course for the entire year.

ORCHESTRA 7 (2 SEMESTERS)

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Recommended Prerequisite: Demonstrated proficiency in Orchestra 6 and/or one year of study on the instrument they plan to play in Orchestra 7.

A variety of orchestra literature is studied and performed. Practice at home and attendance at all performances are expected. The orchestras perform several concerts throughout the year and may attend music festivals. Emphasis is placed on gaining technical skill through performance of different types of literature, and on music theory as it relates to string playing. Students are scheduled into this course for the entire year.

ORCHESTRA 8 (2 SEMESTERS)

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Recommended Prerequisite: Demonstrated proficiency in Orchestra 7.

A variety of orchestra literature is studied and performed. Practice at home and attendance at all performances are expected. The orchestras perform several concerts throughout the year and may attend music festivals.

Emphasis is placed on refining and improving an individual’s music skills to a higher degree of proficiency. A variety of orchestral literature is studied and performed. Students are scheduled into this course for the entire year.

CHOIR (2 SEMESTERS)

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Choir students will build on their previous experience in music (vocal or instrumental) and learn to use their vocal instrument to produce a correct and pleasing sound. In addition to mastering proper vocal production and technique, students will also develop

  • Music reading skills
  • Sight-singing and aural skills
  • Music history
  • Performance skills

They are expected to practice at home and attend all performances. The choir participates in the annual district Middle School Choral Gala, as well as several concerts throughout the year. Performance demeanor, responsibility to the group, and teamwork are emphasized. Students are scheduled into this course for the entire year.

VISUAL ARTS

DRAW, PAINT, PRINT (1 SEMESTER)

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Whether you are just starting out or already a young Picasso, this class will help you enhance your skills! You will explore a variety of drawing, painting, and printmaking techniques and media, including

  • Pen and ink
  • Watercolor
  • Pastels
  • Linoleum block
  • Mixed media
  • Acrylics
  • Charcoal

Classwork will focus on skill development, creative problem solving, and visual literacy. Throughout the course, connections will be made across different subjects.

PHOTO, YEARBOOK, AND CREATIVE IMAGING (2 SEMESTERS)

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The primary focus of this course is the production of the Northern Hills Middle Yearbook. Students will start by learning the basics of digital photography and will then apply those skills to take the photos for the NHMS Yearbook.

In addition to photography, students will study page design, layout, theme development, and other production elements. Some commitment outside of the scheduled school hours (before or after school) is expected for Yearbook work. The course will conclude with exploring various media in the creative image making process.

ART EXPLORATIONS (1 SEMESTER)

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This class offers students the chance to engage in a range of creative experiences in both two- and three-dimensional design. A few mediums students can explore for creative expression in this course are

  • Drawing Painting
  • Sculpture
  • Crafts
  • Computer graphics
  • Cartooning

Throughout the course, students will enhance their skill levels and visual literacy as they study and apply the elements and principles of design. Cross-curricular expressions occur throughout the curriculum.

CLAY AND SCULPTURE (1 SEMESTER)

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In this class, clay and its many possibilities will be explored. Several hand-building methods and glazing techniques will be presented. Both functional and nonfunctional pieces will be encouraged. Sculpture and design in materials other than clay will also form a portion of the course.

TECHNOLOGY

ENGINEERING/ROBOTICS 1 (1 SEMESTER)

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This is a beginner course in robotics.

Students will utilize VEX IQ kits, VEXcode software, and various VEX Robotics materials. This course aims to introduce students to basic programming and problem-solving strategies. This course will engage students in developing, building, and programming a VEX IQ robot. Students will collaborate in teams to design, build, program, and document their progress.

Topics may include

  • Motor control
  • Gear ratios
  • Torque
  • Friction
  • Sensors
  • Timing
  • Program loops
  • Logic gates
  • Decision making
  • Timing sequences
  • Propulsion systems
  • Binary number systems

ENGINEERING/ROBOTICS 2 (1 SEMESTER)

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Prerequisite: Demonstrated proficiency in Engineering/Robotics 1.

This course will build upon the experience from Engineering 1 by exploring related math, engineering, robotics, and programming concepts in greater detail. Students will concentrate on three different programming languages:

  • JavaScript
  • C/C++
  • Python

They will deepen their understanding of essential programming skills using robotic components, Arduino boards, Raspberry Pi, and drones. The capstone project involves designing, constructing, and programming a personal food computer.

CODING 1 (1 SEMESTER)

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Coding 1 is designed for 7th and 8th grade students, requiring no prior programming experience.

It draws inspiration from “Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science,” a successful course offered at Carnegie Mellon University for over a decade.

The course promotes the idea that learning programming and computer science should be enjoyable and engaging. This approach introduces intriguing problems to solve, as computational problem-solving lies at the core of computer science. The browser-based course features an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that students use to create and run their programs. With the IDE, students can write their code and see their drawings come to life on screen.

Units cover topics such as,

  • Creating Drawings
  • Functions
  • Mouse Events
  • Properties
  • Mouse Motion Events
  • Conditionals
  • Helper Functions

CODING 2 (1 SEMESTER)

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Prerequisite: Demonstrated proficiency in Coding 1.

In this project-based expansion of the foundations formed in Coding I, students will move beyond basic syntax to harness Python’s power as a tool for creation and discovery. We will dive into the world of generative art, using algorithmic logic to produce unique digital collections inspired by LarvaLabs, and master data science by analyzing information from spreadsheets and live databases.

The course further explores the ethics and uses of Artificial Intelligence and concludes with a comprehensive unit on app design, where students will build functional, solutions based apps.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND CREATIVE EXPRESSION

DRAMA/CREATIVE WRITING (1 SEMESTER)

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This class will emphasize the excitement of creative dramatics and writing! Do you enjoy writing and performing skits, working on sets and costumes, and participating in a group production?

While interacting with classmates in imaginative ways, you will learn stage directions and acting techniques. This class is a fantastic opportunity to conquer stage fright and learn to think on your feet. Additionally, it employs the writing workshop method: time, ownership, and response, engaging you in a writing process that is sure to enhance your creative writing potential.

GAMES AND STRATEGIES FOR CRITICAL THINKING (1 SEMESTER)

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This engaging elective explores the power of games as tools for developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic decision making skills. Students will analyze and apply strategic thinking across various game formats, from classic board games like Chess and Catan to cooperative challenges like Pandemic and Forbidden Island.

Through hands-on gameplay, discussions, and reflection, students will learn the principles of risk management, negotiation, teamwork, and adaptability. The course concludes with a student designed game project and a final tournament, allowing students to test their skills in a fun and collaborative environment.

LIFE SKILLS REBOOT (1 SEMESTER)

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Life Skills Reboot prepares students for the real world by teaching practical, transferable skills through hands-on, project-based learning. Students explore future career paths, learn basic meal preparation and kitchen safety, and develop foundational money management skills.

Throughout the course, self-management remains a central focus as students build systems for managing time, stress, and communication. The course emphasizes confidence, independence, and intentional decision making that students can apply immediately and carry into adulthood.

HUSKY PALS (1 SEMESTER)

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Students enrolled in our Husky Pals Program will serve as mentors, role models, and friends to those in our Special Education Cognitively Impaired Program. Each student will dedicate one class period each day to their assigned student. In addition to being a mentor, role model, and friend, they will help the student demonstrate appropriate classroom behavior, organize assignments and supplies, and maintain focus during instruction.

HEALTH, FITNESS, AND OUTDOOR LEARNING

OUTDOOR EXPLORATION (1 SEMESTER)

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This activity-based class will take students into the natural areas surrounding the school to engage in a variety of studies. Topics include, but are not limited to,

  • Wild edible plants
  • Stream exploration and water quality
  • Habitats and wildlife
  • Compass skills
  • Survival techniques

Expect to spend time in the woods, by the stream, in the fields, and in the classroom as students learn about the natural environment and our interactions with it. This course is designed for students with a genuine interest in hands-on science.

Winter weather may affect daily activities.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (1 OR 2 SEMESTERS)

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The physical education curriculum emphasizes recreational and lifelong activities, individual sports, and team sports.

The program’s activities promote

  • Physical fitness
  • Personal responsibility
  • Self discipline
  • Respect for oneself and others
  • Cooperation

Students will participate in drills and activities designed to develop or enhance fundamental offensive and defensive skills, as well as strategies for both. Additionally, students will appreciate the benefits of regular activity by engaging in a variety of fitness activities.

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING (1 SEMESTER)

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This course primarily introduces structured routines in

  • Weight training
  • Stretching
  • Plyometrics
  • Conditioning

The main emphasis is on teaching students the correct form, discipline, and workout intensity necessary to enhance their physical fitness levels.

Individual programs will be provided to accommodate students with varying abilities and interests within the same class.

HUSKY PALS PE (1 SEMESTER)

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Students enrolled in our Husky Pals PE Program will serve as mentors, role models, and friends to students in our Special Education Cognitively Impaired Program. In this role, they will be with their assigned Husky Pal during Physical Education class.

HEALTH (1 SEMESTER, 8TH GRADE)

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Health in 8th grade is a course that provides credit for high school Health. Students will explore units that meet the State of Michigan Health Standards.

Throughout these units, emphasis is placed on

  • The avoidance of risky behaviors
  • Positive self-image
  • Refusal skills
  • Knowledge of responsibilities and laws

Units will include:

  • Types of health (mental, physical, social/emotional)
  • Foods and fitness
  • Alcohol
  • Tobacco
  • Drugs
  • Healthy relationships
  • Communicable and non-communicable diseases
  • HIV/STIs
  • Reproductive system
  • Pregnancy (abstinence-based)
  • CPR and First Aid

Upon successfully completing Health, the credit and grade will be recorded on the student’s high school transcript and applied to high school graduation requirements.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

ACADEMIC SUPPORT (1 SEMESTER)

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This support class is open to all students and is designed for those who need additional support in areas such as study skills, time management, and organization. Participants will take part in this course to improve their success in other classes and develop skills that will serve them well in future studies. They will also have the opportunity to focus on and receive assistance with assignments from their other courses.

*Enrollment is dependent on a teacher or counselor recommendation and/or a parent request.

READING LAB (1 SEMESTER)

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This support class is open to all students and is taken in addition to your language arts course.  Students will learn and continue developing reading strategies to support their growth. This course is designed as an intervention to help students become proficient readers.

*Enrollment is based on teacher or counselor recommendation, and/or parent request.

MATH POWER 7 (1 SEMESTER OR FULL YEAR, 7TH GRADE)

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This support class is open to all students and is taken concurrently with Math 7. Do you sometimes look at a problem in math and wonder where to start to find the answer? Do you frequently come up with the wrong answer because you don’t understand the process you need to use to find it? Does math sometimes seem like a foreign language to you? Math Power 7 will review the most troublesome areas of math for you so that you can find success in mathematics!

*Enrollment is based on teacher or counselor recommendation, and/or parent request.

MATH POWER 8 (1 SEMESTER OR FULL YEAR, 8TH GRADE)

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This support class is open to all students and is taken concurrently with Math 8. Do you sometimes look at a problem in math and wonder where to start to find the answer? Do you frequently come up with the wrong answer because you don’t understand the process you need to use to find it? Does math sometimes seem like a foreign language to you? Math Power 8 will review the most troublesome areas of math for you so that you can find success in mathematics!

*Enrollment is based on teacher or counselor recommendation, and/or parent request.

ACADEMIC STRATEGIES: STUDENTS WITH IEP'S (FULL YEAR COURSE)

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Student placement is based on students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) requirements/goals This course is designed to assist students in developing academic skills and meeting IEP goals and objectives through specially designed instruction. Focus areas include instructional support, time management, organization, self advocacy skills, and accommodations per students’ IEPs.

MULTILINGUAL LEARNER SUPPORT

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This class provides additional academic and language support for multilingual learners who need extra help alongside their core courses. Instruction focuses on strengthening English language development while supporting success in content area classes. Students receive guided practice with reading, writing, vocabulary, and academic language, as well as help understanding assignments, organizing work, and preparing for assessments.

The course also builds learning strategies, study habits, and confidence so students can participate more independently and effectively in their school day. Placement in this course is based on WIDA scores and teacher recommendation.

CREW

Husky CREW brings our school community together by fostering meaningful relationships, encouraging reflection on academic progress, and focusing on developing Husky Skills. CREW is a space where every student feels known, valued, and supported.

  • Each student is assigned to a CREW with a teacher they have during the school year, creating a consistent and supportive connection.
  • CREW meets daily for 25 minutes at the start of the school day.
  • This time also provides students with opportunities to use IXL, a personalized learning platform, to strengthen their math and language arts skills.
male students grouped around laptops

COURSE SELECTION AND CREDIT INFORMATION

LETTER TO 7TH AND 8TH GRADE FAMILIES

EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS (EDP)

COURSE SELECTION INFORMATION

EARNING HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT

7TH GRADE STUDENT SCHEDULE EXAMPLE

8TH GRADE STUDENT SCHEDULE EXAMPLE

LETTER TO 7TH AND 8TH GRADE FAMILIES

Dear Central Middle School Families:

We believe that middle school is an important time of transition for students. We recognize the unique physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs and qualities of students in this age group. To support student growth, a middle school curriculum must be authentic, engaging, rigorous, and developmentally responsive to their needs. The school culture must provide a supportive environment where students are empowered to gain the knowledge, skills, and competencies foundational for success in life. Our caring and responsive staff are committed to encouraging students’ growing independence.

Forest Hills Middle School students will benefit from a rigorous core curriculum aligned with the Michigan Academic Standards and benchmarks in language arts, math, science, and social studies, combined with an interesting variety of exploratory opportunities. Guidance and support services are a part of our comprehensive whole-child approach to education. Results of the Michigan State Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP) have shown that Forest Hills Public Schools consistently rank among the highest-scoring districts in the state of Michigan. When measuring our success, however, we do not simply look at one data set. We value the quality of relationships and interactions we have every day with our students, their families, and staff. We model respect and understanding for each other.

We invite the active involvement and participation of our students’ families as learning partners in the middle school educational experience. This guide serves as a planning tool as you and your student consider middle school learning opportunities. An important aspect of planning for their secondary education, each student will develop an Educational Development Plan (EDP) related to their future career and education goals after high school. To help you better understand the Michigan Merit Curriculum and related requirements, we have provided an additional section in our course description guide starting on page 4. If you are new to Forest Hills, our counseling staff is available to support students in selecting and scheduling the appropriate courses for middle school. We look forward to working with you and your child as we plan together for a successful school year ahead.

Sincerely,
Jeff Simon, Central MS
David Simpson, Ph.D., Northern Hills
Kristine Yelding, MS Eastern MS

Educational Development Plans (EDP)

The Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC) legislation states, “each pupil in grade 7 is provided with the opportunity to develop an educational development plan, and that each pupil has developed an educational development plan before he or she begins high school. An educational development plan shall be developed by the pupil under the supervision of the pupil’s school counselor or another designee qualified to act in a counseling role under section 1233 or 1233a selected by the high school principal and shall be based on a career pathways program or similar career exploration program.” (MCL 380.1278a)

The EDP is a secondary/post-secondary planning tool that directs the educational plan and career planning activities schedule. In their EDP, students identify a career pathway and write employment, education, and training goals. They also identify a course of study (the credits that will be taken) intended to provide the skills and competencies needed to be successful in the next steps after high school. EDP’s are “living” documents that are updated as students age and their interests and abilities become more obvious and focused. It is recommended that the EDP be updated at least annually in conjunction with other planning activities designed to support student achievement. (MDE MMC Guidelines v.12.07)

Forest Hills students begin planning for their EDP in seventh grade during classroom guidance. Students are introduced to a web-based career and post-secondary exploration program called Naviance. Students and parents are issued an individual login so they may access the program from home as well as at school. Students complete state requirements for the EDP during eighth grade, including a career interest inventory and documenting short-term as well as long-term life goals. Counselors work with students each year to update the EDP to ensure course selections align with their educational pathway, employment, education, and training goals. During high school, students and parents will also utilize Naviance, a web-based program that helps track EDP information, high school grades, test scores, extra-curricular activities, applications to college, and other post-secondary training programs.

COURSE SELECTION INFORMATION

  • Students must take a full year of math, science, language arts, and social studies (these classes will be automatically scheduled).
  • Spanish Immersion (SI) students must take social studies and language arts in Spanish.
    • SI students are required to take one semester of 21st Century Comparative Language in both 7th and 8th grade (8th grade will be in the 1st semester; 7th grade will be in the 2nd semester).
    • Chinese Immersion students must take all four core subject classes and Chinese Language and Literature in both 7th and 8th grade.
  • All traditional/seated courses listed in this course catalog are allowed to be adapted for delivery in a virtual or blended format by Forest Hills Public Schools.

EARNING HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT

FHPS middle school students who successfully complete a high school credit course in a FHPS middle school (Central, Northern, and Eastern) will receive a letter grade on their transcript and earn high school graduation credit. The high school course will count toward the student’s high school cumulative grade point average. (If a middle school student chooses to take an online course for high school credit, the student will receive the grade issued by the online provider.

The following courses are offered to 8th-grade students for High School Credit:

  • Spanish 1
  • Algebra 1
  • Chinese
  • Language and Literature 8
  • Health

7TH GRADE STUDENT SCHEDULE EXAMPLE

Please note that these are example schedules; more possibilities exist.

All students will have 4 core and 204 elective classes, depending on their preferences.
Core classes will be automatically scheduled.
Electives are 1 semester (S) or year-long/2-semesters (Y).

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8TH GRADE STUDENT SCHEDULE EXAMPLE

Please note that these are example schedules; more possibilities exist.

All students will have 4 core and 204 elective classes, depending on their preferences.
Core classes will be automatically scheduled.
Electives are 1 semester (S) or year-long/2-semesters (Y).

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NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

It is the policy of the Forest Hills School District that no person shall, on the basis of race, religion, age, color, national origin, sex, or handicap, be excluded from participation in, be the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity of the district, including employment.

Any questions, concerning title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, including athletic issues, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, or inquires related to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicap should be directed to Tom Hosford, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources.

CONTACT INFORMATION

EMAIL ADDRESS

6590 Cascade Road, SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546
616-493-8800
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