The Gateway School District Middle School Program exists to respond to the needs and characteristics of the mid-level students in grades 5-8. It is the mission of the program to provide a child-centered approach to education that ensures that all students develop their skills and talents to learn to live and to work together in a cooperative and productive manner.
It is designed specifically to meet the educational, social, and emotional needs of the young adolescent. It provides a gradual transition between life in the elementary and high school levels but is a unique experience apart from both.
The philosophy of the curriculum is one of integration and is very interdisciplinary. Moss Side Middle School uses two thematic units to create that integration. One example is project TERA, where sixth grade students are given a scenario that has them stranded on a desert island. They must work together to plan their survival which also includes examining how to govern themselves. The fifth grade project on Colonial Times, has the students creating a living historical museum, replicating aspects of colonial life. Both of these thematic units give the students the opportunity to utilize different disciplines to comprehend and solve a problem.
The middle school program is designed to provide a broad general education in basic knowledge and skills, to allow for individual development of specialized learning and to foster concomitant learning which will aid the student in his/her transition from childhood to adult life. Students are urged to strive toward a degree of academic maturity commensurate with their abilities in the areas of listening, reading, thinking, speaking, and writing critically, so that with purpose and appreciation they can accept their responsibilities as citizens of their school, their families and the community in which they live. The middle school program also strives to develop sensitivity to cultural and aesthetic values so that the student may learn to use his/her leisure time wisely.
The middle school program operates in a team concept. The composition and number of teacher and student teams varies by grade level.
The pattern of organization for learning varies by grade level to provide for the gradual changes from self-contained elementary classrooms to departmental and team instruction and a smooth transition to high school.
The curriculum emphasizes continuity in the basic academic disciplines, encourages and provides for involvement in the fine arts. In addition, students receive instruction in art, music, band, orchestra and chorus. Instruction in health and physical education is provided at each grade level.
In the math curriculum, courses vary from basic fundamental skill introduction and practice to higher level problem-solving and application procedures, depending on the student's readiness level. Teachers use sequenced materials and a wide variety of teaching strategies to achieve the challenges appropriate to each student's ability. Applications of math concepts are presented to allow students to see the relationships to daily living. Career interests and active participation are stressed in each course.
The integrated science courses provide for active participation, "hands-on" laboratory sessions and interactive experiences which clarify the complexities of our world and allow the student to analyze, classify, investigate and gain understanding of the integrated concepts that this study will offer. Additionally, healthful lifestyles and wellness initiatives are the direction taken in the health education portion of the curricula.
The social studies curriculum is designed to help students gain insights into the world in which we live. Historical perspective is offered in cultural studies, world geography, and government. Applications of concepts are made through study of current events. The program is progressive from basic concepts to global understandings. The students are encouraged to discuss, develop projects, and engage in activities that deepen and intensify their understanding of other cultures.
Students develop basic communication skills in their English and reading courses. Students refine their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills at all grade levels with increasing sophistication and as their abilities, interests, and motivation dictate. The literature-based reading program is integrated, provides for the reading enjoyment of the individual, and permits students to recognize how others face and solve problems of social, emotional, or physical dimensions.
Special Education programs are provided to students with identified special needs. Each student's program reflects the Individualized Education Program (IEP) which is designed by school personnel, the student and the student's parents.
A program offering learning opportunities beyond the regular education program is offered to students identified as gifted. Activities are developed which offer students a wide variety of options toward achievement of goals as set forth in the IEP.
All curricula were designed to allow for the adaptation of goals, strategies, and materials to meet a variety of students' needs.
A variety of exploratory and social events are scheduled to promote social and emotional growth and to foster interest in career areas.
