Pleasant Plains Middle School

                                                                                                                  Team 5

CORE

Exploratory

& Encore

Learning Today, Tomorrow, For The Rest Of Your Life!

PLEASANT PLAINS MIDDLE SCHOOL OVERVIEW

Pleasant Plains Middle School practices a philosophy that focuses on students making a successful transition from the elementary school to the high school.  The Middle School is organized in a “school within a school” concept.  Each grade level (fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth) has its own area within the building.  Teachers are organized into teams whereby a group of teachers representing the core learning areas pool their expertise, interest and resources to serve their respective students.

Other key components of Team 5 are:

1. Exploratory classes designed to expose students to enrichment activities.

2. Core Curriculum

3. Encore Curriculum

4. An Advisory program in which a small group of students meet with one teacher daily.  This teacher serves as an advocate for his or her students.

Special Education Services

Pleasant Plains Middle School provides a full spectrum of special education services in partnership with the Sangamon Area Special Education District. 

CORE Curriculum

English Composition

· Grammar

· Spelling and Vocabulary

· Writing-Narrative, Expository, Persuasive

· Research Project

· Writing Project 

English Literature

· Basal Reader

· Novels

· Rebecca Caudill Reading Challenge

· Library and Internet Skills

· Research Project

· Biography Project

Science

· Endangered Species

· Habitats, Biomes and Ecosystems

· Processes of the Earth

· Genetic and Body Systems

· Cells

· Plants

· Chemistry

· Light

Social Science—American History

· Geography of the United States

· Early people of the Western Hemisphere/Native Americans

· Explorers

· English Colonization

· American Revolution

· U. S. Constitution

· Westward Movement

· Civil War/Reconstruction

· 20th Century (Overview)

Mathematics

· Basic math functions

· Place values

· Decimals

· Number properties

· Geometry

· Ratios & Proportions/Percents/Fractions

· Composite and Prime Numbers

· Algebra

Exploratory/Encore

Million $  - Students will spend a million dollars and learn how to write checks, keep records, research prices, and make a presentation on their million $ project.

AYP Math - Review of basic math facts

· Explore “life” skills with math

· Homework Assistance (Re-teach and Review)

· Strengthen Problem Solving and Logic Skills

· Benchmark Testing 

AYP Reading - Students will improve reading fluency, vocabulary and comprehension skills to meet Adequate Yearly Progress-NCLB.

Science Projects - Planning, building and testing to solve a problem.

Readers Theatre

· Readers Theatre is dramatic reading.

· Focus is to develop a strong dramatic reading of script rather than memorization of lines.

Books ‘n Stuff -  Students read a novel and do various activities based on the work:  vocabulary, creative writing, art, and comprehension.

General Music - Students in grades 5-7 can build upon previous musical experiences by listening and performing.

· Piano keyboarding

· History of Music

· Study of musical notation

5th Grade Band - Students explore the various band instruments and  they will have the opportunity to become a member of the band with a culminating  concert at the end of the year.

Art -  An introductory sampler of  techniques and methods.

· Diagnostic pre-test of knowledge

· Basic Language of Art and Color Wheel

· Symbolism in picture making

Green Team (5/6 Grade) - Students are responsible for recycling in the school community.

Service Learning -  Students will  learn how they can contribute to the needs of their community.  They will  develop, implement  and evaluate various community service projects .

Literary Contest—Students in  grades 5-8 have the opportunity to perform solo, duet, or small group speeches for first, second, or third place.  Contest takes place in late November at one of the Sangamon County Schools.

Physical Education - Physical fitness is a major portion of this class.  Students will participate in daily physical fitness to     improve individual fitness level; increase cardiovascular endurance and help develop a healthier lifestyle.

· Cardiovascular Fitness

· Team & Individual Sports

· Grades 6-8 dress out for PE, including red shorts, royal blue shirt and tennis shoes. 5th grade students are required to wear tennis shoes daily.

Health

· Feelings and Actions

· Body Systems

· Growing and Changing

· Taking Care of Your Health

· Nutrition

· Exercise and How It Affects Your Body

· Protecting Your Health

· Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco

Prairie Creek Habitat is a seventeen acre outdoor classroom located adjacent to Pleasant Plains Middle School.  It   includes prairie, wetlands and trees.  This habitat is utilized by all grade levels to enhance lessons in many curricular areas.  Prairie Creek Habitat construction is completely funded by  government and private grants in addition to private donations.

Yearbook - Students from all grade levels will assemble and edit our annual yearbook.

Student Council -   Student Council is the elected student government and is responsible or various school functions and for charitable contributions to the school and the community.  Student Council helps with Veterans Day activities, arranges Angel Week, and raises funds for school and community needs.