Pleasant Plains Middle School

Team 8

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 6 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 and Sentence Structure

· Vocabulary development

· Writing Modes:  Persuasive, Expository, Descriptive, and Narrative

· Research Project

· Speech (Debate—student’s choice)

English Literature

· Poetry

· Novel:  Outsiders

· Myths

· Folktales

· Tall Tales

· Short Stories

· Nonfiction work and selections

8th Grade Mathematics

· Data Collection/Presentation

· Coordinate System

· Integers

· Algebraic Equations

· Linear Equations

· Rates/Ratios and Proportions

· Percents

· Area and Volume

· Measurement and Geometry

Algebra (8th Grade/HS)

· Algebraic Expressions

· Exponents, Functions & Relations

· Linear, Quadratic Equations & Graphing

· Formulas and Functions

· Polynomials and Factoring

Science

· Chemistry

· Geology

· Minerals

· Rocks

· Plate Tectonics

· Earthquakes

· Volcanoes

· Vertebrates

· Fungi

· Botany

Social Science—American History

· Native America

· Exploration, Colonial and Revolutionary     Periods

· Young America

· American Government (Federal, State and    Local)

· World War I and the Effects

· The Roaring Twenties

· The Great Depression and New Deal

· World War II

· The Fabulous Fifties

Exploratory/Encore

Science - “Catch the Wave”

· Earth’s Oceans

· Life in the Ocean

· Movement of Ocean Water

           - Tides, Currents & Waves

Speech - Students practice public speaking and listening skills as a tool for future learning.

AYP Math (Adequate Yearly Progress—NCLB)

· Review of basic math facts

· Explore “life” skills with math

· Homework Assistance (Re-teach and Review)

· Strengthen Problem Solving and Logic Skills

· Benchmark Testing (Following the Leaders)

Civil War - Students will look at the Civil War from the perspective of the news of the time.

· Battles and Generals

· Flags & Uniforms

· Roles of Men & Women

Technology - Students create a career web page as their Rite-Of-Passage project

Economics - Students plan and develop a business as an investment opportunity.

Drama/School Play - Students will have the opportunity to be involved in all  aspects of  theater including stagecraft, lighting,  costuming/make up,  and  performance.

Beta Club  -  Service organization that participates in school and community projects.

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. 

Art -  Focus on preparation for high school art—Variety of exotic drawing media are explored and utilized

Art Exploratory - Emphasis is on fine crafts and sculpture.

Scholastic Team - This is an academic team  that competes  as a member of the IESA.   Students in the 6-8 grade may try out for this team.  The season lasts from January - May. 

Successful Teens - Preadolescence to adulthood.

· Conflict Resolution, Violence and Racism

· Dating

· Computer Safety

· Illegal/Street Drugs

· Transition to high school

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 - The Human Body

· Review Decision Making (Choices)

· Reproduction and Sexually Transmitted Disease

· Physical Anatomy and Human Body Presentations

· Comprehensive Review of Healthy Living

Choir - 7/8 grade students can explore their voices in performing with both small and large ensembles.  Students perform for local gatherings as well as     organizational contests sponsored by IMEA, IESA, and SEMA.

7/8 Band - Performs at several concerts each year.  They participate in organizational contests and  play at many sporting events.  Students have the opportunity to perform at solo and ensemble contest and IMEA District Festival.

Jazz Band - This instrumental activity is extra-curricular.  They meet once a week before school all year.  They  perform at two concerts and  contests.

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.