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MS Curriculum Overview

Art & Design

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English Language Arts (ELA)

English classes typically foster skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening as outlined in the New York State Next Generation Learning Standards (ELA 6-8 At a Glance).

Students are encouraged to think critically about texts and arguments. They learn to evaluate information, make connections between ideas, and form their own opinions based on evidence. 

  • Reading Comprehension: Students read various texts, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama. There is a focus on learning to analyze and interpret texts, identify central ideas, and understand literary devices.

  • Writing Skills: Students practice writing literary essays/constructed responses, narratives, persuasive pieces, and summaries. Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and vocabulary are taught throughout the year.

  • Speaking and Listening: Students participate in discussions, clearly present information, and practice active listening skills. They learn how to express ideas clearly and respectfully in various contexts.

  • Literary Analysis: Students learn about characterization, plot development, author’s purpose, and are asked to identify key elements such as theme, context and symbolism in literature. 

  • Research Skills: Basic research skills are introduced and practiced each year, including identifying the reliability of sources, maintaining proper citations, and organizing research into coherent formats.

MS English Instructional Teacher Leader: Ms. Hughes (jhughes@bscsd.org)Go to top

Family & Consumer Sciences (FACS)

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Health

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Mathematics

Our middle school's math curriculum is well-aligned with the Next Generation Learning Standards set by the New York State Education Department.  These standards emphasize a balanced approach to math education, focusing on conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and real-world applications.  By emphasizing mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills, the curriculum encourages students to build upon the foundational knowledge they acquired in elementary school.  This progression is crucial for students to develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts in various contexts.  Overall, the rigorous standards set by the curriculum are designed to support students in becoming proficient in mathematics, thereby preparing them effectively for higher education and future career opportunities where mathematical skills are essential. This approach ensures that students are well-prepared to navigate a world that increasingly relies on the application of mathematics in diverse fields.

  • Grade 6 Topics: Ratio and Proportional Relationships, Percents, Rational Numbers, Expressions, Equations and Inequalities, Geometry, Statistics and Probability
  • Grade 7 Topics: Number Sense, Algebra, Inequalities, Ratio and Proportional Relationships, Percents, Probability, Statistics, Geometry  
  • Grade 8 Topics: Solving Equations, Linear Equations, Systems of Equations, Functions, Statistics, Transformational Geometry, Equations in Geometry, Laws of Exponents and Real Numbers, Polynomials 
  • Algebra I Topics: Real Numbers, Equations and Properties, Inequalities, Functions, Linear Equations and Inequalities, Systems of Equations and Inequalities, Statistics, Factoring, Quadratic Equations

MS Math Instructional Teacher Leader: Mr. Colin Klepetar (cklepetar@bscsd.org)

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Music – General Music & Middle School Ensembles

The middle school music, band, choir, and orchestra courses are aligned with the National Core Arts Standards and NYSED Learning Standards for the Arts. Our courses incorporate key musical concepts needed for the developing musician, including performance, note reading, expressive qualities, and improvisation, among others. Students also study Music History to inform their own practice and performance. Each grade level's ensembles demonstrate their skills and contribute positively to both the school and Ballston Spa community by performing at the following events:

  • 6th Grade Band, Orchestra, Choir: Winter Concert, Spring Concert, SWCMEA Music Festival, Suburban Council Music Festival, NYSSMA Solo Festival
  • 7th Grade Band, Orchestra, Choir: Winter Concert, Spring Concert, Memorial Day Parade(s), SWCMEA Music Festival, Suburban Council Music Festival, NYSSMA Solo Festival
  • 8th Grade Band, Orchestra, Choir: Winter Concert, Spring Concert, Memorial Day Parade(s), First Friday, SWCMEA Music Festival, Suburban Council Music Festival, NYSSMA Solo Festival

General Music Classes

A ten-week course to experience music by singing, instrumental performance and exploring music theory and history.

6th Grade topics:

  • Note Reading through Drumming, Piano and Guitar

  • Classical Music History

  • Origins of Early American Music

  • The Blues

7th Grade topics:

  • Note Reading through Drumming, Piano, Guitar and Bass

  • Jazz Music History

  • Rock and Roll History

  • Form and Composition

After School Music Clubs

  • Garage Band
  • Jazz Club

K-12 Music Instructional Teacher Leader - Brian Retersdorf (bretersdorf@bscsd.org)

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Physical Education

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Science

The middle school science curriculum is aligned to the New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS).   Each grade level has a set of performance expectations that includes concepts from the life sciences, earth sciences, and physical sciences.   

The performance expectations at each grade level allow students to practice  using the science and engineering practices (skills) and explaining concepts that cut across all three science disciplines to develop an understanding of the world around them.  

Through their science courses, students will develop key skills in communication, collaboration, inquiry, problem solving, and flexibility while developing an in-depth understanding of content that will benefit them in high school and their personal lives.  Our goal is to prepare our students for the future so that they can be informed, empowered, and productive citizens.  

All students in Science 8 take the NYS Intermediate Science 8 exam at the end of 8th grade. 

Students that demonstrate exceptional skills and understanding in math and science have the opportunity to accelerate in science in 8th grade and take Regents Earth Science.

K-12 STEM Coordinator: Ms. Diane Irwin (dirwin@bscsd.org)

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Social Studies

The middle school social studies department strives to engage students in the exploration of history, geography, civics, and economics as our courses are aligned with the New York State Social Studies Framework.  The study of social studies involves the world beyond the classroom. Social studies investigates the past as well as current events, to explain the significant people, places and events that shape our lives today. We strive to teach students how to think critically, be culturally responsive, and view history through a variety of lenses. Students will be engaging in the process of deliberation in order to understand how the past impacts the present as well as  future society. We provide opportunities for students to research and learn different perspectives, as well as how to listen and have civil discourse in a responsible manner.  

  • Grade 6 Key Topics: Overview of geographic concepts, Prehistory, and the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and Greece.  There is a focus on the impact of geography on settlement and sustainability.
  • Grade 7 Key Topics: United States history including Native Americans, Colonial Developments, American Independence, Development of the U.S. Constitution, Westward Expansion, Reform Movements, and the Civil War.
  • Grade 8 Key Topics: United States history including Reconstruction, Industrialization and Immigration, Expansion and Imperialism, World War I, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, World War II, and foreign and domestic policy through the current decades.

MS Social Studies Instructional Teacher Leader: Mrs. Carron Blanchet (cblanchet@bscsd.org)

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Technology

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World Languages

Our middle school world language courses are well-aligned with the newly revised New York State Standards for World Languages.  Our courses introduce students to the fundamentals of a chosen language and its cultural context. Students complete an exploratory 10-week course in each of our 2 languages (French and Spanish) in 6th grade and will then choose their course of study at the end of the 6th grade year for continuation in 7th and 8th grades.  Students must successfully complete the course and pass the benchmark Checkpoint A exam at the end of 8th grade to earn one credit in a world language towards High School graduation. 

Here’s a summary of what our courses cover:

  • Language Basics: Students learn essential vocabulary, grammar rules, pronunciation, and basic conversational phrases. Emphasis is placed on building a foundation in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

  • Cultural Understanding: Courses often explore the customs, traditions, history, and geography of countries where the language is spoken. This includes holidays, famous landmarks, cuisine, and cultural practices.

  • Communication Skills: Activities focus on improving communication skills through dialogues, role-plays, presentations, and interactive exercises. The goal is to develop confidence in speaking and understanding the language.

  • Reading and Writing: Students practice reading authentic texts such as short stories, or  articles in the target language. Writing exercises range from simple sentences to short paragraphs, focusing on grammar and vocabulary usage.

  • Listening Comprehension: Listening exercises help students understand spoken language at different speeds and accents. This includes listening to recordings, videos, music or live conversations.

  • Assessments: Assessment methods may include quizzes, tests, oral exams, projects, and class participation. These assess both language proficiency and cultural understanding.

  • Continuation: Many middle school language programs serve as a foundation for high school language courses, where students can deepen their knowledge and proficiency.

Topics and Themes (Checkpoint A)

MS World Language Instructional Teacher Leader: Mrs. Gouvitsas (agouvitsas@bscsd.org)

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