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MARKHAM WOODS M IDDLE SCHOOL

2016-2017

Curriculum Guide

CAPTURE. INSPIRE. TEACH. Every Student.

6003 Markham Woods Road

Lake Mary, Florida 32746

407-871-1750

www.mwms.scps.k12.fl.us

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Any child who has been promoted or assigned to grades 6, 7, or 8 will be admitted to Middle School. Proof of

residency must be presented at enrollment or transfer from one attendance zone to another in Seminole County

Public Schools. All addresses are subject to verification by the School Board.

The following documents shall be required:

Owned residence: a copy of the recorded deed or agreement for the deed and a cer tified copy of dec-

laration of homestead exemption. If these documents are unavailable, schools may accept TWO of the follow-

ing documents: utility bill, auto registration, driver’s license, or voter registration as proof that the parent(s)

own and live at the residence.

Rented or leased residence: a copy of the lease, rental agreement, or a letter from the landlord.

Divorced parents: a certified copy of the final judgment of divorce, court custody order, a court guardian-

ship order, or other such documents establishing the right of custody.

Separated parents: a notarized statement that the child actually lives in the home of the parent designated in

the child’s school records as the residential parent.

Students NOT residing with parents: submit Form 893 and a letter stating why student is living with the re-

sidential adult.

First Time Enrollment to a State of Florida School Before admitting a student to Florida schools for the first time, the school must have received several docu-

ments required by Florida Statutes as outlined below:

• A certificate showing a school-entry health examination performed within one year prior to enrollment.

• A valid HRS 680 Florida Certificate of Immunization (Kindergarten through Grade 12).

Enrollment to Seminole County Public Schools from Schools within the State Before admission to Seminole County Public Schools from other Florida counties, a student must have a Flori-

da Certificate of Immunization on file. This form is the HRS 680 form.

Transfers Any student who transfers from an in-state public or non-public school or out-of-state public or non-public

school shall be admitted upon presentation of the following data:

An official letter or transcript from a proper school authority which shows a record of attendance, aca-

demic information, and grade placement of the student;

Proof of immunization;

Proof of date of birth;

Proof of a medical examination completed within the last twelve months. When a student transfers into a Seminole County Public School from a public, private, or home school program,

the principal will determine grade level placement.

Middle School Instructional Program – Florida State Standards serve as the foundation of the middle school curriculum for the

Seminole County Public Schools. Student mastery of subject area content consists of such things as teacher observations, classroom

assignments, and exams.

Admissions

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Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) – Middle school students participate in the state’s accountability testing program. Student

performance in the areas of English Language Arts and Mathematics is assessed in grades 6-8. Student performance in science is also

assessed in grade 8 using FCAT Science.

Core Academic Program Requirements – Middle school students are required to receive 3 years of instruction in Language Arts,

Math, Science and Social Studies.

End of Course Exams (EOC):

Students who are enrolled in Algebra I, Geometry, and Biology will be required to participate in an End-of-Course Ex-

am. High school credit will be reflected on the transcript once the course and EOC have been successfully completed.

Middle grades students enrolled in Algebra I or Geometry must take the EOC assessment which constitutes 30% of the

student’s semester grades in the course. Students must earn a proficient score on the Algebra I EOC in order to earn a

standard high school diploma.

Civics EOC Exam Requirement for 7th grade students: A minimum of 30% of a student’s semester grade in the course

shall be based on the statewide standardized EOC assessment.

Additional Instructional Program Requirements – Middle school students have the opportunity to participate in regularly sched-

uled physical education classes, as well as exploratory, enrichment, and elective classes.

Grouping for Instruction – Flexible grouping of middle school students that is developmentally appropriate, ethnically diverse, and

instructionally sound is encouraged to increase student achievement. Any grouping of students must provide opportunities for re-

grouping of students during the school day in order to prevent the segregation or isolation of any student subgroup.

Advanced Courses – Advanced courses are offered in Math, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies (grades 6, 7, and 8). En-

rollment in advanced courses is open to any student who wishes to take on the challenge of a more rigorous curriculum that prepares

students for higher level courses in high school. Students are invited to enroll and are required to commit, in writing, to doing the

extra studying and work required to be successful in these courses. Please understand that if you make the commitment to take ad-

vanced courses that you MUST REMAIN in that course for at least a complete nine weeks.

High School Credit Courses – Middle school students enrolled in a high school credit course may not drop the course or transfer

into a lower level course after completion of the first nine week grading period.

Vertical Acceleration – Students demonstrating highly exceptional academic capabilities may be enrolled in single above-grade

level courses or be promoted to a grade level above their current placement. Parents must petition the principal for permission for

vertical acceleration. The principal will use the criteria identified in the Student Progression Plan to determine if vertical acceleration

is appropriate. These decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and the decision of the principal is final.

Intensive Instructional Support – Students in grades 6 through 8 who are not demonstrating satisfactory progress may be enrolled

in an acceleration support program during the school day for the purpose of providing immediate instructional support. Principals

may assign students to any one or all of the following acceleration support programs. Students assigned to these programs will re-

main in placement until they have demonstrated satisfactory performance as determined by a school wide system of progress moni-

toring.

1. Intensive Reading: Students who do not meet the requirements for satisfactory per formance in English language ar ts, may

be enrolled the following year in an accelerated reading support program. Middle grades students two or more years below grade

level may be enrolled into a double block of reading to accelerate foundational skills.

2. Intensive Mathematics: Students who do not meet the requirements for satisfactory per formance in mathematics, may be

enrolled the following year in an accelerated mathematics support program designed to develop a deeper understanding of math con-

cepts and to advance student learning.

Student Promotion – Middle school students must earn a yearly GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0. All courses taken in a school year, including

courses taken for high school credit, shall be included in the calculation of the yearly GPA.

Summer School– Summer school will not be held at the middles school level. Assignment/retention programs have

been developed at each middle school.

A copy of the Student Progression Plan is available on the SCPS website (http://www.scps.fl.us/). A hard copy is available at the school

Student Progression Plan

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English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

The purpose of the ESOL program is to provide English instruction for English Language Learners (ELL). If a parent

indicates on the student entry form that a language other than English, is used most often in the home, the student will be

given an English Proficiency Test (EPT) in order to determine the eligibility for the program. Once entered in the pro-

gram, students are placed in one of three levels. A student may remain in the program for as long as needed. Dismissal

from the program is based upon achieving a passing score on a required exit exam.

Exceptional Student Education (ESE)

Exceptional student support services are available for the exceptional student in order to fully meet his/her needs and

expectations. All exceptional student support services require staffing eligibility as determined by a Student Study Team.

Additional information on specific services or placement is available from the Guidance Office upon request. The fol-

lowing services are available at Markham Woods Middle School:

Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Deaf/Hard of Hearing

Emotionally/Behaviorally Disabled (EBD)

Gifted – Advanced courses available for Math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies

taught by a Gifted Endorsed teacher in grades 6, 7, and 8.

Occupational Therapy

Physical Therapy

Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD)

Speech and Language Therapy

Visually Impaired

The Academic Intervention Program (AIP)

AIP is an alternative to the traditional summer school program. Students assigned to the AIP are provided academic and

mentor support throughout the school year. As a result, students do not have to wait until the end of the school year be-

fore being provided interventions and remedial instruction.

The program includes increased parent involvement, greater individual student accountability, academic interventions,

study skills development, and systematic monitoring. The AIP has two distinct phases.

The first phase provides incoming assigned 6th grade students and retained 6th and 7th grade students the opportunity to

earn delayed assignment to the next grade level during the first nine weeks or the beginning of the second semester. In

order to be eligible to participate in Phase One, parents and students are required to sign a performance contract agreeing

to program expectations related to academics, attendance, and behavior.

Each student is assigned a case manager so immediate and consistent support can be provided throughout the school

year. Students meet with their case manager on a regular basis to review and discuss their class grades, attendance, be-

havior, and overall performance.

Phase One students are assigned/retained at their grade level but enrolled in the next higher grade level courses. This al-

lows the students to demonstrate they are capable of being successful at the next grade level and prevents them from fall-

ing behind their peers should they successfully complete the requirements for delayed assignment. Students who are not

successful in completing the requirements for delayed assignment are retained and returned to classes at the retained

grade level.

After School Tutorial:

A free after-school tutorial program to provide academic support is available on Mondays and Thursdays.

Academic Support

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Guidance Information

Certified School Counselors assist school personnel, parents, and students with relevant educational and

personal/social goals and develop and implement effective programs for all students while functioning as a

member of the school’s leadership team.

Schedule Change Policy

Markham Woods Middle School utilizes the Seminole County Public School automated scheduler to establish

student schedules. The automated scheduler is programmed to ensure equity and balanced class sizes. Sched-

ule changes will be made to correct misplacement; however, accommodations are NOT made to allow for pa-

rental preferences for teachers, lunch periods, or friends.

Final decisions on student schedules will be made upon receipt of 2016 FSA scores. Every effort will be made

to honor student/parent requests, as expressed in the spring registration process; however, please be advised

that the final student schedule may not be an exact match to expressed interest(s), due to Reading and/

or Mathematics support requirements, as well as the mosaic of interest in specific elective courses expressed

by the incoming (2016 - 2017) student body at each grade level.

Schedule-related concerns should be directed to the individual student’s counselor:

Rose Corte-Bowden: Students with last names A through Li

Cheryl Knight-Simpson: Students with last names Ll through Z

Grading Policy

Upon completion of each nine-week grading period, a Report Card will be issued. Please refer to the following

for the grading system for middle schools students in Seminole County Public Schools:

Letter Grade Percentage Range GPA Value Definition

A 90-100 4 Outstanding Progress

B 80-89 3 Above Average

C 70-79 2 Average Progress

D 60-69 1 Lowest Acceptable

F 0-59 0 Failure

I Incomplete

NG

*GPA Value= Grade Point Average (GPA) Value

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Advanced courses are open for enrollment to any student who desires to

self-select a more rigorous and challenging curriculum.

We hope that you are up to the challenge and will consider taking one or more advanced courses!

Determining that you are ready to accept the challenge of advanced coursework is an important decision. If

you are interested in taking an advanced course, you should ask yourself if you fit the profile of students who

typically do well in advanced courses.

An advance student is someone who typically…

• Makes schoolwork a priority.

• Is able to set aside time each night for schoolwork, including projects.

• Is well-organized and able to handle several tasks at once.

• Will extend and practice knowledge outside of the classroom.

•Are able to complete rigorous tasks

• Has a support system that is encouraging of academics.

• Have GRIT which means to have perseverance and passion for a long term goal

• Has Level 3 or higher test scores on the FSA.

If this sounds like you, please consider taking advanced courses. If you make the commitment to take an ad-

vanced course, you must remain in that class for at least the first nine weeks.

*Pre-requisite of the completion of PRIMES in 5th

grade is required for this course.

**Pre-requisite of the completion of GEMS is

required for this course. The student will earn

(weighted) high school credit with successful

completion of this course.

***The student will earn high school credit with

successful completion of this course.

****The student will earn (weighted) high school credit with successful completion of this course.

Advanced Student Profile

6th Grade Advanced Courses

Language Arts I, Advanced

Mathematics I, Advanced

Pre-Algebra (GEMS)*

Earth-Space Science, Advanced

World History, Advanced


Language Arts II, Advanced

Mathematics II, Advanced

Algebra I Honors**

Life Science, Advanced

Civics, Advanced


Language Arts III, Advanced

Algebra I***

Algebra I Honors ****

Geometry Honors ****

US History, Advanced

US History, Pre-AP

Physical Science, Advanced

Spanish I***

Biology Honors****

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Secondary Mathematics Course Sequence

Algebra I or its equivalent is required for high school graduation.

Students who accelerate and take high school math courses in middle school will still be required to suc-

cessfully complete four math courses while in high school.

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Course Offerings

6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade

Language Arts

Language Arts I

Language Arts I, Advanced

Language Arts

Language Arts II

Language Arts II, Advanced

Language Arts

Language Arts III

Language Arts III, Advanced

Mathematics

Mathematics I

Mathematics I, Advanced

Mathematics, GEM

Mathematics

Mathematics II

Mathematics II, Advanced

Algebra I Honors (HS Credit)

Mathematics

Pre-Algebra

Algebra I (HS Credit)

Algebra I Honors (HS Credit)

Geometry Honors (HS Credit)

Science

Earth/Space Science

Earth/Space Science, Advanced

Science

Life Science

Life Science, Advanced

Science

Physical Science

Physical Science, Advanced

Biology I Honors (online as elective)

Social Studies

World History

World History, Advanced

Social Studies

Civics

Civics, Advanced

Social Studies

US History

US History, Advanced

US History, Pre AP

Electives

Art 2-D1

Art/3-D1

Beginning Chorus I

Beginning Band I

Computer Applications*

Creative Writing

Drama I

Music Appreciation

Music Technology

PE*

Student Government **

TV Production**

Various Virtual Lab Offerings

Electives

Art/2-D1

Art 3-D1

Beginning Chorus I

Intermediate Chorus II

Advanced Chorus III**

Beginning Band I

Concert Band II

Wind Ensemble - Band III**

Junior Jazz Band**

Concert Jazz Band**

Drama I

Drama II

Drama III**

Music Appreciation

Music Technology

Orientation to Career and Technical

Occupations and Career Planning

(iJourneys)*

PE*


Yearbook**

TV Production**

Creative Writing and Journalism


Electives

Emerging Technology in Business *(HS

Credit)

Art/2-D1

Art/3-D1

Beginning Chorus I

Intermediate Chorus II

Advanced Chorus III**

Beginning Band I

Concert Band II

Wind Ensemble - Band III**

Junior Jazz Band**

Concert Jazz Band**

Drama I

Drama II

Drama III*

Music Appreciation

Music Technology

PE*


Yearbook**

TV Production**

Creative Writing and Journalism

Spanish I (HS Credit)


Students are enrolled in a minimum of 7 classes during the school year, including four core academic classes and three electives.

Elective classes may be semester classes (half year) or year-long classes. Students enrolled in academic support classes will be

limited in the number of electives taken in a school year.

* required elective courses **Audition / Application

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Language Arts I (1 Credit) Full Year

The purpose of this course is to provide grade 6 students, using texts of appropriate complexity, integrated lan-

guage arts study in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language for college and career preparation and

readiness.

Language Arts I, Advanced (1 Credit) Full Year

The purpose of this course is to provide grade 6 students, using texts of high complexity, advanced integrated

language arts study in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language for college and career preparation

and readiness. Through the application, analysis, evaluation, and creation of complex ideas that are often ab-

stract and multi-faceted, students are challenged to think and collaborate critically on the content they are

learning.

Mathematics I (1 Credit) Full Year

This course is designed to focus on four critical areas: (1) connecting ratio and rate to whole number multipli-

cation and division and using concepts of ratio and rate to solve problems; (2) completing understanding of

division of fractions and extending the notion of number to the system of rational numbers, which includes

negative numbers; (3) writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations; and (4) developing under-

standing of statistical thinking.

Mathematics I, Advanced (1 Credit) Full Year

This course is designed to focus on six critical areas: (1) connecting ratio and rate to whole number multiplica-

tion and division and using concepts of ratio and rate to solve problems; (2) completing understanding of divi-

sion of fractions and extending the notion of number to the system of rational numbers, which includes nega-

tive numbers; (3) writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations; (4) developing understanding of

statistical thinking; (5) developing understanding of and applying proportional relationships; and (6) develop-

ing understanding of operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations.

Mathematics GEMS (Great Exploration in Math) (1 Credit)

(Prerequisite: 5th Grade PRIMES) Full Year

This rigorous course combines content from 6th, 7th, and 8th grades in order to prepare students to be success-

ful in Algebra I Honors in 7th grade. Due to the quantity and rigor of material that students must learn for suc-

cess in Algebra I Honors, students will be expected to complete additional assignments and course-

work outside of the classroom on the computer. This work will be completed using a "virtual bridge" that pro-

vides computer-based instruction and assessment that the teacher will integrate into work completed in the

classroom.

Earth-Space Science (1 Credit) Full Year

Laboratory investigations that include the use of scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving,

laboratory apparatus and technologies, experimental procedures, and safety procedures are an integral part of

this course. This science course provides an opportunity for students to explore the Earth’s materials, process-

es, place in the universe, and history. Other topics covered in this course are Meteorology, Oceanography, As-

tronomy, and Geology.

6th Grade Academic Course Descriptions

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Earth-Space Science, Advanced (1 Credit) Full Year

Laboratory investigations that include the use of scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving,

laboratory apparatus and technologies, experimental procedures, and safety procedures are an integral part of

this course. This science course provides an opportunity for students to explore the Earth’s materials, process-

es, place in the universe, and history. Other topics covered in this course are Meteorology, Oceanography, As-

tronomy, and Geology. Laboratory investigations help students develop a growing understanding of the com-

plexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills to calibrate and troubleshoot equipment used to

make observations. Learners should understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret,

and present the resulting data.

World History (1 Credit) Full Year

The primary content for this course pertains to the world's earliest civilizations to the ancient and classical civ-

ilizations of Africa, Asia, and Europe. Students will be exposed to the multiple dynamics of world history in-

cluding economics, geography, politics, and religion/philosophy. Students will study methods of historical in-

quiry and primary and secondary historical documents.

World History, Advanced (1 Credit) Full Year

Students are empowered to perform at higher levels as they engage in the following: analyzing historical docu-

ments and supplementary readings, working in the context of thematically categorized information, becoming

proficient in note-taking, participating in Socratic seminars/discussions, emphasizing free-response and docu-

ment-based writing, contrasting opposing viewpoints, solving problems, etc. Students will develop and demon-

strate their skills through participation in a capstone and/or extended research-based paper/project.


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Language Arts II & Language Arts II, Advanced (1 Credit) Full Year



and readiness. Academic rigor is more than simply assigning to students a greater quantity of work. Through

the application, analysis, evaluation, and creation of complex ideas that are often abstract and multi-faceted,

students are challenged to think and collaborate critically on the content they are learning.

Mathematics II & Mathematics II, Advanced (1 Credit) Full Year

In this Grade 7 Mathematics course, instructional time will focus on five critical area: (1) solving problems

involving scale drawings and informal geometric constructions, and working with two- and three-dimensional

shapes to solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume; (2) drawing inferences about populations

based on samples; (3) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an asso-

ciation in bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations;

(4) grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; and (5) ana-

lyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and un-

derstanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.

Algebra I Honors (High School Credit) (1 Credit)

(Prerequisite: Mathematics, GEM) Full Year

This course includes a rigorous, in-depth study of all of the topics included in Algebra I, as well as absolute

value equations and inequalities, operations with rational expressions, solving rational equations, and charac-

teristics of quadratic graphs. *Students must pass the statewide, standardized end-of-course exam (EOC) to

receive HS credit.

Life Science & Life Science, Advanced (1 Credit) Full Year

This course includes basic safety skills, inquiry, critical thinking, use of the scientific method, measurement,

and the metric system. Emphasis is placed on the use of the scientific method to solve problems and under-

stand natural phenomena. The initial focus of the course includes the animal and plant cells, the classification

systems for the major kingdoms of life, heredity, and the study of the ecology of our surroundings before mov-

ing to the study of the human body, human health, human sexuality, genetics, and evidence on biological evo-

lution.

Civics & Civics, Advanced (1 Credit) Full Year

The primary content for the course pertains to the principles, functions, and organization of government; the

origins of the American political system; the roles, rights, responsibilities of United States citizens; and meth-

ods of active participation in our political system. The course is embedded with strong geographic and eco-

nomic components to support civic education instruction. *A minimum of 30 % of a student’s course grade

shall be based on the statewide, standardized end-of-course exam (EOC). *

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Language Arts III & Language Arts III, Adv (1 Credit) Full Year



and readiness. Academic rigor is more than simply assigning to students a greater quantity of work. Through

the application, analysis, evaluation, and creation of complex ideas that are often abstract and multi-faceted,

students are challenged to think and collaborate critically on the content they are learning.

Pre-Algebra (1 Credit) Full Year

This course is designed to analyze and represent linear functions and solve linear equations and systems of

equations; analyze two and three dimensional figures by using distance and angle relationships; analyze and

summarize data sets including box and whisker plots, scatter plots and lines of best fit; compare, contrast, and

convert between customary and metric systems; solve one and two step inequalities with one variable; and per-

form operations on real numbers using multi-step and real world problems.

Algebra I (High School Credit) (1 Credit)

(Recommended Prerequisite: Mathematics II, Advanced) Full Year

This course is designed to provide the foundation for future secondary mathematics courses and develop skills

needed to solve mathematical problems. Topics shall include, but are not limited to, functions, linear equations

and inequalities, systems of linear equations and inequalities, polynomials, operations with radical expressions,

solving quadratic equations, ratios, and proportions. Students must pass the statewide, standardized end-of-

course exam (EOC) to receive HS credit.

Algebra I Honors (High School Credit) (1 Credit)

(Recommended Prerequisite: Mathematics II Advanced) Full Year

This course includes a rigorous, in-depth study of all of the topics included in Algebra I, as well as absolute

value equations and inequalities, operations with rational expressions, solving rational equations and character-

istics of quadratic graphs. Students must pass the statewide, standardized end-of-course exam (EOC) to receive

HS credit.

Geometry Honors (High School Credit) (1 Credit)

(Prerequisite: Algebra I Honors) Full Year

This course includes a rigorous, in-depth study of all of the practical applications of geometric skills and con-

cepts in the real world, as well as, but not limited to, truth tables, vectors, Fibonacci sequence, coordinate ge-

ometry proofs, proofs involving circles, and problems involving cross sections of solids. Students must pass

the statewide, standardized end-of-course exam (EOC) to receive HS credit.

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Physical Science & Physical Science, Adv. (1 Credit) Full Year

Safety skills and the use of the scientific method and metric system are utilized to further students’ knowledge

of science. The content area for the eighth grade focuses on an introduction to chemistry and physics. Chemis-

try topics include properties of matter, changes of matter and the atomic model of matter. Physics topics in-

clude forces, energy, motion, light, and sound. Laboratory activities and safe laboratory techniques are an es-

sential part of the course. Projects are used to further the students’ understanding of the key concepts.

US History & US History, Adv. (1 Credit) Full Year

Primary content emphasis for this course pertains to the study of American history from the Exploration and

Colonization period to the Reconstruction Period following the Civil War. Students will be exposed to the his-

torical, geographic, political, economic, and sociological events which influenced the development of the Unit-

ed States and the resulting impact on world history. Honors/Advanced courses offer scaffold learning opportu-

nities for students to develop the critical skills of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation in a more rigorous and

reflective academic setting.

US History, Pre-AP (1 Credit) Full Year

This course is designed for the highly motivated student who wishes to pursue Advanced Placement courses in

high school. Instructional strategies that support the rigor, reading and writing of Advanced Placement course

work will be emphasized. These include: * College Board reading strategies (APPARTS, OPTIC, SOAP-

STone, etc.) * Structured note-taking, including Cornell notes. * The DBQ Project, and analysis of significant

historical documents, along with historical writing. * Extended research based project (e.g. History Fair pro-

ject, Mock Trial, etc.) ***While this Pre AP course does not qualify for High School credit, students who earn

a final grade of an A or B in the course will be guaranteed enrollment in AP Human Geography in 9th

Grade.


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Elective Course Descriptions

Emerging Technology in Business Grade 8 Semester REQUIRED COURSE This course provides instruction in electronic research methods; business communications including

speaking, listening, writing, and telecommunicating; multimedia presentation skills; ethical considerations related to technology; and

emerging technologies affecting business environments.. (High School Credit)

Art 2D Grades 6th – 8th Semester

Students explore media and techniques used to create a variety of 2-D artworks through developing skills in drawing,

painting, printmaking, and collage. Students practice, sketch, and manipulate the structural elements of art. Investigation

of artworks from Western and non-Western cultures provide a means for students to expand their understanding and ap-

preciation of the role of art in global culture.

Art 3D Grades 6th – 8th Semester Students begin an exploration of the structural elements of art used when creating 3-D forms. Additive and subtractive

processes are used to manipulate and construct sculptural or ceramic forms in media that may include, but are not limited

to clay, wood, plaster, found objects, and paper maché, with consideration of the workability, durability, cost, and toxici-

ty of the media used.

Beginning Band I Grades 6th – 8th Full Year Students with little or no instrumental experience develop foundational instrumental technique, foundational music liter-

acy, and aesthetic musical awareness through rehearsal, performance, and study of high-quality band literature. Instru-

mentalists work on the fundamentals of music notation, sound production, instrument care and maintenance, and person-

al and group rehearsal strategies. Performances are an integral part of the curriculum.

Concert Band II Grades 7th – 8th Full Year

Prerequisite: Beginning Band I or Audition

Concert Band is open to students at an intermediate level of development. Students should be proficient in music read-

ing, scales, tone production, and articulation. All of the basic techniques that were introduced in Beginning Band are fur-

ther developed in Concert Band. Greater emphasis is placed upon performing band music at an intermediate level. Stu-

dents will have after school rehearsals when necessary for concert preparation. Performances are an integral part of the

curriculum.

Wind Ensemble Band III Grades 7th – 8th Full Year

Prerequisite: Concert Band II

Audition/Director Recommendation ONLY; minimum GPA and discipline requirements

This is a year-long accelerated advanced level instrumental class for students who have successfully completed at least

one year of Beginning Band and/or Concert Band. Students will be given challenging opportunities to develop a higher

level of musicianship and performance skills through the study of different levels of styles of band literature. Students

will participate in concerts, Music Performance Assessment, and performance activities that enhance the school music

program and school. Performances are an integral part of the curriculum. Attendance at the annual Music Performance

Assessment (MPA) is required curriculum. Students are required to stay after school at various locations and re-

quire parental consent and transportation by parents.

Junior Jazz Band - Ensemble I Grades 7th – 8th Full Year

Prerequisite: Beginning Band I or Audition

The course explores the rhythmic and improvisational skills used to perform jazz as well as the stylistic and historical

understanding. Students will study the three basic types of jazz: rock, swing, and Latin. The instrumentation for this jazz

ensemble may consist of but not limited to trumpets, saxophones, trombones, bass guitar, guitar, drum set, and keyboard.

Placement in this class for bass guitar, guitar, drum set, and keyboard are by audition/director recommendation

only. Performances are an integral part of the curriculum.

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Concert Jazz Band – Ensemble II Grades 7th – 8th Full Year

Prerequisite: Concert Band II

Audition/Director Recommendation ONLY; minimum GPA and discipline requirements The course is a year-long accelerated advanced level instrumental class for students who have successfully completed at

least one year of Beginning Band and/or Concert Band. Students will be given challenging opportunities to develop a

higher level of musicianship and performance skills through the study of rhythmic and improvisational skills uses to per-

form jazz as well as the stylistic and historical understanding. Students will conduct advanced level study in three basic

types of jazz: rock, swing and Latin. The instrumentation for this jazz ensemble may consist of but not limited to trum-

pets, saxophones, trombones, bass guitar, guitar, drum set and keyboard. Students will participate in concerts, Music Per-

formance Assessment, and performance activities that enhance the school music program and school. Students will gain

a broad and better understanding of music. Performances are an integral part of the curriculum. Attendance at the annual

Music Performance Assessment (MPA) is required.

Beginning Chorus I Grades 6th – 8th Full Year

Students with little or no choral experience develop beginning vocal technique and skills, critical and creative thinking

skills, and an appreciation of music from around the world and through time. Performances are an integral part of the

curriculum.

Intermediate Chorus II Grades 7th – 8th Full Year

Prerequisite: Beginning Chorus I

Students will perform a variety of choral music while continuing to improve vocal and performance techniques and sight

-singing. Performances are an integral part of the curriculum.

Advanced Chorus III Grades 7th – 8th Full Year

Prerequisite: Beginning Chorus I

Audition/Director Recommendation ONLY

Students will perform a challenging repertoire, while continuing to study vocal and performance techniques and sight-

singing. Students will perform advanced mixed voiced choral literature of various styles. Students must have strong mu-

sicianship skills. Performances are an integral part of the curriculum.

Computer Applications Grade 6th Semester

REQUIRED COURSE This course includes but is not limited to instruction in intermediate keyboarding, inter -

mediate word processing, intermediate electronic presentation, intermediate computer hardware, intermediate Internet,

introductory spreadsheet, and soft skills for business applications.

Creative Writing Grades 6th – 8th Semester

The purpose of this course is to enable students to learn and use writing and language skills for creative expression in a

variety of literary forms. Emphasis will be on development of a personal writing style. All students will be given the op-

portunity to develop their skills writing short stories, poetry and films/plays.

Drama I Grades 6th – 8th Semester

Students learn the basics of building a character through such activities as pantomime, improvisation, and effective

speaking using articulation, projection, and breathing. Students also learn the importance of technical theatre and explore

the use of such elements as costumes, props, and scenery. Students practice writing for the theatre and explore various

theatre roles and functions.

Drama II Grades 7th – 8th Semester

Prerequisite: Drama I Students with previous theatre experience and instruction continue to study acting, design, and dramatic literature to in-

crease the enjoyment and understanding of what is required to prepare plays for the public. Students explore theatre hist


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Drama III Grades 7th – 8th Full Year

Audition/Director Recommendation ONLY

This is a performance troupe that is a continuation of Drama II and will teach students essentials of performing, direct-

ing, and criticism. Students will have several opportunities to perform. Performances are an integral part of the curricu-

lum.

Music Appreciation Grades 6th – 8th Semester

Students explore the essential elements of 20th- and 21st-century music in America and global cultures. Students reflect

on the significance of social influences and historical events on the development of music.

Music Technology Grades 6th – 8th Semester

Students investigate the fundamental applications, tools, history, and aesthetics of music technology. Student musicians

explore traditional, current, and emerging technologies, including personal devices; and use them to explore, capture,

create, arrange, manipulate, reproduce, and distribute music.

Orint. to Car. and Tech. Occ. and Career Planning (iJourneys)

REQUIRED COURSE Grade 7 Semester

This blended course meets the state of Florida’s career education requirement for promotion to high school, will include

a 4-year plan for high school connected to potential career paths, and will provide some of the information needed to

earn the Digital Literacy certificate.

Physical Education Grades 6th – 8th Semester or Full Year

REQUIRED COURSE Students par ticipate in a var iety of exper iences that enhance sports skills, cardiovascular

endurance, and overall fitness through a wide range of individual and team sports in physical education. Rules, relevant

facts, and sportsmanship will be taught to students in these activities. Emphasis is placed on students enjoying physical

activity and learning lifetime skills to maintain wellness, while in a safe and healthy environment.

Spanish I Grade 8th Full Year

Recommended Prerequisite: Beginning Spanish (Virtual Lab)

This course is designed to emphasize speaking and listening skills with students’ oral participation in the target lan-

guage. Reading and writing are introduced and basic grammar structures explained. Students will be introduced to the

culture and customs of various Spanish-speaking countries. At the completion of this course students will earn a high

school credit. (High School Credit)

Student Government Grades 6th – 8th Full Year

Prerequisite: Application Required

Students will study global governments, parliamentary procedure, participate in organizing school events, and leadership

activities. Students will participate in a school-wide election for officer positions.

TV Production Grades 7th – 8th Semester or Full Year


Video Production I is designed to introduce students to television production techniques. The course will include televi-

sion history, script writing and interviewing techniques. Students will be introduced to production roles, basic equipment

use and basic editing techniques.

Yearbook Grades 7th – 8th Full Year


This academic course gives students an opportunity to develop skills in writing, editing, rewriting and proofreading.

Creating and refining captions and headlines is a challenge, and all students will improve these writing skills. Students

also develop skills in design, desktop publishing, and photography. Technology is part of this curriculum, as well; stu-


17

ePathways

Seminole County Schools recognizes that today’s students learn in different ways, at different rates, and on different

schedules. Our schools now offer the flexibility to accommodate today’s students and families through a variety of

choice programs that include full-time or part-time virtual coursework for students in grades six through twelve. These

programs offer a wide-range of acceleration opportunities, as well as credit recovery and remediation, through blended

schedules that permit students to take some face-to-face courses and some virtual courses, depending on each student’s

most optimal learning situation.

Seminole County students will have the opportunity to choose the educational pathway - the ePathway - that best suits

their learning style, personal interests and academic strengths. Students will have a variety of course options, both core

and elective, that can be taken in a modern classroom setting or in a virtual environment. Students may choose any blend

of virtual and traditional classes, including a full-time schedule of online courses, while remaining publicly enrolled at

Markham Woods, and participating in the extracurricular activities of their choice. Virtual classes can be taken either in

a computer lab setting at the school or at home.

Enrollment in virtual courses is contingent upon the ability of the school to provide an appropriate learning space or the

ability of the student to leave campus to complete the virtual courses at home. All courses must be approved by the

Guidance Counselor. Virtual school grades shall be included in the calculation of the middle school GPA. Courses taken

with SCVS must be completed by the end of the traditional school calendar. Students enrolled in virtual courses must

provide their counselors with a final grade on or prior to the last day of the school year.

Students have a 28 day grace period where they can withdraw or may be withdrawn from a course without penalty.

However, if a student is behind pace, the student may not be able to earn credit or may receive an “F” for that term if

they re-enroll in the traditional classroom.

Students must meet course prerequisites prior to enrolling in a virtual course for high school credit. High school credits

(such as Algebra I, Biology I, etc) are not recorded on a student’s transcript until the student is officially enrolled in high

school. Please see your counselor for details on course availability.

Through these options, Markham Woods Middle School students will experience a rigorous academic, individualized

and flexible learning experience that best accommodates their individual needs, while participating in an array of extra-

curricular activities, performing arts, visual arts and athletic teams – The Triple A Experience!

These courses will be taken online during the school day through a Virtual Lab.

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Virtual Electives

M/J Critical Thinking Grades 6th – 8th Semester

Gain strategies to find important information quickly, transfer it to long-term memory, and perform better on assign-

ments and tests. You will learn to become a more efficient learner, find balance, and prioritize goals.

M/J Career Research & Desc. Making Grades 6th – 8th Semester

Learn how to set goals and develop an understanding about making informed career decisions. Throughout this course,

you will participate in several self-assessment activities to help you become more aware of your unique interests, values,

and skills.

M/J Creative Photography Grades 6th – 8th Semester or Full Year

Learn and apply basic camera skills to photograph animals, people, and landscapes. You will select subjects, take photo-

graphs, and print and display memories in your own portfolio. You must have access to a digital camera (cell phone

cameras do not meet the requirement) to take this course.

M/J Beginning Spanish Grades 7th – 8th Semester or Full Year

Learn basic Spanish phrases and vocabulary through interactive lessons that include images, recordings, and videos.

M/J Intermediate Spanish Grades 7th – 8th Semester or Full Year

Journey to Spain, Puerto Rico, Colombia, and Argentina with our student traveler, Cristina. Learn new words and

phrases with pictures, audio clips, and videos, and acquire conversation basics through interactive reading, writing, lis-

tening, and speaking exercises.

Leadership Skills Development (HS Credit) Grades 7th – 8th Semester or Full Year

Succeed in high school, college, and beyond by taking your future into your own hands. In this two-semester course, you

will learn how to take action, manage your time, chart your goals, and many other leadership techniques. This course

provides electives credit only.

Life Management Skills (HS Credit) Grades 7th – 8th Semester

Learn how to deal with real issues that impact your everyday life, such as nutrition, substance abuse, stress, and health.

This course provides you with the facts you need to make important and informed decisions.

Biology I Honors (HS Credit) Grade 8th Semester or Full Year

Must be taken concurrently with Geometry Honors & Physical Science, Advanced

This course is designed to help students develop skills in the areas of cooperative learning, critical thinking, the Scien-

tific Method, and the utilization of technology in the research of contemporary problems and issues. The study of life

processes will include cellular Biology, Genetics, Ecology, animal and plant Anatomy and Physiology, as well as an in-

troduction to the structure and function of the human body. This course also offers students an opportunity to become

familiarly with scientific instruments and methods. *Students will be required to take an end of course exam (EOC).*

HOPE (HS Credit) Grade 8th Semester or Full Year

Experience the many benefits of regular physical activity, proper nutrition, and sound decision making. After assessing

your current physical fitness and defining personal goals, you will apply fitness training principles to improve health and

skill-related areas of fitness.

Personal & Family Finances (HS Credit) Grade 8th Semester

Journey to Spain, Puerto Rico, Colombia, and Argentina with our student traveler, Cristina. Learn new words and

phrases with pictures, audio clips, and videos, and acquire conversation basics through interactive reading, writing, lis-

tening, and speaking exercises.

Personal Fitness (HS Credit) Grade 8th Semester

Along with your personal trainer (your teacher), you will assess your physical condition, set realistic health goals, and

maintain a workout log to measure progress.

For more VIRTUAL ELECTIVE COURSE options, please visit http://

www.scps.k12.fl.us/epathways/Home/QuickLinks/VirtualOptions.aspx

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Interscholastic Sports

Markham Woods Middle School offers all students the opportunity to participate in an interscholastic sports program. In

order to participate, students are required to have a physical examination, have parent permission, and provide proof of

insurance. Students selected for the competitive teams are required to pay a registration fee. Students will not be exclud-

ed from play due to an inability to pay. Scholarships are available.

Sixth and seventh grade students may be selected to participate in Junior Varsity competition. Seventh and eighth grade

students may be selected to participate in Varsity competition. All interscholastic sports participants must maintain a 2.0

Grade Point Average (GPA) or better on their most recent report card. If participating in fall sports, the GPA from the

previous school year will be considered. During participation, if a student’s GPA falls below the required 2.0, the student

will be removed from the team.

Good sportsmanship and adherence to the Seminole County Conduct and Discipline Code is expected of all student ath-

letes.

Markham Woods Middle School offers the following sports teams:

Volleyball

Cross Country

Track & Field

Cheerleading

Basketball

Step Team

Intramural Sports

Intramural sports are offered after school and are provided free of charge to our students. Activities may include volley-

ball, basketball, and other sports and are offered at no cost.

Fitness Club: Coach Porter is the sponsor of this year-long club that meets Tuesdays and Thursdays before

school.

Mustang Games: Students form teams and participate in the highlighted sport of the week. A parent permis-

sion slip is required for participation. Sports played may include: basketball, flag football, middle ball, soccer,

softball, volleyball, kickball, and may others. Mustang Games are held Mondays from 4:00 - 5:00 pm.

Sports Programs

20

After-School Tutorial Program Students can use this time to complete homework, work on the computer for classes, or do projects. Teachers are availa-

ble to help students study for tests, quizzes, or help on homework. Students must register to attend and must be picked up

by the end of tutorial. Tutorials are held Mondays and Thursdays from 4:00 - 5:00 pm.

Art Club This is a club for students who are currently or previously enrolled in Art and would like to expand on the creative expe-

rience. Art club participates in community Art Festivals and creates projects for community events. The club sponsor is

Ms. Gilmartin.

Battle of the Books Our team consists of fifteen 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. We will read the 15 Sunshine State Books. We meet casually on

Wednesdays before school. At the end of the year, we will compete against the other 11 middle schools for the BOB

championship! Mrs. Picard is the Team Sponsor.

Green/Environmental Club Green Club is open to all students in all grade levels and is a unique and fun opportunity for students who are interested

in making a positive impace on the school and the community. The focus of Green Club is to establish connections be-

tween classroom concepts and hands-on, real-life applications. These include campus improvement projects, observa-

tions of plants and animals in the community, and student involvement in maintaining the school's vegetable garden.

Meetings usually begin in the classroom - but often move to various places on campus (including the garden!) depending

on the day's activity. So be ready to get dirty! Club sponsor is Mr. Fabian.

Inspire Show Choir The Inspire Show Choir is an extracurricular, auditioned choir whose main goal is to combine both singing and choreog-

raphy to provide our students with an interdisciplinary artistic experience. The Inspire Show Choir sings music from the

light pop and stage musical genres. At least one year of Chorus experience at MKMS is required to audition. Auditions

traditionally take place at the beginning of May. Rehearsals for this group are held before school on predetermined days.

Junior Thespians

Junior Thespians is a drama club that is available to 7th and 8th grade students, by audition only. Junior Thespians par-

ticipate in drama festivals and workshops throughout the year. Students can participate in theatre events ranging from

monologues to musical theatre, pantomime to playwriting. Auditions are held once a year in the fall.

Math Competitions

MATHCOUNTS! The mission of MATHCOUNTS is to inspire excellence, confidence, and curiosity in middle school students

through a fun and challenging math club. MATHCOUNTS Club starts in September and is held in the morn-

ing one day a week from 8:30 - 9:10 am. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, Algebra, Geometry,

Probability, Statistics, and Number Theory. Ten students from the club are chosen to represent Markham

Woods at the annual Chapter Competition held in February. If you love math and love a challenge, this is defi-

nitely the club for you. All 6th - 8th grade students are invited to attend. The club sponsors are Mrs. Culp and

Mrs. Mathews.

MU ALPHA THETA Mu Alpha Theta hosts competitions for three months for high school honors/gifted mathematics courses. At

Markham Woods we participate in both the Algebra 1 and the Geometry competitions. Any student registered

for Algebra Honors or Geometry at MKMS is welcome to register for and attend these competitions. Practices

are held Fridays before school from 8:30 - 9:10 for the Geometry students and after school Fridays 4:00 - 5:00

for the Algebra students starting in September. This is a great way to challenge students in their own content

area. The club sponsor is Mrs. Mathews.

Clubs & Activities

21

National Junior Beta Club

Membership in the Markham Woods Middle School Beta Club is by invitation to those students who have shown,

through their academic achievement, that they have high academic standards. Students with a cumulative grade point

average of 3.5 in the 7th grade year are invited to be installed as members. Membership is open 8th grade students only.

The purpose of the National Beta Club is to promote the ideals of character, service, and leadership among students, to

reward meritorious achievement and to encourage and assist students in continuing their education after high school. The

National Beta Club, a student-centered organization, continually develops and nurtures individuals by providing oppor-

tunities and experiences enabling them to demonstrate the ideals of character, achievement, service and leadership in a

global community. The club sponsor is Mrs. Scherer.

National Spanish Junior Honor Society—“Sociedad Hispánica de Amistad” The purpose of the Society is to promote cross-cultural acceptance and understanding in students of Spanish I and to en-courage service to school and community. Any student who is enrolled in a Spanish I class is eligible for membership. Regular members participate in projects in the areas of ambassadorship, service to school, and service to community. Students have fun while building interest and helping others. NSJHS sponsor is Mrs. Vargas.

Read to Lead The Read to Lead Team meets, the second semester, two days a week from 4:00 - 5:30 pm to read and interact with high

interest Sunshine State novels. Students participate in novel-related group discussions and highly engaging activities to

prepare for the ultimate competition in May! Thirty students are selected for the team. Fifteen students will go to the

competition. In May, the team will compete against other middle school teams in an action-packed, fact-driven question

and answer event to determine supreme knowledge and skill related to the novels! Additionally, Mr. Durias and staff

members play basketball with the students from 5:00 - 5:30 pm. We call it Books and Basketball!

Clubs & Activities

22

What does Markham Woods Middle School look like?

Our middle school is composed of six brick building surrounding a central courtyard. We have one media cen-

ter and a learning center in buildings 2, 3, and, 4. There are playing fields for activities and several basketball

courts. We also have large choral, band, and art classrooms.

When is the first day of school and what should I bring?

School is scheduled to begin on August 10, 2016. Your teachers will tell what you need for each class, so bring

a folder, notebook, paper, pencil, your lunch (or money), and yourself! A supply list will be published on the

school’s website.

Will we get to visit Markham Woods before school starts?

Schedule pick-up day will be prior to the first day of school. You will be able to visit your classrooms and get

more information at that time.

How will I know where to go on the first day of school?

At schedule pick-up you will be able to visit your classrooms, receive supply lists, purchase PE uniforms, join

our PTSA, view the bus schedule, and receive lunch information. Don’t worry! There will be plenty of people

to help you find your way around!

Will the work be much harder than 5th Grade?

The work may seem harder at first, since you may not be familiar with changing classes. If you are organized,

you should not have a problem.

Will I have a locker?

A P.E. locker to store your change of clothes and a Band locker to store your instrument will be provided.

Hallway lockers are not available.

What if I do not know anyone in my class?

Unless you just moved here, that is very unlikely. However, if you don’t know someone, just go up to them

and say “hi!”

Will I be able to make new friends?

YES! You may already know many of the students in your classes, but some may be new. In a few weeks, you

will make many new friends on campus!

Will older kids pick on me?

Markham prides itself on receiving the PBS (Positive Behavior Support) Gold Status Model School Award.

Our staff is committed to making sure every student is safe. If someone does bother you, don’t be afraid to tell

a teacher, administrator, counselor, or any other adult.

What about lunch!?

Lunch period lasts 30 minutes and you have lots of food choices every day! You may also bring your lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

23

Will I get in trouble if I’m late to class?

While you are still finding your way around within your first week and you are late, the teachers will under-

stand. After that, your teachers will follow the procedures for tardiness according to the school rules.

What do we do in P.E.?

You will cover many units in P.E. such as fitness, wellness, and a variety of team sports. You will be expected

to dress-out each day.

Are there after-school sports?

There are three after-school sports offered throughout the year: volleyball, cross-country, and track & field.

These teams compete against other middle schools in Seminole County. We also sponsor non-competitive

cheerleading squads and step teams that support school events.

If I have a problem, who can help me?

There are many adults at Markham Woods to help you: school counselors, teachers, administrators, and office

staff.

Will there be a dress code and school rules?

All students will be required to follow the SCPS Student Code of Conduct. Your teachers will discuss this in-

formation with you during the first few days of school.

Is there more freedom in middle school?

Yes, but with more freedom comes more responsibility. You will be expected to have self-control and to make

wise choices.

Markham Woods Mustangs dare to D.R.E.A.M.

Do your best.

Respect others.

Engage in learning.

Always be positive.

Manage yourself

Frequently Asked Questions

24

Seminole County Public Schools

(407) 320 – 0000

www.scps.k12.fl.us

* Updated 6/7/16 *

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