Middle School (Grades 6-8)

Southern Hills Academy offers a very unique and exciting middle school program. Our middle school students thrive in an environment that engages and challenges them, while taking into consideration the profound changes that take place during adolescence. Our classrooms encourage critical thinking, creativity and problem solving with a high interest curriculum that provides an excellent foundation for high school and life.

• Low teacher to student ratio allows our excellent teachers to truly know your child both academically and personally.
  
• Integrated, interesting and challenging curriculum.
  
• Teachers that have diverse backgrounds and "real world" experience in their fields of expertise.
  
• Special field trips and classroom guests to help our middle school students to not only build a strong academic foundation but also to have opportunities to apply and utilize their knowledge outside of the classroom.
  
• Plenty of opportunities for our students to be involved socially in Student Council, Make a Difference Day, the Buddie Program, Dance and Activity Nights as well as after school activities including intramural sports, art classes and dance classes.

Middle School Curriculum Overview

All students participate in a developmental environment that nurtures academic, emotional and social growth.

Reading/Language Arts
At Southern Hills Academy, reading and writing encompasses and integrates all academic areas. Our Language Arts program is a teacher-supported program that utilizes a wide variety of literature to provide students with opportunities to construct new meaning, learn and use a variety of effective reading and writing strategies, and develop an enthusiasm for life-long leisure reading. A variety fo literature genres and topics are utilized to keep middle school students interested. Literacy skills are practiced through research, library reference and internet technology. Students are engaged in journaling, guided and creative writing exercises, proof-reading and public speaking. Reading and writing strategies taught include: mapping, webbing, brainstorming, editing, vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and word processing. Oral presentations, along with small and large group discussions, are used to foster listening and speaking skills. In the Middle School, we use the "6+1 Traits of Writing" to teach students how to organize and improve their compositions. The program allows teachers to give students precise, complete feedback through a system of rubrics as they practice the writing process. Students write in a variety of genres and for a variety of purposes and audiences. Students discover that using the seven traits makes them proficient writers. Parents can learn more about the "6+1 Traits of Writing" at the following website:

http://www.kent.k12.wa.us/staff/LindaJancola/6Trait/6-trait.html

Mathematics
At Southern Hills Academy we are excited, and pleased to offer Everyday Mathematics out of the University of Chicago. Everyday Mathematics is a dynamic, challenging program that presents concepts in a meaningful way to children by using rich varied problems that are rooted in real world applications. Students are challenged not only to master basic math skills but to have a clear understanding of math concepts and how to utilize them in daily life. Students learn to work independently and in small groups. To find out more visit www.instruction.aaps.k12.mi.us/EM_parent_hdbk/index.html.

Science
Our science program uses a hands-on, minds-on approach that takes advantage of the student's inherent curiosity about how things work in the world. The purpose of this program is not only to provide our students with the opportunity to wonder about their world but to teach them scientific processes as they discover, investigate, build and experiment. Science is integrated into all subject areas at Southern Hills Academy.

It is the goals of middle school science at Southern Hills Academy to:

1. Continue to foster excitement and interest in Science and its relationship to the world around us.
2. Lay solid foundation for problem solving and critical thinking skills.

Social Studies
Southern Hills Academy seeks to help students understand their place in family history, community, city, state, country and world, through the study of the past and present. They will develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions as citizen of the United States. Geography is also an important part of our program. Through a study of USA and world history as well as geography, students will learn to relate to the world and recognize their place in it through use of maps and study of specific regions. Social Studies is integrated into all other curriculum areas.

World Language
Southern Hills Academy's curriculum leads students toward proficiency in reading, writing, speaking and understanding a world language for both practical and academic application, and opens students' minds to other cultures and world views. A study of a world language is offered with an emphasis on cultural study through song, celebrations, foods, traditions, history and geography. Students will become aware of other languages as a means of communication. They will learn to appreciate other cultures, and their music, art, literature, and history.

Technology
Students at Southern Hills Academy will use computers as an integral part of their daily classroom experience. We believe that our students should feel comfortable and competent using computers while understanding that they must be able to use them and other technological resources as an integral part of their daily lives.

We believe that technology is not only a necessary tool for our students, but part of a greater appreciation of the world around them. Our students use different types of technology, including computers, digital cameras, and calculators to:

1. Create
2. Research
3. Reinforce new learning
4. Explore
5. Gather data

Art
The art experience at Southern Hills Academy enables students to develop creative personal expression through visual and verbal means. Art experiences at all levels enable students to develop an aesthetic response to a global, cultural and artistic heritage. Students develop art skills through the exploration of a variety of media while exploring the relationship of art to society. Each child's unique artistic experience, statement, and potential are celebrated.

Music
The music department at Southern Hills Academy encourages students to become lifelong participants in music and to appreciate a wide spectrum of musical styles. Students are given the opportunity to participate in a variety of musical experiences. The curriculum focuses on music appreciation and history, with an emphasis on world cultures and connections to other subject areas. Students are encouraged to acquire an in-depth understanding of the development of music and musical styles and influences on culture and history through special projects and self-directed research.

Physical Education
Southern Hills Academy physical education program provides co-educational instruction that encourages participation and provides competition for students in a suitable and healthy environment. Each student develops social skills and attitudes, including independence, responsibility, leadership, cooperation, sportsmanship, and an appreciation of the capabilities of self and others.