Curriculum Information


OVERVIEW OF JHMS CURRICULUM

LITERATURE/LANGUAGE ARTS

Students learn best when they write about what they read.  Literature/Language Arts instruction is integrated into a double period block.   Block scheduling will allow in-depth study, improve parent communication, and ease the transition for incoming 6th graders.  It represents a commitment to incorporating the middle school concept into our curriculum wherever appropriate.  All students are required to independently read books and complete the required activities that are assigned at each grade level.  Students are asked to read a variety of books including mysteries, adventures, classics, non-fiction, and biographies, depending on grade level projects.

Literature/Language Arts classes stress integration of grammar, 6-Trait writing process, extended response and reading challenging novels into our literary studies and cross-curricular units.

MATHEMATICS

Mathematics is a language we use to identify, describe, and explore challenges of real life.  Hille's math curriculum is aligned with the Illinois State Standards to help students increase their understanding of mathematics and develop their critical thinking.  Through problem-solving, communication, use of technology, and teamwork, students will recognize and apply connections in many settings, including those beyond the classroom.

Our math series (Glencoe/McGraw-Hill 2010 ed.) contains Course 1, Course 2, and Pre-Algebra.  Eighth grade students in Advanced Math use the Glencoe Algebra text.  Course 1 and Course 2 deal with applications and connections.  Pre-Algebra is an integrated transition to Algebra and Geometry.  The math program allows all 8th grade students to take Pre-Algebra as a regular course of study, which has shown students to be much better prepared for high school mathematics.  Those students in Algebra 1 take math placement exams for the opportunity to place in higher level classes at Oak Forest High School.  All students spend 200 minutes a week developing their understanding of the "Language of Mathematics."  The textbook, workbook, and supplemental study materials are available at www.math.glencoe.com.

SOCIAL SCIENCES

Sixth grade Social Science is taught examining ancient cultures of the world.  The text, Ancient Civilizations (Holt), stresses geography, economics, and sociology.  Skills taught include map and globe reading, chart and interpretation, critical thinking, and cultural understanding.

Seventh grade Social Science is split into two different units.  The first half of the year the students will be covering human geography.  The students will be using the textbook World Geography (Holt).  The second half of the year, students will be covering the United States and Illinois Constitution.  Seventh graders are expected to take the federal and state tests which are required by state law in order to graduate from 8th grade.

Eighth grade Social Science is taught from the start of the Civil War to the present.  The textbook United States History: Civil War to the Present (Holt) develops key themes in American History and highlights our multi-cultural heritage.  It helps the students build strong geography skills as well as pay close attention to the major events that have happened throughout history.

The Social Science textbook is available online. Contact your child's Social Science teacher for additional information.

 

SCIENCE

The Science curriculum at Hille covers a wide range of concepts.  For example, in 6th grade the concepts encompass the Earth Sciences: Environment, Ecology, Seasons, Rocks and Minerals, Earthquakes, Plate Tectonics, Volcanoes and our Solar System.

The 7th grade centers around the Physical and Biological sciences. We continue to broaden students' knowledge about the Environment, then move into our other units on Forces, Motion, Energy, Density, Cells, Genetics and Heredity. The 8th grade focuses on Experimental Design, Energy Consumption, Magnetism and Electricity as well as Chemistry.

With the inclusion of "hands-on" projects and the use of technology, our program integrates and connects the sciences to each other and links science to other curriculum areas and to daily life.

The textbooks we use in science are from the Science Explorer series from Prentice Hall books.  Students and parents alike have internet access to this series for studying and reviewing concepts.  It offers internet links to other websites as well for enhanced learning.

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION/HEALTH

All students participate in physical education five days a week.  Areas of concentration include: rhythms, skill development leading into team games, and life-time sports.  Sixth and seventh graders will be provided with 9 weeks of health instruction throughout the year.  Students will study units such as First Aid and Safety, Physical Fitness, Medicines and The Body, Adolescent Growth, and Consumer Health Care. 

Students need to develop a system to properly care for shoes and gym suits.  All clothing should be marked in ink.  Cleanliness is a student/parent responsibility.  Students have been told NOT to bring money, jewelry or other valuables to gym for security reasons.  These kinds of items should be secured in their regular locker.  All students are assigned an individual locker for gym and are required to purchase a gym lock from the PE department.

 

ENCORE PROGRAM

Students have an opportunity to receive instruction in a variety of "special" subjects.  Various grade levels have the opportunity to take classes in Foreign Language, Foreign Language Survey, Computer Science, Art, General Music, Public Speaking, Applied Technology, Reading Strategies, Band, and Choir.  The classes offered will allow students to develop personal skills and interests in a variety of areas.  Encore classes are assigned to students based on their core classes and schedule; parents and students do not choose these classes.

French and Spanish:  FOREIGN LANGUAGE (Encore)

French and Spanish are offered to interested 7th grade students.  Foreign language is a two- year program that emphasizes reading, writing, grammar, speaking and listening skills.  Students must maintain a ‘C' average in order to remain in the program.  This course is equivalent to the freshman course taught at Oak Forest High School.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE SURVEY (Encore)

Foreign Language Survey (FLS)  is an introduction to the French and Spanish speaking world.  Sixth graders will have an opportunity to explore general topics which include basic geography, holidays and customs, history, and of course an introduction to the languages as well.  This class will last for one quarter.

APPLIED TECHNOLOGY (Encore)

The Applied Technology class will utilize Synergistic Modules. These modules will deliver interactive, multimedia, hands-on curriculum, which will include video, text, graphics, and animations. Every module will integrate elements of math, science, technology, careers, and language arts. Module topics include: Alternative Energy, Applied Physics , Audio Broadcasting, CADD, Computer Graphics & Animations, Digital Videos, Electronics, Environmental Issues, Flight Module, Forensic Science, Horticulture, Practical Skills, Robots, Rocketry and Space, Unsolved Mysteries, Video Production, Webmaster, Fashion and Textiles, Food Science, Hotel Management, Interior Design, and Sewing and Design. 6th graders enrolled in Applied Technology A and/or B will take one quarter rotation; 7th and 8th graders enrolled in the course will take a semester.

PUBLIC SPEAKING (Encore)

Students in the Public Speaking class will have an opportunity to gain skill, confidence, and fluency in public speaking. Students will develop an understanding of both basic communication principles and public speaking strategies through their application of these principles to a variety of speaking assignments. Students will learn about the role of communication in our lives, the communication model, spatial relationships, delivery styles, and the effectiveness of language, gestures, and organization techniques. Public Speaking is a quarterly course for 6th grade only.

READING STRATEGIES (Encore)

Reading Strategies is a differentiated, student- centered learning experience for middle school students. Students are assessed on an individual basis and curriculum will be scaffolded to meet students' needs.  Each student's individual strengths and areas of improvement will be developed.  Based on individual learning levels of students, curriculum will involve areas of main ideas, context clues, summarizing, predicting, connecting, literary forms, vocabulary enhancement, and inferencing. 6th graders enrolled in Reading Strategies will take one quarter rotation; 7th and 8th graders enrolled in the course will take a semester.

SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES

Our primary goal at Hille is to promote the academic success of students with disabilities by supporting differentiation in general education, access to general curriculum and standards, and providing special education instruction according to need.

All children have a right to a free, appropriate public education, and Forest Ridge School District 142 is committed to providing these services within a student's home school district to the maximum extent appropriate. We offer a wide variety of services including academic instruction, behavioral support, social work, speech, assessment, transportation, and transition planning. Services such as occupational and physical therapies, vision and hearing itinerant, and assistive technology support are provided in conjunction with the Southwest Cook County Cooperative Association for Special Education (SWCCCASE) located at 6020 W. 151st Street, in Oak Forest, just west of Hille. SWCCCASE provides many opportunities for staff and families to attend professional development activities throughout the year. Please visit their Learning Links page regularly to review and sign up for free professional development http://www.swcccase.org/

If you should have a concern about a student, there are established consultation teams in each building. The principal, special education staff, and Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) office are available to assist during evaluations and consultations. There are special education teachers, social workers, speech therapists, and psychologists assigned to every building. Feel free to contact the Hille office or PPS office regarding questions or concerns.

Please note:

Should you have further questions regarding curriculum, you may contact your child's teacher or a corresponding department chairperson.