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Middle School (6-8)

middle girls
Beginning in Middle School, our goal is to help each student manage the excitement that accompanies this new range of experiences and expectations. We continually reinforce the study skills and organizational strategies necessary for success in High School.  Students change classes throughout the day, gaining exposure to different teachers and styles. ASB follows a block schedule system, which mirrors many college prep high school programs. These longer periods allow students more classroom time to dive deeper and apply information in both labs and discussion.
 
As part of our mission and providing service to the entire community, students begin a three year journey called Missionary Discipleship.  Missionary Discipleship differs from community service or volunteer work because the education of the student is at the core.  ASB students graduate as respectful and contributing members of the local and global community.
 
Middle school students who require an additional level of support, may qualify for The Reinventing Achievement and Development Program – also known as RAD. In this support program, students gain systematic academic, executive functioning, and social/emotional support in a small group setting. Through RAD, students learn to successfully navigate the increasing demands of middle school education, and prepare for their upcoming transition to high school.
ASB School uses the Common Core State Standards in all mathematics classes. All teachers use a varied approach to instruction and assessment to ensure that all students are challenged at an appropriate level and learning key concepts appropriate to their age and development. In addition to student outcomes, the School-wide Learning Expectations (SLEs) are integrated into the mathematics curriculum in the following ways:
 
  • Students will communicate effectively by solving problems using words, numbers, and pictures. This will be done individually and in groups with an emphasis on articulating the thought processes involved in reaching an answer.
  • Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills by investigating and analyzing possible strategies to solve problems. They will draw conclusions, verify results and check for reasonableness of solutions.
  • Students will demonstrate that they are lifelong learners by showing curiosity and enthusiasm for applying mathematical concepts in daily life, and to other academic areas.
  • Students strive for excellence by assessing their own areas of strength and for growth in the area of mathematics. They set personal standards of quality for their own performance.
  • Students live as people of integrity within their community by working through problems in large and small groups and by showing a willingness to help classmates who struggle.
 
The following are the norms we have established in all middle school math classes:
    • Everyone can learn math to the highest levels
    • Mistakes are valuable
    • Questions are really important
    • Math is about creativity and making sense
    • Math class is about learning not performing
    • Math is about connections and communicating
    • Depth is more important than speed

Grading Policies: Tests, quizzes and checkpoint assessments are used to determine student’s overall grade for mathematics. Completion of daily assignments provides practice and quick feedback on their progress toward understanding standards.
Missionary Discipleship differs from community service or volunteer work because the education of the student is at the core. Missionary Discipleship is a method in which classroom learning is applied through action that addresses an authentic community need and provides structured time for reflection on the service experience and demonstration of acquired skills and knowledge. Because the education of the student is at the core of student learning, student participation in the process is essential. Students will identify a need, plan and prepare for the missionary discipleship, carry out the plan of action and reflect upon the experience.

The ASB Middle School Missionary Discipleship experience will begin in 6th grade and continue through 8th grade. Beginning in 6th grade, students will build a portfolio of assignments, writing, and reflections of their missionary discipleship service. Students will add to the portfolio in 7th grade and 8th grade. Using the materials completed and
collected, 8th graders will complete a final reflection of their missionary discipleship service through middle school.
 
Through the final reflection, students will demonstrate their ability to connect the cognitive, social and emotional aspects of the experience to the larger context of self, the community and the world. In addition, the students make explicit what and how they have learned and what they have accomplished. The final reflection project provides students with the opportunity to celebrate and share their accomplishments with the community. Eighth graders will have the opportunity to share their projects with their ASB Family at the end of the school year. Additionally, the final reflections will be shared with the Protz family with regard to the Melissa Ann Protz “Go Make a Difference” Award.