Middle School (5-8) in Lexington, KY | Sayre School Middle School Sayre Middle School, grades 5-8, is a place where academic excellence meets joyful learning. We are committed to helping young people delve deeply into intellectual topics through cooperation, collaboration, and rich investigations. We teach students to ask important questions and to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information to find solutions. Our faculty are experts at working with this developmental age, allowing young people to stretch their boundaries and find their place in the world. A 1-to-1 iPad program brings 21st century learning strategies into the classrooms 100% of students take Visual Art, Theatre, and Music classes each year Students participate in about three hours of Physical Education classes each week, daily recess and morning breaks, and wrap-up sessions at the conclusion of every day Over 75% of students are involved in one or more school-sponsored athletic teams Students present publicly the results of their research and original work. Elective period provides opportunities for exploration in theatre, community, art, chorus, Quick Recall, videography, and other technology topics. Weekly Flex Period affords time within the schedule to conduct all-school programs, grade level meetings, and division-wide celebrations Students have the opportunity to take classes at the Upper School level in Modern Language and Mathematics RESOURCES MS Newsletter MS Student Handbook Dress Code Grade 5 Weekly Schedule Grades 6-8 Weekly Schedule Forms and Information SAYRE WINS FIRST PLACE! Curriculum Sayre's Middle School provides a curriculum designed to equip young people with the information, skills, and discernment they need to make good choices. In a nurturing and supportive atmosphere, our students learn the value of attaining fluency in another language in order to thrive in a diverse global society, to see that community service and awareness are the responsibilities of every concerned citizen, to grasp the importance of communication, both written and oral, to realize that education is a life-long process,  and to recognize that increased freedom and independence come with heightened responsibilities. Fine Arts History Mathematics World Languages Physical Education Science Technology and Computer Science Sayre creates an environment in which students are immersed in literature and writing, encouraging students to become accurate, life-long readers and skilled writers aware of their own voices, while deepening students' awareness of themselves, others, and the world. 5th Grade 6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade Read from a variety of genres Introduce students to figurative language Practice using text evidence for comprehension Practice inference skills for comprehension Explore theme(s) in literature Write daily Build vocabulary through lessons Study and practice grammar skills Introduce plot and the elements of narrative Write daily in short/medium/long formats Learn to write for different rhetorical types Read critically from a variety of genres Investigate interdisciplinary themes (especially in relation to 6th grade Social Studies) Study and practice grammar skills Build vocabulary through lessons and use Read literature in its historical context Develop an increasingly sophisticated vocabulary for use in both oral and written formats Write creative pieces that spring from the novels read Write expository pieces analyzing the works studied throughout the year Review books through oral presentations, book trailers, and posters Analyze novels, short stories, and poems Develop an understanding of writer's voice Develop transitional sentences in writing Study the rules of grammar and mechanics in relation to the development of one’s writing Focus on outside readings as a means of not only exploring interests but also increasing reading fluency and comprehension. Write original short stories focusing on voice, character, and conflict Develop an increasingly sophisticated vocabulary for use in both oral and written formats Closely read literary passages with an eye for figurative language and literary devices Analyze themes of utopia, dystopia, individuality, and power Extend poetry and short story analysis Read and write several forms of poetry Read a Shakespearean play Continue to review books through oral presentations, book trailers, and posters Further focus on grammar usage and punctuation in the context of student writing Compose and peer edit multiple essays Focus on outside readings as a means of not only exploring interests but also increasing reading fluency and comprehension. Sayre incorporates creativity, aesthetics, criticism, and history into a flexible and evolving curriculum which emphasizes the development of increasingly sophisticated skills and concepts through students' experiences in the arts. Each student in the Middle School takes Music, Theatre, and Visual Art every year. Fine Arts classes are scheduled each marking period and meet four times per week. Music Theatre Visual Arts 5th Grade Explore in detail instruments of the orchestra and the art form of ballet Discover famous composers throughout history Introduce beginning guitar skills 6th Grade Explore the history of Rock and Roll by reading and discussing the book, What is Rock and Roll , by Jim O'Connor Learn the rudiments of guitar, including pitches and chords Facilitate performance skills by practicing and performing songs played on the guitar 7th Grade Discover the history of Jazz Music in America Continued learning of technique and performance etiquette associated with playing the guitar (including performances in front of an audience) In depth study of rhythm, musical form, note identification, music history, and other music theory concepts 8th Grade Discover and explore the various genres of music, from rock to the history of classical music Expand on the guitar skills students learned in the 6th and 7th grades, becoming proficient on the guitar before leaving the 8th grade NOTE: Chorus in offered to students in the 5 th through the 8 th grade during the school day. NOTE: Students in the 7 th and 8 th grade have the opportunity to participate in the middle school musical. th Grade Introduce theatre vocabulary and early history with an exploration of Greek and Roman theatre Develop observation skills and discuss etiquette through ensemble-based activities Develop storytelling and character development skills through improvisation in large ensembles Explore essential vocal performance skills by recording radio play scripts and providing voiceovers for animation th Grade Explore musical theatre history, from vaudeville to Disney on Broadway Develop essential physical performance skills through the creation of an original pantomime scene Develop skills for scene work through improvisation in pairs and small ensembles Apply and hone essential acting skills by presenting monologues th Grade Develop script analysis skills through scene work activities and duet scene performances Introduce the concept of acting tactics and character objectives Explore Shakespeare’s impact on scripted dialogue and character development Explore backstage and offstage roles in the theatre industry through hands-on design activities 5th Grade Explore the Elements and Principles of Art Create a variety of color pallets Create two- and three dimensional artworks Discover and explore art genres Develop an art vocabulary Proper care of art supplies and tools Safety in the art studio 6th Grade Broaden awareness and application of the Elements and Principals of Art and Design Create two- and three- dimensional artworks Discover and explore art genres Experiment with a variety of media and techniques Participate and discuss art concepts Proper care of art supplies and tools Safety in the art studio 7th Grade Continue to develop a deeper understanding of Elements and Principles of Art and Design and the application of these concepts in compositions Create two- and three- dimensional artworks Appreciate art from other cultures, perspectives Experiment with art processes and techniques Care of art supplies Safety in the art studio 8th Grade Apply and discuss the Elements and Principles of Art and Design in finished compositions, discussions Create two- and three- dimensional artworks Appreciate art from other cultures, perspectives Experiment with a variety of art media and techniques Independent research and projects Care of art supplies Safety in the art studio Sayre prepares students to comprehend the past and to identify and understand the challenges facing our diverse nation in an increasingly interdependent world. 5th Grade American History and Geography 6th Grade World Cultures and Geography 7th Grade Social Studies 8th Grade American Studies Identifying geographical and physical features of the world Understanding latitude, longitude, compass rose, intermediate points Analyzing migration of North American and settlements Studying Early European explorers to America and colonization Understanding the Great Depression - causes, how it affected American society Introducing concepts of U.S. civics Analyzing geography and its effects on climates, the movement of people, and production Reading physical, political, and thematic maps Understanding the use of a world atlas and how to create charts/graphs/maps to illustrate trends and political relations Analyzing topical articles to better geo-political dynamics Incorporating the five key geographic themes: location, place, region, human environment interaction, and movement Researching global issues topics Understanding the concept of globalization Understanding ancient and medieval civilizations through the GRAPES framework. G= Geography R= Religion A= Achievements P= Politics E= Economics S= Social Structure Analyzing the civilizations of MesoAmerica, western Africa, and Japan. Incorporating current events study through Socratic Seminar. Exploring historical writing through the teaching and use of thesis essay. Evaluating online resources by way of the Stanford History Education Group’s Civic Online Reasoning curriculum. Analyzing the geographic theme of “Movement” while Emphasizing the historical thinking skills of corroboration, contextualization, close reading, and sourcing. Understanding the physical movement of peoples to (and within) the U.S. through understanding indigenous cultures and colonization. Analyzing the movement of ideas and the changes that resulted throughout U..S history with an emphasis on: The U.S. Constitution The American Civil War and resulting Civil Rights Movement Women’s Rights Labor Rights Incorporating current events study through Socratic Seminar Sayre communicates mathematical concepts through independent reasoning and cooperative exploration using comprehensive mathematical knowledge. 5th Grade 6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade Decimals Prime and composite numbers Multiples and factors Tables and graphs Numerical and algebraic expressions Fractions, mixed numbers, and reducing Geometric concepts Major Projects: How would you change the world with a million dollars? Decimals, itemized lists, graphing Color percentage skittle lab Fractions and percents with Hershey's bars Tessellation art Ratios and Rates Decimals, Fractions, Percents Integer Operations Coordinate Plane Numeric and Algebraic Expressions Functions and Inequalities Estimation Geometric concepts Pre-Algebra: Order of operations and algebraic properties Operations with integers Ratios, proportions, and percentages Scale drawing and Model project Dream Vacation Budget Project Algebraic equations and inequalities Introduction to Linear Functions Statistics and Probability 7th Grade Algebra I*: See Algebra I under 8th Grade Specific criteria must be met Algebra I: Simplifying / Solving Expressions, Equations and Functions Linear Equations, Functions, and Inequalities Systems of Equations and Inequalities Quadratic Expressions and Equations Exponent Properties Simplifying Radicals Geometry*: Proper geometric notation- Including an understanding of Euclidean Geometry including Conjectures, theorems and axiums Geometric constructions (with construction tools and GeoGebra) Students explore constructions on an extensive level through Napolean’s triangle, the Nine Point Circle and the Euler line. Inductive and deductive reasoning Thorough exploration of paragraph proofs Congruent and similar polygons Circles and polygons (emphasis on triangles and quadrilaterals) Coordinate geometry- with an emphasis on calculating midpoints and distance between points Area and volume of two and three dimensional figures Introduction to trigonometry and the Pythagorean Theorem. Extensive Geometric Exploration research paper utilizing LaTex coding software Specific criteria must be met Sayre empowers students to explore, comprehend, and appreciate cultures and languages as curious and empathetic world citizens. Students are engaged in an active learning process in developing cultural competency and language proficiency for interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication. The thoughtful use of authentic materials, the target language, and existing and emerging technologies, guides students towards building both language and general literacy skills. 5th Grade 6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade Lingua Franca is latin for common language, or language of the people. In this class we explore the importance of language in an increasingly globalized world via project-based learning activities and student-driven research. This class serves as a bridge between the lower school language program and their 6th grade year, at the beginning of which they select their foreign language. First Semester Through experiential learning, students will explore origins of various languages of the world both historically and geographically Students will learn English base (root) words Native speakers will visit to talk about their country and native language Every student will keep a notebook to record their discovers For example, each student will learn how to write their name in Arabaic, Urdu, Mandarin, Japanese... “ Second Semester Students will take a full semester of French for an introduction to and exploration of the language. Some example topics include greetings, colors, days of the week, likes/dislikes, etc. Students will be introduced to various French cultures by researching food, clothing, and traditions of France/Francophone countries French 6 Spanish 6 French 6 is an introductory and exploratory course that serves as the entryway into the world of Francophone studies. The class is based around what could be coined as “tourist” French - things that would help one “survive” were they to be plopped in Paris. It’s a foundational course that will be built upon as they continue on in their years of French at Sayre. Introduction of various basic conversations / sentence structures and vocabulary based around the following units: Greetings / salutations Tastes/preferences and asking further questions (age, birthday, etc.) Family and nationality Sports / favorite activities School vocabulary / “collège français” comparisons “La mode” - fashion and style, clothes The home, furniture, and daily tasks Food, restaurant etiquette, and recipes Introduction of grammatical concepts such as: The most common irregular verbs Regular -er and -ir verbs Adjectives and basic adverbs Indefinite and definite articles Partitives and contractions Linguistic gender and number agreement 6th grade Spanish is an introductory course that provides a variety of content intended to serve as a foundation on which to build.  Students first learn to become familiar with the sounds of the target language through vocabulary and practicing pronunciation.  In addition, students learn phrases that could be useful while engaging with a native speaker or traveling in a Spanish speaking country.  Students have an opportunity to gain familiarity with the geography of Spanish-speaking countries.  Cultural themes and projects are built into the class to allow students an opportunity to explore Hispanic Holidays and Traditions. Phonetic system of pronunciation Vocabulary: instructional phrases, conversational dialogue, terms used for each unit Using verbs to describe self and others, likes and dislikes Infinitive verbs and verb conjugation (present tense) Study of pre-Columbian groups and their influence on Hispanic culture French 7 Spanish 7 French 7 builds upon the foundation of French 6 to more thoroughly explore common everyday subject areas listed below. They will also work further in the structure of the language to learn to speak beyond just the present moment, incorporating elements of both the past and future tenses. Continuation of structures learned from 6th grade, as well as more vocabulary and culture based around the following units: Travel, destinations (countries, cities, etc.) and weather / climate City attractions (including certain shop types), transportation, directions Personality descriptions, emotions, and health The world of media, news, and giving advice Heros / historical figures, recounting stories and past experiences The environment and ecology Money and everyday object descriptions Our personal passions and qualities, imagining the future Introduction / review of grammatical concepts such as: An expansion of irregular verbs Partitives and expressions of quantity Prepositions review Introduction to direct object pronouns Immediate future tense and past tense Spanish for 7 th grade is designed to build upon material covered in 6 th grade, or introduce the language to students without previous language instruction.  Assignments are given to students that require them to sharpen speaking skills, while maintaining grammatical accuracy.  The course expands the students' vocabulary and phrases on a variety of topics including clothing, shopping, food, and travel.  Students learn basic conversation and interpretation skills built around these topics for use in a real-life setting.  Through discussions, films, and projects students are encouraged to compare and contrast differences found in Hispanic culture. Expansion of vocabulary use and acquisition Study of correct adjective/noun agreement,  in/definite article use Further study of verbs:  stem change, and irregular verbs Growth in translative listening, writing, speaking and reading Acquire knowledge of traditions and holidays observed in Spanish speaking countries French 8 Spanish 8 French 8 builds upon the foundation of French 6 and French 7 to explore common everyday subject areas listed below. Students will practice everyday conversations both in the classroom and outside with native speakers through TalkAbroad.  They engage in reading practice with age- and level appropriate books and write coherent narrations and descriptions on topics of interest to them. Continuation of structures learned from 6th and 7th grade, as well as more vocabulary and culture based around the following units: Weather / climate City attractions (including certain shop types), transportation, directions Physical and personality descriptions Recounting stories and past experiences The environment and ecology Everyday object descriptions Our personal passions and qualities Food culture National symbols, geography Introduction / review of grammatical concepts such as: Comprehending narrations in the past tense Using the past to create narrations Using structuring adverbs and conjunctions to create coherent narratives Partitives and expressions of quantity for shopping Prepositions review for directions Introduction to direct object pronouns Immediate future tense Spanish 8th grade continues to integrate language practice with culture (practices, products and perspectives). Students are motivated to discover the importance and value of the Spanish-speaking world. Spanish 8th grade subjects include: Vocabulary expansion, including technology, health & well-being, travel, Places in the city and other related expressions. Grammar expansion including present & past tense, present progressive, pronouns, reflexive verbs and parts of a sentence. Growth in fluency relating to oral, written, and read expression Study of Spain, Latin America’s indigenous population, the Dominican boom in New York, and Mexican legends. Acquire knowledge of Latin American social media use, Colombian fashion, the importance of medical interpreters, and Caribbean Coast cuisine. Sayre gives students the opportunity to participate in team and individual activities designed to promote the physical, social, and cognitive domains. • Efficiency of motor skills • Apply rules, concepts, and strategies to games and activities • Develop and display leadership skills • Develop a knowledge and a positive attitude toward fitness and wellness • Maintain and improve fitness • Positive teamwork and sportsmanship in competitive sports • Develop an interest in lifetime activity/fitness • Students are scheduled for Physical Education classes three times per week for 5th grade and our times per week for 6th-8th grades Sayre students understand science as a method of inquiry capable of answering many questions about the world and beyond, through analytical thinking, hands-on activities, investigations, and formalized laboratories. 5th Grade 6th Grade 7th Grade Life Science 8th Grade Physical Science Structure and Properties of Matter Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems Earth's Systems Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems Space Systems: Stars and the Solar System Human impact on Environment Engineering Design (embedded) Nature of Science and Scientific Processes (Imbedded) Ecosystems: Energy, Interactions, and Dynamics Thermal Energy and Weather Human Impact on the Environment Earth-Sun-Moon Relationship Engineering Design Process (Explicit and Imbedded) Nature of Science and Scientific Processes (Imbedded) Characteristics Living Organisms Cell structure and function Heredity and evolution Human anatomy and physiology Engineering Design Process (Explicit and Imbedded) Unit 1 - Growth mindset & scientific skills Unit 2 - Laboratory safety Unit 3 - Engineering design process & experimental design Unit 4 - Physics introduction (potential & kinetic energy) Unit 5 - Newton’s laws of motion, unbalanced & balanced forces (friction, inertia, etc.) Unit 6 - Intro to the periodic table (a somewhat historical approach to the purposeful arrangement of the periodic table) Unit 7 - Atomic theory & structure of the atom Unit 8 - States of matter, physical & chemical changes/properties @ molecular level Unit 9 - Law of conservation of energy -- types of energy (mechanical, kinetic, potential, thermal, electrical, nuclear, etc.), and energy conversions Unit 10 - Clean energy alternatives/environmental issues (geothermal energy, windmills, hydropower, nuclear power, etc.) Sayre students use technology to communicate, acquire information, increase productivity, and stimulate creativity as well as increase technological proficiency and promote flexible, lifelong learning. Maintaining and troubleshooting hardware and software Configuring the desktop and managing network files Refining word processing and spreadsheet skills Working with multiple applications simultaneously Intermediate graphic editing, design, and layout Creation of intermediate electronic/multimedia presentations Video production and editing Self-directed Internet research All 6 th grade students are given touch typing reinforcement during the first weeks of school An on-line touch typing program is available Character Development Sayre School values students as individuals and works to foster their understanding of themselves and their roles in the larger community. Our core values of wisdom, integrity, respect, and compassion are woven throughout the school. Our efforts to promote these core values include classes, clubs, and activities to reach all students. Topics and skills are taught and practiced on a developmentally appropriate continuum centered on these themes: student mentoring, giving back to community, understanding personal and cultural differences, awareness of self, and development of social skills. Sayre defines its core values as: Wisdom – knowledge of what is right combined with sound judgment Integrity – understanding and practice of what is honest, decent, and good Respect – holding self and others in high regard Compassion – empathy for others combined with helpful action The Middle School years are a time of significant emotional, intellectual, social and physical change. Since Sayre is committed to the promotion of "intellectual, emotional, physical, social and aesthetic growth," it is imperative that character development be an integral component of our Middle School curriculum. Although character development is woven throughout every class and activity, there are a number of programs that have been established in our Middle School curriculum in an effort to promote integrity, to foster respect and compassion, and to encourage positive relationships. Service Learning Student Council Grade Level Meetings Advisory Groups Conflict Resolution Community Matters KIDS-to-Kids Class Trips Clubs and Activities Projects are organized through affinity groups according to students’ interests. Students also participate in raising money or making other donations for the benefit of others. The Student Council serves the student body as a liaison to the faculty and administration. Members are expected to be students in good standing.  Elected students learn about leadership and civic action through their activities representing the student body. The council makes proposals to the faculty for their consideration. Grade Level Meetings are designed to offer students a full voice in their community and a time to address issues of concern to students, faculty and the community at large.  Students establish their own meeting ground rules, and a fluid curriculum is maintained to respond to the concerns of the developmental age as well as the specific group.  The meeting groups remain flexible to allow movement from a large group to small groups and from coed to single sex. Advisory groups provide a small "family" unit within the Middle School community.  Each group is comprised of students from all three grades and one or two faculty advisors.  A student's Advisory is designed as an advocacy group which also acts as a "home" base throughout the day.  Daily meetings are scheduled with a special thirty minute session each Wednesday.  Advisory groups participate in special programs and social activities to build and support community. All community service activities are performed through Advisory groups. The faculty advisor serves as an adult resource and advocate for those students. Conflict Resolution is a program available to all Sayre Middle School students who find themselves in a conflict with another member of our community.  Our program begins with the premise that conflict is a part of life and that dealing with conflict in an appropriate manner is a life skill we learn and refine.  In the presence of a faculty facilitator, Conflict Resolution sessions offer an opportunity for all parties to speak uninterrupted and to brainstorm ideas and propose solutions.  The program empowers students to design and draw up a contract of acceptable behavior.  A follow-up meeting is held to determine progress. These life skills classes are taught in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Topics include organizational skills, coping skills/stress management, social skills, puberty/sexuality issues, understanding and dealing with bullying/harassing behaviors. When called for, some classes are gender specific. Eighth grade students benefit from the intensive FCD (Freedom from Chemical Dependency) drug and alcohol education program. A program designed to foster greater recognition and appreciation of human diversity, Sayre's KIDS-to-Kids helps prepare our students for life in a global environment and instills a positive sense of one's own worth while recognizing the value of peers. Trained Upper School students lead and mentor Middle School students in this program based on four important principles: Kindness, Inclusion, Differences, and Self-worth , which form the acronym KIDS. KIDS-to-Kids sessions address issues of self-esteem, sources of conflict, and techniques of conflict resolution.  By helping students build bonds of awareness, respect and civility, the school actively seeks to promote a school climate of understanding and acceptance. th Grade Class Overnight Trip to Cedar Ridge Camp During this overnight trip, fifth-graders will enjoy the outdoors by fishing, canoeing, and participating in archery and gaga ball. th Grade Class Trip to Life Adventure Center This class trip offers an opportunity to be immersed in experiential learning with the help of naturalists and to experience team-building activities that help sixth-graders bond as a group and move into the year with confidence. This will be the seventh year that Life Adventure Center offers climbing, hiking, and ziplining for our sixth grade students. th Grade Class Trip to St. Louis The 7th Grade trip to St. Louis with Grand Classroom as our Tour Operator allows our students to experience one of the great American cities in an adventure that includes a boat tour on the Mississippi River, a visit to the St. Louis Arch, a trip to the St. Louis Zoo, and time at Busch Stadium. th Grade Class Trip to Chicago The trip to Chicago has been a feature of Sayre's Middle School experience for over 25 years.  While other trips have come and gone, Chicago, with the Wendella boat tour, the elevator to the top of the Willis Tower, and fabulous deep dish pizza has been a perennial favorite and a part of our capstone Sayre Middle School experience. The Middle School offers several programs and/or committees for students.