Coronado Middle School

Students in the eighth grade English/Language Arts are expected to do the following: engage in independent, self-selected readings as well as teacher-assigned readings; read for pleasure, meaning, and thematic analysis in literature; make associations and connections between literature and history concepts; learn to analyze different types of selections (short stories, novels, primary source documents, biographies, informational literature, and other non-fiction);  increase vocabulary skills;  and be able to evaluate information from a variety of sources and media.

Students are also expected to self and peer edit multiple genres of writing.  Students write  persuasive compositions where they support their claims with evidence.  Students also practice the skills of summarizing, responding to literature, writing research reports, and other skills related to their journey towards becoming prepared for high school in accordance with the Common Core State Standards. In addition, students will study grammar and syntax as a means to increase verbal and written skills.

 

In 8th grade U.S. history, students develop an understanding and appreciation of the political, economic, and social development of the United States. Emphasis is placed on the growth of basic American principles, the contributions of various ethnic and cultural groups, and the development of democratic traditions. Common Core State Standards, which focus on historical literacy, require deep examination of U.S. history; students will use and be assessed on critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and communication skills within this analysis.

 

 

The 8th grade science course at Coronado Middle School covers content from the integrated version of the Next Generation Science Standards for California Public Schools (CA NGSS) for grade 8. The topics covered consist of Heredity, Biological Evolution, Earth and Human Activity, Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions, Energy, and Waves and Their Applications in Technologies for Information Transfer. Integrated throughout the course will be Engineering Design and many of the Common Core State Standards. To successfully complete the course objectives, we will use a variety of instructional methods including lecture, group discussion, independent study, lab experiments, videos, group work, technology, etc.

 

CMS Physical Education seeks to address a student’s fundamental need for regular physical activity in order to stay healthy for a lifetime. The program’s primary focus is in the following areas: acquisition and understanding of motor skills; development of a life-long physical fitness attitude; learning the effect of physical activity on one’s self-image and personal development; encouraging positive social development and the acceptance of individual differences among peers; and learning health and wellness concepts included in the CA State Content Standards for health education. 

Students may opt for a semester-long class will take one of these four classes August through January, and a second of the four in second semester, February through June. The tentative classes are:

 

Art
Students in this class experiment with two dimensional art mediums which include, but are not limited to, pastel, drawing, markers, paint, and watercolor. Students explore several themes like portraiture, landscapes, children’s books, cartooning, and more. Students may also experiment with three dimensional sculptural art mediums and printmaking. 

AND

 

Digital Media/Intro to Film – is a technology class with emphasis on video production using iMovie and Final Cut Pro.  Students will be introduced to Google docs, Photoshop, Garage Band, Animation and media copyright law.

 

Engineering  (Science - Technology - Engineering – Art – Math) – This class is designed for self-motivated students who have a strong interest in math and science. An example of a course project is exploring the science behind aeronautics and then using the knowledge to design, build, and test a rocket. 

AND

 

Coding This course takes a wide lens on computer science by covering topics such as programming, physical computing, HTML/CSS, and data. Students engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem solving, and fun. The course inspires students as they build their own websites, apps, games, and physical computing devices.

 

Students who opt for a year-long course may choose one of the following.

 

Performing Arts
This class is a year-long study of the three performing art areas: theatre, music, and dance. It includes arts components such as monologues, development and study of characters, puppetry, improvisation, theater critique, and script writing. It will also incorporate the fundamentals of vocal and instrumental music in a musical theater setting. Creative movement and simple dance techniques (stretching, jazz, tap and hip hop) will enhance the curriculum as well as the confidence of any performer on and off stage.

 

Spanish 1A
Spanish 1A is a year-long elective for 7th graders (no prerequisite). Spanish 1A is the equivalent to the first semester of a high school Spanish course. Spanish 1A is aligned with the California Framework for Foreign Language.

 

Choir
Choir is offered to students in grades 6-8 and is open to both males and females. No experience is needed to join. Choir will provide students with an opportunity to train their singing voices, to learn to work together cooperatively as a team, to sing popular music, to improve their performing skills, and to travel to schools and organizations in the community for performances.

 

Advanced Band
Advanced Band is offered to students in grades 6-8. Students who join Advanced Band should have at least 1 year of lessons or experience playing their instrument. Instruments used in Advanced Band are woodwinds, brass, and various percussion instruments. Band is designed to utilize the musical skills the students have already achieved and to increase the students’ knowledge of musical terms, composers, and musical theory. Band will provide students with an opportunity to perform in front of an audience with confidence and pride.

 

Beginning Band
Beginning Band is offered to students in grades 6-8. There is no experience needed to join Beginning Band. If a student took an instrument in elementary school it is strongly recommended that they join Beginning Band. Beginning Band is designed to teach the students a musical instrument. The instrument families being taught are: woodwind, brass, and some percussion. Band will provide students the opportunity to learn note reading, rhythms, music theory, and proper care/handling of their instrument. They will also be able to perform in front of an audience with confidence and pride. 

To qualify for Leadership, students must achieve an academic G.P.A. of 2.0 with no D’s or F’s, and a citizenship G.P.A. of 2.0 with no N’s or U’s. (Students may apply for one, two, or all four classes if desired, but if selected, students will only be placed in one of the leadership classes). The application process is conducted in the spring of the school year for the following year. Applications may be accepted from new enrolling students, if space is available.

 

 

Broadcast Journalism (KCMS)
This class produces a daily news broadcast for CMS and news story packages. Students will develop the following skills: broadcast news writing, studio equipment operation, videography, Final Cut Pro editing, storytelling techniques, and aspects of news story production. Students in this class will be expected to be at school at 7:30 when they are involved in the morning broadcast. Completing various assignments may also require students to film and edit outside of class time. In addition, due to the equipment involved in this course, students and parents who are enrolled will sign a contract, agreeing to the time commitment, as well as the care of equipment responsibility.

 

Students accepted for ASB class are the student government leaders of the school for the school year. The students are involved in a number of leadership and service opportunities planning and executing school-wide events such as dances, assemblies, lunch homeroom competitions, and fundraising events to name a few.

 

Yearbook
The Surfer Yearbook is a multi-award winning publication that has been named one of the best middle school yearbooks in the nation. Students chosen to be on Yearbook Staff will be part of producing the 2007-08 publication; which includes taking photos, interviewing, writing copy and captions, and manipulating layouts on Mac G5 computers.

 

Advanced Performing Arts
This class is a year-long study of the three performing art areas: theatre, music, and dance. It includes arts components such as monologues, development and study of characters, puppetry, improvisation, theater critique, and script writing. It will also incorporate the fundamentals of vocal and instrumental music in a musical theater setting. Creative movement and simple dance techniques (stretching, jazz, tap and hip hop) will enhance the curriculum as well as the confidence of any performer on and off stage. An application and an audition are required.

 

After School Sports
(Under the auspices of the Islander Sports Foundation)

Fall, Winter, and Spring: Volleyball (girls), Softball (girls), Lacrosse (boys), Lacrosse (girls), Basketball (boys), Track (co-ed), Cross country (co-ed), Soccer (boys and girls), Tennis (co-ed), Swimming (co-ed), Basketball (girls)