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Hallmarks of the Middle School Programs
Social Studies and HistoryMiddle School students study Ancient Civilizations, World History and Religions as well as History of the United States and current events. Through arts, music, drama and projects students build an understanding of the diversity of our world while developing an historical perspective. Developing a deeper understanding of US History enables the students to understand the US government as well as the structure and process of a democratic nation. LiteratureThe Middle School literature curriculum incorporates a rich variety of genres, including biography, poetry, plays, essays, and the short story. Each student is required to respond to specific questions concerning the reading, facilitate and participate in class discussions, and complete larger reading related projects. Our Poetry 36 Project introduces students to an array of poetry representing views from around the world and spanning time. 
Writing Across the CurriculumWith the collaboration of writing and various curricula, students organize and develop papers and presentations that span all fields of study from Judaic studies to Science. Students engage in expository, descriptive, argumentative, and persuasive writing. Through the Middle School years students develop additional skills including interviewing and transcript writing, oral presentation skills, research and investigative techniques through a traditional library setting and online resources, and how to execute a presentation for an audience. MathematicsThe Middle School math curriculum is infused with enriching activities and is supplemented by activities that encourage and promote higher order thinking and critical problem solving. Learning takes place through a combination of class work, homework, games and special projects. Wherever appropriate, math concepts are reinforced in certain science and social studies projects. While all students study the same concepts, instruction is differentiated in order to accommodate each student's individual styles and needs. Click here to view our Middle School Math Department website. ScienceThe science program in the middle school is characterized by the integration of earth/space science, life science, and physical science at each grade level, much as these sciences are integrated in the real world. Studies are largely lab-based, emphasizing the scientific processes of investigation and experimentation. Our hallmark projects include the Bridge Project and our schoolwide Invention Convention. TechnologyAll students have use of their own I-Book laptop computer during their middle school years at Wornick. Technology is incorporated throughout the curriculum across all academic disciplines. The students access the internet from any location in the school and can refine their research skills through this ongoing learning process. The technology curriculum is designed so that each student gains proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite by the conclusion of the Eighth Grade. Students use their computers in some of the following ways:
Click here to learn more about Computer and Technology Education at RCWJDS. Service LearningIn sixth grade, the focus is on contributing to the school community including service with seniors, environmental, and tzedakah projects. In seventh grade, the students are immersed in a grade-wide philanthropy project. Each student selects a charitable organization to research. This includes interviewing staff, creating a visual presentation, and presenting an oral report to their classmates. At the conclusion of the project, the entire class will collectively allocate funds for charitable giving to their respective organizations. In eighth grade, students' focus is on service through political action. The study of U.S. History includes action, activity, and culminates in a trip to Washington D.C. Experiential EducationTransformative in nature, study tours are part of the curriculum from our Outdoor education environmental trip through the Israel Journey and the Washington D.C. Study Tour. Study tours are exemplary tools of education. They are real, constructivist and experiential. 
Spirit/RuachPrayer frames the week as Middle School students join the school wide assembly on Monday mornings and close the week with a middle school community Kabbalat Shabbat (Welcoming the Sabbath). Through song, community building events such as outdoor educational trips and team building events, the middle school students and parents develop a community spirit. At each grade level the students participate in service learning, memorial services, community choral events and festivals. Ruach - Spirit can also be translated as just pure fun! Concerts, dances, school cheers and family education events are included within the Ruach program. The ArtsExpression through visual arts, drama and music are integral to the project based focus of the Wornick Jewish Day School's middle school philosophy. Our Artist in Residence Program provides students with a spectrum of the arts. These may include an Expressive Artist, Choral Music, Painting, Drama, Photography or Dance. ElectivesMiddle School students choose from various electives three times per school year. Electives are exploratory in nature and provide an opportunity for students to make choices. Elective choices vary and may include: speech and debate, Spanish, painting, art and nature, gardening, drama, book arts, Judaic arts, athletics practices and/or yearbook. Study SkillsExpectations and assignments grow in complexity in middle school, requiring different skills for the students to engage in learning. Students are introduced to different learning styles and are encouraged to notice and access their own learning style, while gaining understanding for the learning styles of other students. Complex projects are addressed by teaching planning and organizational skills. The goal is for students to become independent learners and prepare them for high school. 
AdvocacyMiddle School students, under the guidance of a faculty advisor, meet weekly to discuss various group topics related to their social and emotional development. Advisories are conducted using the guidelines of democratic process, consensus building and inclusion. Topics of self, identity, group and peer connections as well as various health related topics will be addressed throughout the year. Advisors meet individually with students as needed throughout the year. Physical Education, Athletics and HealthPhysical Education and Athletics programs complement each other in developing the skills necessary to lead a physically fit life as well as providing opportunities for students to participate in team sports. The school is a member of the SSIL and participates in various sports throughout the year, including volleyball, cross country, golf, basketball and soccer. Students learn how to build a healthy life and what it means to take personal responsibility as well as how to respect their own health and others. Students develop an understanding of human growth and development as well as basic knowledge of communicable and chronic diseases, environmental health, nutrition, injury prevention and safety and the damaging effects of substance abuse. Parents are partners in the health education program through classes and media that will be disseminated as the students study each topic. |
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