Middle School | Grades 6 - 8
Principal: Trudi C. Buscemi
MYP Coordinator: Jennifer Dosher
School Day: 8:00 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
CDS Middle School provides a bridge for
children in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade between the self-contained
elementary classroom and departmentalized high school programs.
Designed to meet the needs of early adolescence, Middle School helps
a student develop skills, independence, and a sense of self. Academic
subjects are taught by a dedicated and enthusiastic faculty with a strong background in the
subjects they teach. Teachers coordinate curriculum closely to create
a program that is both content and child centered.
International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP)
CDS middle school teachers have been incorporating International Baccalaureate (IB) teaching
and learning styles in their planning for the past several years.
The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), teaches
our students to think critically and ask fundamental questions. The engine driving the MYP through every class moves on the belief that
all students can be taught to be independent problem-solvers with
strong study skills. The
learning environment challenges them to strive for their personal best
and develop a zest for learning.
Traditions
Each school year begins with special orientation programming. The Patriot Society, a leadership group of 7th and 8th grade students, helps facilitate a full day of activities to welcome the rising 6th grade students. This day is designed to demystify the new routines and expectations of middle school before the first day of classes. The entire middle school comes together for the next two half-days of orientation. During orientation students renew friendships, get acquainted with new friends, meet their teachers and engage in activities that give them a sense of belonging and provide motivation to enjoy and succeed in the coming school year.
Some of the in-depth study projects that have become traditions for
Middle School students at CDS include Shakespeare Festival and a major
performing arts production. As part of their science unit on Marine
Biology, the seventh grade enjoys a trip to the Florida Keys. The
eighth grade year culminates in an exciting trip to Washington DC where
the students get to experience our country's history, foundations and
principles, and freedoms first hand.
Morning Opening
On Tuesday and Friday mornings the entire
middle school comes together to recognize recent accomplishments,
celebrate student and faculty birthdays, share announcements and enjoy
special presentations.
Many Morning Opening activities are planned and led by student leaders from the Student Council and the Patriots Society.
Snacks and Lunch
Students
should bring a nutritious snack each day. Students have the choice of
bringing a lunch from home or purchasing lunch at school. CDS
partners with My Lunch Box to offer a varied menu of hot and cold,
kid-friendly, nutritious lunches. Parents can pre-order and pay for
lunches by the week or month at a convenient online link to My Lunch Box. Middle School students eat outside every day in a shaded and fenced picnic area.
Recess
In
addition to the longterm health benefits that a physically active
lifestyle provides, recent studies show that physical activity can also
have positive effects on academic achievement. Middle School students
have an outdoor recess period following lunch every day. Students
should bring a water bottle to school each day to make sure they stay
hydrated when outdoors. Students may also wear hats and sunscreen when
outside.
Technology
Middle school students use technology throughout the day both in their classrooms and in our state-of-the art computer lab equipped with 20" iMac computers. Design Technology is a core subject for all middle school students. In this signature course at CDS, students learn how to use the design cycle along with the areas of interaction and technology to devise creative and practical solutions to given tasks. Writing extension classes meet in the computer lab where students strengthen their writing, research and presentation skills. In addition to desktop computers, mobile carts with both PC and iMac laptops are available for students to use throughout the day in individual classrooms. Many classrooms are also equipped with mimio® interactive technology. The entire middle school and the school media center are on a filtered, wireless network.
Curriculum
With the IB program as a catalyst, the middle school has adopted
a modified block schedule for Language A1, Humanities, Science, Design Technology and Art. The modified block means that students
are in individual classes in these subject areas for a longer period of time, but the
classes will meet every other day. Classes for Mathematics, Foreign Language (Spanish and French) and Physical Education meet daily. Key to the middle school's
role as a bridge are our nationally recognized character development
initiative, opportunities for community service and school leadership,
and extra-curricular activities.
Please click here to see an overview of the core subjects for grades 6 - 8.
