Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)

The educational philosophy of Saligman Middle School emphasizes:

• A student-centered developmentally appropriate program.
• A thematic approach reflecting the students' expanding involvement in the world around them
• An integration of Judaic and General studies.
• A study of Jewish texts, creating an environment where Jewish values become internalized and serve as a basis for making well-informed decisions.
• Creation of an environment, which is responsive to individual students' learning styles and needs.
• Provision for learning opportunities outside the core curriculum.

Language Arts
The language arts program integrates five areas of study: reading and literature, writing, oral expression, vocabulary and spelling, and grammar. The curriculum goals are to develop avid, informed, lifelong readers with energetic, productive imaginations; competent, enthusiastic writers, with strong vocabulary skills and correct grammar and spelling usage; confident public speakers; and active listeners.

Mathematics
Mathematics is an integral part of the middle school curriculum. A school must assume responsibility for empowering students with the mathematical skills necessary for functioning in and contributing to the complex society of the 21st century. Mathematics must be taught in a way that will inspire curiosity and stimulate students to appreciate the satisfaction of solving problems. Our curriculum emphasizes the application of mathematics to real world problems and uses modern technology as tools in problem solving. Students are grouped homogeneously for mathematics. Topics Include: Pre-Algebra 1; Pre-Algebra II; Introduction to Algebra; Algebra I; and Geometry.

Science
Science is the attempt to uncover the unifying principles that make the universe comprehensible. It is characterized by the application of certain processes and habits of mind. Science provides us with solutions to practical problems. Students need a working knowledge of core science content and processes. They need to see how this knowledge applies to their lives.
The Middle School science curriculum is an integrated program with strands of life and physical science spiraling through the grades. Environmental, earth and space science experiences provide the opportunity to combine physical and biological science. Students are involved in formulating questions, making predictions, analyzing data, and developing conclusions.

Social Studies
Social studies education helps students acquire the historical perspective to appreciate their roots and understand modern society. It fosters respect for the dignity and worth of all people, an understanding of democratic ideals, and the skills necessary to appreciate the rights and responsibilities of citizens. The concept of mitzvot is paramount in the curriculum. Making the world a better place is a central theme in all social studies teaching at our Middle School. All content areas are taught with the recognitions that, as Jews, we have a mandate to heal the world. Helping students discover their place in history and guiding them as they assume their roles as Jews in the 21st century, is one of our school' most important tasks. Curriculum topics include: Grade Six: The Ancient World; Grade Seven: American History (beginnings to 1865) and Grade Eight: Discrimination and Immigration.

World Language - Spanish
Spanish is offered to seventh and eighth graders who are ready to explore and experience a third language and a different culture. Students who elect to take Spanish are grouped heterogeneously, and all grade level classes cover the same material. Part 2 of Spanish is offered in eighth grade to those students who have completed seventh grade Spanish. Our students are prepared for Spanish II in ninth grade.

Hebrew Language and Literature
Hebrew as an instrument of Jewish expression reflects the culture, beliefs, and values of the Jewish people. The study of Hebrew facilitates access to traditional Jewish texts and connects the learner to the culture and literature of modern Israel. It is our aim to foster a love for and knowledge of Hebrew language and literature. The program reinforces and builds upon language skills acquired in previous years. The expansion of vocabulary, linguistic patterns, idioms, and phrases is an integral element of each grade level, as is progression in the areas of reading and listening comprehension and oral and written expression. All students are grouped homogeneously in Hebrew language study, including lateral entrants who have not previously studied Hebrew. The curriculum is responsive to the interests and needs of young adolescents as they build their identity as individuals, members of a community, and as Jews.

History of the Jewish People
In Jewish history we seek to imbue our students with an understanding of the growth and development of Jewish civilization through the ages. Students learn how centuries of achievement and tenacity has forged Jewish identity despite discrimination and prejudice. Students gain an appreciation for the role and responsibility of the individual as well as that of the community in passing Jewish heritage on to the next generation. We explore the interaction between Jewish communities and other peoples, focusing on the interrelationship of ideas, practices, and cultures. Discussion of the larger questions raised by different periods of Jewish history link these issues to contemporary times and to the world of the student. The curriculum includes: Grade Six: the Biblical, Second Temple, and Rabbinic Periods; Grade Seven: The Medieval Period; and Grade Eight: the Modern Period.

Bible
The Bible is our primary sacred text, both as a link to Jewish tradition and as a guide to our modern lives. Our approach to the study of Bible employs a classical mode of inquiry: What does the text say? What are the different levels of meaning in the text? What relevance does the text have to the individual and to contemporary society? This method helps students unlock the Biblical text to reach a greater understanding of concepts and ideas. The study of Biblical commentary enriches the Bible curriculum, challenging the student to grapple with the text and become part of the tradition of inquiry and interpretation.

Rabbinics
Conservative Judaism recognizes the primacy of Rabbinics in Jewish life. Students study Rabbinic texts and acquire the skills needed to understand their content, language and process. Students engage one another in Hevruta, the traditional rabbinic manner of studying in pairs. In our Beit Hamidrash program, eighth grade students study Torah L'shma, Torah study for its own sake, in six-week mini-sessions with Rabbis and other Jewish educators in pairs and small groups. In Sixth Grade students experience an introduction to the structure and development of the Oral Law, study selected Mishnaic texts and the cycle of the Jewish year. In seventh grade they are introduced to the Babylonia Talmud and the Gemara. They study the Tractate of Brachot with emphasis on the evolution of t'fila, amidah, and blessings. In Eight Grade they review their Talmudic skills and methodologies; study the development of Jewish law and the emergence of Rabbinic Judaism and selections from the Tractate Sanhedrin.

Fine Arts
Art education serves to open the door to the student's imagination, giving him/her the key to our vast, rich visual world. Understanding and appreciating Art and Design are vital parts of a well-rounded education. The goals of the Fine arts Program are to encourage students to cultivate their imaginations, to learn different skills, and to develop their creative self-expression. Students experiment with a variety of art forms and media, including painting, drawing, collage, and sculpture. They are introduced to the concepts of line, form, texture, design, composition and color. Students in each grade are exposed to artists and artistic style from the historical periods they are studying in both Social Studies and Jewish studies. Students create projects which are linked to Jewish holidays and events in the Jewish life cycle.

Physical Education
The Physical Education program stresses physical fitness, learned sports skills, coordination activities, knowledge of team concepts, and the ongoing pursuit of sportsmanship, providing a foundation of physical activity that leads to a healthy lifestyle. It includes intramural sports; interscholastic sports, motor skills, physical fitness, teamwork and sportsmanship, flexibility and endurance.

Technology
Technology is integrated into all parts of the curriculum through student-created: web page designs, newspapers, yearbook, video production, word processing, spreadsheet/graphs, graphics, database basics, internet navigation and research skills.

Independent Study (IS) AND Writing Study (WS)
Students who do not take Spanish may elect to take Independent Study (IS) or Writing Study (WS). IS is a "guided" study period where students receive guided assistance with their homework, projects, papers, etc. from qualified teachers. WS is designed for students who need to strengthen their expository writing skills. These students also receive additional instruction and support in writing from a qualified teacher.

Advisory/Chavurah Program
The purpose of this program is to create a place where students feel "heard". Students in each grade are divided into groups of 8-12 and are assigned a faculty advisor. The advisor serves as advocate and coach, as well as the Parents' first point of contact and communication with the school. Advisory groups meet twice a week for 30 minutes. Individual meetings with students also take place during each trimester. During Advisory time students work on building emotional intelligence and resiliency.

Elective Programs and Chugim
The Middle School provides a variety of elective courses both during and after school. These include: Israeli Dancing; Newspaper; Student Council; Drama Productions; Reading Olympics; Ultimate Frisbee; Flag Football; Yoga; Crocheting/knitting; Mah Jong; Chess; Advanced Talmud, American Sign Language; and Survival Cooking. Supervised study and homework time are incorporated into the extracurricular program.