Area of Study
English
English![]()
English
Focus is on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) as measured by the Smarter Balanced Assessment System. Each class studies the core literary and informational texts chosen. Reading, Writing, speaking and listening, and language skills are taught through the texts studied. Students learn critical thinking and the academic English needed to be successful.
English Language Development
English Language Development![]()
English Language Development
This course is designed to teach the English language to non-native speakers. The goals are to increase the ability to communicate with native speakers, to function successfully in society, and to achieve fluency in oral and written expression as established in the State English Language Learner Standards.
Exploratory and Electives
Exploratory and Electives![]()
Exploratory and Electives
Students are given the opportunity to particiapte in an elective class in middle school. Each middle school develops its own unique configuration of electives. A detailed description of the electives offered at WMS are available anytime from our Counseling Department.
Courses may vary in length from one quarter to a semester to a full year. Quarter courses are part of the middle school "exploratory" offering. Exploratory classes provide students with an introduction to one or two different courses during the school year. Students who then desire to pursue a particular area of study may do so later in high school.
Courses MAY be offered in the following areas:
- Technology/Computer Application
- Art
- Industrial Tech (Woodshop)
- Music
- AVID
- Journalism
- Leadership
- Yearbook
Physical Education
Physical Education![]()
Physical Education
Physical Education is an integral part of the school's educational program and is required for all students.
7th Grade Physical Education:
In 7th grade, the content standards emphasize meeting challenges and making decisions. The focus of this course is the application of movement skills and knowledge to individual and dual physical activities; the assessment and maintenance of physical fitness to improve health and performance.
In 7th grade, the content standards emphasize meeting challenges and making decisions. The focus of this course is the application of movement skills and knowledge to individual and dual physical activities; the assessment and maintenance of physical fitness to improve health and performance.
8th Grade Physical Education:
In 8th grade, the content standards emphasize working as a team to solve problems. The focus of this course is the application of movement skills and knowledge (including defensive and offensive strategies) to team physical activities.
In 8th grade, the content standards emphasize working as a team to solve problems. The focus of this course is the application of movement skills and knowledge (including defensive and offensive strategies) to team physical activities.
Mathematics
Mathematics![]()
Mathematics
Common Core Mathematics
Since 2010, 45 states have adopted the same standards for English and Math. These standards are called Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Having the same standards ensures all students receive an equitable education, even if they change schools or move to a different state. Teachers, parents, and education experts designed CCSS to prepare students for success in college and the workplace. To meet the challenges of CCSS, our district will be adopting and implementing an "Integrated Math" pathway that will replace "Traditional" courses. The "Integrated" courses for middle shcool are described below.
Since 2010, 45 states have adopted the same standards for English and Math. These standards are called Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Having the same standards ensures all students receive an equitable education, even if they change schools or move to a different state. Teachers, parents, and education experts designed CCSS to prepare students for success in college and the workplace. To meet the challenges of CCSS, our district will be adopting and implementing an "Integrated Math" pathway that will replace "Traditional" courses. The "Integrated" courses for middle shcool are described below.
Common Core Math 7
All grade 7 students will transition to the Integrated Math program in alignment with the Common Core State Standards. The entry point is the Common Core Math (CC7) course that will prepare students for the progression towards college and career readiness in mathematics. The CC7 course will integrate the 8 Mathematical Practices within the following areas: ratios and proportional relationships, the number system, expressions and equations, geometry, and statistics and probability.
All grade 7 students will transition to the Integrated Math program in alignment with the Common Core State Standards. The entry point is the Common Core Math (CC7) course that will prepare students for the progression towards college and career readiness in mathematics. The CC7 course will integrate the 8 Mathematical Practices within the following areas: ratios and proportional relationships, the number system, expressions and equations, geometry, and statistics and probability.
Common Core 8
This second course in the Integrated Common Core middle school sequence will build on mastery of the following CC7 course concepts; the number system, expression and equations, geometry, and statistics and probability. This course will also introduce students to functions for the first time. Throughout the course students will continue to apply the 8 Mathematical Practices.
This second course in the Integrated Common Core middle school sequence will build on mastery of the following CC7 course concepts; the number system, expression and equations, geometry, and statistics and probability. This course will also introduce students to functions for the first time. Throughout the course students will continue to apply the 8 Mathematical Practices.
Common Core 8 Advanced
Students who have been placed in these courses will receive instruction in the same standards as the regular course but this advanced course will include additional learning activities to accelerate student learning.
Students who have been placed in these courses will receive instruction in the same standards as the regular course but this advanced course will include additional learning activities to accelerate student learning.
Science
Science![]()
Science
Science 7
Science 7 is aligned to the California State Content Standards. The areas of study for 7th grade science will include cells, genetics, evolution, human reproduction, physical principles in living systems. The course will include hands-on activities, experimentation and investigation.
Science 7 is aligned to the California State Content Standards. The areas of study for 7th grade science will include cells, genetics, evolution, human reproduction, physical principles in living systems. The course will include hands-on activities, experimentation and investigation.
Science 8
Science 8 is aligned to the California State Content Standards. The areas of study for 8th grade science will include physics (forces, motion, density, and buoyance), chemistry, and astronomy. The course will include hands-on activities, experimentation, and investigation.
Science 8 is aligned to the California State Content Standards. The areas of study for 8th grade science will include physics (forces, motion, density, and buoyance), chemistry, and astronomy. The course will include hands-on activities, experimentation, and investigation.
Social Studies
Social Studies![]()
Social Studies
Social Studies 7 - World History and Geography
Students study World History and Geography from fall of the Roman Empire thorugh the 18th century (the Age of Exploration, the Enlightenment, and the Age of Reason), including the study of world religions and the history of Latin America, Africa, and Asia. An emphasis is place on historical and social science analysis skills as well as geographic literacy.
Students study World History and Geography from fall of the Roman Empire thorugh the 18th century (the Age of Exploration, the Enlightenment, and the Age of Reason), including the study of world religions and the history of Latin America, Africa, and Asia. An emphasis is place on historical and social science analysis skills as well as geographic literacy.
Social Studies 8 - United States History
This course includes a study from the framing of the Constitution up to the transformation of America in response to the Industrial Revolution. The course includes a brief review of the American Revolution. Students will develop geographic literacy and study the impact of history on today's world.
This course includes a study from the framing of the Constitution up to the transformation of America in response to the Industrial Revolution. The course includes a brief review of the American Revolution. Students will develop geographic literacy and study the impact of history on today's world.
