Shaker Heights Middle School

Shaker Heights Middle School is located in Shaker Heights, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, and is part of the Shaker Heights City School District. Being the sole public middle school in the district, it serves about 900 students in grades seven and eight.

Campus

Constructed in 1957 as Byron Junior High School, the Middle School is the newest of Shaker’s eight school buildings. In addition to classrooms, the school contains a regulation-size indoor swimming pool, two large gymnasiums, a 1,000-seat auditorium that can accommodate musical and dramatic performances, science and computer labs, a cafeteria, a clinic, and a spacious library media center. Several athletic fields, a running track, tennis courts, and a landscaped courtyard round out the campus. In 1985, as part of a district wide reorganization, Byron became Shaker Middle School and assumed its current grade structure.

Classes

The academic program provides new challenges and solid support, with both advanced and basic skills classes available in selected subjects. Course placements are made in consultation with students, parents, and the Middle School counselors. Individual students and teams from Shaker Middle School consistently turn in prize-winning efforts in science, mathematics, foreign language, and writing competitions at the regional, state and national levels.

English

The study of literature in grades 7 and 8 encompasses analysis and discussion of literature of various genres. A great deal of emphasis is placed on the writing process – pre-writing, drafting, revision according to standard usage and mechanics, and final copy. Students are placed in advanced placement or college preparatory classes depending on their ability and prior performance in English.

Mathematics

The Middle School’s mathematics curriculum covers the full range of mathematical topics, with a particular emphasis on the use of a variety of strategies in formulating and solving problems. Students are placed in advanced, college preparatory, or honors classes, depending on their ability and prior performance in mathematics. Students in advanced classes may complete Algebra I in eighth grade.

cience

To promote the scientific literacy necessary to function in the 21st century, the Middle School provides an overview of the life and earth sciences. The laboratory is an integral part of all science instruction as a place to practice the experimental method and obtain hands-on experience. Students are placed in advanced or college preparatory classes depending on their ability and prior performance.

ocial studies

Social studies at the Middle School challenge students to assess and interpret, and they provide a framework for development of personal and citizenship responsibilities. The seventh-grade course covers world history before 1750. The eighth-grade course consists American History.

Foreign language

Students at the Middle School are required to take either a foreign language or reading as part of their language arts requirement. Students whose skills in English are sound may take two years of French, Spanish, or Latin. For students who need reinforcement of skills and practice in reading, writing and speaking in English, the reading curriculum is offered in both grades 7 and 8.

Library media

The Middle School’s Library Media Center is open for classes and individual students to visit as needed during the school day. Students are encouraged to read for enjoyment as well as to use the library media center’s broad array of information resources. All students are given formal instruction in the use of print and electronic reference resources.

Cycle courses

Taught in nine-week segments, cycle courses take advantage of the active learning style of most young adolescents through hands-on experiences. In seventh grade, a student will take art, manufacturing technology, keyboarding, and bridge to algebra. In eighth grade, a student will take art, home economics, cognitive tutor, and computer science.

Physical education and health

The physical education program, taking advantage of the Middle School’s indoor pool and other facilities, gives students opportunities to improve their agility, flexibility, strength, endurance, and skills through participation in various activities. The health curriculum stresses prevention and reduction of health risks. Students are encouraged to make responsible and informed decisions about diet, exercise, safety, sexual activity, drugs, alcohol, and tobacco use.

Music

The Middle School offers students a variety of ways to develop their musical talents and interests. Performing ensembles include: chorus, string orchestra, symphonic band, concert band, jazz band, and jazz ensemble. Students in all instrumental programs except jazz band – which is an after-school club – receive daily instruction during school. General music classes are also offered.

pecial education

To the degree possible, students with special needs are served in regular classes, with appropriate support from tutors and other specialists in learning disabilities, positive behavior, and developmental handicaps. For those who require a self-contained environment in mathematics and English, intervention classes provide individualized and small-group instruction.

External links

* [http://www.shaker.org/about/schools/middle/about.htm Shaker Heights School District website]