Welcome to St. Margaret's School

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Curriculum

The St. Margaret's Episcopal School curriculum provides young learners with a solid educational foundation through carefully planned instructional goals and objectives. Essential learning skills, cooperative social behavior, appreciation of the arts, good study habits, and physical coordination are sequentially developed for each grade level. Teachers concentrate not only on what students learn but how students learn. We incorporate an active learning approach to learning. This process encourages cooperative learning, oral presentation, problem solving and higher order thinking through classroom discussion and creative writing.

Our curriculum information is noted below. Base curriculum is listed by grade first, then special curricular programs for all grade levels is listed subsequently.

Our Mission
To provide a learning environment that is developmentally appropriate, stimulating, nurturing, enjoyable, and one that helps children to experience God's abiding love through daily teaching of the word.

Our Philosophy
It is the philosophy and firm belief of St. Margaret's Episcopal School that each child is a unique person with particular needs and abilities. It is our overall goal to encourage the growth of the "whole child" through cognitive, physical, social, and spiritual development. A daily schedule, which includes a balance of teacher-directed and child-directed activities, serves to reinforce, enrich and challenge in an environment where each child is respected as an individual.

Our Staff
Each staff member has been carefully selected for educational qualifications and experience in the early childhood field. Equally as important is a loving and genuine interest in young children and the ability to relate this concern to the children. Continual staff growth is encouraged through evaluations, classes, workshops and in-service training.

PRE-SCHOOL & PRE-KINDERGARTEN

Language Arts
Because communication forms much of the basis for a child's success in and out of school, much time is devoted to language arts. Our curriculum is based on the premise that students learn language by seeing it, hearing, and using it.

The School uses an integrated approach in language arts instruction based on the belief that integrating subjects makes learning more meaningful and, ultimately, more useful. Pre-reading, listening, and speaking activities are included in all areas of our curriculum (language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, etc.). Our teaching methods and materials vary in order to meet different learning styles. Our students are involved in learning center activities, cooperative projects, and individual assignments.

Pre-reading instruction is taught through an active communicative style with a strong emphasis on phonics. Students use a variety of pre-reading materials (books, magnetic letters, letter cards, and letter games.)

Mathematics
In a world demanding various forms of computation and problem solving, mathematics activities are incorporated into all areas of the school day. Learning centers and a wide variety of activities are used daily, allowing teachers to monitor student progress. The specific approach used is Everyday Math, a spiraling experiential math curriculum, taught at Preschool - Grade 5, and supplemented by exercises in building skills. Activities are designed to stress higher order thinking and complex problem solving skills, as well as to develop the ability to transfer and apply skills across various disciplines.

Science
The science program is designed to teach students to observe and understand their world through exploration and through a growing familiarity with the scientific method. Physical, life, and environmental science experiences are taught through a variety of ways. The students investigate and experiment with materials that have been carefully selected to enable them to discover concepts and develop skills. In the colloquium, the teacher encourages students to say what they have discovered in their own words.

Chapel
Each Wednesday morning begins with a Chapel service in St. Margaret's Episcopal Church. During these services, which are led by a School Chaplain, assisted by students from grades 3-8, students are exposed to the Bible as the history of the Judeo-Christian heritage, the teachings of Jesus as the basis of the Christian faith, the awareness of the needs of others, our relationship with God, and the concept of God's unconditional love for each of us. Our chapel services are intended to provide our students with the basic building blocks of our faith and to under gird the religious education they may receive in their homes. Chapel services include hymn singing, formal and informal prayers, scriptures, and lessons. Students and school personnel are required to attend chapel, and families and friends are encouraged to attend these services with their children.

Character Education
St. Margaret's Episcopal School incorporates a recognition of our students’ unique attributes, physical well being, and need for healthy social relationships. Students are encouraged to explore new areas of learning and to participate in new activities. Weekly classes in Christian education and considerate behavior are taught by Mrs. Whittle. The core values of respect, responsibility, honesty, integrity, justice, and compassion as described in scripture are discussed and related to current happenings in the students’ lives. Development of tolerance, personal integrity, self-esteem, good sportsmanship, and a respect for the rights and interests of others is considered essential to the growth process.

Foreign Language
Spanish is introduced in Pre-K once a week. Grades Kindergarten through 8 are taught four times weekly. The overall program is total immersion in the Spanish language; an introduction to reading, writing, and geography en Espanol continues in grades four through eight.

Physical Education
St. Margaret's physical education program fosters opportunities for students to develop their potential for physical movement in a variety of ways, psychomotor, cognitive, and affective, not merely in the restrictions imposed by a particular sport, game, or exercise. Three times a week, physical education classes give students the opportunity to develop their skills for a lifetime of healthy activities and use. Students in Pre-K receive P.E. once a week.

Library
The Nordstrom campus library is an essential part of the St. Margaret's School curriculum, and library skills are taught weekly by our Resource Specialist. As a resource center, the library helps integrate the curriculum. Its homey atmosphere welcomes students and encourages them to become independent and confident readers.

Assemblies
Assemblies are held for special events in Karns Hall. These are educational assemblies, conducted and presented by the students of each grade for the entire student body. Some of our assemblies will focus on the core values (respect, responsibility, honesty, integrity, justice, compassion) of St. Margaret's School. At other assemblies, themes, units of study, or field trip experiences will be the topic. Our Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten students attend only those all school assemblies, which are age appropriate. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

GRADES K-5

The School uses an integrated approach in language arts instruction based on the belief that integrating subjects makes learning more meaningful and, ultimately, more useful. Reading, writing, listening, and speaking activities are included in all areas of our curriculum (language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, etc.). Our teaching methods and materials vary in order to meet different learning styles. Our students are involved in learning center activities, cooperative projects, and individual assignments.

Reading instruction is taught through an active communicative style with a strong emphasis on phonics and creative writing. Students use a variety of reading materials (basal readers, literature books, big books, poetry, unit-related stories and readers.) Reading for comprehension and interpretation is stressed at all grade levels, as are rules for spelling and grammar. The approach is comprehensive and provides continuity from grade to grade. From researching reports in the library and sharing information orally to writing poetry and participating in plays, our students are given a strong, varied language arts program. St. Margaret's teachers and students work toward a love of language and its uses, and teachers make themselves available to students to meet individual interests and growth in these areas.

Mathematics
In a world demanding various forms of computation and problem solving, mathematics activities are incorporated into all areas of the school day. Learning centers and a wide variety of activities are used daily, allowing teachers to monitor student progress. The specific approach used is Everyday Math, a spiraling experiential math curriculum, taught at grades K-5, and supplemented by exercises in building skills. Activities are designed to stress higher order thinking and complex problem solving skills, as well as to develop the ability to transfer and apply skills across various disciplines.

Social Studies/History/Geography
Students learn through a variety of experiences to understand and appreciate the society in which they live. They begin to extend their horizons to include more of the world, its people, their differences and their similarities. Three major interrelated learning guides our curriculum. Historical literacy, geographic literacy, and civic literacy are the strands that develop a spirit of inquiry and help students become responsible solvers and decision makers. Our program incorporates an international perspective and provides multi-cultural experiences in an authentic and culturally sensitive manner. Learning often takes an imaginative and hands-on dimension when students participate in celebrations, dramatic presentations, and create original projects to share with the school community. Students study about the world today and long ago and compare and contrast the two in kindergarten, about their own neighborhood at grade one, about the lives of contemporary people who make a difference in the students' lives at grade two, about the physical and cultural landscape of California and the American Indians at grade three, the history of California at grade four and U.S. History from the discovery of America to the end of the Articles of Confederation.

Chapel
Each Wednesday morning begins with a Chapel service in St. Margaret's Episcopal Church. During these services, which are led by the School Chaplain and assisted by students from grades 3-8, students are exposed to the Bible as the history of the Judeo-Christian heritage, the teachings of Jesus as the basis of the Christian faith, the awareness of the needs of others, our relationship with God, and the concept of God's unconditional love for each of us. Our chapel services are intended to provide our students with the basic building blocks of our faith and to under gird the religious education they may receive in their homes. Chapel services include hymn singing, formal and informal prayers, scriptures, and lessons. Students and school personnel are required to attend chapel, and families and friends are encouraged to attend these services with their children. Dress uniform is required for Chapel services. Brownie, Cub, Boy and Girl Scout uniforms are acceptable Chapel Day attire.

Christian Education
St. Margaret's Episcopal School incorporates a recognition of our students' unique attributes, physical well being, and need for healthy social relationships. Weekly classes in Christian education are taught by the Christian Education teacher. Students are exposed to the Bible as the history of the Judeo-Christian heritage, the teachings of Jesus as the basis of the Christian faith, the awareness of the needs of others, our relationship with God, and the concept of God's unconditional love for each of us. Further, students learn about the core values of respect, responsibility, honesty, integrity, justice, and compassion, as described in scripture. These values are discussed and related to current happenings in the students' lives. Development of tolerance, personal integrity, self-esteem, good sportsmanship, and a respect for the rights and interests of others is considered essential to the growth process.

Computer Education/Technology
Technology is integrated into all aspects of a St. Margaret's Episcopal School education, beginning in kindergarten. Each classroom is equipped with several computers, and the students have periodic sessions with a computer specialist who works with the classroom teacher to support the curriculum. Students are scheduled into the technology lab where all classes K-8 will learn appropriate skills and programs to enhance their learning experiences. The school's technology curriculum is used by teachers to reinforce skills and knowledge in the areas of keyboarding, basic operations, technology literacy an Vocabulary, ethics/safety, graphics/multimedia presentations, web design, computer repair, research, word processing and spreadsheets.

The integration of technology and curriculum within the school's learning environment is important. We recognize the importance of teaching children to use technology in a manner consistent with the highest ethical standards. St. Margaret's Episcopal School complies with all copyright laws. Students are expected to follow all classroom/school rules regarding computer and Internet use. Parents and students will be expected to sign an agreement to abide by all classroom/school rules regarding computer and Internet use.

Foreign Language
Spanish is introduced in Kindergarten and taught twice weekly through grade five. The program is total immersion in Spanish at grades PreK-5, and an introduction to Spanish through conversation and culture at grades four and five. Upper elementary students are introduced to the four basic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing en Español.

Art and Music
The aesthetic aspect of a young person's education fosters a positive self-image, encourages self-expression and conveys the idea that each individual should be a creative part of his/her culture. Music and art are not considered enrichment or add-on activities; they are basic to St. Margaret's well-rounded education for life. The music program is multi-faceted and taught by a professional musician. Students at grades two through five receive art instruction from the middle school art teacher for one quarter of the school year and by their classroom teacher throughout the academic year. The art program is incorporated into the curriculum and taught by the classroom teachers at grades K-1.

Library
The Nordstrom campus library is an essential part of the St. Margaret's School curriculum, and library skills are taught weekly by our library technician. As a resource center, the library helps integrate the curriculum. Its homey atmosphere welcomes students and encourages them to become independent and confident readers.

All Pre-K to Grade 5 classes are scheduled into the library at least once a week to receive library instruction and check out books. Literature appreciation and information search skills are cooperatively planned and integrated with classroom assignments. Students are encouraged to use the library at any unscheduled time, including lunch recess, when the specialist is present. Books may be checked out for one week and renewed for an additional week. Students with overdue books will receive written notice and depending on the circumstances, may have checkout privileges suspended. If a book is lost or damaged, there are two options: replace the book with a new identical copy, or pay the cost of replacement.

Field Trips
Developmentally appropriate field trips are among the most valuable learning experiences students have and are part of every grade level at St. Margaret's Episcopal School. Throughout the School we emphasize the study of science and the fine arts. Field trips naturally enrich these studies. The purpose of every trip is to extend the classroom curriculum. Each trip must have a clear educational purpose which is related to the curriculum, be appropriate content for the age of the students, be of reasonable length considering the age of the student, and not be a unique experience for a majority of the students. Sometimes, parents assist with the field trips by driving students or taking responsibility for chaperoning a group of students on a field trip. Parents who want to drive on a field trip for their child's grade should fill out a Volunteer Driver Form authorizing a confidential DMV screening and insurance confirmation.

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
While not a formal course or program, the process of problem solving goes on each day. The school environment is a problem-solving laboratory. Learning centers, special projects, and myriad forms of activities require students, under the caring guidance of teachers, to find solutions to problems and learn to develop their self-confidence as independent learners. Crucial for this form of ongoing problem solving is the notion that students enjoy the process and that they should feel safe when they make mistakes.

Assemblies
Assemblies are typically held in Karns Hall. These are educational assemblies presented and sponsored by the school or parents' association. Students at all grade levels participate actively in some assemblies and perform for the entire student body. Some of our assemblies will focus on the core values (respect, responsibility, honesty, integrity, justice, compassion) of St. Margaret's School. At other assemblies, themes, units of study, or field trip experiences will be the topic. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

St. Margaret's Episcopal School Community Service Program
Community service habits and attitudes should be instilled in the early childhood years. St. Margaret's students are incredibly privileged, and we must help them to develop awareness, and a sense of gratitude and responsibility for their many privileges, not the least of which is their opportunity to be a part of SMES. The school's Christian Education teacher supervises the school community program and identifies, in conjunction with the church's outreach ministry, developmentally appropriate community service projects for our students.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

St. Margaret's Episcopal School Middle School curriculum is designed to transition students from the self-contained elementary classroom to the departmental structure of a college preparatory high school. We transition students from childhood to young adulthood by providing basic skills through high interest academic content and experiential, hands-on learning.

Middle School Core Curriculum
Language Arts: School faculty teaches and sequentially develops the essential skills of language-reading, writing, and oral expression for all students. The core of the middle school's language arts curriculum is focused on the development of these skills. In developing these skills, students are exposed to literature including the genres of the short story, novel, poetry, play, formal essay and the research paper.

Social Studies/History/Geography: The school's social studies curriculum is designed to teach students specific historical and geographical knowledge in addition to intellectual, reasoning, reflection, and research skills. Students develop chronological thinking and understanding time related terms such as past, present and future, decade, century, and generation. They demonstrate spatial thinking and can use map and globe skills to determine the absolute location of places and interpret information from the legend, scale, and symbolic representation on maps. They are able to distinguish the differences between research, evidence, and point of view and make historical interpretations about the key events of an era and explain their historical contexts. The emphasis by grade level:

Grade Six – World History and Geography: Ancient Civilizations
Grade Seven – World History and Geography: Medieval and Early Modern Times
Grade Eight – United States History and Geography: Growth and Conflict

6th Grade Core-Humanities: Language Arts and History are taught in a two-period time block that supports integration of the curriculum and are fully aligned with the school's academic content standards. In Language Arts, students learn explicit strategies to help them find meaningful subjects about which to write, ways to structure their writing, craft lessons, revision and publishing, as well as spelling strategies and instruction in English conventions.

An emphasis is placed on the eight different writing domains. However, persuasive writing is emphasized in 6th grade. Further, students learn explicit strategies to build fluency and engagement in their reading. Students are taught strategies to connect both emotionally and intellectually to the books they read. Students also talk, think and write about that they read. In History, students embark on a journey into ancient civilizations through the fall of the Roman Empire.

7th Grade Core-Humanities: English/language arts and history are taught in a two-period time block that supports integration of the curriculum and are fully aligned with the school's academic content standards. Within the history curriculum, students study the Fall of Rome, which leads through Feudal Europe and Japan, the Renaissance, Reformation, the Scientific Revolution, and culminating with the Enlightenment.

In Language Arts, students learn explicit strategies to build fluency and engagement in reading. They learn strategies to connect both emotionally and intellectually to the books they read. Students talk, think, and write about what they have read. All of these components are aspects of what makes readers read, read more, and want more from what they read and will help all students to position themselves in precisely this way.

Further, students learn explicit strategies to help them find meaningful subjects about which to write, ways to structure their writing, craft lessons, revision, and publishing, as well as spelling strategies and instruction in English conventions.

8th Grade Core-Humanities: Language Arts and history are taught in a two-period time block that supports integration of the curriculum and are fully aligned with the school's academic content standards.

In Language Arts, students learn explicit strategies to build fluency and engagement in reading. Students learn strategies to connect both emotionally and intellectually to the books they have read. Students talk, think, and write about what they have read. All of these components are aspects of what makes readers read, read more, and want more from what they read and will help all students to position themselves in precisely this way. Further, students learn explicit strategies to help them find meaningful subjects about which to write, ways to structure their writing, craft lessons, revision, and publishing, as well as spelling strategies and instruction in English conventions.

The history curriculum addresses major ideas, issues, and events preceding the founding of our nation. The emphasis of the course will concentrate on the critical period from the framing of the Constitution to World War I.

Mathematics/Science: The comprehensive mathematics curriculum includes numbers and operations, proportional reasoning, geometry, and probability and data, with a focus on algebraic thinking. The specific approach used is Pre-Algebra/Geometry, an integrated mathematics course in grade six; Algebra I-A, linear equations and inequalities in grade seven; and Algebra I-B, exponential functions and quadratic equations in grade eight. Dividing the Algebra I curriculum over two years allows more time for remediation or enrichment, to practice acquired skills, and to do "hands-on" applications. At the end of grade eight, students have learned the content of a first year algebra course. They have learned to express functions using variables and to graph these functions. They know how to use variables to set up and solve equations, how to factor polynomials, and to understand the origin and use of the quadratic formula.

The science program is designed to teach students to observe their world and to understand that scientific progress is made by asking meaningful questions and conducting careful explorations. Students learn concepts of earth, life, and physical science through experiences, experiments, reading, and research. The school believes that its students are capable of and deserving of a science education that will prepare them for a productive future in a technological society. The school's pedagogy focuses on students constructing their own meaning in science in a safe and secure learning environment. The school emphasizes safety for all students as they learn interactively in a hands-on environment and instills in them responsibility, development, and practice of sound safety procedures and methodology. The focus by grade level is:

Grade six – Earth Science
Grade seven – Life Science
Grade eight – Physical Science

6th Grade Pre-Algebra: A grade-level course for sixth or seventh grade students that addresses the SMES sixth grade math content standards including number systems and number theory; fractions and rational expressions; patterns, functions and algebra; measurement and geometry; probability and statistics; and problem solving. This course prepares students for Algebra I.

6th Grade Science: This course is a full year introductory science class. The curriculum focuses on Earth Science and is driven by activities and hands-on labs that reinforce the related topics/units/concepts and support using the scientific method approach. The course curriculum is in alignment with the sixth grade standards for science.

7th Grade Algebra I: Prerequisites: 85% or better during all four quarters in Pre-Algebra and teacher recommendation. A grade level course for seventh or eighth grade students. Students study the first semester of Algebra 1 during the seventh grade year. The course studies integers and rational numbers; solving equations and inequalities; geometric figures, area and volume; rational numbers, rates and percents; the coordinate plane; probability and statistics; and introduces the concepts and application of liner functions. This course meets half of the first year algebra course requirement for both high school graduation and the UC and CSU preparation requirements, covering half of the SMES Algebra I standards. A grade of 85% or higher for all four quarters is recommended for advancement to the 8th Grade Algebra 1 class.

7th Grade Science: This curriculum focuses on Life Science and includes hands-on labs and work that reflects introductory biology and related material. Students will be expected to use the scientific method in their work and will be afforded varied opportunities and formats, including the use of technology, to demonstrate their learning. The course curriculum is in alignment with the seventh grade standards for science.

8th Grade Algebra I: Prerequisites: 85% or better during all four quarters in Seventh Grade Algebra 1 and teacher recommendation. A grade level course for eighth grade students. Students study the second semester of Algebra 1 during the eighth grade year. The course takes an in-depth look at integers and rational numbers; solving equations and inequalities; geometric figures, area and volume; rational numbers, rates and percents; the coordinate plane; probability and statistics; concepts and application of liner functions an application of algebraic concepts and a more rigorous level of skills development including the quadratic formula. This course meets half of the first year algebra course requirement for both high school graduation and the UC and CSU preparation requirements, covering half of the SMES Algebra I standards. A grade of 85% or higher for all four quarters is recommended for advancement to Geometry and a grade of 90% or higher for advancement to Honors Geometry.

8th Grade Science: This course addresses curriculum related to chemistry, physics, astronomy (physical and earth sciences) with a student-centered program that includes lab work, scientific writing and use of available technology/equipment to support the units/topics of study. The course curriculum is in alignment with the eighth grade standards for science.

Physical Education/Health Course Description
The school's physical education goal is to positively educate students into developing their whole being: mentally, physically, and socially. Students are taught to respect one another, work as a team and always give their best effort. The aim is to help students develop lifelong skills that include regular vigorous exercise, and assist students in assuming responsibility for their own health through an active lifestyle. It will be stressed that a consistently good effort is essential for students to reach their full potential. Further, the physical education program fosters opportunities for students to develop their potential for physical movement in a variety of ways, psychomotor, cognitive, and affective, not merely in the restrictions imposed by a particular sport, game, or exercise. Students also participate in two quarters of health education. The course curriculum is in alignment with the standards for physical education and health.

Foreign Language
At the middle school level, foreign language is comprised of three years of study. Sixth grade students enroll in a year-long Spanish class that focuses on conversation, culture, geography and elements of Spanish grammar. Seventh and eighth grade students enroll in a year-long Spanish class that is equivalent to the high school foreign language program taught at a local high school. This means when a student completes Spanish 1 and/or 2 at SMES with a grade of 85% or better, the student may be enrolled in Spanish 2 or 3 at the beginning of the student's high school career. These two years of study also meet one or two year(s) of the two-year foreign language requirement of the University of California/California State University system. Thus, a student with successful completion of the two-year curriculum at the middle school level would be required to take only one year of high school level foreign language for high school graduation and college eligibility.

Spanish Conversation (Grade 6): This class emphasizes the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Emphasis is placed on oral language development with a focus on receptive and expressive language in Spanish. Students also prepare mini-dialogs and study the geography and culture of Spanish speaking countries. An understanding of Spanish and Latin American culture will be developed through videos, songs and cultural presentations.

Spanish I (Grade 7 or 8): This year-long class concentrates on listening and speaking with an emphasis on reading and writing in Spanish. Students will learn how to read, write and speak in Spanish. General vocabulary units will be taught through CDs, videos, drills, games, flash cards, and reading selections. Students will create projects, skits, and maps to make the language real. An understanding of Spanish and Latin American culture will be developed through videos, songs and cultural presentations. Students must earn at least an overall average of 85% and have teacher recommendation in order to be enrolled in Spanish 2.

Spanish 2 (Grade 8): This year-long class concentrates on listening and speaking with an emphasis on reading and writing in Spanish Students will learn how to read, write and speak in Spanish. General vocabulary units will be taught through CDs, videos, drills, games, flash cards, and reading selections. Students will create projects, skits, and maps to make the language real. An understanding of Spanish and Latin American culture will be developed through videos, songs and cultural presentations. Students must earn at least an overall average of 85% and have teacher recommendation in order to be enrolled in Spanish 3 at the high school level. Successful completion is required for admission to most colleges and universities.

Christian/Character Education
St. Margaret's Episcopal School incorporates a recognition of our students' unique attributes, physical well being, and need for healthy social relationships and religious instruction. Students are encouraged to explore new areas of learning and to participate in new activities. Weekly classes in Christian education, character education and ethical behavior are taught by the school's Christian Education Teacher/Chaplain. The core values of respect, responsibility, honesty, integrity, justice, and compassion as described in scripture are discussed and related to current happenings in the students' lives. Development of tolerance, personal integrity, self-esteem, good sportsmanship, and a respect for the rights and interests of others is considered essential to the growth process.

Elective Course Descriptions
The elective program encompasses more selections for students. Students may choose from two, year-long classes, choral music or journalism; or, they can enroll in the drama and art sequence. These two classes meet for two quarters each and are conducted back-to-back. Also, students who are elected or appointed to student government positions will meet during the activity period. These students must enroll in an elective program as well.

Two-Quarter Sequence: Art and Drama
Art: Open to all middle school students. Two-quarter class. Material fee required. This course will train students to become independent and competent artists by teaching strong fundamental artistic skills. Students acquire skills and techniques with a variety of art materials; gain an understanding of art concepts, art history, and cultural heritage; develop sensitivity for good design and craftsmanship. Students will work in a variety of medium including drawing pencils, soft pastels, watercolors, and tempera paints to produce two-dimensional artworks. Class projects include cartooning and illustration, still life, self-portrait mural painting and abstract art. One of the goals of this course is to encourage students to use the creative process developed here in other areas of their lives.

Drama: Open to all middle school students. Two-quarter class. This course will cover all aspects of writing, acting, directing and producing in the field of dramatic arts. Students will create and perform their own One Act Plays. The class will focus on preparing solid acting pieces and preparing for "open readings" with techniques for successful auditions. The drama class promotes student acting and performing before live audiences. The course may include field trips to productions at local theater companies and discussions with theater producers, actors and directors.

Year-long Elective Sequence: Journalism or Choral Music
Journalism – Newspaper/Yearbook: Open to middle school students. Year-long class. The journalism class studies thematic development, section development, design, graphics, report and headline writing, photography and proof reading. Journalism helps students to acquire skills in writing newspaper articles, photography and newspaper production; while also learning how to prepare a comprehensive school yearbook. The class produces a historical record of the school events and the people for the year. The class requires that students plan layout, take photographs, work on journalism, art, typing and work under pressure of time deadlines. Most school events occur during lunch or after the regular school day. Hence, students are expected to contribute hours outside of class time to capture such events. Students will also work on the school newspaper. Since students often work independently, personal responsibility and trustworthiness are required of all class members.

Choral Music: Open to all middle school students. Year-long class. Students in choral music will learn good vocal technique, note and rhythm reading, performance skills, and self-confidence in a supportive environment. No audition or experience required. A wide variety of music from the classics to Broadway and popular tunes will be sung. Performances include the Christmas and Spring Concerts. Students are required to attend all performances.

Student Council: Open to all middle school students. Year-long class. Class is for elected and appointed student officers and meets during the school activity period. Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation, application and GPA of 80% or higher during each academic quarter. Interested applicants must complete an application and have teacher recommendations before they will be permitted to seek an elected position or to an appointed position. The class is in charge of planning all school dances, planning school spirit activities, participating in service learning projects, conducting student council business, serving as leaders during the school's activity period, publicizing all school activities, and welcoming new students to St. Margaret's Episcopal School. Students must volunteer during lunch from time to time to work leadership activities.

In addition, students are required to serve forty hours of community service/school service each semester. The student council is composed of room representatives from grades three through eight. Officers are elected in the fall. Offices include but may not be limited to: President, Vice-president, Secretary, Treasurer, and Coordinator of Student Activities. Students may also be appointed to ad hoc positions during the school year. The student council meetings, which are presided over by the President, with minutes taken by the elected Secretary, will be held regularly and will follow Robert's Rules of Order during its business meetings. Student Council goals include:

* Enrich the school life of our student body
* Enhance the development of students through leadership opportunities
* Enhance the development of students through participation in school and community service.
* Enhance the development of faith-based attitudes and value.

OTHER INFORMATION

Computer Education/Technology: Technology is integrated into all aspects of the middle school program. Each classroom is equipped with several computers, and the students have periodic sessions with the classroom teacher to support the curriculum. Students are scheduled in a technology lab where all classes will learn appropriate skills and programs to enhance their learning experiences. The integration of technology and curriculum within the school's learning environment is important. The school recognizes the importance of teaching students to use technology in a manner consistent with the highest ethical standards. St. Margaret's Episcopal School complies with all copyright laws. Students are expected to follow all classroom/school rules regarding computer and Internet use. Parents and students will be expected to sign an agreement to abide by all classroom/school rules regarding computer and Internet use.

Study Skills: Instruction in study skills is integrated into all academic subjects. Specific instruction in effective study techniques, time management, organization, test taking, note taking, group work, memorization, and preparation for high school and college entry assessments is included. The goal of the study skills curriculum is to have each student understand his or her learning style and how to become an active, strategic learner.

Chapel: Each Wednesday morning begins with a Chapel service in St. Margaret's Episcopal Church. During these services, which are led by a School Chaplain, assisted by middle school students, students are exposed to the Bible as the history of the Judeo-Christian heritage, the teachings of Jesus as the basis of the Christian faith, the awareness of the needs of others, the students' relationship with God, and the concept of God's unconditional love for each of us. The chapel services are intended to provide students with the basic building blocks of the Episcopal faith and to under gird the religious education they may receive in their homes. Chapel services include hymn singing, formal and informal prayers, scriptures, and lessons. Students and school personnel are required to attend chapel, and families and friends are encouraged to attend these services with their students. Dress uniform is required for Chapel services. Boy and Girl Scout uniforms are acceptable Chapel Day attire.

Library: The Nordstrom campus library is an essential part of the St. Margaret's School curriculum, and library skills are taught weekly by the Library Technician. As a resource center, the library helps integrate the curriculum. Its homey atmosphere welcomes students and encourages them to become independent and confident readers.

All middle school classes utilize the library at least once a week to receive library instruction, conduct research and check out books. Literature appreciation and information search skills are cooperatively planned and integrated with classroom assignments. Students are encouraged to use the library at any unscheduled time, including lunch recess, when the specialist is present. Books may be checked out for one week and renewed for an additional week. Students with overdue books will receive written notice and depending on the circumstances, may have checkout privileges suspended. If a book is lost or damaged, there are two options: replace the book with a new identical copy, or pay the cost of replacement.

Field Trips: Instructionally-based field trips are among the most valuable learning experiences middle school students have and are part of the middle school's instructional program. Throughout the middle school program, emphasis is placed on the study of science and art, and field trips naturally enrich these studies. The purpose of every trip is to extend the classroom curriculum. Each trip must have a clear educational purpose which is related to the curriculum, be appropriate content for middle school students, be of reasonable length, and not be a unique experience for a majority of the students. Sometimes, parents assist with the field trips by driving students or taking responsibility for chaperoning a group of students on a field trip.

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: While not a formal course or program, the process of problem solving goes on each day. The school environment is a problem-solving laboratory. Learning centers, special projects, and myriad forms of activities require students, under the caring guidance of teachers, to find solutions to problems and learn to develop their self-confidence as independent learners. Crucial for this form of ongoing problem solving is the notion that students enjoy the process and that they should feel safe when they make mistakes.

Assemblies: Assemblies are held in Karns Hall. These are educational assemblies, conducted and presented by middle school students for the benefit of all St. Margaret's students. Some of the assemblies focus on the core values (respect, responsibility, honesty, integrity, justice, compassion) of St. Margaret's School. At other assemblies, themes, units of study, or field trip experiences will be the topical. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

St. Margaret's Episcopal School Community Service Program: Community service habits and attitudes should be instilled in all middle school students. St. Margaret's middle school students are incredibly privileged, and the school recognizes the need to assist its middle school students to develop awareness, a sense of gratitude and responsibility for their many privileges; not the least of which is their opportunity to be a part of SMES. The school works with the church's outreach ministry to identify developmentally appropriate community service projects for its students.

St. Margaret's Episcopal School consistently exceeds the expectations of parents and students. We invite you to visit our campus to discuss your child's education future or email us at school@stmargarets.org.