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Beacon Hill Middle School serves students in grades 6th, 7th, and 8th. Each grade level is organized into four distinct teams: Gold, Blue, Silver, and Green, creating smaller, more intimate learning communities within each grade, ensuring students feel a strong sense of belonging. Students are assigned to a team within their grade, and these assignments are reassigned annually, meaning students could have different team colors each year. Team assignments are determined based on enrollment data and individual
student needs, ensuring a balanced and supportive learning environment. Teachers are not necessarily re-assigned to the same team or grade each year.
The team concept at Beacon Hill is designed to ensure students are paired with a consistent group of teachers who collaborate closely. This deliberate team structure prevents random teacher assignments, allowing for a more cohesive and personalized educational experience. The team of teachers works together to understand each student's strengths and needs, fostering a strong network of support and communication between educators, students, and families. The team concept allows teachers to work together to provide parent conferences, enrichment, and interventions to ensure the success of each student they teach as a team.All four teams within each grade level offer a range of academic support, including honors courses, on-level instruction, remediation, and enrichment as needed. Differentiation is a core principle across all teams, ensuring that every student receives the tailored support and resources they require to succeed. This commitment to individualized instruction guarantees that all students, regardless of their academic level or needs, are provided with the opportunities to thrive.
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6th Grade
As sixth graders embark on their middle school journey, our program is thoughtfully designed to create a nurturing and engaging environment that prioritizes strong relationships and comprehensive support. We understand that this transitional year can be both exciting and challenging, and our dedicated team is committed to making it a positive and successful experience for every student.
Building Strong Relationships:- Advisement: Each student is part of a small advisory group led by a teacher on the student's team. These groups meet regularly to foster connections, discuss social-emotional topics, and provide a consistent point of contact for students and families.
- Collaborative Learning and Inquiry: Our curriculum emphasizes group projects and peer-to-peer learning opportunities, encouraging students to work together, develop communication skills, and build a sense of community within their classrooms.
- Extracurricular Activities: A wide range of clubs, sports, and activities are available, providing diverse opportunities for students to connect with peers who share similar interests, develop new skills, and form lasting friendships.
- Open Communication: We foster an environment where students feel comfortable approaching teachers and staff with questions or concerns.
Supporting the Transition to Middle School:
- Orientation and Welcome: Our comprehensive orientation program helps new sixth graders familiarize themselves with the campus, understand middle school routines, and meet key staff members before the academic year begins.
- Academic Guidance: Teachers provide individualized attention to help students adjust to the increased academic rigor of middle school. This includes support with organization, time management, and study skills.
- Future Ready Skills: Our curriculum integrates Future Ready Skills (FRS) to equip students with strategies for managing emotions, building resilience, resolving conflicts, and navigating social situations.
- Parent Partnerships: We believe in a strong home-school connection. Regular communication, parent-teacher conferences, and principal coffee chats are offered to keep families informed and involved in their child's middle school experience.
- Transition Programs: We collaborate with elementary schools to ensure a smooth academic and social transition, understanding each student's unique needs and strengths as they enter middle school.
Our 6th-grade program is more than just academics; it's about fostering a sense of belonging, empowering students to navigate new challenges, and laying the groundwork for a successful and fulfilling middle school career. We are dedicated to nurturing not only their intellectual growth but also their social and emotional well-being, ensuring they thrive in their first year with us.
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7th Grade
Seventh grade marks a pivotal point in the middle school experience – it's where students truly hit their stride and embrace the unique opportunities this period offers. Nestled between the exciting transition of 6th grade and the leadership of 8th grade, 7th grade is a time of significant growth, both academically and personally.
Students will delve deeper into core subjects, building on foundational knowledge and developing more complex critical thinking skills. Our dedicated teachers guide students through engaging curricula, fostering intellectual curiosity and a love for learning.
Beyond academics, 7th grade is a vibrant social landscape. Students continue to refine their identities, strengthen friendships, and explore new interests through a wide array of connections, courses and extracurricular activities. It's a year where independence blossoms, and students begin to truly discover who they are and who they want to become.
We understand that the middle school years can be a rollercoaster, and 7th grade is no exception. Our compassionate staff, including dedicated support personnel, are here to provide a nurturing and supportive environment, ensuring every student feels valued, challenged, and ready to thrive.
Join us in 7th grade as we navigate this exciting middle ground, where curiosity meets challenge, and every student is encouraged to grow into their fullest potential! We take the "it takes a village" mentality seriously and encourage you to fully participate in your child's journey – even if they claim they don't want you to volunteer, we know they do! -
8th Grade
As the "senior class" of Beacon Hill Middle School, 8th graders hold a special and important role. This is the scholar's year to shine, to lead, and to truly set the tone for our school community. Having navigated the transitions of 6th grade and found their stride in 7th, scholars are now the experienced mentors, the role models, and the standard-bearers for what it means to be a Beacon Hill Bulldog.
In 8th grade, academic expectations rise, preparing scholars for the rigor of high school. Our dedicated teachers provide rigorous instruction, encouraging critical thinking, independent learning, and a deeper understanding of complex concepts. Beyond the core subjects, scholars have opportunities to further explore their passions through our diverse connections courses and engage in activities that showcase their growing leadership abilities.
A key focus of 8th grade is fostering self-directed learning, an essential skill for the next chapter of their academic journey. We meet students where they are, and encourage growth academically and in skills that transcend the classroom. We empower scholars to take a more direct role in their education, encouraging them to initiate communication with teachers in conferences and via email, taking ownership of their learning process. This emphasis on independent learning helps prepare them for the increased autonomy of high school.
We are committed to supporting our 8th-grade crew every step of the way. Our comprehensive support system, including outstanding teachers and support staff, is here to guide scholars through academic challenges, help them explore high school options, and ensure they feel confident and prepared for their next exciting chapter. While we encourage students to become self-directed independent learners, we expect and encourage families to remain actively involved in student learning, partnering with us to ensure their child's success. After all, our scholars are still young kids in mind and heart.
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World Language
The Beacon Hill Middle School World Language Program offers 6th-grade students the opportunity to select one language for a continuous three-year study period, from 6th through 8th grade. Students enrolled in the middle school World Language Program are required to study the same selected language for the duration of the three-year program. This sustained engagement fosters deeper learning, enhances skill development, and builds a strong foundation in both communication and cultural understanding within the chosen language.
Students who successfully complete the middle school World Language Program will earn high school credit for both Level I and Level II of their chosen language. Upon entering high school, they will have the option to continue studying the same language or select a new world language. Students that wish to participate in the IB diploma program at the high school level should select their world language carefully because you wil need to complete many years of study in the same language.
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Connections
Our Connections (Exploratory) courses are a vital part of your BHMS experience, helping students build essential skills, explore future possibilities, and make meaningful connections between learning in the classroom and the world around them. Each 18-week course offers a unique opportunity to explore different facets of design, technology, Arts, and Physical Education. The music courses are yearlong, but all other courses remain 18 weeks.Arts
Students discover their creative voice in our diverse range of Arts courses! Our 18 week long visual and media arts courses focus on an immersive experiences, while our music programs (Band, Chorus, and Orchestra) are year-long to foster deeper skill development.Courses Offered- Band (6-8)
- Chorus (6-8)
- Orchestra (6-8)
- Visual Arts/Studio Arts (6-8)
- Media Arts (6-8)
- Theater Arts (6-8)
Design
Through the IB Design Cycle, our Design courses encourage inquiry, innovation, and critical thinking, preparing students to be adaptable and creative problem-solvers in a rapidly changing world. Each 18-week course offers a unique opportunity to explore different facets of design and technology.Courses Offered- Architecture and Construction (6-8)
- Business & Communications (6-8)
- Computer Science (6-8)
- Gifted Resource (6)
- International Perspectives (Family and Consumer Science) 6-8
- Journalism (7&8)
- STEM (7&8)
Physical Education
Our middle school Physical Education program aims to equip students with the physical, emotional, and social skills needed to embrace a lifetime of health and well-being. Through a student-centered approach, we foster a love for physical activity and empower students to make positive choices for their futureCourses Offered- Adventure Quest (6-8)
- Physical Education (6-8)
- Yoga and Wellness (6-8)