Tag Archives: Ms-only

Black Excellence – MS Black History (History – Cultural Studies – Social Studies)

This class will explore the achievements and advancements of Black people in the United States. We will analyze the common know historical events that have taken place and add some stories that are lesser known. During each session, students will get to experience learning in the traditional style of cultural studies which includes dramatic storytelling, music, mini lectures short/long form film.

Our class text for the term is, The Silence of our Friends.

The Silence of Our Friends follows events through the point of view of young Mark Long, whose father is a reporter covering the story. Semi-fictionalized, this story has its roots solidly in very real events. With art from the brilliant Nate Powell (Swallow Me Whole) bringing the tale to heart-wrenching life, The Silence of Our Friends is a new and important entry in the body of civil rights literature.

NOTE *This class will have some collaborative teaching and learning in Graphic Design with Christy Drackett. 

Leanring goals

  • Reading text (both in class and outside of class)
  • Fully participate in discussions
  • Written reflections
  • Quizzes

 

  • Outside work: A small amount (e.g., <30 min) for each session
  • Mature themes: Due to the nature of history, some elements could include loss of life and violent acts as essential to survival.
  • Minimum students: 5

MS Global Languages (World Languages)

Note: This class is open to middle school students only.

Language is not just how we talk to each other, but rather how we can communicate with each other effectively using our own language. As we grow and experience daily life, our words and gestures continuously build, navigate, and challenge our identities, social and cultural worlds. Through study and practice, we will explore early and modern linguistic forms of languages from ancient and modern times. Along with the main study of the roots of language, students will engage with their own individual language learning throughout the course of the term.

Learning goals:

  • Develop the four basic language competencies (reading, writing & speaking)
  • Engage with the five C’s: Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities
  • Create and present projects that express their understanding of language

  • Outside work: No outside work