Consider what responsibilities come along with membership in a community and what the historical record reveals, as well as how literature helps us figure out who we are and who we want to be

Study coming-of-age texts to deepen our understanding of our own and others’ evolving identities in a complex world

Understand that identity is complex and changing with its definition depend on existing power structures, and that studying literature and art empowers self-reflection

Analyze literature from varied backgrounds and perspectives; employ the writing process to produce polished essays; and develop a personal writing voice

Study vocabulary in context in order to expand students’ lexicon, as well as to recognize the function of word choice and sentence structure in the context of the course texts

Refine writing skills to produce analytical, creative, personal and reflective pieces; read actively using annotation to predict, infer and analyze; choose precise vocabulary and effective grammatical structures to convey meaning accurately and with a unique voice.

Study grammatical structure both in context and using a supplemental resource (NoRedInk.com) to show how grammar shapes not only the meaning of what is written but also its impact

Representative texts may include Refugee; Night; The House on Mango Street; To Kill A Mockingbird; Persepolis; and Warriors Don’t Cry

Contemplate if the American Dream is real and the role law has played in the history of the United States

Discover that studying history makes it possible to understand the human story from the past and to interpret modern events. The development of civic competence requires understanding the foundations of political thought, historical development of power structures, and the fragility of democracy. Explore how personal identity is shaped by cultural, social and institutional influences

Explore key episodes of United States history: the Revolutionary War, slavery and the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the Civil Rights movements; relate current events to the past; analyze primary source documents (e.g. the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence, The U.S. Constitution, landmark U.S. Supreme Court decisions), maps and charts 

Write effectively as critical historians, recognizing multiple points of view; build an argument with relevant evidence; trace cause and effect relationships; draw upon varied sources

Select sources include Two Miserable Presidents; Freedom: A History of US; “Newsela”; 1619 Project; and other primary and secondary sources

Ponder how mathematical evidence supports problem-solving strategies

Discover and apply the Pythagorean Theorem geometrically and algebraically

Identify numbers that are not rational and approximate their value using rational numbers

Investigate chance processes and develop and evaluate probability models; use random sampling to draw inferences; employ the slope-intercept form to analyze and solve linear equations; evaluate and compare functions; employ functions to model relationships; work with radicals; reason abstractly and quantitatively; construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others

Consider how mathematical evidence supports problem-solving strategies and answers

Discover the meaning of mathematical symbols and diagrams

Determine the similarities and differences between functions that are linear, quadratic, or exponential and the meaning of a solution to an equation, inequality, or system of equations or inequalities

Manipulate and simplify arithmetic and algebraic expressions including exponential and polynomial expressions; identify patterns to understand equations; solve linear and quadratic equations; graph linear, quadratic and exponential functions; use function notation correctly and interpret transformations of functions; describe the connection between a function and an equation; communicate mathematical thinking effectively verbally and in writing.

Consider how evidence and logical reasoning are used to draw conclusions and solve problems

Discover and use the basic vocabulary of geometry and the meaning of mathematical symbols and diagrams related to geometry

Determine the logical steps in a proof; write a mathematical proof using sound logic; use theorems productively to write proofs; apply knowledge from multiple areas and many techniques to solve complex problems; identify the properties of congruence and similarity; employ properties of common geometric shapes, including polygons and circles; use trigonometric relationships and the Pythagorean Theorem to solve problems

Consider how to use mathematical evidence to support problem-solving strategies and how to apply what we know about functions and relations to analyze challenges facing our world

Determine the symbols and diagrams to express mathematical concepts and equations; model real-world phenomena with equations

Identify the similarities and differences between functions which are polynomials, exponential, logarithmic, rational, root powers and trigonometric; express the meaning and significance of a solution to an equation, inequality, or system of equations or inequalities

Manipulate and simplify arithmetic, algebraic, exponential and polynomial expressions; solve and graph equations; interpret transformations of functions; and use technology to explore functions and to verify solutions

Think through how to approach a problem scientifically and how to use findings to draw conclusions and make predictions

Design and run controlled experiments using lab equipment such as beakers, graduated cylinders, balance scale, scoopulas and pipettes

Learn modern models of matter; properties of three states of matter; periodic table of elements, bonding, compound formulas

Explore properties such as surface tension and solubility of polar vs. nonpolar liquids

Recognize and discuss land use, wildlife, atmospheric and water issues with the application of chemistry

Analyze human consumption and sustainability in the local and global environments

Discover that cultural perspectives can vary across age groups, regions, and social groups; language modalities allow us to express subjective attitudes or persuade others; and people from target cultures wrestle with global challenges that are similar to ours

Learn approximately 800 characters and a broad range of products and practices from the target culture; study samples of influential works of art and literature; and practice vocabulary on abstract topics

Compare and contrast perspectives; describe aspirations for life, relationships and work; support personal opinions; and produce elaborate statements

Discover that cultural perspectives can vary across age groups, regions and social groups; learn how language modalities allow us to express subjective attitudes or persuade others; understand that people from target cultures wrestle with global challenges that are similar to ours

Learn approximately 1000 words and a broad range of products and practices from the target cultures; practice vocabulary on abstract topics and themes; use structures necessary for basic communication

Compare and contrast perspectives, support personal opinions, make suggestions, give advice and produce more elaborate statements

Discover that cultural perspectives can vary across age groups, regions and social groups; learn how language modalities allow us to express subjective attitudes or persuade others; understand that people from target cultures wrestle with global challenges that are similar to ours

Learn approximately 1000 words and a broad range of products and practices from the target cultures; practice vocabulary on abstract topics and themes; use structures necessary for basic communication

Compare and contrast perspectives, support personal opinions, make suggestions and produce more elaborate statements

Consider what different cultures can teach us about our own way of living and what learning one language has on the accessibility to other languages.

Strengthen understanding of English grammar through the study of Latin grammar; develop a sophisticated vocabulary; investigate the cultural history of the Latin-speaking world

Create original works of art that demonstrate a more sophisticated understanding of the elements of art and principles of design. 

Explore more complex techniques and materials, and be encouraged to take risks and experiment with their artmaking.

Continue to develop their skills in interpreting and analyzing works of art, both their own creations and those of other artists. 

Learn to provide and receive constructive feedback, and use this feedback to improve their own work.

Deepen their understanding of the cultural and historical contexts of art, and explore the ways in which art can be used to communicate complex ideas and emotions. 

Continue to make connections between art and other subjects, such as history, politics, and environmental science.

Work together as a team to learn standard repertoire

Strengthen position, tone production, and finger skills

Learn to listen to the group, read sheet music like a pro, and respond to a conductor

Open to string players with at least 2 years experience and woodwind/brass players with at least 1 year experience

Beginning wind players may join if currently enrolled in weekly lessons

Pianists can enter Chamber Ensemble starting in Ninth Grade

Learn to strengthen voice by using supportive tone, layering harmonies, and articulating words

Explore a variety of musical genres, traditional choral repertoire, and songs from around the world

High-level pianists may have opportunities to collaborate with the choir as well as sing in it

Explore the discipline of dance as a tool for self-expression

Establish a clear understanding of contemporary dance styles

Explore the elements of choreography to create their own showcase for their dances featuring costume, scenic, prop, sound and lighting design

Learn a variety of fingerstyle playing and chords

Explore both blues and rock songs

Play as an ensemble and small groups

Open to both experienced guitarists and beginner musicians

Focus on the foundation of creative theatrical expression and gain a robust voice and movement vocabulary

Use the joy of play to develop theatrical spoken word pieces featuring full, clear voices and choreographed movement

Explore the tools and techniques needed for auditioning, rehearsing and performing theatrical works

Participate in an intensive audition workshop

Learn rehearsal etiquette and build acting skills

Analyze scenes, create full characters and collaborate with a director to create a unique performance featuring basic costume, scenic, prop, sound and lighting design

Demonstrate movement skills and patterns in a variety of individual performance activities and lifetime physical activities while using critical elements of specialized manipulative skills in a variety of settings

Apply tactical concepts and performance principles in game-like settings

Perform specialized skills using critical biomechanical principles properly

Exhibit responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others with the ability to apply rules and procedures to class activities

Communicate effectively with others in a way that promotes respect and conflict resolution

Understand the impact physical activity has one one’s physical, emotional, and intellectual health

Utilize a growth mindset approach to learning and embrace a willingness to stretch one’s comfort zone