Course Description

Students read and study a variety of texts, building on an understanding of reading as a process that includes analyzing and comprehending texts. Language study includes building vocabulary, learning about grammar, and spelling. Through varied and frequent writing assignments, students build on their understanding of writing as a process that includes drafting, revising, editing, proofreading, and publishing. They use writing to develop ideas and learn new concepts. Students also learn discussion skills, research skills, and oral communication skills, and learn to adapt speaking and listening to the audience, topic, purpose, and situation. Reading and writing competencies addressed in the Virginia Standards of Learning are incorporated into the course objectives.

Course Overview

Our units of study for the year are as follows: 

• Quarter 1 - Unit 1 (Community), Unit 2 (Identity)
• Quarter 2 - Unit 3 (Challenge)
• Quarter 3 - Unit 4 (Perception)
• Quarter 4 - Unit 5 (Connection), Unit 6 (Growth)

Lexia Power Up

• Lexia will be an important component of our English instruction this year. 
• Students will be expected to be on the program every English class to improve their writing and reading skills. 
• Lexia can be accessed at home for extra practice through Schoology.

Notes for success

• Be prepared to write when coming to English class.
• Have a book in your backpack just in case.
• Use fancy words like protagonist and rising action to impress your teachers.
• After you finish a writing piece, go back to check for spelling and grammar. 
• Give any book you pick up a chance, you may end up liking it. 

Course Description

Students strengthen and/or master basic skills developed at the elementary level. Emphasis is on highly organized lead-up activities, modified games, and fitness and wellness activities. Content knowledge includes skilled movement, anatomical basis of movement, personal fitness planning, social development, and energy balance. Health units include alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use prevention; personal health; mental health and wellness; injury and violence prevention; emotional and social health; and human growth and development.

Course Overview

Our units of study for the year are as follows: 

• Quarter 1 - Unit 1 (Self Care: Physical Health Fitness), Unit 2 (Self Care: Mental Health and Wellness)
• Quarter 2 - Unit 1 (Social Media, Safety, and Injury Prevention), Unit 2 (Relationship & Social Development)
• Quarter 3 - Unit 1 (Energy Balance and Nutrition), Unit 2 (Disease Prevention and Health Promotion)
• Quarter 4 - Unit 1 (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs), Unit 2 (Self Care: Physical Health)

FLE Curriculum in Schoology

FLE Lessons are posted for the 2023-2024 school year in the Whitman “All Parents” Schoology course.  Opt-out forms are provided to parents at the beginning of the school year in orientation packets and available online at http://www.fcps.edu/is/hpe/fle.shtml.  

For students who are opted out of FLE instruction, opt-out lessons are provided for K-10.  These lessons are based on the VDOE standards of learning for health education at each grade level.

FLE Parent Preview Night - Monday, November 13

• In-person and Virtual

Notes for success

• On PE days, students should wear or bring athletic shoes with rubber soles.  Students should not wear Crocs, slides, or heals of any type.
• Each student should bring their own refillable water bottle on PE days.
• Students should be dressed appropriately for physical activity, for example tee shirts, shorts, sweatpants, sweatshirts.  
• Students have access to lockers in the changing rooms during PE.  If you have not purchased a lock yet, please consider acquiring a combination lock as soon as possible.
• Please encourage students to actively participate in PE.

Course Description 

Students examine algebra and geometry preparatory concepts and skills; strategies for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data; and number concepts and skills, especially proportional reasoning. Reasoning, problem solving, communication, concept representation, and connections among mathematical ideas are emphasized in a hands-on learning environment. Graphing calculators and computers are integrated with instruction. This course provides students the opportunity to acquire the concepts and skills necessary for success in Algebra 1 or Algebra 1 Honors.

Course Overview

Our units of study for the year are as follows:

• Quarter 1 - Unit 1 (The Rational Number System), Unit 2 (Proportions and Linear Relationships
• Quarter 2 - Unit 3 (Real Numbers and Exponents), Unit 4 (Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities)
• Quarter 3 - Unit 5 (Introductions to Functions), Unit 6 (Triangles and Quadrilaterals), Unit 7 (Probability of Random Events)
• Quarter 4 - Unit 8 (Data Distributions), Unit 9 (Surface Area and Volume), Unit 10 (Ensuring Mastery of Essential Standards)

Notes for success:

• Bring Math Notebook/Binder/Folder to class everyday
• Be prepared with writing utensils (pencils preferably) and charged laptops
• Complete assigned homework
• Keeps notes and other important documents organized in Math Notebook/Binder/Folder
• Maintain a positive attitude toward learning

Course Description

Students extend their study of algebra- and geometry-preparatory concepts and skills; strategies for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data; and number concepts and skills especially proportional reasoning. Reasoning, problem solving, communication, concept representation, and connections among mathematical ideas are emphasized in a hands-on learning environment. Graphing calculators and computers are integrated with instruction. This course provides students the opportunity to acquire the concepts and skills necessary for success in Algebra I or Algebra I Honors.

Course Overview

Our units of study for the year are as follows: 

• Quarter 1 - Unit 1 (Real Numbers and Consumer Application), Unit 2 (Linear Functions)
• Quarter 2 - Unit 3 (Algebraic Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities), Unit 4 (Congruence and Similarity)
• Quarter 3 - Unit 5 (Pythagorean Theorem), Unit 6 (Angles and Polygons), Unit 7 (Solid Figures)
• Quarter 4 - Unit 8 (Probability of Multiple Events), Unit 9 (Populations and Samples), Unit 10 (Bivariate Data)

Notes for success

• Bring your Math Notebook/ Binder/Composition Book/ or Folder to class every period.
• Be prepared with a fully charged laptop and at least 2 pencils
• Be prompt. Come to class on time ready to expand your mathematical knowledge. 
• Complete all assignment within the designated time frame. 
• Use Schoology for all class updates. 

Course Description

In accordance with the Fairfax County Public School System, Algebra 1 is a challenging mathematics program for students who have mastered the prerequisite mathematics of middle school before grade 9, including the Virginia Standards of Learning for mathematics grades 6-8. Algebra 1 extends students’ knowledge and understanding of the real number system and its properties through the study of variables, expressions, equations, inequalities and the analysis of data derived from real-world phenomena.  Each of the Standards of Learning (SOLs) for Algebra 1 is included in this course. Algebra 1 includes six major areas of exploration: numerical and algebraic expressions, linear equations and inequalities, systems of linear equations and inequalities, linear relations and functions and linear inequalities, polynomials, and quadratic equations.

Course Overview

Our units of study for the year are as follows: 

• Quarter 1 - Unit 1 (Expressions and Operations), Unit 2 (Equations and Inequalities), Unit 3 (Functions)
• Quarter 2 - Unit 4 (Lines), Unit 5 (Systems of Equations and Inequalities), Unit 6 (Exponents and Radicals)
• Quarter 3 - Unit 7 (Polynomials), Unit 8 (Quadratics)
• Quarter 4 - Unit 9 (Variation), SOL Review

Course Description

Investigations in Life Science builds upon the experiences in the life sciences introduced to students in the upper-elementary grades. Cellular structure and function, heredity, biological diversity, populations, and ecosystems are topics explored through a sequence of hands-on investigations. 

Course Overview

Our units of study for the year are as follows:

• Quarter 1 - Ecology Unit 1 (Ecosystems Basics), Unit 2 (Our Watershed), Unit 3 (Climate and Adaptations), Unit 4 (Movement of Matter and Energy in Nature), Unit 5 (Ecological Relationships)
• Quarter 2 - Ecosystems Change Over Time Unit 1 (Natural Changes to Ecosystems), Unit 2 (Organisms’ Responses to Changes), Unit 3 (Human Impacts on Ecosystems)
• Quarter 3 - Cells Unit 1 (Cell Theory and Structure), Unit 2 (Cell Division), Unit 3 (Cell Processes)
• Quarter 4 - Organisms Change Over Time Unit 1 (DNA Structure), Unit 2 (Heredity and Genetics), Unit 3 (Natural Selection), Unit 4 (Classification)

Notes for success

• Interact with animals and plants
• Tinker in the kitchen and garage 
• Explore the outdoors
• Teach your student to reduce, reuse, and recycle
• Grow something
• Observe and discuss the weather
• Go stargazing 
• Discuss what was learned in Science daily

Course Descriptions

The grade seven course provides a survey of the political, economic, and social challenges facing the United States from the Reconstruction Era to present day. Students will use historical thinking skills required for geographic analysis, economic decision making, and responsible citizenship. Students will understand how the role of the American experience influenced world affairs.

Course Overview

Our units of study for the year are as follows:

• Quarter 1 - Unit 1 (Historical Thinking Skills), Unit 2 (Reconstruction), Unit 3 (Expense of Expansion), Unit 4 (Industrialization)
• Quarter 2 - Unit 5 (Immigration), Unit 6 (Progressive Movement), Unit 7 (Imperialism), Unit 8 (World War I)
• Quarter 3 - Unit 9 (The 1920s), Unit 10 (Great Depression & the New Deal), Unit 11 (World War II), Unit 12 (The Civil Rights Movement)
• Quarter 4 - Unit 13 (Post-War America), Unit 14 (Cold War), Unit 15 (Globalization)

Course Description

The grade eight program is designed to prepare students to be responsible, productive citizens in a democratic republic and an interconnected world. Students will gain an understanding of the concepts and processes of democratic government and the American economic system. Students examine the role that citizens play in the political, governmental, and economic systems in the United States. Students will acquire knowledge of the structure and operation of these systems at the national, state and local levels. As they gain an understanding of the concepts and processes of democratic government and the American economic system the students will think conceptually; make connections across time, place and subject areas; perform as a practitioner or scholar in a discipline; and self-assess and reflect on their learning and the learning process. A service learning component helps students personalize citizenship education.

Course Overview

Our units of study for the year are as follows: 

• Quarter 1 - Unit 1 (American Citizenship), Unit 2 (Political Process)
• Quarter 2 - Unit 3 (Roots of American Government), Unit 4 (U.S. Constitutional Government)
• Quarter 3 - Unit 5 (State and Local Governments), Unit 6 (U.S. & Global Economy)
• Quarter 4 - Unit 7 (Role of Governments in the Economy), Unit 8 (Personal Finance), Unit 9 (Geography)

Additionally, we will be working on a Global Goals Service Learning Project to meet FCPS Service Learning/Community Service goals for Middle Schoolers.

Course Description

Students will read and study a variety of texts, building on an understanding of reading as a process that includes analyzing and interpreting the text. Language study includes building vocabulary and learning about grammar. Through varied and frequent writing assignments, students recognize that writing is a process that includes drafting, revising, editing, proofreading, and publishing. Students practice a variety of writing forms, including informational/technical and essay writing. All students learn research skills and adapt speaking and writing skills to the audience, topic, purpose, and situation.

Students are required to take the Standards of Learning Grade 8 Reading and Writing tests.

Course Overview

Our units of study are organized by concepts. Students explore concepts to create deeper learning experiences. By the end of the unit, students are expected to answer essential questions aligned to the concepts:

• Quarter 1 - Community and Individuality
• Quarter 2 - Justice
• Quarter 3 - Truth
• Quarter 4 - Reflection and Growth

Course Description

Health and PE is scheduled as a semester-long course. Students continue to:

• Strengthen and/or master basic skills 
• Participate in wellness activities
• Analyze wellness data through fitness planning
• Learn Health concepts to support their:
  • Physical Health
  • Social Health
  • Emotional Health
  • Environmental Health

Course Overview

Our units of study for the year are as follows: 

• Quarter 1 - Unit 1 (Self Care: Physical Health and Fitness), Unit 2 (Self Care: Mental Health and Wellness)
• Quarter 2 - Unit 1 (Safety and Injury Preventions), Unit 2 (Relationships and Social Development), Unit 3 (Human Growth and Development)
• Quarter 3 - Unit 1 (Energy Balance and Nutrition), Unit 2 (Disease Prevention and Health Promotion)
• Quarter 4 - Unit 1 (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs), Unit 2 (Self-Care: Physical Health)

FLE Curriculum in Schoology

FLE Lessons are posted for the 2023-2024 school year in the Whitman “All Parents” Schoology course.  Opt-out forms are provided to parents at the beginning of the school year in orientation packets and available online at http://www.fcps.edu/is/hpe/fle.shtml.  

For students who are opted out of FLE instruction, opt-out lessons are provided for K-10.  These lessons are based on the VDOE standards of learning for health education at each grade level.

FLE Parent Preview Night - Monday, November 13

• In-person and Virtual

Notes for success

• Athletic shoes need to be worn during class.
• Dress and be prepared for the weather and indoor and outdoor activities.  
• Combination lock are highly recommended to keep student belongings safe in a locker.

Course Description

Students extend their study of algebra- and geometry-preparatory concepts and skills; strategies for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data; and number concepts and skills especially proportional reasoning. Reasoning, problem solving, communication, concept representation, and connections among mathematical ideas are emphasized in a hands-on learning environment. Graphing calculators and computers are integrated with instruction. This course provides students the opportunity to acquire the concepts and skills necessary for success in Algebra I or Algebra I Honors.

Course Overview

Our units of study for the year are as follows: 

• Quarter 1 - Unit 1 (Real Numbers and Consumer Application), Unit 2 (Linear Functions)
• Quarter 2 - Unit 3 (Algebraic Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities), Unit 4 (Congruence and Similarity)
• Quarter 3 - Unit 5 (Pythagorean Theorem), Unit 6 (Angles and Polygons), Unit 7 (Solid Figures)
• Quarter 4 - Unit 8 (Probability of Multiple Events), Unit 9 (Populations and Samples), Unit 10 (Bivariate Data)

Notes for success

• Bring your Math Notebook/ Binder/Composition Book/ or Folder to class every period.
• Be prepared with a fully charged laptop and at least 2 pencils
• Be prompt. Come to class on time ready to expand your mathematical knowledge. 
• Complete all assignment within the designated time frame. 
• Use Schoology for all class updates. 

Course Description

In accordance with the Fairfax County Public School System, Algebra 1 is a challenging mathematics program for students who have mastered the prerequisite mathematics of middle school before grade 9, including the Virginia Standards of Learning for mathematics grades 6-8. Algebra 1 extends students’ knowledge and understanding of the real number system and its properties through the study of variables, expressions, equations, inequalities and the analysis of data derived from real-world phenomena.  Each of the Standards of Learning (SOLs) for Algebra 1 is included in this course. Algebra 1 includes six major areas of exploration: numerical and algebraic expressions, linear equations and inequalities, systems of linear equations and inequalities, linear relations and functions and linear inequalities, polynomials, and quadratic equations.

Course Overview

Our units of study for the year are as follows: 

• Quarter 1 - Unit 1 (Expressions and Operations), Unit 2 (Equations and Inequalities), Unit 3 (Functions)
• Quarter 2 - Unit 4 (Lines), Unit 5 (Systems of Equations and Inequalities), Unit 6 (Exponents and Radicals)
• Quarter 3 - Unit 7 (Polynomials), Unit 8 (Quadratics)
• Quarter 4 - Unit 9 (Variation), SOL Review

Course Description

The depth and level of understanding expected in Geometry Honors is beyond the scope of Geometry. This course emphasizes two- and three-dimensional reasoning skills, coordinate and transformational geometry, and the use of geometric models to solve problems. A variety of applications and some general problem-solving techniques, including algebraic skills, will be used to explore geometric relationships. Conjectures about properties and relationships are developed inductively and then verified deductively. Students investigate non-Euclidean geometries, formal logic, and use deductive proofs to verify theorems. Graphing utilities, dynamic geometry software, and other relevant technology tools will be used when appropriate to support instruction, especially to allow students to explore graphical, numerical, and symbolic relationships.

Course Overview

Our units of study for the year are as follows: 

• Quarter 1 - Unit 1 (Geometry Basics), Unit 2 (Logic and Reasoning), Unit 3 (Parallel and Perpendicular Lines)
• Quarter 2 - Unit 4 (Properties of Triangles), Unit 5 (Triangles and Triangle Congruence), Unit 6 (Similar Triangles)
• Quarter 3 - Unit 7 (Right Triangles), Unit 8 (Polygons), Unit 9 (Circles)
• Quarter 4 - Unit 10 (Solids), Unit 11 (Transformations), SOL and Final Exam Review

Course Description

Investigating Matter and Energy builds upon the experiences in the physical sciences introduced to students in the upper-elementary grades. Properties of Matter, Energy Forms and their Transformations, and Forces and Motion are content strands explored through a sequence of hands-on investigations. To better facilitate the inquiry- and project-based investigations outlined in our Scientist Notebooks, technologies including Vernier probeware, Gizmos Virtual Labs, and G Suite Apps are used to enhance student understanding.

Course Overview

Our units of study for the year are as follows: 

• Quarter 1 - Unit 1 (Energy), Unit 2 (Velocity and Acceleration), Unit 3 (Laws of Motion), Unit 4 (Work and Power), Unit 5 (Electricity and Magnetism)
• Quarter 2 - Unit 6 (Physical and Chemical Properties), Unit 7 (Nature of Science), Unit 8 (Atoms), Unit 9 (Elements), Unit 10 (Periodic Table)
• Quarter 3 - Unit 11 (Heat Transfer), Unit 12 (Phase Changes), Unit 13 (Chemical Bonds), Unit 14 (Chemical Changes), Unit 15 (Chemical Reactions)
• Quarter 4 - Unit 16 (Sound Waves), Unit 17 (Light Waves), Unit 18 (Electromagnetic Spectrum)

Course Descriptions

Middle school art course options include 3 semester-long courses and one year long course. Course descriptions for each separate offering are available through our class Schoology pages.

Semester Classes

• Art Foundations
• 3D Art
• Computers in Art

Year-long Classes

• Art Extensions

Each class has a fee of $20/semester or $40/year. Families will be able to pay the class fee once invoices are sent out through FCPS’s central office. Payments can be made to the child’s teacher or on My School Bucks. Class and Uniform Fees are waived if a student is eligible for the FCPS Free & Reduced-Price Meals program (FRM). Families must apply every year. For more information, please visit https://www.fcps.edu/frm

Course Description

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), is a program designed for students with recognized academic potential, an individual determination to succeed, and a desire to take challenging courses that lead to four-year college enrollment.This course is designed to support motivated, capable students in pursuing a rigorous course of high school study leading to acceptance to and success in a four-year college or university. Through a variety of instructional techniques, students develop skills in higher-level thinking, writing across the curriculum, and reading strategies for accessing challenging course material. Students develop time management, note taking, research, organization, and other skills fundamental to success in higher-level mathematics, social studies, English, science, and world language courses. Students participate in college, career, and cultural exploration activities, including field trips. Students must submit an application to be considered for the AVID program.

In the AVID Elective, we cover several realms of college readiness using the philosophy of WICOR:

• Writing (Cornell notes, Learning logs, Quickwrites, Reflections, Peer evaluation, etc.)
• Inquiry (Skilled questioning techniques, Costa’s Levels of Thinking, Investigations, etc.)
• Collaboration (Socratic Seminars, Tutorials, Philosophical Chairs, Group Activities, etc.)
• Organization (Binders, Planners, SMART Goals, Organizing tools and systems, etc.)
• Reading (Critical reading strategies, Vocabulary Building, Summarizing Text, etc.)

In addition to WICOR, a middle school AVID classroom typically focuses on team building, student agency, goal setting, service, and college research/exposure.

Course Overview

Our units of study for the year are as follows:

• Quarter 1 - Organization and Collaboration
• Quarter 2 - Inquiry and Reading
• Quarter 3 - Inquiry and Writing
• Quarter 4 - Making Connections: College, Career, and Life

Course Descriptions

Beginning Band - Beginning level band classes develop skills on woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments. Guidance will be given by the instructor in the selection of an instrument. Simple duets, rounds and other ensemble literature will be performed in the class. Students must meet both the school day and outside of the school day participation requirements to receive credit for the course.

Intermediate Band - Intermediate level band students will continue to develop skills on woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments. A variety of musical styles will be studied through the playing of band literature. Students must meet both the school day and outside of the school day participation requirements to receive credit for the course.

Advanced Band - Advanced level band offers instruction to the advanced player. In-depth study of musical concepts will be conceptualized through challenging band literature. Students must meet both the school day and outside of the school day participation requirements to receive credit for the course.

Percussion - This course is designed to meet specific needs of percussionists. Content includes study of appropriate ensemble literature, and rehearsal and performance techniques from the various areas of musical composition. Instrumentation of the group is at the discretion of the instructor. Students must meet both the school day and outside of the school day participation requirements to receive credit for the course. Students will be assigned to a band level for performances. 

Important Performances - These are required and are one of the primary summative grades for each quarter. Please put them on your calendar. See the full WMS Band calendar for all performance and rehearsal dates. 

• All Band Students
  • Winter Concert: Tuesday, December 5th, at 7 p.m.
  • Spring Concert: Tuesday, May 14th, at 7 p.m.
• Advanced Band Students
  • Pre-Assessment: Thursday, February 22nd, at 7 p.m.
  • State Assessment: March 8th or March 9th 

Each class has a fee of $30/year and a uniform fee of $35. Families will be able to pay the class fee once invoices are sent out through FCPS’s central office. Payments can be made to the child’s teacher or on My School Bucks. Class and Uniform Fees are waived if a student is eligible for the FCPS Free & Reduced-Price Meals program (FRM). Families must apply every year. For more information, please visit https://www.fcps.edu/frm

Course Descriptions

Beginning/Intermediate Chorus - Intermediate level chorus will provide for the continued study of correct vocal production and development of musicianship through the study of appropriate choral literature. Through a variety of choral literature, students will experience unison, two-part, and three-part singing. Students must meet both the school day and outside of the school day participation requirements to receive credit for the course.

Treble Chorus - This course offers slightly more advanced instruction in vocal techniques, music fundamentals, and sight-reading. Through a variety of choral literature, students will experience two, three and/or four-part singing. Types of performances may include concert choral performances, choral choreography, and/or musical dramas. Students must meet both the school day and outside of the school day participation requirements to receive credit for the course.

Important Performances - These are required and are one of the primary summative grades for each quarter. Please put them on your calendar. See the full WMS Choir calendar for all performance and rehearsal dates. 

• Fall Concert: Tuesday, October 17th at 7 p.m.
• Winter Concert: Tuesday, December 12th, at 7 p.m.
• Pre-Assessment: Tuesday, March 5th, at 7 p.m.
• Spring Concert: Tuesday, May 21st, at 7 p.m.

Each class has a fee of $20/year and a uniform fee of $35. Families will be able to pay the class fee once invoices are sent out through FCPS’s central office. Payments can be made to the child’s teacher or on My School Bucks. Class and Uniform Fees are waived if a student is eligible for the FCPS Free & Reduced-Price Meals program (FRM). Families must apply every year. For more information, please visit https://www.fcps.edu/frm

Course Description

Engineering 1 - This course provides an introduction to the engineering principles. Information on the different disciplines of engineering will be presented.  Professional and ethical aspects of engineering are covered. An introduction to problem solving and the engineering design process with the utilization of various computer applications are covered.

Engineering 2 - Students in Engineering II will learn how to create working drawings and computer simulations in support of mechanical and industrial engineering and others. Students will apply power tools and equipment to manufacture their design projects.

Course Descriptions

Beginning ELD - In this course, students at WIDA ELP levels 1 and 2 develop their English language proficiency. Students engage in tasks that support academic language development in the four domains—reading, writing, listening and speaking. Ongoing formal and informal assessment data are used to appropriate place and transition students through the levels of the ELD courses. This course is aligned to the WIDA English language development (ELD) standards.

En este curso, los estudiantes de los niveles 1 y 2 de WIDA ELP desarrollan su dominio del idioma inglés. Los estudiantes participan en tareas que apoyan el desarrollo del lenguaje académico en los cuatro dominios: lectura, escritura, comprensión auditiva y expresión oral. Los datos de evaluaciones formales e informales continuas se utilizan para ubicar apropiadamente y hacer la transición de los estudiantes a través de los niveles de los cursos ELD. Este curso está alineado con los estándares de desarrollo del idioma inglés (ELD) de WIDA.

Developing ELD - In this course, students at WIDA ELP level 3 develop their English language proficiency. Students engage in tasks that support academic language development in the four domains—reading, writing, listening and speaking. Ongoing formal and informal assessment data are used to appropriate place and transition students through the levels of the ELD courses. This course is aligned to the WIDA English language development (ELD) standards.

En este curso, los estudiantes del nivel 3 de WIDA ELP desarrollan su dominio del idioma inglés. Los estudiantes participan en tareas que apoyan el desarrollo del lenguaje académico en los cuatro dominios: lectura, escritura, comprensión auditiva y expresión oral. Los datos de evaluaciones formales e informales continuas se utilizan para ubicar apropiadamente y hacer la transición de los estudiantes a través de los niveles de los cursos ELD. Este curso está alineado con los estándares de desarrollo del idioma inglés (ELD) de WIDA.

Academic Language - This is the highest level ESOL course and is designed for students at WIDA ELP levels 3.8 - 4.3.  The purpose is to  develop their academic English proficiency in order to exit ESOL Services and to enroll in the most rigorous coursework in high school. Students engage in tasks that support academic language development in the four domains—reading, writing, listening and speaking, with particular emphasis on advanced reading and writing skills. 

Este es el curso de ESOL de más alto nivel y está diseñado para estudiantes en los niveles WIDA ELP 3.8 - 4.3. El propósito es desarrollar su dominio académico del inglés para poder salir de los servicios de ESOL e inscribirse en los cursos más rigurosos de la escuela secundaria. Los estudiantes participan en tareas que apoyan el desarrollo del lenguaje académico en los cuatro dominios: lectura, escritura, comprensión auditiva y expresión oral, con especial énfasis en las habilidades avanzadas de lectura y escritura.

Notes for success

• Encourage your child to read at home and use their English as much as possible. Anime a su hijo a leer en casa y a utilizar su inglés tanto como sea posible.
• Make sure they get a good night’s sleep. Asegúrese de que duerman bien por la noche.
• Check SIS once a week to see if they have missing assignments. Consulte el SIS una vez por semana para ver si les faltan tareas.
• Extra time in Lexia (from English class) will help improve reading skills. El tiempo adicional en Lexia (de la clase de inglés) ayudará a mejorar las habilidades de lectura.

Course Description

This is a semester-long course which emphasizes personal responsibility for the demands of multiple life roles through hands-on, project-based instruction. Students learn how to maintain their living and personal environments and to use nutrition and wellness practices. Instruction is also provided in childcare and leadership skills. Mathematics, science, language, social sciences, and technology are integrated throughout the course.

Course Overview

Our units of study for the year are as follows: 

• Quarter 1 and 3 - Unit 1 (Family), Unit 2 (Childcare), Unit 3 (Hand sewing and machine sewing), Unit 4 (Personal Finance) 
• Quarter 2 and 4- Unit 1 (Nutrition and Wellness)

This class has a fee of $20/semester. Families will be able to pay the class fee once invoices are sent out through FCPS’s central office. Payments can be made to the child’s teacher or on My School Bucks. Class and Uniform Fees are waived if a student is eligible for the FCPS Free & Reduced-Price Meals program (FRM). Families must apply every year. For more information, please visit https://www.fcps.edu/frm

Course Descriptions

Beginning Orchestra - Beginning level orchestra classes develop skills on the violin, viola, cello, and double bass. Guidance will be given by the instructor in the selection of an instrument. Simple duets, rounds, and other literature will be performed in class. Students must meet both the school day and outside of the school day participation requirements to receive credit for the course.

Intermediate Orchestra - Intermediate level orchestra students will continue to develop skills on violin, viola, cello, and double bass. A variety of musical styles will be studied through the playing of string orchestra literature. Students must meet both the school day and outside of the school day participation requirements to receive credit for this course.

Advanced Orchestra - Advanced level orchestra offers instruction to the advanced string player. In depth study of musical styles will be realized through challenging string orchestra literature. Students must meet both the school day and outside of the school day participation requirements to receive credit for this course.

Important Performances - These are required and are one of the primary summative grades for each quarter. Please put them on your calendar. 

• All Orchestra Students
  • Winter Concert: Wednesday, December 13th, at 7 p.m.
  • Spring Concert: Thursday, May 23rd, at 7 p.m.
• Advanced Orchestra Students
  • Fall Orchestra Festival Concert: Wednesday, October 18th, at 7 p.m.
• Advanced & Intermediate Orchestra Students
  • Pre-Assessment: Thursday, February 15th, at 7 p.m.
  • State Assessment: March 8th or March 9th 

Each class has a fee of $20/year and a uniform fee of $35. Families will be able to pay the class fee once invoices are sent out through FCPS’s central office. Payments can be made to the child’s teacher or on My School Bucks. Class and Uniform Fees are waived if a student is eligible for the FCPS Free & Reduced-Price Meals program (FRM). Families must apply every year. For more information, please visit https://www.fcps.edu/frm

Course Descriptions

Theatre Arts Appreciation - This is a semester-long course. Students will develop an appreciation of theatre and the ability to perform through an introduction to the basic concepts of acting, performance and teamwork. Through observing and participating in a variety of performance activities, students will enhance creativity, confidence and communication. Students will use skills and knowledge acquired to appreciate and understand the purpose of theatre arts in their immediate and global communities.

Advanced Theatre Arts Appreciation - This is a semester-long course. Students will develop an advanced appreciation of theatre through continuing to learn the concepts of performance, theatre history, critique and teamwork. Through observing and participating in a variety of theatre activities, students will enhance creativity, confidence and communication. Students will use skills and knowledge acquired to appreciate and understand the purpose of theatre arts in their immediate and global communities.

Musical Theatre Arts Appreciation - Students will be introduced to concepts and techniques specific to musical theatre performance. By observing and participating in various activities, students will practice musical theatre performance skills including acting, singing, and movement. Students will examine the evolution of musical theatre through musical theatre works, characters, techniques, styles, and historical and cultural influences. Students will utilize skills and knowledge acquired to foster an appreciation of musical theatre. 

Technical Theatre Arts Appreciation - This is a semester-long course. Students will develop an appreciation of tech theatre through an introduction to the basic concepts of design, safety, critique and teamwork. Through observing and participating in a variety of technical theatre activities, students will enhance creativity, confidence and communication. Students will use skills and knowledge acquired to appreciate and understand the purpose of theatre arts in their immediate and global communities.

Whitman Theatre Events

• Fall Festival Haunted House: Thursday, October 26th
• Dear Edwina Auditions: October 30th - November 2nd
• Dear Edwina Performance: Friday, January 12th
• Whitman's Got Talent: Thursday, March 21st
• Theatre Club: Every Thursday After School B Block

Notes for success

• We are up and active every class
• Meet the class halfway and at least try everything
• Positive take-aways can be confidence, public speaking, creativity, leadership 

Course Description

Students continue to develop the ability to communicate about themselves and their immediate environment using simple sentences containing basic language structures. This communication is evidenced in all four language skills - listening, speaking, reading, and writing - with emphasis on the ability to communicate orally and in writing. Students continue to explore and study the POS themes and topics of level 1. Credit becomes a part of the high school transcript, is included in the determination of the high school grade point average (GPA) and counts towards fulfilling the world languages requirements of the high school Advanced Studies diploma. It also counts towards the number of credits required for high school graduation.

Course Overview

Our units of study for the year are as follows:

• Quarter 1 - About Me and My Family
• Quarter 2 - My Family and My School
• Quarter 3 - Food
• Quarter 4 - Clothing 

Notes for Success

• Be ready to learn as soon as class begins.
• Have all materials/resources with you at the beginning of class.
• Respect yourself, others, and property.
• Listen, follow directions, and stay on task. 
• Follow school-wide digital citizenship rules, and respect everyone in the learning community.
• Follow routines and procedures and be curious and ask questions!

• YouTube (with English captions)
• YouTube (with Korean and Spanish subtitles)

• YouTube (with English captions)
• YouTube (with Korean and Spanish subtitles)

• YouTube (with English captions)
• YouTube (with Korean and Spanish subtitles)

• YouTube (with English captions)
• YouTube (with Korean and Spanish subtitles)

• YouTube (with English captions)
• YouTube (with Korean and Spanish subtitles)

• YouTube (with English captions)
• YouTube (with Korean and Spanish subtitles)

• YouTube (with English captions)
• YouTube (with Korean and Spanish subtitles)

• YouTube (with English captions)
• YouTube (with Korean and Spanish subtitles)

• YouTube (with English captions)
• YouTube (with Korean and Spanish subtitles)

• YouTube (with English captions)
• YouTube (with Korean and Spanish subtitles)

• YouTube (with English captions)
• YouTube (with Korean and Spanish subtitles)