Art
Department Chairperson: Kathryn Foti
- Grade 6 Art
- Grade 7 Art
Art courses provide students with activities that foster creative expression, communication through artistic endeavor, and appreciation of culture and heritage. Activities may include those that enable students to refine their technique, increase their artistic vocabulary, express themselves and their world view, make connections to other content areas, develop their own aesthetic and strengthen their critical abilities. Although typically involving the visual arts (drawing, painting, sculpture, crafts), these courses may also include other forms of art, for example, dance, music and theater.
Computers
- Computer Skills: Grade 6
Students acquire knowledge of and experience in the proper and efficient use of previously written software packages. These courses explore a wide range of applications, including (but not limited to) word-processing, spreadsheet, graphics and database programs, and they may also cover the use of electronic mail and desktop publishing. Students also explore STEAM concepts in computer class.
English Language Arts
Department Chairperson: David Mossey
Students in grades 6 through 8 read a balance of literature and informational texts, both full-length and shorter works, including; stories, drama, poetry, fiction, and biographies, autobiographies, books and articles about science, art, history, social studies, and information displayed in charts, graphs, or maps, in both print and digital sources.
Texts. include discipline specific material (both full-length and excerpts) written for a variety of audiences. Examples include texts written for students, such as textbooks and trade books, as well as those written for the public, including blogs/websites, books, films, and magazine and newspaper articles.
VCMS Summer Reading Suggestions
Health
Grade 6
Health and Fitness courses cover topics such as nutrition, stress management, substance abuse prevention, disease prevention, first aid, and so on with the intention of conveying lifelong wellness habits.
Grade 8
Health and Life Management courses focus on health topics such as the evaluation of consumer information and advertising and personal health topics such as nutrition, stress management, drug/alcohol abuse prevention, disease prevention, and first aid. Course objectives include helping students develop decision making, communications, interpersonal and coping skills and strategies.
Family and Consumer Science
Department Chairperson: Melissa Toromanides
Home and Career Skills is a New York State mandated course taught in the discipline of Family and Consumer Sciences. It is a course designed to prepare students to meet their present and future responsibilities as family and community members, consumers, home managers, and wage earners. The goal is to educate students to think constructively, make sound decisions, solve problems, and manage resources.
Family & Consumer Science is a NYS middle level required course. This class is designed to offer students introductory career & technical education (CTE) experience. FACS empowers individuals and families across the lifespan to manage the challenges of living and working in a diverse global society. The mission of family and consumer sciences education is to prepare students for family life, work life, and careers in family and consumer sciences. For more information see: http://www.nysed.gov/career-technical-education/new-york-state-middle-level-cte-requirement
Library
- Library Skills: Grade 6
In Library Skills students will work on effectively navigating the library. They will focus on topics such as correct citation of sources, evaluation of the reliability of sources and online safety including being a good digital citizen. They will study about the various book genres, practice sustained reading and presentation skills.
Math
Department Chairperson: Kristinna Crowe
In Grade 6, instructional time focuses on five areas: (1) connecting ratio and rate to whole number multiplication and division and using concepts of ratio and rate to solve problems; (2) completing understanding of division of fractions and extending the notion of number to the system of rational numbers, which includes negative numbers; (3) writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations; (4) deepening understanding of area, surface area and volume; and (5) developing understanding of simple probabilities and statistical thinking.
In Grade 7, instructional time focuses on three areas: (1) developing an understanding of and applying proportional relationships; (2) developing an understanding of operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations; and (3) drawing inferences about populations based on samples.
In Grade 8, instructional time focuses on three areas: (1) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; (2) grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; (3) analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.
Music
Department Chairperson: Micheal Gonzales
Middle School provides many opportunities for students to develop musical skill and understanding. Students may elect to participate in one or several of our performing ensembles. In addition, 6th and 7th graders have the opportunity to focus on music theory and history in our general music courses.
- Grade 6: Required to complete one quarter of general music. The guidance office will automatically schedule students for one period of general music, which will meet every other day for ten weeks. 6th Graders may also elect to participate in Band, Chorus, or both.
- Grade 7: Required to complete one full year music credit. Students may fulfill this requirement by participating in Band, Chorus, or both, if their schedule permits. Students who do not participate in a performing ensemble will complete 7th grade general music. Each of these courses meets every other day for the entire school year.
- Grade 8: May elect to participate in Band, Chorus, or both, if their schedule permits; however, there is no 8th grade music requirement. 8th graders may also elect to participate in our music technology class, Foundations of Music Technology”. In this course, students learn how to use technology as a tool for creative self expression. Foundations of Music Tech meets every other day for one semester and is open only to 8th graders
Physical Education
Department Chairperson: Jonathan Walsh
The VCMS Physical Education Department promotes a healthy and physically active lifestyle. The program strives to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue and enjoy a lifetime of physical activity. Students participate in an engaging variety of team and individual sports, personal fitness, cooperative games, adventure education, and aquatics units. They learn to value the role of physical activity in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and understand the lifelong benefits of health and wellness while emphasizing teamwork and respect for one another.
Science:
Department Chairperson: Melanie Monda
Science courses include subject matter from several strands of science, including earth/space sciences, physical sciences, and life or environmental sciences, and may organize material around thematic units. Specific content depends upon state standards for grades 6 through 8. All 8th grade students take the NYS Science Assessment in May and June. In May, students take the Performance Assessment portion of the State Exam. During June, students take the Written portion. Students will be provided with a review book to help prepare for the exam.
Social Studies
Department Chairperson: Tim Faulkner
Social Studies courses provide a greater understanding of social studies disciplines, including history, geography, civics and government, and economics. These courses often focus on history, culture. and government of various specific world societies in grade 6 and in American society in grades 7 and 8.
Technology
Department Chairperson: John VanFradenburgh
Technological courses expose students to the communication, transportation, energy, production, biotechnology, and integrated technology systems and processes that affect their lives. The study of these processes enables students to better understand technological systems and their applications and uses from wood chips to computer chips. The requirement for Technology education is satisfied in the 7th grade year.
Viking Academy
Valley Central Middle School’s Viking Academy is designed to provide an alternative educational experience for 8th grade students who have had difficulty in the traditional middle school setting. The Viking Academy is a curriculum STEAM-based program. Therefore, students who attend the Viking Academy will be required to complete the same core curriculum as students enrolled in the main middle school campus via project- based learning.
World Languages
Department Chairperson: Stephanie Hernandez
NYS Middle School Requirements for World Languages are satisfied in the eighth grade year. Students have a choice to study Spanish or French. World Languages courses emphasize the language arts skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) necessary to communicate in a foreign language. Grammar and syntax, vocabulary, and applicable accents typically are studied so that students have the knowledge and ability to express themselves and understand others. Students usually explore the customs, history and art forms of the people whose language is being studied.
Elective Offerings
Electives are offered to our Grade 7 and Grade 8 students to encourage them to use all available time in the schedule in classes rather than in study hall.
Grade 7
Board Games
In this half-year Mathematics elective, students will explore math skills related to probability, problem-solving, logic, and the analysis of statistical data. Students will explore the math behind some of their favorite tabletop board games and card games. Students will then play the games with their peers and create statistical data to explore. Game-based math learning will boost students’ ability to reason, understand underlying concepts and find solutions to complex math problems which are all connected to the NYS Math Standards. Statistics is also an ever-growing real-world skill that is gaining a greater focus in our state. As a final assignment, students will be given the opportunity to create their own board game. This class would be designed to help students become more confident and interested in mathematics as a part of everyday skills and applications to real life.
Books Alive!
Students will read and analyze young adult novels, short stories, and play scripts to compare the transition of the written word to film and to live theatrical performances. Students will explore the connections between visual media and the literary concepts of theme, characterization, voice, structure, and style. Students will develop analytical skills and critical thinking skills with text adaptation to stage and screen. Students will be expected to read, write, discuss and create a multimedia presentation. Examples of possible texts to include would be: The Wizard of Oz, Orphan Annie, The Hunger Games, Harry Potter, Hamilton, Tuck Everlasting, Cancelling Christmas, and Percy Jackson.
Comics and Graphic Novels
Pictures lead to stories and graphic novels and comics are a great way to experience these stories – both new and well-loved. Students will read and analyze a variety of comics and graphic novels that have created new and original stories while others have transformed existing literature into a new way for students to appreciate. Students will analyze the importance of plot and dialogue in the genre and how it relates to telling the story. Students will develop original storylines and imagery for their own comics and graphic novels by focusing on writing, character development, plot structure, and relatability on various themes and topics. As the course progresses, students will craft their own collection of comics and/or graphic stories. They may even choose to adapt their favorite children’s book into their own version of a graphic novel and/or comic book.
Esports
Students will work collaboratively to practice and prepare much like traditional sports teams. They will complete daily drills, communication activities, and strategic gameplay. When prepared, the team will compete in available games (Rocket League, Super Smash Bros, Minecraft, MarioKart, and Chess) against other middle school teams around the country. Participating in these team activities will foster interest in the gaming industry, develop better social and behavioral skills, develop sportsmanship, improve school performance, and prepare them for a more advanced elective curriculum at the HS level.
Literary Villains
This course focuses on the guiding question of “What is a villain?”. Students will explore those archetype characters with the diabolical plans that interfere with the journey of the story’s hero. Students will look at fairy tales, children’s books, historical villains, films, and young adult literature and explore the perspective of the antagonist. A depth study of character development, character traits, dialogue, and vocabulary will be explored to aid in the development of the student’s own short story or multimedia presentation focused around a villain of their own creation.
Writer’s Studio
In this half-year ELA elective, students would explore the many facets of writing across genres. From personal expression to creative narrative to poetry, students would be given the time to work independently and with peers to develop their writing practices. They will engage in a variety of writing processes by selecting topics, drafting, working in writing groups, revising, editing and publishing original work. This class would be designed to help students become confident and capable writers as they discover their voices and selves on the page.
Grade 8
Board Games
In this half-year Mathematics elective, students will explore math skills related to probability, problem solving, logic, and the analysis of statistical data. Students will explore the math behind some of their favorite tabletop board games and card games. Students will then play the games with their peers and create statistical data to explore. Game-based math learning will boost students’ ability to reason, understand underlying concepts and find solutions to complex math problems which are all connected to the NYS Math Standards. Statistics is also an ever growing real world skill that is gaining a greater focus in our state. As a final assignment students will be given the opportunity to create their own board game. This class would be designed to help students become more confident and interested in mathematics as a part of everyday skills and applications to real-life.
Comics and Graphic Novels
Pictures lead to stories and graphic novels and comics are a great way to experience these stories – both new and well-loved. Students will read and analyze a variety of comics and graphic novels that have created new and original stories while others have transformed existing literature into a new way for students to appreciate. Students will analyze the importance of plot and dialogue in the genre and how it relates to telling the story. Students will develop original storylines and imagery for their own comics and graphic novels by focusing on writing, character development, plot structure, and relatability on various themes and topics. As the course progresses, students will craft their own collection of comics and/or graphic stories. They may even choose to adapt their favorite children’s book into their own version of a graphic novel and/or comic book.
Literary Villains
This course focuses on the guiding question of “What is a villain?”. Students will explore those archetype characters with the diabolical plans that interfere with the journey of the story’s hero. Students will look at fairy tales, children’s books, historical villains, films, and young adult literature and explore the perspective of the antagonist. A depth study of character development, character traits, dialogue, and vocabulary will be explored to aid in the development of the student’s own short story or multimedia presentation focused around a villain of their own creation.
Who Done It????
Students will explore the elements of the mystery/suspense genre. Working with classic and contemporary texts/movies/tv programs, students will identify the many elements that get a reader or viewer on the edge of their seat and eager to solve the crime. Through the use of classic mystery writing formulas like that of Agatha Christie and the use of suspenseful elements, students will create their own mystery or detective story and give voice to the victims and suspects, while including the “red herring”.
Writer’s Studio
In this half-year ELA elective, students would explore the many facets of writing across genres. From personal expression to creative narrative to poetry, students would be given the time to work independently and with peers to develop their writing practices. They will engage in a variety of writing processes by selecting topics, drafting, working in writing groups, revising, editing and publishing original work. This class would be designed to help students become confident and capable writers as they discover their voices and selves on the page.
Music Technology
Students will examine the process of contemporary music creation, including the history and development of technology as a means of musical expression. Through composition and recording projects, students will be introduced to the tools utilized by musicians in the field. This course could potentially function as a prerequisite to any high school course offerings in the Music Technology pathway. 8th graders may also elect to participate in our music technology class, Foundations of Music Technology. In this course, students learn how to use technology as a tool for creative self-expression. Foundations of Music Tech meets every other day for one semester and is open only to 8th graders.
Esports
Students will work collaboratively to practice and prepare much like traditional sports teams. They will complete daily drills, communication activities, and strategic gameplay. When prepared, the team will compete in available games (Rocket League, Super Smash Bros, Minecraft, MarioKart, and Chess) against other middle school teams around the country. Participating in these team activities will foster interest in the gaming industry, develop better social and behavioral skills, develop sportsmanship, improve school performance, and prepare them for a more advanced elective curriculum at the HS level.
Sketching your way through Art:
Sketching is a great way to improve your creative skills and start thinking in different ways. “Sketching your way through Art” is a ten-week exploratory art class designed to help improve students’ basic art skills through the use of drawing by designing artworks using a variety of media and techniques. Students will look closely at various artworks to help practice their language and art description skills. This class will further develop students’ creativity, self-expression, and also aid in recognizing and using the art elements (line, shape, color, value, form, texture, and space).
Mural Arts Elective:
Student artists will explore how murals represent a community’s identity and hopes for the future. As part of this ten-week course, students will engage collaboratively and conceptually, as they further develop necessary painting and drawing skills for large-scale art in middle school. Students will brainstorm ideas, make sketches and practice painting in small groups to design and create murals that will be semi or permanently painted at the middle school. By working collaboratively as a community of artists, students will develop the skills needed to become professional artists.
Advanced Courses
Valley Central School District offers advanced classes in the following subjects: English (7-12), Social Studies (7-12), Science (7-10), and Math (7-10). Accelerated classes in the areas of Math, Science, Foreign Language and Art are offered in Middle School and have the potential to result in High School credits.