I am excited to welcome you to Melrose Area Middle School. Middle school years are a time when students experience social, emotional, and physical changes and/or challenges. The number of opportunities are endless both in the area of academics and extra-curricular activities. The amount of energy, enthusiasm, and time students put forth in their studies will help them gain valuable knowledge and experiences that will help lead them to become life-long learners. Student participation in extra-curricular activities may benefit them with a feeling of accomplishing challenges, helping create new and existing friendships, and establishing an activity they may enjoy for the rest of their life. Student success in middle school depends on each individual and how much effort they put forth. The more a student gives in academics, extra-curricular activities, and with other students and staff, the more sense of accomplishment students will feel at the end of their middle school years.

The following is a list of courses offered at the 6th grade level. All courses are required.
Language Arts-Students focus on reading and discussing novels, grammar, spelling, nonfiction and the 6 traits of writing
Social-Students will focus on the history and geography of Minnesota as well as the United States.
Science-Students will focus on Life, Physical, Earth Science, and the Human Body.
English (1st or 2nd semester)-Students focus on grammar and spelling
Math
Basic Math (1st or 2nd semester)-Students work on operations with whole numbers, decimals, fractions, positive and negative numbers, algebra, geometry, probability, number theory, and problem solving concepts.
Physical Education (Every other day)-Students will develop the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional skills needed by students to be physically active for a lifetime.
Study Hall (Every other day)-Students will have the opportunity to work on homework they may have not finished the night before.
Art/Computer/Music-Art-Students will focus on printmaking, drawing, painting, collage, clay, and mixed media. Computer-Students will focus on Internet concepts, create a multimedia presentation, spreadsheets, and strenghten keyboarding skills. Music-Students will explore the elements of music, the styles and genres of music, and the history of music.

The following is a list of courses offered at the 7th grade level. All courses are required unless indicated as elective classes.
English-Students focus on grammar usage, spelling, paragraphy construction, literature, reading comprehension, dictionary and library use, public speaking and communication.
Math-Students focus on number sense, geometry, measurement, ratios, percents, probability, statistics, and others that are essential for a solid foundation going into Algebra.
Social-Students will focus on psychology, economics, history, critical thinking, career exploration, geography, government, political science, sociology, and current events.
Life Science-Students will focus on living things, fungi, bacteria, protist, plant and animal, ecology, the human body, and heredity.
Physical Education/Quest-Students will focus on team, dual, and individual sports with physical fitness the main focus. Quest classes helps students focus on building self esteem, improving peer and family relationships, practicing refusal skills, and setting goals for healthy living.
One Quarter of Art-Students will focus on line, shape, color, and design through various projects including drawing, painting, ceramics, origami, sculpture, and other crafts.
One Quarter of Computer-Students will focus their keyboarding skills on creating a report, spreadsheets, and charts.
One Quarter of Industrial Technology-Students will focus on woodworking, safety, hand tools, wood projects, and labs dealing with transportation and construction.
One Quarter of FACS-Students will focus on foods and nutrition.
Electives-Band, Choir, and/or study hall (All year-every day)Students will focus on playing a band instrument and/or singing in and out of class.

The following is a list of courses offered at the 8th grade level. All courses are required unless indicated as elective courses.
English-Students will focus on a variety of literary and writing skills, non-fiction, fiction, vocabulary, and other language arts skills.
Algebra IA, Algebra I-The primary focus of Algebra IA is to understand linear functions, basic operations, foundations of algebra, solving equations, functions, data analysis, statistics, and geometry.
Algebra I-this is teacher recommended and students will focus on the concepts of algebraic expressions using variables, real numbers, polynomials, rational and radical expressions, linear, quadratic, and radical equations. A graphing calculator will be needed for both Algebra classes.
Geography-Students will focus on the 5 themes of geography and applying them to the world today. Students will be introduced to different areas and cultures of the world using tools that geographers use.
Physical Education/Quest-Students will focus on promoting physical development, life-long fitness, self-esteem, building relationships, and expriencing a variety of activities.
Earth Science-Students will focus on scientific methods, lab settings, and critical thinking with various topics like matter, rocks, platetectonics, weathering, erosion, earth history, atmosphere, weather, oceans, and water.
One Quarter Computer-Students will focus on Microsoft Word and Excel.
One Quarter Art-Students will focus on drawing, painting, and art history with the completion of 2 major projects in the area of glass, clay, and/or paper construction.
One Quarter FACS-Students will focus on technical reading with the construction of a project using the sewing machine.
One Quarter Industrial Tech-Students will focus on wood lab tools and machines to construct a wood project, design a CO2 dragster, and introduce drafting application.
Electives-Band, Chorus, and/or Study Hall-(All year-every day) Students will improve their music skills through practice outside of school and working with others in a large group setting.

The Melrose Area Middle School Handbook will give you guidelines and expectations for students.

Minnesota Department of Education
Melrose Public Schools
Explore Test 8th grade

Melrose Area Schools
Mr. Bergquist