Grade 7

• Review operations with fractions, decimals, and percents
• Become efficient with solving and checking multi-step equations
• Solve and graph one-variable inequalities
• Explore rates, ratios, percents, and probability
• Learn rules of factoring, exponents, and square roots
• Graph linear functions; find slope and intercepts
• Introduce operations with polynomials
• Develop logical reasoning skills

• Improve reading skills by using active reading strategies
• Develop the writing process: planning and prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and proofreading
• Explore grammar and mechanics, appropriate style, principles of organization, word choice, use of evidence and vivid language, and sentence fluency
• Facilitate literal, figurative and abstract thinking
• Encourage confidence and clarity in expressing and supporting opinions

• Use the scientific method to properly conduct accurately designed experiments
• Promote a feeling of responsibility for the natural environment and know how human activity can impact it.
• Understand basic cell biology including the kingdoms of life, and the role of each in ecosystems.
• Conceptualize basic genetics, genetic engineering, and inheritance through laboratory investigations involving plant husbandry and crosses.
• PIP (Personal Interest Project) student-centered research project culminating in research paper written in scientific format, and formal oral presentation to peers.
• Investigate and understand the human body systems including: the skeletal system, muscular system, integumentary system, circulatory system, respiratory system, digestive system, excretory system, nervous system, endocrine system, and reproductive system.
• Believe that scientific inquiry is a dynamic, enjoyable process and appreciate the importance of being curious in everyday life.

US history covering the settling of Jamestown through the Civil War

Reading critically to discern information that is significant to the focus of study

Research and documentation skills honed

Analytical writing introduced: skill of comparing/contrasting facts and points of view

Note-taking skills expanded: variety of note-taking forms introduced

Study, organization and time-management skills are discussed and implemented - discover organizational tools suited to personal learning style

Public speaking and presentation skills are a continued focus

Debate and reasoning skills are developed, using evidence to back up assertions

Class discussions: ability to voice individual perspective, hear others’ perspectives and develop essential questions to propel the level of discussion/inquiry

Assessments: variety of forms are designed to allow students to express their understanding in multiple formats

Think critically and apply this understanding both verbally and in written form

Class is taught mostly in Spanish; students are encouraged to speak Spanish

• Grammar concepts covered include: descriptive adjectives and adjective agreement, possessive adjectives, present tense of regular verbs, present tense of stem-changing verbs, verbs with irregular forms, ser and estar, direct object nouns and pronouns
• Expand students’ vocabulary
• Encourage oral practice of the language through group and paired activities
• Develop students’ writing abilities through short writing assignments
• Explore Spanish and Hispanic culture

Learn 3-D rendering programs, 3-D print or manufacture prototypes, understand circuits and incorporate currents into projects. Design ready-to-wear apparel using technology and equipment in class, code robots to solve problems or work cooperatively toward achieving an end goal.

• Expand experience with digital and printed media types while working on various writing genre such as professional letters, student-authored picture books, and newsletters.
• Extend multimedia capabilities by adding hyperlinks and action buttons within presentations.
• Develop an enhanced ability to draw conclusions from data as students explore more advanced spreadsheet functions in Numbers (e.g., average)
• Expand video editing tools, combining still images, video, and audio in varied presentations.
• Use Chromebooks, desktop computers and iPads to assess skills in areas like reading and math.
• Continue to develop research and critical thinking experience using online resources
   

Tower’s Arts Block program provides students in grades 7 & 8 with opportunities in technology, visual arts and musical arts classes. Recent Arts Block trimester offerings include: handbells, photography, woodworking, oil painting, technology, jazz band, marimbas, clay, sculpture, video, chorus, part singing, unaccompanied voice work, multi-cultural works, a cappella and folk groups.

Students explore the approach to research writing, building skills in analysis, interpretation, and argument. At the end of the trimester, students work on independent research through writing, showcasing their expertise in the subject, interacting with diverse sources, and providing a unique perspective to the discussion.

Students acquire the fundamental skills needed to identify and paraphrase main ideas and details. Lessons include paraphrasing words, phrases, and sentences; identifying details, topics, and main ideas; creating summaries; and more.

Students dive into persuasive and argumentative writing during the remainder of the trimester. Students learn the importance of providing evidence to support their arguments by learning how to plan and write, and they work on basic persuasive and argumentative themes with counterclaims. These skills are foundational and effectively prepare students for their third trimester class of Research and Writing. 

Students define “healthy” in all areas of their life and learn how to form habits and goals in relation to their well-being. They discover new tools and resources to support their mental health as well as strategies for nutrition and exercise.

They also focus on interpersonal communication, conflict resolution and decision making skills.

Middle School students meet on Wednesday mornings for Community Program class. Topics range from student clubs to DEI, plus grade-specific meetings led by homeroom teachers and class representatives.

At the end of each day, all middle school students have an opportunity to meet with teachers for extra support or as a checkpoint to ensure understanding of materials and preparedness for homework completion.

• Develop relevant skills connected with the sport played
• Learn and enjoy the benefits of physical activity
• Develop a high level of sportsmanship and school spirit
• Develop leadership skills and an appreciation for the value of teamwork
• Seek personal levels of excellence
• Experience playing on a competitive team
• Identify the correlation between hard work and improvement

The drama program offers opportunities for burgeoning actors and crew to spread their theatrical wings. Under the guidance of the drama directors, students are responsible for all aspects of the production; acting, singing, dancing, costume design, set design, stage tech, and booth tech. Our goal is for students to develop confidence in themselves, while challenging themselves to reach in new directions. Our productions are designed to highlight our middle school students' talents in order to create a show that our entire school community can enjoy.

All Upper School students sing in the chorus. Students focus on part singing and engage in standard choral repertoire, multi-cultural music and folk songs.

Additionally, students may participate in the a cappella Towerettes and Boys Band.

Service Learning is an integral part of school culture, and for good reason. Serving others in our communities helps students feel connected, engaged and involved, building empathy and a sense of generosity. The entire middle school will participate in Day of Service at one of several pre-arranged locations.