CURRICULUM

At Congressional we celebrate the whole child. In Junior Kindergarten students are given multiple opportunities to grow and expand upon their preschool experience. We strive to ensure all students’ academic and social needs are met at their current level and challenged as the year progresses. We cultivate and encourage a strong collaborative atmosphere, in which students feel nurtured, secure, and free to learn from their experiences. We aim to create a well-rounded global citizen, who is empathetic and knowledgeable. We achieve these goals through discovery, exploration, and understanding each child’s valuable contribution within the classroom community.

Language Arts

The Congressional Junior Kindergarten language arts program is an expansion of the Preschool program, offering a dynamic environment in which students develop essential skills. During Junior Kindergarten, the students begin dictating their own stories and later work towards becoming independent writers. Congressional’s Junior Kindergarten utilizes the Scott Foresman reading series, as well as the Handwriting Without Tears writing program.  Engaging and inclusive group discussions enable children to make relevant contributions as they continue to develop a richer and more expansive vocabulary. Junior Kindergarten uses a variety of materials to develop their gross and fine motor abilities instrumental for beginning reading skills.

• Identify and utilize upper and lower-case letters
• Develop phonemic awareness
• Acquire a solid understanding of concept of print
• Cultivate a love and appreciation of literacy
• Build comprehension skills

Science

Congressional’s Junior Kindergarten students utilizes the school’s forty-acre campus in order to allow students the opportunity to explore and discover the world around them. Each classroom is equipped with a science center and an array of materials to investigate and experiment with the concepts introduced. Bridging from preschool, we incorporate scientific method terminology and concepts into their daily happenings. Some topics covered in science include:

• Seasons and weather
• Magnets
• Animals and insects
• Plants
• Habitats
• Environmental science

Math

Congressional Junior Kindergarten students are given the opportunity to understand and distinguish between concrete and abstract concepts. Building on their preschool experience, Junior Kindergarteners continue to use a variety of materials to encourage and engage the students in a multisensory math experience. Additionally, students are introduced to Singapore Math terminology to prepare them for Kindergarten.

• Patterning
• Number recognition and writing 0-10 in random order
• 1 to 1 correspondence
• Sorting and sequencing
• Counting by rote to 20
• Measurement
• Graphing
• Beginning addition skills

Social Studies

Congressional ’s Junior Kindergarten students receive a multi-faceted approach to social studies. We begin with social emotional concepts and include the students’ family backgrounds in order to create personal connections. Throughout the year, the students are exposed to different geographical elements and historical events. These topics are interwoven into the daily curriculum to enrich their learning and provide them with a global perspective of the world in which we live. Topics in social studies include:

• Family, home, and school connection
• Native Americans
• Holidays around the world
• Medieval times and fairy tales
• Historical figures

Music

Junior Kindergarten meets has music class two times per week. To supplement their music lessons the students perform in concerts throughout the school year. Junior Kindergarten students explore music through:

• singing
• playing
• listening and moving

Spanish

In Junior Kindergarten Spanish class, students will learn basic classroom commands and greetings. They will listen to short stories with illustrations, and will use common vocabulary such as numbers, colors and basic greetings. The students will learn about the culture, traditions and holidays in the Spanish speaking world.  Class resources will include:

• Books
• Songs 
• Games 
• Multi-media

French

In Junior Kindergarten French class, students will focus on: greetings, colors and shapes, numbers (0-10), weather and some clothing, the days of the week, classroom commands, family, body, feelings, springtime nature, animals, food and drinks. They will also learn about the French holidays throughout the year following the French calendars. Class resources will include:

• Books
• Songs 
• Games 
• Multi-media

Physical Education

Junior Kindergarten continues to build upon the skills learned in Preschool. The children actively participate in a variety of movement activities throughout the year to continue to strengthen their gross motor development. The activities they engage in promote Congressional’s commitment to physical fitness and health. 

Field Trips

Congressional Junior Kindergarten students have the opportunity to go on several different types of field trips throughout the year. These field trips are engaging, enriching, hands-on learning experiences that enhance the curriculum. Past field trips have included: farmer’s markets, productions at the Smithsonian, and the National Zoo.

Kindergarten is a time for great discovery. Our Kindergarteners are given opportunities to flex their natural curiosity, their growing muscles and their social capabilities all in a day’s work. Though part of Lower School, kindergarten is a transition between the Early Childhood Program and Lower School. Students work on mastering literacy skills; are introduced to Singapore Math concepts; and receive increased instruction with specialty teachers in art, music, physical education, and world language. At the same time, students spend time learning in centers and have plenty of time for play.

Language Arts

Language Arts is a centerpiece of the daily kindergarten curriculum.  As they enter kindergarten, children occupy a wide literacy spectrum with some small friends still mastering letter sounds and others beginning to consume chapter books. Through their small classes and small group instruction, teachers meet children where they are and support them as they reach for the next level of literacy accomplishment.  Whether they’re enjoying leveled readers on their own or listening to teachers read stories by authors such as Jack Ezra Keats, Eric Carle, Nancy Carlson, or Faith Ringold, Senior kindergarteners are immersed in daily reading activities.  

Using the Writer’s Workshop approach, kindergarteners are also expressing their thoughts and feelings on a variety of topics and beginning to craft stories using multiple sentences.  Congressional kindergarteners use inventive spelling, relying on the letter sounds they hear to begin communicating their ideas on paper. Congressional kindergarteners are also instructed in early handwriting using  “Handwriting Without Tears”, a program that is taught throughout Lower School and prepares students for cursive. Congressional kindergarteners are working to master many concepts, some of which include:

• Developing phonemic awareness and letter-sound relationships
• Understanding spelling patterns
• Participating in leveled reading
• Understanding parts of speech
• Comprehension strategies
• The ability to tell and retell stories
• Recognizing the roles of authors and illustrators
• Crafting, editing and producing stories
• Developing a vocabulary of high-frequency words
• Developing printing skills using Handwriting Without Tears

Science

There is perhaps no greater point of curiosity on life’s learning curve than that of kindergarten.  So it is no wonder that kindergarteners thrive in the natural laboratory that is kindergarten. Kindergarteners use a variety of hands-on STEM-based activities and resources to go in depth on scientific topics.  Whether they’re making it rain in the classroom, measuring their body weight on other planets, or completing their own taste tests, there is no greater place to ask a question, make a good guess, observe carefully, and write down what you see.  Some of the topics covered in science include:

• Weather and Seasons – identifying concepts and characteristics of the four seasons including typical weather
• Human Body – understanding that major systems of the body and the characteristics and position of major organs of the body
• Nutrition – identifying foods and classifying into food groups
• Solar System – recognizing the characteristics of the sun including day and night
• Dinosaurs – exploring the characteristics and history of the dinosaurs and classifying dinosaurs as herbivores, carnivores or omnivores

Math

Congressional Schools’ Singapore Math program emphasizes the progression of math concepts from the concrete to the pictorial to the abstract. It’s this progression that helps children to better understand the “why” behind mathematical operations.  Children develop an appreciation for math, as a means of solving a problem.  The result is children with a depth of understanding and a confidence to their approach. At Congressional, parents and students are even invited to learn together during Math Meet-Ups, where families are invited to come in on select mornings to problem-solve alongside their children using the Singapore Math program.  

• Numbers to 100
• Addition & Subtraction 
• Number Bonds as Part-Whole
• Measurement
• Money and Time  
• Greater than Less Than

Social Studies

Kindergarteners share equal enthusiasm for the community around them and the history that shaped them. Students celebrate the diversity of their class and the importance of their friends heritage through their Me and My Family unit. They learn the importance of putting others first and assisting neighbors through our community helpers unit. Students learn about the past and the important qualities of compassionate brave leaders by studying figures from American history such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, the Pilgrims, and Dr. Martin Luther King.

Students learn through various forms of literature, singing songs, recreating experiences of previous Americans, and applying the knowledge of the past to their current decision making. Kindergarten children are given regular occasions to appreciate the great contributions from those individuals who continue to shape our nation.

If you happen to be visiting our campus in the Spring and need directions, ask a kindergartener and they can point you in the right direction. Kindergarteners get out and walk the Congressional grounds as they map the various structures, roads and landmarks all over our campus. Social Studies topics covered include:

• Me and My Family - appreciating our diverse cultural backgrounds
• Community Helpers – their roles in our society
• Historical Figures – introduction to various figures from American History
• Maps – understanding their significance and usefulness

Music

Children in kindergarten attend a specialty music class twice a week where they learn to appreciate the joy of music and movement.  At this age, children are beginning to tune their bodies to the different beats and rhythms of the various kinds of music.  For some, it will mark their first time playing an instrument or learning to vocalize and sing as a part of a group. Kindergarten children also share their innate love of music through school-wide performances at International Day and the Spring Concert.  Children in kindergarten will also learn some of the following:

• How to aurally repeat simple duple and triple rhythm patterns
• To play rhythm patterns by clapping, drumming or using percussion instruments
• How to aurally identify high and low sounds (major and minor tonalities)                                                                                 
• To recognize instruments by sight and sound
• To improvise movements to music or poetry

World Languages

Bienvenidos amigos! (Welcome friends!)  Venez apprendre avec nous!  (Come learn with us!)  Congressional Students can select 1 of 2 World Languages; Spanish or French. Both The students will strengthen their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills using resources such as:

• Books
• Songs 
• Games 
• Multi-media

Physical Education

Children in Kindergarten will attend Physical Education class four days a week. Kindergarteners are embarking on a journey of formal physical education and a lifetime of movement. They are curious and eager to learn new skills. Some kindergarten students are kinesthetic learners who use their bodies to understand the world. The qualities of color, shape, texture, and space are important concepts for kindergarten students that should be taught in different subject areas. The concept of circle, for example, can be learned by writing, drawing, and through physical education activities that use circles. Physical Education enhances kindergarten students’ skills of learning through physical actives. The students will learn about:

• Movement Concepts
• Body Management
• Locomotive Movement
• Manipulative Skills
• Rhythmic Skills

Field Trips

Field trips are an important component of the curriculum at Congressional that allow children to engage in their learning beyond the four walls of the classroom.  Children look forward to the opportunity to travel to destinations that bring concepts to life through demonstration, activity and hands-on experience. Children return to campus with experience that further extends their depth of appreciation on a range of topics.  In kindergarten, those topics include:

• Pumpkin Patch
• Air and Space Museum
• Museum of Natural History
• Nature Center

Art

Kindergarteners attend a specialty art class twice a week to develop their own ability to create and appreciate art.  During their kindergarten year, our young artists create a portfolio of masterpieces that include their very own self-portraits.  Art is another setting in which to extend the learning that begins in their home base classrooms. In kindergarten, children use their discovery of primary and secondary colors to create a 3D healthy food color wheel that links directly to their study of nutrition. Consistent with their emerging literacy skills, children’s literature, read in art class, serves as inspiration for many of the creations our children will embark on during the year. Over the course of the year, children gain experience with many different artistic concepts including:

• The identification of primary and secondary colors
• Introduction to famous artists and identification of their work
• Use of textures, lines, shapes and patterns
• Learn to care for art materials
• Introduction to a wide a variety of media and techniques including: tempera, watercolor, and Bio paints, graphite and colored pencils, markers, crayons, oil pastels, collage, and Model Magic.
• Vocabulary relative to specific media, techniques, and subject matter

Library

There is perhaps no greater playground for the mind than the library. Through weekly visits to the library, Congressional students are given instruction to assist them in learning to navigate the world of information that is available to them. Our librarian carefully aligns units of instruction to those taught in classes so that children are able to extend their own learning through a vast collection of books.  In kindergarten, children focus on the following skills:

• Learn the role of the librarian
• Understand that library materials are available in various formats
• Develop reading, listening and discussions skills
• Identify the parts of a book
• Understand the difference between fiction and non-fiction

First Grade represents a period of tremendous cognitive, social and emotional growth for young children.  Congressional Schools’ First Grade program mirrors the energy, excitement and enthusiasm of the typical first grade student through a rigorous and challenging academic program. Our first graders are given the room to question assumptions, to fully explore topics and to collaborate with their peers. Busy, fast-paced days that encompass academics, team-work, movement and creativity are all the motifs of the wonderful canvas that is first grade.

Language Arts

Language Arts is the cornerstone of the first grade classroom.  Our program follows approaches developed at Teachers College Reading and Writing Project at Columbia University, the epicenter of cutting edge practices in the teaching of writing and reading.  Through the Writer’s Workshop method, children are provided daily lessons that ignite the writing process and encourage children to develop along their own individual journeys as writers.  The model for writing meets children where they are and allows for differentiation, particularly through their individual conferences with teachers where they are guided to edit, revise and “fancy up” their works.  As a class, children often will collaborate for shared writing exercises.  Children in first grade showcase select writing assignments during “Authors’ Celebrations,” where parents and guests are invited to visit First Grade classrooms and tour the various works proudly created by our young writers.  

Reader’s Workshop offers children the opportunity to explore various literary genres as well as dedicated author studies including writers such as; Mo Willems, Tomie dePaola, and Ezra Jack Keats.  Reader’s Workshop utilizes shared reading, read-alouds, and dramatic presentations to support children as they develop their comprehension and fluency in reading.  You may occasionally find our First Graders waxing poetic in our outdoor Amphitheater during a Poetry Slam, where they may be reading or acting out selected poems.  At any given time, our students may be found focusing on some of the following:

• Identifying the elements of a story
• Experimenting with various writing styles including: narrative, informational, and opinion
• Making critical connections; text-to-text, text-to-self, and text-to-world
• Spelling words related to curriculum and phonics rules, and according to each child’s level using the Words  Their Way program
• Recognizing capitalization, punctuation, and appropriate end marks  

Science

Science allows first graders the opportunity to act on their natural curiosity.  First graders at Congressional are given numerous opportunities to put the scientific method in practice.  Whether they are planting seeds in our outdoor classroom to observe life cycles or visiting Tripp’s Run to learn about the water cycle and proper care for their environment, first graders are active scientists.  

Here, children are introduced to the special roles that they can play in preserving the world around them and to concepts like Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.  Our campus provides the perfect setting for children to appreciate their potential for positive impact on all aspects of the environment.  In the classroom and all over campus, first graders are learning skills such as:

• How to examine materials, define attributes, and sort samples based on common attributes
• The safe way to handle scientific equipment and materials
• How to identify, classify, and report on living things
• Research methods to discover animal habitats like wetlands

Math

Congressional Schools’ Singapore Math program emphasizes the progression of math concepts from the concrete to the pictorial to the abstract. It’s this progression that helps children to better understand the “why” behind mathematical operations. Children in first grade develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills while cultivating an appreciation for math. The result is children gain a strong depth of understanding and a confidence to their approach.  Some of the concepts covered during first grade include:

• Numbers to 100 – developing a thorough number sense
• Number Bonds -- dividing numbers into two parts in different ways
• Addition and subtraction – relating facts to number bonds, utilizing counting on strategies
• Measurement (including length and weight)
• Currency – recognition of bills and coins, comparing sets of coins, evaluating price, and preparation of payment
• Shapes – sorting and classifying 2D shapes, describing patterns using 1-2 attributes and fitting pieces to form a basic shape

Social Studies

Congressional is noted for being a culturally diverse community that celebrates traditions at home and around the world. First graders at Congressional are introduced to the world around them through a study of maps, history, culture, economics, and geography focusing on the United States.

Through a study of communities, first graders learn how communities support the needs and wants of citizens and more about their place within their own community. These lessons come to life in a trip to the National Building Museum to participate in the City by Design program, where children become urban planners for the day, designing their own cities. Topics covered include:

• Citizenship and Holidays — Explain the characteristics of a good citizen and the lives of people associated with holidays in the United States.
• Communities Study — Understand urban, suburban, and rural attributes and the needs versus wants of citizens in a community and around the world.
• Geography and Maps — Understand where something is located and why it is there. Communicate location and directions, recognizing basic map symbols
• Economics — Summarize the various ways in which people earn and use money for goods and services.

Music

First graders attend a specialty music class twice a week.  Whether they’re tuning into various rhythm patterns or learning to sing and vocalize as a group, they’re always focused on a range of skills that support their natural appreciation for the joy of music.   In addition to their musical instruction, students are given multiple opportunities throughout the year to perform at special events like International Day or the Winter Concert.  Children may also be members of the chorus during the Spring School Musical.  Some of the skills our first graders learn include:

• Singing a repertoire of songs
• Playing simple accompaniments on drums and other percussion instruments
• Recognizing instruments by families
• Creating duo, trio, and quartet ensembles

World Languages

Bienvenidos amigos! (Welcome Friends!)  (Come learn with us!)  Venez apprendre avec nous!  Congressional Students can select 1 of 2 World Languages; Spanish or French.  Both programs meet three times a week.  World Language programs expose children to culture and life including holidays, food, songs and games. First grade marks the beginning of regular language conversation between students.

There is an emphasis on learning through context, supporting language acquisition through real-life experiences. First graders expand their prior vocabulary to include words related to community helpers, pets, inside and outside the home, polite expressions, basic commands, classroom directions, and cultural celebrations.  In addition, both programs focus on vocabulary that aligns with thematic units taught to first graders.  World Language students learn some of the following:       

• Reviewing greetings and salutations
• Calendar 
• Using simple language patterns 
• Using correct pronunciation in songs and games 
• Recognizing vocabulary words in context

Physical Education

Children in First Grade will attend Physical Education class four days a week. Many first graders can demonstrate the proper form for jumping, hopping, galloping, sliding, walking, running, leaping, and skipping. Additional practice opportunities and instruction should be provided for children who are experiencing difficulties with these skills. First graders are genuinely excited about learning in physical education. They anticipate the excitement and fun associated with moving and learning. The Physical Education teachers will harness this energy and enthusiasm and channel it to help our first grader’s develop skills and build a solid movement foundation. Students will learn how to utilize knowledge of psychological and sociological concepts, principles, and strategies that apply to the learning and performance of physical activity.

• Concepts covered include:
• Movement
• Body Management
• Locomotive Skills
• Manipulative Skills
• Rhythmic Skills
• Fitness Knowledge
• Muscular Strength/Endurance
• Flexibility
• Muscular Strength/Endurance
• Self-Responsibility

Field Trips

Field trips are an important component of the curriculum at Congressional that allow children to engage in their learning beyond the four walls of the classroom.  Children look forward to the opportunity to travel to destinations that bring concepts to life through demonstration, activity and hands-on experience. Children return to campus with experience that further extends their depth of appreciation on a range of topics.  

In first grade, trips may include the following:

• National Building Museum – City by Design
• George Mason University Theater
• Hidden Pond Nature Center
• Discovery Theater Performances

Art

First graders attend specialty art classes twice a week at Congressional.  Refining the skills begun in Kindergarten, students in first grade can also be found using earthenware clay, painting, creating tapestry weavings or making art inspired by stories and poetry from their reading.  As they navigate their Social Studies unit on Africa, our young artists continue to investigate patterns and create a paper Kente cloth, which originates in Ghana.  Margaret Musgrove’s “The Spider Weaver” sets the stage for this artistic exploration of African culture.  First grade artwork can be found on display throughout the school year and during Fine Arts Week, held every spring.   Some of the skills our first graders learn include:

• Identifying primary & secondary colors, warm and cool colors 
• Learning to care for art materials
• Understanding line varieties
• Mixing secondary paint colors
• Understanding texture, both visual and tactile
• Identifying shapes including geometric and organic
• Understanding patterns; alternating and repeating
• Using real and imaginary sources of inspiration
• Using vocabulary relative to specific media, techniques, and subject matter

Library

There is perhaps no greater playground for the mind than the library.  Through weekly visits to the library, Congressional students are given instruction to assist them in learning to navigate the world of information that is available to them. Our librarian carefully aligns units of instruction to those taught in classes so that children are able to extend their own learning through a vast collection of books.  In first grade, children focus on the following skills:

• Choosing independent reading books that are appropriate to their reading level
• Recognizing and appreciating award-winning books such as Caldecott and Newbery Medal books
• Understanding what it means to be a good digital citizen
• Understanding how the library is organized 
• Locating and using the online catalog for basic searching

Second Grade is a time where children’s interest and enthusiasm is rivaled only by their growing confidence as students.  The ability to read, write, study and think critically about the world around them is what engages second graders to be their best selves.  Whether their interests lie in reading, writing, math, science or all of the above, the second grade program is designed to challenge the students while also stretching their young minds.  Through a carefully crafted program that emphasizes strong academics, students in 2nd grade reach their highest potential.

Math

Science

Social Studies

Music

World Language

Art

Physical Education

Library

Field Trips

Third Grade at Congressional is an adventure; ripe with rich learning opportunities and activities to continuously engage third grader’s intellectual curiosity.  Congressional third graders are highly motivated by their ability to work collaboratively with peers in the classroom.  Through a rigorous and challenging program, students in Third Grade continue to build a strong academic foundation that will prepare them for the 4th grade and beyond.

Language Arts

Math

Science

Social Studies

Music

World Languages

Art

Physical Education

Library

Field Trips

Fourth Grade represents an intersection between the experiences and lessons of Lower School and the future that awaits them in grades 5 through 8.  Congressional Fourth Graders are eager and capable in their approach and are well-prepared for the high academic standards of Middle School.  Through a rigorous and challenging program that emphasizes independence and “ownership of learning”, students complete the foundation needed to move to Middle School.  By the end of 4th grade, students will be academically prepared to negotiate the rigors and expectations of Middle School academics.

Language Arts

Math

Science

Social Studies

Music

World Languages

Art

Physical Education

Library

Health, Human Development, and Sexuality Education

The Health, Human Development, and Sexuality Education curriculum at Congressional School is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the social, emotional, and physical changes during adolescence and maintain optimal wellness.  At Congressional School, we view health and sexuality education as a life-long process of acquiring information, forming one’s identity and values, and developing skills and behaviors for healthy relationships and overall well-being.  Curiosity is normal and we equip students with age-appropriate knowledge, skills, and resources for information and support. We partner with parents/ guardians in promoting health-enhancing behaviors for their students.  Educational opportunities are provided for parents/guardians to enhance their understanding of health and sexual development, learn strategies for parent-child communication, and familiarize themselves with the curricula.

Students in grades 4 – 8 participate in  lessons taught by the school counselor, who creates a safe space where students reflect, ask questions, and connect their values, attitudes, and ideas to course topics.  With a focus on healthy relationships and physical and emotional wellbeing, students engage in discussions and activities designed to hone skills in decision-making, communication, conflict resolution, setting boundaries, affirmative consent, being an “upstander”, navigating peer pressure, media literacy, healthy behaviors, and self-advocacy. Students should be able to apply their knowledge and skills in their daily lives on and offline.  

Grade 4 - Health & Human Development 

The Health and Sexuality classes focus on relationships skills, such as conflict resolution strategies, setting boundaries, obtaining consent, and effective communication skills in person and online, physical and emotional health and safety, including anatomy, hygiene, sleep, emotion regulation tools, nutrition, and consenting and non-consenting touch/contact. Students are taught to be critical viewers of the media as it relates to body image and relationships. Students are encouraged to ask questions and continue these conversations at home with parents and guardians.

Field Trips

Health, Human Development, and Sexuality Education

The Health and Sexuality classes engage students in discussions and activities designed to enhance relationship skills and healthy behaviors such as communication, and conflict resolution strategies for face-to-face and online interactions, set boundaries, seek affirmative consent, and self-advocacy. Students will reflect on attitudes and values and how those impact decisions regarding relationships and navigating peer pressure, students will explore sources for learning about health and sexuality and review criteria for identifying trustworthy sources, students will learn about and explore respect and boundaries in relationships while enhancing their understanding of harassment, sexual harassment, sexual assault, abuse, and how to access resources for support/help.  

In single-gender classes, students will learn anatomy, sexual development (including gender identity development and sexual orientation), the process of reproduction, hygiene, and self-care.  The concept of setting boundaries, seeking consent, and limit setting in regards to showing affection and value of abstaining from intercourse behaviors will be introduced.   Aligned with the lessons provided by Prevention Solutions, students engage in role plays and discussions exploring the dynamics of peer pressure, decision-making, and utilizing healthy coping strategies to promote abstaining from substance use.  All lessons will include exploration and analysis of messages and images young people are exposed to through current media sources. Students are encouraged to ask questions and continue these conversations at home with parents and guardians.

The transition into Middle School continues through Sixth Grade as the curriculum continues to build skills and knowledge in preparation for high school. Middle School teaching teams are segmented in to 5/6 and 7/8 teams, and sixth grade students benefit from the relationships they have established with the 5/6 teaching team, further helping to facilitate their transition into Middle School. Students gain more independence at this grade level, and have more opportunities to model kind behavior to younger students through a variety of activities.  

Language Arts 
Sixth graders continue to sharpen their reading, writing, and research skills through the Language Arts program. Students explore a variety of genres through shared novels as well as independently selected reading. Shared literature selections include Wonder, The Cay, and City of Ember. As students pursue various genres, they develop the ability to recognize key story elements such as character analysis, conflict, point of view, and plot analysis.

There is a strong emphasis on the writing process as writing skills are increasingly expected across the curriculum. Students are expected to demonstrate their proficiency and mastery over various subject areas through application of writing and grammar skills learned in Language Arts. Students will draft multi-paragraph essays and explore creative writing in the forms of prose and poetry. As they refine and practice (Modern Language Association) MLA appropriate research techniques, they are also leveraging their writing skills in cross-curricular projects with social studies. Vocabulary is enriched through participation in the WordMasters program.

Reader's Workshop Overview

• Read Aloud (Model a reader’s thinking)
• Independent Reading and Conference (Maintain a daily habit of reading and discussing self-selected novels)
• Shared Novels (Wonder, The Cay, and City of Ember)
• Reading Units:
  1. Maintaining a Reading Life 
  2. Fluency/Comprehension 
  3. Building Explanations and Interpretations  
  4. Reading Deeply and Asking Questions 
  5. Nonfiction Reading

Writer's Workshop Overview

• Vocabulary (Meaningful words drawn from across the curriculum & WordMasters Challenge)
• Writing takes place across the curriculum
• Writing Units:
  1. Poetry: Free-verse and Memoir         
  2. Narrative: Descriptive/Persuasive Essay
  3. Expository: Research Essay, and Literary Reflections

Math
Congressional Schools’ Singapore Math program emphasizes the progression of math concepts from the concrete to the pictorial to the abstract. It’s this progression that helps children to better understand the “why” behind mathematical operations.  Children develop an appreciation for math, as a means of solving a problem.  The result is children with a depth of understanding and a confidence to their approach. 

In sixth grade, students grapple with increased complexity in problem solving, learning to apply appropriate mathematical tools to unique situations. Sixth grade math is taught with a collaborative, hands-on approach where students are encouraged to take risks when problem solving, learn from their mistakes, and communicate their mathematical learning effectively.  An increased emphasis is placed  on finding the patterns in mathematics, recognizing there is more than one way to solve a problem, and efficiency of solutions.  Students are challenged to calculate area, perimeter, and volume of composite figures, discover the relationships between dimensions, and find missing dimensions.  Circle properties are introduced including finding the diameter, radius, the special ratio pi,  area, and circumference.  Knowledge of quadrilaterals and triangles continues to expand.

A key area for sixth grade mathematics is the study of proportions and its relationship to fractions, ratios and percents.  Students explore the use of proportions through real world word problems; communicate their understanding via model drawing and journal writing;  and apply these concepts in novel situations.  The study of algebra and algebraic expressions continues in sixth grade with increased rigor and challenge. Students are asked to write equations with a single variable  to represent a given situation and to find the solutions.  Fraction operations are reinforced and data analysis is expanded to include developing and interpreting pie charts.  Technology, including iPads, SmartBoards, and web-based applications such as Khan Academy,  continues to be integrated as appropriate for concept exploration,  procedural practice, and skill enhancement.  

Projects and many hands-on activities continue to be employed to help students deepen their understanding of the concepts presented and to challenge students to apply their mathematical knowledge effectively and efficiently.  Special emphasis is placed on the following:

• Communicating mathematical ideas effectively
• Taking risks when applying new ideas and concepts
• Finding patterns in numbers and operations and algebra
• Exploring the applicability of geometry

Science 
Beginning with metrology, understanding the subtleties of accuracy and precision, the sixth grade science curriculum will build the foundation for students to transition into middle school science. Their journey will encompass an inter-disciplinary approach, connecting concepts of matter, energy, weather and climate systems and combining ecological principles, using the Chesapeake Bay to tie these scientific principles together. The unit on matter will span from properties of matter, applying the concept of atoms, molecules and compounds while studying the water molecule and its unique role in phase change, density, adhesion, cohesion and solubility. The role of atmosphere in tandem with the water cycle will lead into a systems approach of the inter-connections of Earth’s viability as a living planet. Building on what is the atmosphere and how anthropogenic and man-made processes affect air quality we will try to explore how our planet adapts and copes from volcanic eruptions to global warming and acid rain. The Chesapeake Bay will be used as a living laboratory with hands-on experiments to understand the importance of wetlands in the sustainability of a healthy ecosystem and the influence of human activities such as agricultural practices on eutrophication of natural ecosystems. Human water usage and power generation activities will propel a discussion of the adverse effects on public health and potable water quality. As we weave the Earth ecosystem together, we will try to understand how we as humanity prepare to explore the outer worlds. Earth and Space Science units will involve the study of the solar system, understanding the principles of gravity, planetary size and distribution and then focus on Earth and the moon’s influence on Earth’s physical processes. The students will also learn the basics of human space exploration, the challenges of living in space and the benefits of human space exploration in our daily lives.

• Earth Science 
• Matter 
• Weather & Climate 
• Ecology Space

Social Studies/Global Perspectives

Beginning in 6th grade, social studies exploration expands to Global Perspectives. In preparation for their travels, students review and apply the necessary tools of geography, which include understanding the difference between absolute and relative location, locating major parallels and meridians, using latitude and longitude to determine absolute location, and measuring distance using scale. Once those skills are in place, students travel the world in their study of global issues, such as consumption patterns, migration, and globalization. Through the lenses of thematic maps, graphs, migration biographies, and current events, students deepen their understanding of the world and practice important skills. They analyze cause and effect and primary sources, sequence events, collect and synthesize information, and evaluate and predict future impact.

Project-based learning is a key component of the Social Studies experience. Students work together to create 3D (virtual and actual) models, and numerous online applications became the communication choices for a deep dive into thematic maps, migration, and globalization.

To complement this learning students also complete several Mystery Skypes with the goal to communicate effectively with awareness for cultural differences, use key map skills to determine locations on a map, use process of elimination to narrow answers down, and collaborate in a team to solve Mystery Skype partner location.

Sixth Grade Social Studies Overview:

• The Tools of Geography
• A Spatial Way of Thinking
• Consumption Patterns in the United States: The Impact of Living Well
• Migration to the United States: The Impact on People and Places
• Micro-entrepreneurs: Women’s Role in the Development of Africa
• The Global Sneaker: From Asia to Everywhere

French 

Congressional students start learning a foreign language in Kindergarten.  In Middle School, the French program meet five times a week.The program continues to support language acquisition through context and real life experiences. During this upcoming year, Students will improve their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in French while exploring the language and culture of France and the Francophone countries all over the world.

Students will continue to develop the aptitude to converse about themselves and their surrounding environment using simple sentences containing basic language structures. Students will work towards mastering the important knowledge, skills and understandings of French conversation, grammar, and culture. This will be demonstrated through a variety of assessments, including readings, essays, dictées, poetry and projects. This program is designed for students who want to practice and improve their spoken French, while adapting their skills to varied communicative situations and addressing different contemporary issues linked to the francophone world. Students will polish their speaking skills through an array of activities games, skits as well as reading, writing and discussion.

• The student will understand and follow directions in French, such as classroom procedures or directions for using iPad and other classroom technology.
• The student will participate in dictations and be able to write down sentences that are said out loud.
• The student will speak in complete sentences with correct pronunciation and intonation.
• The student will discuss actions that involve other people and oneself applying the mechanics of the French grammar learned throughout the year with the appropriate tense (the present, near past and future).
• The student will identify key words, cognates and some mechanical expressions when reading.
• The student will read standardized messages once vocabulary has been learned, such as signs, schedules, newspaper headlines, advertisements, and menus.
• The student will familiarize themselves with the Francophone countries from all over the world.The student will celebrate French holidays throughout the school year. 

Spanish 
Spanish IB is the second half of Spanish IA, as the class is taught over the course of two years. Students will continue to develop proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in the target language. Students will have the opportunity to perform skits, read novels/stories, conduct a basic conversation in Spanish, write essays, practice listening skills, study grammatical structures in the present tense, and various projects. They begin to show a greater level of accuracy when using basic language structures, and they are exposed to more complex features of the Spanish language. They continue to focus on communicating about their immediate world and daily activities. They read material on familiar topics and write short, directed compositions. Emphasis continues to be placed on the use of Spanish in the classroom as well as on the use of authentic materials to learn about Spanish-speaking cultures.

• Themes covered: ordering in a restaurant, hosting a quinceanera and celebrations, house (rooms and items), household chores, shopping in a clothing store, clothing, descriptions of clothing and sizes, vacations, helping out in the community, means of communication, technology, movie, and television.
• Grammar topics covered: present tense verbs (regular and irregular), possessive adjectives, difference between ser vs. estar, making comparisons, the superlative, present progressive, affirmative tu commands, demonstrative adjectives, direct object pronouns, preterite tense verbs, the personal a, ,indirect object pronouns, acabar de + infinitive, saber vs. conocer.  
• Projects: house, skits, shopping project, restaurant project, flipbooks, show and tell, video mystery series “eres tú maria”.  
• Spell accurately using accent marks, proper capitalization, and punctuation; write questions and answers  
• Gain an appreciation for Hispanic traditions, holidays, and pastimes;  acquire knowledge of the cultural history of various Hispanic countries, their cuisine, diversity of lifestyles

Music
Students will use critical thinking skills to better understand music.  Students will perform a variety of musical genres via an eclectic array of instrumental and vocal repertoire. Students will also create original music as individuals and as an ensemble while using classroom instruments and the Garage Band app on their iPads. As students gain musical knowledge, they will become informed consumers and music advocates. Throughout our music-making process, students will begin to make connections between musical components and other core subjects. Students will also be exposed to the music of other cultures, and develop an appreciation for the role of music in society. Key areas of study include:

• Music literacy
• Student performance
• Music composition and creation
• Music history and cultural context
• Analysis, evaluation, and critique
• Aesthetics

Art 
Sixth Grade artists are introduced to as many mediums, movements, and ideas as possible with the goal of enhancing their appreciation of various forms of art and exploring a multitude of ideas. There are three main components to the middle school art program, classical techniques, technology-integrated arts, and traditional global arts. 

In classical techniques, we explore an introduction to drawing utilizing a variety of media including pencil and charcoal while drawing from life and imagination.  In technology integrated arts, 6th Grade explores Computer-Aided Design / 3-D printing and Animation.  In traditional Global Arts, 6thGrade artists explore the Art of Australia where they create a unique project every year inspired by the indigenous people of the continent. Possibilities include dot paintings or Mimih (small sculpture carvings of mythological impish creatures.)

Middle School students go beyond the practice of art with a study of the history of art. Typically prior to each unit, a short slide lecture is given to introduce the project within a historical context.  To further their study of art, Congressional students may also take a field trip that includes visits to the Freer-Sackler Gallery, the National Museum of African Art, among others.

Other units in Art include:

• Fantasy fiction pop-up books 
• Ceramic bird feeders
• Conceptual maquettes
• Artist Sketchbooks
• Cubism

Physical Education 
Physical Education is a daily class for Sixth Graders. There is an emphasis on team sports while fostering a love of lifelong fitness. Focus on competence in movement skills and skill combinations during complex movement activities. Students in fifth grade focus on individual contribution to team play for a common goal, support of others during gameplay, and increasing personal fitness levels based on feedback from fitness testing.

In addition, the students have the opportunity to join the following teams:

• JV soccer
• Cross Country
• Basketball 
• Lacrosse
• Softball
• Track and Field 

Speech & Drama 
Through Speech & Drama, Middle School students are developing critical skills that they carry forward into high school, college, and career. More than just speeches and improvisational scenes, this class represents an opportunity for students to build confidence speaking in front of their peers, develop their appreciation for drama as an art form, and to channel the emotions that are readily accessible to most children in this age group.  

In sixth grade, students incorporate visual elements into public speaking and gain experience giving a demonstration to their peers. Students also transition from fully-scripted speeches to notes and bullet points as prompts for their presentations. In broadcast journalism, students begin collaborating with classmates and contributing to the script for news reports. Drama work turns to scripted scenes, allowing students to take on the personas of new characters while exploring how to stage their performances effectively.

During sixth grade, students will also:

• demonstrate active listening strategies
• analyze the organization of content, language, and word choice in oral presentations
• continue to use self-evaluation to improve speaking skills
• focus on gesture, movement, projection, inflection and articulation in acting
• utilize technical elements in drama work
• begin exploring script analysis
• participate in a readers theater performance with classmates
• attend a live theater performance

Health, Human Development, and Sexuality Education

The Health and Sexuality classes engage students in discussions and activities designed to enhance relationships skills and healthy behaviors such as communication, and conflict resolution strategies for face to face and online interactions, set boundaries, seek affirmative consent, and self-advocacy. Students will reflect on attitudes and values and how those impact decisions regarding relationships and navigating peer pressure, students will explore sources for learning about health and sexuality and review criteria for identifying trustworthy sources, students will learn about and explore respect and boundaries in relationships while enhancing their understanding of harassment, sexual harassment, sexual assault, abuse, and how to access resources for support/help.  

In single-gender classes, students will learn anatomy, sexual development (including gender identity development and sexual orientation), the process of reproduction, hygiene, and self-care.  The concept of setting boundaries, seeking consent, and limit setting in regards to showing affection and value of abstaining from intercourse behaviors will be introduced.   Aligned with the lessons provided by Prevention Solutions, students engage in role plays and discussions exploring the dynamics of peer pressure, decision-making, and utilizing healthy coping strategies to promote abstaining from substance use.  All lessons will include exploration and analysis of messages and images young people are exposed to through current media sources. Students are encouraged to ask questions and continue these conversations at home with parents and guardians.

Increased academic expectations in Seventh Grade continue as we prepare students for the rigors of high school. Leadership opportunities are more abundant beginning in this grade as the students develop their individual sense of identity and confidence. Many experiences are available to broaden their horizons; Student Council, Varsity team sports, the school musical, a 7th Grade team-building retreat, Middle School international travel opportunities are among the many choices presented. 

Language Arts

English 7 students develop advanced skills in reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary. The English 7 curriculum pushes students to analyze an author’s style, voice, purpose, and message when reading. As writers, students gain experience in multiple styles, producing analytical essays, informational essays, and memoirs. As readers, students are encouraged to read texts of a variety of formats and genres, in order to familiarize themself with a wider breadth of literature. These texts include but are not limited to:

Furthermore, students learn sophisticated vocabulary and Greek and Latin roots. Students also review crucial grammar concepts by diagramming sentences.

Math

The algebra units of study are complex and exciting.  Recall of past math facts will be essential to move forward with the exploration of the concepts this year.  The focus is to utilize their existing information to support new algorithms while developing solution strategies.  Students will be encouraged to think in more abstract terms in order to explore the material at a variety of levels and from more than one perspective.  In our seventh-grade mathematics class, students move away from the expectation that there will always be a single “right” answer.  Rather, they will be expected to create more than one solution path to more open questions that focus on the understanding of the concept and the solving process.  They will be encouraged to develop justifications in supporting their opinions, ideas, and conclusions.   Technology is integrated as appropriate for concept exploration procedural practice and skill enhancement.  The one-to-one iPad program allows each student to have consistent access to their Khan Academy account, as well as enriching math Apps.

Students will take part in creating a safe, supportive classroom atmosphere where taking academic risks is celebrated and mistakes are utilized as opportunities for learning.  Students will practice communicating their mathematical ideas effectively through large group discussions, partner shares, and written work.  Students will develop an appreciation for the beauty of math, as well as an appreciation for their own individual problem-solving strategies. 

Topics covered include:

• Solving equations and inequalities 
• Polynomials; combining and factoring 
• Linear Equations; solving systems and graphing  
• Quadratic equations; solving  
• Simplifying expressions with variables and exponents 

Science

Life science strives to develop in each student a basic understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of living things in our world, while also reinforcing understanding and utilization of the scientific method.  Emphasis is placed on the fundamental concepts of living things with an in-depth exploration of the five kingdoms of organisms and their interactions with ecosystems.  In so doing, students will gain a deeper understanding of human impacts on global ecological systems while also becoming more aware of the microscopic world and its implications on the world around them.

Instructional strategies such as group collaboration and lab activities will be used to classify living things, including bacteria, protists, fungi, plants, and animals.  General knowledge will include the cell and its organelles as well as their functions.  Time will also be devoted to understanding genetics and its unique role in evolution.  Students will also investigate the ecology, including populations and ecosystems.   Various instructional strategies such as lecture and note-taking, audio-visual aids, inquiry-based learning, group collaboration, and hands-on lab activities, will all be used to facilitate different student learning styles.

Topics in life science include the following:  structural and functional organization of living things; cell structure and function; genetics, including early history of DNA, probability and inheritance, mutations and heritability as explored through genetic disorders; theory of evolution and natural selection; environmental issues; the five kingdoms of organisms and their diversity; human body systems and stages of development.

• Potential term projects:  STEM Day experiments, student choice
• Sample Labs:  Cell modeling, creating slides of human and plant cells, DNA extraction, Punnett squares, blood typing, dissection of one or more preserved or fresh specimens, plant or fungal cultivation, water quality and effects on microscopic organisms

Social Studies/World History

The seventh grade curriculum is a survey of world history, beginning with the rise of humankind and covering significant historic eras up to and including the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Age.

Students examine where the earliest civilizations took root and how the elements of culture and civilization spread around the globe. From the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans to the Middle Ages, Exploration and Colonization, and ultimately the Age of Reason, students learn to analyze events and evaluate their impact. Concepts such as democracy, republic, legal codes, economic systems, and political, scientific and religious revolutions are examined with an emphasis on their effect on later American history.

During the course of the year, students will research and write a report on significant movements in world history. Specific instructions are given for the structure and content of the report. An oral report and visual presentation accompany each report. In addition, students will work with timelines, maps and ancillary readings to aid them in comprehending the most significant aspects of the periods of history covered. Specific emphasis is placed on but not limited to the following:

• ancient kingdoms
• Greek democracy and the Roman republic
• Middle Ages economy and society
• Renaissance and Reformation
• Exploration and Colonization
• Enlightenment, Absolutism, and Revolution

French

In Middle School, the French program meets five times a week. The program continues to support language acquisition through context and real-life experiences. During this upcoming year, Students will improve their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in French while exploring the language and culture of France and the Francophone countries all over the world.

Students begin to develop communicative competence in French and expand their understanding of the culture(s) of francophone countries. A key aspect of learning French is using the language in the actual world outside the classroom setting. At Congressional, technology is integrated with iPads and SmartBoards, enabling students to access authentic information in French and to offer students the opportunity to interact with other French speakers. Students will continue to work toward mastering the important knowledge, skills, and understandings of French conversation, grammar, and cultures. This will be demonstrated through a variety of assessments, including readings, essays, dictées, poetry, and projects. This course is designed for students who want to practice and improve their spoken French while adapting their skills to varied communicative situations and addressing different contemporary issues linked to the francophone world. Students will polish their speaking skills through an array of activities games, skits as well as reading, writing, and discussion. All students will take the National French Exam- level I in the Spring.

• The student will recognize the present, past, and future tenses by regular and irregular verb forms and time expressions.
• The student will recognize more sophisticated vocabulary and grammar structures, spoken by native speakers at natural conversation speed.
• The student will sustain a short conversation on a familiar topic.
• The student will give a short presentation entirely in French about a famous French person.
• The student will create and recite a French poem.
• The student will perform and record a skit in French with peers.
• The student will write short paragraphs applying the mechanics of the French grammar learned throughout the year.
• The student will write material, using structures that reflect the present, past, and future time.

Spanish

Spanish II A will focus on further developing the four primary communicative skills in Spanish: listening, speaking, reading and writing. They begin to show a greater level of accuracy when using basic language structures, and they are exposed to more complex features of the Spanish language. They continue to focus on communicating about their immediate world and daily activities. They read material on familiar topics and write short, directed compositions. Emphasis continues to be placed on the use of Spanish in the classroom as well as on the use of authentic materials to learn about Spanish-speaking cultures.  Students will work toward mastering the essential knowledge, skills, and understandings of Spanish conversation, grammar, and cultures.  This will be demonstrated through a variety of assessments, including readings, essays, and projects. In order to fully understand the impact and the influence of the Spanish language on today's society, we will also study the rich cultures, customs, current events and geographies of several Spanish-speaking countries in the target language. In the Spring, all students will take level I of the National Spanish Exam.

• Themes covered: daily routine, classes, clothing, shipping, town, and community, means of transportation, family traditions, and childhood.
• Students will learn how to use the present and past tenses, commands, reflexive verbs, direct object pronouns,, imperfect vs. preterite, cardinal numbers, possessive adjectives, prepositions, and reciprocal actions.
• Students will gain an appreciation for Hispanic traditions, holidays, and pastimes;  acquire knowledge of the cultural history of various Hispanic countries, their cuisine, diversity of lifestyles, and influence on the U.S
• Projects: essays/compositions, skits, pen pal letters with another school, daily routine project, childhood project, design a town and give directions, preterite flipbooks, show and tell, video mystery series “en busca de la verdad” and blogs.
• Students will read novelas that are written in Spanish.

Latin

In seventh grade, students use Unit I of the Cambridge Latin series. The major grammar topics include three cases for three declensions, direct and indirect pronouns, four verb conjugations in three tenses and irregular verbs. All grammar topics are introduced in an evenly paced manner so that students can competently master basic skills before progressing to more sophisticated structures. Vocabulary expansion occurs as emphasis is placed on the Latin origins of English words. Students become familiar with both grammar and cultural topics in a story format. Throughout the year, they follow the family of Caecilius and daily life in the Roman city of Pompeii in the year 79 CE. The story ends with the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius and the mystery of who has or has not survived this tragic event. All seventh grade Latin students take the National Latin exam each spring. Other areas covered during the year include:

• day-to-day life in Roman society 
• Roman mythology and history 
• Roman numerals 
• ancillary readings on various topics related to the Latin language, and Roman culture and history

Music

Students will use critical thinking skills to better understand music.  Students will perform a variety of musical genres via an eclectic array of instrumental and vocal repertoire. Students will also create original music as individuals and as an ensemble while using classroom instruments and the Garageband app on their iPads. As students gain musical knowledge, they will become informed consumers and music advocates. Throughout our music-making process, students will begin to make connections between musical components and other core subjects. Students will also be exposed to the music of other cultures, and develop an appreciation for the role of music in society. Key concepts covered in 7th grade music include:

• Music literacy
• Student performance
• Music composition and creation
• Music history and cultural context
• Analysis, evaluation, and critique
• Aesthetics

Art

Seventh Grade artists are introduced to as many mediums, movements and ideas as possible with the goal of enhancing their appreciation of various forms of art and exploring a multitude of ideas. There are three main components to the middle school art program, classical techniques, technology integrated arts and traditional global arts. 

In classical techniques, we explore introduction to drawing utilizing a variety of media including pencil, charcoal, and conté while drawing from life and imagination.  7th Grade artists also begin to explore figurative gesture drawing and self-portraits.  More so, students are introduced to fundamental painting techniques in acrylic.  In technology integrated arts, 7th Grade explores, Computer Aided Design / 3-D printing and stop-motion.  In traditional Global Arts, 7th Grade artists explore the Art of Africa and the Middle East where they create a unique project every year inspired from the indigenous peoples of the continents.  Possibilities include Adinkra symbol paintings and arabesque ceramics. 

Middle School students go beyond the practice of art with a study of the history of art. Typically prior to each unit, a short slide lecture is given to introduce the project within a historical context.  To further their study of art, Congressional students may also take a field trip that includes visits to the Freer-Sackler Gallery, the National Museum of African Art, among others.

Other units in art include:

• Botanical Ceramics
• Artist Sketchbooks
• Found Objects sculpture

Speech & Drama
Through Speech & Drama, Middle School students are developing critical skills that they carry forward into high school, college, and career. More than just speeches and improvisational scenes, this class represents an opportunity for students to build confidence speaking in front of their peers, develop their appreciation for drama as an art form, and to channel the emotions that are readily accessible to most children in this age group.  

Seventh grade students continue developing and improving communication skills while incorporating figurative language, giving and seeking information in discussions, and supporting a position while acknowledging opposing viewpoints in full-class debate. Speeches are persuasive and inspirational in nature. Students take full creative control in broadcast journalism as they research, write and film a special news report on a school-related topic. Memorization is incorporated into drama work as students act in two or three person scenes.

During seventh grade, students will also:

• analyze ideas and opinions to determine relevancy 
• identify relationship between verbal and nonverbal messages in presentations 
• continue to use self-evaluation to improve speaking skills 
• incorporate unscripted comments with fluency 
• identify dramatic elements of plot, character, setting, dialogue and conflict 
• learn to break down a script/scene for rehearsal and performance 
• attend a live theater performance

Health, Human Development, and Sexuality Education

The Health and Sexuality classes engage students in discussions and activities designed to hone relationships skills such as communication of needs, boundaries, seeking consent, giving affirmative consent, conflict resolution strategies, and self-advocacy in their face to face and online interactions using role play and scenarios addressing social media, peer pressure, friendships, puberty, attraction, and substance use.  Students will identify the connection between values and decision-making as they strive for healthy relationships with themselves and others.  Students will be able to define harassment, sexual harassment, sexual assault, rape, sexual abuse and identify the warning signs of abuse and violent teen dating relationships, and how to access resources for support/help.  Students will broaden their understanding of the diversity of sexual identity development (including gender identity and sexual orientation) to ensure each student feels welcome and safe as they mature and develop.  

In the single gender classes, students enhance their knowledge of reproductive anatomy and development, reproduction, sexually transmitted infections, options for reducing the risk for pregnancy and infections, pregnancy options, hygiene, and self-care.  The emotional, physical, and legal benefits of setting boundaries/limits, and affirmative consent in regards to showing affection, including intercourse behaviors are emphasized.  Students also learn the emotional and physical benefits of abstaining from intercourse behaviors.  Aligned with the lessons provided by Prevention Solutions, students engage in scenario discussions exploring the dynamics of peer pressure, decision-making, and utilizing healthy coping strategies to promote abstaining from substance use.  All lessons will include exploration and analysis of messages and images young people are exposed to through current media sources. Students are encouraged to ask questions and continue these conversations at home with parents and guardians.

Athletics
Physical Education is a daily class for Seventh Graders. There is an emphasis on developing proficiency in one or more team sports while fostering a love of lifelong fitness. Students focus on continuing to improve individual performance on physical fitness tests, ability to articulate achievement of goals. Students in seventh grade focus on individual contribution to team play for common goal, support of others during game play or recreation activities. 

Additionally, students in seventh grade are required to participate in one team sport during the school year. The choices include:

• Soccer
• Cross Country
• Volleyball
• Basketball
• Lacrosse
• Softball
• Track and Field 

Eighth Grade students are the senior class at Congressional, and this milestone in their educational journey is celebrated all year, starting in the fall when they received their coveted graduating class jackets. The high school application process begins in this grade, and students and parents are guided through, step by step from the initial school search through application and interview process. Academic expectations in Eighth Grade continue to be high, and students continue to be encouraged to have a well-rounded approach to their education through participation in Varsity sports, after school activities, extracurricular programs, and leadership opportunities.  

Language Arts

English 8 students hone their skills as writers, readers, grammarians, and critical thinkers. The English 8 curriculum drives students to embrace challenging literature across genres and craft effective, polished writing. Students produce memoir essays, research papers, satirical essays, analytical essays, and persuasive essays. Furthermore, students read both contemporary and established novels, poetry, short stories, articles, essays, letters, and speeches. These texts include but are not limited to:

• Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
• Animal Farm by George Orwell
• Macbeth by William Shakespeare
• Poetry, short prose, and other works from a variety of authors, including Mindy Kaling, Baratunde Thurston, Joy Harjo, Jason Kim, W.E.B. Dubois, Esmeralda Santiago, and Jonathan Swift.

Additionally, students learn sophisticated vocabulary and study advanced grammar concepts, such as sentence structure (sentence composition) to prepare them for high school writing.

Math - Geometry

Geometry class follows an algebraic based Geometry curriculum; this is a non-proof based geometry program that serves to create strong connections between algebra and geometry. Formal theorems will be introduced, and students will begin to write justifications for each of their solution steps. Technology is integrated as appropriate for concept exploration, procedural practice and skill enhancement.  The one-to-one iPad program allows each student to have consistent access to their Khan Academy account, as well as supporting math Apps (such as GraphIt and Educreations).  We will begin the year solidifying our understanding of Euclidean Geometry and move right into Geometric Reasoning.  Strong recall of previously learned algebra processes will be essential for this course as we explore topics such as Line Relationships, Properties, and Attributes of Triangles, Quadrilaterals and Circles.  Critical thinking skills, complex reasoning, and a strong work ethic will be relied upon as we tackle concepts such as Triangle Congruence and Similarity. 

Students will learn in a safe, supportive classroom atmosphere where taking academic risks is essential; mistakes are shared, explored and utilized as opportunities for learning and improvement.  Students will explore and discuss mathematical concepts, demonstrate tenacity while working through possible solutions, collaborate to work towards a common goal and articulate their solution paths verbally and through their written work. Students will develop an appreciation for the beauty of math, as well as an appreciation for their own individual problem-solving techniques.

The depth and complexity of each of these additional topics will also be explored:

• Pythagorean Inequalities
• Applying Characteristics of special Quadrilaterals to solve problems
• Similarity between polygons
• Exploring Perimeter and Area in the coordinate plane (including irregular shapes)
• Introduction to Trigonometry
• Three-dimensional figures; dimensions and their properties

Math - Complexities of Algebra with an Introduction to Geometry

This curriculum allows students the opportunity to further solidify and deepen their existing knowledge of Algebra, explore the more complex concepts of Algebra, and devote the remainder of the year to begin our exciting journey with Geometry.  Challenging applications of both previously covered topics and new topics are offered; the depth and complexity of each of these topics will be explored.  The geometry portion of the class will be formally introduced as a non-proof based geometry curriculum, creating strong connections between algebra and geometry.  Formal theorems will be introduced, and students will begin to write justifications for each of their solution steps.   Technology is integrated as appropriate for concept exploration procedural practice and skill enhancement.  The one-to-one iPad program allows each student to have consistent access to their Khan Academy account, as well as supporting math Apps (such as Explain Everything, GraphIt, and Educreations).  

Students will learn in a safe, supportive classroom atmosphere where taking academic risks is celebrated and mistakes are utilized as opportunities for learning.  Students will explore and discuss mathematical concepts, brainstorm possible solutions, collaborate to work towards a common goal and articulate their solution paths verbally and through their written work. Students will develop an appreciation for the beauty of math, as well as an appreciation for their own individual problem-solving strategies.  Topics covered will include:

• Linear equation relationships and their solutions 
• Quadratic equations 
• Rational Expressions 
• Fundamentals of Geometry 
• Inductive and deductive reasoning 
• Complex Angle Relationships 
• Triangle Exploration

Science

Physical Science is inquiry-based and designed to teach students to explore various principles of chemistry and physics.  Students will learn and implement the scientific method, perform experiments, collect and analyze data, and pose explanations based on evidence, both in writing and presentation.  Experiential learning is an important part of this course; students participate in laboratory investigations and select field trips.  

Students will further refine their scientific literacy by developing an understanding of scientific theories and laws.  Students will also improve their critical thinking skills as they research topics and present information, both orally and by constructing models.  

Chemistry invites and challenges students to further their understanding of the physical and chemical properties of matter.  Topics covered include the following:  atomic history and modeling; organization of the elements in the periodic table; ionic and covalent bonding and chemical reactions; understanding scientific theories and laws, specifically the law of conservation of energy and matter; identifying and working with acids, bases, and salts.

• Term project planned:  element research paper and modeling
• Sample Labs:  properties of matter, density columns, ionic & covalent bonding puzzles, rock candy or other crystal growth, acid/base indicators & reactions

Physics provides an opportunity to understand processes within the physical world and our interactions with them.  Topics covered include the following:  forms of energy and their conversions, including potential, kinetic, and thermal energy; forces and motion, including mass, inertia, momentum, friction, gravity, speed, and acceleration; power and work; electromagnetics including wave characteristics and magnetism; electricity, including charge, current, and circuits.

• Term project planned:  STEM project, student choice
• Sample Labs: paper airplane speed and acceleration, egg drop, potential/kinetic energy ramps, power/work & horsepower, momentum & collisions, construction of circuits

Social Studies

In eighth grade, the students take a comprehensive study of the history of the United States. Basic concepts and themes from the seventh grade history class are built upon and enhanced. Beginning with the settlement of Jamestown, students learn the initial causes of what will later become the Civil War between the agrarian South and the industrial North. In addition to the study of the country’s history, students will spend several weeks studying the Constitution, and as the year progresses, they will apply their knowledge of the Constitution to analyze and evaluate later historic events. Primary source reading is an essential aspect for the students to understand better the historic events they read about in their textbooks. Additional activities include but are not limited to:

• Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) essay contest
• A research report on a twentieth century president
• Field trip to Monticello and Montpelier
• Overnight trip to Jamestown and Williamsburg
• Other field trips have included tours of the Capitol, Supreme Court, Smithsonian Institute and the Archives

French

In Middle School, the French program meets five times a week. The program continues to support language acquisition through context and real-life experiences. During this upcoming year, Students will improve their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in French while exploring the language and culture of France and the Francophone countries all over the world.

In French 8, students continue to develop their communicative and cultural competence by interacting orally and in writing with other speakers of the target language, understanding oral and written messages in the language, and making oral and written presentations in the language. They begin to show a greater level of accuracy when using basic language structures, and they are exposed to more complex features of the language. This will be demonstrated through a variety of assessments, including readings, essays, dictées, poetry, and projects. This course is designed for students who want to practice and improve their spoken French while adapting their skills to varied communicative situations and addressing different contemporary issues linked to the francophone world. Students will polish their speaking skills through an array of activities games, skits as well as reading, writing, and discussion. All students will take the National French Exam- level II in the Spring.

• The student will identify main ideas and pertinent details when listening to materials such as live and recorded conversations, brief lectures, short news videos and so forth.
• The student will comprehend and reply appropriately to directives presented in more complex informational materials.
• The student will contribute to oral exchanges that reflect present, past, and future time frames, and will describe a sequence of events in the past tense, using the near past and imperfect tenses.
• The student will express feelings, opinions, and hypotheses using the subjunctive and conditional structures.
• The student will read and comprehend articles in magazines, and online French news sites.
• The student will read authentic and level-appropriate materials to learn about the French language and francophone culture(s) and respond to comprehension questions. 
• Students will work toward mastering their French writing skills emphasizing the importance of grammar mechanics, and French cultures. This will be demonstrated through a variety of assessments, including readings, essays, dictées, poetry, and projects.

Spanish

Spanish IIB is the second half of Spanish II. In Spanish IIB, students will continue to focus on developing further in-depth the four primary communicative skills in Spanish: listening, speaking, reading and writing.  Students will also and make oral and written presentations in Spanish. They begin to show a greater level of accuracy when using basic language structures, and they are exposed to more complex features of the Spanish language. They continue to focus on communicating about their immediate world and daily activities. They read material on familiar topics and write short, directed compositions. Emphasis continues to be placed on the use of Spanish in the classroom as well as on the use of authentic materials to learn about Spanish-speaking cultures. Students will work toward mastering the essential knowledge, skills, and understandings of Spanish conversation, grammar, and cultures.  This will be demonstrated through a variety of assessments, including readings, essays, and projects. In order to fully understand the impact and the influence of the Spanish language on today's society, we will also study the rich cultures, customs, current events and geographies of several Spanish-speaking countries in the target language. In the Spring, all students will take level II of the National Spanish Exam.

• Themes covered:talk about accidents and storms, television and movies, food and cooking, tourism, traveling, booking a trip, airport, professions, improving the world and the environment, legends and stories of Latin America, present, past and future events, preparing and describing food, ordering meals in a restaurant, talking about hypothetical situations, expressing wishes and obligations, · Listen and infer actions and motives from  narrated passages and dialogues · Make a persuasive argument; interpret the feelings or values of others and give advice, make recommendations.  
• Students will learn how to use the preterite vs. imperfect tenses, future tense, present tense, present subjunctive, usted and ustedes commands, present perfect, and uses of por and para.
• Students will gain an appreciation for Hispanic traditions, holidays, and pastimes;  acquire knowledge of the cultural history of various Hispanic countries, their cuisine, diversity of lifestyles, and influence on the U.S.
• Projects: write a fairy tale story, show and tell,  future website project, blogs, pen pal project, cooking show, tourist guide project, newscast project, and various skits.
• Students will read novelas that are written in Spanish.

Latin

Eighth grade Latin students use Unit II of the Cambridge Latin series. While a thorough review of the basic skills continues throughout the school year, new topics are introduced, including the genitive, ablative and vocative cases, the two remaining declensions, the pluperfect tense and present and past participles and their uses, relative and reflexive pronouns, and prepositions and the cases they govern. The storyline continues with some familiar characters from the previous year, but the venue changes to Roman Britain and, later, to ancient Alexandria. All eighth grade Latin students take the National Latin exam each spring. Other areas covered during the year include:

• Use of a foreign language dictionary
• Ancillary readings on various topics related to the Latin language, and Roman culture and history

Music

Students will use critical thinking skills to better understand music.  Students will perform a variety of musical genres via an eclectic array of instrumental and vocal repertoire. Students will also create original music as individuals and as an ensemble while using classroom instruments and the Garage Band app on their iPads. As students gain musical knowledge, they will become informed consumers and music advocates. Throughout our music-making process, students will begin to make connections between musical components and other core subjects. Students will also be exposed to the music of other cultures, and develop an appreciation for the role of music in society. Key concepts covered include:

• Music literacy
• Student performance
• Music composition and creation
• Music history and cultural context
• Analysis, evaluation, and critique
• Aesthetics

Art

Eighth grade artists are introduced to as many mediums, movements and ideas as possible with the goal of enhancing their appreciation of various forms of art and exploring a multitude of ideas. There are three main components to the middle school art program, classical techniques, technology integrated arts and traditional global arts. 

In classical techniques, we explore an introduction to drawing utilizing a variety of media including pencil, charcoal, and conté while drawing from life and imagination.  8th Grade artists also begin to explore figurative gesture drawing and self-portraits.  In technology integrated arts, 8th Grade explores, Computer Aided Design / 3-D printing and website design.  In traditional Global Arts, 8th Grade artists explore the Art of Asia and India, specifically Rangoli and Chinese brush-painting. 

Middle School students go beyond the practice of art with a study of the history of art. Typically prior to each unit, a short slide lecture is given to introduce the project within a historical context.  To further their study of art, Congressional students may also take a field trip that includes visits to the Freer-Sackler Gallery, the National Museum of African Art, among others.

Other units in Art include:

• Ceramic Self-portrait silhouettes 
• Artist Sketchbooks 
• Installation Sculpture

Speech & Drama

Through Speech & Drama, Middle School students are developing critical skills that they carry forward into high school, college, and career. More than just speeches and improvisational scenes, this class represents an opportunity for students to build confidence speaking in front of their peers, develop their appreciation for drama as an art form, and to channel the emotions that are readily accessible to most children in this age group.

Eighth grade is the culmination of the students’ work in Speech & Drama. Public speaking assignments call for impromptu speaking, paraphrasing, clarifying and expanding on topics, and incorporating visual media. Students conduct an on-camera interview and conceive, film, and edit a public service announcement as part of the work in broadcast journalism. Drama study turns to more in-depth script and character analysis before concluding with a solo performance of a monologue by each student. 

During eighth grade, students will also:

• ask probing questions to elicit information
• analyze the credibility of information and messages
• participate in formal team debate (using Middle School Public Debate Program format)
• write and deliver unbiased, as well as editorial news reports
• continue to use self-evaluation to improve speaking skills
• explore dramatic elements of mood and theme
• attend a live theater performance

Health, Human Development, and Sexuality Education

The Health and Sexuality classes engage students in discussions and activities designed to hone relationships skills such as communication of needs, boundaries, seeking consent, giving affirmative consent, conflict resolution strategies, and self-advocacy in their face to face and online interactions using role play and scenarios addressing social media, peer pressure, friendships, puberty, attraction, and substance use.  Students will identify the connection between values and decision-making as they strive for healthy relationships with themselves and others.  Students will be able to define harassment, sexual harassment, sexual assault, rape, sexual abuse and identify the warning signs of abuse and violent teen dating relationships, and how to access resources for support/help.  Students will broaden their understanding of the diversity of sexual identity development (including gender identity and sexual orientation) to ensure each student feels welcome and safe as they mature and develop.  

In the single gender classes, students enhance their knowledge of reproductive anatomy and development, reproduction, sexually transmitted infections, options for reducing the risk for pregnancy and infections, pregnancy options, hygiene, and self-care.  The emotional, physical, and legal benefits of setting boundaries/limits, and affirmative consent in regards to showing affection, including intercourse behaviors are emphasized.  Students also learn the emotional and physical benefits of abstaining from intercourse behaviors.  Aligned with the lessons provided by Prevention Solutions, students engage in scenario discussions exploring the dynamics of peer pressure, decision-making, and utilizing healthy coping strategies to promote abstaining from substance use.  All lessons will include exploration and analysis of messages and images young people are exposed to through current media sources. Students are encouraged to ask questions and continue these conversations at home with parents and guardians.

Athletics

Physical Education is a daily class for eighth graders. There is an emphasis on developing proficiency in one or more team sports while fostering a love of lifelong fitness. Students focus on continuing to improve individual performance on physical fitness tests, ability to articulate achievement of goals. Students in seventh grade focus on individual contribution to team play for a common goal, support of others during gameplay or recreation activities. 

Additionally, students in seventh grade are required to participate in one team sport during the school year. The choices include:

• Soccer
• Cross Country
• Volleyball
• Basketball
• Lacrosse
• Softball
• Track & Field