Middle School Academic Hub
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Content Area Resources
Math
Curriculum
6th Grade Math
In Grade 6, math focuses on four critical areas: (1) connecting ratio and rate to whole number multiplication and division and using concepts of ratio and rate to solve problems; (2) completing understanding of division of fractions and extending the notion of number to the system of rational numbers, which includes negative numbers; (3) writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations; and (4) developing understanding of statistical thinking.
7th Grade Math
7th grade mathematics focuses on 4 areas, (1) understanding and applying proportional relationships; (2) operations with rational numbers including variable expressions and linear equations; (3) solving problems involving scale drawings, informal geometric constructions, and area of 2-dimensional figures, surface area and volume of 3-dimensional shapes; (4) drawing inferences about populations based on samples.
Learn more about the 7th grade math curriculum
8th Grade Math
8th Grade Mathematics, focuses on three critical areas: (1) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations including solving linear equations and system of equations; (2) understanding the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; (3) analyzing two-and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.
Learn more about the 8th grade Math curriculum
Advanced Courses
ML Algebra 1- Algebra 1 is an introduction to abstract reasoning and algebraic symbolism. Students will solve equations and systems of equations, and they will use functions to represent patterns and make predictions. The focus is on linear, exponential, and quadratic functions in problem-solving sitations. Students will engage daily with the Standards for Mathematical Practice. Students will also employ algebraic methods to summarize data and to compare data sets. Learn more
ML Advanced Algebra 1- Advanced Algebra 1 is an in-depth study of algebraic symbolism, systems of equations, graphing, problem-solving, and probability and statistics. The students will build upon their previous knowledge to further understand the characteristics and representations of various functions, and relations including: linear, exponential, and quadratic equations, inequalities, complex numbers, and rational algebraic expressions. As an advanced course, this course goes beyond the curriculum expectations of a standard course offering by increasing the depth and complexity. Students are engaged in dynamic, high‐level learning via the Standards for Mathematical Practice. The pace of an advanced course may be faster than that of the Algebra 1 course. Learn more
ML Geometry 1- Geometry presents a thorough study of the structure of the postulational system and development of formal synthetic proof. It considers the topics of congruence, parallelism, perpendicularity, properties of polygons, similarity, and the relationships of circles, spheres, lines, and planes with respect to space as well as the plane. Basic principles of probability will be introduced. The maintenance of algebraic skills will be emphasized. Learn more
ML Advanced Geometry 1- Advanced Geometry presents a thorough study of the structure of the postulate system and development of formal two-column proof. It considers the topics of congruence, parallelism, perpendicularity, properties of polygons, similarity, and the relationships of circles, spheres, lines, and planes with respect to space as well as the plane. Basic principles of probability will be introduced. Use of algebraic skills is expected. As an advanced course, this course goes beyond the curriculum expectations of a standard course offering by increasing the depth and complexity. Students are engaged in dynamic, high‐level learning via the Standards for Mathematical Practice. The pace of an advanced course may be faster than that of the M41 Geometry course. Learn more
Assessment
Students in grades 6, 7, and 8 take the CMAS math test.
All students enrolled in 6th Grade Math take a BVSD end of course assessment.
All students enrolled in 7th Grade Math take a BVSD end of course assessment.
All students planning to enroll in an Algebra 1 course the following year take an Algebra Readiness test.
All students enrolled in Algebra 1/Advanced Algebra1 take an End-of-Year Summative Assessment.
Parent Resources
The Connected Math for Families website is a great place to start. There are also great overview documents of each unit of study.
Learning Materials
The BVSD adopted materials for middle school are: Connected Mathematics Project.
How do I check my student's grades?
Assignment and final term grades are viewable through the parent portal of Infinite Campus.
Science
Curriculum
6th Grade Science
In middle level physical science, students will be designing and conducting scientific investigations and constructing scientific explanations based on evidence. Students will make measurements using metric units and will organize their data using bar and line graphs. Students will learn about fundamental concepts in physical science such as the particulate nature of matter, basic atomic structure, forms and sources of energy, energy transfer and transformations, the conservation of matter and energy, and force and motion. Students will also learn about the nature of science as a human endeavor.
7th Grade Science
In middle level life science, students will be designing and conducting scientific investigations and constructing scientific explanations based on evidence. Students will make measurements using metric units and will organize their data using bar and line graphs. Students will learn about fundamental concepts in life science such as cells, ecology, genetics, evolution, and human anatomy.
Learn more about the 7th grade science curriculum
8th Grade Science
In middle level earth and space science, students will be designing and conducting scientific investigations and constructing scientific explanations based on evidence. Students will make measurements using metric units and will organize their data using bar and line graphs. Students will learn about fundamental concepts in earth and space science such as the rock cycle, processes that shape Earth’s surface, fossils, natural resources, atmospheric circulation, weather and climate, the water cycle, oceans and other water bodies, and the Earth in space. Students will also learn about the nature of science as a human endeavor.
Assessment
Learning Materials
Social Studies
Curriculum
6th Grade Social Studies
Sixth graders will analyze historical sources and eras through the study of the Western Hemisphere, focusing on the components of civilizations both ancient and modern, analyzing patterns in history, and looking at how the past influences the present. Emphasis is placed on resource distribution, competition, cooperation and conflict and human-environment interaction. Students will use geographic tools to analyze information and data pertaining to Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Canada. Civic and global awareness is highlighted, as is the role of the U.S. in the Western Hemisphere. Multiple perspectives and appreciation of diverse backgrounds will also be explored. Students will also study how savings and investing can contribute to financial well-being.
7th Grade Social Studies
Seventh graders will study the Eastern Hemisphere and focus on developing the skills necessary to analyze and interpret this area of the world from a geographic, historical and cultural perspective. Students will develop an understanding of the physical and cultural processes that shape regions and people and an appreciation for our roles and responsibilities as world citizens. Students will also study the emergence of major religions. In addition, principles of financial literacy will be addressed.
Learn more about the 7th grade social studies curriculum
8th Grade Social Studies
Eighth Graders will learn the social impacts and multiple perspectives of people associated with significant events in pre-1890 American history. Students will learn about contributions made by many groups who shaped and continue to influence the American experience. Students will engage in historical inquiry as they analyze multiple sources, perspectives and geographical tools. Students will consider how resources impact human settlement and interaction. Students will learn about personal credit and debt. Students also will examine the role of the Constitution in our government and our societal values.
Assessment
Learning Materials
Music
Middle School Music Courses
Middle School music builds on all the concepts learned in elementary school, especially 5th Grade Instrumental Music. Middle Schools offer multiple levels of Orchestra, Choir and Band and some offer Music Technology and Guitar instruction.
See all middle school music courses here. Note: Not all courses are offered at every school so check your school course catalog.
Music Awards and Accolades
BVSD has many students who are selected to perform in the Colorado All State Choir, Colorado All State Band, CU Honors Band, Western States Honor Orchestra, and Colorado All State Orchestra each year.
2018-19
- Colorado All-State Jazz Band
- Colorado All-State Jazz Choir
- Colorado All-State Band
- Colorado All-State Choir
- Colorado All-State Orchestra
- CU Honors Band
- Western States Honor Orchestra
Colorado All-State Jazz Band
Colorado All-State Jazz Choir
Colorado All-State Band
Colorado All-State Choir
Boulder High School
Teacher: Mary Bateman
Brooke Curry
Marcus Schaller
Southern Hills Middle School
Teacher: Tina Dozauer-Ray
Sarah Shehigian
Juliet Koechel
Liv Kosanovich
Annaliese Markel
Saisree Kumar
Julia Abboud
Annie Tanner
Stella Zahradka
Fairview High School
Teacher: Janice Vlahos
Cameron Holland
Monarch High School
Teacher: Zach Cole
Owen Atkinson
Ashlyn Spanarella
Max Murray
Platt Middle School
Teacher: Karen Hannahoe
Taylor Burke
Sofia Dale
Sarah Hunter
Bradley Hambleton
Jackson Miller
Korben Stone
Noe Sura
Noah Sherry
Samantha Sterritt
Henry Banks
Logan Hirschland
Summit Middle School
Teacher: Amy Austin
Kylie Berg
Avanti Gautam
Yosha Gautam
Sofia Gross
Ria Marlin
Elanor Tompkins
Aurelia Kembel
Davis Hill
Gunnar Neufeld
Colorado All-State Orchestra
Boulder High School
Tyler Irving
Marcus Schaller
Cailani Lemieux Mack
Elena Wolvington
Sebastian Willowhawk
Luke Tsuchiya
Lucy Rissman
Terry Vis
Cora Tenenbaum
Centaurus High School
Carson Conley
Amy Delevoryas
Fairview High School
Luna Reid
Piper Catlin
Maxwell Story
Isabel Thornberry
Eojin Lee
Greta Koenig
Youngbin Yoon
Justin Hein
Monarch HS
Jayden Kazantsev
Maks Caron
Peak to Peak
Ashley Tang
Ben McCloskey
Brandon Guo
CU Honors Band
Centaurus High School
Ahnna Rom
Luke Fischer
Carson Conley
Jorin Benson
Ellie Vogelsberg
Fairview High School
Isabel Thornberry
Ayla Danabasoglu
Florence Hughes
Nicolas Phillips
Hayden Outlaw
Louisville Middle School
Elyse Cutforth
Beatrice Lighthiser
Elliot Frank
Allie Grasso
Monarch High School
Marisa Weissmann
Peak to Peak Charter School
Katelyn Remund
Platt Middle School
Cecil Carroll
Summit Charter Middle School
Kelly Young
Western States Honor Orchestra
Boulder High School
(directed by Ryan Woodworth)
Blue Bryan, bass
Lucy Rissman, violin
Cora Tenenbaum, viola
Terry Vis, violin
Sebastian Willowhawk, cello
Elena Wolvington, viola
Broomfield High School
(directed by Renee Beri)
Rachel Halperin, cello
Centaurus High School
(directed by Heather Murphy)
Amy Delevoryas, cello
Noah Lykins, viola
Monarch High School
(directed by Kelsey Hoover)
Maks Caron, viola
Peak to Peak High School
(directed by Kajsa Schneider)
Brandon Guo, violin
Fairview High School
(directed by Mindy Anderson)
Kanoe Aiu, cello
Kaden Du, bass
Kiana Fan, bass
Paige Franklin, violin
Justin Hein, bass
Leah Kirby, violin
Kaidan Larson, violin
Alex Mizzi, violin
Shawn Murphy, viola
Luna Reid, violin
Eric Sankey, cello
Max Story, cello
Youngbin Yoon, cello
2017-18
Colorado All-State Choir
- Owen Atkinson, Monarch High School
- Ethan Oliver, Fairview High School
- Korben Smart, Boulder High School
- Cameron Holland, Fairview High School
- Zane Tsuchiya, Boulder High School
- Wade McClung, Fairview High School
- Peter Kennedy, Fairview High School
- Lucas McLeod, Centaurus High School
- Brooke Curry, Boulder High School
- Angela Li, Fairview High School
- Shannon Ireland, Broomfield High School
Colorado All-State Band
- Ahnna Rom, Centaurus High School
- Mary Vogelsberg, Centaurus High School
- Charlie Fischer, Centaurus High School
- Jorin Benson, Centaurus High School
- Kate Uchida, Centaurus High School
- Megan Finnigan, Centaurus High School
- Scott McCall, Peak to Peak High School
- Jonathan Vehida, Centaurus High School
- Ellie Vogelsberg, Centaurus High School
- Ben McCloskey, Peak to Peak High School
- Mikayla Frank-Martin, Centaurus High School
- John Painter, Centaurus High School
- Colin Roberts, Centaurus High School
- Annika Ekrem, Boulder High School
- Isabella Ford, Monarch High School
- Samuel Jarvis, Fairview High School
- Theodore Morgan, Fairview High School
- Chris Prinster, Fairview High School
- Christian Wilson, Fairview High School
- Sam Dusinberre, Fairview High School
- Karen Buci, Monarch High School
- Avivah Malin, Boulder High School
- Jonathan Vehida, Centaurus High School
- Brody Austin, Monarch High School
- Evan Allenson, Monarch High School
- John Painter, Centaurus High School
2016-17
Colorado All State Choir
- Issac Hoffman, Centaurus High School
- Jessie Bolger, Fairview High School
- Carrie Douglass, Fairview High School
- Ellie Hackbarth, Broomfield High School
- Jacob Aychman, Centaurus High School
- Claire McConville, Monarch High School
- Sienna Sewell, Fairview High School
- Natalie Wilcoxen, Broomfield High School
- Caroline Thompson, Fairview High School
- Sydney McDonald, Monarch High School
- Allison Armstrong, Fairview HIgh School
- Kalianne Zack, Broomfield High School
Language Arts
Curriculum
Note: The below courses can also be taken as Advanced courses. Language Arts electives and Spanish Language Arts courses are also available. Check with your school to learn about these options.
6th Grade Language Arts
6th Grade Middle Level English Language Arts focuses on the four academic standards: speaking and listening, reading for all purposes, writing and composition, and research and reasoning. This course builds upon elementary level instruction and demands increased application of skills and intellectual reasoning while reading, writing, speaking and listening. Focus studies include: analyzing literary components, examining text structures, developing vocabulary knowledge through context, organizing and structuring writing for intended audiences and purposes, informative/expository and persuasive writing, and grammar and mechanics of English language.
7th Grade Language Arts
7th Grade Middle Level English Language Arts focuses on the four academic standards: speaking and listening, reading for all purposes, writing and composition, and research and reasoning. This course demands increased application of developing literacy skills and intellectual reasoning. Focus studies include: analyzing literary components, examining text structures, developing vocabulary knowledge through context, organizing and structuring writing for intended audiences and purposes, informative/expository and persuasive writing, grammar and mechanics of English language
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE 7TH GRADE LANGUAGE ARTS CURRICULUM
8th Grade Language Arts
8th Grade Middle Level English Language Arts focuses on the four academic standards: speaking and listening, reading for all purposes, writing and composition, and research and reasoning. This course is designed to prepare students for success in all high school course work requiring proficiency in the standards listed above. Focus studies include: reading interpretation and analysis of literary, informational, and persuasive texts through self- monitoring and peer/teacher dialogue; identify and use stylistic devices, such as sensory details, figurative language and tone; identify and organize ideas, supporting details, and transitional phrases within informational and persuasive texts written for a variety of audiences and purposes; employ correct grammar, usage, and mechanics in writing; and the independently navigate the research process.
Assessment
Parent Resources
iReady
Individualized practice in phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, high frequency words and comprehension
Student Login:
Username: network username (check infinite campus)
password: Student Number
Reading Plus (Grades 3-12)
Supports visual processing, silent reading fluency, vocabulary development, comprehension, and writing about reading
Student Login:
Username: BVSD username
Password: BVSD + student #
ebooks on Sora
Check out ebooks on Sora here. Select your school and use your BVSD login account.
Learning Materials
Theatre Arts
We seek to embrace the whole child and nurture each and every student's abilities. All of our middle and high schools have after school theatre programs that produce high quality performances throughout the year
We take great pride in our expansive offering of Theatre Arts classes throughout the middle and high schools in the district, from Theatre Arts to Acting to Stage Production to Film.
Note: Not all courses are offered at every school.
Middle School Courses
Theatre Arts 1
Theatre Arts Focus 1 provides opportunities for students to learn about drama. Stage directions and theatrical vocabulary are introduced. This course provides situations for developing poise and confidence, interacting with others and appreciating the contribution of others. Reading, writing, speaking and listening skills are applied as students demonstrate and perform what they are learning.
Theatre Arts 2
Theatre Arts 2 follows Theatre Arts 1. Students continue to develop acting skills while preparing for and performing in plays. Students participate creatively in both acting and production details. Reading, writing, speaking and listening skills will be applied as students demonstrate and perform what they are learning.
Exploratory Acting
See Theatre Arts page for more information about all BVSD Theatre programs
Visual Arts
Middle School Art Courses
A variety of art classes are offered at the middle level to give students exposure to a variety of art types. Courses may include: Exploratory Art, Art 1 and 2, Crafts, Visual Arts Focus, Advanced Art, Three Dimensional Design, Ceramics, Photography, and Digital Art.
Art Shows
Every year Boulder Valley School District hosts at Art Show for students in Grades K-8 and a separate show for High School Students and BVSD teachers. These are great ways for students to show off their work in a public way and take pride in the beautiful art they've created. Explore the slideshows below to see some past art show work.
Health
Click here for secondary health learning materials.
6th Grade Health
Health Education in sixth grade is based on developing skills in relation to age appropriate health topics. By developing skills related to effectively accessing health resources, communicating, analyzing peer and media influences, goal setting, decision making, and health advocacy, students in BVSD will be able to achieve and maintain optimal wellness. Learn more
7th Grade Health
Health Education in seventh grade is based on developing skills in relation to age appropriate health topics. By developing skills related to effectively accessing health resources, communicating, analyzing peer and media influences, goal setting, decision making, and health advocacy, students in BVSD will be able to achieve and maintain optimal wellness. Learn more.
8th Grade Health
Health education in eighth grade is based on developing skills in relation to age appropriate health topics. By developing skills related to effectively accessing health resources, communicating, analyzing peer and media influences, goal setting, decision making, and health advocacy, students in BVSD will be able to achieve and maintain optimal wellness. Learn more
Note: Some schools may offer a combined Health/PE Option. Others also offer additional PE/Health classes. The majority of BVSD middle schools don't offer health in 6th grade.
PE
Note: Some schools may offer a combined Health/PE Option. Others also offer additional PE/Health classes.
Click here for secondary PE learning materials
6th Grade PE
Physical Education at the 6th grade middle level offers students a variety of physical activities through which they will develop positive attitudes toward group interaction, sportsmanship, the joy of effort, fair play, cooperation, initiative and an appreciation for the abilities and limitations of self and others. The program is designed to continue development of physical fitness, motor, perception, rhythm, and movement skills. Learn more
7th Grade PE
Physical Education at the 7th grade emphasizes physical fitness and development of basic movement skills through team, individual, and dual sports and rhythmic activities. Emphasis is placed on the introduction of basic fundamentals of sports; developing the knowledge of rules, building personal responsibility, good sportsmanship, and leadership. Learn more
8th Grade PE
Physical Education at the 8th grade level emphasizes refinement of skills learned in the 7th grade, developing a greater understanding of game strategies. Continued emphasis is placed on personal responsibility, good sportsmanship, and attaining a higher level of personal fitness. Learn more
Helpful Links
BVSD offers academic extensions and enrichment opportunities for gifted learners.
BVSD provides a wide range of special education services and programs.
BVSD aims to ensure all students can succeed and provides supports to those learning English.
Engaging students in learning that achieves BVSD’s vision for 21st century education.
The 1:Web program connects every student to the web.
BVSD values accountability and transparency at all levels including ensuring that student data privacy and security are a top priority.
Digital citizenship is the ability to think critically, behave safely, and participate responsibly in the digital world.