WELCOME TO
PRAIRIE VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL
7​TH​ GRADE
COURSE DESCRIPTION
2017 - 2018
STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION
No student may be discriminated against in any school programs, activities or in facilities usage because of the student's sex, color,
religion, profession or demonstration of belief or non-belief, race, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or
parental status, homelessness status, sexual orientation or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability. Harassment is a form of
discrimination and shall not be tolerated in the district. It is the responsibility of administrators, staff members and all students to
ensure that student discrimination or harassment does not occur. (SPASD District Policy JB)
If a student or parent/guardian would prefer to have this information translated into Spanish, please contact us at 608-834-6620. Si un
estudiante, padre ó guardian prefiere tener esta información traducida en Español, por favor contactenos en el 608-834-6620.
If a student or parent/guardian would prefer to have this information translated intoHmong, please contact us at 608-834-6630. Yog
tus me nyuam lub xiv los yog niam thiab txiv/tus neeg muaj cai saib xyuas tus me nyuam xav tau qhov ntawv ntawm no ua lus
Hmoob, thov hais rau peb paub rau ntawm 608-834-6630.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
Sun Prairie Area School District
In compliance with the Executive Order 11246; Title II of the Education Amendments of 1976; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,
as amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972; Title IX Regulation Implementing Education Amendments of 1972;
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; and
all other federal and state laws, including Subchapter II of Chapter 111, Wis. Stats., entitled "Fair Employment"; school rules,
regulations and policies, the Sun Prairie Area School District shall not discriminate in employment against properly qualified and
eligible individuals by reason of their age, race, religion, profession or demonstration of belief or non-belief, color, disability,
citizenship, marital status, sex, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, political affiliation, membership in the National Guard,
state defense force, or any other reserve component of the military forces of Wisconsin or the United States, arrest or conviction
record not substantially related to a person's job duties or activity in school, or the use or non-use of lawful products by individuals
off school premises during non-working hours, the use of family or medical leave or worker's compensation benefits, or any other
factor prohibited by state or federal law. Reasonable accommodations shall be made for qualified individuals with a disability or
handicap, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the District.
All students attending Sun Prairie Area School District schools may participate in educational programs and activities, including
career and technical education, regardless of sex, color, religion, profession or demonstration of belief or non-belief, race, national
origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, homelessness status, sexual orientation, or emotional, physical,
mental or learning disability. The District shall provide appropriate educational services or programs for students who have been
identified as having a handicap or disability, regardless of the nature or severity of the handicap or disability. In addition, reasonable
arrangements can be made to accommodate a student's sincerely held religious beliefs in regard to examinations and other
academic requirements and to ensure that the lack of English language skills is not a barrier to admission or participation.
It is the intent of the Sun Prairie Area School District to comply with both the letter and spirit of the law in making certain
discrimination does not exist in its policies, regulations and operations. Grievance procedures have been established for students,
their parents, and employees who feel discrimination has been shown by the Sun Prairie Area School District. Specific complaints
of alleged discrimination, including those under Title IX, Section 504, the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Wisconsin Pupil
Nondiscrimination Law (Wis. Stat 118.13) should be referred to: District Superintendent Dr. Brad Saron, who may be contacted at
(608) 834-6502. In addition, Malika Evanco provides support and coordination for Title IX issues and she may be contacted at (608)
834-6551. Jennifer Apodaca provides support and coordination for Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act and she may
be contacted at (608) 834-6524. All three of these individuals are located at 501 South Bird Street, Sun Prairie, WI 53590.
Grading for Learning—Conduct Grade Criteria
Purpose for Grading: To communicate information on standards-based achievement and
work habits in order to promote individual growth.
Conduct Grades are assessed using the following criteria:
4-Advanced
3-Proficient
2-Basic
1-Minimal
RESPONSIBILITY
4 - Never late and always prepared to learn
3 - One unexcused tardy and/or prepared to learn most of the time
2 - Two unexcused tardies and/or prepared to learn some of the time
1 - Often tardy and/or fails to bring necessary materials
WORK COMPLETION
4 - All assignments are complete and handed in on time.
3 - Most assignments are complete and handed in on time.
2 - Some assignments are complete and handed in on time.
1 - Few assignments are complete and handed in on time.
PARTICIPATION
4 - Student is a leader and enriches classroom activities and discussions.
3 - Student is actively engaged in classroom activities and discussions.
2 - Student, when prompted, participates in classroom activities and discussions.
1 - Student rarely participates in classroom activities and discussions.
MUTUAL RESPECT
4 - Student is always respectful and listens to others.
3 - Student is respectful and listens to others most of the time.
2 - Student is respectful some of the time.
1 - Student is rarely respectful.
SUN PRAIRIE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT’S
STANDARDS-BASED RUBRIC
The information below serves as a FRAMEWORK to provide detail about how the
elementary and middle school scores relate to each student’s current level of
achievement.
4
Exceeding
Standards
3
Meeting
Standards
2
Approaching
Standards
1
Attempting
Standards
0
No Evidence
Consistently
exceeds
proficiency
Consistently
meets
proficiency
Approaching
proficiency
Needs
improvement
to meet
proficiency
No evidence
Student:
Student:
Student:
Student:
Student:
Demonstrates a
deeper
understanding
of the
standards
Demonstrates
understanding
of the
standards
Demonstrates
basic
understanding
of the
standards with
gaps and errors
Demonstrates
unclear or
minimal
understanding
of the
standards
No evidence to
assess
Evidence of
learning is
inconsistent or
incomplete
Evidence of
learning is
insignificant
Evidence of
learning
extends to
higher-level
thinking
strategies or
creative
connectedness
Evidence of
learning
contains few or
minor errors
CORE SUBJECTS – SEVENTH GRADE
Registration: 7th
​ ​ grade students will automatically be scheduled for the
required courses. They will be placed in 4 semesters of elective courses.
ENGLISH 7
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Communication is the basic objective of language arts study. Our program emphasizes writers
workshop specifically using Columbia University Teacher’s College Reading and Writing Project.
Throughout the course, students will move through units of study including argument, information,
poetry, and narrative writing. The units of study, which are aligned with the Common Core State
Standards, provide for daily writing practice so as to improve skills. Students will also work towards
having a strong way of presenting this information as presentation is one of the four standards
scored in this class.
Along with stressing the importance of writing in many different styles, the class will focus on
grammar usage, conventions, and spelling. Students will see a variety of techniques used to teach
these foundations of language ranging from notes and activities to individualized conferencing and
goal setting within their own writing. Students will then use their language and writing skills learned
to write across the curriculum in such areas as social studies, science, and reading.
LINK (LEARNING THROUGH INTEGRATED KNOWLEDGE)
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Link, a seventh grade class, stands for Learning Through Integrated Knowledge. The goal of this
class is to teach students skills and strategies that apply and relate to content area classes as well as
to encourage students to read widely on their own. Nonfiction materials will be utilized to “LINK”
topics in English, science, social studies, and math. Students will engage in several book clubs that
will include books from various genres. Student work will focus on the 8 reading strategies:
Determining Importance, Visualizing, Activating Background Knowledge, Questioning, Synthesizing,
Using Fix-Up Strategies, Setting Purpose, and Inference and Prediction. Students will be given time
each day to engage in reading self-selected books in order to provide practice in reading and to
promote reading as a life-long activity.
MATH 7
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Math is offered with the needs of every pupil in mind. Mathematics is concerned with numbers, with
ways of representing them, and with ways of operating upon them. Our system for using numbers is
a decimal system where each number has both digital and positional value. The ways of thinking
with numbers reflect the law of the operations we perform. The major reasons for studying
mathematics include:
1. To guide pupils in discovering the meaning, order, and logic of our decimal number system.
2. To build a clear understanding of the operations.
3. To develop problem solving ability.
4. To develop skills for effective mental and written computations.
5. To encourage growth of desirable attitudes and work habits in mathematics.
SCIENCE 7
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Through investigation, questioning, and reasoning, students gain new knowledge in the following
units: Science Skills, Microscopes, Cells, Heredity, Ecology, and Weather. Technology is also used
throughout the year to enhance student learning and create a scientific mind. As scientists, students
will face complex questions requiring scientific thinking, reasoning, and the ability to make informed
decisions. Scientific knowledge prepares students for the future and helps them acquire the skills
they need to understand their world.
SOCIAL STUDIES 7
Course Length: 2 Semesters
The rights and responsibilities of American citizens is the foundation of 7​th​ grade Social Studies.
Important historical events and documents such as The Declaration of Independence, The
Revolutionary War, The Constitution, Westward Expansion and events that led to the Civil War are
examined. The correlation between these events and our modern government will also be studied.
Geography, economics, citizenship, and Civil Rights are other important themes that will be covered
during the year. The three branches of our national government and how they impact the daily lives
of Americans will be examined along with a focus on the election processes that is involved in all
levels of government. Current events and how they affect the world we live in will also be studied.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION 7
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Course Fee: $5.00
The seventh grade physical education program is designed to meet the needs of physical fitness and
motor skills of this age level and to help students acquire knowledge of physical activity and its
components. The activities are also planned to complement the physical, emotional, and social
growth of each individual.
The seventh grade activities include: soccer, track & field, physical fitness, racquet sports, social
dance, basketball, lacrosse, in-line skating, volleyball, badminton, cross-country skiing, biking, ice
skating, and ropes courses.
Students will be required to have physical education clothes to participate in activity, preferably
shorts and T-shirt. Sweatpants and sweatshirts are acceptable.
STUDY HALL
Study Hall classes are offered on days opposite a student’s Physical Education class. Students will
use this time to finish classwork, complete assignment notebooks, make up tests or quizzes,
communicate with teachers and read.
ELECTIVE SUBJECTS – SEVENTH GRADE
PLEASE NOTE: Course fees for elective classes are under consideration by the Sun Prairie Area School
Board and are subject to change for the 2017-2018 school year.
The following subjects are considered to be elective. They will be listed in terms of their course
length of either one semester or two semesters. Each seventh grade student will be required to take
four semesters of elective classes unless he or she is assigned to an intervention class.
TECHNOLOGY IN ACTION 7
Course Length: 1 Semester
Course Fee: $20.00
Technology in Action employs concepts of designing, manufacturing, problem solving, and risk
management. The knowledge gained from this class will help the student with future career
planning. Using “hands-on” learning, the students design and construct many different projects. A
few of the projects that the students will create include the following: Cribbage Board, CO2 Dragster,
H20 Rocket, Name Block, Cantilever, and Solar Car.
TECHNOLOGY IN OUR WORLD 7
Course Length: 1 Semester
Course Fee: $20.00
Technology in Our World incorporates technology and engineering into the areas of alternative
energies, design, modeling, and robotics. Going into each area, the students will learn how systems,
human ingenuity, and the impact of technologies are incorporated into each. The students will
develop and test projects that will show them how each of these concepts are interrelated. A few of
the projects include the following: Balloon Buggy, 3-D Tic Tac Toe, Ping Pong Collector, Solid Fuel
Rocket, Mag-Lev Vehicle, Wind Powered Buggy, and Model Shed.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND COMPUTERS
Course Length: 1 Semester
Students will use a computer and other hardware (cameras, camcorders, production equipment),
software, and the Internet to organize and create information. We will also access and share
information from a variety of print, non-print, and electronic formats with an emphasis on
appreciation and creative expression of literature and information. Students will demonstrate skills
and concepts learned through a variety of projects and activities.
ART OF TODAY 7
Course Length: 1 Semester
Course Fee: $10.00
Students will explore art and design and learn to look at the art that surrounds them on a daily basis.
Art and Design is a form of communication that requires students to use higher order thinking skills
to develop individual problem solving abilities. Both the Art & Cultures class and Art of Today class
are excellent to take together; they complement each other and provide the opportunity for students
to have one class of art for the year.
Students will develop their skills with major focus on the following units; Advertising Design, Graphic
Design, Recycled Art, Non-Traditional Clip Board Paintings, Cartoon Lettering, Pop Art and
Independent Studies.
Assignments and Media may include and are not limited to the following: Clip Board Paintings, Fused
Glass Buildings, Individual Glass Mosaic Wall Hangings, Ink Animal Drawings, Clay Container
Sculpture, Foam Sculptures, and a large variety of skill building projects, including a free one day
field trip.
ART & CULTURES 7 ​_
Course Length: 1 Semester
Course Fee: $10.00
Students will explore the art and cultures from around the world. Art is not only the universal
language, but an excellent way for individuals to express themselves. Both the Art & Cultures class
and Art of Today class are excellent to take together; they complement each other and provide the
opportunity for students to have one class of art for the year.
Students will learn about many different cultures through assignments that focus on; Oaxacan Art,
Day of the Dead Art, The Art of the Evil Eye, The Art of Pablo Picasso, The Art of the Mandala,
African Art, and Students Individual choice of cultures they would like to investigate. Students will
also take a free one day field trip to explore art and culture on an educational tour.
Assignments and Media may include and are not limited to the following: Ceramic Tile Painting,
Fused Glass Pendants, Watercolor Pencil Paintings, Crow Quill Pen and Ink Drawings, Large Scale
Glass Mosaic Mural, Independent Small Glass Mosaics, and a large variety of fun cultural units.
TEENS IN ACTION 7
Course Length: 1 Semester
Course Fee: $20.00
Have you ever wanted to get involved in a worthy cause? Do you want to make a difference in the
lives of others? If so, this class is for you! Being a member of this class will allow you to practice
food-lab skills, exciting sewing techniques and teamwork/cooperation skills while helping others.
Typical projects may include AIDS baby blankets, holiday reach-out recycled jean stockings and
getting to know the elderly through a nursing home visit. Teens in Action is a semester elective that
is designed to help you learn to reach out to our Sun Prairie community!
TEENS IN CHARGE 7
Course Length: 1 Semester
Course Fee: $20.00
Take charge by getting organized in the kitchen. Learn to safely prepare delicious and healthy foods
for you and your family to enjoy. Take charge by organizing your personal space. Learn efficient
room arrangements and sew projects that show your personal style. Take charge by learning the
skills for keeping relationships healthy. Make new friends and keep the old!
INTRODUCTION TO SPANISH 7
Course Length: 1 Semester
Introduction to Spanish is a course designed to provide an exploratory experience for students with
concepts of the language. Topics that will be studied include geography, currency, food, holidays,
music, art, biographies, and travel. This course will introduce students to a World Language
experience that will prepare them to be successful in any World Language they choose to study. All
7​th​ graders are welcome to sign up!
FITNESS AND WELLNESS
Course Length: 1 Semester
This class is designed to provide students with an opportunity to learn and participate in
movement-based activities as well as creating a personal fitness plan. Activities may include
aerobics, dance, yoga, water exercise/aerobics, weight training, relaxation, pilates, power walking,
nutrition, stability ball, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, biking, fitness-related activities, as well as
self-defense concepts and skills. Information will be provided on self-esteem and body image by
using the Internet, as well as using guest speakers to discuss these topics. These activities are
designed to provide motivation to develop and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. It is our hope to
continue a partnership with the local health clubs and other health-related organizations within our
community in order to support our students and their families.
BAND 7
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Seventh Grade Band is a chance for students to build upon the skills that they started in sixth grade
and to use these skills to learn more complex and interesting music. Students also have many more
opportunities to participate in fun and exciting performances throughout the school year with their
new set of abilities on their instrument. Seventh grade band meets every day and students also
receive one small-group lesson per week to work on the specific skills that they need to be successful
on their unique instrument.
Students signing up for the first time in seventh grade will receive additional instruction on an
individual basis in order to learn the fundamental music skills needed to be a part of the ensemble.
Once they have achieved a comfortable level, they will join the full band for rehearsals.
Performances include four concerts throughout the year, school assemblies, a band festival in
February, Band-O-Rama in April, an elementary school tour, the Memorial Day Parade in May.
Specific dates for these events will be available at registration. Other optional fun performances
include seventh grade Jazz Band, Sun Prairie Middle Level Honors Band, special holiday ensembles,
high school basketball pep band night, District Solo & Ensemble Festival, and band camps.
Attendance and participation in all concerts, lessons, and rehearsals is mandatory.
BAND FEE:​ Students who elect to rent a school-owned instrument, and all percussionists, will be
assessed a fee of $25.00 per semester. Additionally, students need to purchase a PVMS dress
uniform shirt ($17.00) to wear as their concert uniform at the start of the school year.
CHORUS 7
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Seventh grade chorus meets daily and continues to build upon the concepts of sixth grade chorus. It
strives to provide students with the opportunity to learn and develop their individual musical skills as
well as ensemble skills. Students will engage in the curriculum goals of healthy tone production,
relaxed breathing, reading rhythmic notation and solfège, ear-training, and overall musical
knowledge. These concepts are reinforced through singing a variety of music in several concerts
throughout the year. Individual progress for chorus students will be enhanced through several small
group lessons each quarter and the use of our special facilities (computer lab, recording studio,
keyboards, and practice rooms).
Attendance and participation in all concerts, lessons, and rehearsals is mandatory. Extra curricular
activities include the district solo/ensemble festival and special ensembles for singers and choir
chimes.
CHORUS FEE:
In Prairie View Choir, we pride ourselves in looking our best so we can perform our best. The choir
uniform consists of black pants and black shoes (provided by the student) and a red choir polo which
is purchased through the school. The $12.00 helps to cover the cost of the choir polo. Already have
a choir polo and wondering why you are charged the same amount? That money is applied to a
secondary t-shirt we purchase in the spring for the annual Sing Out Retreat.
ORCHESTRA 7
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Orchestra is offered for seventh grade students who play violin, viola, cello, or bass. Orchestra
meets every day and students also participate in small group lesson instruction. The course refines
previously learned skills, introduces new technical skills, and continues to incorporate music theory
and music history. Students are required to practice. All students must rent or provide an
instrument and purchase the required method book. Students perform a variety of music
representing various musical styles including classical, pop jazz, and folk/fiddle tunes. There are
several formal concerts during the year, and students may also participate in the Wisconsin School
Music Association Solo and Ensemble Festival. The orchestra also performs at community functions
upon request. Students with no previous experience playing a string instrument must have
permission from the instructor to register for this class.
ORCHESTRA FEE:​ A $25.00 per semester fee is charged for students using a school owned
instrument as their only instrument. A $25.00 per year fee is charged if the instrument is only used
at school.
INTERVENTION CLASSES:
Prairie View offers a wide range of regular education and special education intervention classes for
students who need additional instruction in subjects such as literacy, math, and organizational skills.
Students are referred to these classes through an SST (Student Support Team) or through the IEP
(Special Education) process if a student qualifies for special education services. Decisions are based
on students' present level of academic progress and functioning according to classroom-based
observations and assessments, as well as standardized assessment scores. The intervention classes
change from year-to-year based on needs and availability.
WHERE TO GO FOR HELP
LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER
The library media center (LMC) is much more than a collection of books. It is a collection of print
and non-print materials brought together to achieve particular goals for a well-rounded collection,
attempting to serve the needs of every department and pupil.
The facility is open to any student or staff member. The purpose of the library media center is:
1. To help build a sound background of literature.
2. To help build understanding and values.
3. To guide students in reading, listening, and viewing.
4. To teach library skills.
5. To provide chromebook assistance.
STUDENT SERVICES
The Prairie View Student Services Program focuses on the needs of our students.
School Counselor​ – The School Counselor provides assistance in all school-related activities and
helps students build academic, personal/social and career skills. The counselor helps students with
scheduling, issues in classes, personal issues, conflict with peers or teachers, career development,
and character building.
School Psychologist​ – The school psychologist consults with teachers and parents on student
issues related to academic, social, emotional, behavioral or mental health. They evaluate and screen
students who have been recommended.
School Social Worker​ – The school social worker consults with teachers and parents on student
issues related to academic, social, emotional, behavioral or mental health. The school social worker
also acts as a liaison between home, school and community services.