Chief Joseph Middle School
PROGRAM GUIDE
Our Mission
We promote academic excellence and social responsibility in a safe learning
community as all students are guided toward their maximum potential.
We Believe …
!
Individuals must be able to access, use, and apply information in order to make positive
personal, community, and global decisions.
!
Personal skill to maintain physical, emotional, and mental balance, as well as
interpersonal relationships, will always be essential.
!
Educators must use a variety of instructional methods to facilitate learning for all
students in an emotionally and physically safe environment.
!
A team effort of parents, community, and staff is necessary for our school to be
effective.
!
Learning must be meaningful, relevant, stimulating, and challenging.
A Community of Learners
The great strategist, Chief Joseph, played a major role in the tragic last phase of the “Indian
Wars” in the far West. He fought long and hard for the freedoms of his tribe. His surrender took
place at a battlefield in the Bears Paw Mountains (near Chinook, MT). Noted for his humanity
in warfare, Chief Joseph thereafter devoted his efforts to helping his people learn peaceful
ways. The surrender took place at a battlefield in the Bears Paw Mountains (near Chinook,
MT), just 40 miles south of the Canadian border and freedom. In his surrender speech, Chief
Joseph proclaimed,
“It is cold and we have no blankets. The little children are freezing to death. My people,
some of them, have run away to the hills and have no blankets, no food. No one knows
where they are--perhaps freezing to death. I want to have time to look for my children
and see how many I can find. Maybe I shall find them among the dead. Hear me, my
chiefs. I am tired. My heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight
no more forever.”
The academic and personal standards expected of students at Chief Joseph Middle School are
high. CJMS expects that all students will be successful and actively engaged in challenging,
high-interest curricula. The faculty and staff embrace a vision of a nurturing environment to
help develop students who, like Chief Joseph, are critical and compassionate thinkers, lifelong
learners and informed participants in local and world affairs, and conscious of the shared
humanity that binds all people together. We are a rich, varied learning community that values
the contributions of all its members and strives to make them effective communicators and
global citizens.
The CJMS student community values personal accountability, and academic challenge. This is
clear whether you visit a classroom or talk to a student in the hallway. Teacher collaboration is
the norm, creating a culture of sharing and respect. Teams of teachers work at knowing their
students well. The parent and community value active and engaged learning for their students.
School Distinctions
!
!
!
!
!
!
Nationally recognized teachers
Variety of grant awards in Technology, Science, and Service Learning
Strong peer mediation program
Blue Ribbon School
“My teachers make learning challenging and fun.” -CJMS 7th Grade Student
“I like the caring attitude of the teachers.”-CJMS parent
Activities
There are many activities in which students can be involved. This is a great way to explore new interests
and meet new people! Some examples are: Student Council, Yearbook, Drama, Art Club, Ham Radio,
SOAR, Science Olympiad, Speech & Debate, The Knitting Corner, Spelling Bee, and Geography Bee.
Intramurals are school sports activities that take place before or after school. Everyone is encouraged to
participate. Sixth grade activities include: boys and girls basketball, track, and co-ed volleyball. Seventh and
Eighth grade activities include boys and girls basketball and track, girls volleyball and softball, and boys
football and wrestling.
To find out more about these activities, call the Activities Office at 522-6234, or call the CJMS main office at
522-6300. There is something for everyone. Scholarships are available. Become involved!
Student Leadership
Students play key decision-making roles in developing a positive school climate. Over 30 students
participate in student council. A variety of advisory committees and focus groups convene to determine
student needs and help staff develop programs for support.
We are Lifelong Learners . . . .
The importance of encouraging and supporting strong academic work habits is ingrained in CJMS’s school
culture. In addition to high expectations for all students, teachers demand the best from themselves and
their colleagues.
IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION
Principal’s Office
Attendance
Counseling Office
Activities Office
Library
Lunch Program
Transportation
522-6318
522-6301
522-6304
522-6234
522-6307
622-6313
522-6041
Address:
4255 Kimberwicke Street
Bozeman MT 59718
www.bsd7.org
FAX 406-522-6306
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
ART Students survey the basic artistic elements of drawing, painting, and color theory. Students learn to communicate
at a basic level in two-dimensional and three-dimensional art. Through hands-on work and study they design and
produce basic analyses of works of art. Students are introduced to exemplary works of art from a variety of cultures and
historical periods.
ART II This is an additional art course delving into two-dimensional and three-dimensional art. Art II is designed for
students who enjoy art and want to enhance their skill with a community of similarly interested artists. Students learn to
use various painting and drawing media and acquire the skills necessary to create works of their own. Students
complete projects which emphasize the specific design elements of line, shape, space, color, and value. Students also
produce several projects in clay and sculpture through which they learn about form, function, and construction
techniques.
BAND This yearlong class is designed to develop skill in instrument playing, as well as increase musical understanding
through performance. The main emphasis at this level is on skill development. Students enrolling in 6th grade band
should have one year of playing experience through school classes or private lessons. Band students may also sign up
for choir.
CERAMICS This is a 7th and 8th grade class. Ceramics class provides students with an experience in clay, both handbuilt and wheel thrown. Students will explore throwing functional ware on the Potter’s wheel coil method, slab
construction and sculpting. In addition, students will learn proper studio use and maintenance. Students will study
beginning glazing and firing techniques.
CHOIR Choir is a performance group open to all students and is devoted to the study and performance of music from a
wide spectrum of styles. The class includes an introduction to fundamental singing techniques. Choir is a year-long
class.
DESIGN & MODELING In this class 8th grade students apply the design process to solve problems and understand
the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. They work in teams to design a playground and furniture,
capturing research and ideas in their engineering notebooks. Using Autodesk design software, students create a virtual
image of their designs and produce a portfolio to showcase their innovative solutions.
FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCE Healthy eating and nutrition are taught with a hands-on emphasis. Students learn
basic cooking skills and how to make healthy food choices by preparing and eating healthy recipes. Managing money,
making financial decisions, and career exploration are also taught. Seventh and eighth grade classes utilize sewing
machines to construct a project.
FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCE II FCS II (World Culture & Cuisine) is open only to 8th grade. This course
introduces various world cultures through independent student research and presentations. Part of the research
component includes learning about authentic foods of the culture. Students prepare and sample ethnic dishes from
around the world. Bring an open mind and be ready to try new foods if you choose to take this class! FCS I is not a
prerequisite.
INFORMATION SKILLS Students will improve their keyboarding skills with the goal being 30+ words per minute. In
addition they will use word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet computer applications to create products for
research projects which are then presented to the class.
MATH CHALLENGE This class is designed for students who enjoy math and want to challenge their problem-solving
skills with a community of similarly interested mathematicians. This class is an additional offering to the required
mathematics class. Included will be mathematical reasoning skills with an emphasis on spatial visualization and spatial
reasoning and/or statistics and probability.
ORCHESTRA This year-long class is designed to develop skills in instrumental playing as well as increase musical
understanding through performance. The emphasis is on skill development. Students enrolling in 6th grade Orchestra
should have one year of playing experience through school classes or private lessons. Orchestra students may also
sign up for choir.
THEATRE/DRAMA, This class offers an introduction to various aspects of the performing arts. Students explore and
experience storytelling, pantomime, improvisation, and skits. Classes are interactive and allow students to “find their
voice” and perhaps discover new areas of creative expression that they are able to use in other classes and activities.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS CONTINUED
THEATRE/DRAMA II This class emphasizes the performing arts involving storytelling, music, and dance. Students will
prepare a show and perform.
READING / WRITING CHALLENGE This class is for students who enjoy reading and writing. The class will enhance
their reading, vocabulary, and comprehension skills with a community of like learners. In addition, students will enrich
their writing skills by focusing on descriptive and narrative writing.
ROBOTICS In this class 8th grade students trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics as
they learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students use
the VEX Robotics platform to design, build, and program real-world objects, such as traffic lights, toll booths, and robotic
arms.
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION 6 In this course, 6th Grade students are introduced to basic engineering topics. Design
theory, CAD skills, construction practice, and product testing. Students also practice technical reading and
communication skills. Students work in an environment that promotes a growth mindset, and encourages students to
practice non-academic skills that foster skills such as perseverance, problem solving, and managing frustration to
complete tasks. This class is computer intensive and basic computer skills are taught and reinforced.
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION (7th Grade) Students continue design theory and CAD skills. Students are introduced to
architectural design, basic construction topics, and use their knowledge to build a simple project using a set of pre-drawn
plans. Students will be using power tools to build this project in a shop setting and safety topics are extensively covered
and modeled for the students. Students will be using a research topic to explore systems (mechanical, electrical, etc) and
using the concept of energy transfer to explain how energy is utilized and transformed in a device. Simple HTML coding
exercises will equip students with the skills they need to create simple multiple page websites.
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION (8th Grade) Students continue to develop their understanding of the engineering design
process, and design and build a project of their choosing with provided materials. Students research fluid dynamics
concepts and use that information to design and build a toy boomerang. Basic electronics topics are covered and
students build a small electronics kit. Students will be using power tools to build their projects in a shop setting and safety
topics are extensively covered and modeled for the students.
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION II This is a 6th grade course. Students are introduced to basic computer science topic
(input, process, output, hardware, software, etc). The concept of computer coding will be introduced and practiced, and
students will become familiar with variables, loops, functions and other coding concepts and see examples of their
application.
VIDEO PRODUCTION AND PHOTOGRAPHY This course is an introduction to film making, and an introduction to
graphic design using technology as a tool to learn and explore concepts related to both topics. Students will learn
Photoshop skills and learn how to manipulate photos while looking at Photoshop as a tool for graphic design to create at
least one short, 3 to 5 minute movie.
WORLD LANGUAGE French, German and Spanish are offered in grades 6, 7, and 8. Students have the opportunity to
study 1, 2, or all 3 of the languages in 6th and 7th grade. Students will develop communication skills, vocabulary, cultural
knowledge and global awareness through songs, videos, games, readings, and hands-on activities. The 8th grade
language course is a full school year elective and equivalent to the level 1 course at the High School. Students who are
proficient in a world language by the end of 8th grade may enroll in level 2 World Language at the High School.
WORLD MUSIC An active music class exploring the cultures of the world through music. Students play drums,
percussion instruments, listen, read, and compose music through the study of Africa, Latin America, Asia, Europe, and
Native North America.
WORLD OF WORK In this class 6th graders get a broad introduction into contemplating career options. Students take
an interest inventory to gain insight into areas of interest and possible careers that correlate. They study qualities and
requirements of various careers and education needed. Many career areas are explored along with how to get and keep
a job.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Our Program
In this rich learning community, several significant characteristics stand out. The students and staff
are divided into six “teams”, which create a smaller, more personal connection for students. These
teams build pride and camaraderie, monitor homework and academic progress, communicate
regularly with parents, and coordinate integrated curricular work. They link students to counselors
and other school services, and provide interventions to ensure that no one is “falling through the
cracks”. Another unique characteristic is the tremendous commitment of the teaching staff to using
the best instructional strategies available. Classrooms are alive with actively engaged learners,
stimulating conversations, cooperative groups, and dynamic student presentations. Colorful projects
and written work cover the walls. Collaboration characterizes the professional community at CJMS;
teachers plan units and engage in professional development together, ensuring a consistent,
rigorous instruction for all students.
6th Grade
Required Interdisciplinary (Core) Classes
Advisory, Mathematics, Communication Arts, Health Enhancement, Science, and
Social Studies
Courses of Study
Rotation Classes
Choices of: 36 weeks of Band, Choir, Orchestra; 6-week sessions of World Music,
Spanish, German, French, Math Challenge, Reading/Writing Challenge,
Theatre/Drama, Theatre/Drama II, Art II, World of Work, Technology Education II
7th Grade
Required Interdisciplinary (Core) Classes
Advisory, Mathematics, Communication Arts, Health Enhancement, Science, and
Social Studies
Elective Classes
Choices of: 36 weeks of Band, Choir, Orchestra; 12-week sessions of Spanish,
German, French, Technology Education, World Music, Theatre/Drama, Family &
Consumer Science, Art, Art II, Information Skills, Video Production & Photography,
8th Grade
Required Interdisciplinary (Core) Classes
Advisory, Mathematics, Communication Arts, Health Enhancement, Science, and
Social Studies
Elective Classes
Choices of: 36 weeks of Band, Choir, Orchestra, Spanish, German, French; 12week sessions of Technology Education, Theatre/Drama, Family & Consumer
Science, Family & Consumer Science II, World Music, Video Production and
Photography, Art, Art II, Information Skills
Be Prepared. …. Be Positive. …. Be Respectful. ….. Be Responsible
Required Rotation Classes
6 weeks each of Art, Family & Consumer Science, Information Skills, Technology
Education