Middle School Academics

Students in School District 197’s middle schools dive deeper into the core subjects introduced in elementary school, following rigorous curriculum that meets state standards. Students have the opportunity to explore new disciplines such as world language, technology education, and family and consumer science. Students also have the option of taking band, orchestra or choir. All curricular subject areas work collaboratively, incorporating technology and linking learning to the real world.

Middle school students participate in six classes a day. For specifics on the specific schedule at a given grade level, please choose the appropriate registration page using the link below.

Heritage E-STEM Magnet Course Registration

Friendly Hills Course Registration

Math

Students utilize the resources Math and You (Cengage Learning), a resource known for focusing on modeling in mathematics and its engaging and interactive digital tools. In 5th and 6th grade, the focus is on mastering multi-digit arithmetic, fractions, decimals, and the introduction of ratios and algebraic expressions. 7th and 8th grade standards shift toward proportional reasoning, linear functions, and geometric properties like the Pythagorean Theorem to prepare students for high school algebra.

Acceleration in math is offered beginning in grade 5. To better understand the options available and how students can move through different courses, visit the Math Pathways page HERE for detailed information.

Language Arts

Our literacy program transitions from foundational skills to thematic analysis. In Grades 5 and 6, students utilize Into Reading (HMH) for comprehensive reading instruction, paired with a standalone writing course featuring Becoming a Writer (Comprehensive Classroom) to gain experience in the writing process, build stamina and fine tune their writing skills. In Grades 7 and 8, writing is seamlessly woven into thematic literature units, where students master the primary modes of composition, including narrative, expository, and argumentative writing, to develop a sophisticated, academic voice.

Writing

Grade 5 and 6
Students participate in writing with a focus on the writing standards in the English Language Arts State Standards. The types of writing included in grades 5 and 6 are argumentative, narrative and explanatory. The goal is for students to follow a writing process to produce clear and coherent writing to convey their opinions and ideas.

In grades 7 and 8 writing is embeded in the Language Arts classroom.

Science

Students explore the natural world through Elevate Science (Savvas), a phenomena-based program that emphasizes doing science through virtual labs and hands-on investigation. Following MN standards, 5th grade explores Earth and life sciences, 6th grade focuses on Physical Science (matter and energy), and 7th grade centers on Life Science (cells and ecosystems). The middle school journey concludes in 8th grade with Earth and Space Science, where students analyze planetary systems and human impact on the environment.

Students in grades 5 and 6 extend their learning through field trips to Dodge Nature Center.

Social Studies

Students will engage in diverse, age-appropriate resources to explore history, geography, and civics in grades 5-8. 5th grade uses Inspire Social Studies (McGraw Hill) to survey North American history, while 6th grade dives into Minnesota’s own story using the Northern Lights curriculum from the MN Historical Society. In 7th and 8th grade, students use Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) resources to master US History and Global Studies, focusing on critical thinking and the evaluation of primary sources. In all grades, students will engage with the topics from the Minnesota Ethnic Studies strand. The Minnesota Ethnic Studies standards for middle school focus on the intersection of identity, power, and historical resistance. In grades 5 and 6, students examine the origins of personal identity and how discrimination has shaped the history and health of Minnesota’s diverse communities. Moving into grades 7 and 8, the curriculum explores the impact of systemic power, the legacy of major civil rights movements, and the cultural contributions of recent immigrant groups. Throughout all four years, students analyze how marginalized communities have used social movements and the arts to drive political change and preserve their traditional cultures.

Physical Education

Middle School students participate in Physical Education every other day in grades 5, 6, 7 and 8.

Our Physical Education programming focuses on developing lifelong wellness through a variety of movement-based activities and evidence-based health instruction. In Grades 5 and 6, students engage in a two-year rotating cycle of units including team sports like soccer and floor hockey, individual activities like mini-golf and rollerblading, and fitness testing.

PE for 7th and 8th graders transitions to more complex and tactical game play as well as specialized fitness units. In 7th grade, activities are structured by quarter, starting with Soccer, Flag Football, and Lacrosse, alongside initial fitness testing. Mid-year units include Badminton and Floor Hockey, while the latter half of the year introduces Outdoor and Climbing units, Team Handball, and Golf.

In 8th grade the activities change to emphasizing execution of skills and decision-making in competitive environments. Students engage in dynamic activities such as Ultimate (Frisbee/Ball), Lacrosse, and specialized options like Power Walking. The indoor season focuses on Volleyball and Basketball, leading into a choice Unit in the third quarter where students can select from several sports, including Broomball or Climbing. Comment end

Health

Students in grades 5 and 6 have a semester based, every other day Health and Wellness the class. The Health and wellness course explores various dimensions of wellness using Project School Wellness and supplemental digital citizenship resources. These grades also introduce health concepts such as e-cigarette and vaping prevention using the Stanford Tobacco Prevention Toolkit.

Grade 5 Health and Wellness: This course introduces students to the core dimensions of health, focusing on decision-making, physical safety and nutrition, and social-emotional skills like building healthy friendships. Students also complete units on digital citizenship and substance abuse prevention (specifically vaping) using the Stanford Tobacco Prevention Toolkit.

Grade 6 Health and Wellness: The curriculum builds on previous knowledge in intellectual and environmental health. A significant focus is placed on emotional health, helping students identify and express their emotions healthily, alongside continued education on human growth and development and online safety.

Instruction in health is part of a students experience in grades 7 and 8 and is taught by one of the PE/Health teachers at each school and is part of the Phy Ed course. The curriculum expands to address health skills and concepts as well as physical skills.

Grade 7 Health: The curriculum focuses on nutrition, social/emotional wellness, and sexual health using the 3R (Rights, Respect, Responsibility) Resources.

Grade 8 Health: The curriculum covers occupational and financial health, mental health research, and advanced substance abuse prevention through the Safety First Drug Education curriculum.

COUNSELING

The middle school counseling program is aligned with ASCA (American School Counselor Association) Mindsets and Behaviors for Student Success to support students’ academic, social, and emotional development.

Grade 5: Students focus on the transition to middle school, developing self-knowledge, and mastering friendship skills, such as empathy and active listening.

Grade 6: The curriculum centers on identity and diversity, conflict resolution, and mental health awareness, including mindfulness and stress management.

Grade 7: Students begin career exploration through personality and interest inventories, alongside units on emotional regulation, healthy relationships, and understanding academic impact through their GPA.

Grade 8: The final year prepares students for the transition to high school, focusing on registration, post-secondary options, and advanced college and career readiness through Holland’s Career Theory and a biennial Career Fair.

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING (SEL)

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) skills are integrated across various content areas and specialized courses in grades 5–8. The curriculum is built upon five core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

Grade 5: Students focus on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, learning to use school and community resources to reach personal goals. Key learning targets are addressed in Health and Wellness and Counseling, where students practice respectful communication and identify qualities of positive relationships.

Grade 6: The curriculum emphasizes emotional regulation and self-reflection, with students learning to apply coping strategies and monitor SMART goals for academic and personal success. Key learning targets are addressed in Health and Wellness and Counseling.

Grade 7: Students deepen their social awareness and relationship skills by summarizing different points of view and practicing conflict compromise. These skills are integrated into Language Arts, Health, and the 3Rs (Rights, Respect, Responsibility) curriculum, focusing on how personal attitudes influence school community success.

Grade 8: The final middle school year centers on accountability and future readiness, as students recognize what they can control and how their values impact their success. Students refine their ability to collaborate, receive feedback graciously, and use multiple sources to identify alternative solutions to complex problems.

Art

The Minnesota Academic Standards in the Fine Arts focus on student achievement in five distinct arts areas: dance, media arts, music, theater, and visual arts.

During middle school a student MUST take 2 courses that meet standards in TWO different fine arts areas. All fine arts courses meet every other day. Courses meet for either a semester (half the year) or a full year. Regardless of the length of the course, students must take two courses.

In grades 5 and 6 students will take a year long music choice (Band, Choir or Orchestra) and a semester of Visual Arts. In the visual arts course students will have one unit of choice where they can explore a media arts topic or further extend their learning in a visual arts topic.

In grades 7 and 8, students will have a choice between music courses, visual arts, media arts or theater. Students will choose 2. To see a current listing of courses available, see the grade 7 and 8 registration page at the middle school.

Music

The Minnesota Academic Standards in the Fine Arts focus on student achievement in five distinct arts areas: dance, media arts, music, theater, and visual arts.

The mission of the District's music department is to provide a sequentially based, authentically oriented program aimed at providing a comprehensive music education to its learners. Instruction at the middle schools is designed to align with the elementary and high schools.

In grades 5 and 6, students have a choice of participating in band, choir, or orchestra and music classes meet every other day, all year long. Small group lessons are also provided. To learn more about middle school music, instrument selection and rental see our middle school music webpage here.

In grades 7 and 8, students can continue their participating in band, choir or orchestra. Additional music electives are also available. To learn more about options in grades 7 and 8 see the middle school course videos page here.

SPANISH

Students can chose to take Spanish beginning in grade 7 and continue in grade 8. Spanish is a high school level course that is taken for high school credit. Spanish meets every other day all year long. Students must successfully complete Spanish in both grade 7 and in grade 8 to move on to Spanish 2 as a 9th grader at Two Rivers High School.

While Two River’s offers three different world languages: French, German and Spanish, we are only able to offer one language at the middle school, Spanish. Students can choose German or French when they get to high school to take and still access the courses that provide college credit. In Spanish in order to access both levels of courses at the high school that offer college credit (Spanish IV CE and V CE), students need to start taking Spanish in 7th grade.

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