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 “No
other age level is of more importance to the future of individuals, and,
literally, to that of society; because these are the years when youngsters
crystallize their beliefs about themselves and firm up their self-concepts,
their philosophies of life and their values—the things that are the
ultimate determinants of their behavior.”
“ They [adolescents] seek heroes and heroines, individuals of character
and conscience, ones whose examples can be emulated. This is not the time for
adults to abdicate
their critically important guidance role, yet this is too often what happens
as adults assume that the peer group takes over.”
from “Understanding and Appreciating the Wonder
Years” by John
H. Lounsbury
Foothills middle school is a triad
of 6th, 7th and 8th grades and has three homerooms consisting of a mix
of these three grades.
The middle school
years are a time of growth, change, and questioning the world and the
student’s
place in it. Therefore, the middle school philosophy and experience is
one of exploration, both of self and the world, and finding a place and
identity
for the individual.
Middle schools developed out of a response to the idea of “little” high
schools or junior highs. Unlike jr. highs, middle schools work to develop
healthy and lasting relationships between adults and young adolescents
and work
on the development and maturity of healthy social skills in a supportive,
encouraging
and tolerant atmosphere. At Foothills, this is accomplished by role modeling
both from older students and adults, consistent, meaningful contact with
adults,
community
service,
appreciation for diversity, and exploratory academic and physical programs.
The middle school curriculum is international and exploratory in scope
and skill based in focus. While the students’ curiosity is fed
and ignited by studying international politics, history and culture,
their skills
are developed through intensive project based activities. In three years,
the students will study India and the Far East, Africa and Europe, and
the Americas.
Science strands for the three year
curriculum include: Astronomy and Cosmology, Physical Science, Archaeology,
Cell Biology
and Epidemiology, Genetics, Evolution, Paleoanthropology, and the Brain
and Learning. All literature and writing are integrated into these larger
themes, as well as research, speaking, organization and presentation
skills.
The goal of the middle school program is to help students become
balanced, well adjusted, confident individuals who have a solid foundation
in appropriate
social, academic, and intra-personal skills, and who are well equipped
to be life-long
learners in a changing world.
To learn more about our middle school teachers, visit their
faculty pages:
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