Academics
Middle School
The middle level program at Island School, which includes grades 6-8, addresses the particular needs of pre-adolescent students as they transition from elementary to high school.
Students have opportunities to advance academically based on performance and readiness. The middle school program cultivates the joy of learning, teaches students to manage the increasing demands of secondary education, and reinforces both the extrinsic and intrinsic rewards of effort and accomplishment. The middle level program supports students as they move toward increased independence in their lives. Faculty members teach to the whole student with a focus on Howard Gardner’s defined areas of intelligence. In addition, self-awareness, self-management, community skills, study skills, clarification of personal values and emotional intelligence are all part of students’ personal and academic development. The middle school focuses on the development of healthy habits and best practices for personal and academic success in high school.
See the Island School Curriculum Guide and Student/Parent Handbook for detailed descriptions of course offerings, policies and programs for grades 6 through 8.
Middle School News
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Science Experiments in 8th Grade
Read MoreStudents performed lab experiments in their Earth Space Science class. In one experiment, students learned of the relationship of viscosity (how sticky or smooth a liquid is) to the flow rate of different liquids. They measured the time it took for different types of liquid (water, corn syrup, honey) to flow through a straw. Honey took 25 minutes and students were thrilled once it finally dropped. Their second lab taught students that each mineral has its own specific gravity, which they calculated with a triple beam balance. -
Cell Models in Middle School!
Read MoreStudents in Ms. Steagall’s Life Science classes have been discovering cells, the basic unit of structure and function in living things! Tiny structures called organelles, carry out specific functions within the cell for the overall productivity of the cell. We are all unique because of our cell composition and our exact DNA which makes us who we are. Students were challenged with designing and creating a unique 3D-model of a eukaryotic cell, either a plant or animal cell. In addition to the creation of their model, students presented their model to the class. In the presentations, students talked about each of the organelles and their function. They also discussed cell theory and the differences between plant and animal cells. -
Collaboration between Grade Levels
This week the 8th, 11th and 12th Grade English classes came together for a writing evaluation and feedback collaboration. The students were able to connect with peers in different grade levels, and get feedback from many new voices. Students were able to practice giving and receiving feedback, and discover new ways to improve their writing.Read More -
This Week in Place Based Inquiry
Peter King's Place Based Inquiry class spent time this week thinking about how they can malama - care for - and pilina - connect with - different spots on campus. We are all very lucky to have a campus that offers us an opportunity for exploration and connection.Read More -
Academic Support for Middle School
Middle School teachers, in order to offer additional support to students 6-8th Grade, are offering office hours officially beginning October 18, 2021. Children who earned grades of C- or below are strongly encouraged to attend and use this resource. Click here for the Academic Support Schedule.Read More -
Middle School Student Council
On Wednesday, Middle School had their second Student Council meeting. The meeting was run by Eighth Graders Lea Meyers & Makalapua Blake. Members shared moments in their lives where they made a difference. Responses ranged from babysitting for a teacher, feeding homeless, and planning a rally for women's rights. Members also worked in committees to plan a Spirit Week, a Breakfast Bond, and an advisory lesson.Read More -
First Middle School Student Council Meeting
We had 24 students, almost one quarter of the Middle School student body, attend the first Student Council Meeting held last Friday September 17th. At the meeting, students broke into groups to discuss the first spirit week of the school year, brainstorm ways in which to introduce the Quarter 2 Hawaiian Values in their Advisory groups, and planned a breakfast bond for their peers.Read More
Click here for more photos and information! -
8th Grade Study World Religions
The eighth grade World History class is currently studying World Religions. As part of this unit, last Friday, 8th grade students took a field trip to a variety of religious and sacred sites from Wailua to Lihue. During the excursion students learned about the Hindu, Jewish and Christian Religious traditions along with Hawaiian Spirituality and pre-missionary beliefs.Read More -
Community Service & Acts of Kindness
The 6th grade girls are dedicating one class period a week to community service and acts of kindness. Projects have included weeding the school garden, picking up campus rubbish and this week the girls made cards to welcome all new Island School faculty and staff. The cards were filled with beautiful artwork and heartfelt messages.Read More -
Middle and High School Club Fair
Last Friday, Middle and High School students attended a Club Fair during their advisory period.Read More
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