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.
The middle level curriculum is driven by Island School’s mission statement, philosophy, policies and 12 ESLRs. The instructional program includes courses in language arts, math, science, social studies, foreign language, visual and performing arts, Hawaiian studies, computer science, physical education, and health education.
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.
As a culmination of the Investigative Journalism unit with Ms. Haugh, English 8 students are finding authentic ways to be published. Brave students took on the role of Head of School, Division Director, Teacher, Parent, or Community Leader by writing topics about school engagement or community advocacy. As you read their work, think about how these ideas relate to you, your community, and the world.
As a continuation of the Investigative Journalism unit with Ms. Haugh, English 8 students are finding authentic ways to be published. Brave students are putting their creativity and writing skills to the test by entering Flocabulary’s Shout-Out Contests. If chosen, we will be featured in future “Week in Rap” segments! Below are students’ poems or raps about their take on a current event from the weeks of January 13, 20, and 27, 2023. As you read their work, think about how the current events relate to you, your community, and the world.