Seventh Grade

List of 8 items.

• ELA

  Through reading, writing and discussion, students in seventh grade explore answers to the following questions: How do different humans struggle within their lives?  How can we empathize with their experiences? The texts students read and analyze include: The Diary of Anne Frank by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, and various titles by Alan Gratz in a book club format.
  
  

  Within a writing workshop, students write and analyze poetry as well as respond to literature through journal writing and literary analysis. 
  
  

  Wordly Wise is used for vocabulary instruction.  Grammar lessons connect with students’ writing and are reinforced through IXL practice.

• Math

  Students in 7th grade math follow the Prentice Hall Common Core Course 2 textbook aligned to the NYS Standards. 7th grade math continues the work taught in 6th grade. Students start the year reviewing and solidifying the foundations of operating with integers, fractions, and decimals. Then, students will work with algebraic expressions, equations, and inequalities to gain a strong foundation for 8th grade math. Students next work within the world of ratios, proportions, and percentages, learning several strategies to solve each type of problem. Finally, the year is rounded out with geometry, especially a focus on circles, statistics, and probability. 
  
  

  We begin expecting students to not only solve problems but to explain how or why they arrived at the answer they did. This is practiced through in-class discussions and homework assignments.

• Social Studies

  The 7th grade curriculum covers American History from geography and Native Americans to the eve of the Civil War. Students learn from a number of different sources including their active learning notebooks, to learn about our nation’s birth and expansion. Students learn how to discuss and debate the past as well as current events. Technology is incorporated daily into the lessons.

• Science

  Seventh grade science covers both Micro and Macro Biology, with a focus on cells and their functions, genetics, and adaptations/evolution. We work on exciting hands-on labs and projects throughout the year.

• World Languages

  • Grade 7 Spanish

  We work on developing communication skills in Spanish using the four basic language skills:  listening, speaking, reading and writing using new vocabulary and grammar skills. We study Spanish speaking cultures to encourage understanding and acceptance of differences. 

  • Grade 7 Spanish Honors

  This honors course is the culmination of Level 1 Spanish and the beginning of Spanish 2. Students will refine their speaking, writing and reading abilities with more vocabulary and grammar, verb tenses and conjugations in present and past tense. We study Spanish speaking cultures to encourage growth in understanding and acceptance of other cultures and countries.  

  • Grade 7 French

  Students read and speak using more complex structures. They continue to learn to appreciate different cultures while exploring the themes of places in town, clothing, shopping, sports and leisure activities. Students will learn to write with more complexity in French. We will study French speaking cultures to encourage growth in understanding and appreciation of other cultures.  

  • Grade 7 French Honors

  Students will  complete level 1 structures and begin level 2. French students will refine their speaking, writing and reading ability in the present and past with more complex vocabulary and grammar. We will study French speaking cultures to encourage growth in understanding and appreciation of other cultures and countries.

• Religion

  The seventh grade religion curriculum continues the story of the Old Testament and continues into the New Testament. Focusing on the life, lessons, and historic times of Jesus Christ and his disciples. We end with the foundation of the early church by the Apostles. The class also includes projects, service and retreat days.

• Physical Education and Health

  Middle School physical education is designed to introduce students to a variety of physical activities and sports. It aims to promote physical fitness, teamwork, and healthy lifestyles. Students participate in activities like team sports, individual sports, and fitness exercises. Through these experiences, they develop fundamental motor skills, improve coordination, and gain an understanding of the importance of regular physical activity.
  
  

  In 7th and 8th grade health education, students learn about various topics related to physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This may include lessons on nutrition, hygiene, puberty, growth and development, relationships, communication skills, and making healthy choices. The curriculum aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to lead a balanced and healthy lifestyle as they transition into adolescence. Discussions about responsible decision-making, self-care, and building positive relationships are common in class sessions.

• Support Services

  The Middle School Student Support Services Team assists students through both pull-out groups focused on reinforcement of classroom material, and push-in services in Math and English Language Arts classes. 
  
  

  In pull-out groups, 3-5 same grade level students work with a SS Teacher to better understand content, reinforce study skills, and develop organizational strategies to support their middle school experience.  
  
  

  Students may also qualify for additional services. Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy are provided to students who have documented IEP goals in those areas. These specialists are provided and contracted through the Buffalo Public Schools.
  
  

  Students eligible for Support Services must have current IEP or 504 documentation from their current school.