Students in grades 7 and 8 are in the Middle School at Groves Academy.  Depending on individual circumstances and skills, sometimes a 6th grader will enter Middle School, and sometimes a 9th grader will stay in Middle School for additional academic or organizational emphasis.  Our Middle School operates with the following philosophy which is specially geared to the needs and challenges of middle school age students.

Groves Academy Middle School is a caring, student-centered school community where:

• diversity is embraced and differences are respected;
• the young adolescent's developing mind, body and character are supported and celebrated;
• students take responsibility for their thoughts and actions towards self and others, in school, family and community;
• by engaging in challenging academics and organized activities that are fun, relevant and dynamic.

Middle School brings with it a number of changes that acknowledge the shift to adolescent interests and abilities.

. . . The daily schedule includes 5 academic periods, 1 elective period, a morning activity/study hall break, an Advisory period, an afternoon "RnR" (Relax and Read break) and a 27 minute lunch.

. . . Rather than having a base homeroom as they did in Lower School, Middle School students graduate to having an Advisor.  The Advisory groups meet every day just before lunch.

. . . Students enjoy a variety of elective classes such as Art, Theater, and Home Science for 6 weeks each; and Physical Education and Health for 18 weeks on an alternating A/B day schedule. 

. . . During the last ten minutes of each day, the teacher checks each student's binder and assignment notebook, making sure they have the day's assignments written legibly, and are taking home the materials needed to do homework that evening.

The Middle School curriculum covers language arts which for some students includes decoding and spelling using the Wilson Reading system, based on the Orton-Gillingham approach.  Students also participate in literature study using a variety of trade books and literature anthologies and they work on individual skill development in areas such as vocabulary, comprehension and fluency.  In addition:

• Students learn skilled writing techniques using materials from the University of Kansas Sentence Writing Strategies and the Write Source program. 
• Math, science, and social studies round out their academic schedule.  
• Basic skill development and reinforcement are the main focuses of the Middle School program.  Independent learning skills, study skills, and organizational skills are developed and reinforced across all content areas. 
•  During Advisory time we stress personal management and organization skills.  This time is also used for social skills instruction, diversity awareness, study skills, self advocacy and character development
• During "RnR" time in the afternoon, students relax and listen while the teacher reads aloud from a novel chosen by the class group.
• Middle School students use the I-to-I Conflict Resolution program which was developed by the Friends School of  Minnesota.  Through this process, students learn how to express their concerns, work with others to develop a plan to address the problem, and see the solution through to conclusion.
• Field trips are purposefully incorporated throughout the school year to reinforce particular areas of study; to provide experiences that build social skills; and  to build an appreciation for lifelong physical activity and fitness. 
• The Middle School teachers are highly trained, caring individuals and are very effective in their teaching practices.

      We are excited to meet and work with your middle school students this year!