List of 9 items.

• Essential Questions/Interdisciplinary

  One of the overarching goals of our elective program is to create pathways for our Middle School students to explore interests outside of traditional academic courses in areas such as the arts and design and innovation. In this COVID-19 environment, many of our electives are challenged or prohibited from running as designed. In response, we’ve reimagined the elective program.
  
  

• Grade 7 Math Update

  In the 2020-2021 academic year, the Middle School launched a new Integrated Math 5th to 8th-grade sequence. This sequence responds to the demands of mathematics in the 21st century, highlights the interconnectedness of math concepts, weaves algebra throughout, and is commensurate with the integrated math sequences offered by high achieving countries internationally.  
  

   

  The sequence is available to all students and to group all students into heterogeneous cohorts. This option to shift to heterogeneous groupings aligns with the model that has been successfully implemented in the fifth grade. If your child was originally placed in Integrated Math 7, Honors, they will still be able to engage in honors-level content and earn an honors designation on their Grade 7 transcript in the heterogeneously grouped cohort. 

   

  Additionally, every student in the Integrated Math sequence can choose to pursue an honors designation. Each lesson within each unit of study will have tiered activities and extensions. By successfully completing challenges or extensions, each student will be given the opportunity to earn an “Honors Level” designation. Honors-level tasks and assignments will be made available in place of, rather than in addition to, on-grade-level work. We aim to be proactive and transparent in our communication to students and families regarding how, and when, students can take advantage of these opportunities. 

• Technology

  • The Middle School continues to utilize the Blackbaud portal for both students and families. Course information, class assignments and school information is posted on the portal.  
    
    
  • Formative is available for teachers to create digital formative assignments/assessments.
    
    
  • Zoom will be used if needed when students are not on campus or when a teacher needs to stream to another classroom on campus.
    
    
  • Swivl, a robotic mount that tracks and records a moving person, is used in a few Middle School classrooms.

• Early Care/Extended Day

  Morning drop-off for Extended Care starts at 7:30 a.m. Middle School Extended Day takes place in the quad from 3:15-5:30 p.m. There is no need to sign up and there is no fee. All students not picked up by a parent/guardian by 3:15 p.m. will gather in the quad. Parents can pick up their children from the Early Childhood Center (ECC) parking lot. Please note: all other parking lots will be closed. The security guard in the ECC lot will notify the appropriate Extended Day group when the parent/guardian arrives and the child(ren) will be walked over to the ECC lot. Parents/guardians remain in the car. Contact Jessica Lacoff-Roberts with any questions. 

• Learning Resource Center

  Specialists push into assigned outdoor spaces and work with students 1:1 or within grade levels.

• Physical Education 5–6

  Middle School students participate in physical education outdoors and in the gym with other members of their grade level. They do not change into PE uniforms and should plan on wearing appropriate clothing/shoes for PE to school.

• Physical Ed/Athletics 7–8

  The South Coast Middle School League, of which LJCDS is a member, is beginning to outline plans for a return to competitive athletics with contests starting as early as just after the new year. Coach Judy Spoelstra attends the league’s meetings and has taken an active role in planning the return to sports. More information to follow as it becomes available.

• Arrival Process

  The arrival process to school will be different this year to ensure the health and safety of our community. Click here to learn more about the arrival process.

• Return to Campus Checklist

  We have created a checklist to help you prepare for on-campus learning. Click here to review the checklist.