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Our Middle School Curriculum
Middle school students have a maximum of four academic teachers which allows instructors to know their students as individuals. This type of mentorship lessens the adolescent years, and keeps self esteem (sometimes fragile during this time of life) at peak levels by providing the students with daily opportunities for success and smooth transitions from year to year. It is a time of collaboration. We ask students to bring their most positive attitude and be interested in working to their potential. We ask parents to provide a climate at home that works in cooperation with teachers and the objectives set for their students. In addition to the curriculum based on state requirements, students at these levels must begin to pull from all the skills they've acquired and actively strategize their problem solving skills and communication skills. It is a time for setting goals, learning to manage time independently, monitoring progress and pursuing areas of interest for independent study. The Leadership Academy is part of the Redd Middle School and a course action that will provide all students with the opportunity to serve their community. The Academy experience will give scholars the tools to develop their leadership skills through public speaking and community service projects. You will find our students championing the causes for:
Ventures such as
will be part of the program, as well. Our middle school students leave Redd School and are successful in a variety of high school settings. The students are aware of what is required for them to be successful. Their confidence serves them well when dealing with peer situations and their study skills serve them well in alll academic endeavors.
Since Mathematics is the most developmentally cumulative of all subjects areas, it is important that proficency in preparatory mathematics is acquired before moving to the high-school level. Students must constantly integrate new and more sophisticated skills and concepts into a network of math knowledge. Understanding of rules and procedures in math fosters an understanding of mathematical concepts and the ability to solve problems with computation. The following conceptual building blocks must be acquired so higher level skills can be used:
Literature
Writing Techniques Redd School students become writer, editor, illustrator and publisher. They write in journals, as well as their ongoing writing assignments. Every type of writing is covered from fiction to essay and from poetry to research article to opinion pieces. Each assignment goes through the steps it takes to have a finished product worthy of publication. The students build and acquire the skills and concepts needed to generate, organize and communicate ideas. They brainstorm and problem solve until they find a strategy that works best for each writing assignment and for their individual style. The mechanics of grammar and sentence structure, along with research techniques are taught so that self editing and rewriting become instinctive.
Science at Redd School is an adventure that embraces the concept of active participation in meaningful experiences. We nurture an exploration attitude to inspire students to take on challenges. Students develop ownership in the process as they organize their thinking into plans for investigating questions. Engaged in hands-on activities, critical thinking and problem solving strategies lead students to discovery with real-life applications. Integrating Science across the curriculum demonstrates that Science is part of our everyday life instead of a stand alone subject. In Middle School Science, research and investigative skills are enhanced through participation in innovative programs such as the JASON Project, University of Delaware Voyage to the Abyss, NASA Earth Kam and NASA Quest Challenges, Programs such as these expand the limits of student potential and enhance motivation and self-confidence. History There is a world full of people who are interesting and different. Our history/social studies/ geography/current events curriculum takes the student on a trip back in time and around the world. They learn how one event causes another and how each event has an impact on our world. Combined with our language and literature programs, the student becomes open minded, understanding and influential while debating the world around him/ her.
Redd School is constantly updating our computer equipment so our students will be familiar with the latest advances. Each classroom has at least two computers and there is also a fully-equipped computer laboratory with networked internet access. In Computer Science, each student will be introduced to basic computer operation and internet navigation. Presentation, spreadsheet, word processing, publication and graphic software are all taught. The computers are also used to enhance the curriculum through the use of educational software and web-based educational resources. Second Language Studies Redd School believes in the exposure of our students to other cultures and languages. We provide studies in Spanish to enhance our students' view of the world around them and to provide better communication skills within our local community. Art, Drama and Music Redd School believes that exposure to both the fine and performing arts is important for the development of students into well-rounded adults. Teachers expose the students to the many aspects of fine arts using a vast variety of media and subjects. The results of these projects are impressive and are showcased at Redd School during the year. During the school year, performing art programs are produced in both individual classes and as all-school spectaculars. Each student learns how to work within a group, create a story, perform in front of others, and prepare sets and lighting. Students are encouraged to use their talents in creative ways and to be a good audience for their peers. Students are also exposed to the fine and performing arts by professional and amateur artist and performers through field trips. Physical Education At Redd School, each student participates in physical education in order to build good exercise habits for a healthy future. The students are exposed to a wide variety of sports and games designed to provide aerobic activity and enhance coordination and physical development. Students are also exposed to the principles of proper nutrition. The goal of our physical education program is to promote good personal habits and activities in each student for a healthy future.
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Redd School Director: Denna Baskin • dennabaskin@reddschool.com 4820 Strack Road • Houston, Texas 77069 • 281-440-1106 |
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The Redd Middle School offers one of the finest pre-preparatory programs in the area. The students are taught to understand the concepts of strengths and weaknesses and variations in learning styles and respect the differences encountered in the classroom and in social situations. Individualization, high standards and well trained, compassionate teachers who understand adolescence are the keys to our success. EVERYONE is respected and even students who have not fit into the molds set by other schools often thrive here.
Advanced Mathematics
Higher quality literary experiences are the keys to our reading program in the middle school. The ultimate goal in reading is to understand - to gain insight and knowledge from the act of reading and then interpret and assess. Students must learn to use what they know about themselves and the world to help in this process. As students move through school, reading becomes more complex so they must treat the lessons actively and strategicallly. The students are exposed to a variety of novels, often intergrated with history classes. The same can be said for units in poetry, essays and short stories. Students are encouraged to read books of their choice in addition to the assigned reading. Teachers work hard at capturing a love of reading for each student and can't wait until the thrilling moment when a student says, "The book was much better than the movie."
Science
Computer Technology