Academic Program

• Humanities 6: World Literature, History, and Geography: Ancient Civilizations

• Humanities 7: World Literature, History, and Geography: Medieval and Early Modern Times

• Humanities 8: U.S. Literature, History, and Geography

Gateway Middle School offers students extended work in mathematics each day to meet all aspects of the California Content Standards for Mathematics. The mathematics curriculum emphasizes the learning of both procedural as well as conceptual elements of mathematical understanding. A portion of each class focuses on students’ algorithmic mastery, the “how” of math. Here students learn the various representations of mathematical concepts, the use of visual models in math, the manipulation of mathematical symbols, and standard methods of problem solving. During the second half of each class, students engage more deeply with the “why” of math using math manipulatives, hands-on activities and real-world examples. Students delve into problem-solving and investigative activities to understand and extend mathematical ideas to the world around them. Extended blocks of math allow for in-depth understanding of the conceptual math. At the end of the 8th grade year, all students will have completed Algebra I so that they are ready for a college preparatory mathematics program in high school.

The science program prepares students for college preparatory high school science by providing them with a rigorous program based on the California Content Standards for Science. A hands-on laboratory component allows for both student-centered and more teacher-directed learning opportunities. Moreover, Gateway’s mission-specific goals to develop students’ reading, writing, and reflection skills across the curriculum are incorporated. Daily science classes allow students to learn the fundamentals of the science content as they practice these learning and communication skills. Extended blocks allow students opportunities to investigate particular topics in depth to reach mastery.

Reading class focuses on improving the reading skills, strategies, and habits of all students. It is tailored to meet each student at her/his individual reading level.

Students who read significantly below grade level and are still working on sounding out (decoding) unfamiliar words will use the Wilson Reading System. The Wilson Reading System is a multisensory, phonics-based program developed especially for older students by reading experts at the Reading Clinic at the Massachusetts General Hospital. In this reading program, students are explicitly taught the rules and patterns that govern the underlying structure of the English language. Students who have mastered the phonemic elements of reading will take a class that focuses on reading fluency and comprehension. In these reading classes, students will read a diverse range of texts and learn specific reading comprehension strategies to unpack texts.

Advisory
The advisory program contributes to the school’s culture of a strong community, high achievement, student self-awareness, and student integrity. The student’s advisor is the primary person of contact and outreach to parents, caregivers, and families. Moreover, advisory gives students an opportunity to impact both the school community and the larger community through service-learning activities.

Physical and Health Education
To foster both healthy minds and healthy bodies, all students will participate in a physical and health education class that meets the California Content Standards in Physical Education and Health. In this class students will learn health-promoting habits and set personal goals to practice these habits and meet physical fitness goals. Critical components of this class include nutrition and understanding social, emotional, and physical development during adolescence.

Visual and Performing Arts
With our mission being to teach all kinds of learners, Gateway Middle School recognizes the importance of developing students’ skills in a range of areas. To this end, both visual and performing arts are offered as part of co-curricular activities in the afternoon. The purpose of these classes is to develop students’ artistic perception, creative expression, and aesthetic appreciation for a variety of visual and performing arts.

Spanish & Heritage Spanish
In preparation for high school work in foreign languages, Gateway Middle School students will have the opportunity to study Spanish or Heritage Spanish in their 7th and 8th grade years. Through the formal study of another language, students will have the opportunity both to understand more thoroughly the structure of English and to gain a greater appreciation for common Latin roots of words in both English and Spanish. Students who are heritage Spanish speakers will have the opportunity to develop their reading comprehension and formal writing skills in their heritage language. The Spanish and Heritage Spanish classes will also offer exposure to a broad range of Hispanic cultures.

Summer Reading & Math Assignments

6th Grade Summer Reading Challenge 2013

7th Grade Summer Writing 2013

7th Grade Summer Reading Enrichment 2013

8th Grade Summer Reading & Writing 2013