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2024-2025

EIGHTH  GRADE

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

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CORE CURRICULUM:  Hillsdale’s eighth grade students pursue a comprehensive, academically oriented core curriculum which prepares them for future success.  All students take the four core classes of Math, English, Science, History (MESH) from an instructional team of four teachers working together.  The core curriculum includes exciting, pertinent, and challenging instructional strategies. There will be additional emphasis placed on the mastery of study skills, learning strategies, strong communication, and problem solving.

“The Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects (“the Standards”) are the culmination of an extended, broad-based effort to fulfill the charge issued by the states to create the next generation of K–12 standards in order to help ensure that all students are college and career ready in literacy no later than the end of high school.”

MATHEMATICS:  Instructional time will focus on three critical areas: (1) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bi-variate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; (2) grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; (3) analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.  Students also work towards fluency with solving simple sets of two equations with two unknowns by inspection.

ENGLISH:  Through careful guided and independent reading of enrichment material and district core literature, students will experience the diversity of genre and richness of theme and style of various novels, poems and short fiction. Students will be directed to incorporate daily free reading into their lives. Writing instruction will emphasize persuasive essays, analysis of literature, biography and problem solution writing. Various domains of personal writing will be collected in a representative portfolio for each student. Grammar instruction, spelling and vocabulary enrichment will proceed on a regular basis. A major research project in the heart of the academic year will focus on the fine arts, and will encourage use of online resources, a wide variety of reference materials, and allow great creativity in terms of final presentation. State standards will be followed closely, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching English program.  

SCIENCE:  The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) is used to guide science instruction in eighth grade. This integrated program includes Life Science (adaptations and diversity), Physical Science (motion/forces and electricity/magnetism), and Earth Science (astronomy). There is a focus on engineering and experimentation as well as problem solving. Computer technology is used to enhance the instructional program.

HISTORY:  Participation in the affairs of our society, as individuals and as group members, is an essential component of citizenship.  The development of students’ citizenship for the present and the future requires knowledge of the impact of the past on both contemporary times and the future.  To prepare for this responsibility, eighth grade students will study U.S. history, geography, culture, government, civics, current events, the political process and economics from early settlements to World War I. 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION:  Physical education is a state required course. The eighth grade curriculum covers a variety of recreational games, team sports and some individual activities. There will be a progression of sports from sixth to eighth grade. Perfecting skills and using strategies will be emphasized.  

EIGHTH GRADE ELECTIVES 

All eighth graders may choose between two elective programs: the elective wheel or a year-long elective.  

ELECTIVE WHEEL  

The Elective Wheel provides an opportunity for students to experience more than one elective course within the school year.  The elective wheel is three 12-week courses. Once students have selected the elective wheel, they have made a commitment to remain in the wheel that they have been assigned to for the entire school year.

Returning Hillsdale Student Wheel Options

VAPA WHEEL: This elective wheel delves into the world of Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA). Students will have the opportunity to explore both creative expression and critical analysis.  One course will focus on creating visual art, offering students the chance to develop their skills in a specific medium like photography or digital movie making.  Another course will delve into the world of film as literature, analyzing films through a literary lens and exploring the power of storytelling in both mediums. Finally, students will discover various 2D and 3D mediums for creating art.

ADVENTURE WHEEL: This elective wheel focuses on personal growth and development through adventure and exploration. Students will embark on an outdoor journey of self-discovery through an Adventure Education course, where they will learn valuable life and survival skills like camping and navigation. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to improve their physical fitness through a dedicated fitness course. Finally, students can develop their leadership skills through a leadership course, learning how to motivate and inspire others.

OR

YEAR-LONG ELECTIVES

LEADERSHIP

HMS Leaders are required to:

- Maintain good grades in all of your classes so that your teachers will support your "HMS Leadership" efforts outside of their classroom.

- Demonstrate to your fellow students and teachers that you are a positive force on this campus by displaying positive actions. (No Referrals).

- Listen and work cooperatively with others.

- Treat people with respect.

- Be trustworthy.

- Follow through on all promises and commitments.

: In this class students will focus on the promotion of a positive school culture. Students will determine the monthly character education traits and develop school-wide activities to promote these traits on campus. They will also facilitate monthly surveys and forums to promote unity among all groups of students. This leadership class is a year-long elective.

& : Yearlong electives that consist of both the Student Body and Sports Leadership classes. This elective promotes and models a culture of Integrity, Honesty, Pride, Unity, Leadership, Cooperation, Teamwork, and Spirit!  In order to accomplish this goal there are certain expectations that leaders are required to adhere to. A Letter of Intent Application is required for this elective.

SAW is a student-run business which teaches students the necessary work attitudes and skills for a real-life work environment.  Students learn about teamwork, punctuality, dependability, accountability, and still have fun while being challenged.  Students are offered practical experiences in a variety of jobs which include, but are not limited to store cashiers, copy machine operators, computer operators, teacher assistants, PE assistants, office assistants, custodial assistants, and food preparation.

MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGY

This course offers students an introduction to art. The elements of art will be studied and applied to personal expression.  Students will explore the creative process through projects and studying artists and art movements.  Analyzing and critiquing artwork will provide opportunities for art appreciation.  Art disciplines will include line & lettering, collage, cartoon, graphic design, painting, and others.  A variety of art mediums will be used.  Students will have opportunities to critique their own work.  Students will maintain work in a portfolio that will include weekly notes and projects.

  Coding is a yearlong elective class that introduces students to Javascript, HTML, and CSS coding languages. Our goal is to create career-ready coders and esports programers. This course empowers students with the skills they need to become industry certified for high-skill, high-need, high-paying workforce opportunities. Students are expected to be responsible, self-motivated, flexible, creative and work cooperatively with other team 

: “Robotics and Engineering” is a yearlong  Engineering and Robotics class that deals with the design, construction, operation, and use of robots, as well as computer systems for their control, sensory feedback, and information processing. You will develop an understanding of what engineers do and their methods for solving problems. You will be a designer - responsible for creating various mechanisms and robotic systems. Through your creations, you will help to make jobs safer, easier, and more efficient. Students are expected to be responsible, self-motivated, flexible, creative and work cooperatively with other team members to design and develop various projects. Teamwork is imperative!

In this course, students will learn and demonstrate their knowledge of the pre and post video production process and use this knowledge to promote on and off campus events.  This class will create all broadcast videos.  We will directly align our projects with the following school functions: extra-curricular/ASB activities, music and drama programs, academic events, special holidays, etc.  Students will learn cooperative collaboration, camera techniques, shot description, storyboarding, casting, script writing, set design, lighting, prop awareness, filming, directing, acting and editing. (.)

  Students in this class will develop and produce the yearbook for Hillsdale Middle School.  The students will learn layout and design, editing skills, interviewing skills, photography, and marketing skills.  They will also experience working with a professional publisher as they meet deadlines, and develop pages that will represent the memories for tomorrow. 

Musical Opportunities

Specific performance attire will be requested for each music class.  Loaners are available for all classes.

INTERMEDIATE STRING ORCHESTRA:  This class is designed for a student who has at least one year of experience but needs more individualized time to develop with their instrument.  They will experiment with new key signatures, different tonalities, a variety of bow techniques, and an extension of musical styles.  Students will participate in several performances, on and off campus, throughout the year.

ADVANCED STRING ORCHESTRA: This is the top orchestra class at Hillsdale. At least one year long Orchestra class. Students in this class will further develop their musical skills by working with more complex and demanding music. They will also have greater performance opportunities like Disneyland main and Local and regional music festivals. 

INTERMEDIATE BAND: This class is the 2nd step designed for a student who has at least some experience but needs more time to develop with their instrument (i.e. hasn't mastered "Sawmill Creek" of the Standard of Excellence method book). They will experiment with new key signatures, different tonalities, a variety of articulations, and an extension of musical styles. Students are given many musical and developmental opportunities such as solo festivals and the Disneyland Recording Session Workshop. Students who are accelerated will also be given opportunities to move to Concert Band and Symphonic Band throughout the year (if their schedules allow).

SYMPHONIC BAND: This class is the top concert band. 3rd-5th year musician. Typically this is the class after a year of Concert Band. Students may audition from Elementary Band or any level of Hillsdale Band if they are exceptional musicians. Email wallacem@cajonvalley.net. This is very rare.  Students should know at least 4 scales including chromatic. ( in the back of the Standard of Excellence Method Book) This class is only for those students who have shown excellent progress in the past and want to develop their music skills to the utmost of their ability.  These students, will be challenged by a greater variety of musical styles and difficulties, will delve deeper into the concepts introduced earlier.  High School level of music is often played. This band will also perform at local festivals, local community events and regular concerts and possibly (if accepted) at Disneyland. This Performance is a huge honor they are competing against schools from all over the world. Students will have the opportunity to audition for Honor Bands and solo festivals which has a direct link to colleges and their recruiters. 

: This vocal music course is for students who have a desire to learn to sing with others and perform music. The goal of this course is to teach students the fundamentals of music and help create independence while learning to sing. Students will become confident singers as a group and individually, as well as developing an appreciation for music. Students will sing a variety of music including Classical, Pop, Show Tunes, and more. Students who join have the opportunity for off campus performances. This includes an overnight trip to Disneyland, CMEA Choral Festivals, and more.There is no previous experience required for this course and everyone is welcome!

PERFORMING ARTS

INTERMEDIATE DRAMA: Students will learn: Acting Techniques and Methods, Theatre Games, Improvisation, Pantomime, Script Analysis and Memorization, Scene Work, Cooperative Learning Skills, Song and Dance Production, Musical Theatre, and Stage Performances. Rehearsal and evening stage performances in the winter and the spring. 

This course not only teaches the drama “basics”, but places an emphasis on performance.  There will be one production in the Winter and another in the Spring.  Students will learn audition techniques and be required to perform monologues, duet and group scenes for the class. Vocal training and choreographing stage movement will take place throughout the year.   During performances, students will be required to rehearse before school, on weekends, and perform in the evenings.  For this class, commitment to being a dedicated team member is essential.  Eighth grade students have priority for this class.  (Entry into Honors Drama is by letter of interest and audition only.)

 This year-long course is designed for the student interested in the non-performance side of theater.  The class will focus both on design and construction in several areas.  Units include set design, set painting, sound and lighting, costume design, prop construction, stage makeup, and stage management.  Some after school and evening work is required.  As part of the class you will be be a part of the technical crew for various school productions.

SUPPORT COURSES

ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT (ELD): English Language Development (ELD) is designed for students who speak a language other than English, but are still mastering English fluency.  Through games, debates, presentations, independent reading, interesting computer work, and writing instruction, students will improve their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in English.  Students will work with their peers in non-competitive, smaller class sizes, which are aligned to the English Language Arts curriculum sequence. Skills learned in ELD not only enhance the English abilities the students already possess, but assist them in becoming proficient in their other coursework.

LEARNING LAB (STRATEGIC ELA): Learning Lab (Strategic ELA) offers targeted literacy support for students needing to strengthen their reading and writing skills in preparation for future academic and professional success. This dynamic course provides personalized instruction tailored to individual needs, focusing on strategic approaches to English Language Arts (ELA) mastery. Students have the flexibility to test out throughout the year based on assessment scores, ensuring they receive the appropriate level of support. Placement is based on assessment scores or parental request.

Others

:  Learning a new language is an exciting experience.  In this course you will learn Spanish through a variety of techniques: technology/computers, skits, games, cultural field trips, films, and readings.  Students learn useful vocabulary, basic grammar, and conversational skills. Students are encouraged to use their new language in and out of class.  A visit to San Diego Mission or Cabrillo Monument and a visit to El Jardín Zoológico de San Diego will be included in our Spanish I program.

:  The realization of the utility of Spanish in career situations becomes an essential part of Spanish II. The course of study is more in-depth with emphasis on vocabulary and sentence building in all conversational aspects.  The curriculum is designed to prepare students for advanced high school placement.  Conversation will be stressed in various lifelike situations such as presenting commercials, role-playing, and games.  Students may participate in field trips to a Mexican restaurant, El Jardin Zoologico and Old Town. Successful completion of two years of middle school Spanish may result in higher placement at the high school level, but this class does not grant high school credit.  Student must have taken Spanish I or pass a placement test. (Entry into Spanish II is by recommendation of Spanish I teacher.)

: In career explorations we start the year by identifying our personal interests, strengths and values. As the year progresses, we explore many different careers from all 6 RIASEC themes, hear from professionals in the working world and do career simulation activities to find out what those careers might really be like. We also learn about financial literacy, including how to create a budget, insurance, income tax, investing, credit and savings. We also practice creating SMART goals and track our progress in order to learn how to achieve our goals effectively. All of this together allows us to plan a possible path for our future self that will lead to happiness and success. No Letter of Interest is required for this class.