2023-2024 Middle School
Program of Studies

Big Walnut Local Schools

The mission of Big Walnut Local Schools is to Inspire and Guide each student to his or her maximum potential.

District Office 740-965-3010

Ryan McLane, Superintendent
MeganRose Forman, Assistant Superintendent TBD, Director of Academic Achievement
Ross Linscott, Director of Student Services

Board of Education 740-965-3010

Mr. Douglas Crowl Mrs. Sherri Dorsch Mr. Stephen Fujii Mrs. Angela Graziosi Mrs. Alice Nicks

Big Walnut Middle School 740-965-3006

555 S Old 3C Sunbury, OH 43074

Josh Frame, Principal
Joe Rucker, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director
Penny Sturtevant, College Credit Plus and Assessment Counselor Corry Schull, 8th Grade Counselor
Zac Watson, 7th Grade Counselor Kelly Mazzi, Building Secretary
Stephanie Kreager, Attendance & Athletic Secretary Yyvone Grubb, Attendance Secretary

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CONTENTS

General Information

General Information………………………………....……..3 Core Courses
Teaming

Course Placement Process Related Arts Courses
Student Schedule………………….……………...............4 Your Daily Schedule
BWMS Standard Grade Scale…………………..……………………………………..5 Honor Roll/Merit Roll
College Credit Plus (CCP) Earning High School Credit
Big Walnut High School Requirements……………..……6 HS Graduation Requirements………………….………....7

Scheduling Guidelines

Scheduling Courses………………………………………..9 7th Grade Courses
8th Grade Courses Credits
Advanced Course Recommendation Guidelines Schedule Changes
Promotion & Retention………………….………………10 Course Drop Policy
Credit Flexibility

Written Acceleration Plan (WAP)

Athletic Eligibility & Service Groups Athletic Eligibility………………….………..……………..11 Grade 7-8

Grade 9 Fall Season

School Sponsored Sports Offered by Season Activities and Student Groups

Middle School Plan Worksheet

Items to Consider when Scheduling…………...............12

BWMS Courses Descriptions

English Language Arts Courses.………..……………....13 English Language Arts Course Sequence Chart……...14 Math Courses………………….………..………………...15 Mathematics Course Sequence Chart………………….17 Science Courses………………………………………….18 Social Studies Courses…………………………………..19 Related arts Courses
Art Courses…….……………………...…………………..19 Career Courses
Music Courses……………………….……………………20 Technology Courses……………………………………...22 Wellness Courses…………………………………….…..23
World Language Courses………………………………..23

Big Walnut Local School District Middle School Program of Studies is subject to change and is revised periodically throughout the year. For the latest edition of the Program of Studies, please visit our website at www.bwls.net.

Non-Discrimination Statement (Title IX)

All of the courses, programs, and activities presented in this booklet are open to all students without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, or handicap. This policy meets all requirements and directions of the U.S. Department of Education under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

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General Information

General Information

Big Walnut Local School District Middle School Program offers students an opportunity to extend their learning horizons through varied experiences both required and through related arts. Our programs strive to create opportunities for students to share in the responsibility of their growth and learning.

The Middle School Program of Studies consists of a group of required courses that are supplemented and enriched by a group of related arts courses. In this way, students are taught basic and advanced skills and also have the opportunity to sample and explore a wide variety of topics in the visual and performing arts, wellness, and technology.

The middle school model is an excellent means of organization for teaching early adolescents and meeting their special developmental needs. This organizational model encourages and supports interdisciplinary initiatives as well as active parent involvement.

Core Courses

All middle school students take four core classes (Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies) daily for the entire year. Parents/Guardians need to review the schedule to make sure their child is in the correct classes according to his/her ability. Core courses are offered at different instructional levels. Please consult Page 9 in this Program of Studies for the specific criteria regarding advanced courses.

Teaming

All middle school students are placed onto interdisciplinary teams to assist with student relationships, personalization, and engagement. Students within their team will share the same Language
Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies teachers.

Course Placement Process

Appropriate course placement decisions ensure a successful academic experience and avoid disrupting a student’s schedule during the school year. To determine which course is most appropriate for your child, current teachers analyze the results from multiple data points to include the most recent STAR assessments. Please take the recommendations established through the placement process seriously as the STAR Reading and STAR Math are computer-adaptive assessments that are used for screening, progress monitoring, and diagnostic assessment of students. These applications meet all criteria for scientifically based progress-monitoring tools set by the National Center on Student Progress Monitoring. These assessments have proven to be an excellent indicator for student placement; therefore, we are very confident that the established placement criteria are appropriate. These scores are sent home regularly, or you can contact your child’s current content teachers.

Another essential component of the course selection process is to consider your child’s teacher recommendation. Teacher recommendations are based on student mastery of content standards that build the skills necessary to succeed in the next course.

The purpose of the placement process is not to limit student or parent choice, but to ensure that such decisions are based on the best available information for your student’s success relative to the curricular challenges they will encounter in the coming year. Students wishing to enroll in an advanced course for the 2020 - 2021 school year should refer to the suggested criteria outlined in the course description.

Related Arts Courses

Related arts courses are offered to either 7th, 8th, or both 7th and 8th-grade students. Related arts courses are offered as either one semester or two-semester courses. Some related arts courses are offered at different instructional levels and have various requirements. Please consult Page 9 in this Program of
Studies for the specific criteria for these courses.

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Student Schedule

In August, students will receive their schedule for classes. Below is a sample of what a typical schedule looks like in middle school.

Your Daily Schedule

The school day is divided into 9 periods. Your schedule is printed by computer. Not every course meets all year long, but it will be listed on your schedule period by period. It will be helpful to read the period, the semester, and corresponding room numbers. Your classroom teacher will gladly help you interpret your schedule. DO NOT HESITATE TO ASK

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BWMS Standard Grade Scale

The standardized grade scale for assessing student work at Big Walnut Middle School is listed below. This scale is to be used by all staff members. This scale is to be made known to the students. Any deviation from the scale is to be

discussed with the principal. Letter Grade:
A A-B+ B B-C+ C C-D+ D D-
F

Percentage: 93-100
90-92 87 -89 83-86 80-82 77-79 73-76 70-72 67-69 63-66 60-62
0-59

GPA Points: 4.0
3.67 3.33 3.00 2.67 2.33 2.00 1.67 1.33 1.00 .67
0

Honor Roll/Merit Roll

Any student earning all A/A-’s in a nine-week grading period will be designated an honor roll student. Any student with All A’s and B’s meet the criteria for merit roll. The SOAR Program will provide for honor roll recognition/rewards throughout the year.
*Note: Any time a cumulative honor roll reward is given for the year, it will be based upon the marks earned during the first three quarter grading periods.

College Credit Plus (CCP)

Ohio’s new College Credit Plus lets your child earn college and high school credits at the same time. Students may take college courses from colleges and/or universities while still in grades 7th through 12th. This program is meant to promote rigorous academic pursuits and give college-ready students a wide variety of options. Taking a College Credit Plus course from a public college or university is free, meaning you do not pay for tuition, books, or fees as long as you meet the grade requirements. Taking classes at a private college or university may result in limited costs. The designated points of contact are your counselors at Big Walnut High School or Middle School. Application and testing deadlines must be met to participate in CCP. CCP students must participate in any mandated state testing appropriate to their grade level. For additional information, contact the School Counseling office.

Earning High School Credit

Big Walnut Local School District’s Board of Education policy determines students’ requirements for earning high school credit for a course taken in middle school.

Students in the Big Walnut Local School District must meet the following requirements in order to earn high school credit for Algebra I, Geometry, or Spanish taken in middle school:

●	A student must receive a passing average (60%) AND must pass at least two of the three factors that determine the second-semester average. The three factors are: the third marking period grade, the fourth marking period grade, and the second-semester final exam.
●	For semester courses, it would be the three factors that determine the final average: both marking period grades and the final. In a semester course where no final exam is given, the student must earn a passing average (60%) the second of the two marking periods in order to earn a passing grade and credit for the course.
●	Failure to meet the above requirement will result in the student not being granted credit for the courses regardless of the grade achieved. A final grade of “F” is to be given. All of the other grades are to be listed as they were earned with no less than 50%.

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The grade earned in a high school course taken in middle school will appear on the student’s final high school transcript. 1. The credit earned in the high school course will be a permanent record on your student’s transcript.
2. If the course has a corresponding Ohio State Test (OST) End-of-course exam, your student must participate; courses with exams are:
a. Algebra I, Geometry, Biology, American History, and American Government and English II

3. In the course of scheduling during freshman year, your student will have the opportunity to decide if grades earned in the Big Walnut High School course(s) taken in Middle School will show as a grade or a P (for Pass). This decision has multiple impacts and should be carefully considered.
a. A “P” on a high school transcript will not count towards a student’s GPA but will still count as earning the course credit.
b. If a student would like to become a Division I or II College athlete, and the course taken at BWMS is needed for NCAA requirements, a “P” will be seen as the equivalent to a “D” grade (1.0).
4. The score earned on the OST End-of-Course exam will become part of their permanent transcript and will count towards the points required for graduation.

Big Walnut High School Requirements

Big Walnut Local School District requires twenty (20) units for graduation to include the following: ●	Four (4) units of English
●	Three (3) units of Social Studies to include Economics ●	Four (4) units of Math through at least Algebra II
●	Three (3) units of Science ●	One-half (.5) unit of Health
●	One-half (.5) unit of Physical Education ●	Five (5) units of related arts courses

In addition to course credits, students will earn points toward graduation on seven end-of-course exams. The courses in which students take an end-of-course exam will be: English I and II, Algebra I, Geometry, Physical Science (just applies to Class of 2018), Biology, American History, and American Government.
Students can earn from 1-5 points for each exam, based on their performance. 5-Advanced
4-Accelerated 3-Proficient
2-Basic 1-Limited

Students who take physical science, American history, or American government as part of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, College Credit Plus, or Credit Flexibility programs can use their scores from the programs’ end-of-course exams in place of the state end-of-course exam scores to accumulate graduation points.

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7

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Scheduling Guidelines

Scheduling Courses

Class placements are made based upon the needs of students. Language Arts, Math, and for 8th grade, Spanish I, are classes in which assessment scores, screening scores, and a teacher recommendation are required. There are times when a student is recommended to take a more advanced class and times when advanced placement is reconsidered based upon scores and the level of challenge a student may require.

7th Grade:

All students in seventh grade are required to take one

●	Exploratory Technology 1 & 2 ●	Exploratory Music
●	Exploratory Skills for Success 1 & 2 ●	Exploratory World Language
●	Global Citizenship 1 & 2

●	Physical Education & Fitness 8 ●	Pre-Engineering
●	Musical Theater ●	Spanish I
●	Speech & Theatrical Literature ●	Video Production
●	Wellness 8

course in the following areas: ●	Language Arts*
●	Math

●	Social Studies* ●	Science
7th-grade students may request from the following

semester related arts:

Credits

Each course is worth either half (1/2) or one (1) credit based on the length of class periods. One semester equals a half (0.5) credit. Two (2) semesters equals one (1) credit. All 7th and 8th-grade students must have a
total of six (6) credits when scheduling.

●	Art 7

●	Band 7 (full year) ●	Careers
●	Choir 7 (full year)

●	Exploratory Technology 1 & 2 ●	Exploratory Music
●	Exploratory Skills for Success 1 & 2 ●	Exploratory World Language
●	Global Citizenship 1 & 2

●	Physical Education & Fitness 7 ●	Pre-Engineering
●	Musical Theater

●	Orchestra (full year)

●	Speech & Theatrical Literature

●	Wellness 7

Advanced Course Recommendation Guidelines
The following areas will be used to determine Advanced Course Recommendations:
●	STAR Data ●	OST Data ●	Grades
●	Teacher Recommendation

If a parent has any questions or concerns regarding his/her child’s placement, he/she may contact the child’s teacher.

Schedule Changes

8th Grade:

All students in eighth grade are required to take one course in the following areas:
●	Language Arts* ●	Math
●	Social Studies ●	Science
Eighth-grade students may request from the following semester related arts:
●	Art 8

Schedule Changes may be requested and are not guaranteed. Any schedule change has the risk of a range of implications, so requests are considered on an individual basis.

Rational for schedule changes may include: ●     The best interest of the student
●	To improve class load balance

●	An individual academic plan requires the change

●	To improve a discipline situation

●	Band 8 (full year) ●	Careers
●	Choir 8 (full year)

●	Coding & Robotics

Schedule changes will not be approved for: ●	Not liking a teacher
●	Wanting to be with friends

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Promotion and Retention of Students K-12 The promotion of each student is determined individually. The decision to promote a student or to retain a student in a grade is made on the basis of the following factors: reading level, mental ability, age, physical maturity, emotional and social development, social issues, home conditions, and grade average. Specific criteria for Promotion, Academic Acceleration, Placement, and Retention can be found in Board Policy 5410.

Course Drop Policy for High School Credited Courses (Student Initiated)
A student has up to the end of the first semester of classes to drop a course with no grade repercussions. After this deadline, the student will fail the class regardless of the grade average unless an administrative committee grants an appeal. This process is initiated by the completion of the appropriate paperwork with the
school counselor.

Students interested in learning more about credit flexibility options should contact their guidance counselor for details. It is important to note that there are specific guidelines and timelines that have been established and must be followed in order to be considered for participation in the Big Walnut Local Schools’ credit flexibility program. Students choosing to pursue credit through credit flexibility should review these guidelines carefully.

WAP (Written Acceleration Plan):

The Ohio Department of Education requires all school districts to implement a student acceleration policy. This allows districts to place a student in a higher grade level than is typical, given the student’s age for the purpose of providing student access to appropriately challenging learning opportunities in one or more subject areas. This practice is known as “subject-area acceleration.”
●	7th graders enrolled in Algebra 1,

●	8th graders enrolled in Algebra 1 or Geometry

Credit Flexibility	●	Any other high school course acceleration In compliance with Senate Bill 311, the Big Walnut Local
School District will offer students the opportunity to earn high school credit(s) through a credit flexibility program. “Credit flex” shifts the focus from evaluating student learning based on “seat time” to assessing a student’s demonstrated academic and skill level or performance. With “Credit Flex,” students will have options to show what they know, earn credit(s), and move on to
higher-order content.

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Athletic Eligibility & Service Groups

Athletic Eligibility

The Board of Education recognizes the values associated with and gained as a result of participation in interscholastic extracurricular activities and further recognizes the incentives that participation in interscholastic extracurricular activities provide to students to achieve success in the classroom. Interscholastic extracurricular eligibility will be evaluated
during each nine-week grading period.

School Sponsored Sports Offered by Season
Fall Sports:

●	7th & 8th-grade Football

●	7th & 8th grade Volleyball (girls) ●	Girls Tennis
●	Cross Country (boys & girls)

●	Golf (boys & girls)

●	7th & 8th grade Football Cheerleaders In order to be eligible to participate in any interscholastic

extracurricular activities, students must meet the

following requirements:

Winter Sports

●	7th & 8th grade Boys Basketball

Grades 7-8

Academic eligibility will be determined at the end of each nine (9)-week grading period. Students must maintain passing grades in a minimum of four (4) classes of all
subjects carried. OHSAA by-laws state that any student

●	7th & 8th-grade Girls Basketball ●	Wrestling
●	Diving Club Team

●	Indoor Track Club Team

●	7th & 8th-grade Basketball Cheerleaders

not passing the necessary four (4) classes at the end of	Spring Sports

each nine (9) week grading period will be ineligible during the next nine (9) week grading period. No special recitations or tests are to be given for the purpose of making a student academically eligible. It shall be the responsibility of the Athletic Director to devise and
operate procedures for gathering information on student

●	Track and Field (boys & girls) ●	7th & 8th-grade Softball
●	Boys Tennis

●	7th & 8th-grade Baseball

●	Boys & Girls Lacrosse

academic eligibility. Semester averages, exams, or yearly grade averages have no effect on eligibility. This does not apply to students entering the seventh grade for the first time. Student-athletes are permitted a “one-time” waiver of the GPA requirement during 7th or 8th-grade years.

Students are allowed one waiver of the GPA requirement during their 7th and 8th-grade years.

Grades 9 Fall Season

Fall season participation for freshmen is determined by earning a passing grade in at least 4 courses during the
4th grading period of the 8th-grade year.

Activities and Student Groups

Our middle school has a number of activities and service groups open to students. Activities may include Art Club, Math Counts, Gaming Club, Builders Club and Drama. Leadership opportunities are also available through Student Council, SOAR, and Student Leadership Teams or others organized on a year-to-year basis.

Students should pay careful attention to school announcements and postings for information about
activities and student groups.

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Middle School Plan Worksheet

Use the following templates to help you schedule your 7th and 8th-grade years. Things to consider when planning:

●	All students are required to take one course from each of the core content areas (Language Arts,
Math, Science, and Social Studies).

●	Students are required to request 6 related arts

options. They will receive one of the following:

●	Units - Students must register for 6 units each

school year:

○	Four one-semester related arts courses

○	Any combination of both two-semester and

○	One semester = 0.5 units	one-semester courses up to 6 total credit ○	Two semesters = 1.0 unit

Grade 07

Area
	
Course
	
Credit
	
LanguageArts
		1
	
Math
		1
	
Science
		1
	
Social Studies
		1
	
RelatedArts
			
RelatedArts
			
RelatedArts
			
RelatedArts
			
RelatedArts
			
RelatedArts

Grade 08

Area
	
Course
	
Credit
	
LanguageArts
		1
	
Math
		1
	
Science
		1
	
Social Studies
		1
	
RelatedArts 1
			
RelatedArts 2
			
RelatedArts 3
			
RelatedArts 4
			
RelatedArts 5
			
RelatedArts 6

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BWMS Course Descriptions 22-23 English Language Arts

English Language Arts 7 (ELA7)
Students in English Language Arts 7 will collaborate, create, and be assessed in ways that allow for achievement and growth in the skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. In this student-centered course, aligned with Ohio's Learning Standards, students encounter numerous literary and informational texts at various levels of complexity.

Grade Level: 7 Semesters: 2
Credits: 1 English Unit
	
English Language Arts 8 (ELA8)
Students in English Language Arts 8 will collaborate, create, and be assessed in ways that allow for achievement and growth in the skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. In this student-centered course, aligned with Ohio's Learning Standards, students encounter numerous literary and informational texts at various levels of complexity.

Grade Level: 8 Semesters: 2
Credits: 1 English Unit

Honors English Language Arts 7 (Hon ELA7) Students in Honors English Language Arts 7 will collaborate, create, and be assessed in ways that allow for achievement and growth in the skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. In this student-centered course, aligned with Ohio's Learning Standards, students encounter numerous literary and informational texts at various levels of complexity. The depth, pace, and above grade level text complexity meets the needs of advanced students.

Grade Level: 7
Suggested Criteria: *Standardized/District Assessments & Teacher Recommendation
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1 English Unit
	
Honors English Language Arts 8 (Hon ELA8) Students in Honors English Language Arts 8 will collaborate, create, and be assessed in ways that allow for achievement and growth in the skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. In this student-centered course, aligned with Ohio's Learning Standards, students encounter numerous literary and informational texts at various levels of complexity. The depth, pace, and above grade level text complexity meets the needs of advanced students.

Grade Level: 8
Suggested Criteria: *Standardized/District Assessments & Teacher Recommendation
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1 English Unit

Reading Lab (Read)
Reading Lab is a course designed to provide intervention to students who have demonstrated a need for additional reading support. Placement in Reading Lab can be based on STAR assessment scores, OST scores, teacher recommendations, as well as other contributing factors. Reading Lab is designed as a smaller, more student-centered environment where the content can include individualized skill intervention as well as grade-level classroom support. Reading Lab is open for both 7th and 8th-grade enrollment. Reading Lab appears in a student’s schedule in addition to the grade-level LA course.
Grade Level: 7/8
Semesters: 1	Credits: 0.5 Related Arts Unit
	
Speech & Theatrical Literature (SPTHL)
One of the biggest fears people face is speaking in front of their peers. The purpose of this course is to help students address this fear and push forward to engage an audience. Public Speaking made easy through a variety of presentations (speeches, stories), Creative Drama Presentations (skits, improvisation, interpretive readings, dramatic readings), and Children’s Theater (picture book reads and puppetry). Objectives: imagination, creativity, interaction and focus, and an open mind.

Grade Level: 7/8 Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5 Related Arts Unit

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Big Walnut Local School District English Language Arts Course Sequence Grade 6-12
Please Note: A well-suited language arts program for any student must have flexibility built in the process. Classroom and achievement data must be reviewed continuously to determine proper placement and make the appropriate program changes for students.

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Math Courses

Math 7 (MA7)
This course is aligned to Ohio’s Math Learning Standards for 7th-grade math. The instructional units for this course include:
●     Perform operations with rational numbers; ●     Simplify and solve multi-step expressions,
equations, and inequalities;
●	Apply the concepts of ratios, proportional reasoning, and percents;
●	Analyze Geometric relationships such as properties of triangles, angles, areas of composite figures; area/circumference of circles; surface area & volume;
●	Calculate probability
●	Interpret statistical displays

Grade Level: 7 Semesters: 2 Credits: 1 Math Unit
	
Math 8 (MA8)
This course is aligned with Ohio’s Math Learning Standards. The instructional units for this course include:
●	Transformations in the Coordinate Plane;
●	Congruence and Angle Measures; Similarity and Dilations;
●	Exponents and Scientific Notation; ●	Linear Equations;
●	Functions and Linear Relationships; ●	Exploring Bivariate Data;
●	Systems of Linear Equations; ●	Irrational Numbers;
●	The Pythagorean Theorem; ●	Volume

Grade Level: 8 Semesters: 2 Credits: 1 Math Unit

Compacted Math 7 (COMMA7)
This course is aligned to Ohio’s Math Learning Standards for 7th and 8th-grade Accelerated Math and prepares students for the formalized study of Algebraic concepts. It is a fast-paced and highly rigorous course. Mastery of prerequisite skills is essential as the focus of this course will be on grade-level content, not prerequisite skills. The instructional units for this course include:
●     Operations with rational and irrational numbers; ●     Properties of exponents and Scientific Notation;
●	Simplify and/or solve expressions, equations, and inequalities;
●	Apply concepts of ratios, percents, and proportional reasoning;
●	Analyze relationships in 2D, including geometric properties of triangles, angles, and parallel lines; Measurement in 2D and 3D;
●	Perform transformations in the Coordinate Plane ●	Graphing and analyzing linear relationships and
systems of equations
●	Exponents and Scientific Notation;
●	Calculate probability and interpret statistical displays

Grade Level: 7 Semesters: 2 Credits: 1 Math Unit
	
Algebra 1 (ALG)
This course is aligned to Ohio’s Math Learning Standards and is designed to provide students with a solid foundation upon which all future math courses will build. A strong background in ratios, rates, and proportional reasoning, a strong number sense and fluent ability to work with rational numbers, as well as the ability to solve multi-step linear equations and graph linear functions is essential. The Units for this course include:
●	Representing Relationships Mathematically; Understanding Functions;
●	Graphing and Writing Linear Functions, including arithmetic sequences, Linear Inequalities;
●	Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities.
●	Polynomials and Factoring; Quadratic Functions; ●	Solving Quadratic Equations; Exponential
Functions, including Geometric Sequences; Statistical Modeling;
●	Simplifying Radical Expressions

Grade Level: 7/8 Semesters: 2 Credits: 1 Math Unit
Note: Students in this class will take the Algebra 1 HS End of Course Exam

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Geometry (GEO)
Geometry is aligned to Ohio’s Math Learning Standards. A strong understanding of the mathematical relationships learned in Algebra 1 is critical for success in Geometry. This course explores the relationships between different types of plane and solid figures in order to improve a student’s ability to see patterns, improve their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and apply geometric principles to the world around them. The instructional units for this course include:
●	Essentials of Geometry;
●	Reasoning and Proof; Angles formed by Parallel and Perpendicular Lines;
●	Rigid and NonRigid Transformations; ●	Triangles and their Properties;
●     Circles and their Properties; ●     Right Triangle Trigonometry;
●	Properties of Quadrilaterals and Polygons, Extending Area, Surface Area, and Volume, and Conditional Probability.

Grade Level: 8 Semesters: 2 Credits: 1 Math Unit
Note: Students enrolled in this course will take the Geometry End of Course Exam
	
Math Lab (MLab)
Math Lab is a course designed to remediate students who have demonstrated a need for additional math support. Placement in math Lab can be based on STAR assessment scores, OST scores, as well as other contributing factors. Math Lab is designed as a smaller, more student-centered environment where the content can include individualized skill remediation as well as
grade-level classroom support. Math Lab is open for both 7th grade and 8th-grade enrollment. Math Lab appears in a student’s schedule in addition to the grade level math course.

Grade Level: 7/8 Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5 Related Arts Unit

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Big Walnut Local School District Mathematics Course Sequence Grade 6-12
Please Note: A well-suited mathematics program for any student must have flexibility built in the process. Classroom and achievement data must be reviewed continuously to determine proper placement and program decisions.

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Science Courses

Science 7 (SCI7)
This general science course is aligned to Ohio’s Learning Standards. In this course, students will use scientific inquiry to explore patterns, trends, structures, and relationships related to the properties or interactions within and between systems. Students will explore how systems can exchange energy and/or matter when interactions occur within systems and between systems. Throughout this course, students will study:
●	Cycles and patterns of the earth and the moon, with focus on Earth’s hydrologic cycle, patterns that exist in atmospheric and oceanic currents, the relationship between thermal energy and the currents, and the relative position and movement of the Earth, sun, and moon.
●	Conservation of mass and energy with a focus on the arrangements of atoms on the Periodic Table of Elements, conservation of mass and energy, transformation and transfer of energy.
●	Cycles of matter and flow of energy with a focus on the impact of matter and energy transfer within the biotic component of ecosystems.

Grade Level: 7 Semesters: 2
Credits: 1 Science Unit
	
Science 8 (SCI8)
This general science course is aligned to Ohio’s Learning Standards. In this course, students will use scientific inquiry to explore patterns, trends, structures, and relationships related to the properties or interactions within and between systems. Students will explore how systems can exchange energy and/or matter when interactions occur within systems and between systems. Throughout this course, students will study:
●	Physical Earth with a focus on the physical features of Earth and how they formed. This includes the interior of Earth, the rock record, plate tectonics, and landforms.
●	Forces and Motion with a focus on forces and motion within, on, and around the Earth and within the universe.
●	Species and Reproduction with a focus on the continuation of the species

Grade Level: 8 Semesters: 2
Credits: 1 Science Unit

Social Studies Courses

World History 7 (WH7)
Social Studies 7 is a study of world history, beginning with ancient Greece and continuing through global exploration. The students will discover the factors that shaped our world, even to the way we currently live, like geographic influence and change, social interactions and behaviors, cultural values, and economic influences and impact. The study of the Roman Empire will impact students' learning regarding all early technology, government, and entertainment as well as contributions to the modern world . Students will see how religion and the arts evolve as the Renaissance and Reformation movements shape the next hundred years. The Colosseum, Greek Gods, revolutions, and wars are just a few of the stops on this journey through world history.

Grade Level: 7 Semesters: 2
Credits: 1 Social Studies Unit
	
American History 8 (AH8)
Social Studies 8 is a study of the discovery of America to the end of the Civil War and Reconstruction. Discover how a simple collection of colonies become the greatest nation on earth, defeating the most powerful monarch of Europe, only to find themselves in a fight over their own land. Students will learn the economic factors that lead to the practice of slavery and the cultural influence that will influence America until this day. See how a nation grows and learn about the greatest leaders and documents of our time, such as the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. The founding fathers, the Presidents that followed, and including westward expansion are just a few of the examples that carved America into the nation we now call home.

Grade Level: 8 Semesters: 2
Credits: 1 Social Studies Unit

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Global Citizenship (GlobCit)
The purpose of the Global Citizenship course is to gain a better understanding of various cultures around the world. We will be studying holidays, traditions, geography, food, and so much more. We will be working together to gain the skills and knowledge needed to think critically about how events around the world can influence us and how we can effectively respond in a way that promotes the equality of all people. Students will practice critical thinking skills, sharpen their research skills and learn about the world through several different lenses. At the end of this course, we will be able to act as informed, involved, responsible, and active global citizens.

Grade Level: 7/8 Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5 Social Studies Unit
	
Global Citizenship 2 (GlobCit2)
Global Citizenship 2 offers a continuum of cultural competency-based activities for all ability levels. The students will be pushed to higher levels of learning and within project and problem based learning formats. From the basic understanding of technology to more advanced activities such as: discussing social issues, building country models based on geography, and determining characteristics of great world leaders.

Grade Level: 7/8
Prerequisite: Global Citizenship Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5 Related Arts Unit

Grade Level: 7/8 Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5 Social Studies Unit

Exploratory Skills for Success (ExSoc)
The goal of the skills for success curriculum is to provide the background and framework for students to better understand the skills that support a successful
post-secondary plan and preparedness as a citizen. This course will include concepts learned in other disciplines of social studies such as responsibilities; cause and effect; choices and their impact; goal-setting, the importance of communication, organizations, relationships, and major influences on post-secondary planning. In addition, students will engage in the goal-setting process and learn how to effectively implement strategies to establish and meet targeted action steps in the areas of academic skills, social skills and self-management.

Grade Level: 7/8 Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5 Social Studies Unit
	
Exploratory Skills for Success 2 (ExSoc2)
The goal of the skills for success curriculum is to provide the background and framework for students to better understand the skills that support a successful
post-secondary plan and preparedness as a citizen. This course will expand on topics from Exploratory Skills for Success in the following areas: choices and their impact; goal-setting, the importance of communication, organizations, relationships, and major influences on post-secondary planning.

Grade Level: 7/8 Semesters: 1
Prerequisite: Exploratory Skills for Success Credits: 0.5 Social Studies Unit

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Related Arts Courses

Art

Art 7 (ART7)
Students will practice using creative strategies artists and designers use during the process of making art. The seventh-grade students will be introduced to many different mediums and techniques in their art-making. Seventh-grade students will study art history that is incorporated into the curriculum. Painting, drawing, sculpting, photography, and 3D art will all be attempted. The students may incorporate technology as well, when appropriate.

Grade Level: 7 Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5 Related Arts Unit
	
Art 8 (ART8)
Eighth-grade students will have more freedom and choice in their projects, but the students will be pushed to higher levels of learning and craftsmanship. We will practice design thinking, which encourages divergent thinking to ideate many solutions to art projects. Painting, ceramics, photography, and 3D art will be assigned, but we will have a more serious focus on drawing at this level.
Eighth-grade students will also study art history that is incorporated into the curriculum.

Grade Level: 8 Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5 Related Arts Unit

Career

Career Education Careers (DACC Career)
This course is a career technical program sponsored by the Delaware Area Career Center for 7th or 8th-grade students. It is designed to assist students with exploring careers and developing skills necessary to make meaningful decisions about their career choice. Students will be made aware that there are many factors to consider before selecting a suitable career. This course will assist students in assessing their personal strengths, weaknesses, interests, and skills as they relate to career decisions. The student will develop skills that are generic to all occupations, such as properly preparing career documents needed to obtain employment. The student will be able to recognize that career enhancements and career changes are common and that they need to be prepared with the proper tools, resources, and guidance to make informed decisions about their career choices throughout their lifetime.

Grade Level: 7/8 Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5 Related Arts Unit
	
Pre-Engineering (DACCEng)

Students in the pre-engineering programs acquire knowledge and skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and innovation. Students explore STEM careers as they participate in a project-based learning process designed to challenge and engage the natural curiosity and imagination of middle school students. Teams design
and test their ideas using modeling, automation, robotics, mechanical and computer control systems while exploring energy and the environment.

Grade Level: 7/8 Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5 Related Arts Unit

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Music

Choir 7 (CHOIR7)
Choir 7 is open to all seventh-grade students who are interested in singing and performing. This choir may perform three to four times throughout the year. This group will focus on developing proper vocal production and technique. Students in this group are expected to participate in all performances associated with the group.

Grade Level: 7 Semesters: 2
Credits: 1 Related Arts Unit
	
Choir 8 (CHOIR8)
Choir 8 is open to all eighth-grade students who are interested in singing and performing. This choir may perform three to four times throughout the year. This group will focus on developing proper vocal production and technique. Students in this group are expected to participate in all performances associated with the group.

Grade Level: 8 Semesters: 2
Credits: 1 Related Arts Unit

Band 7 (BAND7)
Band 7 is open to all seventh-grade students who are interested in performing. This band may perform three to four times throughout the year. This group will focus on developing proper sound production and technique. Students in this group are expected to participate in all performances associated with the group.

Grade Level: 7 Semesters: 2
Credits: 1 Related Arts Unit
	
Band 8 (BAND8)
Band 8 is open to all eighth-grade students who are interested in performing. This band may perform three to four times throughout the year. This group will focus on developing proper sound production and technique. Students in this group are expected to participate in all performances associated with the group.

Grade Level: 8 Semesters: 2
Credits: 1 Related Arts Unit

MS Jazz Band (MS Jazz)
An opportunity for advanced band students to extend their knowledge and skills by playing a more challenging repertoire. Students may have more performance opportunities as well as increased rehearsals.

Grade Level: 7/8
Prerequisite: Placement based on audition Semesters: 2
Credits: 0.0 Related Arts Unit
	
Exploratory Music (ExMus)
An exploration of all things music. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the history of musical instruments and the artists who performed them. The class will take an in-depth look at what it means to be a professional in the music industry. Students will also have the opportunity to learn to play the guitar and perform in an ensemble setting.

Grade Level: 7/8 Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5 Related Arts Unit

Orchestra 7&8 (Orch)
Orchestra is open to all seventh and eighth-grade students who are interested in performing. This group may perform three to four times throughout the year. This group will focus on developing proper sound production and technique. Students in this group are expected to participate in all performances associated with the group.

Grade Level: 7/8 Semesters: 2
Credits: 1 Related Arts Unit
	
Musical Theater (MusTh)
An exploration of American Musical Theater. Students will study the work of the actor/singer/dancer and use their gained knowledge to develop as performers. This class is designed to provide students with experience in the artistic/creative process through participation in all aspects of play production. The nature of this course is to provide hands-on learning experiences through participation and project management.

Grade Level: 7/8 Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5 Related Arts Unit

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Technology

Exploratory Technology (ExTech)

Exploratory Technology offers a continuum of technology-based activities for all ability levels. From the basic understanding of technology to more advanced activities such as: coding, photoshop, robotics, Arduino
(microcontroller based kits for building digital devices and interactive objects), projects using a green screen, video projects, and video editing.

Grade Level: 7/8 Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5 Related Arts Unit
	
Exploratory Technology 2 (ExTech2)

Exploratory Technology offers a continuum of
technology-based activities for all ability levels. 8th-grade students will have more freedom and choice in their projects, but the students will be pushed to higher levels of learning and craftsmanship. From the basic understanding of technology to more advanced activities such as: coding, photoshop, robotics, Arduino (microcontroller based kits for building digital devices and interactive objects), projects using a green screen, video projects, and video editing.

Grade Level: 7/8
Prerequisite: Exploratory Technology Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5 Related Arts Unit

Advanced Coding & Robotics (CodeRob)

This course takes a wide lens on Manufacturing and Engineering Technology with a focus on the application of coding and robotics to complete various tasks. Students will integrate topics of Coding, 3D Printing, Engineering Design, Arduino Breadboarding, and Robotics to accomplish real-life tasks. Students will engage with computer sciences as a medium for creativity, communication, problem-solving, and fun. The course inspires students as they build their own websites, apps, games, robots, and physical computing devices, as well as VEX Robotics.

Grade Level: 8
Prerequisite: Exploratory Technology Teacher Recommendation Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5 Related Arts Unit
	
Video Production (VidProd)

Video Production is a related arts semester course designed to provide students with an artistic, creative, and historical background in the fields of video, broadcasting, and film production. Students in the class will take each project from pre-production through shooting,
post-production, and editing. Students will learn the vocabulary of cinematography and video productions. In addition, students will learn how to work with a camera and editing equipment. Though students will have some individual assignments, cooperative groups will help produce the weekly school news programs.

Grade Level: 8
Prerequisite: Exploratory Technology Teacher Recommendation Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5 Related Arts Unit

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Wellness & Physical Education

Physical Education & Fitness 7 (PE7)
This is a semester-long course. Students will be engaged in learning about their own fitness level and how to improve it. They will be learning new ways to stay healthy physically. They will also be participating in gameplay. Our units of study include volleyball, indoor/outdoor soccer, tennis, flag football, floor hockey, and badminton. Each student will be assessed on their fitness level throughout the semester.

Grade Level: 7 Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5 Related Arts Unit
	
Physical Education & Fitness 8 (PE8)
This is a semester-long course. The students will be engaged in learning how to improve their own fitness level. They will be introduced to ways to improve their aerobic capabilities, their flexibility, their endurance, and muscular strength. They will be involved in gameplay as well. The units we will be covering include tennis, pickleball, ultimate frisbee, flag football, indoor/outdoor soccer, volleyball, badminton, and floor hockey. Each student will be assessed on their fitness level throughout the semester.

Grade Level: 8 Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5 Related Arts Unit

Wellness 7 (761)
A semester-long course where students will learn both protective and preventive measures to ensure lifelong wellness. Students will reflect on information and practice strategies that contribute to the overall well-being of both the individual and society as a whole.

Content areas include stress management, analyzing health influences, mental health, bullying intervention strategies, digital footprint awareness, conflict management, empathy, nutrition, drug/alcohol/tobacco/vaping awareness, goal setting, safe date training, healthy relationships. human sexuality, the benefits of abstinence, social/emotional standards.

Grade Level: 7 Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5 Related Arts Unit
	
Wellness 8 (761)
A semester-long course where students will learn both protective and preventive measures to ensure lifelong wellness. Students will reflect on information and practice strategies that contribute to the overall well-being of both the individual and society as a whole.

Content areas include depression and suicide awareness, dangerous decision influences and prevention, social/emotional health, strategies for prevention and intervention of safety issues, conflict resolution skills, human sexuality education -including anatomy, contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STI’s), and the benefits of abstinence.

Grade Level: 8 Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5 Related Arts Unit

World Language

Exploratory World Language (EWL)
Provides an introduction to Spanish, French, and German. This class will introduce students to the foreign language classes offered at Big Walnut High School. Each language runs for 6 weeks. The three units start with a geography, history and culture of the places that they speak the language. Next is basic vocabulary used to communicate simple tasks and then a short story in the target language.

Grade Level: 7/8 Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5 Related Arts Unit
	
Spanish 1 (Span1)
Spanish 1 is a high school credit course that will provide the student with a general introduction to the Spanish language: sound system, pronunciation, functional vocabulary related to everyday life, cultural information, and basic grammatical structures. Emphasis will be on the acquisition of four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Grade Level: 8
Suggested Criteria: Recommended students have a B+ average in the first semester of seventh grade Language Arts class to be eligible for Spanish 1.
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1 Related Arts Unit
Note: Students enrolled in this course will take the Spanish I End of Course Exam

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