The middle school provides maturing learners in 6th through 8th grades with both the rigorous academic preparation and character education they need as they advance toward high school. Our highly qualified middle school teachers provide a strong departmentalized program which features group instruction, a highly individualized academic program, and personalized high school transition services.
LANGUAGE ARTS:
- Advanced honors level curriculum offering a variety of opportunities for students to develop reading, writing, and communication skills
- Instruction in how to write a thesis statement, compose an outline, take notes on all materials, compile a bibliography, and write a paper
- Focus on writing as a process, timed writing, and editing skills
- Critical thinking through writing skills
MATH:
- Well-rounded math curriculum designed to address the varying skills and abilities of all students
- Accelerated programs to ensure that students are placed in competitive high school math programs
- Availability of daily study lab for additional instructional support from teachers
SCIENCE:
- Labs and lectures that enhance hands-on STEM learning opportunities.
- Exploration of topics that have relevance to today’s world, such as environmental science, biology, and chemistry in preparation for a rigorous high school curriculum
- Co-curricular skills in language arts, social studies, Judaic studies, and science through the science fair
- Strong foundation of Scientific Skills
SOCIAL STUDIES:
- Emphasis on Jewish heritage with a blend of world history, American history, and current events
- Utilization of the principles of cooperative learning and intellectual curiosity, which includes class discussions, group projects, and the exploration of different themes
- Humanities curriculum focusing on the core skills essential to both content areas, including reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing
JUDAIC STUDIES:
- Character development through experiences with tzedakah, empathy, fairness, respect, and humanity
- Broad understanding of Jewish life through study of the Jewish calendar, mitzvot, customs and observances, and significant concepts in Jewish belief
- Torah study for its own sake and as an inspiring resource in forming values, moral commitments, and ways of experiencing the world
HEBREW LANGUAGE:
- Mastery of oral, reading, and written Modern Hebrew language skills
- Hebrew language program using NETA, an interactive, cutting-edge curriculum
- Availability of a Mechina program for students who begin their Hebrew language studies later in their education
JEWISH HISTORY:
- Comprehensive curriculum of Jewish history from Biblical to modern times, including critical Holocaust studies
- Education about modern Israel culture through weekly visits of Israeli messengers (Rishonim)
- Participation in a capstone educational trip to Israel in 8th grade
TIKKUN OLAM:
- Stressing the importance of healing the world (Tikkun Olam)
- Facilitation of student participation in social action projects in the local community and abroad
- Social action through B’nai Mitzvah projects
- Character education through positive behaviors and sharing community values
SPANISH:
- Focus on reading, writing, understanding, and speaking the language in real-world situations
- Encouragement to speak Spanish throughout most of the class period
THE ARTS:
- Development of imaginative and reflective thinking skills
- Participation in curriculum-related collaborative visual art projects
- Development of vocal and performance skills, learning how to read basic music, and playing instruments
- Participation in public speaking
PHYSICAL EDUCATION:
- Improvement of personal health and wellness through physical activity and educational opportunities
- Participation in team and individual sports, with a focus on large and small motor skills
STUDY SKILLS:
- Time management and organizational skills
- Note-taking and research paper writing
- Test preparation and timed writing
TECHNOLOGY:
- Leading edge technology to support the curriculum, while retaining the core teacher-student relationship
- Instruction in how to use technology responsibly
Students at Gottesman RTW Academy often have numerous choices for high school, and our middle school language arts and math teacher, Ms Sheri Swiss, is the High School Transition Coordinator. As a teacher who knows the strengths and work habits of her students, Ms Swiss is well-positioned to help them make the most fitting choice, as well as assist them and their parents through the process of open houses, interviews, and placement tests. She has a hands-on approach to guiding students and parents through the process and has developed a comprehensive step-by-step guide for all of the school choices, along with their associated paperwork and placement procedures.