Academics

Art is an essential part of our student’s education. It contributes to their quality of life and enhances their overall experience at school. Here at SIS all students take two quarters of art each year. They build on skills they learned at the elementary level and prepare for opportunities as a young adult in high school. In 7^th grade the art curriculum emphasizes studio arts, such as: drawing, painting, ceramics, etc. In 8^th grade the art curriculum focuses on popular and communication arts, such as: architectural design, graffiti styling, screen-printing, etc. In both grades art history, art criticism, and self-evaluation are key components of the artistic process.

Both of our environmental education programs, Outdoor Education and Winter Experience, are designed to teach students more about nature in its most meaningful context: that of the natural world. They learn first-hand what nature is and how they can preserve it. The site is Camp Whitcomb-Mason, a beautiful facility on a small lake near Hartland, complete with heated sleeping cabins, a main lodge with an enormous stone fireplace, and acres of forest, meadow, and wetlands. Naturalists from camp serve as guides and instructors, along with several SIS staff members. Both programs depend on parent chaperones and volunteers to ensure a smooth operation.

7^th Grade

The seventh grade language arts program emphasizes writing, speaking, and research skills. Units include a study of non-fictional, short stories, drama, poetry, persuasion and novels. Writing instruction, based on the six traits, provides a central focus and includes peer revision and self-evaluation. Projects include the I-search, presentations and other formal/informal fiction/nonfiction writing assignments. Students are given opportunities and are expected to apply this learning across the curriculum.
 

8^th Grade

The 8th grade language arts curriculum focuses on writing; emphasis is on the process approach to expository, persuasive, narrative and descriptive writing while utilizing the common vocabulary of the six traits. Students learn grammar through writing, literature and a sentence-composing approach. Weekly vocabulary lessons help students improve their word power and understanding of analogies. Eighth grade literature focuses on short stories, non-fiction, drama, novels, legends, myths and folklore.

7^th Grade

Our seventh grade math program, the Connected Mathematics Project, embeds concepts in engaging problems based on authentic use of mathematics in daily life. Students use problem solving techniques to solidify elementary skills and investigate intricate mathematical relationships. Areas of study include Pre-Algebra, Proportional Number Sense, Geometry and Probability.
 

8^th Grade

Our 8^th grade curriculum continues the algebraically-based program begun in 6^th grade: Connected Mathematics Project 2. It has the following characteristics:

• It is problem-centered: important mathematical concepts are embedded in engaging problems based on authentic use of mathematics in daily life. Students will develop understanding and skill as they explore the problems individually, in a group, or with the whole class.

• It provides skills practice: in-class problems and homework questions give students practice with important concepts, skills, and algorithms.

• It meets standards: both the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and Wisconsin State Academic Standards, and are endorsed by the National Science Foundation.

• Research evaluates these programs: it has been field tested, evaluated, and revised over a three to four year period. 

• Student testing validates its effectiveness: students outperform others on tests of problem-solving ability, conceptual understanding, and proportional reasoning. And they do as well as, or better than, other students on tests of basic skills.

Every student at SIS is encouraged to make a performance music choice at both the 7^th and 8^th grade levels. Each class meets five days per week. The student options include:

Concert Band Program 

The SIS band program includes 7^th and 8^th grade concert bands which perform at 4 concerts during the year. This class is open to any student with at least one year of experience on their current band instrument, and has participated in an elementary band program. The SIS Band Program has developed a strong performance standard by emphasizing a variety of musical opportunities so that every musician can become a strong, confident player. Music theory, composition, and history are taught through performance in band. Other performance opportunities include before and after school lessons, solo/ensemble festival, small chamber groups, and travel to musical events. Band students will develop an understanding and appreciation of various types of music which are beneficial throughout an entire lifetime.
 

Cadet Band

The SIS Band Program also includes a Cadet Band. This class is designed for 7^th and 8^th grade students who want to start a band instrument for the first time or, in certain cases, switch to a different instrument. Students may choose from flute, oboe, clarinet, alto and tenor saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba, and selection will be based on student interest and director recommendation. The Cadet Band performs a concert by itself in March and joins the 7^th grade band in time for the Spring Concert in June. Upon successful completion of this class, students are eligible to participate in the 8^th grade band or High School Concert Band, depending on the student’s grade in school.

Choir

Cantare

Membership is open to any seventh grader. Cantare performs three concerts a year featuring the entire group, small groups and soloists. This group gives students the opportunity to apply and expand on the knowledge gained in elementary school. This chorus is geared toward improving basic musical knowledge, learning how to best use and improve the singing voice, and applying that knowledge to a variety of choral music from early periods through the present day. General musicianship and vocal technique including note reading are emphasized throughout the year.

Chorale

Membership is open to any eighth grader. Chorale performs three concerts a year featuring the entire group, small groups and soloists. This group gives students the opportunity to apply and expand on the knowledge gained in their seventh grade year in choir. This chorus continues to work toward improving basic musical knowledge, learning how to best use and improve the singing voice, and applying that knowledge to a variety of choral music from early periods through the present day. General musicianship and vocal technique including more advanced note reading are emphasized throughout the year.

Orchestra

 The SIS Orchestra is open to all string students in seventh and eighth grade. Instruments include the violin, viola, cello, and bass. This performing group meets daily, and string students learn technique, musicianship, music theory, and music history through performance of a string instrument. Orchestra students may also participate in after school lessons and chamber orchestra. SIS Orchestra performances include the winter and spring concerts, Orchestra Festival in March, and solo/ensemble festivals. The SIS Orchestra also attends concerts, clinics, and tours.

Physical Education contributes to each student's total education, not only by influencing physical skill development, but also by providing opportunities for mental, emotional, and social growth. The curriculum is co-educational and students meet for two quarters during the year. During their two years at S.I.S., students will participate in units that may include: badminton, basketball, biking, broomball, DDR (dance, dance revolution), fitness, floor hockey, football, handball, hiking, (using GPS locators), in-line skating, lacrosse, large group games, pickleball, rollerskating, softball, speedball, strength training, team challenges, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.

7^th Grade

Seventh grade life science is a component of the K-12 sequential science program. Its emphasis includes microscope use, cellular organization, classification, heredity, simple organisms, a survey of the plant and animal kingdoms, and a study of healthy choices. Special attention is given to student awareness of science in our world through regular news article summaries, lab work, and special projects. A Science Fair held in February incorporates much of the curricular focus of the 7^th grade. Also covered in our Science program is a ten day unit on Health beginning in February. This unit covers alcohol and drug awareness, sexually transmitted diseases, and peer pressure discussions.
 

8^th Grade

Science in the 8th grade is activity-centered, and is designed to build on students knowledge of the physical sciences. Units of study include forces, motion, energy, matter, chemistry, earth science and astronomy. Students are encouraged to stretch their understanding of science through a hands-on curriculum and projects focused on engineering technology and scientific communication.

7^th Grade

World Geography: Students will become familiar with the physical, political, and cultural geography of world regions. Students will investigate the cultural perspectives of others and apply research and critical thinking skills through a variety of activities and independent projects. The primary goal is to help students make connections between geography, culture, and present issues and how they affect the world today. Students will participate in independent and collaborative learning experiences like the Adopt-A-Country Project, Service Learning, Role Play discussions, and self-reflected final project.
 

8^th Grade

Students work independently and cooperatively to gain understanding of American History by reading a variety of sources, developing and utilizing research skills, creating projects that reflect their knowledge and completing a variety of assessments that measure their understanding. Units of study include Colonial Life, the American Revolution, the U.S. Constitution and Government, Westward Expansion, Slavery, Civil War and Reconstruction and Growth of the West. Writing skills gained in the Language Arts program are utilized throughout the year in daily work, projects and assessments.

Students have the opportunity to study either Spanish or French. Study of a world language:

• Prepares students to communicate

• Exposes students to other people, places and their cultures

• Enhances literacy in the target language, as well as in their own language

• Provides opportunities for student travel and immersion experiences