*WORLD LANGUAGE NOTES:

The World Languages Department would like to welcome you and your child to the study of a Language Other Than English.  In order to make the transition from Elementary School to Middle School as smooth as possible, the following World Language Guidelines are provided.

PHILOSOPHY:

The Department of World Languages believes that the primary goal of second language learning is the achievement of functional communication in the context of the target language culture.  Language learning is also an invaluable asset to students who will be taking their place in the world today.  To achieve this goal, the aim of the department is twofold:

1.     To teach students the necessary skills for effective communication in the foreign language; i.e.: listening, speaking,    

       reading and writing.

2.   To provide students with the insight into and appreciation of the foreign culture in order that they become more informed and understanding citizens of the world.

CREDIT:

Students entering the sixth grade will choose a language of their choice:  German, Italian, and Spanish.  Since this is an immersion course which meets every other day, the language acquisition skills of speaking, listening, and reading will be emphasized. 

As the students move from sixth to seventh grade, they will continue with the World Language, which was studied in the sixth grade.  Students must complete a two year sequence; that is, studying the language of choice each day at the middle school level for two consecutive years- seventh and eighth grade.  At the end of eighth grade, students must take and pass the Second Language Proficiency Exam (SLP), which is comprised of material from both the 7^th and 8^th grade. 

Please Note:  It is important that the language of study is carefully chosen and that the student has interest in the language. Students should remain in the language that they choose in the sixth grade through the eighth grade.   As per the NYS Education Department, “changing a language is not advisable since the student might suffer academically crossing from one language to another.  Students who successfully pass a language course with a 65% or higher may NOT repeat the course.  They must advance to the next level of study. 

The Language Department is looking forward to your child’s success in World Languages! 

* MUSIC PROGRAM NOTES:

Music courses in all grades are full year courses that meet on alternating days.  Music is required in 6^th and 7^th grades.  Music 8 courses are electives.  Students with prior music performance experience in the Elementary Schools are strongly encouraged to continue in the band, orchestra, or chorus classes.  Mastering the art of music can be a life long endeavor.  As students progress through the school system, the musical demands placed upon them become even greater.  Since long term success is predicated on mastering fundamentals instilled at each grade level, the music program is sequentially structured.  Students who wish to participate in a 7^th and 8^th grade ensemble class at the Middle School must enroll in the equivalent 6^th grade class as a prerequisite.  The same holds true for students who wish to participate in music performance classes at the High School; successful performance in the equivalent 8^th grade class is required.  Also, please note that presently Electronic Music is not offered at the high school.

Students in Band, Orchestra and Chorus will receive individualized small group instruction on a pull out basis, during the regular school day.  Depending on the music subject, at most, the frequency will be once every six school days.  Therefore, students should not be pulled out for their lessons from the same class more than once every five to six weeks.  This type of individualized instruction cannot be provided in the context of a large ensemble, so regular attendance at lessons is critical and counts as part of the grade.  Please note there are no pull out lessons for students in Electronic Music.  Also, please note that Electronic Music is presently NOT offered at the high school.

Since the lesson schedule operates on a rotating basis, the amount of time students will miss from any one class is minimal.  Additionally, there are make-up lessons built into the schedule as well as after school options for students who must remain in class due to tests or other special concerns.  For these reasons, the lesson program will serve to enhance each student’s music education without compromising achievement in other areas.  Individual concerns or questions can always be addressed by the music teachers.