Gates Chili Central School District

Middle school art encourages creativity and self-expression through various media such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital art. Students learn about art history, techniques, and principles of design, exploring how art reflects and influences culture and society. At Gates Chili, students take art in grades 6 and 8.

In middle school ELA, students strengthen their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. They analyze complex texts, develop argumentative and narrative writing, and engage in research projects. Students also deepen their ability to evaluate themes, perspectives, and the author’s craft, fostering critical thinking and communication skills.

Through FACS, students explore life skills such as personal finance, nutrition, cooking, and time management. They engage in hands-on activities that teach them responsibility, decision-making, and teamwork, preparing them for future independence and careers. At Gates Chili, students take FACS in grades 6-7.

Middle school health education focuses on teaching students how to make informed decisions about their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Topics include nutrition, substance abuse prevention, emotional health, human development, and healthy relationships, promoting lifelong healthy habits. At Gates Chili, students take health in grades 6-7. The courses also include the Teen Safety Matters program, which focuses on information and strategies to prevent, recognize, and respond appropriately to bullying, abuse, and digital dangers.

Students build on foundational math skills, learning concepts such as ratios, proportional relationships, algebraic expressions, equations, geometry, and statistics. They apply mathematical reasoning to solve real-world problems, preparing them for advanced math in high school.

Music education also fosters creativity, discipline, and collaboration. Middle school music programs introduce students to music theory, performance, and appreciation. At Gates Chili, students take general music in grades 6 and 8. Students may also participate in band and/or chorus while developing their skills in reading music, playing instruments, or vocal performance.

Physical education promotes physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Students participate in individual and team activities, learn about health-related fitness concepts, and develop motor skills. The program emphasizes lifelong fitness and the importance of staying active.

Middle school science encourages students to explore the natural world through hands-on experiments and inquiry. Topics include earth science, life science, physical science, and engineering design. Students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they engage in scientific investigations.

Social studies in middle school explores history, geography, economics, and civics. Students examine world cultures, ancient civilizations, and American history, gaining an understanding of historical context, diverse perspectives, and the role of citizens in a global society.

Technology education introduces students to the principles of design, engineering, and problem-solving. Students use tools and technology to create solutions, learn coding and robotics, and explore the impact of technology on society. At Gates Chili, students take technology in grade 8. Click here to see the middle school’s newly renovated technology classrooms.

Middle school students begin learning a new language, focusing on speaking, listening, reading, and writing. At Gates Chili, students in grades 7-8 can choose from Spanish, French, Italian or Latin. They explore cultural practices, perspectives, and traditions, fostering global awareness and preparing for advanced language study in high school. In addition, middle school students can earn high school credit in this content area.