Enrichment and Acceleration
Overview
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The Middle School provides seventh- and eighth-grade instructional opportunities for advanced studies in English, social studies, math and science.
We enrich in English and social studies. Enriched English and social studies classes require students to read and analyze higher level and more complex texts when compared to our regular program. Student self-motivation serves as an asset as students engage in in-depth, independent and group assignments. We accelerate in math and science. Students who participate in accelerated math and science classes learn curriculum at a faster pace in order to enroll in Regents level courses in grade 8. Successful completion of the Regents courses earns them High School credit.
Enriched and accelerated courses help prepare students for enrollment in advanced courses in high school. Enrollment in enriched and/or accelerated classes is based upon various selection criteria, including above average achievement and interest in advanced study. Courses are applied for in pairs, i.e., if Enriched English is chosen, the student must also participate in the Enriched Social Studies option, similarly with science and mathematics.
Marks and Credits
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- Grades earned in an accelerated course shall be computed into the student’s overall average.
- It is recommended that students maintain a B average or higher to be successful in the enriched and accelerated programs.
- A student may earn high school credit for each accelerated course completed if he/ she earns a combined passing average of all four quarters and if he/she passes the appropriate Regents examination.
- Students enrolled in a Regents level class in Middle School have until the end of the first quarter to drop the class.
Enrichment Opportunities
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Author Visit
There is no better way to inspire students with the personal rewards and gratification of a writing career than by having an author describe the ropes. The middle school English department tries to secure at least one author visit a year.
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Challenger Learning Center
The Challenger Learning Center is a high-tech, hands-on facility for space flight simulations located at the Strasenburgh Planetarium and coordinated by “Mission Commanders” from Monroe One BOCES. Our sixth-grade students participate in this enrichment activity. When they fly their “Mission to Mars,” they put their math, science, and technology process skills into action by completing curriculum-based activities aligned with New York State learning standards. And they have fun, too!
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Enrichment Elective Classes
These classes include Digital Art, Civics, and Voice Class. They are taken in addition to the required exploratory classes at each grade.
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Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities are a great way for students to meet new friends, learn new things or give something back to their community. The activities offer opportunities for students to learn the values of teamwork, individual and group responsibility, physical and academic strength, endurance, diversity, and a sense of culture and community. They also provide a channel for reinforcing and enriching the lessons learned in the classroom, offering students the opportunity to apply academic skills in a real-world context, and are thus considered part of a well-rounded education. Best of all, studies show that students who are involved in after-school activities earn higher grades and are more successful academically and socially.
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GEVA
Our seventh-grade students attend a December performance at GEVA Theatre to expose students to the performing arts.
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Rochester Broadway Theatre League ARTS Partners Program
Gates Chili Central School District is in partnership with the Rochester Broadway Theatre League (RBTL), which allows teachers to integrate the arts into their curriculum. Topics and themes related to touring Broadway shows are adapted into age-appropriate lessons for classroom learning and all students are fully immersed in the live theatre experience by attending touring Broadway productions at RBTL’s Auditorium Theatre in conjunction with the program.
