Junior High Curriculum

Vocabulary

• Sixth- through eighth-grade English

All sixth- through eighth-graders will learn the full gamut of vocabulary knowledge from Michael Clay Thompson’s “The Word Within the Word” (ISBN ISBN# 978-0-88092-604-1) and “The Vocabulary of Literature” (ISBN 978-0-88092-872-4). 

Sixth Grade	Lists 1-15
Seventh Grade	Lists 16-30
Eighth Grade	Vocab of Literature

Reading 6

• One credit, required, grade 6

The D’Evelyn sixth-grade reading course provides students with foundational learning in the study of great literature. Students read numerous works of varied genres from the Elements of Literature textbook, as well as several novels outlined below. Additionally, students learn about key elements of great literature that support both current and future study of literature.

Students will read “The Call of the Wild” by London, “A Wizard of Earthsea” by LeGuin, “A Christmas Carol” by Dickens, “Around the World in Eighty Days” by Verne, and “The Hound of the Baskervilles” by Doyle. The reading textbook is “Elements of Literature: Introductory Course” (ISBN 978-0-03-036874-5 or ISBN 0-03-036874-X) and the vocabulary textbook is Michael Clay Thompson’s “Word Within the Word,” lists 1-15 (ISBN 978-0-88092-604-1).

Writing 6

• One credit, required, grade 6

The sixth-grade writing course focuses on student learning of grammar and composition. Students learn important foundational content in English grammar and formal composition. Using “The Elements of Language: Introductory Course” by Odell, Vacca, Hobbs, Irvin, and Warriner (ISBN 0-03-068663-6), students learn key grammar concepts that are applied in the current year and beyond in their composition. This course supports student work in all academic courses.

English 7

• One credit, required, grade 7 

Students read and study various forms of literature and learn the importance and mechanics of clear, concise writing. To master grammar, they study the parts of speech, elements of a sentence and sentence diagramming. Through in-class writing, paragraph writing and other compositions, they learn how to write clearly and concisely. In addition to the works in the “Elements of Literature First Course” (HBJ, 1993, ISBN 0-03-074193-9), they read “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” by Twain, “The Diary of Anne Frank” (the play) by Goodrich and Hackett and “Treasure Island” by Stevenson.

For grammar study, the class uses “BK English Language Handbook Grade 7, Perfection Learning,” 2002 (ISBN 1-58079-397-5). Summer readings are two choice novels from an approved list. For vocabulary, students will learn Greek and Latin word stems and multisyllabic words from lists 16-30 found in Michael Clay Thompson’s “Word Within the Word” (ISBN 978-0-88092-604-1).

English 8

• One credit, required, grade 8 

The students build upon the readings in seventh grade, reading “The Pearl” by Steinbeck, “Frankenstein” by Shelley, “Romeo and Juliet” by Shakespeare and “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Lee. Writing and the study of grammar continue at a more sophisticated level with mastery of basic composition skills and literary analysis expected at the completion of eighth grade.

Utilized textbooks are “BK English Language Handbook Grade 8, Perfection Learning,” 2002 (ISBN 1-58079-398-3) for grammar, and the anthology “Elements of Literature Second Course,” HBJ, 1993 (ISBN 0-03-074194-7) for poetry, short stories and other works. Summer readings are “The Outsiders” by Hinton and a choice read of either “Jacob Have I Loved” by Paterson, “White Fang” by London or “Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry” by Taylor. For vocabulary, students will study “The Vocabulary of Literature” from Michael Clay Thompson’s textbook (ISBN 978-0-88092-872-4). 

Math 6

• One credit

Math 6 begins with the basics of arithmetic and a review of everything learned in elementary school, starting with single-digit arithmetic of all four operations and moving through fractions and decimals of all four operations. We then move into foundations of many areas of math including geometry, measurement, algebra and scale and graph reading. Text is “Saxon Math 6/5,” 2nd ed., Saxon Publishers, Inc., 2001 (ISBN: 1-56577-036-6).

Math 7

• One credit
• Prerequisite: Placement or a grade of C or above in Math 6

Math 7 includes the study of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, integers, word problems, ratio, proportion, positive and negative integers, exponents, roots, scientific notation, rounding, estimating, U.S. customary and metric measures, mean, median, mode, box and whisker plots, simple probability, sales tax, order of operations, unit multipliers, rectangular coordinates, and solving equations. Geometry topics covered include lines, angles, polygons, circles, geometric constructions, perimeter, circumference, area and volume. Text is “Saxon Math 7/6,” 4th ed., Saxon Publishers, Inc., 2004 (ISBN 1-56577-507-4).

Pre-Algebra

• One credit
• Prerequisite: Placement or a grade of C or above in Math 7 

Pre-Algebra continues the study of Math 7 topics with more sophisticated problems and an increased emphasis on solving linear equations. It also includes advanced work on the order of operations, prime factorization, radicals, calculating in scientific notation, evaluation of algebraic expressions, linear inequalities, proportions and word problems, simple and compound interest, commission and profit. Additional geometry studies cover surface area, semicircles, volume and complementary and supplementary angles. Text is “Algebra 1 / 2,” 3rd ed., Saxon Publishers, Inc., 2000 (ISBN 1-56577-149-4).

Algebra/Geometry 1

• One credit 
• Prerequisite: Grade of C or above in Pre-Algebra 

Algebra/Geometry 1 continues the study of Pre-Algebra topics with increasingly sophisticated perimeter, area, volume and surface area problems and thorough work on linear equations, including graphing and solving linear systems in two variables. Additional areas of mathematical study are polynomials, rational algebraic expressions, sets, factoring, quadratic equations, functions, conjunctions and disjunctions, direct and inverse variation, coordinate geometry, cones and spheres. Text is “Algebra 1,” 3rd ed., Saxon Publishers, Inc., 2003 (ISBN 1-56577-134-6).

Earth Science

• One credit, required, grade 6

Earth Science introduces students to astronomy, geology, oceanography and meteorology. This course is taught through lectures and supporting lab work. Text is “McGraw Hill: Earth iScience,” McGraw-Hill, 2008 (ISBN 978-0-07-677385-5).

Life Science 7

• One credit, required, grade 7

Life Science introduces cell structure and function, genetics and evolution, human body systems as well as the diversity and interrelationships within the biosphere. A survey of the natural world is based on three domains: Archaea, Bacteria and Eukarya. Laboratory exercises allow students to observe and explore biological phenomena directly while they apply the scientific method in their experiments. The focus of the course is vocabulary and the understanding of basic life science concepts. Text is “Life Science,” Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2007 (ISBN 0-03-046224-X).

Physical Science 8

• One credit, required, grade 8
• Prerequisite: A passing grade in Life Science 7

Physical Science is an introduction to chemistry and physics. It surveys the nature of matter, atomic structure, chemical bonds, chemical reactions, nuclear chemistry, motion, forces, energy, sound, light, electricity and magnetism. This course is taught through lecture and supporting lab work. Text is “Physical Science: Concepts in Action,” Wysession, Frank, Yancopoulos, DK Publishing, 2022 (ISBN 978-0-13-316394-0).

Geography 6

• One credit, required, grade 6

In the first semester, students focus on physical geography including map skills, plate tectonics, landforms, hydrology and climate. In the second semester, students apply these skills to regional studies focusing on Central America, South America, Caribbean and Canada. The course dovetails with seventh-grade geography, which covers human geography and the other world regions. The text is “Western World Geography” by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 2019 (ISBN 978-0-544-66938-3).

Geography 7

• One credit, required, grade 7

This course builds on Geography 6. First semester focuses on the river valley civilizations of Asia and Asian physical geography and climate, along with the five major world religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. This course reviews the concepts from Geography 6, which focuses on physical geography tools, then introduces the human geography tools: demographics, populations, culture, political systems and economics.

In the second semester, the class studies Europe, Africa and Oceania/Antarctica, applying the physical geography tools and the human geography tools in more in-depth studies. By the end of the sixth- to seventh-grade geography studies, students will have studied every world region except for the United States, which is addressed in eighth-grade U.S. History. Text is “World Geography,” Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2019 (ISBN: 978-0-544-66873-7).

American History 8

• One credit, required, grade 8

This course is a chronological survey of American history from the pre-colonial Native Americans through the late 20th century. Major units of study are Colonial America, the American Revolution, our early government, territorial gains, the Civil War, the Western movement, the Industrial Revolution, immigration, the reform movement, World War I, the Great Depression, World War II and the Post-World War II period. Text is “America: History of Our Nation,” Pearson, 2014 (ISBN-10:0-13-323004-X). 

French

French is not just the official language of France, but also of many countries in Europe, Africa and Canada. Worldwide, it is the second most frequently taught language after English. French has long been recognized as the language of diplomacy. It is therefore used as an operating language by the United Nations, the European Union and the International Olympic Committee, to name a few. Furthermore, students of French are consistently top performers on standardized tests due to the high percentage of French words found in the English language. In addition, French thinkers and writers of the past were pivotal in influencing the thoughts of America’s Founding Fathers. Students considering a career in government, the arts or business should consider French.

Parents of students who are heritage speakers or have studied French before entering D’Evelyn must contact the Foreign Language Department manager (Olivia Schott, olivia.schott@jeffco.k12.co.us) if they wish the student to be placed in a language course higher than level 1.

French I, one credit

This course introduces the student to the French language and to Francophone cultures. There will be an emphasis on listening, reading, writing and speaking French. “D’Accord 1,” Vista Higher Learning, 2015 (ISBN 978-1-61857-863-1) will serve as the primary text and will be supplemented with other readings and multimedia throughout the year to foster independent reading skills, vocabulary enhancement and greater cultural knowledge. 

Latin

Latin is the basis for all Romance languages (Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian and Romanian) and is the source of nearly half of the words in English. The student of Latin has a lifetime edge in learning these languages and in understanding the structures and vocabulary of the English language. Nationwide, Latin students show unparalleled gains on the verbal portions of standardized tests such as the ACT and SAT. The history, art, architecture, literature and mythology of the Romans make Latin come alive and form a foundation for understanding multiple cultural and historical traditions within Western Civilization. Students interested in medicine, law, history or linguistics might choose to study Latin. Students in each level of Latin take the National Latin Exam and are encouraged to participate in Latin competitions held in Estes Park in April. Fees for Latin courses cover the printed workbook for each course (levels I-III) and registration for the National Latin Exam (all levels).

Parents of students who have studied Latin before entering D’Evelyn must contact the Foreign Language Department manager (Olivia Schott, olivia.schott@jeffco.k12.co.us) if they wish the student to be placed in a language course higher than level 1.

Latin I, one credit

This course introduces the student to Latin grammar and vocabulary using reading, speaking, listening and writing skills, employing the basics of noun declensions, noun-adjective agreement, verb conjugations, etc. Mottos and maxims (e.g., E pluribus unum and Cave canem!), Greek and Roman mythology (e.g., the Trojan War and the founding of Rome), Roman history (e.g., the Monarchy), daily life (e.g., architecture), and culture (e.g., visual arts and literature) are part of the course. Student reading and study topics are based on authors from the early Republic through the Early Empire. Students build the ability to speak about basic aspects of modern and ancient life as part of learning about the Romans and building comprehension and mastery of simple vocabulary and grammar. Text is “Latin for the New Millennium, Level 1,” 2nd ed., Bolchazy-Carducci, 2017 (ISBN 978-0-86516-807-7).

Spanish

Today in the United States and across the globe, Spanish is spoken by millions of people; for some as their native language, for others as a second or additional language. Speaking Spanish opens many doors professionally in fields as diverse as law, medicine, business, engineering, education, construction and the service industry. As the worlds of technology, government and commerce become increasingly international, bilingual/multilingual individuals have significant advantages over monolingual colleagues, frequently leading to higher salaries, increased job security and more rapid advancement in the fields of their choice. Fees for Spanish I-III courses cover the printed workbook for each course, access to the online textbook platform and registration for the National Spanish Exam (Spanish III-AP only).

Parents of students who are heritage/native speakers or have studied one or more years of Spanish before entering D’Evelyn must contact the Foreign Language Department manager (Olivia Schott, olivia.schott@jeffco.k12.co.us) if they wish the student to be placed in a language course higher than level 1. Seventh-grade students may not enroll in Spanish 1.

Spanish I, one credit

Emphasis in this course is on learning basic language structure and vocabulary, in addition to gaining facility in understanding, reading, writing and speaking Spanish. The textbook contains explanatory material, guided readings, opportunities for conversation, varied exercises in grammar, listening comprehension activities and cultural notes. The pacing and content of this course is comparable to pre-IB Spanish 1 at other Jeffco high schools. Text is “Descubre 1,” Vista Higher Learning, 2022 (ISBN 978-1-54333-120-2). Material to be covered in the Descrube 1 textbook ranges from units Lección Preliminar to Chapter 5.

Gateway to Technology (Computer Apps)

• One semester, one-half credit, required, grades 7-8, or 9 

This course is designed to develop the student’s ability to type 40+ words per minute (wpm) with 95% accuracy and correct usage of keys. Students will also demonstrate a working knowledge of word processing, presentation and spreadsheet software (both Microsoft and Google platforms). Students will refine their abilities to search internet databases and interpret the results, as well as develop a general knowledge of computing. Computational thinking and fundamental programming concepts will be introduced. 

Physical Education 6 (Level 1)

• One-half credit, grade 6-8, (may be taken more than once) 

The curriculum centers on the instruction of basic sports skills, as well as encouraging fitness, coordination and good sportsmanship. There is an emphasis on lifetime and team sports. Units include football, softball, volleyball, basketball, bounder ball, floor hockey, soccer and team handball.

Physical Education 8 (Level 2)

• One-half credit, grades 7-8, required (may be taken more than once)
• Prerequisite: Two semesters of Physical Education Level 1 or instructor approval

The curriculum centers on the instruction of basic sports skills, as well as encouraging fitness, coordination and good sportsmanship. There is an emphasis on lifetime and team sports. Units include football, softball, volleyball, basketball, floor hockey, soccer and team handball. Students taking additional semesters of physical education continue to build skills and improve their technique in each sport.

Visual Arts Level 1

• One-half credit, one semester, grades 6-8 (up to two semesters)
• Must take two semesters to move to Visual Arts Level 2.

Students in this course will be introduced to the elements of art and principles of design using a variety of media which may include painting, drawing, printmaking, fiber, sculpture, clay and jewelry. It will include an introduction to aesthetics, art history and perceptual skills. 

Visual Arts Level 2

• Grades 7-8 (up to four semesters)
• Prerequisite: Two semesters of Visual Arts Level 1

This course builds upon skills learned in Visual Arts Level 1. Students will expand, refine and strengthen their art and design skills as well as knowledge of art history and aesthetics through exciting and engaging studio projects. Media may include painting, drawing, glass, mixed media, photography, digital media, printmaking, fiber, sculpture, clay and jewelry.

This course can be taken each semester without repetition of specific projects to allow for continued development of concepts and skills.

Band Level 1

• One credit (may be taken more than once), grade 6-8 (0-1 year of experience on instrument)

This class is for junior high students who have between zero and one year of experience with instrumental music. New students are welcome to participate in Beginning Band and should consult with the instructor to determine instrument selection. Emphasis will be placed on introducing basic skills and learning more advanced concepts. Individual practice time outside of class is essential and required. In addition to regular coursework, students in this ensemble will be required to perform at concerts throughout the school year. The text, “Essential Elements,” is required and all students will complete Book 1.

Band Level 2

• One credit (may be taken more than once), grades 8-12 or with instructor approval
• Fee for band competitions
• Prerequisite: Two-plus years of experience on instrument or with instructor approval 

This is D’Evelyn’s Intermediate Band and is intended for students who have more than two years of experience with their instrument. Emphasis will be placed on refining basic skills and introducing more advanced concepts. Individual practice time outside of class is essential and required. In addition to regular coursework, students in this ensemble will be required to perform at four concerts throughout the school year and at least one festival performance away from school. Text is “Master Theory”; all students must complete books 1 and 2. 

Marching Band (Semester 1), Symphonic Band/Concert (Semester 2)

• One credit (may be taken more than once), grades 8-12
• Fees cover transportation, entrance fees and other costs directly related to marching band expenses. There is an additional fee for state competition.
• Prerequisite: Director approval, elective 

This is D’Evelyn’s highest-level band. This group is made up of eighth- through 12th-graders. From July through October, this ensemble is in its marching season where the basics of marching, playing outdoors and leadership are stressed. The rehearsal schedule includes Monday, Tuesday and Thursday rehearsals after school and a summer camp that begins at the end of July. There is a strong physical requirement for this ensemble during marching season. This band performs at most home football games and five competitive marching band shows through the season. Some competitions are on weekdays which require students to miss school.

Starting in November the band switches to concert season during which emphasis will be placed on perfecting basic skills and refining more advanced concepts. Individual practice time outside of class is essential. In addition to regular coursework, students in this ensemble will be required to perform at three concerts throughout the school year and the senior graduation ceremony. Text is “Master Theory”; all students must complete books 1 and 2.

Orchestra Level 1

• Year-long, one credit (may be taken more than once), grade 6-8

This class is for junior high students who have between zero and one year of experience with instrumental music. Students new to orchestra are welcome to participate in Beginning Orchestra and should consult with the instructor to determine instrument selection. Emphasis will be placed on introducing basic skills and learning more advanced concepts. Individual practice time outside of class is essential and required. In addition to regular coursework, students in this ensemble will be required to perform at concerts throughout the school year. The text, “Essential Elements,” is required and all students will complete Book 1.

Orchestra Level 2

• Year-long, one credit (may be taken more than once), grades 8-12 or with instructor approval
• Prerequisite: Two-plus years of experience on instrument or with instructor approval 
• There is a fee for competitions.

Emphasis will be placed on improving basic skills and introducing advanced concepts. Individual practice time outside of class is essential and required. In addition to regular coursework, students in this ensemble will be required to perform at four concerts throughout the school year. Text, “Master Theory,” all students must complete books 1 and 2.

Choir Level 1

• One-half credit (may be taken more than once), grades 6-8

This is a class for students in grades 6-8 who enjoy singing and are looking to improve their singing and musicianship skills. Students with zero or up to one year of experience would start at this level of choir. Prior singing experience is not required and this class is non-auditioned. Students will focus on healthy vocal production, the basis of music literacy, and unison or two-part singing. All who want to sing are welcome! Students will also learn performance etiquette (how to be a good performer and audience member). This class will utilize a repertoire of varied styles that may include classical, folk, pop and Broadway show tunes. Sacred music will be used for historical, cultural or musical purposes as part of the choral music curriculum. Alfred’s “Essentials of Music Theory: Book 1” will be used.

Choir Level 2

• One-half credit (may be taken more than once), grades 7-8 or with instructor approval
• Fee required
• Prerequisite: two semesters of Choir Level 1 or instructor approval

This is a class for individuals who like to sing and actively participate. Sight singing, music reading, singing at least three-part harmony, vocal technique, choreography and showmanship are all a part of this class. An excellent singing voice is not required. Students gain poise and confidence in giving a presentation in front of an audience. Students will perform a variety of music including classical, pop, folk and Broadway show tunes. Sacred music will be used for historical, cultural or musical purposes as part of the choral music curriculum. Two volumes of the Alfred theory books will be used. One book per semester will be required until both are completed.