A major role of the middle school is to provide students with a variety of experiences to enable them to make informed choices about their future. In keeping with this philosophy, Cross Keys Middle School requires every seventh-grade student to take a survey class. This class includes units in the following areas: Family and Consumer Science; Industrial Technology; Visual Arts; Computer Arts; French; and Spanish. During their eighth-grade year, students will elect to take either two semester classes of Art, Family and Consumer Science or Industrial Technology, or one full year of French or Spanish.

Computer Arts

Computer instruction in Allied Arts is a hands-on, shared experience. Most often, students will work with a partner, creating desktop publications, computer-assisted designs and multimedia presentations. Students will learn to use ClarisWorks and Hyperstudio software. In every activity, students will use combinations of word processing, database, spreadsheet and graphics software.

Visual Arts

Exploratory art in seventh grade involves students in design, drawing, painting and clay sculpture. Students continue to explore two-dimensional art and refine their drawing, design, painting and printmaking skills. The second quarter concentrates on three-dimensional art including various sculpture units and works in clay.

Family and Consumer Science (Home Economics)

Seventh-grade exploratory Family and Consumer Science introduces students to the "joys" of cooking including a study of equipment, terminology, techniques, safety, table setting and manners. Students also complete a simple sewing project.

In eighth grade, Family and Consumer Science students study nutrition and analyze their own diets. They prepare meals using correct table setting and table manners. In sewing, students learn to use the sewing machine and construct a simple project.

Industrial Technology

Industrial Technology courses explore the general areas of technical sketching and drawing, engineering techniques and basic woodworking skills while emphasizing proper operation of the various hand tools and machines. Safety and good work habits will be emphasized in all areas of study.

Spanish

Seventh-Grade Spanish - Exploratory Spanish is an introduction to learning a foreign language. The students experience oral, aural, written, mimicry and other beginning elements of language acquisition.

Spanish I - All aspects of first year language study are incorporated in Spanish I. Students successfully completing this curriculum are recommended for Spanish II as high-school freshmen. Students explore Hispanic culture and provide written and oral performances.

French

Seventh-Grade French - As part of the seventh-grade exploratory rotation, students memorize common greetings, forms of address, the French alphabet, French numbers, days, months and colors. The correct production of authentic French sounds is emphasized. Most activities require students to interact in French. Hands-on activities include the construction of a French color wheel, and video-aided activities acclimate students to France.

French I - In eighth grade, students have the opportunity to enroll in a year-long French I class which will enable them to enroll in a French II class in high school. Our current program, Discovering French, is a state-of-the-art multimedia program with video, audio and visual materials which are available on CD-ROM. All skills of foreign language acquisition-listening, speaking, reading, and writing-are equally emphasized. Assessment of student progress is performance-based.