Middle School
Course Guide

Updated December 2025

Dear Middle School Students and Families,

The mission of South Washington County Schools is to educate students for success. As a result, each one of our comprehensive middle schools is proud to offer a wide range of courses in a house-style environment to ease students through the transition from elementary school to middle school.

Each house consists of students and the same teachers for the core courses of math, language arts, science and social studies. Houses make a large school seem small, and help students know their teachers and each other better. Our SoWashCo Schools Middle School Course Guide serves as a guide to help families navigate our rigorous, relevant and results-oriented classes.

We want each student in our district to feel connected to their school community and have a successful middle school experience. Program planning is a team effort that involves parents/guardians, students, and staff. The academic program of encore, elective and support classes are designed to prepare every student for high school and beyond.

Students and families, please take time to review this document and consider the information and your student’s needs carefully. Making good academic decisions during middle school will help students be successful in the future. Remember to look ahead at possible secondary courses, as well as future college and career readiness plans in grades 6-12.

Welcome to the 2026-27 school year! We look forward to the upcoming school year and continuing to support the passion that will prepare your student for whatever their future holds.

Sincerely,

Justin Ellevold                           Molly Roeske                  Joni Hagebock                  Karin Lopez

Cottage Grove Middle                   Lake Middle School          Oltman Middle School                Woodbury Middle School

9775 Indian Boulevard                 3133 Pioneer Dr.                         6625 Goodview Ave. S.                    425 School Dr.

Cottage Grove, MN                 Woodbury, MN 55125          Cottage Grove, MN 55016          Woodbury, MN 55125

(651) 425-6800                     (651) 425-6400           (651) 425-3500                  (651) 425-4500        

MISSION

The mission of SoWashCo Schools is to educate students for success.  

VISION

SoWashCo Schools will lead by example working together with students, staff, families and community to support each student.

CORE VALUES

Connections ● Integrity

Equity ● Excellence ● Innovation

TRANSLATIONS

English

If you need a translated version of this document or more information, please contact your child's school.

Spanish

Si necesita una versión traducida de este documento o más información, póngase en contacto con el colegio de su hijo.

Chinese

如果你需要本文件的翻译版本或更多信息，请联系你孩子的学校。

Hmong

Yog hais tias koj xav tau ib hom lus txhais lus ntawm daim ntawv no los sis ntau yam ntxiv, thov hu rau koj tus menyuam lub tsev kawm ntawv.

Vietnamese

Nếu bạn cần một phiên bản dịch của tài liệu này hoặc thêm thông tin, vui lòng liên hệ với trường học của con bạn.

Somali

Haddii aad u baahan tahay nuqul tarjuman oo dukumeenti ah ama macluumaad dheeraad ah, fadlan la xiriir dugsiga ilmahaaga.

MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADING FOR LEARNING

South Washington County Schools has been making the transition to Standards-Based Instruction (SBI) over the past few years. Through the SBI process, each content area went through a process of prioritizing standards into clearly defined expectations for what students are expected to know and be able to do in each course. Grading for learning and standards-based grading provide better detail for families that reflect a more accurate, authentic, and meaningful grade. We believe grading for learning will assist our teachers in communicating student achievement more authentically and accurately on our course standards.

As we continue to transition to standards-based reporting, we will continue to report grades using a “traditional” grading scale. Middle school administration and teachers are committed to ensuring that grades are an accurate reflection of what students know and can do in relation to grade-level academic standards.

The grading scale is organized around four core beliefs:

•   Grades must be accurate

•   Grades must be fair

•   Grades must be specific; and

•   Grades must be timely

DEFINITIONS

• Homework – homework includes learning tasks assigned to students that are meant to be completed outside of class hours most often at home.  Students may also complete homework during non-classroom school time.
• Formative assessment (20% of the total academic grade) – a learning task such as homework problems, practice tests, or review problems meant to help students practice their skills and gauge their level of mastery and understanding of a learning target.  Examples of practice include homework, class work, assignments, study guides, class activities, quizzes, etc. Formative assessment is a venue for teachers to give feedback to students in regard to their learning.
• Summative assessment (80% of the total academic grade) – a summative assessment is meant to evaluate the culmination of learning at the end of an instructional unit or course and is considered the measure of what a student knows or is able to do.  Examples include tests, labs, projects, mid-term or final exams/projects, etc.
• Personalized – An assignment created or modified to complement a student’s abilities and interests that focus on improving a skill set or knowledge base needed to demonstrate mastery of a specific learning target, benchmark, or standard.

HOMEWORK

1. Homework should have an identified specific learning need. Homework is beneficial when it is intended to enhance prior knowledge; when the assignment is not at the appropriate level of rigor, there is potential to create an adverse effect on student motivation.

• Prior to assigning homework, the teacher should take into account the age of the student, schedule, and how long each assignment may take the average learner.
• The purpose of homework should be identified and communicated to students and parents by the classroom teacher.
• When possible, students may be allowed choice in how they demonstrate their learning. For example, a written assignment may be altered to an oral or graphic product to demonstrate the student has mastered the learning objective.
• When possible, teachers should coordinate for big projects, intensive homework, or group projects so that multiple projects do not fall on the same date to avoid over burdening students from completing the projects well.  

2. The importance and effectiveness of homework varies between grade levels. As students enter middle school, the amount and regularity of homework may increase as needed.
3. Group projects are not homework and should be done during class.
4. Homework should be practice for the student and not an introduction of new content and learning. However, when a homework assignment includes research, new learning is inherent in that process.
5. If mastery can be demonstrated with fewer problems or prior to the assignment of homework, the student should have a modified homework assignment, or no homework at all.
6. Students should be able to complete all homework assignments with limited assistance.
7. Homework should be considered a “formative” assessment and only classified in the formative component of the total academic grade.
8. Feedback on homework (not necessarily an assigned grade) is essential for student learning.  All assignments should receive meaningful feedback from the teacher before any relevant quizzes or tests are given.
9. The role of parents should be to provide a supporting environment for students to complete their homework with limited assistance. If more than limited assistance is required or students struggle to complete homework in a timely manner, parents are encouraged to contact the teacher.
10. The completion and/or success rate for homework should not be a deciding factor in the assignment of a passing or failing summative grade in the course or class.

GRADING

Components of a Grade

Middle school grades are composed of assessments for and of learning.

Assessments for learning are given during the process of instruction to help students and teachers understand students’ current learning relative to the content standards. Some examples include homework, rough drafts, and practice.

Assessment of learning is defined as “Measures of student learning status at the end of a specific period of instruction.” Examples include tests, projects, performances, and written papers.

• Final grades will be posted at the end of each trimester.
• Parent Portal is available for parents to access their child’s grades, scores and task completion on a regular basis.
• Parents will not receive paper copies of trimester reports.
• Students will be taught how to use Schoology to develop independence in self monitoring and responsibility for their academic progress and performance.
• The professional judgment of teachers should be respected.
• Teachers will not offer extra credit in order to improve academic grades.
• Teachers will provide a clear explanation of all formative practice and summative assessments.
• Academic dishonesty will be addressed with behavioral consequences, not academic penalties.
• Individual assessment and practice scores below 50% will be adjusted to 50% (a failing grade) in the grade book with the earned score noted as a comment in the teacher’s grade book.
• Summative Retakes: All students are allowed at least one retake on summative assessments (additional retakes are at the discretion of the teacher). Students receiving a grade of a “D” or an “F” on any assessment will be highly encouraged to re-test in order to show additional learning and understanding of the stated outcomes. Students are allowed to earn a score up to 100% on the first re-take for their grade to accurately reflect what the student knows and can do. Students will be provided the opportunity to retake only if they have completed all of their practice work/new learning (as defined by the classroom teacher) prior to the date of the retake. Retakes will resemble the original assessment in content, rigor and format. Students are expected to initiate any retake they choose to complete. Reassessment beyond tests in the cases of quizzes and projects, etc. are left to the discretion of the teacher.
• Missing Work will be marked 50% in the gradebook with the and “M” (missing) in the comment section.  This is so parents/students recognize how missing work is impacting a student’s learning/grade until  completed. We will allow two weeks for missing work and retaking of tests.

Grading Scale

MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAMMING

This course guide provides information to help students understand their middle school journey. Below is information on programs, services, and coursework available to guide them toward career and college readiness and provide a path to igniting a passion for lifelong learning.

Program Information

REGISTRATION

In middle school, students receive registration course cards to select their elective classes for each year. Counselors visit 5th-grade classes in the elementary schools to introduce them to the 6th-grade registration process. Current 6th and 7th grade students receive registration cards in their classrooms. Visit SoWashCo Schools middle school websites for the registration timeline, Grade Level course card and for more information on registration procedures.

MIDDLE SCHOOL PLANNING SHEET

The planning sheet below shows what courses are offered in middle school.

*Encore classes are intended to explore student interests and expand their talents. Students will be scheduled into Encore courses and can choose from Elective course options each year.

Math Pathways

At the middle school level, students are placed in a math course according to several objective and subjective measures. Multiple pathways are provided by each school for students to receive the appropriate level of mathematics throughout grades 6-8.

Students in grades 6-8 will take different math courses depending on the math pathway (above) and each course covers specific aligned 6th -8th grade Minnesota math standards. Paths in middle school are determined using several subjective and objective data points. See their descriptions below.

MATH 6 MA0111

Math 6 develops mastery of the 6th grade Minnesota Standards in each of the three Math strands: Data and Probability, Spatial Reasoning, and Patterns and Relationships. There is a strong emphasis on pursuing Mathematical rigor based on an equal emphasis of Conceptual Understanding, Procedural Skills and Fluency, and Real-World Applications. Students will explore the seven Mathematical Standards within the three strands, including Data Sciences, Chance and Uncertainty, Measurement, Geometry, Number Relationships, Equivalence and Relational Thinking, and Patterns and Relationships.

PRE-ALGEBRA MA 0112

Pre-Algebra continues to build on the knowledge base from 6th grade with continued development of Mathematical rigor and the MN Math Standards (see Math 6 above). Special focus is placed on the foundations for algebra, reasoning, and the ability to articulate math concepts as well as solving equations graphically and numerically.

MS ALGEBRA MA0080

Middle School (MS) Algebra expands on the work from both Math 6 and Pre-Algebra. Emphasis is still placed on Mathematical rigor and the MN Math Standards (see Math 6 above). MS Algebra develops a solid foundation for high school mathematics and beyond, deepening students’ understanding of the real number system, justifying steps in generating equivalent expressions, distinguish between linear and nonlinear functions and translate linear functions from one representation to another; solve and interpret equations and inequalities symbolically and graphically, display, interpret and draw conclusions about data using scatterplots; and express linear equations in various forms and convert between these forms.

MS/HS INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA MA008, MA009, MA0010

The Intermediate Algebra course is a credit-bearing high school course that is grounded in the MN Math Standards which focuses on Mathematical rigor which incorporates Conceptual Understanding, Procedural Skills and Fluency, and Real-World Applications. While the course does focus on all three math strands including Data and Probability, Spatial Reasoning, and Patterns and Relationships, the courses focuses more on Data and Probability as well as Patterns and Relationships, with less emphasis on Spatial Reasoning. Students will study linear and nonlinear functions, solving systems of equations and inequalities using graphical and algebraic methods. The Pythagorean Theorem and its converse will be used to find lines of best fit. Functions will be represented with symbols, verbal descriptions, graphs and tables.

MS/HS GEOMETRY MA0035, MA0036, MA0037

The Geometry course is a credit-bearing high school course that is grounded in the MN Math Standards which focuses on Mathematical rigor which incorporates Conceptual Understanding, Procedural Skills and Fluency, and Real-World Applications. Geometry builds on the work completed in Intermediate Algebra and has a stronger emphasis on Spatial Reasoning, but still addresses the other two MN Math Standards strands of Data and Probability, and Patterns and Relationships. Students will apply properties of geometric figures and utilize the concepts of congruence, similarity, parallelism, and rules of angle measurement. The course includes deeper development of concepts studied in earlier grades such as: area, surface area, volume, scale factors, Pythagorean Theorem and angle relationships and expands understanding of trigonometry, circle properties, train properties and proof. Students use tools of geometry, including digital tools to visualize geometric concepts.

ALGEBRA II MA0023, MA0024, MA0025

The Algebra 2 course is a credit-bearing high school course that is grounded in the MN Math Standards which focuses on Mathematical rigor which incorporates Conceptual Understanding, Procedural Skills and Fluency, and Real-World Applications. Algebra 2 builds on, and is the culmination of the eleven years of MN Math Standards that are required for graduation, based on the three strands, and seven standards (see Math 6) that are explored from Kindergarten through Algebra 2. A successful student in Algebra 2 is set up for success in many upper level math courses available to high school students including Trigometry, Statistics, Modeling, and Calculus courses, many of which are AP or IB courses. Students will focus on equations, linear relations, systems of equations, parabolas, quadratic equations, powers and roots, exponents and logarithms, trigonometry and polynomials, data displays, standard deviation and normal distribution, and probability.

Below are the course descriptions by grade level for all middle school students. Some courses may include credit at the high school level, and this will be reflected on student transcripts. You may also refer to each school’s website for more information.

MATH COURSE DESCRIPTIONS See descriptions on pages 7-8.

LANGUAGE ARTS 6 LA0001

Language Arts curriculum encompasses all aspects of reading, writing, speaking and listening. The overarching themes for this course are Surviving & Thriving, Bravery, and Exploring Differences. Students will write  formally and informally in narrative, informative,  persuasive, and argumentative genres using the writing process. They engage in Shared Inquiry discussions, partake in differentiated book clubs, and explore the use of language for different effects in different contexts and for different purposes.  Students will  practice critical thinking daily through reading various texts and genres of fiction and nonfiction..  Many interdisciplinary connections are made with other content areas.

SOCIAL STUDIES  6th GRADE MN STUDIES SO0001

Students study Minnesota history and its government, citizens, economics, and geography, placing the state and its people within the context of national history. They engage in historical inquiry and study events, issues, and individuals significant to Minnesota history, beginning with the early indigenous people of the upper Mississippi River region to the present day. Interpretation of graphs, tables and maps will assist students in developing content knowledge skills.

SCIENCE 6th GRADE EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE SC0003

6th grade Earth and Space Science students will study the organization of the Earth and its systems and will engage with models to help formulate answers to questions about the Earth’s place in the universe, how the materials on Earth are formed, what they influence, and how they change over time. Students will learn about Earth’s resources, such as water, rocks, and minerals, and how Earth’s ever-changing conditions affect living organisms. The impact of human activities on the Earth’s systems and environment will be explored with an emphasis on how technology can be used to mitigate natural and human effects on weather, climate and geology. 

COMMUNICATION ARTS AND READING STRATEGIES LA00028A, LA0028B, LA0028C (1 Trimester)

This course provides students with an understanding of various communications used in our society, including electronic media, and how communication shapes ideas. The course will develop reading comprehension, strategies, and study skills for the acquisition of new learning in science, social studies, and other content areas. Active and critical listening are integral components of the course. Students will critically select, evaluate, and synthesize non-fiction digital and print resources.

CODING/COMPUTER SCIENCE BE0055A, BE0055B, BE0055C (1 Trimester)

This course is an introduction to Computer Science, using Code.org materials, which are mapped to the Computer Science Teacher Association (CSTA) standards. The course takes a wide lens on computer science by covering topics such as problem-solving, programming, physical computing, user-centered design, and data, while inspiring students as they build their own websites, apps, games, and physical computing devices.

ART 6 AR0001 (1 Trimester)

This class focuses on the foundations of art elements, principles, aesthetics, and art history. The course focuses primarily on visual art but will also include some media art as well. Students will create 2-D and 3-D media including drawing, painting, sculpture, pastels, and mixed media. This studio class will provide hands-on experiences. Unit of studies includes still-life, landscape, pottery, sculpture, cartooning and animals. Students will develop production skills to express individual ideas, thoughts and feelings.

MATH COURSE DESCRIPTIONS See descriptions on pages 7-8.

LANGUAGE ARTS 7 LA0002

Language Arts curriculum encompasses all aspects of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The overarching themes for this course are Discovery and Connections, Overcoming Adversity, and Perspectives and Empathy. Students will write formally and informally in narrative, informative, persuasive,and argumentative genres using the writing process. They engage in Shared Inquiry discussions, partake in differentiated book clubs Word Study includes learning roots and affixes in our Words Their Way vocabulary program. Students will practice critical thinking daily through reading various tests and genres of fiction, nonfiction, narrative, poetry, and drama.  Many interdisciplinary connections are made with other content areas.

SOCIAL STUDIES 7th GRADE U.S. STUDIES SO0002

This course provides continued development of understanding and skills in the social studies disciplines of history, geography, civics, government, economics, and ethnic studies. Students learn about people, issues, and events of significance to this nation’s history from 1800 to the current era of globalization. They examine the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and Bill of Rights, and Supreme Court decisions for their lasting impact on the American people, economy, and governance structure.

SCIENCE 7th GRADE LIFE SCIENCE SC0002

Life science explores the concepts of structure and function in living systems, interdependence among living systems, evolution in living systems and human interactions with living systems. Thorough inquiry activities, students will learn how empirical criteria, logical argument and skeptical review are critical to understanding the natural world. Topics include the nature of science, cells, heredity, evolution, simple life, human body systems, infectious disease, animals, plants, and ecology.  

Visual and Media Arts Course ART 7  AR0002A, AR0002B, AR0002C(1 Trimester)

This course will combine two vital arts components - visual arts and media arts. Visual Arts, as defined by the National Art Education Association, include the traditional fine arts such as drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, and sculpture. Media arts include art forms such as film, graphic communications, animation, and emerging technologies. This course will provide students a deeper understanding of the intersection of both forms of art and provide hands-on experiences in both the visual and media arts.         

STEM: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATH PLW001 (1 Trimester)

This course integrates technology-oriented applications of mathematics and science into pre-engineering activities for students. STEM education engages students in activities, projects and problem-based learning, which provides hands-on classroom experiences through the use of technology. Students create, design, build, discover, collaborate, and solve problems while applying what they learn in math and science.

HEALTH PE0012 (1 Trimester)

This course emphasizes the knowledge and skills that promote sound bodies and minds, prevent disease and dysfunction, and reduce risk. Students will focus on a variety of topics including mental and emotional health, diseases and disorders, chemical use/abuse (tobacco, alcohol, and drugs), CPR/First Aid, physical fitness, stress management and human growth, development, and sexuality. A newly enacted MN statute requires students to learn about the effects of fentanyl and cannabis as a part of the Health curriculum.

MATH COURSE DESCRIPTIONS See descriptions on pages 7-8.

LANGUAGE ARTS 8 LA003

Language Arts curriculum encompasses all aspects of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The overarching themes for this course are Responsibility to Self, Responsibility to Community, and Responsibility to Society. Students will write formally and informally in narrative, informative, persuasiveand argumentative genres using the writing process. Students engage in Shared Inquiry discussions, partake in differentiated book clubs, and learn roots and affixes in our Words Their Way vocabulary program.  Students will practice critical thinking daily through reading various tests and genres of fiction, nonfiction, narrative, poetry, and drama. Many interdisciplinary connections are made with other content areas.

SOCIAL STUDIES 8th GRADE GLOBAL STUDIES SO0003

This course provides continued development of understanding and skills in the social studies disciplines of history, geography, civics, government, economics, and ethnic studies. At this grade level, students focus on the world and its unique people and places. Students will take a world-regional approach to studying the planet and focus on five essential questions: how geographers interpret and show information on maps, how people interact with their environment, how history affects these regions today, how economies affect life in regions today, and how people preserve their traditional culture while adapting to modern life.  

SCIENCE 8th GRADE PHYSICAL SCIENCE SC0003

Physical Science introduces students to the fundamental concepts of chemistry and physics through inquiry, investigation, and engineering design. Students study matter, chemical reactions, forces and motion, energy transfer, waves, electricity, and magnetism while developing scientific reasoning, data analysis, and problem-solving skills.

COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS EL0052 (1 Trimester)

This course explores academics, admission, career, financial, and personal and social readiness goals in preparation for high school, college, and careers. Students explore the correlation between learning styles and careers, examine how careers have transformed over time, discover college and explore post-secondary education incorporating the use of Xello, a college and career readiness resource program for middle and high school students that helps align students’ strengths and interests to their postsecondary goals.        

Media Arts Course ART 8 AR0001 (1 Trimester)

Media Arts continue to expand as the digital footprint expands in our world. In the Media Arts course, students will engage in technology-based creative production and design, including concepts of digital art and web design that can include computers, cameras, storyboarding and more. This course will go deeper from the overview they received in grade 7. This course may enhance a student’s appreciation for the media they use every day, or it may even spark an interest in working with media arts as a career option.        

BAND (Grades 6-8) MU0009, MU0010, MU0011

This course helps students develop techniques for playing brass, woodwind and percussion and their ability to perform a variety of concert band literature styles. Band is for students who play an instrument and will work to develop rehearsal, performance and music reading skills and fundamentals necessary to attain a high level of musicianship and confidence. Students will explore a variety of musical styles. There will be several opportunities for performances each year, including field trips and small ensembles.                                                        

CHOIR (Grades 6-8) MU0012, MU0013, MU0014

This course helps develop students’ vocal skills within the context of a large choral ensemble in which they perform a variety of styles of repertoire. Choir is an ensemble-based course in which students work together as a team to develop their vocal skills. Choir members work on proper vocal technique, rehearsal skills and learn a well-rounded background in music fundamentals. Each student develops independent singing and reading skills to attain a high level of musicianship and confidence. Students will explore a variety of styles of music, including world music, art songs, contemporary music, and pop music.                                  

ORCHESTRA (Grades 6-8) MU0051, MU0052, MU0053

This course helps students develop techniques for playing strings along with woodwind, brass, and percussion. The orchestra course develops the ability of students to play a variety of styles and explores different composers from a broad scope of historical to modern orchestral pieces. Students will develop their ability to play individually and collaboratively including rehearsals, performances, and ensembles, gaining a high level of musicianship and confidence. Several performance opportunities will be offered each year.                  

MS/HS SPANISH I (Grade 8) WL0103

The Spanish Level 1 course is a high school credit-bearing course that mirrors the Level 1 high school Spanish course. Designed to introduce students to the Spanish language and culture, courses in this classification prepare students to communicate authentically in Spanish by interpreting (reading, listening and viewing), exchanging (speaking, listening, reading and writing), and presenting (speaking and writing). Students will explore a variety of cultural themes through language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world, stressing the ability to ask for and give information and to describe situations in Spanish. This course will also help students develop skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish, and increasing awareness of Hispanic culture. Spanish includes World Cultures, which explores several cultures using vocabulary and language skills through a variety of interactive activities, games, songs, and technology. Students passing this course receive a high school credit in world language.        

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (Grades 6-8) PE0005

Physical Education (PE) courses in the middle school are based on the acquisition of knowledge and skills that provide the foundation for sport, a physically active lifestyle and social development through physical activity. Activities typically include those that increase strength, endurance, and flexibility; reinforce safe technique; teach the rules and conventions of games and sports; and explore the relationship between physical activity and health. Specific content depends upon state standards for each grade level.

STEM: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATH (Grade 8) PLW002

This course integrates technology-oriented applications of mathematics and science into pre-engineering activities for students. STEM education engages students in activities, projects, and problem-based learning, which provides hands-on classroom experiences through the use of technology. Students create, design, build, discover, collaborate and solve problems while applying what they learn in math and science.                                                   

PLANNING FOR HIGH SCHOOL

Middle school prepares students to enter high school with the skills and knowledge to succeed and earn a high school diploma. Below is a glance at the high school requirements in SoWashCo Schools. Note that 3 credits equal a full year class, one credit for each trimester.