The Newton County middle schools provide an educational program and environment that is responsive to the intellectual, physical, social and emotional development of students in grades six through eight. Middle schools provide a bridge between elementary school and high school. Teaching how subjects interrelate and how those bonds affect everyday life is just one of the goals of the middle school concept. This education philosophy focuses attention on the whole child by using team teaching, common planning time, and coordination of subject matter to heighten learning. The middle school curriculum offers a wide range of courses from essential basics to advanced studies.
The mathematics program follows the challenging Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) curriculum, introducing students to geometry, algebra and statistics.
Grammar and literature are taught together in the language arts class. Instruction emphasizes total language development including grammar, composition, writing, spelling, reading, listening, and speaking, all following the Georgia Standards of Excellence curriculum.
The science curriculum follows the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE), which call for Earth Science to be taught in 6th grade, Life Science in 7th grade and Physical Science in 8th grade. Skills of observation, experimentation, analysis and scientific inquiry are emphasized. Students receive health instruction through the Physical Education department including fitness, personal hygiene, nutrition, human growth and development, and the harmful effects of smoking, drug abuse and alcohol.
In social studies, students learn about the different continents and countries, including their geography, natural resources, political and economic systems, language, and cultures. Eighth graders study the State of Georgia in detail. This study includes its geography and history, local and state governments, industry, business, and education, as well as the proud heritage of Newton County. The social studies curriculum provides a basic understanding of the nature of man and society.
Academically gifted students who meet state eligibility requirements may enroll in the Quest program. Quest classes are taught on an advanced level in science, language arts and math, if teacher resources are available. Middle schools ensure that students receive five hours of academics daily while also developing individual skills through exposure to band, chorus, art, foreign languages, physical education, and technology in connections classes. Instructional technology is integrated throughout lessons both inside and outside of the classroom. Curriculum fairs and contests allow students to compete with other schools and districts in such areas as science, social studies, composition, and oratorical competitions. The middle schools also offer extra-curricular clubs as well as interscholastic and intramural sports.
Progress reports are sent out each 4 ½ weeks. Report Cards are sent home at the end of each semester. Teachers schedule two conferences during the school year on early release days to discuss each student's progress with his/her parents. Other conferences are scheduled as necessary. Parents are strongly encouraged to use Infinite Campus, the system's online grade tracking program, whereby parents can access their student's grades, attendance and discipline from any computer connected to the internet.
Contact:
Dr. Nikkita Warfield
Director of Secondary Education
770-787-1330 Ext. 1124
Dr. Darrel Daniel
Secondary Curriculum & Instruction Coordinator
770-787-1330 ext. 1122
Kimberly Cole
Secondary Curriculum & Instruction Specialist
770-787-1330 ext. 1223
Ms. Teresa Broadwater
Secondary Curriculum & Instruction Specialist
770-787-1330 ext. 1220
Michael C. Poor
Mathematics Content Specialist
770-787-1330 ext. 4358