Please visit the Jr. High Counseling page for guidance and counseling information, graduation requirements and to contact Perry Jr. High guidance counselors.
Grade 7 – 9 Curriculum Requirements | Programs of Study
Grade 7 – 9 Curriculum Requirements
Grade 7 Required Courses | Grade 8 Required Courses | Grade 9 Required Courses
Grade 7 Required Courses
English 7
Social Studies 7
Science 7
Math 7 or Math 7/8 ** This is accelerated but not credit-bearing
World Language (select 1)***
- Intro to French
- Intro to Latin
- Intro to Spanish
Art 7
Music (must take at least 1):
- Choir 7
- Band 7
- Music 7/8
- Orchestra 7
Health 7
Life Skills 10
Life Skills 20
Physical Education 7
State Exams:
English 7
Math 7
** Accelerated Courses
*** French and Latin levels 1 and 2 will not be offered at the High School. Students must begin the sequence in 7th grade
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Grade 8 Required Courses
English 8
Social Studies 8
Science 8 or *Earth Science(1.0)**
Math 8 or *Algebra 1(1.0)**
World Language***:
- *French 1 (1.0)
- *Latin 1 (1.0)
- *Spanish 1 (1.0)
- *Foundations of Spanish 1A (0.5)
Technology
Physical Education 8
* High School credit-bearing class (credit indicated)
** Accelerated Courses
*** French and Latin levels 1 and 2 will not be offered at the High School. Students must begin the sequence in 7th grade.
Elective Courses
*Computer Applications (0.5)
Fine Arts:
- *Studio Art Fall (0.5)
- *Studio Art Spring (0.5)
- *Computer Art (0.5)
- *Band 8/9 (0.5)
- *Choir 8/9 (0.5)
- *Orchestra 8/9 (0.5)
* High School credit-bearing class (credit indicated)
State Exams
English 8
Science 8
Math 8
NYS Regents Exams
For graduation (course Final Exam)
Algebra 1
Earth Science
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Grade 9 Required Courses
*English 9 or English 9H (1.0)
*Global History 1 or Global History 1H(1.0)
*Earth Science (1.0) or *Living Environment (1.0)**
*Algebra 1 (1.0) or *Geometry (1.0)**
World Language***:
- *French 2 (1.0)
- *Latin 2 (1.0)
- *Spanish 1 (1.0) or 2 (1.0)
- *Foundations of Spanish 1B (0.5)
*Physical Education 9 (0.5)
*Computer Applications (0.5)
*Health 9 (0.5)
Elective Courses
*Computer Applications (0.5)
Fine Arts:
- *PLTW DDP (1.0)
- *Studio Art Fall (0.5)
- *Studio Art Spring (0.5)
- *Computer Art (0.5)
- *Band 8/9 (0.5)
- *Choir 8/9 (0.5)
- *Orchestra 8/9 (0.5)
* High School credit-bearing class (credit indicated)
NYS Regents Exams
For graduation (course Final Exam)
Algebra 1
Earth Science
Geometry
Living Environment
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Programs of Study
English | Fine Arts | Life Skills | Math | Science | Social Studies | Technology | World Languages | Physical Education & Health
English
ENGLISH 7
Seventh grade English focuses on improving skills in four strands: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students develop critical thinking skills through oral and written communication in this literature-based program. Writing is taught as a process; vocabulary is improved through the literature and students’ own writing.
ENGLISH 8
Skills in the strands of reading, writing, speaking, and listening are extended in English 8 from the previous year. Students’ exposure to literature expands their vocabulary and enhances their critical thinking skills. The writing process approach is often used. There is intensive preparation for the grade 8 English Language Arts assessment.
ENGLISH 9 (1 Unit of Credit)
The curriculum for English 9 covers a variety of language skills. Those stressed are composition, literature, vocabulary development, spelling, grammar, and oral communication. In particular, students write narrative, descriptive, and expository paragraphs and essays. They also read and analyze plays, poems, short stories, and longer works. Grammar and usage are studied in conjunction with writing and composition work.
ENGLISH 9 HONORS (1 Unit of Credit)
The course focuses on developing analytical skills as students read various texts closely for subtleties of meaning, relation of form to function, and the aesthetics of language. In addition, this course covers the essentials of grammatical structure and their subsequent application in both literary texts and each student’s individual writing. Students will also write in a variety of modes for a variety of audiences. Vocabulary development, listening and speaking skills and various enrichment opportunities complete the course curriculum.
Fine Arts
ART 7
This required course focuses on three highly structured units: drawing, painting, and hand building with clay. These units engage students in exercises and activities that strengthen their understanding of the elements and principles of design, while learning and applying various techniques and concepts. Students are expected to maintain a sketchbook for this course.
STUDIO ART Fall (½ Unit of Credit)
This high school credit course engages the student in a variety of activities, which explore media, techniques, and methods used to create visual art. Through these activities, students will explore and further develop their own artistic style and capabilities. They will continue to implement their prior knowledge of art elements and principles within their work. Through media exposure and discussion, students will recognize the role art plays in our lives, both currently and historically, as well as possible options for a career in the arts. Students are required to maintain a sketchbook.
STUDIO ART Spring (½ Unit of Credit)
This high school credit course engages the student in a variety of activities, which explore media, techniques, and methods used to create visual art. Through these activities, students will explore and further develop their own artistic style and capabilities. They will continue to implement their prior knowledge of art elements and principles within their work. Through media exposure and discussion, students will recognize the role art plays in our lives, both currently and historically, as well as possible options for a career in the arts. Students are required to maintain a sketchbook.
COMPUTER ART (1/2 Unit of Credit)
In the art world, the computer has become a widely used and accepted medium, as well as a valid component of multiple art related careers. This upper level art course serves as an introduction to the understanding and application of the basic history, concepts, and practices of Computer Generated Art. Students will have the opportunity to work with the latest creative software/hardware while furthering their development of understanding the Art Elements and Design Principles. Students will engage in photo editing, image manipulation, graphic design, and computer based drawing & painting, prior to innovative approaches, such as digital animations. This course is highly recommended for any student that may be considering a future in fine art.
CHOIR 7
This choir is open to any 7th grade student who enjoys singing. Performance in two concerts is required. This course meets once a cycle.
CHOIR 8/9 (1/2 Unit of Credit)
This choir is open to 8th and 9th grade students; prior experience in Choir 7 is strongly encouraged. This choir includes part-singing and training with more advanced music. Performances in two concerts are required. This course meets once a cycle.
MUSIC 7/8
This course is open to 7th and 8th grade students who wish to learn a wide variety of music cultures, historic styles, composers, and compositions. Previous experience in an ensemble is not required.
BAND 7
This band is open to 7th grade students continuing study on their band instrument. Performances in two concerts are required. Students are required to attend weekly lessons.
BAND 8
This band is open to 8th grade students who have met curriculum proficiencies while demonstrating the ability to perform advanced repertoire. Concert attendance is mandatory. Students are required to attend weekly lessons. This course meets once a cycle.
BAND 9 (1/2 Unit of Credit)
This band is open to 9th grade students who have met curriculum proficiencies while demonstrating the ability to perform advanced repertoire. This band performs literature geared for the mature player. Concert attendance is mandatory. Students are required to attend weekly lessons. This course meets once a cycle.
ORCHESTRA 7
This orchestra is open to 7th grade students continuing study on their string instrument. Performances in two concerts are required. Students are required to attend weekly lessons. This course meets once a cycle.
ORCHESTRA 8/9 (1/2 Unit of Credit)
This orchestra is open to 8th and 9th grade students who have met curriculum proficiencies while demonstrating the ability to perform advanced repertoire. This orchestra performs literature geared for the mature player. Concert attendance is mandatory. Students are required to attend weekly lessons. This course meets once a cycle.
Life Skills
LIFE SKILLS
This is a thirty week Family and Consumer Science course, divided into two sections:
The 20 week session investigates childcare, home safety, intergenerational relationships, food prep, kitchen safety, meeting challenges, citizenship, community service, communication, consumerism, manners in social situations, career information and career possibilities.
The 10 week session allows students to explore laundry care, hand sewing, buttons and hem applications, and garment construction.
All sections are designed to help students learn practical life skills. The course encourages students to begin to look at who they are, where they are going, and how they will get there. The Creative Living textbook serves as reference for the class.
Math
MATH 7
This course covers an introduction to problem solving, number concepts, algebra, geometric terms and measurement, scientific notation, number theory, the metric and customary system, coordinate graphing, ratio and proportions, and probability and statistics. Emphasis in this course is placed on: ratios and proportional relationships, the number system, and expressions and equations.
MATH 7/8
This course combines all the material from Math 7 and Math 8. This course is designed for those students who have demonstrated a high level of achievement in mathematics at the elementary level. It is a fast-paced course since it covers 2 courses in one year. The completion of this course results in a student being accelerated a full year in the mathematics program. It is required that students maintain an average of 80 or above in this course.
MATH 8-AIS
This course will cover the Math 8 topics, but will provide more time for the completion of the material. An additional AIS period will be included every other day.
MATH 8
This course consists of the following topics: number system and properties, algebra, coordinate graphing, geometric applications, trigonometry, transformation, direct and indirect measurement, and probability and statistics. Emphasis in this course is placed on: algebraic expressions and equations, functions, and geometry concepts
ALGEBRA PREP (1 Unit of Credit)
This course is for those students who have successfully completed Math 8 with AIS. The course will cover in a less rigorous manner many of the topics from Algebra 1. More time will be devoted to student activities with a view to deepening student understanding of the fundamentals of mathematics. A local examination is administered at the end of the course.
ALGEBRA 1 (1 Unit of Credit)
This course will assist students in developing skills and processes to be applied using a variety of techniques to successfully solve problems in a variety of settings. Emphasis in this course is placed on the study of functions. Topics include all types of linear equations in one variable, quadratic functions with integral coefficients and roots as well as polynomial, rational, absolute value, and exponential functions. Coordinate geometry will be integrated into the investigation of these functions allowing students to make connections between their analytical and geometrical representations. Other topics include data analysis, including measures of central tendency and visual representations of data, correlation and lines of best fit, sequences, and elementary probability theory. Students will take the Common Core Exam in June at the end of this course.
GEOMETRY (1 Unit of Credit)
Geometry is the second course in mathematics for high school students. Within this course, students will have the opportunity to make conjectures about geometric situations and prove in a variety of ways, both formal and informal, that their conclusions follows logically from their hypothesis. This course is meant to employ an integrated approach to the study of geometric relationships. Some of the topics will include congruence and similarity of triangles using appropriate theorems, transformations including rotations, reflections, translations and glide reflections along with coordinate geometry to help establish and verify coordinate relationships. A major emphasis of the course is to allow students to investigate properties of triangles, quadrilaterals and circles. Students will also use the traditional tools of compass and straightedge as well as dynamic software that models these tools more efficiently and accurately, to assist in these investigations. Students will take the Geometry Regents Exam at the end of the course.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 and the Common Core Exam in Algebra. Recommended for those students passing Algebra 1 with an 80 or above.
Science
SCIENCE 7
The seventh-grade curriculum is an integrated science course encompassing Earth, Life, and Physical sciences. Students will study phenomena and concepts from three main units of study: Earth Systems (ES), Structure and Function (LS) and Energy, Forces and Motion (PS). This a hands-on laboratory-based class with emphasis on the scientific method and discovery learning. Throughout the course students will be challenged to think critically and develop stronger reasoning skills that expand their scientific knowledge.
SCIENCE 8
The eighth-grade curriculum is an integrated science course encompassing Earth, Life, and Physical sciences. Students will study phenomena and concepts from three main units of study: Space Systems (ES), Cells, Reproduction, and Genetics (LS), and Energy, Forces, and Transformations (PS). Throughout the course, students will be challenged to think critically and develop stronger reasoning skills that expand their scientific knowledge.
GENERAL EARTH SCIENCE ( 1 Unit of Credit)
General Earth Science is designed to provide grade 9 students with an opportunity to complete the Physical Science credit required for graduation in an atmosphere that emphasizes direct instruction of essential content and curriculum in a hands-on, interactive way. This is a non-Regents science course that fulfills one of the New York State graduation requirements in physical science. Students in this course will not fulfill the mandated lab requirement in order to take the NY State Earth Science Regents. Students will not take the Regents exam, but will take a local final exam at the end of the school year.
This course follows the New York State Regents curriculum for The Physical Setting, but not as in-depth as Regents Earth Science. Students will build skills necessary to successfully complete the Regents Living Environment/Biology course and corresponding Regents exam in tenth grade. The course also includes note-taking strategies, organization, study skills, and laboratory experiments.
Topics will include map reading; structure and composition of the earth; plate tectonics; earthquakes; climate and weather; weathering and earth features such as mountains, volcanoes, plateaus and beaches; interpreting graphs, charts and tables; collecting, organizing and analyzing data using a computer, the Internet and lab equipment; and class work and field trips.
EARTH SCIENCE REGENTS (1 Unit of Credit)
This course covers five basic areas: observation and measurement of change in the environment; topics in astronomy; weather and earth’s energy budget; the rock cycle; and geologic history of the earth. This course is composed of an equal mix of process of inquiry and course content objectives. To allow for the extensive laboratory work, the course meets daily with an extra lab period once in a four day cycle. A loose-leaf binder with extra folders, calculator, and pencils are needed. Successful completion of lab requirements must be accomplished before Regents examination can be taken.
LIVING ENVIRONMENT (1 Unit of Credit)
This course covers the fundamental life science topics. Major units include unity and diversity of living things, homeostasis, reproduction, genetics, ecology and evolution. Hands-on lab experiences follow the major topics. Successful completion of the laboratory requirement must be accomplished before the Regents exam can be taken.
Prerequisite: Earth Science
Social Studies
SOCIAL STUDIES 7
This course is a history of the United States and North America, with an emphasis on New York State history from Pre-Columbian times through and including the Civil War and Reconstruction.
SOCIAL STUDIES 8
This course covers the major economic, social, and political events in American History from post-Civil War Era until recent times. Some major themes covered would include: the rise of the U.S. as an industrial and military power, reform movements, the Great Depression, World War I and II, and the Cold War. Text: Prentice Hall, The American Nation.
GLOBAL HISTORY 1 (1 Unit of Credit)
This course is the first part of a two-year Global History Regents program. Global History 1 consists of four primary units: Introduction to Global History, Ancient Civilizations and Empires. Development of Regional Civilizations, and the Early Modern Period. The course examines the development of civilization from ancient man through the first Global Age (late 1700’s) with particular focus on political, economical, and social developments. There is a strong emphasis on linking regional civilizations in common time periods throughout the world. Text: Prentice Hall, World History: Volume One.
GLOBAL HISTORY 1 HONORS (1 Unit of Credit)
Global History 1 Honors covers the same information as the regular Global History course; however, this program is designed to stimulate higher level reasoning, research, and writing skills. Students should expect to work on research, writing, reading, oral presentations, and long-term projects. Text: Prentice Hall, World History: Volume One.
Technology
TECHNOLOGY 8
The Gateway to Technology middle school technology curriculum is the introductory course in a sequence of courses offered at the junior high school and high school. The purpose of the curriculum is to expose students to a broad overview of the field of technology and its related processes. Because engineers use technology to solve problems, many of the modules included in each unit relate to a field of engineering or engineering technology. The Gateway curriculum contains four units: Design and Modeling, Flight and Space, The Science of Technology, and Automation and Robotics. Various activities will be completed either individually or through paired cooperative learning groups. Some of the hands-on activities include the design and construction of CO2 dragsters using solid modeling computer software, the simulation of various manufacturing processes using specialized modeling equipment, and the construction and flight of hot air balloons, gliders, and rockets.
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS (½ Unit of Credit)
Computer Applications is a half-credit course designed to develop proficiency using a computer for a variety of tasks. This course meets the technology standards for students graduating from the New Hartford Central School System.
In this course, each student is instructed on how to utilize the school’s network system, using the Microsoft Office software packages and Spartan Applications. Students will use the word processing, spreadsheet, and computer presentation applications. Students will apply these skills to produce a variety of personal and professional documents including business letters, mail merge documents, tables, and research papers. Students are instructed in spreadsheet formulas for numerical calculation as well as graph construction and interpretation. Instruction on presentation design focuses on content organization and layout techniques. Students explore the impact of computing in society and the application of computing across career paths, and build skills and awareness in digital citizenship and cybersecurity. Students will create simple apps for mobile devices using MIT App Inventor®. Using Spartan Applications, a web based software program, documents can be shared for viewing and/or collaboration. Users can work in an online mode in real time. Within each of these applications, students complete a variety of activities to develop their computer literacy for school and personal use.
PLTW DESIGN AND DRAWING FOR PRODUCTION – DDP (1 Unit of Credit)
In this course, students use 3D solid modeling design software to help them design solutions to solve proposed problems. Students will learn how to document their work and communicate solutions to peers and members of the professional community. This course is designed for 9th or 10th grade students. The major focus of the DDP course is to expose students to the design process, research and analysis, teamwork, communication methods, global and human impacts, engineering standards and technical documentation.
Students who are enrolled in Design and Drawing for Production may be able to earn college credit through Rochester Institute of Technology. Credit for this course may be transferred to other colleges. The cost to the student is $250. To be eligible a student must earn at least an 85 in the course and earn at least a 70 on an exam provided by PLTW.
PROJECT LEAD THE WAY (PLTW) is a partnership among schools, colleges, universities and industry to address America’s need for highly skilled technology workers. PLTW at New Hartford is designed to help students explore technology related careers and to prepare them for two and four year college technology degree programs. Each class is taught in a laboratory setting using state-of-the-art technology equipment and software. Instruction is generally one-third theory and two-thirds application, sometimes involving mentors from industry and colleges. Class activities focus on problem-solving, requiring students to work in teams to generate solutions. Typically, students who enjoy math and science will benefit from exploring at least part of, if not the entire PLTW program. For more information on PLTW, visit New Hartford CSD’s STEAM Initiative page.
Computer Applications Proficiency Exam
In order to graduate from New Hartford High School, all students must earn a half-credit for Computer Applications, or demonstrate proficiency in computer application skills. Proficiency is demonstrated by successfully doing a majority of tasks in each section described below. Students who demonstrate proficiency by passing the exam DO NOT receive course credit. Students enrolled in the course at any time are not eligible to take the proficiency exam. The proficiency test is offered each year during exam week in January and June. Students may take the exam once. Students have 3 hours to complete the tasks outlined below and have the choice to complete the tasks using either G Suite for Education, Microsoft Office, or Apple’s iWork tools. The application to take the Computer Applications Proficiency Exam is available in the Counseling Office.
Learn more about the Computer Applications Proficiency Exam on the High Schools Counseling page.
World Languages
All Level 1 World Language Courses at Perry Junior High are “stretch” courses which means that students will complete Level 1 during two semesters instead of just one. Intro meets every other day for one semester and Level 1 meets every day for one semester, giving junior high students 50% more language classes and language exposure during Level 1 at the Junior High to help their maturing brains acquire their new language.
As you acquire language, you become more proficient. You are able to accomplish more and more tasks, communicate about more topics, and make yourself better understood. We become more proficient in any language through communication: interpreting, expressing, and negotiating the meaning of messages in the language that we are learning. In particular, listening and reading to language that you can make sense of will help you to make the biggest gains on the Path to Proficiency, and so that is what instruction in our courses is geared toward.
INTRODUCTION TO FRENCH AND FRENCH 1 ( 1 Unit of Credit)
This introduction to French/French 1 sequence is designed to provide students with the opportunity to explore Francophone cultures while developing their French communication skills. All four language skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking will be practiced through the three modes of communication: interpretive, interpersonal and presentational. Various teaching techniques and classroom activities will be utilized to bring real life French language and culture into the classroom.
Please note that Introduction to French and French 1 are only offered at Perry.
FRENCH 2 (1 unit of credit)
This course will build upon the cultural and communicative foundations established in French 1. Students will continue to explore Francophone culture while refining their communication skills through thematic units. A combination of authentic resources and hands-on activities will be used to bring culture into the classroom. Students will strengthen all four language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) through the three modes of communication (interpretive, interpersonal and communicative) in preparation for French 3 and the World Languages Checkpoint B Local Examination.
Please note that French 2 is only offered at Perry.
Prerequisites: Introduction to French and French 1
INTRODUCTION TO LATIN AND LATIN 1 ( 1 Unit of Credit)
These are the first courses in the Latin sequence. Students learn Latin by reading and speaking it. They discover for themselves the shapes of the Latin words and the structure of the Latin sentence and become proficient in writing simple Latin. The textbook stories deal with experiences of a Roman family in a wide variety of situations, which allow students to gain an appreciation of Roman culture and understand its significance in the modern world. Outcome standards are itemized at Checkpoint A of the NYS syllabus. Membership and participation in the National Junior Classical League is encouraged.
Please note that Introduction to Latin and Latin 1 are only available at Perry.
LATIN 2 (1 Unit of Credit)
This course aims to build on the proficiencies acquired the first year and work toward the mastery (Checkpoint B) of basic communication skills. Students read more challenging selections with confidence and are able to comprehend new Latin at sight. The exploration of Roman culture moves to another level, from the daily life experienced in the first year to military, frontier, and public life the second year. Authentic materials used include sentientiae, graffiti, inscriptions, and simple selections from Latin authors. Membership and participation in the National Junior Classical League and Latinalia at Syracuse University are encouraged.
Please note that Latin 2 is only available at Perry.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Latin and Latin 1
FOUNDATIONS OF SPANISH 1A and 1B (½ Unit of Credit each)
These courses are available only to students in grades 8 (1A) and 9 (1B) and are designed for students who may need more time to be successful with the study of a second language. Two half-credit courses, Foundations of Spanish 1A and 1B will meet on an every-other-day basis during grades 8 and 9 and will lead students to the next course, Spanish 1.
INTRODUCTION TO SPANISH AND SPANISH 1 ( 1 Unit of Credit)
Spanish 1 is taught using various strategies in which there is an emphasis on language acquisition with the overall goal of communicating in a global society. Focus will be on acquiring high frequency word structures through listening and reading. Speaking and writing skills will also be developed. The course will be based on a combination of stories, readings, songs, cultural traditions, and games to bring the Hispanohablante culture into the classroom. Classes will be conducted in Spanish and English.
SPANISH 2 (1 Unit of Credit)
The Spanish 2 course is also taught using various strategies. Input is the primary focus. Students will acquire the language by listening and reading to support their eventual output of writing and speaking. Students will explore and compare customs, celebrations and other elements of Hispanohablante culture. Short stories and novels will be read and discussed in class. Classes will be conducted in Spanish with explanations in English as needed.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Spanish and Spanish 1
Physical Education & Health
PHYSICAL EDUCATION 7
This course covers a wide range of physical activities. The following are included in the curriculum: team sports, fitness activities, various games, basic weight training, and swimming. Students are evaluated based on their cognitive, affective, and psychomotor performance in class.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION 8
This course covers a wide range of physical activities. The following are included in the curriculum: team sports, fitness activities, various games, and basic weight training. Swimming is also taught each marking period. Students are evaluated based on their cognitive, affective, and psychomotor performance in class.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION 9 (½ Unit of Credit)
This course covers a wide range of physical activities. The following are included in the curriculum: team sports, fitness activities, various games, basic weight training, and swimming. Students are evaluated based on cognitive, affective, and psychomotor performance in class.
HEALTH 7
Units that will be covered include: The Two R’s for Stopping Assault and Preventing Violence (Violence Prevention Module); Curriculum Recommendation for HIV, AIDS, and Other STD’s (HIV Education); It’s No Mystery, Tobacco’s a Killer (Tobacco Prevention Module); What’s Good Food Got to Do With It (Nutrition Module); It’s Time to Move (Physical Activity Module); Protect a Friend – Share Your Skills (Substance Abuse Prevention Module). Current health news is also discussed on a regular basis.
HEALTH 9 (½ Unit of Credit)
The Health Education Program follows a curriculum based on the most current trends, facts and research available. Teachers have access to HealthTeacher.com which keeps the curriculum updated. Units include Personal Health and Fitness, Nutrition, Mental Health, and Modern Health Trends/Topics. Students who complete a health-related course at BOCES do not need to take Health during high school. All other students must complete this half-credit course in order to graduate.
Please visit the Jr. High Counseling page for additional guidance-related information, graduation requirements and to contact Perry Jr. High guidance counselors.