Village Glen

MIDDLE SCHOOL

About

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Village Glen Middle School reinforces social skills development through an emphasis on role plays and projects, developing “higher-order” social skills, and bolstering executive functioning skills to help with planning, organization, and attention.

Village Glen students in grades 7 and 8 remain with their teachers in homerooms which allows for the provision of a supportive, structured, and consistent environment while strengthening academic, social, social emotional, and executive functioning skills necessary for the transition to high school.

Academic classes emphasize reading, writing, science, math, and social studies. Additional subjects may include music, computer science, drama, world language, physical education, and art and are taught by specialty teachers in various locations in the school.

The further development of reading comprehension, critical thinking skills, and writing is a focus at Village Glen and an area in which many of our students experience challenges. By integrating rigorous direct and individualized instruction with structured project-based learning students are encouraged to make connections with the world around them and to develop a deeper understanding of what they are learning.

Social skills instruction and the promotion of social development in our students is a fundamental component of the Village Glen experience. In the Village Glen Middle School, we reinforce social skills development by an emphasis on more role plays and projects, lessons target more of the “nuances” of social skills, and a “higher-order” social skills are the focus, and include skills such as executive functions (e.g., self-monitoring, organization). Social skills instruction takes place daily and the taught skills are continuously practiced and reinforced throughout the school day within the classroom as well as during recess and lunch time and social activities. In middle school, an increased emphasis is placed on relationship building and responsible decision-making. During recess and lunch times, social interactions are actively facilitated by our trained staff to further strengthen social skills development of our students and to promote positive peer interactions.

The development of executive functioning skills is emphasized at Village Glen and includes both the explicit instruction of executive functioning skills and strategies, as well as the frequent and intentional use of other techniques that enable our students to improve in their executive functioning abilities and increase student achievement and learning.  Foundational executive function skills specifically addressed include self-regulation, flexibility, attention, self-advocacy, task initiation, organization, planning and prioritizing, and time management.

For students in need of more intensive behavioral or social emotional support, Village Glen works collaboratively with students, families, and staff on the development of supports to enable students to manage emotions and to access teaching and learning.

As middle school students approach high school, they take on greater responsibilities with the help of classroom staff in order to build increased leadership skills, academic endurance, and self-confidence.

About

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Village Glen Middle School reinforces social skills development through an emphasis on role plays and projects, developing “higher-order” social skills, and bolstering executive functioning skills to help with planning, organization, and attention.

Village Glen students in grades 7 and 8 remain with their teachers in homerooms which allows for the provision of a supportive, structured, and consistent environment while strengthening academic, social, social emotional, and executive functioning skills necessary for the transition to high school.

Academic classes emphasize reading, writing, science, math, and social studies. Additional subjects may include music, computer science, drama, world language, physical education, and art and are taught by specialty teachers in various locations in the school.

The further development of reading comprehension, critical thinking skills, and writing is a focus at Village Glen and an area in which many of our students experience challenges. By integrating rigorous direct and individualized instruction with structured project-based learning students are encouraged to make connections with the world around them and to develop a deeper understanding of what they are learning.

Social skills instruction and the promotion of social development in our students is a fundamental component of the Village Glen experience. In the Village Glen Middle School, we reinforce social skills development by an emphasis on more role plays and projects, lessons target more of the “nuances” of social skills, and a “higher-order” social skills are the focus, and include skills such as executive functions (e.g., self-monitoring, organization). Social skills instruction takes place daily and the taught skills are continuously practiced and reinforced throughout the school day within the classroom as well as during recess and lunch time and social activities. In middle school, an increased emphasis is placed on relationship building and responsible decision-making. During recess and lunch times, social interactions are actively facilitated by our trained staff to further strengthen social skills development of our students and to promote positive peer interactions.

The development of executive functioning skills is emphasized at Village Glen and includes both the explicit instruction of executive functioning skills and strategies, as well as the frequent and intentional use of other techniques that enable our students to improve in their executive functioning abilities and increase student achievement and learning.  Foundational executive function skills specifically addressed include self-regulation, flexibility, attention, self-advocacy, task initiation, organization, planning and prioritizing, and time management.

For students in need of more intensive behavioral or social emotional support, Village Glen works collaboratively with students, families, and staff on the development of supports to enable students to manage emotions and to access teaching and learning.

As middle school students approach high school, they take on greater responsibilities with the help of classroom staff in order to build increased leadership skills, academic endurance, and self-confidence.

A Letter From Village Glen's

MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER

Maria Ramirez
Middle School Teacher
Village Glen School

My name is Maria Ramirez and I have been a Village Glen teacher for the past 10 years.  Students often ask me why I like teaching middle school. I tell them I love seeing the transformation from the day they arrive as 7th graders to the day of 8th grade graduation. The pride and joy in the faces of students and their families makes it all worth it!

Middle school can be a tough transition for students as they are learning to navigate academic standards, friendships, and higher expectations. Here at Village Glen Middle School, we strive to help our students discover their strengths and provide them with the tools needed for both academic and social emotional success.

Our diverse student population makes Village Glen a truly special place. Every student brings their own unique gifts and talents. Every teacher sets high expectations for safety and learning in a nurturing way.  Village Glen students are true SCHOLARS.

Middle School

BY THE NUMBERS

Small class size
Rigorous, Grade-Level Curriculum
Academic Supports
Technology Integration
Emphasis on Social Skills Development
Emphasis In Executive Functioning Skills

A Letter From Village Glen's

MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER

Maria Ramirez
Middle School Teacher
Village Glen School

My name is Maria Ramirez and I have been a Village Glen teacher for the past 10 years.  Students often ask me why I like teaching middle school. I tell them I love seeing the transformation from the day they arrive as 7th graders to the day of 8th grade graduation. The pride and joy in the faces of students and their families makes it all worth it!

Middle school can be a tough transition for students as they are learning to navigate academic standards, friendships, and higher expectations. Here at Village Glen Middle School, we strive to help our students discover their strengths and provide them with the tools needed for both academic and social emotional success.

Our diverse student population makes Village Glen a truly special place. Every student brings their own unique gifts and talents. Every teacher sets high expectations for safety and learning in a nurturing way.  Village Glen students are true SCHOLARS.  

Middle School

BY THE NUMBERS

Small class size
Rigorous, Grade-Level Curriculum
Academic Supports
Technology Integration
Emphasis on Social Skills Development
Emphasis In Executive Functioning Skills

Middle School

CURRICULUM

In the 7th and 8th grades, Village Glen’s middle school students deepen their knowledge and skills in the English Language Arts, Mathematics, History, and Science.

Our comprehensive middle school curriculum, based on the California State Framework and Content Standards, is rigorous and accommodated to meet the specific needs of our student population. Students take courses in the four content areas of English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and History. Students who show an aptitude and interest in math can begin taking credit courses such as Algebra I and Geometry. Additional elective courses may also be offered in middle school such as beginning Spanish and computer programming.

Daily instruction includes a variety of learning approaches including didactic instruction, project-based learning, blended learning, and peer collaboration. Ongoing professional development ensures our teachers use up-to-date methodologies and technologies that are developmentally appropriate for middle school students and designed to interest and engage.

We have integrated e-textbooks into our curriculum to further provide students with a dynamic and engaging learning experience. Research-based intervention programs such as MobyMax and the Wilson Reading System are also used to improve fundamental language arts and math skills and to minimize gaps in learning.

Students also have opportunities to develop their skills and talents in creative and performing arts and in team sports through participation in art, music, and physical education classes.

In addition to building on what students learned in elementary school by introducing new subjects and more advanced concepts in academic, social, and executive functioning skills, Village Glen’s middle school curriculum aims to further develop students’ independent learning and study skills – all with the goal of preparing students for high school level courses and beyond.

male teacher teaching an English class

English
English

Village Glen’s middle school English curriculum incorporates the study of a range of literary works including novels, short stories, poetry, drama, and non-fiction. Through the integration of reading, writing, speaking, and listening our language arts program encourages critical thinking, effective communication, and creativity. A variety of stylistic writing techniques is explored, as are vocabulary development, and editing skills.

boy answering math question on dry erase board

Math
Math

The middle school math curriculum at Village Glen draws from the connections and relationships with mathematics learned in the elementary grades and shapes new mathematical ideas and experiences. The use of technology in conjunction with innovative instruction and support creates a dynamic learning experience that fosters critical thinking skills and builds mathematical fluency and confidence.

girl doing presentation in front of class

Social Studies
Social Studies

The middle school history curriculum focuses on World Cultures and Geography and US history and builds skills in analytical reading and discussion, research, and writing.

girl writing on board about cell structure

Science
Science

Village Glen’s middle school science curriculum is inquiry-based and focuses on fundamental scientific principles while encouraging students to think like scientists. The instruction engages students both individually and in groups in order to develop analytical thinking, problem solving, and deductive reasoning skills.

Middle School

CURRICULUM

In the 7th and 8th grades, Village Glen’s middle school students deepen their knowledge and skills in the English Language Arts, Mathematics, History, and Science.

Our comprehensive middle school curriculum, based on the California State Framework and Content Standards, is rigorous and accommodated to meet the specific needs of our student population. Students take courses in the four content areas of English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and History. Students who show an aptitude and interest in math can begin taking credit courses such as Algebra I and Geometry. Additional elective courses may also be offered in middle school such as beginning Spanish and computer programming.

Daily instruction includes a variety of learning approaches including didactic instruction, project-based learning, blended learning, and peer collaboration. Ongoing professional development ensures our teachers use up-to-date methodologies and technologies that are developmentally appropriate for middle school students and designed to interest and engage.

We have integrated e-textbooks into our curriculum to further provide students with a dynamic and engaging learning experience. Research-based intervention programs such as MobyMax and the Wilson Reading System are also used to improve fundamental language arts and math skills and to minimize gaps in learning.

Students also have opportunities to develop their skills and talents in creative and performing arts and in team sports through participation in art, music, and physical education classes.

In addition to building on what students learned in elementary school by introducing new subjects and more advanced concepts in academic, social, and executive functioning skills, Village Glen’s middle school curriculum aims to further develop students’ independent learning and study skills – all with the goal of preparing students for high school level courses and beyond.

male teacher teaching an English class

English
English

Village Glen’s middle school English curriculum incorporates the study of a range of literary works including novels, short stories, poetry, drama, and non-fiction. Through the integration of reading, writing, speaking, and listening our language arts program encourages critical thinking, effective communication, and creativity. A variety of stylistic writing techniques is explored, as are vocabulary development, and editing skills.

boy answering math question on dry erase board

Math
Math

The middle school math curriculum at Village Glen draws from the connections and relationships with mathematics learned in the elementary grades and shapes new mathematical ideas and experiences. The use of technology in conjunction with innovative instruction and support creates a dynamic learning experience that fosters critical thinking skills and builds mathematical fluency and confidence.

girl doing presentation in front of class

Social Studies
Social Studies

The middle school history curriculum focuses on World Cultures and Geography and US history and builds skills in analytical reading and discussion, research, and writing.

girl writing on board about cell structure

Science
Science

Village Glen’s middle school science curriculum is inquiry-based and focuses on fundamental scientific principles while encouraging students to think like scientists. The instruction engages students both individually and in groups in order to develop analytical thinking, problem solving, and deductive reasoning skills.

female student