Communication

The school-home connection is supported through the MS Principal's Blog, e-mail, our weekly In the Middle newsletter, and individual meetings. Click Here to Visit the Middle School Principal blog.

We strongly recommend you read the 2011-2012 Middle School Handbook with your child. Click here to download the Middle School Handbook 2011-2012.

Academic Program

Our middle school teachers have chosen to work with young adolescents; they understand how these students are developmentally different from children of other ages. They engage students in active learning that puts the child at the center of the learning process. Our middle school program is exploratory and challenging, and incorporates student-generated questions and concerns. Instruction incorporates a wide variety of skills and abilities, respects multiple intelligences and individual learning styles, and utilizes digital tools. Teachers utilize a variety of authentic and appropriate assessment measures ranging from essays, tests, and quizzes to collaborative projects, in class and online discussions, multimedia presentations, and performances.

Our academic program includes a core curriculum based on United States standards and benchmarks. It prepares students to be successful in a college preparatory program once they enter high school.

The core courses in middle school are English, literature, Spanish, mathematics, social studies, and science. Sixth graders take earth science and ancient civilizations. Seventh graders take life science and geography of the Eastern Hemisphere. Eighth graders take physical science and United States history. English as a Second Language is available for students needing intense language development. A variety of Spanish courses are available ranging from beginning Spanish for our non-Spanish speaking students newly arrived in Costa Rica, up to Spanish for native speakers. We also offer daily electives (band, choir, art, drama, campus helpers, life skills) and physical education.

There are curriculum standards and benchmarks available for each subject area. Parents may request copies from the office if they wish.

Teachers are expected to incorporate 21st century skills as much as possible into their lessons. These include the development and enhancement of creativity, innovation, critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and collaboration. For more information, please see Partnership for 21st Century Skills.

Advisory Program

Our middle school advisory program creates small, supportive communities in which members learn responsibility, build positive relationships, and enhance personal growth through team building, service, and fun. The purpose of this program is to help students feel more connected to one particular peer group and one teacher who students can turn to throughout the year for advice, support, and guidance.

Advisory groups hold a variety of activities including organizational days, intramurals, town meetings, grade level meetings, team building, and service projects. For sixth graders, an important part of the program is to help them transition to middle school. Advisors are responsible for teaching and reinforcing study and organizational skills such as the proper use of a locker and backpack, time management, listening skills, and study skills.

Outdoor Science Challenge Trips

Every year, each grade experiences an outdoor science challenge trip chaperoned by teachers. Each trip has a particular emphasis depending on the grade level. Sixth graders go to Rincon de la Vieja National Park and eighth graders go to Manuel Antonio National Park. The seventh grade trip varies. An informational letter, packing list, and description of rules are provided to parents two months before each trip.

Sports

Physical education is an important part of the curriculum. All middle school students take PE twice a week. We also include some physical activity in the advisory program and during team sports.

We have separate boys and girls teams. The 2011-12 sports seasons are basketball from August 24 to November 11, soccer from November 16 to March 9, and volleyball from March 14 to June 8. We also offer a coed swimming program beginning in February.

Although an athlete must make a commitment to his or her sport, a CDS student's first priority is academics. Students who fail to maintain appropriate academic standards or to follow team rules may be restricted from playing in games.

Middle School Student Organizations

We have three formal organizations in the middle school. These are the National Junior Honor Society, Student Council, and Roots and Shoots.

The NJHS is a U.S. based student organization that provides a way for already outstanding students to develop leadership skills as they work on service projects and serve as positive role models. Selection to the National Junior Honor Society is a privilege. The Faculty Council selects for membership only those students who demonstrate outstanding performance in five criteria: scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, and character.

The Student Council consists of the President, Vice-president, Treasurer, and Secretary. In addition, one representative is elected per grade to attend all Student Council meetings. The Student Council is responsible for planning and carrying out a variety of activities such as a Halloween dance, spirit days, and a service project.

The Roots and Shoots program allows students to develop strong organizational and leadership skills while making positive change happen for people, animals, and the environment. The Roots and Shoots network was created by Dr. Jane Goodall to connect youth of all ages around the globe who share a desire to create a better world. Projects initiated by our middle school students have included a dog shelter created by students; the collection of food, personal hygiene items, and educational supplies for an orphanage, as well as regular visits to play with the children; disaster relief for Haiti, Pakistan, Costa Rica, and Japan; educational scholarships for indigenous children in Talamanca; and feeding the homeless in San Jose and poor families in La Carpio. For more information about Roots and Shoots, you may want to consult the website at Roots and Shoots.