Budget Vote: May 21, 2013 at BCHS, 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Upcoming Events

May 17

• Grade 5 Visits BCMS

• Grade 6 Half Day

May 21

• School Budget Vote & District Election, BCHS Gym, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

May 22

• Board of Education Meeting, 7 p.m.

May 23

• BCMS Art Show and Auction 5-7 p.m. (Auction at 6:30)

May 27

• Memorial Day, No School/Offices Closed

May 30

• Literacy Fair, 6-8:30 p.m.

June 19

• MS Half Day, All Grades, 10:38 a.m. dismissal

June 20

• MS Half Day, Grades 6 & 7, 10:38 a.m. dismissal

• Grade 8 Moving Up Ceremony at BCHS

   COMPLETE CALENDAR

 

Academics

Academics at BCMS

Bethlehem Central Middle School's academic program is structured to meet the expectations of the New York State learning standards while being responsive to the diverse needs of students entering early adolescence.

As the link between the highly structured world elementary school and the more independent academic and social environment of high school, middle school education adds a critical building block to a student’s academic foundation and helps students find personal meaning and excitement in their learning.

BC Middle School is organized into two houses, each containing students in grades 6, 7 and 8. Students generally remain in the same house throughout their academic career at the school, engendering a level of familiarity with classmates and teachers. Within each house, teachers work together in teams to promote interdisciplinary learning and to best meet the needs of each individual learner.

 

Curriculum requirements

For detailed curriculum information and course descriptions, view the Middle School's Curriculum Handbook [PDF].
Generally, students in all grade levels at the Middle School are required to take:

• Art

• English

• Family & Consumer Science

• Math

• Music

• Science

• Second Language (French, Spanish or Chinese)

• Social Studies

• Physical Education 

 

Enrichment opportunities

Enrichment opportunities exist for students in grades 6, 7 and 8. Such opportunities may involve a greater emphasis on higher-level thinking skills and options for students to complete more advanced research and laboratory projects.
 
The accelerated math program allows for advanced work for students at each grade level and makes it possible for students to earn high school credit while at the Middle School. Students have the opportunity to qualify for accelerated math each year.

 

academic support

Students who have not met the state learning standards or are identified as at risk for not meeting these standards may receive Academic Intervention Services (AIS). These services provide a setting, with smaller class sizes, in which students receive instruction in core subjects and “learning how to learn” skills. Some grade 6 & 7 students delay the start of second language instruction to receive AIS. Grade 8 students must begin second language instruction, so AIS support is built into the school day.

The Reading Lab and the Math Lab are remedial programs for students in Grade 6, 7 and 8 who have low standardized tests scores. The lab sessions usually include between four and eight students and meet during the day, up to five times a week, in classrooms or in a separate instructional setting. Support may also be provided within the classroom.

Our Resource Room programs provide academic and instructional modifications to students identified with learning disabilities.