The first grade language arts curriculum focuses on developing students’ ability to read.

• Instruction begins with phonemic awareness (the ability to hear and manipulate sounds) and letter knowledge. Mastery of these skills is the foundation to reading development.
• Letter-sound identification and developing the concept of a word as a collection of sounds is the next thread to reading development.
• Phonics and decoding instruction helps students understand that there are predictable patterns to our language.
• Vocabulary development, reading rate and fluency and comprehension round out reading instruction at the first grade.
• Developing writing skills from letter formation to sentence development are important skills targeted for first grade students.

Students are introduced to the basic concepts of life science, plants, seasons, senses, and the scientific method:

• Recognize life cycles
• Understand the basic needs for sustaining life
• Understand that plants produce oxygen and supply people with food, clothing, shelter, medicine and fuel
• Understand seasonal changes
• Understand that senses are used to explore their world and they provide information

The first grade social studies curriculum begins introducing the concept of citizenship to students.

• Students explore want versus need with the use of money through spending, saving, borrowing and budgeting.
• The difference between rules and laws are covered and students begin to make and follow rules.
• Exploring difference and developing tolerance for differences is an important theme covered during the year.
• Students study major holidays and examine how different cultures celebrate holidays.
• Students learn the days of the week and the months of the year and begin to construct simple timelines.
• Land and water map features are covered and students learn to create simple map keys.

The second grade English Language Arts curriculum reviews the concepts and skills in decoding, encoding, comprehension and written expression covered in first grade.

• Reading instruction uses a balanced approached which include phonetics in building decoding skills.
• Spelling instruction connects the skills learned in phonics lessons.
• Vocabulary is related to content areas and literature being studied.
• Students are exposed to a wide variety of literary genre including fiction, picture books, poetry, plays, biographies, and nonfiction. It is expected that students will read aloud and be read to on a daily basis.

• Classify animals according to their characteristics
• Animal habitats
• Earth as a member of our solar system, located in a galaxy within our universe
• Healthy body systems work together
• Role of nutrition, exercise and dental care helps a healthy body
• Matter exists in various phases and those phases change
• The scientific method

The second grade social studies curriculum explore communities and the various types of transportation, shelters, communication and workers found in cities and towns.

• Students continue to expand their skills around money and the role of money in budgeting, borrowing and saving.
• Citizenship explores the relationship of government as it relates to the classroom and school.
• Students examine ways to make a positive difference in their school and community.
• During the study of geography students learn the major graphic elements of maps and globes. They locate particular features in the community and begin to use maps and globes to locate continents and major oceans.
• A study of Native Americans helps students understand the differences between needs and wants and the idea of a trade or barter system. Students will learn about the interaction between Native Americans and Early Settlers and compare and contrast shelter, food, lifestyles and clothing of different North American Tribes.
• A habitat study provides students with an exploration of the wildlife and physical features of various habitats.

Students continue their study of important geographic features as well as the migration and hibernation as it relates to seasons and weather changes.

In third grade the focus in reading is on selecting and applying efficient, effective decoding strategies to comprehend printed texts.

• Students develop vocabulary skills through grade level units of study.
• Fiction and nonfiction literature is used throughout the year, with an emphasis on legends, folklore, poetry, and core literature related to science and social studies units.
• Students compare and contrast literature studied by reviewing story elements learned in the earlier grades.
• Students learn cursive writing during the year, and work on the application of this skill in their written work.
• Since third grade is the first year of state testing for language arts and mathematics, students develop important study and test taking strategies.
• Process writing is used to acquire strength in expressive, informational, and persuasive writing.

The third grade level of the writing strand extends the knowledge of sentence frames, subject/action words, describers, expanders, and connectors .

In third grade students begin to explore electricity, magnetism, plants, rocks/minerals, and weather.

• How electrical and magnetic systems interact with matter and energy
• Functions of plants
• How environmental factors affect plants
• Earth’s surface is constantly changing due to various natural processes
• Impact of weather on their lives
• Scientific method

Fourth grade students are provided with basic strategies for reading comprehension with a focus on summarizing, paraphrasing, and classification. The students are exposed to a variety of literary genre throughout the year.

• They review the basic story elements, and then move to a higher level than was introduced in earlier grades.
• Students continue to use the cursive handwriting techniques taught in third grade and focus more on the application of these skills in their written work.
• The study of grammar begins with a review of the parts of speech. Students begin to make connections between direct instruction and their written work.
• Types of writing studied include descriptive/expository, compare/contrast, report form (nonfiction text), persuasive, and procedural writing.
• Literature is broken down by genre and students identify the characteristics of those selected for fourth grade.

Grade four focuses their science instruction on forces and simple machines, matter, NH ecosystems, and space/planets/stars.

• Six simple machines help people do work
• Force is necessary to change potential energy into kinetic energy
• Matter is composed of dynamic particles and all properties and changes can be explained in terms of forces involved
• Earth is a complex place filled with interacting parts
• Environmental factors affect all living systems as well as species to species interactions
• Earth is a unique member of our solar system located in a galaxy within the universe
• Scientific method

During the year, fifth grade students are introduced to a variety of organizational strategies and reading skills which will help improve their reading comprehension and word attack skills in reading fiction and non-fiction text.

• In the area of writing, the focus will be primarily on writing in the content areas. Students are introduced to a variety of writing techniques which will improve their abilities to inform, persuade, and express ideas on paper.
• In literature, students continue to work and expand their understanding of the story elements. Realistic fiction, biographies, and historical fiction are the major genre to be studied during fifth grade.
• Interpretation and application of figurative language and literary conventions are emphasized.
• Oral communication skills are reinforced through the presentation of dramatic readings, poetry recitations, and reporting.
• Grammar, mechanics, and sentence structures are examined more closely in terms of students’ writing and reading various texts.
• Cursive handwriting, spelling, and vocabulary acquisition are maintained and developed.
• Research is done in conjunction with other content areas.

Students are expected to use primary and secondary sources which include electronic sources. There is emphasis on note taking from text, informal outlining, and writing simple bibliographies.

During the fifth grade year students learn about energy, environmental science, and the human body.

• Relationship among different states and forms of energy
• Electrical and magnetic systems interact with matter and energy
• Interactions between man and the environment that demonstrates how human activities can deliberately or inadvertently alter the equilibrium in an ecosystem
• Organisms and their environments directly influence each other
• Understand the essential systems and parts of the human body and how they interrelate
• Scientific method

During this year of transition from the elementary schools, sixth grade students are provided with organizational and study skills to help them maintain success in the middle school.

• Various note taking strategies appropriate for class lectures, research, textbook study, and active viewing of films and videos are practiced.
• Spelling skills are developed through the study of patterns, rules, and multisyllabic words using spelling lessons designed by District personnel.
• Vocabulary development is directly related to grade level content units of study and literature studied. A variety of literary genre is studied, with a focus on realistic fiction and folktales related to various cultures.
• Writing is developed through the use of elaboration. Students practice writing informative, persuasive and expressive essays with a focus on narrative writing.
• The program includes the following qualities of writing: ideas, organization, word choice, sentence fluency, voice, and conventions helps prioritize, focus, and individualize the instruction of writing.
• Oral presentations and the sharing of students’ work give students opportunities to improve their speaking and listening skills.

When students move to the Middle School their sixth grade science experience include topics in earth science, physical science, and life science.

• The earth is a unique member of our solar system, in a galaxy within the universe
• The earth is a complex place with five interacting systems
• The relationship among different types and forms of energy
• Energy can be transmitted by waves
• Importance of microscopes in the study of microorganisms
• Fundamental structures and functions of protests, plants, and animals Properties of matter
• Scientific method

Students in sixth grade will be able to describe the major contributions of government on all levels.

• They will work with documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the NH Constitution and the Pledge of allegiance to recognize their importance.
• Students will discuss and recognize the importance of for the community, tolerance, education, work and volunteerism.
• An examination of the purpose and the organization of the federal and state government and the branches of government will be covered.
• Economic principles including economic systems, supply and demand and basic economic principles will be explored.
• Geography will explore the map and globe, a review of the United States, Canada, Latin America and New Hampshire land features.
• During the history portion of the sixth grade curriculum, students will cover the American Revolution, the formation of the new government and a review of the New Hampshire history and personalities.

Students in seventh grade continue to practice organizational and study skills by using them in the creation of projects and major written assignment connected to each 7th grade units of study.

• All types of literary genre are studied with the major emphasis on historical fiction related to the study of American history. Realistic fiction dealing with issues of adolescence is also studied. Characterization; conflict and resolution; fact vs. fiction; author’s purpose and point of view; theme; and setting are analyzed in text in greater depth than in earlier grades.
• The development of vocabulary, grammar, and mechanics skills is a major focus in the 7th grade, and students are expected to apply these aspects in their written work. While students work on the four major modes of writing (explanatory, persuasive, compare and contrast, and problem solving), emphasis is on the explanatory which students are asked to demonstrate on the annual 7th grade writing assessment.
• Research skills are taught as students prepare written reports which include note taking, outlining, and a bibliography.
• Students practice and develop their public speaking skills through oral presentations.

Student focus their attention on life science with the study of cell biology, classification, genetics, the human body, biology, microbiology, plants, and the animal kingdom.

• Structures and their functions in living systems
• Role of organic compounds in the cell, cell reproduction
• Living things are organized into kingdoms
• Structures and functions of living things are controlled by their genetic inheritance
• Cells are organized into tissues, organs and systems within the human body
• Scientific method
• Fundamental structures, functions and relationships of microorganisms
• Microbes impact other living organisms
• The role that producers play in the existence and survival of all life on earth
• Diversity and adaptations within the animal kingdom

The seventh grade social studies curriculum provides students with an examination of systems of world governments and the cooperation and conflicts among nations of the world.

• Students will further examine world economic systems and the interaction of world economies.
• The continued focus on the world will cover geography for Africa, Australia, Asia, Antarctica and Europe.
• Students will round out their social experiences with world history concepts that cover early man, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Ancient Hebrew culture, Roman culture, Gupta Indians, Han Chinese, Islamic culture, Nubian, Byzantine culture, Greek culture and the Middle Ages.

Students in eighth grade will continue to use organizational, research and study skills in the creation of grade level projects and reports as well as other written assignments.

• All types of literary genre are studied with the major emphasis on poetry, mysteries, historical fiction, and nonfiction selections related to the study of American history from the post-Civil War era to contemporary times.
• Students are introduced to more classical authors during this year. Author’s purpose, characterization, figurative language, point of view, theme and setting are continually analyzed in more challenging text with depth appropriate to higher cognitive levels.
• The development of vocabulary, grammar and mechanics skills is a major focus in the 8th grade in preparation for Freshman English. Students are expected to apply these aspects of language in all written work.
• Students develop narrative, expository, and persuasive forms of writing throughout the year.
• Research skills are enhanced during this time.
• Public speaking skills are continually reinforced as students are required to participate in classroom discussions, deliver public speaking projects in content area classes, and practice storytelling.

• Different types and forms of energy
• Electrical and magnetic systems interact with matter and energy
• Energy can be transmitted by waves
• Heat is the product of many natural processes
• Matter is composed of dynamic particles and all changes can be explained in terms of force involved
• Unbalanced force exerted on an object causes a change in the state of rest or motion of that object in the direction of the balanced force

During the eighth grade a focus on the United States of America will take place with a review of the constitution and the broadening of American democracy.

• Students will student the development of the American industrial economy and the environmental impact of the America’s growth in the 19th century.
• History will include a review of the American Revolution, the early Industrial Revolution, Immigration, Federalism, Western Expansion and the Civil War and Reconstruction.
• Geography concepts will over an examination of US geography, Native American cultures west of the Mississippi River, the relationship between landform and land use and the impact of technology.

English 9 is a comprehensive program of reading, writing, speaking, and research skills, providing the important foundation for effective communication in all disciplines.

• Areas of the course include advanced reading skills, studying the short story and novel; writing effective paragraphs and essays emphasizing focus, audience, development, and organization; studying the structure of grammar, mechanics, and usage; practicing effective oral communication; and utilizing research techniques in the media center.

The mathematics program at the high school is designed to provide students with challenges that will bring them through algebra 1. While many students may begin their high school career by taking algebra 1, there are courses for students to expand their basic skills to prepare them for algebra 1 as well as advanced courses for those students who mastered algebra 1 concepts in middle school.

• Algebra I concepts include operating with a set of rational numbers, simplifying algebraic expressions, solutions of linear equations and inequalities, linear and quadratic functions and their graphs, properties of real numbers and related proofs, systems of equations and inequalities, simplifying rational expressions and their use in graphs.

Earth science is covered during the first year of high school.

• Complex nature and history of astronomy
• Models and other forms of technology are initially used to explore new ideas about the universe
• Complex nature/history of geology
• Parts of the earth and understand how the parts interrelate in the operation of that object or system
• Stability and change on the earth’s surface and cause and effect
• Nature/history of meteorology
• Heat is the product of many natural processes
• Nature and history of oceanography
• Scientific method.

World History provides a global and in-depth study of the development of man and society from 1500-1990’s.

• Among the topics studied are; the Renaissance, Reformation, Age of Discovery, the Age of Enlightenment, Age of Revolution, The Industrial Revolution, European Imperialism, both World Wars, and events which are shaping the modern world.
• Through a variety of instructional techniques students will develop listening, writing, and organizational skills as well as the ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information.

In English 10 students will further develop their writing skills with emphasis on clarification, literary analysis, and career exploration.

• Among core texts that will be studied are a Greek Tragedy, ancient stories and poems including excerpts from Hebrew scriptures, Asian poetry, medieval romances and epics.
• In addition to literature and writing, intensive study of critical reading and vocabulary for SAT preparation, grammar and punctuation are a major emphasis in the curriculum.

Sophomores may participate in geometry, algebra II, or continue working on their algebra I skills.

• Geometry focuses on the structure of geometry and the properties of two and three-dimensional figures. Logical thinking will be developed and applied in constructing and understanding formal proofs, both direc and indirect. Triangles, polygons, circles and related concepts of congruency and similarity will be studied. Areas and volumes of two and three-dimensional figures will be studied.
• Algebra II covers the properties of the real number system developed in a previous algebra course where students will review, utilize proofs and principles of logic to develop these properties further. Emphasis is placed on a study of functions and their related graphs and equations – linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, and polynomial. The inverses and compositions of functions will also be studied.

Sophomores study biology as part of their science requirement in high school.

• Importance of different plant groups
• Use a dichotomous key to identify organisms
• Distinguish among the kingdoms
• Understand theory of evolution by natural selection
• Importance of viruses and other members from the kingdoms protista, fungi, eubacteria and archaebacteria
• Traits, roles and behaviors of members of the animal kingdom
• Characteristics of living things depend on genes
• Accomplishments of pioneers in DNA research
• Scientific method
• Characteristics of life
• Food webs
• Biogeochemical cycles
• Symbiotic relationships
• Cells, parts of cell and how they relate and function, reproduce, and cell chemistry

While there is no 10th grade social studies requirement, students are encouraged to take a course in American Government, Geography, or Far East History will serve to better prepare students for the NH State Assessment given in the spring of their sophomore year.

• The American Government course is an overview of the American Government system; how it is structured and how it operates today. Students study the documents that are the foundation for the federal government of the United States and the elements of the American political system.
• Far East History studies the emerging nations of Asia (Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Singapore, Kampuchea, and Malaysia), focuses on the economic, social, and political relationships among these nations and the Western World.
• Geography introduces students to both the Western and non-western regions of the world. Topics such as natural resources, population growth, economic development, as well as the more general categories of physical and cultural geography will be explored.

American Literature is a study of American literature from the colonial era to the present. Additionally, the course focuses on various forms of expository writing, especially persuasive writing, literary research, and social commentary.

• Critical thinking skills, including logical reasoning and intensive preparation for college board and career placement testing will be studied.
• Listening, viewing, and cultural exploration will be fostered through films and class discussion.

Probability and statistics and trigonometry are courses typically designed for the Junior.

• Probability and statistics statistics provides students with the fundamental concepts of probability, including conditional probability, independent events, tree diagrams, multiplication principle, random variables, Bernoulli experiments and standard normal distribution.
• Trigonometry includes a study of trigonometric and circular functions and their inverses. Emphasis is placed on using trigonometry as a tool for solving triangles and as a mathematical model for real-life situations.
• Analysis studies mathematical functions and their use as mathematical models of situations that generate data. Polynomial, exponential, logarithmic and other elementary functions are studied so that students are ready to matriculate in more advanced courses, such as calculus. Statistical concepts such as linear regression and correlation are used to make sense of the real world.

provides the student with a study of the US History from 1900 to the present. Students focus on Imperialism, World War I and II, the New Deal, Civil Rights, the Sixties, Vietnam , the New Feminism, Watergate, and recent presidential administrations.

Calculus begins with analytical preparation for calculus with a review of analysis topics. The material covered includes limit and its relationship to derivatives, techniques and applications of differentiations, methods of integration, the definite integral and application of the integral are studied.

• Gates MacGinitie Reading
• Writing Prompt

• Foundations- Reading Records
• Gates MacGinitie Reading
• Writing Prompt

• Gates MacGinitie Reading
• Writing Prompt

• Foundations – Running Records
• Addition/Subtraction

• Foundations- Reading Records
• Gates MacGinitie Reading
• Writing Prompt

• Gates MacGinitie Reading
• NECAP – State Assessment
• Writing Prompt

• Foundations – Running Records
• Multiplication

• Foundations- Reading Records
• Gates MacGinitie Reading
• Writing Prompt

• Gates MacGinitie Reading
• NECAP – State Assessment
• Writing Prompt

• Problem Solving

• Gates MacGinitie Reading
• Writing Prompt

• Gates MacGinitie Reading
• NECAP – State Assessment
• Writing Prompt

• Research Report

• Gates MacGinitie Reading
• Terra Nova
• Writing Prompt

• Gates MacGinitie Reading
• NECAP – State Assessment

• Grammar

• Gates MacGinitie Reading
• Grammar

• Gates MacGinitie Reading
• NECAP – State Assessment

• Grammar

• Gates MacGinitie Reading
• Grammar

• Gates MacGinitie Reading
• NECAP – State Assessment

• Writing Prompt
• Grammar

• Gates MacGinitie Reading
• Grammar

• NECAP State Assessment

• ASVAB