The eighth grade language arts curriculum consisting of both English and reading is designed to develop skills necessary for the correct usage of the English language in written work and to foster an appreciation of literature. Students will develop and increase their vocabulary skills in both related works and through prepared exercises. The use of correct grammar and sentence structure will be emphasized through instructive lessons and as the need arises and/or the opportunity presents itself.
Writing as a process will be reinforced through creative samples and literature related essays and open-ended questions. The focus of both the reading and English components of language arts is to address the reading and writing skills while developing an understanding and appreciation for the writer's craft.
The ultimate goal at Schuyler-Colfax Middle School is to prepare students for the next step of their education, high school. Regardless of the specific mathematics course (pre-algebra, algebra, or Track 1A), the vast curriculum based upon the New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards is addressed and the instruction spans the introductory and reinforcement levels to that of mastery. Besides the daunting scope of the aforementioned task, those at Schuyler-Colfax recognize that both work ethic and responsibility must be instilled in each and every student for they are life lessons which will serve all students well long after their formal education is over. All of this must be done within the guidelines of the middle school philosophy which stresses the caring for and nurturing of the individual student. The eighth grade math department also takes pride that the female students are being taught by dynamic and sensitive female teachers which gives them incentive to excel and thrive in this once male-dominated discipline. Everyone is encouraged to follow and search for careers in this interesting subject.
The 8th grade science department is committed to academic excellence built on the belief that all students can learn, achieve, and succeed in science. This is accomplished through a challenging curriculum supported by instructional strategies that recognize that students learn in different ways and at different rates. The department is committed to providing a caring, nurturing learning environment. We believe that it is imperative that parents take an active role in their child’s education and become well informed partners in the education process.
During 8th grade Earth Science, each student will have the opportunity to achieve success in understanding the concepts and principles of topics in Earth Science through laboratory experiments, class lecture, student reports, group activities, and audiovisual presentations. The 8th grade gifted and talents students, having already completed the Earth Science curriculum, are placed in Biology which is the 9th grade science course.
Both the Earth Science and Biology curriculum objectives are aligned with the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for Science and Work Place Readiness which will prepare them for the Grade Eight Proficiency Assessment (GEPA) that the students will take in March.
The Schuyler-Colfax Social Studies Department in the eighth grade covers a large timetable running from Early Man to the European Middle Ages. We, as a teaching team, feel that it is vitally important that students can compare and contrast our own civilization with other ancient civilizations, which are not only apart chronologically, but also geographically.
We also stress cooperation between and tolerance among others and discuss aspects of persecution of various ethnic and cultural groups throughout the pantheon of history.
Mrs. Kuhn - Science - e-mail
Mr. Dey - Math - e-mail
Mr. Banks - LAL - e-mail
Mrs. Tucker - SS - e-mail
Mr. Way - LAL e-mail
Mrs. Hanenberg - ICS - e-mail
Mrs. Vivino - Science - e-mail
Mrs. Jimenez - LAL - e-mail
Ms. Foulds - Math - e-mail
Mr. Perrotta - SS - e-mail
Mrs. Anderson - LAL - e-mail
Mr. Bayley - ICS - e-mail
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