The Middle School years are ones of great change and excitement for students.
No longer an elementary student, but not yet possessing the skills for full
independent study.
Middle School teachers encourage students to investigate, research, and question
information while they develop important study and organization skills and habits
for high school and higher education.
Our challenging curriculum provides separate instructors certified in their
subject area for each course, guaranteeing an in-depth and rigorous course load.
The General Studies curriculum of Middle School students builds on the skills
and knowledge they acquired in the lower grades. The curriculum uses the New Jersey
State Standards as its basis, and builds from there. Students are exposed to a
wide range of literature and are instructed in decoding, comprehending, and responding
to a variety of reading material.
Students are encouraged to write both expressively and creatively to convey feelings,
information, and ideas clearly and precisely. The social studies curriculum builds
on a study of history to link present with the past, and gain a fuller understanding
of world cultures. In mathematics, students are challenged with pre-algebra and
algebra, geometry, and extended logical reasoning. The science program exposes
students to ecology and earth sciences, life sciences, and physical sciences.
Jewish Studies Curriculum
In Middle School, students delve deeper into their Jewish heritage. By studying
the meaning and interpretation of texts, they are better able to understand
their own Jewish identity and its context.
In Hebrew, students are encouraged to speak and write creatively in the language,
and use Hebrew as a living language.
As part of our curriculum, our eighth grade travels to Israel as a class to
experience our Jewish homeland together.
Technology
Recognizing the importance of technology in our world, our Middle School program
emphasizes mastering technology and implementing it in the classroom.
All teachers are provided support and instruction in integrating technology
into their curriculum. Students regularly use the school's library and media
center for research projects and presentations.
Oral presentations are given with PowerPoint, while other projects make use
of graphic design, digital photography, audio, and movie making software.
The Arts
Students receive art and music instruction weekly.
Our Fine Arts program exposes children to various mediums and techniques, and
introduces them to artists and artistic periods. Long range projects focus on
both the absorption of art history, while giving children an opportunity to
explore and create their own art.
Music instruction gives students an appreciation of music history and genres.
Outside of school, students can participate in school productions, the school
choir, or take instrumental music instruction.
Athletics
Promoting athletics in Middle School, is vital to imbue upon students the value
of physical fitness. Students are taught the skills and rules of various sports during
physical education instruction, as well as the proper way to train and condition their
bodies for exercise. After-school sports teams in basketball and baseball give students
additional outlets to participate in athletics.
Academic Support
GBDS recognizes that all students learn differently and have developed our program
so that each students can progress at their own pace. We offer small, individualized classes
for students that need assistance, or who would benefit from enrichment. Using technology,
on-line support, and instructors, students are offered enrichment in all subjects.
Our SET (Student Education Team) and Mechina (Judaic Studies Remedial program) instruct students
individually and in small groups in subjects where they need assistance. Teachers regularly work with
Bergen County Special Services and follow students' IEPs to ensure that they are receiving the most
appropriate instruction for them.
Experiential Learning
Our Middle School students have many opportunities to participate in hands-on
activities to provide experiential learning experiences.
From our 6th grade trip to TEVA, a Jewish Environmental Education Institute,
to our Middle School elective program, to community service programs, students
are encouraged to participate in activities that will expose them to real-life
applications of the lessons they are learning in school.
Middle School trips include Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and our annual eighth
grade trip to Israel.
Extra-curricular programs
At GBDS we invest in the social and emotional development of each child. Our program encompasses
a diverse array of programs and activities to foster respect, emphasize personal responsibility,
promote leadership skills, cultivate community awareness, teach Jewish values, and help each
child realize their own potential. Extra-curricular opportunities such as theatrical performances,
special interest clubs, and athletics, along with school-wide community service programs and family
activities encourage creativity, self-confidence, and above all, opportunities to excel.
Social Action Projects and Community Awareness
At GBDS, we teach our children that they are part of a larger community. We
imbue in them a sense of social responsibility towards the Jewish community,
our local community, our country, and the world. We participate in community
service projects year round to emphasize this.
Middle School students regularly cook and serve food in soup kitchens and homeless
shelters. We hold various drives for toys, food, coats, and other products.
Students correspond with soldiers serving oversees, and visit the elderly in
Nursing Homes. Social action is an important part of who we are.
