2023-2024 School Year:
Exploration and Formation
The middle school experience is where we see our students in grades 7-8 begin to challenge themselves through exploration of the world around them. PACT programs and curriculum test the student in core subject areas but offers more opportunities in the arts, honors, and language.
Extracurricular activities are also open to middle school students in most sports and fine art activities.
Instructional Methods
- Incorporating multiple intelligences: logical, intrapersonal, musical, kinesthetic, spatial, linguistic, naturalistic, interpersonal
- Incorporating research-based student engagement techniques
- Teaching students how to research using a variety of resources
- Integrating subjects and cross-curricular projects when appropriate
- Providing an emotionally and physically safe, positive learning environment
- Working Collaboratively
- Training students in decision-making
- Differentiating instruction
According to the 2022 Climate Survey
86% of Secondary parents are satisified with PACT.
85% of Secondary parents affirm their student’s Mastery of Grade Level Learning.
86% of Secondary parents value PACT’s Qualified staff members.
Academic Standards
Standards approved by the Minnesota Department of Education and the Legislature are listed here:
- K-12 Language Arts Standards
- K-12 Mathematics Standards
- K-12 Social Studies Standards
- K-12 Science Standards
- K-12 Arts Standards
To learn more about academic standards, visit the Minnesota Department of Education website.
Core Courses
- Language Arts - Grade 7
- Language Arts - Grade 8
Specials Courses
- Health - Grade 7
- Physical Education - Grade 7
- Physical Education - Grade 8
Course Information
Unique Learning Opportunities
An honors option may be available in Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science. Typically, honors work will be integrated into the standard classroom through differentiated instruction. Students who elect this option will be challenged through a deeper analysis of topics covered, allowing them to apply higher-level thinking skills. In addition, honors students may be covering advanced coursework and may have alternate writing expectations, and may complete different assignments/projects than the standard course. These may include but are not limited to tiered assignments, project menus, integration matrixes, and essay exams.
To participate, a student must have earned a grade of "B" or higher in the previous course in the same discipline, and/or have the recommendation and approval of the instructor. At the beginning of the semester, students will complete an honors application and sign a contract with their teacher outlining the requirements for the course.
Classroom Support
The After School Assistance Program (ASAP) is for students who desire a supervised period after school. The room will run after school from 3:05-6 p.m. and will be staffed by a PACT educator.
Any Secondary student who knows he/she will be staying after school to meet with a teacher, take a test, work on an assignment, wait for a sibling or a sporting event, etc., can sign in at ASAP room. All regular school expectations and rules apply.
Classroom Management
The Love and Logic approach is a behavior management program that has been very effective in dealing with issues in the classroom. It neutralizes arguing, offers delayed consequences, shows empathy, and develops a positive teacher-student relationship. It’s a way to set enforceable limits that prevents power struggles and guide students to own and solve their problems. It has been a valuable tool for PACT’s teachers that allows them to enjoy time with their students!
To support our Love and Logic discipline philosophy, our Secondary program utilizes a School Discipline Support Room. The room is used as a tool for teachers and students to work out behavior issues after school. This allows students to stay in the classroom during the day, so they do not miss out on instruction. The room is staffed by a teacher and runs after school from 3:15-4:15 p.m., as needed.