Academics at Union Middle School

Welcome to Union Middle School! Our commitment to academic excellence forms the foundation of our students' educational journey. Our rigorous and dynamic curriculum is designed to cater to the diverse needs and interests of young learners, fostering both intellectual and personal growth. Here's a comprehensive look at what our academic program entails:

Vision

Each person on our teaching and support staff provides rigorous standards-based and universally implemented instruction that values the needs of each individual learner. Teachers are committed to:

• Following the collaboratively created and regularly revised curriculum map and “scope and sequence” aligned to the California standards in as much depth as possible. 

• Using formative and summative assessments and district benchmarks to regularly assess student knowledge and ability as well as make informed decisions about the instruction in which they are engaged. 

• Differentiating instruction and assignments when necessary to meet the needs of all students. 

• Providing explicit direct instruction to introduce new information and engaging opportunities for problem solving, hands-on learning, experimentation, and higher-order thinking. 

• Assigning homework that is meaningful and reinforces the instruction in the classroom. 

Collaboration

• Fundamental to the “middle school” model to which Union Middle School adheres is the importance of positive student-adult relationships. As such, we believe that students learn best when the adults that serve them share the same students, communicate regularly about student needs, provide an interdisciplinary approach to learning and create a sense of community within the group.  To achieve this goal, each grade is divided up into two interdisciplinary teams. Teams include at least one ELA, math, science, and social studies teacher as well as elective and PE specialists. Members of the teams collaborate each week on Wednesdays during the early dismissal collaboration. 

• In addition to the collaboration that occurs about kids and their needs, Union staff collaborates in subject-specific groups across grade-levels and within grade levels. Teachers use department collaboration time to revise the curriculum maps, discuss material and instruction, analyze data, lesson plan, and share best practices. Collaboration occurs after school, during common prep periods, release days, and periodically during early dismissal collaboration.

Core Curriculum

At UMS, our core curriculum includes:

• English Language Arts (ELA): Focusing on reading comprehension, writing, grammar, and vocabulary, our ELA program helps students develop critical thinking and communication skills. Students engage with a variety of literary genres and participate in activities that enhance their analytical abilities.

• Mathematics: Our math curriculum covers fundamental concepts in arithmetic and algebra. We emphasize problem-solving and logical reasoning, preparing students for advanced mathematical studies.

• Science: With a hands-on approach, our science program includes studies in life, biological and physical sciences. Students participate in experiments, projects, and field trips that bring scientific concepts to life.

• Social Studies: Covering history, geography, civics, and economics, our social studies curriculum helps students understand the complexities of our world. We encourage critical thinking and active citizenship through discussions and projects.

Elective Courses

To complement the core subjects, UMS offers a variety of elective courses, allowing students to explore their interests and talents:

• Foreign Language: Courses in Spanish are available to develop language proficiency and cultural awareness.

• Arts: Students can choose from visual arts, music, crafting, and drama to nurture their creative expression.

• Athletics & Wellness: Active opportunities in Dance, Health & Fitness, and Adv PE are all elective options for our students at UMS

• Science & Technology: Our courses cover Coding, Robotics, Marine Biology, Tiger Talk, and Minecraft, providing students with opportunities to explore technology and science topics.

• High School Prep: Our students can prepare for high school with academic-focused classes in Design Thinking, Journalism, World Cultures, Thrive, Leadership, Intro to Leadership, and many, many more! 

Advanced and Support Programs

Recognizing the varied academic needs of our students, we offer:

• Advanced Math Club Prep, Math Workshop, and Math IM1: For students seeking more challenging coursework, we provide accelerated classes in Math throughout all grade levels, including the opportunity to take IM1 (9th grade math) during their 8th grade year.

• Special Education: Our special education program supports students with diverse learning needs through individualized education plans (IEPs) and specialized instruction.

• Tutoring and Academic Support: Additional help is available through before-school clinics, homework clubs, and resource centers staffed by dedicated educators.

Extracurricular Activities

Beyond the classroom, UMS offers a rich array of extracurricular activities that support academic and personal growth:

• Clubs and Organizations: Students can join various clubs, such as the Math Competition Club, Chess Club, Cooking Club and more, to pursue their interests and develop leadership skills.

• Sports Teams: Our athletics program includes soccer, basketball, wrestling, volleyball, track and field, cross country, and field hockey, promoting teamwork and school spirit.

• Performing Arts: Students can participate in band, choir, theater productions, percussion, strings, and other performing arts, showcasing their talents and creativity.

Academic Calendar and Resources

Our academic year is structured around a quarter system, with regular assessments and progress reports to keep families informed. We also provide:

• Library and Media Center: Equipped with a vast collection of books, digital resources, and study spaces to support research and reading.

• Counseling Services: Academic counselors are available to assist students with course selection and personal development.

• Mental Health Services: Mental Health Therapists are available to assist student who need support and counseling, and also staff our Wellness Center.

At Union Middle School, we strive to create an inclusive and stimulating academic environment where every student can thrive. We are dedicated to preparing our students for the challenges of high school and beyond, fostering a lifelong love of learning.