MMS Curriculum & Programming Guide

Dear MMS Families,

At MMS, we believe middle school is about much more than simply preparing students academically for high school. It is about challenging students, supporting their individual needs, helping them build relationships and discover new interests, and growing into strong learners and stronger people.

We created this guide to give families a clear picture of the curriculum, programs, supports, and opportunities that make up the MMS experience. We are proud of what we offer our Wildcats and excited to share it with you!

At Medinah Middle School, our goal is to meet students where they are while continuing to challenge them to grow. Our teachers provide strong grade-level instruction while adjusting support, scaffolding, and enrichment based on the needs of individual students.

Middle school students develop at different rates and have different strengths, so we use a variety of information to understand what each student needs. One important tool is the MAP Growth assessment, which students take three times each year. MAP provides valuable diagnostic information that helps us identify individual areas of strength, areas for growth, and potential gaps in learning. Teachers use this information alongside classroom performance, assessments, and their own observations to make instructional decisions.

For some students, that means additional support or intervention. For others, it means increased rigor, enrichment, or opportunities to work above grade level.

Above all, we want our students to leave MMS as stronger learners and stronger people — academically prepared for the next level, socially confident, and continuing to grow into responsible, thoughtful, and capable young adults.

Every student at MMS is part of an Advisory, which serves as a home base of sorts during the school day. Advisory groups are cross-graded, giving students opportunities to build relationships with Wildcats from other grade levels in a smaller, more relaxed setting.

Advisory time is used for social-emotional learning (SEL), team-building activities, schoolwide lessons and activities, and building connections with one another. Most importantly, each student has an Adviser who serves as an adult advocate — someone who knows them, checks in with them, and is in their corner throughout the year.

Our goal is simple: every student should feel known, supported, and connected at MMS.

MMS follows a true middle school philosophy, which includes organizing our teachers into grade-level teams. Each grade level has a core team of teachers who get to know their students well and work together to support them throughout the year.

Our grade-level teams have dedicated time to meet and collaborate every day. During this time, teachers discuss student progress, share concerns and successes, coordinate supports, and problem-solve together. This allows us to look beyond how a student is doing in just one class and instead focus on supporting the whole child — academically, socially, and personally.

We believe strongly in this team approach. Middle school students thrive when the adults around them know them well, communicate with one another, and work together to help them succeed.

Our goal in mathematics is to ensure that every student is appropriately challenged while building the foundation needed for future success. Because math follows a sequential progression of skills and concepts, students who demonstrate readiness may have opportunities to take coursework above their grade level, including high school-level mathematics.

Math Curriculum

For most math courses, MMS uses the EdGems curriculum. Our Algebra students use the Prentice Hall Algebra 1 textbook and curriculum, while Geometry students follow Lake Park High School’s Geometry curriculum, which uses a flipped-classroom model.

Math Placement & Pathways

Students generally progress through one of three math pathways at MMS: On Grade Level, Accelerated, or Double Accelerated. These pathways allow us to appropriately challenge students based on their readiness while ensuring they develop the foundational skills necessary for continued success in mathematics.

Placement is based on multiple data points, including MAP results, classroom performance, teacher input, and demonstrated mastery of prerequisite skills. We continue to review student growth and performance throughout middle school, recognizing that students develop at different rates and placement can change over time.

For more information about our math pathways, placement criteria, and course progression, click below.

Our Literacy classrooms focus on developing strong readers, writers, communicators, and critical thinkers. Students engage in reading, writing, discussion, and close analysis of texts, with regular opportunities to support their thinking with evidence.

Literacy Curriculum

MMS uses Amplify ELA as our core Literacy curriculum. Amplify exposes students to a variety of rich and complex texts while placing a strong emphasis on close reading, evidence-based discussion, and frequent writing. Students are regularly asked to analyze what they read, support their ideas with evidence from the text, and communicate their thinking through both discussion and writing.

How Do We Challenge Students in Literacy?

Literacy is taught in heterogeneous grade-level classes, where students with different strengths, perspectives, and levels of readiness learn together. This structure supports rich discussion and collaboration while allowing teachers to differentiate instruction based on individual student readiness. Teachers can provide targeted scaffolds, modeling, and support for students who need them while increasing the depth, complexity, and independence of the work for students who are ready for greater challenge.

Students who are ready for greater challenge experience increased rigor through more complex questions, reduced scaffolding and prompting, and greater independence. They may be asked to make connections across texts, analyze and evaluate an author’s choices, defend interpretations using multiple pieces of evidence, engage in deeper analysis, and write with greater sophistication and independence.

Through this approach, all students engage with a shared, rigorous grade-level curriculum while receiving the appropriate level of support and challenge to continue growing as readers, writers, communicators, and critical thinkers.

For a closer look at what students learn in each grade level, click the button below.

Our Science program focuses on helping students think like scientists by asking questions, investigating real-world phenomena, analyzing evidence, and developing explanations based on what they discover.

MMS uses the IQWST curriculum — Investigating and Questioning our World Through Science and Technology. IQWST is an inquiry-based program that engages students in hands-on learning and encourages them to make connections between scientific concepts and the world around them.

At every grade level, students explore topics across the major areas of science, including physics, chemistry, life science, and Earth science. As students progress through middle school, they build their understanding of important science concepts while strengthening skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, scientific reasoning, and using evidence to support conclusions.

For a closer look at what students learn in each grade level, click the button below.

Our Social Studies program uses the McGraw Hill curriculum to help students build a strong understanding of history, geography, government, and the world around them. Across grade levels, students develop important Social Studies skills by analyzing primary and secondary sources, evaluating different perspectives, asking questions, participating in evidence-based discussions, and making connections between the past and present.

Through these experiences, students strengthen their critical thinking and learn to consider evidence, understand multiple perspectives, and better understand the people, events, and ideas that have shaped our world. Our goal is to help students become thoughtful, informed citizens who can better understand and engage with the world around them.

For a closer look at what students learn at each grade level, click below.

Three days each week, MMS students participate in WIN (What I Need) — dedicated time in our schedule for intervention and enrichment based on individual student needs. While much of our WIN work focuses on literacy and reading, students may also receive support in areas such as math, language acquisition, executive functioning, or other identified needs.

We use student performance, teacher input, and assessment data — including MAP — to help determine the appropriate level of support:

Tier 1 – Support for All: The high-quality instruction and differentiation that all students receive as part of their regular classroom experience.

Tier 2 – Additional Support: Students who consistently perform in approximately the 11th–30th percentiles may receive additional targeted support, typically through small-group instruction, re-teaching, and additional practice of specific skills.

Tier 3 – Intensive Support: Students who consistently perform in approximately the 1st–10th percentiles may receive more intensive support through very small-group instruction or, when appropriate, individualized 1:1 support.

WIN isn't only about intervention! For students who are demonstrating strong mastery of grade-level skills, WIN also provides opportunities for enrichment and additional academic challenge.

Our goal is right in the name: use this dedicated time to provide students with what they need to continue learning and growing.

We are incredibly proud of the high-quality Band program at MMS — and if you have ever seen our students perform, you know it!

Our program includes a 6th Grade Band, combined 7th & 8th Grade Band, and Jazz Band. Students also have opportunities to extend their musical experience by participating in Solo & Ensemble competitions and the ILMEA Honor Band Festival.

Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, based on feedback from our community, we made an important change by moving Band into the school day rather than offering it only before school. This has been extremely successful and has opened the door for many more students to participate.

To make Band part of the school day, Band takes place during WIN time. Students who participate in Band are generally not scheduled into a WIN intervention or enrichment group. However, we never want a student who needs additional academic support to feel like they have to give up Band. When concerns arise, Mr. Propheter works flexibly with grade-level teachers to find opportunities for students to receive needed intervention while continuing to participate in Band.

For many of our students, Band is one of the most engaging, challenging, and rewarding parts of their middle school experience, and we are proud to make this opportunity available during the school day.

MMS students participate in Physical Education every day! Students receive a PE uniform, including a shirt and shorts, with optional PE sweatpants available as an alternative. Students change for PE each day to promote good hygiene and keep their regular school clothes fresh throughout the day. PE uniforms, athletic shoes, and deodorant can be kept in students’ assigned lockers in the PE locker rooms.

Throughout the year, students participate in a variety of team and individual sports, fitness activities, and team-building games. Students also complete required state fitness testing, including the PACER, mile run, sit-and-reach, push-up, and curl-up tests.

Periodically throughout the year, students participate in Health class in place of PE. MMS uses Health Skills for Middle School by Goodheart-Willcox as our Health curriculum. Health instruction covers age-appropriate topics designed to help students make healthy and responsible decisions, including physical and mental wellness, nutrition, healthy relationships, personal safety, disease prevention, substance-use prevention, and other health-related topics.

For a closer look at what students learn at each grade level, click below.

Students at MMS participate in a quarterly rotation of Exploratory classes. Approximately every nine weeks, students transition to a new Exploratory, giving them opportunities to experience different subjects, discover new interests, and explore areas they may become passionate about. We take particular pride in the hands-on learning that happens in these classes!

Art
Students explore different artistic techniques, materials, and forms of creative expression while developing their skills and creativity through hands-on projects.

Music
Students build their understanding and appreciation of music through a variety of activities involving musical concepts, performance, listening, and creativity.

STEM
Students engage in hands-on challenges involving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, with an emphasis on designing, building, problem-solving, and learning through experimentation.

Family & Consumer Science (FACS)
Students develop practical life skills through hands-on experiences involving topics such as cooking, nutrition, personal responsibility, and other skills they can use in everyday life.

In 8th grade, families have the option to opt out of the Exploratory rotation and choose a full year of Spanish 1 instead. Our Spanish 1 course follows Lake Park High School's curriculum and course criteria, helping provide a smooth transition into high school Spanish.

Students who successfully complete Spanish 1 with a B or higher and receive a teacher recommendation may move directly into Spanish 2 at Lake Park. Currently, Spanish 1 taken at MMS does not earn high school credit or appear on the student's high school transcript; however, successfully completing the course allows students to begin high school further along in the Spanish sequence and potentially complete their desired level of Spanish earlier.

Our Library Media Technology Center (LMTC) is a flexible space designed to support students with both learning and technology. Students can visit the LMTC to find and check out a book, work on a test or assignment, find a quiet place to work, or get help with their Chromebook when needed.

Students have access to both Follett and Sora to help them find reading materials. Follett serves as our online catalog for books available in the MMS library, while Sora provides students with access to eBooks and audiobooks that can be read or listened to digitally. Additionally, the LMTC and Medinah School District have partnered with the Roselle Public Library to ensure that every District 11 student who lives in Medinah can obtain a Roselle Public Library card at no charge.

The LMTC is also an extension of our classrooms. Teachers periodically bring classes to the LMTC for research projects and lessons on effective research skills, while our LMTC Director works with students on topics such as finding reliable information and using library resources. Students also participate in book talks, author talks, and other activities designed to expose them to new books and encourage a love of reading.

We want the LMTC to be a welcoming, accessible space where students can read, research, learn, explore their interests, and get the help they need throughout the school day.

Middle school students have different strengths and needs, and sometimes they need additional support along the way. Our staff works collaboratively to make sure students are known, supported, and connected to the resources they need to be successful.

MMS provides a variety of supports, including Special Education services and IEPs, 504 Plans, multilingual learner services, academic intervention, social-emotional support, executive functioning support, and other individualized accommodations. Teachers, interventionists, special education and multilingual staff, our social worker, psychologist, nurse, Dean, and administration work together — and partner with families — to support the whole child.

Our goal is to identify what each student needs and help them be successful academically, socially, and personally.

In addition to the assessments our teachers use throughout the year, students participate in several state-required assessments. These assessments provide another measure of student achievement and growth and help our school identify strengths and areas for continued improvement.

IAR – Illinois Assessment of Readiness

Students in grades 6–8 take the IAR each spring in English Language Arts and Mathematics. The assessment measures how well students are meeting Illinois Learning Standards in these areas.

ISA – Illinois Science Assessment

Students in 8th grade take the ISA each spring. This assessment measures students’ understanding of the Illinois Learning Standards for Science.

ACCESS

Students who qualify for English Learner (EL) services take the ACCESS assessment annually. Once a student is identified as an English Learner, the state requires the student to participate in ACCESS each year until they meet the state’s criteria for English language proficiency and exit EL status. ACCESS measures students’ progress in developing English proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

While these assessments provide valuable information, no single test tells the whole story of a student. We consider these results alongside MAP data, classroom assessments, student work, and teacher observations to develop a more complete picture of each student’s learning and progress.

At MMS, we take student belonging seriously. We want students to be involved, build relationships, enjoy coming to school, and truly feel like MMS is their home. Middle school should be about more than academics, and we intentionally provide opportunities for students to find their place, connect with others, try something new, and have fun.

Through athletics, clubs, service opportunities, field trips, and schoolwide events, we want every student to find something that helps make their middle school experience meaningful and memorable.

ATHLETICS

MMS offers a variety of athletic opportunities throughout the school year:

• Cross Country: Boys & girls, grades 6–8 — no-cut sport

• Girls Basketball: Combined 6th/7th grade team and 8th grade team — tryout sport

• Boys Basketball: Combined 6th/7th grade team and 8th grade team — tryout sport

• Girls & Boys Volleyball: Both seasons run at the same time, with combined 6th/7th grade teams and separate 8th grade teams — tryout sport

• Track & Field: Boys & girls, grades 6–8 — no-cut sport

CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

We also offer several ways for students to get involved outside of athletics:

• Game Club: Video games, board games, and a chance to have fun with friends!
• Art Club: Come create, explore different materials, and make art!
• Digital Media Club: Help produce our weekly video announcements — students can record, serve as anchors, edit videos, and work behind the scenes.
• Yearbook Club: Help capture the school year and create the MMS yearbook!
• Drama Club: A new addition to MMS! Students have an opportunity to explore acting, performance, and theatre while working together on a production.

FIELD TRIPS & EXPERIENCES

We believe some of the best learning and middle school memories happen outside of the regular classroom! Throughout the year, students participate in field trips and other special experiences connected to their learning and grade level. We also look for parent volunteers to chaperone many of our trips, and we greatly appreciate the support of our families when those opportunities arise.

WINTER BENEFIT

One of our favorite MMS traditions is our annual Winter Benefit! Students spend an afternoon enjoying fun-fair style activities such as games, a bounce house, cake walk, video games, a s’more station, and more. Even better, the event has a service component: money raised through the event is donated to a charity selected by our students through a schoolwide vote. It is a fun and joyful way to bring our school together while giving back to others.

P.A.W.S. – POSITIVE ACTS OF WILDCAT SERVICE

Our P.A.W.S. Program recognizes students for giving back through service and volunteering in the community. Students can begin earning service credit as early as 6th grade and work toward special recognition at 8th grade graduation.

Students simply record their service on the P.A.W.S. form, have it signed by the organization where they volunteered, and turn it in to the main office. Click the button below to download the P.A.W.S. form; forms are also available in the office.

All of these pieces — academics, intervention and enrichment, relationships, activities, athletics, and special experiences — work together to create the middle school experience we want for our Wildcats. Our goal is for every student to feel challenged, supported, connected, and excited to be part of MMS.

We are proud of the opportunities we provide our students and grateful to partner with our families as we help them grow into stronger learners and stronger people. It all comes back to our commitment as a district: Every Student, Every Day.