Middle School Teaming
Grades 6-8 at Bluffs Middle School are organized into teams, with four teachers sharing joint responsibility for the instructional program for each team of students. This organization offers advantages for students, teachers, and parents. As a team, teachers are better equipped to address students' needs, and parents will find communication with and among teachers to be more effective. Teacher teams prove invaluable in assisting students as they transition academically and socially between elementary school and high school.
Grade Requirements
For Bluffs Middle School, progress reports are issued at the end of each nine-week grading period, with a report card issued at the end of each semester. A student's middle school grades can be reviewed on the district's online parent portal.
In all classes, student grades are weighted so that 70% of a student's grade is based on their performance on assessments, and 30% of a student's grade is based on their performance on daily work assignments.
Science
The middle school science program is designed to build strong inquiry skills and scientific understanding through a comprehensive curriculum. It incorporates a variety of hands-on science activities, experiments, and projects that engage students actively in the learning process. These activities are carefully aligned with the Nebraska Science Standards to ensure consistency and relevance.
Social Studies
Bluffs Middle School students engage in a comprehensive three-year social studies curriculum that is carefully aligned with the Nebraska State Social Studies Standards. This program is thoughtfully designed to deepen students' understanding of the people, significant places, influential ideas, and pivotal events that have shaped not only our state of Nebraska but also our nation and the broader world. Through engaging projects, discussions, and critical thinking exercises, students develop the skills necessary to analyze historical sources, understand multiple perspectives, and connect past events to current issues, preparing them to be informed and active citizens.
English Language Arts
All Bluffs Middle School students participate in a three-year English Language Arts course of study that integrates Nebraska content standards. The program's focus is to ensure that all students become proficient readers and writers.