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OVERVIEW

Sonoran Heights Middle School prides itself on being a top rated school in the West Valley. As a middle school we pride ourselves on excelling in our instruction and exceeding the standards with our academic data. We continue to be an ‘A’ rated school and have earned the ‘A+ School of Excellence Award’ two times since opening. Students at Sonoran Heights get the opportunity of choice for academic classes and electives classes, attending these choice classes everyday of the week.

CORE COURSES

pencil with paper and math equations

Mathematics

Dysart Schools use Illustrative Mathematics for instruction. IM K–11 is a problem-based core curriculum built on the principle that all students are capable learners of grade-level mathematics. Students learn math by doing math. They are encouraged to use their current understanding of math, their lived experiences, and the world around them as resources for problem solving.

pencil and paper with english questions

Language Arts

Dysart schools use 95 Percent Group Phonics, HMH Into Reading, CommonLit, SAVVAS myView, and SAVVAS myPerspectives to develop literacy skills in phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, analysis, and evaluation of texts. Students develop their skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking, and language use as described in the state standards for each grade level.

science molecules

Science

Dysart schools use Discovery Science Tech book curriculum, as well as Generation Genius and Mystery Science. Students actively participate in science practices, and look through the lens of cross cutting concepts, as they explore the content described in the state standards for each grade level.

globe with map

Social Studies

Dysart Schools use McGraw Hill Networks and Impact as well as Discovery Education curriculums for the instruction of Social Studies. Students engage in inquiry based instruction where they explore the various content described in the state standards for each grade level.

Course Selection Guide

ADVISORY PERIOD

Advisory is a common block of time on students’ schedules in which a group of students meets with their advisor. The purpose of advisory is to create the support systems necessary to be successful in middle school and the transition to high school. Advisory may focus on:

  • Academic and Behavioral Goal Setting and Reflection
  • Organization and Note Taking
  • Focus on Academic Readiness
  • Communication
  • School Culture and Team Building

HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT ELIGIBLE COURSES

spanish written on blackboard

Spanish 1-2

Students will focus on grammar, proper verb forms (i.e., agreement of verb and subject as well as gender), basic everyday expressions, and vocabulary. Students will be introduced to the cultures and geographies of Spanish-speaking countries. Spanish II will focus on grammar, proper verb forms (i.e. subject-verb agreement), compound verb forms, vocabulary expressions designed to expand communication skills, and the past tense. Students will continue their exploration of the cultural aspects of Spanish-speaking countries.

algebra expressions written on blackboard

Algebra 1-2

Students will deepen and extend their understanding of solving equations and systems, compare and contrast the difference in behaviors between linear and non-linear relationships, and apply linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend. Students will extend their understanding of functions to build functions. Students will engage in methods of analyzing, solving, and using quadratic functions. Students will also extend their understanding of probability and statistics. The standards of mathematical practice and modeling with mathematics are embedded into this course. This course is also offered as an honors credit.

sports balls laying on the grass.

Physical Education

Students will develop skills in team and individual sports, personal fitness, and health-related activities. Students will study the complexities of body and mind and how to maintain good health. This course is a year-long course, offered online through iSchool but facilitated during PE class. This course will require work outside of the classroom. Students taking this course are taking a high school credit course. It is imperative that students and parents understand grades from this course will be posted and can not be removed from their high school transcripts.

student painting in art class
Electives

Students in 5th through 8th grade select one elective per quarter. This equates to two electives per year and a total of eight during their middle school experience. Of those eight elective choices, students are required to select at least one art, one physical education, and one iExplore elective. The other five choices are up to the student. A detailed explanation of electives can be found in the Middle School Course Selection Guide

Middle School Course Guide

CTE ELECTIVES

Student working on computer in a CTE elective class

Students in 8th grade can a CTE elective that allows them to explore career options that may be available in high school. Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in Dysart can accelerate career plans by strengthening skill sets through hands on learning. It allows for increased opportunities for personal and professional growth through internships, industry certifications and CTE select clubs (CTSO).

Sonoran Heights Middle School focuses on three career clusters:

Manufacturing
Planning, managing, and performing the processing of materials into intermediate or final products and related professional and technical support activities, such as production planning and control, maintenance, and manufacturing/process engineering.

Architecture and Construction
Careers in designing, planning, managing, building, and maintaining a built environment.

Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics
Planning, management, and movement of people, materials, and goods by road, pipeline, air, rail, and water and related professional and technical support services, such as transportation infrastructure, planning and management, logistics services, mobile equipment, and facility maintenance.

students playing basketball
Physical Education

Students will develop skills, knowledge, and dispositions to lead physically active lives. Physical Education class will include age and physically-appropriate activities centered around fitness activities, sports, health science, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Students will utilize various locomotor and non-locomotor skills to build coordination and balance. Students will learn skills related to lifetime activities including how to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, movement and how it impacts the human body, the rules, tactics, strategies, and etiquette of games and sports.

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