Creative Arts

Elementary school

Technology

During the primary grades (K-2), students become engaged in a number of developmentally appropriate computer based learning activities for problem-solving, typing, creating simple publishing projects, math, ELA, painting and drawing, and to enhance cross-curriculum learning. Elementary students learn how to create multimedia presentations and how to use the Internet as a tool for basic research. Students also have access to subscription-based online reference materials and software simulations such as Prodigy and Typing Club.

Health and Physical Education

Learning to be healthy and stay fit is the core of health and physical education. Students engage in a variety of sports and sports-related movements as well as health and fitness components in an active, caring, supportive and nonthreatening atmosphere in which every student is challenged and successful. Emphasis is placed on active, student-led participation and positive social interaction during fitness and sport activities.

Spanish

Embracing the diverse languages in our Meridian community, all students are exposed to Spanish beginning in PK3. Students in early grades are introduced to language fundamentals and expand upon this knowledge as they enter upper grades and learn to engage in basic conversation. A celebration of history and culture of Hispanic countries is weaved into learning.

Visual Arts

Visual Arts introduces students to the languages, concepts, and practices of art through visual and art historical perspectives that is age appropriate. Students will be engaged in critiques and questions to each other about the elements of art, such as content, composition, style, method and materials that they have incorporated into their own original pieces. 

Music

Students will gain a clear understanding of why it’s very important to learn and understand music from a historical and theoretical perspective. Students engage with hands on musical instruments as they explore tempo, beat, rhythm and how to identify and write musical notation and sheet music. Students showcase their knowledge through performances for the Meridian community. 

Performing Arts

Meridian students learn the basic tenets of theatre, dramatic expression and vocabulary, giving them the tools to create characters and perform short stories and plays with their peers. The Performing Arts class also gives students the opportunity to practice soft skills such as teamwork, problem solving, and communication through fun and engaging activities. By the end of the term, students show greater confidence in their speaking and presentation skills that can be used throughout their education. 

Middle School

Music

Students learn intermediate and advanced theories of rhythm and how to read music. They can then choose an instrumental or vocal track in the eighth grade. Teachers encourage students to use what they learn in music to create their own rhythms and compositions and demonstrate their individual musicality. 

College and Career Readiness

Many Meridian Middle School students possess a desire to go to college but need assistance with the skills that will truly allow them to be college-ready. Many of our students will be the first in their families to attend college and are from groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education. For one period a day, students receive the additional academic, social, and emotional support that will help them succeed in their school’s most rigorous courses. The focus of this course is:

• Data-Driven, Student Goal Setting

• Critical Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking

• Self-Advocacy  

• Community Advocacy

• College and Career Exploration

To assist in this effort students use One World Education Curriculum which is designed to build the knowledge and skills students need to confront the cultural and global issues of today and prepare for the college and career opportunities of tomorrow. One World Education successfully engages thousands of middle and high school students each year by offering schools a program where students choose to research and write about a social justice issue that is important to them.

Health and Physical Education

Students continue learning about various sports and how to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle.  Students build upon fundamental knowledge to expand technical skills. In health, students are exposed to healthy living, nutrition, and making healthy choices.