Seventh Grade
Before you know it, your sixth grade year will come to an end, summer vacation will come and go, and you will be back to school as a seventh grader. And because it will be here faster than you think, we have already begun to plan for your seventh grade year. An important first step in planning is to determine which courses are appropriate for you. We will be evaluating your performance on district and state tests to determine which English language arts and mathematics courses will serve you best. That is one reason why it is important that you always do your best; not only on classroom tests, but also on district and state tests such as the M-STEP.
While most of the courses you’ll take next year are required, you will be able to choose some courses of interest (such as art, music, and Spanish). However, if your test results indicate that you need some support with your reading and math skills, you will be required to take extended learning courses before you can take electives.
Middle School Bulletin of Courses
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Full-Year (36 weeks)
- English Language Arts or Advanced English Language Arts 7
- Mathematics or Advanced Mathematics 7
- Science 7
- Social Studies 7
One-Semester (18 weeks)
- Physical Education 7
ELECTIVES
ELA or math extended learning courses are required for students performing below grade level as indicated by the results on state and local tests. Opportunities for elective courses may be limited until grade-level expectations are met.
Students who are not required to take extended courses will choose elective courses to complete their schedule.
REQUIRED ACADEMIC COURSES (FULL YEAR)
All seventh grade students are required to take the core academic courses. Students are scheduled into the appropriate ELA and math courses as determined by test scores and teacher recommendation. Academic support courses are also required for students performing below grade level as indicated by state and local test results.
- 7th Grade Required Academic Courses
- Extended Learning
- English Language Development
- Electives
- Maple Street Magnet Electives
- Milwood Street Magnet Electives
- KPS Virtual Elective
7th Grade Required Academic Courses
English
English Language Arts 7
REQUIRED • 2 Semesters (full year)
Course # 30710
This course provides a balanced literacy program to guide students to become proficient readers and writers and help them learn to speak and listen effectively. Students will demonstrate understanding of figurative and connotative meaning of words and analyze central ideas and themes in informational and narrative text while providing textual evidence to support the analysis. Students will concentrate on the writing process with a focus on narrative, argumentative, and informational writing.
OR
Advanced English Language Arts 7
ENGLISH OPTION • 2 Semesters (full year)
Course # 30712
This course moves at a faster pace and delves deeper into literature and writing skills. Advanced students look at historical events and social issues of the 1940s through literature of the decade focusing on the concept of change. Numerous opportunities for reading, writing, listening, and speaking are incorporated into the study. Students make both a written and an oral presentation of their research.
Mathematics
Mathematics 7
REQUIRED • 2 Semesters (full year)
Course # 50710
Seventh-grade mathematics offers a well-developed integrated mathematics foundation (all strands of mathematics). Topics of study include similarity, ratios, proportions, percents, linear relationships, three-dimensional measurement, probability, and data analysis.
OR
Advanced Mathematics 7
MATH OPTION • 2 Semesters (full year)
Course # 50712
Students may enroll in this advanced mathematics course which is designed to prepare students for Algebra I in 8th Grade. The course will move at a faster pace and delve deeper into mathematical concepts.
(Successful completion of Algebra I meets high school graduation requirements).
Physical Education
7th Grade Physical Education
REQUIRED • 1 Semester (18 Weeks)
Course # 65710
Scheduling Note: This course is the required PE class for 7th grade.
This course emphasizes a personal commitment to lifetime activities and fitness for enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and competitive learning. Students will have opportunities to achieve and maintain a health and wellness level of physical fitness which includes fitness testing, individual and team sports. Activities and sports covered may vary based on semester taken. The course will also include a three-week session focused on reproductive health.
Science
Science 7
REQUIRED • 2 Semesters (full year)
Course # 70710
This course develops students’ understanding of major concepts pertaining to physical, earth, life, and health sciences and further develops an understanding of engineering. Major topics of study include renewable energy resources, weather and climate, physical and chemical changes, cells, and heredity. Students will continue to develop laboratory and scientific research skills through hands-on experiments, observations, presentations, discussions, and text resources.
Social Studies
Social Studies 7
REQUIRED • 2 Semesters (full year)
Course # 80710
This course provides students with an understanding of the first three eras of ancient world history including the early civilizations of the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. Students will examine the time periods through the lenses of historians and social scientists. The course will integrate informational reading and writing including visual literacy with the study of charts, graphs, and maps.
Extended Learning
Students performing below grade level in language arts or math, as indicated by the results on state and local assessments, will have an additional period to build core academic skills. Opportunities for elective courses such as art, music, physical education, Chinese, or Spanish will be limited until grade-level expectations are met.
Algebra Readiness
REQUIRED FOR STUDENTS MEETING THE CRITERIA
Course # 506782
This course is designed to build on students’ current mathematical understanding to progress towards mastery of grade-level standards. The class provides instruction that will support the core-curricular math course, while also addressing individual skills needed to provide students with a successful experience in mathematics. Successful completion of this course helps students prepare for success in mathematics including algebra.
Reading Strategies and Success Skills 7
REQUIRED FOR STUDENTS MEETING THE CRITERIA
Course # 30651
Reading Strategies and Success Skills 7 is designed to help students improve their reading and writing skills and strategies with narrative and informational text, word identification, and fluency. Successful completion of this course helps students succeed in cross-curricular classes.
English Language Development
English Language Development
AVAILABLE AT LINDEN GROVE, MAPLE STREET, AND MILWOOD MAGNET SCHOOLS
ELD 1: Entering
ENGLISH PLACEMENT • 2 Semesters (full year)
Course #35110
This course focuses on foundational English language skills for students at the Entering proficiency level. Emphasis is placed on building listening and speaking skills, including basic vocabulary and simple sentence structures. Students will learn to respond to greetings, follow simple instructions, and engage in basic conversations. Foundational literacy skills, such as decoding and recognizing sight words, are also introduced..
ELD 2: Emerging
ENGLISH PLACEMENT • 2 Semesters (full year)
Course # 35210
In this course, students progress to the Emerging proficiency level. Emphasis is placed on expanding communication skills, including asking and answering questions, engaging in simple conversations, and understanding short written texts. Writing instruction focuses on constructing complete sentences and short paragraphs using familiar vocabulary and phrases. The course integrates content from other subjects to help students develop academic language.
ELD 3: Developing
ELECTIVE • 2 Semesters (full year)
Course # 3510
Designed for students at the Developing proficiency level, this course emphasizes the use of English in academic and social contexts. Students will engage in longer conversations, read and comprehend multi-paragraph texts, and write organized paragraphs. The curriculum includes academic vocabulary development, critical reading strategies, and collaborative discussions to prepare students for mainstream classes.
ELD Literacy
ELECTIVE • 2 Semesters (full year)
Course # 350430
This standalone course is designed for students needing additional support in foundational literacy skills. Emphasis is placed on reading fluency, phonics, academic language, comprehension strategies, and writing basics. The curriculum includes phonics, vocabulary development, and guided reading activities tailored to students' individual needs. Through targeted instruction, adaptive technology, and interactive activities, students will develop a deeper understanding of texts, enhance their ability to analyze and interpret information, and strengthen their overall literacy skills. This course may be taken alongside ELD 1 or ELD 2.
English Language Development Integrated
ELD Numeracy
ELECTIVE • 2 Semesters (full year)
Course # 350450
This course focuses on foundational math skills tailored for English Learner (EL) students, emphasizing both numeracy and academic language development. Students will explore key math concepts such as basic operations, fractions, decimals, and problem-solving strategies. Instruction integrates math vocabulary and language support to help students build confidence and prepare for mainstream math classes.
ELD Science
ELECTIVE • 2 Semesters (full year)
Course # 350470
This course introduces foundational science concepts while supporting English language development. Students will engage in topics such as life sciences, earth sciences, and basic physical sciences through hands-on activities, experiments, and visuals. Emphasis is placed on building academic vocabulary and language structures needed to explain observations, analyze data, and discuss scientific phenomena.
ELD Social Studies
ELECTIVE • 2 Semesters (full year)
Course # 350480
This course provides an introduction to key concepts in history, geography, and civics with a focus on building academic English skills. Students will explore topics such as cultural diversity, community, and basic world history through interactive activities and simplified texts. The course emphasizes vocabulary acquisition, reading comprehension, and critical thinking, preparing students for success in mainstream social studies classes.
Electives
General Electives
7th Grade Life Skills
ELECTIVE • 1 Semester (18 weeks)
Course # 20735
Offered at Hillside and Linden Grove
This course is based on skills that will encourage healthful and productive consumer living. Exploratory units include food and nutrition, sewing, health, babysitting, communication, and consumer skills.
Automation and Robotics
ELECTIVE • 1 Semester (18 weeks)
Course # 15720
Offered at all KPS middle schools
Students will explore 21st century skills related to technology, online communication, and productivity tools to produce presentations related to the engineering design process. Students will use programming software VEX Robotics® to invent and innovate solutions to technological problems. Students will also learn about careers related to the history, development, and influence of engineering and robotics.
Current Events 7
ELECTIVE ● 1 Semester
Course # 80753
Offered at Hillside and Linden Grove Middle School
Students will use inquiry based learning on current event topics affecting local, state, national and global communities. Units will start by identifying a specific event or topic, researching the context, investigating the effects, class discussions, and developing solutions or a plan of action. Students will be assessed on all of these phases of the process. Small and whole group collaboration will be vital for students to interpret diverse perspectives. Having a diverse range of current event topics will naturally lead to cross curriculum connections.
Future Michigan Educator Course I
ELECTIVE • 1 Semester (18 weeks)
Course # 556710
Offered at all KPS middle schools – Grade 7
This course encourages students to explore the teaching profession through guided instruction and participation in experiences related to education. Students will learn about the qualities of a healthy learning environment, how culture and identity can influence learning, and how to create equitable learning environments for all students. Students can apply the skills they have learned to lead short lessons in the classroom or with elementary students.
School Newspaper/Journalism 7
ELECTIVE ● 1 Semester
Course # 30720
Offered at Hillside and Linden Grove Middle School
Students in this class will collaboratively create a digital School Newspaper. Students will be assigned different aspects of the newspaper based on their strengths and interests. Contents of the newspaper will range from coverage to global events to school community events. Participating in journalism will support students in being global citizens and positively participating in the digital space. This course will support involvement and participation in creating a strong and united school community.
Tech SMART: Skills, Media, Applications, Research, Thinking
ELECTIVE • 1 Semester (18 weeks)
Course # 15810
Offered at all KPS middle schools
This course provides students with essential digital literacy skills including computer fundamentals, digital citizenship, computation thinking, knowledge construction, communication, and innovative design. With reinforcement of foundational technology concepts using a number of web-based programs and tools, students are prepared to leverage technology and thrive in the digital age.
Art
7th Grade Art Studio
ELECTIVE • 1 Semester (18 weeks)
Course # 10725
This project-based 7th grade art course provides an exploratory experience in creative problem-solving while using a variety of mediums. Students will learn how to use materials and tools appropriately to create personal works of art. Students’ work may be selected for exhibitions at the building and district level and throughout the community.
Healthy Lifestyles: Health and Physical Education
7th Grade Personal Wellness
ELECTIVE • 1 Semester (18 weeks)
Course # 47525
Offered at Hillside
This course provides students in Grade 7 with knowledge and decision-making skills for a healthy lifestyle. Instruction includes goal-setting, reproductive health, personal development, and self-awareness.
Elective Physical Education
ELECTIVE • 1 Semester (18 weeks)
Course # 65725
Offered at Linden Grove, Maple Street, and Milwood Magnet Schools
Scheduling Note: This elective course is taken in addition to the required PE course.
This course promotes lifetime sports, recreational, and wellness activities that provide an opportunity to refine skills and attitudes that encourage lifelong fitness. Activities will include health-related fitness testing, dynamic stretching, team sports, and individual and dual sports.
Fit 4 Life
ELECTIVE • 1 Semester (18 weeks)
Course # 65765
Offered at Linden Grove, Maple Street and Milwood Magnet only
Scheduling Note: This elective course is taken in addition to the required PE course.
This course is designed to promote cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, and muscular strength with emphasis on the combination of strength training, speed and agility training, and cardiovascular health. Students will learn about heart rates, BMI, muscle groups and fitness equipment utilization.
Healthy Lifestyles
ELECTIVE • 1 Semester (18 weeks)
Course # 45735
Offered at Maple Street, Milwood, and Linden Grove
Scheduling Note: This elective course is taken in addition to the required PE course.
Students will combine physical fitness, nutrition education, and positive communicative skills to pursue a healthy lifestyle and promote lifelong wellness. They will assess the effect of food choices on individual health, and learn how to plan nutritious meals.
Music
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
7th Grade Band
ELECTIVE • 2 Semesters (Full Year)
Course # 60735
Prerequisite: Audition and/or 6th Grand Band or Director Permission
This class builds upon playing skills and musical knowledge of students who have completed a full year of 6th Grade Band. Students who complete this class are eligible to advance to 8th Grade Band and High School Band Classes. Please note: participation in performances during and outside of the school day, possibly occurring in the evening or on the weekend, is a required expectation of this course and part of the overall grade.
7th Grade Orchestra
ELECTIVE • 2 Semesters (Full Year)
Course # 60745
Prerequisite: Audition and/or 6th Grand Band or Director Permission
This class builds upon playing skills and musical knowledge of students who have completed 6th Grade Orchestra. Students who complete this class are eligible to advance to 8th Grade Orchestra and High School Orchestra. Please note: participation in performances during and outside of the school day, possibly occurring in the evening or on the weekend, is a required expectation of this course and part of the overall grade
VOCAL MUSIC
7th Grade Choir
ELECTIVE • 2 Semesters (Full Year)
Course # 60725
Participation in choir includes using skills of part-singing, group-singing, sight-reading, and vocal production. In addition, the curriculum will include instruction in music history, criticism, evaluation, and listening skills. The relationship between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts will be explored. Please note: participation in performances during and outside of the school day, possibly occurring in the evening or on the weekend, is a required expectation of this course and part of the overall grade.
Spanish
Spanish for Beginners
ELECTIVE • 1 Semester (18 weeks)
Course # 90645
This course introduces the basic elements of language. They will begin to develop communication skills in a second language, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing. By the end of the course, students will be able to ask and answer basic questions, ask and give information, use the verb to be with adjectives, and use gender and adjective agreement.
Spanish Intermediate
ELECTIVE • 1 Semester (18 weeks)
Course # 90745
Scheduling Note: Available to students in Grades 7 and 8
This course will enhance Spanish communication skills. Students will be able to discuss their family, the weather, and everyday activities. By the end of the course, students will be able to communicate in the present and future tense. They will be able to discuss what they like to do and want to do and be able to discuss what they do during and after school.
Maple Street Magnet Electives
The following elective courses are offered only at Maple Street Magnet School:
7th Grade General Music
ELECTIVE • 1 Semester (18 weeks)
Course # 60765
Scheduling Note: This course may be taken only once.
This is a non-performance class where students will learn about music of different cultures around the world. They will also utilize technology and learn basic piano skills.
Music Studio
ELECTIVE • 1 Semester (18 weeks)
Course # 60678751
Scheduling Note: This course may be taken only once per year.
Students will have access to a practice space where they can work in small groups or independently on musical objectives of their choice. This course seeks to give students a space during the school day to practice independently, recognizing that there are countless roadblocks for students to practice their music after school hours and with a trained music teacher. This course will teach students how to set and work towards short-term and long-term goals, establishing practice techniques and routines, self-assessment strategies, as well as musical literacy and musical analysis skills, all while offering students the flexibility to work on the music and music literacy objectives that they are most interested in studying. Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills through studio recitals and individual growth plans.
Musical Theater 6-8
ELECTIVE • 1 Semester (18 weeks)
Course # 6067877
This course is for the student that is interested in musical theater. Students will have the opportunity to rehearse, perform, direct, and choreograph/stage various scenes from the Broadway genre. In addition to performing and producing, students will learn the historical and cultural significance of various Broadway musicals. All students are expected to both perform and direct/produce. Please note: participation in performances during and outside of the school day, possibly occurring in the evening or on the weekend, is a required expectation of this course and part of the overall grade.
7th Grade Drama
Elective • 1 Semester (18 weeks)
Course #30745
Scheduling Note: This course may be taken only once
Students will improve their communication skills through drama and theatre. The first part of the course will focus on improvisation and short scenes; the second part will focus on in-class performances of plays, poems, and essays, using both published and student-written material.
Arabic Culture
ELECTIVE • 1 Semester (18 weeks)
Course # 8067831
This is an introduction to Arabic culture in America and worldwide, to broaden the student’s worldview. Included are basic Arabic alphabet and numbers, countries, customs, music, art, clothing, weather, lifestyle, the Arabic lunar calendar, holidays, Arabic industry, celebrities and noteworthy individuals, and a historic overview.
Arabic for Beginners
ELECTIVE • 1 Semester (18 weeks)
Course # 9080067
Scheduling Note: Available to students in Grades 6 and 7
This course introduces the basic elements of language. Students will learn greetings, leave-takings, and introductions. They will begin to develop communication skills in a second language, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing. By the end of the course, students will be able to ask and answer basic questions, ask and give information, use the verb to be with adjectives, and use gender and adjective agreement.
Arabic Intermediate
ELECTIVE • 1 Semester (18 weeks)
Course # 9080078
Scheduling Note: Available to students in Grades 7 and 8
This course will enhance Arabic communication skills. Students will be able to discuss their family, the weather, and everyday activities. By the end of the course, students will be able to communicate in the present and future tense. They will be able to discuss what they like to do and want to do and be able to discuss what they do during and after school.
Spanish Language Literature II
Elective • 2 Semesters (full year)
Prerequisite: Spanish Language Literature I
Course # 90875
This Spanish language literature course will expand students’ literacy skills in the Spanish language through the exploration of various genres and elements of authentic Spanish language literature and will provide a great deal of opportunity for oral communication. Students will discover major works of literature from the Pre-Columbian period to the present day. Students will develop their writing skills and acquire information from authentic sources in Spanish to develop research projects and advance their understanding of Spanish grammar. (Students must complete Spanish Literature I, II, & III to receive 2.0 high school credits.)
Milwood Street Magnet Electives
The following elective courses are only offered at Milwood Magnet:
7th Grade Graphic Design
ELECTIVE • 1 Semester (18 weeks)
Course # 15755
This 7th Grade Graphic Design course will provide students with the opportunity to explore a broad range of state-of-the-art image editing software. This course has been designed for students to explore visual problem-solving skills through contemporary graphic design for the twenty-first century.
7th Grade Video Production
ELECTIVE • 1 Semester (18 weeks)
Course # 20775
Prerequisite: Video A
Students will be focusing on Chroma Key, manipulation of lighting, saturation, cutting on action, camera shots, and points of view. Throughout the course, students will create three films: Around the World/Social Justice, Inside Out, and All in One.
KPS Virtual Elective
The following elective is available at KPS Virtual only:
Current Events (Today’s Events, Tomorrow’s History)
ELECTIVE • 1 Semester (18 weeks) • 0.5 Credit; Course can be repeated
Course # 80531VP – KPS Virtual Only
15 hours of service learning required
Students will become actively involved in their school and community as they investigate global issues facing the world. Units include: Preparing to Participate, The Environment, Human Rights and Responsibilities, The Global Economy, International Cooperation and Conflict, and Issue Investigation and Action Plan determined by current global activity.