Curriculum

Instruction at Abbott Middle School

  • Active learning activities and strategies based on multiple ability learning
  • Group activities, cooperation
  • Open-ended activities
  • Alternative assessment and self assessment

Relevant, Real-World Curriculum

  • textbook is NOT the primary source
  • student-centered classes
  • critical thinking skills
  • social skills

Cutting-Edge Powerful Learning

  • All students are treated as talented and gifted.
  • We build on strengths.
  • We have required Academic Standards.
  • Students are challenged to become problem solvers, independent thinkers, and to do their best work.
  • Abbott integrates a wide variety of learning resources, such as the use of technology, and real world experiences.
  • Students are engaged in what they are doing and learning.
  • We have strong communication between school and parents.
  • Teachers are kept up to date by learning the newest practices(applications), theories and technologies.
  • Abbott is flexible and not afraid of change or to take risks.

Student Schedule

There are nine periods in the school day at Abbott Middle School. A typical student schedule includes the following:

  • Two periods of English
  • Two periods of Math
  • One period of Social Studies
  • One period of Science
  • One period of Art/Music/French
  • One period of Physical Education
  • One Lunch period

Teams

Students are divided up into two to six person teacher teams. Having several team teachers at the middle school level bridges the transition from the singular teacher classroom of the grade school to the multiple teachers at the high school.

Team division provides students with greater stability because they get to see the same teachers consistently. It provides students with a comfortable, family-feeling. Since teachers get to know their students, it is easier to assess and facilitate individual strengths and weaknesses. Teachers can adapt and adopt methods to engage their students in learning ideas from other team members. Decision making is sacred amongst the team. Subject areas can be integrated with greater ease. Parent and teacher communication is less complicated since there is more than one teacher that can be contacted.

Abbott Middle School Teams include:

  • 6th Grade Teams
  • 7th Grade Teams
  • 8th Grade Teams
  • Special Education Teams
  • Bilingual Teams
  • ESL Teams
  • LMC
  • Nurse
  • Counselors
  • Social Worker and School Psychologist
  • Speech Therapist - Vision/Hearing

MECCAS (Multi-Ethnic Collaboration in Creativity through the Arts and Sciences)

MECCAS is a multifaceted program that promotes lifelong learning while building a strong sense of self and community. The MECCAS Program provides teachers with the framework to deliver varied instruction and techniques that engage students into the lesson. Students take journeys into art, music, dance, literature, technology, history, world geography, and events. For example, students may learn about explorers, writers, inventors,famous people, discoveries, and folklore. The goal of these activities are to help students learn about one another so they can better understand that everyone is unique, important, and special.

How does it fit in Abbott Middle School?

Robert Abbott Middle School Celebrates diversity and individuality. Since Abbott's curriculum is based around the fine and applied arts and sciences, MECCAS are an excellent source in providing students with opportunities to meet the global challenges of the 21st century. Special activities and programs are planned and performed monthly. During this time, we invite many community leaders and people with unique experiences to speak at our school.

Through the MECCAS Program multi-ethnic-students learn about other cultures and societies as well as themselves and people in their community.

Collaborations- Opportunities are established to enhance the school experience for students through interaction with performers, athletes, scientists, authors, teachers, hobbyists, musicians and artists. Students will meet, listen to, ask questions of, and develop a working relationship with guests.

Creativity- The blending of originality, curiosity, and strong interest in ideas that enable the student to pursue activity that gives him personal satisfaction and a feeling of accomplishment.

Arts- Will enhance students' lives daily. Diverse and exciting projects will build self-awareness and develop a greater understanding of the arts.

Sciences- Will encourage students to develop a better understanding of the world in which they live. Engaging curriculum will cover Life, Earth, and Physical sciences. Students will be involved in a wide array of projects, lab experiments, and real world problem solving activities.

Special MECCA Events

  • Annual Abbott Expo- (student music, art, and science exhibit)
  • All-School Reading
  • Career Day
  • Women's History Day
  • Cultural Celebration
  • Extreme Sports
  • The Rammies Academy Awards Ceremony- (student's awards for video production)
  • Multi-Ethnic Museum
  • Annual Shakespeare Festival
  • Special Needs Day
  • Winter Olympics
  • Awards Night

Technology

  • Abbott wants students to be prepared for high school and for the future. Keeping up with changes and being knowledgeable of new discoveries in technology is what we strive for.
  • Abbott MS prides itself on risk-taking and being experimental.
  • Grant money helps provide us with the opportunity to have such wonderful technology at our school and in our classrooms.
  • Teachers also attend seminars where they can see, use, and learn about new things. They then share the knowledge with their students and staff.
  • Abbott has Macintosh computers in most of the classrooms, one Dell PC lab in the LMC, and several dell mobile laptop carts. All students work on computers individually and in groups.
  • Computer Education Program

Drama

For over a decade Abbott Middle School has developed an extensive Drama Department. The Drama Department was first organized and created by Mr. Kostomiris in 1993 with the first Musical production of Last Chance High. Mr. Kostomiris has directed over 24 various shows over the years and continues to direct currently at Abbott Middle School. Some of Abbott Middle School's productions include: Hollywood Hillbillies, Murder Runs in the Family, Don't Rock the Boat, Scrooge, Chateau La Roch, Pom Pom Zombies, Little Luncheonette of Terror, Bachelor King, Larceny and Old Lace, BBQ-ing Hamlet, Robin Hood, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid, Lagooned, and many many more.

Abbott usually produces 1-2 plays per year and one Musical production. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to try out for plays or musicals. Student audition by cold reading for a particular part, a cast list is compiled and rehearsals begin. Student's rehearse for 8 to 10 weeks until their performance date arrives. It is clear that student's appreciate having drama as one of their extracurricular activities which they can participate with after school. Student's are elated and excited to perform in front of their family and friends.

Abbott could not achieve the level of excellence without the support and dedications of it's staff, administration, parents, and students. Abbott hopes to continue producing amazing Middle School productions in the future and continue their dedication for excellence in drama.

If you'd like to come and see an Abbott Production please call 847 360-5487 for more details for times and dates.

AVTEC

AVTEC refers to the group of students who produce, deliver, and record the morning and afternoon announcements.

Students learn how to:

  • run the cameras and do multiple shots
  • work the computer to add music
  • run the board that inserts graphics, camera shots, and manipulates the views that then are seen on the tv

Students also record the play and musical during the year and then sell dvd’s.