Physical Education

This enthusiastic group tries to keep sports fresh and fun. They also help put together many of Abbott's special assemblies, such as Field day. Physical Education class covers a wide variety of sports. There is a walking program, students do circuit training, roller-skating, and aerobics. Adapted physical education classes offered as well. For a team building unit, PE annually takes a field trip to Camp Hastings to do tower climb and participates in the Trust Program.

Music

In music class, students learn how to play the guitar and piano. Music appreciation from classical to current is taught. One goal of the music department is to try to get everyone to sing. Computers are used to help students compose and arrange music and aide in the keyboarding unit. Band, Orchestra, and Chorus put on at least six performances per year.

Art

In art class there is concentration on fine arts (like drawing, painting, and sculpture) and commercial art (like desktop publishing, package design, costume design, and web page design). Students will learn to manipulate objects using the computer and learn the main toolbars and menus used in popular computer design applications.

Computer Education

The goal is to make students knowledgeable of computers as well as to help them feel comfortable and confident while using them. Students use basic applications such as Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Database, and Presentation Programs. They can also learn how to use Drawing, Painting, Photo, Animation, 3-D Rendering, Sound, and Web Authoring programs. Students use the Internet for research and learn about the World wide web and E-mail. Students can have access to digital cameras, digital camcorders, scanners, CD-RW writers, digipads, laptops, palm pilots, and video conferencing.

Science

Teachers help students develop a curiosity for the world around them. They are encouraged to use the scientific process as an approach to solving problems and applying it towards life. Classes encompass hands-on activities, cross-curricular projects, and lab exercises. Physical, Earth, and Life sciences are covered. Students make new discoveries as well as examine past theories and discoveries.

Social Studies

Teachers try to use fun, yet educational teaching methods in order to incorporate social studies into the curriculum. Some recent student projects have been an archeological dig, a mock trial, and a mock presidential election. Social Studies incorporates world events with students' daily life. Teachers try to make complicated world concepts understandable.

Communications- Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking

Teachers emphasize reading comprehension, proper writing, and grammar mechanics. Utilizing good listening and proper speaking skills are essential in class and in society as well. Guiding and encouraging students to put their thoughts and ideas on paper and to think with creativity is just a small part of the many things a communications teacher does. They also try to help their students discover the joy of reading. The goals are to get students to be able to comprehend what they read, listen to what is being said, speak appropriately, and to follow directions in all content areas.

Math

Students learn to understand math so that they can apply it into their lives. Real-life concepts are presented and solved in a mathematical matter. Much activity is hands-on, through trial and error and experimentation. Also, many projects are group based. Together, a group plans, designs, and solves a problem. Students advance all the way to algebra. Teachers try to make math fun, so students feel comfortable using it.

Special Education

Teachers present in different manners in order to keep their students' interest. They add themes into their curriculum in order to keep learning current and fun. All disciplines are incorporated into projects and lessons. Many projects are hands-on, interactive, and learner-centered. Students periodically use computer programs as a learning device. Teacher goals are to increase reading, writing, and math skills.

Bilingual

Here students transition from Spanish to English. Currently, there are eighty students in the program. Students are put in levels one through four. Teachers teach content in one language (Spanish) and translate in another (English). Teachers try to put themselves in their students shoes so they can better address and understand their student's needs and fears. Vocabulary is stressed and repetition is very helpful in learning. The department's goals are to raise students to their appropriate grade levels and to have their students be able to speak and understand the English language with ease. Future hopes are for bilingual to have more contact with the English speaking students in the school.

Drama Department

The Drama department offers interested students a chance to join in theater or theater productions. It is an opportunity to express creativity and encourage any hidden dramatic talents. For some, it is a first chance to perform on stage. The Drama department attempts all styles of productions which may or may not fall outside of the traditional theatrical stage venue. In addition, we work on short scenes by well known playwrights. Training in acting, improvisational exercises, and career advice are offered. Members share a sense of responsibility, creativity, and cooperation.

Library Media Center

The Library Media Center at Abbott is a busy place. It is available in order to provide students and staff with opportunities to create, explore, inquire, and enhance their learning activities and curriculum instruction. The Library Media Center is supported by carefully chosen collections and organized resources. The library staff is dedicated to ensuring that all students and staff are effective users of information and ideas. The goal is to produce informational literate, lifelong learners. Books, magazines, Cd-Roms, and books on tape are available for checkout. In addition, high speed internet access is available for online research. There is no limit to the number of items that may be borrowed from the Library, as long as a habit is made of returning them on time. The Library and its services are designed to help students succeed in school.

French

French is a two year program for 7th and 8th graders that introduces students to foreign language study. Students practice reading, writing, speaking and listening skills while learning about Francophone culture. There is a strong emphasis on comparing and contrasting French to both English and Spanish to strengthen comprehension skills in all languages. After two years of French at the middle school level and successful completion of an assessment test, students who decide to continue in French at the high school level may progress to French II as freshmen.

Waukegan Student Connection

The Waukegan Student Connection (WSC), is a Board of Education approved educational program. The purpose of this program is to provide meaningful experiences for the students and to cultivate relationships thereby connecting them to all facets of the community. It is through these experiences that we build concrete reasons to stay in school. This program invites active participation on the part of the business community in building a more successful educational process. Read more about the Waukegan Student Connection.