Paragon Prep | Curriculum

VIEW THE 2007-08 PARAGON PREP BROCHURE

Paragon Prep’s Math program is one of the most challenging in the city. The 5^thand 6th grade math classes utilize Holt Middle School Math Courses 1 and 2 to review and perfect the math skills of elementary school students and to strengthen their foundation for their upcoming studies of Algebra and Geometry. Seventh grade math begins the study of Algebra, using Key Curriculum Press’s Discovering Algebra: An Investigative Approach. Finally, Paragon’s 8^th graders either continue their study of algebra or pursue the study of Geometry using the Discovering Geometry: An Inductive Approach book from the Key Curriculum Press. All students are actively engaged in both guided and open-ended mathematical explorations that help them make sense of their experiences so that they can be empowered mathematically in the world as creative, productive citizens. The appropriate use of technology is a part of instruction.

Paragon Prep has all students in grades 5^th through 8^th on an individualized math supplement program. Accelerated Mathâ, from Renaissance Learning, is a computer-generated program that helps students to identify skills that may need reinforcing. The program will also allow those who are ready for enrichment to go ahead of the taught curriculum. Accelerated Math â is a required component of all Paragon Prep math students. More on Paragon Math

ENGLISH

The English curriculum at Paragon is designed to help students foster an appreciation of literature, a firm basis in technical, analytical and creative writing, and an understanding of the mechanics and usage of written and verbal expression. The writing process, vocabulary, and grammar skills are coordinated with and applied to all aspects of the English curriculum, as the students learn to be proficient in analyzing works by various authors and in revising their own writing. Literature selections are thematically connected; students recognize literature’s influence on humanity as well as the necessity for and value of personal expression. Paragon students study a range of literature: novels, essays, poetry, short stories, and drama. Students are given the opportunity to create individual and group presentations, and to evaluate writing for audience, purpose, and tone. Through creative lesson planning and structured, purposeful, writing assignments, Paragon English teachers address and exceed standards established by the Texas Education Agency.

Paragon’s English faculty is made up of experienced, creative, and dedicated teachers who are fully committed to providing the best education to their students. Each teacher believes that English is not a course to be taught in isolation; the themes of the literature explored in each grade level are pervasive, and the skills of written and oral communication can be utilized outside of the classroom. Students are encouraged to share personal connections, but are taught to support those connections with concrete details and an understanding of audience. With a supportive team of caring adults, Paragon students are able to stretch themselves and find their own, powerful voice, a voice worthy of being heard. >> continued

View a list of Paragon's required reading

Science

Science 6: Earth Science
In Grade 6, students study earth science. In natural resources, students learn about soil, water and air. In meteorology, they learn about the earth's atmosphere. There is a study of weather and climate that focuses on air mass, pressure, global and local winds, fronts, precipitation, and storms. The unit on oceanography covers topics such as ocean currents and the ocean floor. Students focus on the scientific method. Guided lab activities and observations support the development of skills in observation, synthesis, and evaluation. Students also complete a research project on weather where they predict the weather of five cities for the day using PowerPoint.

Science 7: Biology
The major science units in Grade 7 include topics such as an introduction to microscopy; the cell and its processes; classification of living organisms; an introduction to microbiology; heredity and genetics; plants and aids. Students study important laboratory techniques including simple and differential staining techniques; preparation of culture media; the handling and examining of cultures; culturing microorganisms from the environment; the testing of anti-microbial agents; and the microbial analysis of water and milk. The scientific method is used. Students also complete a research project on an infectious disease.

Science 8: Basic Chemistry and Introduction to Physics
During the first half of the year, students focus on an introduction to chemistry. Units include matter and energy; the physical properties of matter; atomic structure; the Periodic Table; atoms and bonding; chemical reactions; mixtures, solutions, acid and base chemistry. Students then study physical science concepts including force and energy; motion; waves; light; sound; electricity; and energy sources. The use of the scientific method is stressed. Guided lab activities support the development of skills in observation, synthesis, and evaluation. Students also complete a yearlong project on the tissue culture of African violet.

Social Studies

U.S. History is taught in both the 5th and 8th grades. 5th graders specifically study American history from the arrival of the first colonists through the civil war. This is accompanied by an investigation of U.S. geography. The 8th grade course focuses on the relationship of citizens to their nation with emphasis on the development of the United States from the earliest times to the present. 6th graders take a World Geography and History class designed to give them an understanding of the influences of geography, history, economics, demographics, and religion on present-day conditions. In the 7th grade, Paragon Prep students are immersed in a study of the free market economic system and gain a strong understanding of the form and function of the United States government with an emphasis on the three branches of government and their interaction. >> continued

Latin

Latin inspired all the other subjects taught at Paragon Prep. The Romans not only developed most of the subjects that we study today, but they also ardently believed in students being exposed to all subjects or having a liberal arts education. The Romans, excellent engineers, discovered and recorded many math theorems and axioms, such as the rounded arch. Scientific names are all in Latin not only because it is very specific, but because the Romans named and cataloged all of the flora and fauna found in their travels. The Romans adored physical activity and built great gymnasiums and bathing pools for public enjoyment. Most English words are derived from Latin and/or come directly from the Latin such as Alumnus/Alumna. Finally, the Romans spread their civilization across the world and recorded it for posterity, thereby creating western civilization as we know it.

In Latin class, students explore Latin through history, vocabulary, architecture, law, and grammar. Students are challenged through language studies, national tests, and extracurricular activities such as Certamen. Paragon Prep utilizes the textbook series The Cambridge Latin Course, which follows modern teaching methods for real Latin acquisition. >> continued

>> A Vote For Latin

Physical Education

The Physical Education program at Paragon stresses participation and personal fitness. Students participate in a variety of activities that help develop aerobic conditioning and body coordination. Students are prepared to participate in the President’s Physical Fitness challenge and several other fitness related competitions. Another important component of the program is outdoor education. Students are introduced to elements of orienteering and outdoor training in conjunction with class trips to local and regional park areas.

Students are required to wear a standard uniform for physical education. Information regarding the uniform may be obtained from the school office.

Athletic opportunities for boys and girls are offered in basketball and cross-country. Other sports are offered depending on student interest and facility availability. Please visit our “Athletics” Page for more information.

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M.o.a.t.

Monitoring Our Assignments as a Team

At Paragon Prep, each student must cross the M.O.A.T. before going home at the end of the day. Monitoring Our Assignments as a Team assures that each student has an advisor. Students meet with their advisor twice a day to make sure that all homework and assignments are accounted for and for discussions of class and school events. Paragon Prep’s schedule is designed to help students complete their assignments and properly study for exams. In accordance with that policy, students will have no more than one major exam per day. Staff members also make a strong effort to coordinate their assigned homework load so that the students are given adequate time to finish their assignments. If you have concerns about your student’s academic or social progress at the school, the student’s advisor is available for consultation.

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