Todd Gordon

Head of Middle School

The RHCDS Middle School has been designed to meet the unique needs of our pre-adolescent and adolescent students in Grades 6 through 8. All classes are fully departmentalized. Students leave their homeroom environment for courses such as English, Math, and Science. In addition, some classes include “advanced” or accelerated sections to encourage exceptional learning.

Class Hours
The Middle School day begins at 7:55 a.m. and concludes at 3:15 p.m. Classes meet for 45 to 50 minutes, providing the optimal amount of time to review homework and introduce new lesson plans.

Class Size

Each grade enjoys small class sizes ranging from 6 to 26 students. English and math classes in Grades 7 and 8 average fewer than 14 students per class.

Curriculum
Country Day School’s curriculum allows for, and our teachers treasure, the individuality of each student. Our curriculum and varied programs address all levels of development of the Middle School student: physical, intellectual, emotional, and moral.

The goals of the Middle School are to:

• Place a high value on self-esteem
• Establish academic consistency, time management, study skills, and a solid work ethic
• Instill accountability and responsibility
• Prepare students for a rigorous secondary school curriculum
• Encourage positive behavior
• Ease the transition from the Middle School to either private or public high school

To view our full Core Curriculum, see below.

Homework
Homework is an extension of class work and is assigned every evening including some weekend assignments.

Evaluations
Formal assessments of students’ progress are made throughout the school year. Written evaluations are presented at varying times during the year, and conferences with both parents and students are conducted in the fall and spring. As an aid to students and parents, Middle School faculty members use “RenWeb” to report current grades and to post homework.

Advisory in the Middle School
Each teacher is an advisor for approximately 10 to 12 students. Teachers meet with their advisees once per week for a full period. The advisor is the primary organization and support network for his/her advisees at school.

Role and Responsibilities of Advisors:

• Maintain an active awareness of the academic and social/emotional well-being of advisees
• Conduct guided conversations and/or activity around a school assigned Character Counts topic
• Follow-up on communications regarding missing assignments with faculty, student and parent
• Supervise advisees participation in school activities.
• Review Interim and Quarterly Progress reports with advisees, grade level advisors and administration.