Overview

Middle Years Program

Welcome to Don Ross Middle School. We are excited that you are going to be continuing your education here at Don Ross.

The purpose of a “Middle Years Program” is to provide a school setting that takes into consideration the period from childhood to adolescence. In looking at the characteristics of younger teenaged students, we realize that they are undergoing many intellectual, physical, social and emotional changes at this time. Don Ross Middle School offers a program of instruction designed to build and upgrade communication skills, as well as provide a range of exploratory opportunities in a variety of subject areas.

Advisory 

All students at Don Ross start their day with their homeroom teacher in Advisory. Advisory is a strong, flexible structure implemented in most middle schools around the globe. The purpose of this time is to build strong relationships between classmates and teacher, energize and engage in school, reflect and re-calibrate, work through Social Emotional Learning, provide time and space to get organized, and develop self-advocacy skills. 

Grade 7, 8 and 9 Overview:

All students participate in: Math, English, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Career Education, French As A Second Language, Applied Design, Skills and Technologies and Arts Education. Students at DRM also take an exploratory class where they will sample various aspects of the curriculum. Exploratory offerings vary depending on the year but could include: Home Economics (Foods/Textiles), Information Technology (coding, robotics, computers), First Nations Language and Culture, Art/Drama/Music, Entrepreneurship/Project Based Learning and Trades Technology,

Grade 9 students also have the opportunity to explore topics such as Yearbook, Leadership, Outdoor Education, and Peer Tutoring within their home grouping of teachers. 

HOCKEY ACADEMY- Open to Grade 8 and Grade 9 students (runs depending on numbers): 

The objective of the Academy is to provide additional training for hockey players, any gender, beginners or advanced, competitive or recreational, who wish to improve their ice hockey skills. The Hockey Academy provides specialized on-ice coaching and instruction related to the physical skills and tactical aspects of the game. Students enrolled in the Academy have a double block of activity within their timetable that comprises: regularly scheduled on-ice times, dry land training sessions and the requirements of the regular Physical Education and Health curriculum. Participation is limited and online registration is required. You must register at: https://www.rpmhockey.com/academies/getAcademy/21d0678b/

FRENCH (Second Language Learning) – Grade 9

French Language Study still remains a requirement for direct entry into some universities in Canada. Students considering university entrance after grade 12 are highly recommended to choose French 9 and French 10, and then French 11, to avoid disappointment at not being eligible to attend the university of their choice. If you have questions about foreign language requirements for post-secondary education please contact Mr. Thomson, our school counselor, at [email protected] .

FRENCH IMMERSION – Grade 7, 8 and 9

Registration for our middle years French Immersion program at Don Ross follows a student’s successful completion of French Immersion Grade 6 in School District #48. Entry into French Immersion for any other students, at any other grade level will be on the basis of:
a) Available space and
b) Previous experience with the French language

IMMERSION – Grade 7, 8 and 9 -Our French Immersion grade 7 students follow their academic program of study in the French language and may also take Art, Drama and/or Physical Education in French. Students at DRM also take an exploratory class where they will sample various aspects of the curriculum. Exploratory offerings vary depending on the year but could include: Home Economics (Foods/Textiles), Information Technology (coding, robotics, computers), First Nations Language and Culture, Art/Drama/Music, Entrepreneurship/Project Based Learning and Trades Technology,