Program of Studies
Art
Character Education
Clubs & After-School Activities
Course Summary
English Language Arts
Gifted & Talented Services
Grading Procedures (including Honor Roll information)
Health
Investigations
Mathematics
Music
National Junior Honor Society
Physical Education/Athletics
Research & Debate
Science
Social Studies
Special Education (Services & COVE)
Study Hall
Support Services
Technology
Virtual High School
World Languages
General Information
Requirements: All students are required to take Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics and Science at the level appropriate to their grade.
Foreign Languages: Students are able to select one of the following languages: French, Italian and Spanish. Successful completion of Foreign Language coursework results in the awarding of high school credit.
Accelerated Classes: Acceleration options are available in Art, Mathematics, Science and Technology. Please refer to specific subject pages for detailed information.
Special Help: Collaborative teaching classes, ELA and Math Enhancement classes, academic centers learning centers, learning institutes and ELL (English Language Learners) services are available for all those who qualify.
Student Leadership Opportunities: We encourage students to grow as leaders during their three years at SOMS. Some of the opportunities are:
- Student Government: no election, any student can join.
- National Junior Honor Society
- Peer Mediation
- Peer Tutors
- Principal’s Committee
Standardized Testing: Standardized testing gives teachers information about students’ strengths, needs, and program alignment to state standards. We encourage students to try to do their best on all assessments and we have support for students who find these assessments challenging. The current testing program includes: New York State English/Language Arts Assessment grades 6, 7 and 8; New York State Math Assessment grades 6, 7 and 8; and, New York State Science Assessment Grade 8 (for students enrolled in General Science only).
Physical Education/Explore Classes: All students participate in Physical Education classes every other day. Our exploratory program has been designed to provide opportunities to develop students’ interests and talents as well as to expose them to areas that, until middle school, may not have been part of the curriculum.
Introduction
The Program of Studies is a valuable source of information and direction for students and parents. It contains information on the courses offered at South Orangetown Middle School and many of the services provided by our staff.
The Program of Studies is characterized by a richness and variety designed to allow each student to find areas in which he/she can excel and be successful. Our goal as educators is to make the Middle School experience as broad as possible so that students will be thoroughly prepared to continue their studies in high school. The home/school partnership is particularly important at this age and stage of a child’s development. Although choices within our program of studies are limited, parents and students do need to consider some of the options available in the areas of music, science, mathematics, foreign language, art and technology.
As we continue to strive to meet the needs of diverse learners, we will adjust the SOMS Program of Studies to benefit all students.
District Mission
In a rapidly changing world, the South Orangetown school community affirms its positive vision of the future by providing a safe and caring environment where all share the excitement of teaching and learning, and where we encourage and nurture the uniqueness of each child. Through diverse and challenging programs, we promote academic standards, creative and critical thinking, self-respect, respect for others and acceptance for our responsibilities in a global society. We are committed to fostering a love of learning in our students. TOGETHER WE CAN.
SOMS Mission
The South Orangetown Middle School is committed to meeting the unique needs of the early adolescent child. We acknowledge the importance of assisting students in their transition from childhood to adulthood. We promote academic excellence and the personal and social development of each child, while affirming the importance of home, school and community connections.