Philipsburg-Osceola Middle School Grade 8 CORE Courses

2025-2026

8TH GRADE MANDATORY COURSES

English Language Arts (1 credit)

Math 8 ( 1 credit)

or ..

• Fundamental Algebra 8 (Placement criteria must be met to take this class)
• Keystone Algebra 8 (Must have taken Fundamental Algebra in 7th grade)

Science 8 (1 credit)

U.S. History/Civics ( 1 credit)

Accelerated Reader 8 ( 1 credit)

Flex 8 - academic period (intervention, enrichment, study hall), social-emotional, other activities as needed

Music & Culture in the U.S.- 1 semester (.50 credit) Online Resource- 9 Weeks

Physical Education- 9 weeks (.25 credit)

Elective Offerings (.50 credit each)- Students get 1 full credit of an Elective

*Has a prerequisite in parentheses

Band

Clay 1

Choir

*Clay 2 (Clay 1)

Unified PE

*Baking Basics (Family Consumer Sci)

*Engineering (Wood Shop)

PO News & Media

*Spanish 1 (Intro to Spanish)

*Wood Shop (Physical Tech)

Weightlifting

STEAM *Sci, Tech, Eng, Art, Math

Stock Market & Current Events

Philipsburg-Osceola Middle School Grade 7 CORE Courses

2025-2026

7th Grade Mandatory Courses

English Language Arts 7- 1 credit

Math 7 ( 1 credit)

 or ..  

• Fundamental Algebra 7 (Placement criteria must be met to take this class)

Science 7- 1 credit

Social Studies 7 - 1 credit

FLEX 7 academic period (intervention, enrichment, study hall), social-emotional, and other activities as needed

Physical Education-9 weeks ( .25 credit)

Family and Consumer Science- (.50 credit)

Physical Technology- (.50 credit)

Art 7-  (.50 credit)

Elective Offerings (.50 credit each)- Students get 1 full credit of an Elective

Band

Choir

STEAM-Science Tech Engineering Art Math

Intro to Spanish

Stock Market & Current Events

Weightlifting

PO News & Media

POMS Elective Catalog

 2025-26

• Clay 1 (Ceramics) 

 7th & 8th Grade (Semester .5 Credit)

The focus is on the basic skills and techniques of hand-building as well as problem-solving strategies to create artworks with clay.

This course will introduce students to hand-building skills and techniques to create a variety of ceramic pieces. Techniques will include kneading, hand building, pinch, coil, slab, and various decorative processes. Students will learn the process of ceramic-making, from designing and building to firing and glazing. Functionality, vocabulary, and aesthetics will be primary themes throughout the course, in correlation with the Pennsylvania State standards for Arts and Humanities.

Clay 2 (Ceramics) 

 8th Grade (Semester .5 Credit)

This course focuses on building and expanding on the techniques learned in Clay 1, as well as learning new techniques to create more detailed and complex pieces.

This course will build on the instruction and lessons from Clay 1, hand building will be used to create a variety of ceramic pieces. Techniques will include kneading, hand building, pinch, coil, slab, Sgraffito, various decorative processes, as well as learning how to use the clay at different stages of hardness. Students will review the process of ceramics, from designing and building to firing and glazing. Functionality, vocabulary, and aesthetics will be primary themes throughout the course, in correlation with the Pennsylvania State standards for Arts and Humanities. \ English Language Arts Electives

Accelerated Reader-Relax and Read

8th grade (Semester)

Could you use more time for Accelerated Reader Reading? Do you find reading a way to "chill" for a little bit? R-n-R is for you! Whether you just want to "Read and Relax" or if you just need more time to read to meet your AR goal, R-n-R is designed to give you time to read selections of your choice. This class will require daily reading and quarterly projects based on your reading.

POMS News & Media 

7th & 8th Grade (Semester)

Students in this course learn the basics of news literacy, publishing, and broadcasting. Websites, papers, and productions will be utilized to communicate middle school news. Students must be willing to be on camera.

Family and Consumer Science Electives

Baking Basics 

 8th Grade (Semester) (*Must have taken Family Consumer Science)

The students will develop a great deal of experience by choosing and preparing recipes as well as safety techniques and equipment in the kitchen. In this course, we will examine the role of specific ingredients in baking. Examine techniques in baking and identify how methods of incorporation affect the outcome of baked goods. This course is designed to increase baking and oven knowledge and skills. Students will explore jobs and career opportunities in the field of baking and pastry arts. Requirements include previously completing Family and Consumer Sciences with a passing grade.

World Language Electives

Spanish 1

 Full Year Course (1 High School Credit)

(*Must have taken Intro to Spanish)

An examination of Hispanic history and culture is an integral part of the course. Language topics will be focused on beginning vocabulary themes and basic grammatical concepts (present tense verb conjugations, adjective agreement, and basic pronoun usage), foundational skills for success in Spanish 2. One credit high school humanities course earned with a passing grade. Full year 8th Grade (1 High School Credit if student passes.)

Intro to Spanish 

 7th Grade - (Semester)

This course introduces students to the Spanish language. It helps students develop proficiency on a basic level. This class will focus on understanding and learning to speak simple phrases, learning limited vocabulary and very basic grammatical structures. Students will practice listening and speaking as well as reading and writing. Students will also learn about Spanish culture and different Spanish speaking countries.

Music Electives

Choir 

 7th & 8th Grade ( One Semester-alternating days)

Join the POMS Choral Community! Learn to use your vocal talent throughout your whole life in choirs, modern bands, theatre, and beyond! We work together in a fun way to learn more about how to sing in harmony, perform confidently, and take care of our voices. We explore music of all genres, including a Modern Band, Recording Arts, and Songwriting Unit.

Concert Band 

 7th & 8th Grade (One Semester-alternating days)

Now is your time to shine! Concert Band meets every day and is a continuation of your elementary level instrumental study, or you can take the opportunity to learn an instrument for the first time. Develop your music skills and have the opportunity to perform a wide variety of music styles by being a part of the concert band*.

*You must be enrolled in either Concert Band or Band/Chorus if you would like to play your instrument in Marching Band

Band/Choir 

           7th & 8th Grade (Offered on alternating days for the entire school year)

Allows the student interested in both choir and band to attend each course on alternating days as coordinated by the instructor.

*You must be enrolled in either Concert Band or Band/Chorus if you would like to play your instrument in Marching Band

Music & Culture in the U.S.

This complete curriculum examines the popular music of each decade, how that music connected with the period, and how music is important in our lives. It is designed for two full semesters, or as a "choose your adventure" if you have a shorter duration with students. It also provides a fast-paced class period (daily listening, decades- projects) and allows for a great deal of choice and voice for the students for maximum engagement.

Physical Education & Health Electives

Unified PE 

Semester Course (Semester .5 credit)

Unified PE is a unique opportunity for students of varying ability levels and backgrounds to come together on equal terms through ongoing fitness, sports, leadership, and wellness activities. This course focuses on the physical, intellectual, and social growth of all participants. It is suited to the interests, capacities, and abilities of students who may not safely engage in unrestricted participation in vigorous physical activities of the standard physical education program. An excuse from a doctor or appropriate IEP accommodations must be documented for placement in Unified Physical Education OR an application from students interested in the course.

Weight Lifting

Semester Course ( .5 Credit) 

The Weight Lifting course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of weightlifting principles and techniques to improve strength and overall fitness. Preference will be given to student-athletes.

Social Studies Electives

Current Events/Stock Market

 7th and 8th Grade (Semester .5 credit)

The Stock Market Game teaches students about investing through the excitement of an online simulation. During the 10-week simulation, student teams invest $100,000 in a virtual portfolio and trade using real-time quotes. After the initial introduction to stocks/investing, the class time required to run the stock market simulation/competition is usually minimal. Therefore, this class will also focus on current events using online sources (such as virtual copies of the Centre Daily Times, teen news clips, and a weekly NewzBrain competition) to explore and reflect on the news that impacts our lives, our country, and world.

Technology Education Electives

Wood Shop 

 8th Grade (formerly Manufacturing Technology; Semester .5 credit) *Must have taken Physical Technology

This is an introductory course to manufacturing in the woodworking world. This course is a hands-on class that begins with learning the safety of tools and machines, followed by studying the 6 main areas of Manufacturing. For the first project, students will work on a design as a class to learn how the Manufacturing Process works and also to gain experience using the CAD program. Once the class develops the design, they manufacture the project together. In the second part of the semester, the students work in small engineering groups to finalize a design prototype of a candy machine. Once the class selects the winning prototype, the class will mass produce these so that each student has a finished product.

Engineering Technology 

8th grade  (Semester .5 credit) 

Engineering Technology will introduce students to various areas of engineering, such as mechanical, computer, and electrical engineering. This course will incorporate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in order to solve problems. This course will be divided between the computer lab and the Industrial Arts Shop. Students could explore different concepts through a hands-on project such as computer-aided drafting (CAD), wacky Rube Goldberg designs, solar cars, construction design, and robotics. Given the flexibility of this class, when available, we work with Penn State Faculty and Students on different projects.

POMS STEAM 

7th & 8th Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math;  Semester .5 credit) 

Join us in learning how to plan, design, and construct an outdoor classroom that will be used to explore the fascinating life of plants and their effects on the ecosystem. This class will be about understanding different native pollinator plants, how they affect the environment, and how to care for them throughout the seasons. You will also be a part of maintaining our outdoor environmental space!

Dear 8th grade parents,

We are introducing a new music elective all 8th grade students will be taking this year. ( exceptions if students are enrolled in Choir/Band)

Please preview the new Music Culture course! It is one semester.

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/General-MusicMusic-Appreciation-Curriculum-Music-Culture-in-the-US-5943613

What to expect at POMS in 2025-26

Dress Code

Skin from the mid/upper thigh to the chest area should not be exposed. Crop tops and/or clothing promoting drugs, violence, or inappropriateness are prohibited. The dress code is enforced at POMS.

Water Bottles

Water bottles are permitted. Water is the only beverage to be consumed outside of the cafeteria. Flavored water, soda, tea, and energy drinks are not permitted in the hallways. Students are allowed to refill their water bottles in school. Water bottles must be spill-proof.

Back Packs

Backpacks must be clear or mesh. Gym clothes should be brought to school in a separate bag. Students are not permitted to carry their backpacks from class to class.

Arrival

·       Parent Drop Off from 7:24 am to 7:39 am outside the cafeteria doors.

·       Bus Drop Off 7:24-7:35 AM. Students enter through the cafeteria.

·       Van Drop Off by the main office

Dismissal-estimated times

·   Parent Pick Ups & Walkers: 2:15 PM

- Bussers: 2:16 PM

* Parent Pick Ups will dismiss the grounds first, with bussers following right after.

** Parent Pick Up Parents can begin their line up in the driveway loop in front of the school. This will help with cars backed up towards Rt. 53.

Breakfast

Students are allowed one free breakfast per day. Students have the choice of eating a grab-and-go breakfast upon arrival in the morning or taking advantage of our 2nd Chance Breakfast, a new option built into our 3rd-period class time. Students will order their 2nd Chance Breakfast ( if desired) during their 3rd-period class for the next school day. Breakfast will be delivered!

Homeroom

 All students will start their day in their homeroom. Homeroom opens at 7:25 and dismisses at 7:47 AM

Lunch

  All 6th-grade students eat A Lunch from 11:36- 12:06 PM

All 8th-grade students eat B Lunch from 12:19-12:49 PM

All 7th grade students are split between A Lunch and B Lunch.

Online Resource-Period 5

 All 6th-grade students will have a period 5 “Online Resource” class on five of six cycle days. The resource class is predominantly for completing Get More Math and Accelerated Reader; however, there is flexibility depending on student needs.

 All 6th-grade students will have a period 5 Physical Education class once every sixth cycle day. They are not required to change into gym clothes, but should make sure to wear sneakers on gym days.

FLEX- Period 10

All 6th-grade students will end their day with a FLEX (Flexible )period. This is an opportunity for your child to complete assignments, get extra help from a teacher, and visit a school counselor. Flex and Homeroom will have the same rosters.

Mini Courses- Period 7/8

 All 6th-grade students have “mini” courses, Pd 7/8. These classes are a survey experience run on a six-day cycle. 

All students will have the following ‘mini’ once per six-day cycle. 

Health-Mr. Perry

Executive Functioning- HR Teacher

POMS 1st year seminar/Careers- Mrs. Guelich

Social Emotional Learning Miss Sanker

Optional Mini Classes

Band- Mrs. Woods

Choir- Mrs. Woods

Students who do not participate in Choir or Band will have 

Spanish- Señora Pelka

Library- Mrs. Mann

Reading

 All 6th-grade students have a Reading class with Mrs. Mann or Miss Sanker.

Transitioning  

  Students will be moving each period between classes, predominantly within the same hallway, with some exceptions like lunch, health and physical education.

Six-Day Cycle

  We use a six-day cycle for the Mini Classes period 7/8 and period 5.

Security/Lockers/Phones

  Students will go through metal detectors every morning and have their bags checked for safety (clear or mesh backpacks needed)

 Locks will be issued for student lockers

 Cell Phones/Smart Devices should be secured in lockers during the instructional day.

I hope this helps answer any questions you may have.

6th grade orientation is on Thursday, August 14, starting at 5 pm in the auditorium. Orientation will conclude at 7 PM.  

 Please contact the office with any questions. We look forward to seeing your child on August 21

Respectfully,

Brian J. Pelka, Principal P.O.M.S

bpelka@pomounties.org/814-342-4906 ext. 3019

Start time is 6 pm!

ELA - April 23, 24, 25

Math - April 29, 30

Science (8th grade only) - May 1, 2

Make-ups  -May 5-8

Keystones - May 13, 14 (Makeups 15,16)

To Parents/Guardians of Children in Testing Grades for PSSA/Keystone Exams:

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has requested that each school district notify the parents/guardians of children in testing grades for the district's PSSA/Keystone Exam protocol regarding cell phones, smart phones, electronic devices, e-readers, Nooks, Kindles, iPads, tablets, camera-ready devices, and other prohibited electronic devices as deemed by the POASD.

ATTENTION PARENTS & STUDENTS

NEW PDE POLICY KEYSTONE/PSSA TESTING POSSESSION OR USE OF ANY CELL PHONE, SMARTPHONES OR OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES DURING TESTING IS NOT ALLOWED!

As per Pennsylvania Department of Education, if a student is in possession of any cell phone, smartphone, and/or other electronic devices during the Keystone/PSSA test administration, the consequences are as follows:

• Students could receive a "do not score label" on his/her test booklet.
• The student violating the cell phone/electronic device policy may be required to retake the entire exam.
• The cell phone or electronic device will be confiscated until such time that a parent or guardian can come to the school to pick up the device. In the presence of the parent or guardian, the cell phone or other electronic device will be viewed to ensure that no information or material regarding the assessment is present on the device.
• If there is a violation of the no cell phone, smartphone, or other electronic device policy, discipline will vary depending on whether test material has been compromised.
• Parents and students may be responsible for the cost of replacing any testing materials that have been compromised.
• Penalties for violations of compromised test will include the cost of replacing the compromised test item(s) and parents and students may be responsible for cost of replacement.
• If, after testing is complete and test materials have been returned, it is discovered that the student used and/or had an electronic device in his/her possession during the administration of the test, the following will occur:

1. The school's discipline policy will be followed

2. The student's scores could be invalidated

The protocol is as follows:

• Administrators and teachers will remind students not to bring to class cell phones, cameras, or any other similar type of device which could be disruptive and/or take a photo of the assessment.
• Administrators and teachers will give students this reminder beginning at least two weeks prior to the scheduled assessment date.
• Students carrying their electronic devies to class on a testing day will be required to turn over their device to the teacher prior to starting the test session. These items will be placed in an envelope on the test administrator's desk and remain there until testing is complete.
• Student's still found to be in possession of a cell phone during testing will face the previously mentioned consequences.

February 14- in-service day NO SCHOOL for Students

February 17- NO SCHOOL for Students