Unified Arts Program

• Art
• Computer Education
• Chorus Program
• Instrumental Program
• International Language
• Music
• Physical Education
• Technology Education

Art
Sara Harrod
Nancy Pollock

General art is offered to sixth and seventh graders, where students experiment with and increase their proficiency in a variety of media and techniques, including printmaking, drawing and painting, fabric art, crafts and mixed media creations. Students also work with clay and with a variety of sculptural and three dimensional materials. Creativity is encouraged, along with self-evaluation and the process of making satisfying artistic choices. In eighth grade, students choose among art electives which include: sculpture, pottery, black and white photography, calligraphy, drawing, painting, calligraphy and computer graphics. These selections allow students to explore an art medium in more depth and greater detail; they also offer the opportunity to try something they might not otherwise be able to experience. Throughout middle school, art students work with art concepts and styles from different cultures and periods in art history, along with making connections with the vibrant Portsmouth artistic community. We welcome parent involvement. Student artwork is on display in the art galleries at City Hall, the School Board Room at Little Harbor School, and in the Middle School display areas. Classes also make use of the cultural variety of Portsmouth including galleries and visiting local artists. Our students successfully participate in the Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards competition annually and have been recognized on the state and national levels for the high quality of their work.

Computer Education
Kent Hubbard

Our computer literacy program offers students the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience with a variety of computer applications. The Portsmouth Middle School computer program adheres to the state guidelines for high school graduation. All grade levels experience a variety of technology-enriched activities with the assistance of the technology integration specialist. The majority of this work occurs in the main computer lab which is staffed by a paraprofessional. In sixth grade, a variety of computer skills will be taught, including word processing, database management, and internet skills. In seventh grade, students build upon their word processing, database, drawing, and internet skills.

Chorus Program
Gwen Baker

Grade six chorus is a non-auditioned, in-school vocal group that rehearses twice a week. The group is open to anyone interested in singing. This chorus has three concert performances per year in December, March, and May.
Grades seven and eight chorus is a non-auditioned vocal group that meets daily and performs 3-5 part chorus music of all styles. Outside appearances are also scheduled in addition to the three school performances.

Family and Consumer Science
Mary Gaulin
Ann Gilman

Family and consumer sciences is an important component of the unified arts team. Students participate in sewing, foods, and nutrition courses. The courses are designed to enhance and contribute to the development of self-esteem through "hands-on" activities and student participation in the completion of relevant projects and activities. Students will also participate in community service as part of the curriculum. In the sixth grade, students participate in two six-week programs developed to provide an introduction to each of the curriculum areas. There is an emphasis on active participation and "hands-on" learning. Students work on both individual and small group projects and activities. In the seventh and eighth grade, students participate in a twelve-week program that provides an in-depth exposure to three of the curriculum areas each year. There is a $2.00 lab fee in the nutrition and food preparation component and students will choose and purchase an individual sewing project.

Instrumental Program
Steve Cirillo
Courtney Randall

Performing groups (concert bands and ensembles) are open to all middle school students. Each group provides the student with opportunities to perform a wide range of musical literature in many different styles. There are numerous performances throughout the year, including large school concerts and small performances out in the local community.
Lesson opportunities are available to all students participating in the program. Each student can choose from private, semi-private, small group, or large group formats. Times are arranged around the student's particular class schedule. The most common time is usually right after school.
Concert bands are available in each grade level and meet daily during the school day. Approximately 65 students per grade level participate in this program.
Jazz Ensemble is available for students in all grade levels. Approximately 15-20 students meet once each week after school.
The brass ensemble (10-15 students), flute ensemble (4-8 students), and mixed woodwind ensemble (4-8 students), are available to students in grades seven and eight. These groups meet approximately once each week during the school day. Additional rehearsals are scheduled when necessary.
The facility includes a band room with three separate practice rooms. A limited number of specialty instruments are available for students to use instead of having to rent or purchase them. This helps to give each group a strong, varied instrumentation.

International Language
Patty Ross
Jennie Cook

Portsmouth Middle School offers instruction in French and Spanish at all grade levels. Courses are geared towards basic grammatical principles and development of conversational skills.
The purpose of the foreign language class is to develop skills in the four areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing, and to enhance an appreciation of international cultures.
We will follow the lessons in the text, utilizing workbook exercises, videos, and compact discs.
We will also do many additional activities as well as examine the cultural aspects of various countries.
We expect that the students come to class prepared each day with a covered textbook, notebook, completed assignment and a pen and pencil. They must be active participants within the classroom since proficiency with the language can only be accomplished through practice. Lack of preparation and participation will be noted and reflected in the students' grade. The following are our expectations of everyone: be prepared to learn and participate, and be respectful of everyone and everything.
Communicating in another language is a powerful and important skill for today's world!

Music
Dorothy Frazer
Peter Steucek

Grades six and seven are provided with a general overview of music. Music theory is studied which leads into the playing of recorders. Grade six students create their own rap songs and become involved with the families of musical instruments. Grade seven students study American popular music and study the lives, times, and music of Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven.
Grade eight elective courses are offered in guitar, keyboard, and percussion. Students use school-owned instruments to learn the basics of playing and reading music.

Physical Education and Health
Kathy Birse-Siegel
Matt Mitchell
Tom Denning

Portsmouth Middle School Physical Education classes will offer a variety of activities throughout the year. Activities will include Soccer, Football, Volleyball, Field Hockey, Tennis, Ultimate Frisbee, Cooperative Games, Whiffleball, Badminton, Floor Hockey, project Adventure, Basketball, Softball, Lacrosse, Track and Handball. A Health class will be taught weekly covering the Life Skills Program and a variety of middle school health related issues.

Portsmouth Middle School Physical Education and Health classes will be assigned to all students for the school year. Students are required to bring appropriate clothing and sneakers to participate in class. Examples of appropriate dress are: shorts, tee shirts, sweat pants or wind pants. Jeans are not acceptable physical education clothing.

Portsmouth Middle School students will participate in a variety of activities and games that will promote teamwork, skill development and cooperation to help them become better students, friends and more creative young adults.

Technology Education
Clifton Guy
Martin James

Technology at Portsmouth Middle School focuses on process as well as product. Students have an opportunity to work with a variety of materials and tools. During their time at the Middle School, students will participate, on average, in twelve weeks of technology education per grade. Activities that they will participate in may include: designing, model making, electronics, and basic wood construction. Safety, along with appropriate use of tools and material, is emphasized at all times.