Middle School
Opelika Middle School (OMS) was selected as a 2010 Alabama CLAS Banner School in recognition of its outstanding programs and services to students. In addition, OMS was one of only 11 schools in Alabama presented with the Alabama Safe Schools Award of Excellence in 2008.
Opelika Middle School operates as a true middle school model. Students are taught in teams for stronger support and enhanced relationships with teachers. Teams afford interdisciplinary learning and allow students to transition from elementary classrooms to a six period day. Advanced classes are offered on every team in every core subject with inclusion classes also accommodating students with special needs. Utilizing common planning time, teachers work in a collaborative environment with both their grades and departments. Teacher-designed curriculum maps, common assessments, and regular discussion of teaching practices and learning outcomes ensure that all students are provided a challenging curriculum.
OMS is equipped with three grade level technology labs which allow flexible scheduling by regular classroom teachers. In the exploratory offerings, students rotate through a technology lab that utilizes 24 modules which include animation, robotics, space and rocketry, flight simulation, aerodynamics, bridge building, medical technology, electronics, virtual makeovers, television and actual on-air radio production. Other technology courses teach computer applications. Science labs are equipped with graphing calculators, temperature probes, pH probes, UVB probes, pressure sensors and motion detectors for students to use to record accurate data during experiments. The Global Connections in Science exploratory class provides opportunities for hands-on demonstrations and experiments throughout the year that extend basic science skills to real life applications.
With the arts being an integral part of this community, OMS offers an array of fine arts courses. Sixth grade students rotate through three introductory fine arts classes: band, chorus and art. Seventh and eighth grade students may choose to participate in the fine arts electives of band and chorus. Physical education classes focus on fitness, health, and basic rules of sports in alignment with the Alabama Course of Study. Sports offered include football, softball, baseball, soccer, wrestling, basketball, volleyball, tennis, golf, track and cross country. Clubs range from 4H to National Junior Honor Society.
Read more about this topic: Opelika City Schools
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—William Howard Taft (1857–1930)