Programs & Curriculum

Memorial's English Language Arts program is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and is designed to develop students’ reading, writing, speaking, listening, and critical thinking skills through engaging and meaningful learning experiences. Students read a wide variety of literary and informational texts while strengthening their ability to analyze, communicate, collaborate, and support ideas with evidence.

In Grade 6, students build foundational skills in reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and structured writing while learning to analyze literary and informational texts and support their thinking with textual evidence.

In Grade 7, students deepen their analytical reading and writing skills through more complex texts and tasks. Instruction emphasizes argumentative, narrative, and informational writing, research skills, collaborative discussions, and evaluating evidence and author’s purpose.

In Grade 8, students refine advanced literacy skills through close reading, critical analysis, research, and extended writing. Students are expected to independently analyze increasingly sophisticated texts and communicate ideas clearly and effectively in preparation for high school coursework.

To meet the needs of all learners, the program includes multiple course pathways that provide opportunities for enrichment, acceleration, and advanced study, ensuring students are appropriately challenged at every level. In addition, targeted intervention and academic support are available for students who require additional assistance in developing foundational literacy skills and achieving grade-level expectations.

Memorial's mathematics program is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and is designed to build strong mathematical understanding, problem-solving skills, and real-world application of mathematics. Students engage in rigorous instruction that emphasizes conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, mathematical reasoning, and communication.

In Grade 6, students develop foundational skills in ratios and proportional reasoning, operations with fractions and decimals, rational numbers, algebraic expressions and equations, geometry, and introductory statistics.

In Grade 7, students deepen their understanding of proportional relationships, operations with rational numbers, algebraic expressions, equations and inequalities, probability, geometry, and statistical reasoning while applying mathematics to increasingly complex real-world situations.

In Grade 8, students take pre-algebra which focuses on linear equations and systems, functions, transformational geometry, the Pythagorean Theorem, irrational numbers, and preparation for high school mathematics courses such as Algebra I and Geometry.

To meet the needs of all learners, the program includes multiple course pathways that provide opportunities for enrichment, acceleration, and advanced study, ensuring students are appropriately challenged at every level. In addition, targeted intervention and academic support are available for students who require additional assistance in developing foundational skills and achieving grade-level expectations.

The Memorial Middle School Science Program is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Science and provides students with engaging, inquiry-based learning experiences that promote scientific literacy, critical thinking, problem solving, and real-world application of scientific concepts. Through hands-on investigations, collaboration, and analysis of scientific phenomena, students develop a deeper understanding of the natural and physical world.

Students progress through a sequence of study that includes Earth & Space Science in Grade 6, Life Science in Grade 7, and Physical Science in Grade 8. Instruction emphasizes scientific practices, active learning, and meaningful connections across disciplines.

The program includes multiple pathways and learning opportunities to ensure all students are appropriately challenged, while intervention and academic support services are available for students who need additional support in developing scientific understanding and skills.

The Memorial Middle School Social Studies Program is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and is designed to help students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to become informed, thoughtful, and active citizens. Through the study of history, geography, civics, economics, culture, and global issues, students build critical thinking, communication, research, and analytical skills while examining events and perspectives from around the world.

Students progress through a sequence of study that includes American History in Grade 6, World Geography in Grade 7, and Ancient World History in Grade 8. Instruction emphasizes document analysis, research, inquiry, collaboration, and real-world connections to deepen understanding and promote meaningful engagement with historical and contemporary issues.

The program includes multiple pathways and learning opportunities to ensure all students are appropriately challenged, while intervention and academic support services are available for students who need additional support in developing social studies skills and understanding.

The middle school physical education program empowers students to assume lifelong responsibility for developing physical, social, and emotional wellness. The curriculum is organized into rotating units that provide students with experiences in individual activities, team sports, and fitness development.

Students participate in individual and dual sports including badminton, pickleball, tennis, bowling, and lifetime leisure activities such as shuffleboard, bocce ball, and horseshoes. These activities build hand-eye coordination, strategic thinking, and skills that students can continue to use throughout their lives. Team sports units include basketball, soccer, volleyball, and floor hockey, where students learn offensive and defensive strategies, teamwork, and sportsmanship while developing sport-specific skills.

Fitness is integrated throughout the program with dedicated fitness days and activities. Students learn about the components of health-related fitness including cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition. They participate in fitness testing, circuit training, and various conditioning activities while learning about the principles of training and how to develop personal fitness goals. Students also explore the connection between physical activity, nutrition, and overall health.

Throughout all units, students develop social-emotional skills including cooperation, conflict resolution, respect for others of all ability levels, and effective communication. The program emphasizes that regular physical activity promotes overall fitness, provides opportunities for enjoyment and social interaction, and contributes to lifelong health and well-being.

In addition to core academic instruction, students participate in enrichment classes that provide opportunities to explore creativity, develop technical and performance skills, build physical fitness, and discover new interests.

Art Art classes provide students with hands-on experiences in drawing, painting, ceramics, and design. Students explore the elements of art and principles of design while developing technical skills and creative expression. They learn to critique artwork, study art from various cultures and historical periods, and create original works that reflect their personal perspectives and interests.

Band Students in grades 6-8 have the opportunity to participate in instrumental music through the band program. Band students meet twice weekly for full ensemble rehearsals and once weekly for small group lessons. They develop performance skills on their chosen instrument, learn music theory and notation, and perform at concerts throughout the year. Students progress through increasingly complex repertoire and have opportunities to perform solos and participate in small chamber music groups.

Drama Eighth grade students explore theatrical performance through improvisation, character development, and scene work. They learn acting techniques, script analysis, and stagecraft while building confidence and collaboration skills. Students perform scenes and participate in peer critique to develop their craft.

Physical Education The physical education program promotes lifelong health and wellness through a variety of activities. Students rotate through units in individual sports (badminton, pickleball, tennis, bowling), team sports (basketball, volleyball, soccer, floor hockey), and fitness activities. The program emphasizes skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship, and understanding the connection between physical activity and overall health.

Public Speaking Seventh grade students develop communication skills through a focused public speaking course. They learn to organize and deliver various types of speeches including informative, persuasive, and entertaining presentations. Students practice audience awareness, vocal techniques, body language, and constructive peer feedback.

Spanish Spanish classes introduce students to the language and cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. Students develop communication skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing while exploring cultural traditions, geography, and daily life in Spanish-speaking communities around the world. Instruction emphasizes practical communication and cultural understanding.

Technology Technology classes introduce students to computer science concepts and digital literacy skills. Students learn problem-solving strategies, coding fundamentals, web development, and game design. They create digital projects that demonstrate creativity and technical proficiency while developing an understanding of how technology impacts society