MacArthur Middle School

700 North Schoenbeck Road * Prospect Heights, Illinois 60070
Phone (847) 870-3679 Fax (847) 870-3881

The Exploratory Program is dedicated to enhancing each student's mind, body, and spirit. It is our goal to provide opportunities for every student to explore a broad variety of experiences, allowing them to recognize their own interests and talents, and prepare students to make informed decisions in the future.

Exploratory program at MacArthur include the following subjects: Art, Computers, Health, Home Economics, Industrial Technology, Life Skills, Multi-Cultural, Music, Physical Education, and Spanish. With exception to Physical Education and Spanish most subjects are 10 weeks in length (1 quarter) and are offered to each student twice during their three years at MacArthur.

The main goal of the art program is to encourage and foster an appreciation for the creation of art as well as art of other cultures and times. Students experience a wide variety of activities in both two and three dimensions. Students are introduced to drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, and graphic design. In addition to the production of art, students study art and artists of other cultures and time periods, discuss various issues dealing with the art world, and learn to make aesthetic judgments about art.

Computer education at MacArthur is about equipping students with the tools they'll need to survive and get ahead in the world. This means equipping them with basic skills and more important, enabling them to acquire new skills intelligently and effectively. Computer literacy at MacArthur centers around familiarity, comfort, and proficiency with the computer, its peripherals (they include: laser printers, servers, scanners, the use of a digital cameras), a wide variety of software programs (such as AppleWorks, Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint) and effective and proper use of the internet. At MacArthur it is our goal that students acquire a sense of self-sufficiency; the ability to manipulate, analyze, and organize information from a variety of sources; the skills to combine text, graphics, and sound in reports and presentations; the ability to communicate effectively with others; and an aptitude for finding information they need to address a problem or complete a project.

Home Economics at the sixth grade level serves as an introduction to the area of food preparation, babysitting and grooming. Students participate in the selection and preparation of nutritious foods after learning about basic kitchen equipment, safety, food sanitation and measuring. Included in the classroom and laboratory experiences are topics such as grooming and related consumer information on various products, and a modified American Red Cross Babysitter's Training course. The areas of study in food preparation includes breads, eggs, and healthy snacks.

Home Economics at seventh grade serves as an introduction to the area of sewing. Class emphasis is placed on the reading and following of technical directions and to complete two sewing projects by the end of the quarter. Sewing projects are currently animal pillows and CD cases, duffle bags, drawstring totes and catch all totes. A home laundry assignment is explained and the students really look forward to going home to learn to use their family's equipment so they can begin to take on this rewarding task of completing the family laundry. The parents are especially fond of this at-home assignment... and students moan when it is finally handed out.

Industrial Technology is offered to seventh and eighth grade students. In seventh grade students begin the quarter learning about shop safety and the tools used in the wood shop. As a beginning project, students using only hand tools construct their initials. After students make their initials they may choose from a variety of projects appropriate to their skill level. Eighth grade students begin the quarter by studying manufacturing, construction, and communication. Students then design and construct an oak clock. Eighth grade students use power equipment for all projects and are instructed on the safe and proper use of each machine. After a second project, students have an option to design and construct a project of choice utilizing any of the tools in the workshop.

In 6th grade, students are given the opportunity to travel around the world without leaving the classroom. Multicultural class will take your children on a journey around the world as the learn, explore, and experience some unique and beautiful cultures. Through a wide variety of activities students will be able to develop an understanding an appreciation of cultures that are different than their own. They will learn about different holiday customs, cultural traditions, art, music, foods, languages, and how people live. Students will explore and examine Greece, Spain, Mexico, Germany, Italy and France.

Sixth grade General Music classes focus on music history from studying the composers from the Baroque Era (1600) through today's music. We learn about them from their growing up years to the music styles they develop. We develop listening skills by listening to examples of music from each composer we study.We also improve our recorder playing by exercises in small ensembles.

The 8th grade music classes spend the semester learning about musical theater, from terminology to character study. We learn how songs are put together, they are not random, they are organized with structure just as a building is. Eighth grade works on music theory, how to read notes, what the symbols mean. We also play guitar, which is harder than the kids think!

The District 23 philosophy of physical education reflects the principles of general education to contribute to the growth and development of each child through selected movement experiences, physical activities, and awareness of lifetime physical fitness to maintain healthy living.

The physical education program will focus on a team building approach from staff and students. The emphasis of the curriculum will include team building activities that incorporate team sports, fitness days, and cardiovascular activities. This team teaching approach will benefit the students' experiences and create an optimal level of success.