Library
The Information Literacy program integrates digital information skills with more traditional ones. The program helps students examine a wide variety of sources, practice the research process, develop critical thinking skills, avoid plagiarism, and respect copyright. Librarians, in collaboration with technology specialists, classroom teachers, and language arts specialists design projects that encourage the development of inquiry skills. Students preview, develop research questions, identify sources, develop search strategies, evaluate sources, discriminate between important and unimportant information, cite sources, create a product, and reflect on the research process.
Librarians lead genre studies, read selections to students, and share new and old titles in discussion. The library maintains an extensive collection of fiction, nonfiction, and ebook titles, as well as other multimedia selections. The library brings in professional authors on a regular basis who share their personal stories with our students and encourage students to try writing on their own.
Art
Through experimentation and play, students are encouraged to discover the possibilities of materials in order to develop imaginative and creative solutions to structured artistic challenges.
Health and Guidance
The Middle School Health/Guidance program is designed to heighten the awareness and understanding of children's physical, social and emotional changes.
Language Arts
Students build respect for the use of language and an appreciation for good literature. These help students hone their writing, reading, listening, and effective speaking skills
Library
The library brings in professional authors on a regular basis who share their personal stories with our students and encourage students to try writing on their own.
Mathematics
Potomac uses Math in Focus (MIF), a program based on Singapore Math model. The program focuses on an in-depth understanding of mathematical concepts and problem solving.
Music
The Middle School General Music program is based on the Orff-Schulwerk approach to teaching and learning, which strives to build musicianship in every learner through the integration of singing, instrumental music, movement, speech, and drama.
Physical Education
The purpose of the physical education program in Middle School is to provide an environment in which each student can develop confidence in his or her physical self.
Science
The Middle School science program is designed to expose students to basic concepts and to foster an appreciation of science in their lives through hands-on activities.
Social Studies
Students explore early humans, first and ancient civilizations, and the origins and basic beliefs of major world religions.
Technology
In the Middle School, the integration of technology and curriculum is highly valued; technology instruction is embedded into every subject area.
World Languages
The Middle School Spanish Language program, while working to develop language proficiency in Spanish, is primarily designed to capture the unique cognitive benefits of second language acquisition for children of this age.