San Francisco

Middle School

SF MS 2011

T

he Middle School years are a time of great change as students transition from children to adolescents. We believe that students do best when surrounded by many adults to provide support and nurturance.

Our students continue to build upon their scholastic achievements and to develop their problem-solving skills. Their secure sense of who they are as humans, as Americans and as Jews provides them with the strength and courage to explore and to question.

Our interdisciplinary curriculum weaves together an awareness of past and present connections and future possibilities, and a broad choice of electives gives students the opportunity to try new activities such as triathlon, yearbook, creative writing and peer tutoring as well as participate in performance band, theater and unique art projects.

News

  • Middle School Loves Spirit Week

    Posted December 20, 2012

    Once a year, just before winter break, our middle school celebrates "Spirit Week," a fun tradition that builds community and faculty-student relationships. This year, the daily themes included "Twins Day" and "Dress as a Faculty Member" (with faculty members dressing as students). On the last day of school middle school students make and serve pancakes and cocoa to all the lower school classes - in their pajamas.

    SEE PHOTOS

  • Eighth Grade Debates Important Election Issues

    Posted November 7, 2012

    Last week, our middle school students studied and presented the positions of the two major party presidential candidates, President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney. The process allowed students to study the issues and deepen their understanding of our electoral process, the national issues at stake and the skills required to debate and present a political position with poise. "This was an exercise in citizenship." said teacher Neal Biskar. "Our students learned that democracy requires effort." he added.

  • Ancient History Comes Alive for 6th Grade Archaeologists

    Posted September 12, 2012

    Textbook history comes alive for sixth graders through activities like a simulated cave exploration. Donning headlamps, archaeologists crawl into a "cave" to retrieve an artifact for team study and analysis.

  • Middle Schoolers "Shop" for Electives

    Posted September 4, 2012

    Each semester, middle school students love the opportunity to choose elective courses. From journalism to drama to cooking, from video art to conversational Spanish to advanced math . . . there's an elective to pique every student's interest, and a "shop around" system designed to allow for exploration and informed decision-making.

  • Middle School Retreat - A Bonding Experience

    Posted August 29, 2012

    Our middle school students kicked off the school year away from our classrooms at a two-day offsite retreat with advisors and teachers. The retreat builds a sense of community and bonding that enhances learning throughout the year.

    SEE PHOTOS

    ABOUT OUR MS RETREAT

  • Lockers for Sixth Grade

    Posted August 28, 2012

    One of the distinguishing marks of middle school is the transition from classroom cubby to individual locker (more responsibilities, more privileges). Our sixth graders enjoyed their new status this week!

    SEE PHOTOS

  • Parent Expertise Enriches Middle School Electives

    Posted September 28, 2011

    Elective classes are an important part of our middle school program - and so are the BHDS parents who share their unique talents and invest their time and energy to lead a few of our electives.