Study Skills
To strengthen executive functioning and organizational skills, all middle school students take a weekly study skills class. Students learn and practice explicit strategies in such key skills as note-taking, abstracting, memorization, scheduling, time management, arranging a work area, test-preparation and test-taking. Students identify their individual learning style to become better advocates for their own learning and to better utilize their strengths. Through direct teaching, students develop the skills necessary to become autonomous in their use of these techniques.
Keyboarding
With computers and technology now prevalent in the school, home and workplace, it is important that students develop strong keyboarding skills. Also, for many students, handwriting mechanics and legibility issues present significant challenges that can be accommodated through the use of word processing software. Therefore, all middle school students at Siena take a keyboarding class using an instructional software program. The software allows students to advance at their own pace, beginning with basic fingering and anchoring techniques before progressing to more advanced typing skills. In addition, students learn correct posture as well as how to prevent injury and fatigue while typing.
Physical Education
Individual and team sports facilitate skill proficiency, with students encouraged to evaluate and improve their personal fitness levels. Students learn the importance of developing and maintaining regular opportunities for physical activity throughout their lifetime. With an emphasis on sportsmanship, students develop their hand-eye coordination, foot-eye coordination, balance, agility and flexibility. Activities include volleyball, soccer, floor hockey, dance, hand/baseball and racket sports.
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Health
Health class provides an opportunity to develop health and wellness literacy based on the National Health Education Standards established by the American Association for Health Education. By studying topics such as physical activity, injury prevention, alcohol, drug abuse, and community and environmental health, students develop a variety of lifetime skills. These include self-advocacy, interpersonal communication, how to access information, self management, developing an awareness of influences, setting goals, and learning effective decision making. These skills support personal development both within and beyond the classroom.
Service Learning/Character Development
Siena's service learning program teaches students to become active members of the community. Regular service learning opportunities are provided and participation is required for all students. Siena stresses sound character development through daily classroom interactions, group projects, social skills instruction and participation in the community service activities. Responsibility and respect for self, as well as others, is emphasized throughout the program. All students have a voice within the school community, electing a Student Government to represent them.
Careers
In grades 7 and 8, students take a careers class to begin to consider their interests regarding future career paths. Students learn about the variety of jobs available, understanding the requirements to pursue each career. Students also learn about personal budgets, identifying living costs and salaries. Furthermore, students develop an understanding of the job application process, from completing applications and writing resumes to participating in mock interviews.
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