Departments

Overview

Departments

Browse this page for more information about our departments. To find a specific department staff member, visit our Staff Directory.

History (Individuals & Societies) 

IB Characteristics are incorporated daily, comparing and contrasting historical figures with individuals from today.  We also bring in current countries and their backgrounds where appropriate with the topics that we are discussing. Each grade level has their own specialty when it comes to design.

6th Grade

Study of early humans and the beginnings of modern society. Topics include:

  • Ancient Mesopotamia
  • Hebrews and Egypt
  • India and China
  • Greece and Rome

In each ancient civilization, we focus on geography, religion/beliefs, social systems, and achievements.

7th Grade

Study of societies in medieval times. Topics include: 

  • Rome and the Fall of Rome
  • Middle East
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • The Americas

8th Grade

Study of U.S. history. Topics include: 

  • Colonization 
  • American Revolution 
  • Constitution
  • Early American presidents; George Washington through Andrew Jackson 
  • Manifest Destiny 
  • Civil War
  • Turn of the century 

Language & Literature

Student resources: 

Math

Placement in the Accelerated Math courses is based on the most recent CAASPP scores, iReady Diagnostic assessments, trimester grades. If you have questions about these courses please email Tanya Bonifacini (tbonifacini@rcsdk8.org).

Supplies

  • Pencils & Eraser
  • Dry-erase whiteboard markers & eraser
  • Glue Sticks
  • Notebook 

Your child’s individual teacher may request more specific supplies in addition to those listed. 

Physical Education

Visit Eich’s P.E. website for more information. 

Science

IB requires 50 hours of Design coursework per school year and only teachers who have completed IB training in Design can document the hours in class.   It can either be offered as a separate class or integrated into other subject areas. Eich has decided to integrate Design into science, history and certain visual and performing arts classes (Adv. Art, Computer Technology courses, Yearbook, Ballroom Dance, and Leadership). Eich has created a “Design” tracking sheet that is shared with all students via Google Docs to track the hours so we ensure all students have access to the required 50 design hours per school year.

Assessment Redos

Science retakes will be at the discretion of the teacher.  A redo-ticket will be required in order to participate in the retake.  One-time retakes will occur in a timely fashion after the initial assessment at the arranged opportunity by the teacher.

Extra-Curricular Opportunities with a STEAM Focus

  • Tech-Trek
  • Don’t Buy the Lie
  • Academic Talent Search
  • Destination Imagination

Visual & Performing Arts (VAPA)

Watch the following videos to learn more about our programs.

World Language

Language is not an elective at Eich. It’s an integral part of the core IB curriculum. 

What languages does Eich offer? 

  • Spanish – Levels 1, 2, 3, and Heritage
  • French – Levels 1, 2, and 3
  • ELD (English Language Development) – Levels 1, 2, and 3

How does Eich teach language? 

We teach with comprehensible input, meaning that we provide students with compelling, understandable messages in the target language. 

We strive for communicative proficiency over perfection. 

This means…

  • Students don’t use a textbook nor do they memorize lists of vocabulary or grammar rules. Students acquire language naturally by understanding what they read and hear. 
  • Teachers speak in the target language to immerse the students in the language and accelerate language acquisition. 
  • Instead of hundreds of vocabulary words, we focus on a core of high-frequency, high-impact verbs that students can use right away to communicate. These verbs are taught in class using comprehensible input strategies. 
  • Students read novels and stories. Humans are wired to remember stories! Even level one students read short novels in the target language.
  • We focus on relevance. We make the students and their lives and interests the subject matter as often as possible. 
  • We study and bring to life cultural traditions from around the world. We get to know other cultures by communicating with Pen Pals, exchange students, and by learning from our teachers.