Welcome to NPMS

Our education program includes seven core teaching/learning teams in addition to our allied arts teaching/learning team. Our philosophy is grounded in the thought that student-centered education is the most effective approach in meeting young adolescent's needs and that grouping these students together in a supportive environment provides the best climate for academic challenge and growth. Our school program is based on the unique needs and characteristics of adolescents. These needs encompass physical, psychological, intellectual, and social needs. It requires that the same teachers share the same students over the same flexible block of time in the same part of the building.

Elective Options

  • Teaching/Learning Teams - This term is used interchangeably with the term "house."  A team/house refers to a common group of students who work with a  common group of teachers.
  • Common Planning Time (prep time) - This term refers to a regularly scheduled time during the school day that a given team of teachers is available for joint planning, parent conferences, student meetings and/or lesson preparation.
  • Advisory - This term is used interchangeably with "homeroom."  This twenty-minute period provides an opportunity for relationship building in a small group setting.  A predetermined curriculum that also allows for team flexibility will be utilized. Your student's advisor is a key contact person for you and we encourage regular communication between families and school through this connection.
  • Blocking - A ninety-minute class period that meets every other day.
In addition to language arts, social studies, science, math and reading, all students are scheduled into an allied arts block of classes, which includes art, family and consumer science, technology education, and computer technology/business education. Students have the choice of participating in band, choir, both band & choir or STEP.

Grade 6

If you're interested in playing musical instruments, then band is for you! You will meet every day and will receive group lessons during band. There will be 3 concerts during the year. If you did not take band in 5 th grade, you are still welcome to join! With a little bit of extra work, you will be able to catch on.

Grades 7 & 8

Music is offered to New Prague District students starting in the 5th through 12th grade. This course is offered to stimulate not only the best behavior from the middle school students involved in Instrumental Music, but also to elicit the most serious approach to the making of music. Students may participate in both band and choir. They participate in one parade for marching, they participate in festivals & go caroling at Mala Strana Nursing Home. Jazz band, solos and ensembles are also offered within the program.

Band & Choir

Students will alternate choir and band on an every other day schedule. Students will have a choir and a band lesson once a week.

Grade 6

This course is to provide an understanding of the basic skills and fundamentals of choral music. It also helps to provide a genuine musical experience for the student. Students may participate in both band and choir, as they are held the same hour on an alternating day basis. Auditions will be held for Music Express. This is a small group musical opportunity for students.  Students must be in choir to be in Music Express.

Grade 7

This course is to provide an understanding of the basic skills and fundamentals of choral music. It also helps to provide a genuine musical experience for the student. Students may participate in both band and choir, as they are held the same hour on an alternating day basis. Auditions will be held for 7th Street Singers. This is a small group musical opportunity for students.  Students must be in choir to be in 7th Street.

Grade 8

This course is to provide an understanding of the basic skills and fundamentals of choral music. It also helps to provide a genuine musical experience for the student. Students may participate in both band and choir, as they are held the same hour on an alternating day basis. Auditions will be held for Central Street Singers. This is a small group musical opportunity for students.  Students must be in choir to be in Central Street.

Band & Choir

Students will alternate choir and band on an every other day schedule. Students will have a choir and a band lesson once a week.

The STEP class is designed as a time for students not in band or choir and who prefer more in-depth enrichment within core classes. The focus of this class is for remediation and enrichment in reading, writing and math. 

The purpose of STEP (Skills Training Enrichment Program) is two-fold:

  • for students who have not met the state standards in math and/or reading. These students will be automatically placed in STEP Intervention. The goal of this class will be to improve each student's math and reading skills.
  • for students who prefer more in-depth enrichment within their core classes. These students have met or exceeded the state standards and choose not to be in band or choir.