Language Arts: Cultivating Powerful Communicators and Lifelong Readers

The Language Arts Department at Dr. Augustine Ramirez Intermediate takes immense pride in fostering a rigorous, caring, and safe environment where every student can find their voice. We firmly believe that literacy is the ultimate foundation for all academic achievement. By anchoring our curriculum in the core pillars of Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing, we equip our students with the vital tools they need to understand spoken and written language deeply, express themselves with clarity, and think critically about the world around them—essential skills that pave the way for success in high school and beyond.

Our scholars dive into a rich, diverse world of storytelling and analysis, immersing themselves in a vibrant selection of short stories, novels, poetry, and engaging non-fiction texts. Through this comprehensive literary exploration, students learn to navigate and master various writing styles, developing confidence in argumentative, informative, and narrative prose. At Ramirez Intermediate, we don't just teach English language arts; we inspire critical thinkers, insightful readers, and powerful communicators who are ready to make a meaningful impact.

Science: Fostering Curiosity and Discovering the "Why"

Our Science department invites scholars to step into the roles of researchers, innovators, and critical thinkers. We believe that studying science is essential to gaining an in-depth understanding of the world around us and the vast universe beyond. By exploring the fundamental "how" and "why" of natural and physical phenomena, our students discover how scientific inquiry has shaped human history—from developing lifesaving cures for diseases and protecting global wildlife and plant life, to predicting climate extremes and launching humankind to the moon. Our goal is to spark a lifelong curiosity that empowers students to question, experiment, and solve the complex challenges of tomorrow.

To bring these powerful concepts to life, our classrooms utilize the state-adopted TWIG Science curriculum. This dynamic, phenomena-based program immerses students in hands-on investigations, rich digital media, and collaborative problem-solving that mirrors real-world scientific career pathways. Furthermore, because we believe in supporting the holistic well-being of our students, our 7th-grade science courses integrate the Positive Prevention program. This comprehensive student health awareness curriculum equips our young scholars with the vital knowledge, critical thinking skills, and confidence needed to make safe, healthy, and informed life choices. Through this robust combination of rigorous academics and personal development, Ramirez Intermediate prepares students to navigate an ever-changing world with a scientific mindset.

Physical Education: Inspiring Lifelong Health and Vitality

Our Physical Education department is dedicated to preparing students to be physically and mentally active, fit, and healthy—for life. Required for all 7th and 8th-grade students, our comprehensive PE program focuses on developing the whole child. Through regular, purposeful movement, our students improve their physical fitness, refine essential motor skills, and cultivate self-discipline. We take pride in guiding our scholars to take personal responsibility for their health, fostering a positive self-image and strong social-emotional development that benefits them both on and off the field.

The ultimate goal for our scholar-athletes at Ramirez Intermediate is to understand the vital importance of a healthy lifestyle and put it into practice. Throughout the year, students are exposed to various sports, fitness activities, and personal enrichment opportunities using our modern PE facilities, including our campus weight room. Beyond the physical benefits—such as mastering the perfect form for running and understanding exercise principles—our curriculum emphasizes health literacy. Scholars will engage in written and oral assessments covering the Five Components of Fitness, heart rate tracking, nutrition, and Fitness gram standards, ensuring they leave ARIS competent, confident, and equipped to champion their own long-term well-being.

History: Uncovering the Past to Understand the Present

The History Department  is dedicated to taking our scholars on an immersive journey through time, helping them discover how the events of the past directly shape their everyday lives today. Our curriculum goes beyond memorizing names and dates; we teach students to think like historians by analyzing major historical events from political, economic, geographic, and social perspectives. By exploring multiple viewpoints and identifying lasting trends across time, our students develop the critical thinking skills needed to understand our complex, interconnected world.

In the seventh grade, scholars explore World History, focusing on the vibrant and transformative eras spanning from the early Common Era through the late 1700s. Students analyze the rise and fall of powerful empires, kingdoms, and influential leaders, while tracing the global spread of major religions and social movements that permanently reshaped human society. By identifying common threads and patterns across diverse civilizations and cultures, our seventh graders gain a deep appreciation for the global heritage that influences modern-day societies. Our eighth-grade curriculum transitions to a focused study of United States History, beginning with the revolutionary birth of our nation. Students navigate the triumphs, tragedies, and unique challenges faced by the early United States as it expanded its territories and evolved into a global power. By examining the foundational figures, political shifts, and economic developments that built America, our scholars develop a profound understanding of their roles as informed citizens in the ongoing story of the United States.

Our math department is dedicated to equipping every scholar with the essential skills needed to excel in high school mathematics and far beyond. We strive to help students acquire powerful analytical tools, empowering them to solve complex, real-world problems through rigorous mathematical thinking. Our curriculum goes beyond memorizing formulas; we teach students how to think logically, analyze data, and confidently decide when and how to apply their knowledge to the world around them.

For students ready to dive into a higher level of academic rigor, ARIS offers highly rewarding accelerated math pathways. To qualify for Accelerated Math 7, students should have earned an "A" in their previous math course and scored "Exceeded Standards" (Level 4) on their recent SBAC exam. To qualify for Integrated Math 1, a grade of "B" or higher along with an "Exceeded Standards" SBAC score is required. Beyond these academic benchmarks, our team firmly believes that long-term mathematical success relies on fostering core personal habits: strong organizational skills, perseverance through challenges, effective communication, and proactive self-advocacy.

Our standard and accelerated courses thoroughly prepare 7th and 8th-grade scholars by exploring key mathematical domains: