Millis Center Middle School Programs

These days, children grow up fast, making Millis Center Middle School programs more vital than ever. Students learn to make the right choices regarding their health, and to abstain from unhealthy, self-destructive behaviors.

All About Me (6th grade)
This program explores the wonders of the amazing human body. Special concentration is placed on the respiratory, digestive, nervous, muscular, skeletal and circulatory systems. Three-dimensional models, graphics and actual human organs are used to present the complexity of the body's systems. Preventive aspects of healthy eating, exercise, safety and not smoking are also included in learning "all about me."

Be in the "NO" (6th grade)
In this program, students learn what drugs are, the effects of drug use on the body, and why people use drugs. Discussions of peer pressure and refusal skills are an integral part of the program. Students are shown how advertising can affect the decisions they make regarding the use of drugs. Laser disks are utilized to offer reinforcement of the program message of being in the "NO."

Smart 'n Safe (6th-8th grade)
Students learn about all aspects of safety and first aid in this Smart 'n Safe program. First-aid topics appropriate for different levels that are covered include cleaning wounds, animal bites, and nosebleeds. An in-depth discussion of the brain and spinal cord communicates the importance of these vital organs, as well as how important it is to use safety precautions in daily life. Sports safety and vehicle safety are also discussed.

Jane Program (6th grade, girls only)
The primary goal of this program is to prepare pre-adolescent girls for the onset of puberty and the unique experience of growing up. A large portion of the class deals with feminine hygiene issues, with emphasis on menstruation. Both male and female reproductive anatomy is discussed. There is a brief discussion of teen diet habits and types of eating disorders that endanger the health of teenage girls.

John Program (6th grade, boys only)
This program seeks to prepare pre-adolescent boys for the onset of puberty and the unique experience of growing up. There is discussion of hygiene, proper diet and respect for others. Both male and female reproductive anatomy is discussed.

What's the Connection? (6th-8th grade)
This program builds the connection between nutrition, exercise and good health. The six major food nutrients and their functions, the food guide pyramid and the digestion process are all discussed using lighted exhibits and oversized models. Hands-on activities highlight the importance of a healthy heart vs. an unhealthy heart. A computerized exercycle is used to show calorie expenditures, and the importance of regular aerobic exercise is stressed.

Body Works (7th-8th grade)
This program focuses on the main body systems, and teaches how the body works. Various systems that comprise the human body are discussed. Three-dimensional models are used to examine how the cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive systems function. Self-responsibility is stressed, as discussion centers on personal health habits and lifestyle choices. The level of sophistication of the material advances with each grade level.

Huffin' 'n Puffin' (7th-8th grade)
This program examines the effects of substance abuse on the nervous, circulatory and respiratory systems. Drugs typically covered include alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, steroids, crack, LSD, cocaine and inhalants. Students are encouraged to examine their attitudes about drugs and to consider how drug use could affect them, their families, friends and the community. Displays with a lot of visual impact communicate a strong message about how serious drug use can be, and the damaging effect it can have on one's life. AIDS information is included upon request.

Teen Talk (7th-8th grade)
This straightforward presentation focuses on reproduction, human development and relationships. Issues of puberty and teenage sexuality, including responsibility and the consequences of sexual activity, are addressed. This program helps students understand what peer pressure is, and how it can affect their decisions. Abstinence is stressed. Issues like STDs and AIDS can be discussed. Subject matter is introduced and taught appropriate to grade level.

Talking It Out (7th-8th grade)
This program teaches students about the effects of violence and aggression on the body, behavior, and decision-making. Using a laser disk presentation, students examine various examples of violence and the factors that can trigger them. Students describe the physical signs of violence, as well as various ways to control situations that may lead to violence. Program material advances according to grade level.

A Balancing Act (7th-8th grade)
The importance of a balanced diet and regular exercise is the focus of this program. Tubes full of fat, sugar and salt help students visualize how these substances affect the body. Wearing our 20 lb. fat vest provides a hands-on lesson on the need to be healthy and fit. The exercycle program is used to show calorie expenditure during exercise. The difference between aerobic and anaerobic exercise is discussed, as well as the importance of including both in a regular exercise program.