March 15, 2012

Rising 8th Grade Parent Workshop

Agenda

Welcome and Introductions

Maria Verna, Director of Student Services

Christina Cashman, Assistant Principal

Promotion to 8th grade requirements

Course Selections for 8th graders

Curriculum Updates- What’s New….

Math Updates, Sherri Greenseid, Math Chair

National Junior Honor Society

Questions & Answers

GETTING TO 8TH GRADE:

In preparation for high school students Must PASS ALL Core

classes and SOLs to advance to 8TH grade…………

English, History, Math, Science!

So far, no SUMMER SCHOOL alternatives…….

If there is a “D” in a core subject and/or failing SOLs…

electives will automatically be added to schedules for next year, such as :

Read 180, Power Math, Algebra Readiness, Power Literacy,

Responsive Writing

The only Summer School class available is a seven week Geometry

Honors class

Math Updates

Math Options:

•Math 8•Algebra 1•Algebra 1 Honors•Geometry Honors

*Geometry Honors will also be offered in Summer School. It will be a 7 week class that students can take if they have successfully completed Algebra 1 Honors.

Success in Math Classes

Teacher RecommendationsMath 8 is a Pre-Algebra classAlgebra 1 – a high school credit bearing classGeometry Honors Summer School Class Option

TJ Interests? Algebra 2 consideration

Honors Classes

For English, Science, Math and

History: Students should

demonstrate high achievement,

have good study habits,

demonstrate an interest in

learning, and seek academic

challenges.

Civics Honors & Community Service

Field trip to Finance Park during 3rd Quarter (A one day activity offering budgeting, life skills and

financial planning discussions.)

Civics requires 5 hrs of community service per quarter

Introduce yourself and/or your child to serving the community.

National Junior Honor Society

If a student has a 3.7 GPA (grade point average) in 7th grade through first quarter of 8th grade they will get a letter inviting them to apply to the NJHS.

Support Classes

Specialized Programs

English for Speakers of

Other Languages

(ESOL)

Academic Language

Exceptional Education

Special EducationBasic SkillsPersonal

DevelopmentReading 8

Support Classes, Continued

If a student is recommended for a support class based on data (i.e., SOLs, grades, and Reading scores) they will be required to take the class.

Action Literacy 8Responsive WritingPower Math 8 Algebra ReadinessRead 180Personal Development*Basic Skills*Reading 8*

* Indicates a class for students with an IEP

Electives for Rising 8th GradersWhat’s New…..

JROTC (Tutorial Learning) World Languages

Languages are high school level credit courses and will show on student’s high school transcript

Students that earn A’s and B’s in English may take a Language

If students took Spanish 1 Part A in 7th grade, they must take Spanish 1 Part B in 8th grade to earn the Language Credit

Students who wish to reach the AP Level must successfully complete Level 1 of a World Language by the end of their 8th grade year

Art Extensions Advanced Theatre Arts Appreciation Responsive Writing

Academic AdvisementCounselors have already met with students and

reviewed course selections for next year. Students should have returned their course

selection sheets with your parent /guardian signatures.

Before the end of the school year you will receive a copy of the your child's course lists. If there are any changes/corrections please submit in writing to the Students Services Office promptly.

To access the Course Description Guide on our Web Page, click on the following:

http://www.fcps.edu/HayfieldSS/stu_services/ms_courseselections.html

Questions & Answers

Any Questions?

Thank you!