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Stone Hill Middle SchoolStudent Achievement Is Our Top Priority!

1Welcome to our 7th and 8th grade parent information night. We have a very exciting and informative program lined up for you tonight. I am Rodney Moore, principal of Stone Hill. This is my 6th year as a principal and my 13th year in Education. I am very excited about Loudoun county Public Schools, and more specifically, Stone Hill Middle School.AgendaFacts About Stone Hill Middle School

7th and 8th Grade Course Selection and Descriptions

Counseling and Transition Student Achievement Is Our Top Priority!

2Tonight we are going to give you a little information about our school and then, hopefully we will answer some of the questions that you may have about courses that your student will take during their 7th and 8th grade. We will also talk about high school credit courses that are now available for your student to takeWe will also talk about the important role that our counseling staff has in helping you and your student chart a path to academic success in middle school and beyond to high school We are stone hill2011 - 2012 Enrollment - 1130 Students

2012 - 2013 Projected Enrollment - 1234+

Legacy ES, Rosa Lee Carter ES, Creightons Corner ES, Sanders Corner ES, Belmont Station

149 Staff membersStudent Achievement Is Our Top Priority!3The majority of the students that will attend SH come from three communities Brambleton , Loudoun Valley Estates and South Riding, but our boundary is one of the largest in the county and draws students from communities stretching from Dulles to Leesburg from rt. 7 to South Riding.

We are projected to open at approximately 1116 students next year, but that number may increase as new developments in our boundar are underway.

7th and 8th Grade CoursesStudent Achievement Is Our Top Priority! Renee Zahora Social Studies

Sarah DeWees & Karyn ONeill Science

Jessica Thomas English

Jessica Goldin Foreign Language

Jacquelyn Drew Math

Jennifer Alberth (for Jennifer Stuntz) and Nicole Bryan Counselors

4We are a very diverse community. Our diversity can be an asset to our community as we are a real life reflection of the changing demographics of Loudoun County and the entire Northern Virginia Area. 18 Different Languages are spoken by our students, families, and faculty members.

55% white, 10% African American, 24% Asian or Pacific Islander 8% Hispanic .5% Amer. Indian 2.5% Unspecified7th Grade U.S. History from 1865Renee Zahora, SALT7th Grade TopicsGeography of the USA and the WorldReconstructionWestward ExpansionImmigrationIndustrializationUrbanization Progressive MovementUS ExpansionismWorld War I1920s and 1930sWorld War II Cold War ConflictsCivil Rights Movement Technology and American Life

7th Grade SkillsAnalysis of SourcesDetermining Cause and EffectComparing and ContrastingNote taking ResearchingWeb QuestingCritical ThinkingHistorical PerspectiveEvaluate and debate issues orally and in writingAnalyze and interpret maps Interpret slogans, excerpts, speeches, documents, pictures and cartoonsHistorical Consequences

8th Grade Civics and Economics8th Grade TopicsFoundational US Government Documents Citizenship Process Duties of Citizenship Characteristics of Good Citizenship Political PartiesRole of the MediaCampaigns and FundraisingVoter ParticipationElectoral CollegeRole of FinanceLevels of GovernmentSeparation of PowersAmendment ProcessLegislative ProcessInterest GroupsThe Judicial SystemEconomic ConceptsTypes of EconomiesVirginia, US in World EconomyBusinesses and Markets

8th Grade SkillsInterpret primary and secondary source documentsCreate and explain maps, diagrams, tables, charts, graphs, and spreadsheetsAnalyze political, visual mediaDistinguish relevant and irrelevant informationReview information for accuracy, fact or opinionIdentify a problem, and possible solutionsSelect and defend positions in writing, discussion, and debate

Understand the characteristics of life and the needs of living organisms.Examine the concept of the cell as the basic unit of life.Observe life processes of the cell.Examine effects of heredity and environment on organisms. Relate chromosomes, genes, and DNA to the passage of hereditary information in all organisms. Investigate and understand that organisms change over time. Explore classification systems. Examine relationships within ecosystems and interactions between members of a population.

Life Science

Class consists of:Teacher guided exploration of curriculum.Opportunities to practice and enrich science skills.Student centered activities. HHMI laboratory experiences.

Academic vs. Honors:

SOL: There is NO SOL in Life Science. 7th grade material is included in the 8th grade science SOL.Life ScienceAcademic classes work toward mastery learning of concepts and their applications. Honors classes apply deep content knowledge to observations and synthesize ideas based on learning.

Investigate the basic nature of matter. Understand the structure of the atom and chemical bonds.Apply the Law of Conservation of Matter and Energy.Investigate forms of energy and their transformations. Understand temperature scales and heat transfer. Observe and apply characteristics of sound and light.Understand principles and technical applications of work, force, and motion. Investigate and understand basic principles of electricity and magnetism.Physical Science

Class consists of:Teacher guided exploration of curriculum.Student centered activities. HHMI laboratory experiences.

Academic vs. Honors:

SOL: Taken at the end of the school year. Includes 6th-8th grade information.Academic classes work toward mastery learning of concepts and their applications. Honors classes apply deep content knowledge to observations and synthesize ideas based on learning.Physical Science

7TH Grade Language arts*Apply/improve critical thinking skills*Develop a literary background*Read challenging literature*Develop & master grammar, usage/mechanics through the writing process*Develop oral communication skills

Writer's Workshop

The 7th grade curriculum is focused around a reading and writing workshop. Once students are introduced to these workshops in the 6th grade, they have the opportunity to continue them in the 7th grade. Every day students are either reading, writing, or both. Both workshops follow a routine where students are actively engaged in the process and have the opportunity to produce a product in order to demonstrate mastery of the standards. Oral presentations are also a crucial aspect of the 7th grade curriculum, where students are given multiple chances to choose a presentation topic, practice in front of someone, and then present in front of the class. Everything we do in class is also focused on improving critical thinking skills specifically the various levels of Blooms Taxonomy.118th Grade English

*Improve critical thinking skills*Develop a literary background*Read challenging literature*Learn grammar, usage, spelling & mechanics through the writing process*Develop skills in the use of electronic technology*Practice/develop oral communication skills

Writer's Workshop

The 8th grade curriculum continues to build upon the writers workshop model. 6th and 7th grade workshops create the foundation for middle school writers, and in 8th grade the students utilize higher level thinking skills in their writings and publication. 8th grade writing requires students to think critically about all different aspects of their text including their research, organization, audience, purpose, and publication formats. Daily lessons help guide the students through the writing process while providing essential knowledge on grammar, usage and mechanics.

Beyond writers workshop 8th grade students read a variety of challenging fiction and non-fiction texts. In-class novels will be read and discussed together, and through these novels many SOL reading standards are addressed. Beyond daily class readings the students read at least 6 independent books per quarter.

8th grade students will practice and develop their oral communication skills through oral presentations, interviews, and publication opportunities.

12Academic classes concentrate on practice and mastery with ability to apply

Honors expectation is mastery and enrichment with an ability to synthesize, analyze, and create

English classes are offered in two categories Academic and Honors.

Academic classes concentrate on practicing, mastering, and applying skills taught.

Honors classes expect mastery and offer enrichment activities that allow the students to synthesize, analyze and create.13Accelerating Literacy Skills Communication StudiesCommunication StudiesIntroduction to basic principles of human communication-the process-qualities-roleProject Based-publication-broadcast-public speaking

Accelerating Literacy SkillsInteractive workshopFocus on reading & writingImprovement of communication & comprehension skillsComfortable & safe atmosphereEmphasis on generating excitement to read

Two English based electives offered for seventh graders are Accelerating Literacy Skills and Communication Studies.

Accelerating Literacy Skills provides a safe and comfortable atmosphere where students will work in an interactive workshop, focus on reading and writing, and improve their communication and comprehension skills. This course has a strong emphasis on generating excitement to read.

Communication studies introduces students to the basic principals of human communication including the process, qualities, and role that each person plays in the communication model. This is a project based course that will focus heavily on publication, broadcasting, and public speaking.

Other electives available to students include art, family and consumer science, teen living, technology education and manufacturing. Each of these courses are described in the Loudoun County School Program Course Description guide.14Stone Hill Middle Schools Foreign Language Department

Jessica Goldin, SALT

Overview:SAMS for all 6th gradeLevel 1 (7th or 8th grade) Level 2 (8th grade only)

All high school credit classes

Languages offered:Spanish, French, German, Latin

The Foreign Language Program:Focuses on: reading, writing, speaking, listening

County-wide midterm and final exams (20% of semester grade)

County-wide oral assessments (PALS)

Thinking about the futureTo get an Advanced Studies Diploma:Minimum of three years of one languageTwo years of two different languages

Additional classes offered in HS: Chinese, ASL

AP Spanish7th Level 1 -8th Level 1 8th Level 2 -9th Level 2 9th Level 3 vs. -10th Level 3 10th Level 4-11th Level 4 11th Level 5 -12th Level 5 12th Level 6 (AP)

If students do not start taking Foreign Language in 7th grade, they will not be able to take the AP course due to the addition of Level V at the high schools. AP will be the 6th year of study for students.

jgoldin@lcps.org

ElectivesFamily and Consumer SciencesTechnology Education Required in the 7th grade Optional in the 8th gradeMusicArtStudents must choose one in the 7th gradeOptional in the 8th grade

Changes in the Math CurriculumNew 2009 SOL standards are fully implemented in curriculum and SOL test beginning with 2011-2012 academic year.

Old 2001 SOL standards are no longer tested.Math Progression for rising 7th grade (2012-2013 school year)Current EnrollmentProgressionMath 6-Math 7

Accelerated Math 6/7-Algebra 1 (HS credit)

Algebra 1 (HS credit)-Geometry (HS credit)

Math Progression for rising 8th grade (2012-2013 school year)Current EnrollmentProgressionMath 7 (2 options)- Algebra 1 (HS credit) - Math 8

Algebra 1 (HS credit)-Geometry (HS credit)

Geometry (HS credit)-Algebra2/Trig (HS credit)

High School Credit CoursesAlgebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2/TrigGrades from HS credit course are part of HS GPA and will show on transcript.All HS credit courses require a mid-term and final exam which is 20% of semester grade.Middle school students taking HS credit courses may expunge grade and retake the course.

Algebra 1Algebra is the fundamental basis of all higher mathematics. To be successful students MUST be fluent in fractions, integer operations and multi-step equations/inequalities prior to entering into Algebra 1. Only the first three weeks will be devoted to covering these topics.The concepts in Algebra 1 are abstract and successful students need to be developmentally ready.7th Grade Guidance InformationCounselors:Ms. Nicole BryanAll StudentsMr. Amani AllenELL Students & Programs CoordinatorClassroom GuidanceSexual Harassment and BullyingCareer GuidanceParent ConferencesGroupsStudy skills workshopsCareer workshops through resourceParent Workshops/Coffees

8th Grade Guidance InformationCounselors:Mrs. Jennifer StuntzAll StudentsMr. Amani AllenELL Students & Programs CoordinatorClassroom GuidanceSexual Harassment and BullyingCareer GuidanceParent ConferencesGroupsStudy skills workshopsCareer workshops through resourceParent Workshops/Coffees

8th Grade Guidance InformationCounselor- Jennifer Alberth (for Jennifer Stuntz)

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology Located in Fairfax County Out of the thousands who apply, only about 400 are accepted Information night held in early Fall (we will advertise) Highly competitive application process begins in the Fall

Academy of Science Located at Dominion High School (Sterling, VA) ONLY LCPS students can apply One day at AOS and one day at home school Highly competitive process which begins in the fall (we will advertise)

8th Grade Guidance Information CAMPUS County-wide program for students who are first generation to go to college, ethnic minorities, and/or socio economically disadvantaged Prepares students for the college application process, takes them on college visits, provides opportunity for community service and works on character building Application process begins in February of each year

High School Transition All high schools will visit Stone Hill during late Winter All rising 9th graders will visit their high schools in the Spring

Classroom Guidance Lessons Preparing for high school and beyond (4 year plans) Course Selection for high school Possible career lessonsWe are here to help Everyone here is here to help your child reach his or her academic potential

This presentation will be available on our web page

Please check our website regularly for information and upcoming dates (Our web page is a great source of information!!!)

Please email or call us with any questions that you have regarding your students schedule and course selection

Together, we succeed. Lets work together to make your students middle school experience priceless.I cannot tell you how proud I am of this staff and the job they do in arming our students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed not only in high school, but in life.

Thank you for coming out tonight, and I look forward to working with all of you.30