Eisenhower Middle School7th to 8th Grade
Transition MeetingApril 24, 2019
Chris Giordano, Assistant PrincipalErica Ward, School Counselor/ Social Worker
Agenda
Physical/Emotional Changes
Cognitive Changes
The Eighth Grade Experience
Curriculum
High school
Physical and Emotional Changes
• Changes in physical appearance• Developing identity• Stronger pull towards peer group for
acceptance • Testing of rules and boundaries-Push for
Independence
Typical Cognitive Changes
• Increased capacity for abstract thought and reasoning
• Increased capacity for better decision-making• Capacity to assume greater responsibility for school work
The 8th Grade Experience:Preparation for High School
Our goal is to prepare 8th graders both academically and emotionally for the transition into high school. Teachers and parents can work together to develop the following key skill sets in students as they transition to high school:
• Study/Organizational skills
• Self-advocacy/Independence
• Responsibility/Accountability
• Community awareness
• Self-esteem and confidence
8th Grade Curriculum
Core Subjects● Math
○ Math 8 (Math in Focus),
○ Algebra
○ Geometry
•Language Arts Literacy○ Readers/Writers Workshop
○ Advanced Language Arts
•Social Studies ○ American History & Civics
•Science○ Meteorology, chemistry, genetics, and human biology and health.
•World Language: Spanish, French, Italian
Math Course Sequence:8th Grade to High School
8TH GRADE HIGH SCHOOL
Math Science From Math 8 (Pre-Alg.)
Algebra 1 CP or CPE Biology CP or CPE
From Algebra Algebra 1 CPE Geometry (H or CPE)
Biology CPE Chemistry (H or CPE)
From Geometry Geometry (H or CPE) Algebra 2 (H or CPE)
Chemistry (H or CPE) Physics
CP: College Prep CPE: College Prep Enhanced H: Honors
Selection Criteria for
Advanced Language Arts•Teacher recommendation•Samples of literary essays
•On-demand narrative pieces
•Must maintain B average to continue in course
•Units of study consistent with 8th grade curricula, but swift pace will allow for more in-depth and enriched study of literature and include greater authentic writing experiences
Reading vs. World Language
•What happens in 8th grade?
•Reading
•Everyday World Language
•What does it mean for high school?
•Students who have not taken a World Language go into a Level 1 WL course in HS
Cycles•Health
•Home Economics
•Wellness
•TV production (ETV)
•STEM Challenge
•Art
•Yearbook
Specials•Vocal/Instrumental or Exploratory
•WEL (During TIEE)
Required Courses•Physical Education & Health
Exploratories● Financial Literacy● Graphic Novels● STEM
Typical 8th Grade Schedule• 7:55 Entry Bell• 8:00 - 8:08 Homeroom• 8:10 - 8:50 Cycle• 8:52 - 9:42 Language Arts• 9:44 - 10:34 Math• 10:36 - 11:11 TIEE• 11:13 - 11:53 Exploratory/Music/PE• 11:55 - 12:25 Lunch• 12:27 - 1:17 Social Studies• 1:19 - 2:09 Science• 2:11 - 2:51 World Language
What about high school?•Information sent out from HS at start of year
•High School open houses begin in October
•Guidance Counselor info sessions (Nov/Dec)
•Evening guidance meeting with parents
•8th grade teacher recommendations in Dec/Jan
•February registration for:
○ Indian Hills/Ramapo
○ University Programs
○ Bergen Academies○ Parochial Schools
How can you help your child?•Encourage responsible behavior
•Continue to monitor work
•Keep communication lines open
•Listen to your instincts
•Praise positive behavior
•Monitor online behavior and mobile technology use: Instagram, Snapchat, Text Messaging
Thank You for Coming!
Chris Giordano: [email protected] Ward: [email protected]