LMS Curriculum Night
Principal Welcome– Carole Kihm, Principal
PTA Welcome – Mel Quinn, PTA President
LMS Curriculum Night
Jill Tucker, Director of Student Services, Rob Plunkett, Assistant Principal, Kevin Sami, Assistant Principal
Bruce Walker, School Counselor, Caitlin Ivey, School Counselor, Samantha Upson-Smith, School Counselor
Welcome parents! Chesterbrook Lemon Road Churchill Spring Hill Colvin Run Timber Lane Franklin Sherman Westgate Haycock Kent Gardens Private Schools
LMS Curriculum Night
– To gain an understanding of the Longfellow course registration process
– To become familiar with the course offerings and after school programs available to Longfellow students for the 2018-2019 school year
Transition Events For Rising Seventh Grade Students
February 1, 2018 – Curriculum Night
February 5th – 16th– Longfellow school counselors visit feeder elementary schools to present registration information and teach students how to use the online registration tool or how to fill out the paper version. Parent(s) and students should review their child’s online selections or the course selection sheet (course catalog is available on our LMS website, link is at the top of the selection sheet) and return the form to the elementary school according to their due date. Please choose wisely as our master schedule and class sizes depend on your choices.
April – Tentative date for which elementary feeder schools are invited to tour Longfellow
Rising 7th grade Transition Activities and Events
‘How to Thrive’ PTA and LMS Student Services parent program – Thursday, April 19, 2018, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
May / June 2018 – Families receive list of courses that students are enrolled in, requests for changes in courses should be sent to the student’s Longfellow counselor liaison by June 18th
August 7th and 8th or 9th and 10th – Optional Jump Start to Success program at LMS (registration information will begin on May 1st)
August 21st –7th Grade Open House, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
August 23rd – 7th Grade Orientation – 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Rising 7th Grade Information
Most middle school students will take the following required courses:
Honors English, Honors History, Honors Science, Math and PE
• Elective(s) complete students’ schedules• Three possible combinations of electives:
2 full year electives1 full year, 2 half-year electives4 half-year electives
All Honors Model
• Most 7th and 8th grade students will take Honors English, Honors Social Studies, and Honors Science
• Teachers teach the Honors extensions and scaffold for students who need extra support
• Some students take smaller, self-contained classes
All Honors Model (continued)
• All of our classes are student – centered and teachers differentiate to address the needs of all students
• Our staff have participated in several professional development sessions on differentiation, facilitated by the FCPS Advanced Academics office, to enhance instruction and provide best practices in teaching and learning
Longfellow Level IV Program
AAP Classes Test into the AAP Program Rigorous – additional extensions, faster-paced Emphasis on higher level thinking, problem-solving,
and decision-making Students must commit to all 3 AAP courses (English,
Social Studies, Science). Math is a separate placement at the middle school
Longfellow ‘Life’- Teams
• Consist of the English, Social Studies, and Science teachers
• Make a larger school “feel smaller”• Allow teachers to plan events like field trips and team
activities • Teacher, counselor, and administrator meet weekly,
discuss student progress, and help recognize their good work
• Counselors work closely with the teams to identify students who may be struggling and assist with planning interventions for them
Longfellow ‘Life’- Teams
Lancer Code –Be Respectful, Responsible and Safe
Homework– Students receive, on average, 60-90 minutes of
homework a night
Lockers– Students practice opening lockers at the Open House
and for the first couple of weeks of school
Frequently Asked QuestionsMath Enrollment
Math 7 Honors – 8th grade curriculum with extensions, 6th grade compacted math and strong grades ensure success in this course
Algebra 1 Honors – Elementary schools administer assessments – students must earn 91st percentile on the IOWA and pass advanced on the 7th grade Math SOL for this placement
LMS Elementary School Counselor Liaisons
Mrs. Samantha Kramer703-533-2638 / [email protected]
Mrs. Samantha Upson-Smith703-533-2639 / [email protected] and Timber Lane
Mrs. Caitlin Ivey703-533-4528 / [email protected], Lemon Road and Franklin Sherman
Mr. Bruce Walker703-533-2627 / [email protected] Run and Spring Hill
Mrs. Debbie Peel703-533-2637 / [email protected] Gardens and Westgate
LONGFELLOW MIDDLE SCHOOL ______________________________ 7th Grade Course Selections (2017-2018) Student’s FULL Name & FCPS ID # / Label
*Student is in the AAP Program (Level 4) Student has an IEP Student receives ESOL services Student has a 504 Plan *Student will be scheduled for AAP English, History & Science
Step 2: SELECT ELECTIVE COURSES (FULL YEAR AND / OR SEMESTER) You may select 2 full-year electives, 1 full-year and 2 semester electives, or 4 semester electives. Please rank in order of all choices 1-6, even if you have chosen 1 or 2 full-year electives, as we may not be able to honor all requests.
FULL-YEAR ELECTIVES Fine/Performing Arts - Instrumental Placement will be determined by audition
Fine/Performing Arts – Vocal & Music *Vocal course offerings may or may not be available this year pending staffing
Beginning / Intermediate Chorus (926510) Audition may be required
Beginning Band (923210) Audition NOT required
Intermed / Adv Band (923310) Audition required World Languages Instrument: Chinese 1, Part A* (581300)
Orchestra (923810) Audition required for Intermediate/adv French 1, Part A* (511300)
placement Spanish 1, Part A* (551300)
Instrument: French Immersion 1 (511067) (Kent Gardens Immersion Students, HS Credit Course)
*Must enroll in Part B in 8th grade to receive high school credit
SEMESTER ELECTIVES (HALF-YEAR) Art Classes Literary Arts Theater Arts
Art Foundations (910532) Creative Writing (110862) Theater Arts Appreciation (139067)
3D Art Exploration (910632) - (Prereq.) Journalism (116168) Music Program
Computers in Art (911562) (video production)
Media Communications (139062) (Announcements)
Music Participation Lab (921132)
Business & Information Technology Technology & Engineering Education Other (by recommendation ONLY) Computer Solutions (660932) Engineering Design & Modeling (846432)
(formerly Technology Exploration 7) Strategies for Success (781932/781980) Coding and Innovative Technologies
(616032) (Prereq.) Family & Consumer Sciences Personal Development (781540)
Family & Consumer Sciences 7 (826332) Read 180 / Reading (110781 / 110881)
Work Awareness and Transition (907060)
Step 3: PARENT REVIEW & SIGNATURE I understand that staffing is based on course selection and that my child’s selections represent a firm commitment. I also understand that Longfellow Middle School reserves the right to change a student’s selections based on scheduling needs and/or conflicts. ___________________________________ ____________________________________ _____________________
Student’s Signature Parent / Guardian Signature Date
Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian(s): ____________________________________ Parent Phone: ___________________Parent Email: _________________________
Step 1: REQUIRED COURSES FOR ALL 7TH GRADE STUDENTS MUST select ONE Math Course:
__X__ English 7 Honors (111036) _____ Math 7 (311100) __X__ History 7 Honors (235536) _____ Math 7 Honors (311136) __X__ Science 7 Honors (411536) (Prereq. compacted math or accelerated Math program) __X__ Health & Physical Education 7 (712033/712034) **Algebra I Honors placement will be determined at a later date and will be for students who place at least in the 91st percentile on the IOWA Assessment & Pass Advanced (500+) on the 7th Grade Math SOL. We anticipate that you will be notified of the placement results by early July 2015.
Electives Offerings Video
Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tscej9pXhdE
All course descriptions are available on the online course catalog, the link is available on our LMS website:
https://insys.fcps.edu/CourseCatOnline/#/frontPanel/426/nocourselist/0/1/0
When My Students Leave In June…
They will they have the tools and resources needed for critical thinking, reading, and writing.-- Mrs. Wu
They will read more thoughtfully and write more clearly.
--Mr. Wilson
They will have confidence in their ability to read independently, work collaboratively and communicate effectively.” -- Mrs. Layton
“Halloween in Harlem,” Amy Stein
Critical and Creative
We provide a forum for meaningful thought and reflection through discussion and writing.
We use literature as a backdrop for life’s big questions.
We encourage students to define their own challenges, to stretch their perception of themselves, and to take intellectual risks.
Our Classes Are Challenging Because…
Students get analytic skills through engaging activities. When they seek out and discover new ideas in my class, by the time they have finished, they have become experts in that specific area. Plus, they have fun doing so!
--Ms. Maldonado
There is always a high level of energy and excitement. We’re moving around to share ideas with as many people before coming together to synthesize our thoughts as a whole class.
--Mrs. Donohue
Units of Study
Elements of Fiction/ Narrative Writing
Elements of Nonfiction/Expository Writing
Persuasion/Persuasive Writing
Poetry
Literary Analysis
Methods of Differentiation in English
- What each student reads
- What each student does with it
- What each student produces as a result of
their learning
Academic Rigor
All teams cover the same curriculum, while differentiating from…
Guidance to Independence
Concrete to Abstract
Single facet to multiple facets
Clearly defined problems to complex problems
Structured to open ended
Authentic AssessmentsInstructional Reading (i.e., in whole-class instruction and/or literature circles)
Minimum of four full-length texts
Variety of genres in keeping with the requirements of the Program of Studies, to include, but not be limited to, plays, novels, poetry, and nonfiction
Some In-Class Novels…
Touching Spirit BearThe OutsidersThe Devil’s Arithmetic Nothing but the TruthOut of the DustCheaper by the Dozen No Promises in the WindWarriors Don’t Cry
Authentic AssessmentsWrite regularly, both formally and informally.
Practice and apply the Six Traits of Writing.
Complete at least one such writing from each genre:
narrative, expository, persuasive, literary analysis.
Produce additional writing that may not reflect the entire writing process (“quick-writes”, paragraphs, journal entries, summaries, reflections, etc.).
Analyze writing for ongoing self-assessment.
Writing Expectations (Va. DOE Grade-level Writing Standards)
- Recognize/edit fragments and run-ons.
- Noun – Pronoun agreement.
- Use past and present verbs correctly.
- Write complete sentences.
- Capitalize the first word of a sentence,
proper nouns, and the word “I.”
5th Grade
4th Grade
3rd Grade
3rd Grade
2nd Grade
Three Word Summaries…Interactive, educational and fun (yet confusing)
--Mrs. Layton
FUN, but CHALLENGING—and HELPFUL to my future!--Mr. Wilson
interesting, engaging, and fresh-- Mrs. Donohue
helpful, enjoyable, structured--Mrs. Haber
Unique Approaches
Socratic SeminarParallel ReflectionDe Bono’s Thinking HatsNovel SymposiumsLiterature CirclesCharacter and Dramatic
Book TalksConcept MapsDebatesWikisBlogsDiscussion Boards
What Your Child Can Look Forward to…We will use a variety of lessons and texts that help them learn to create their own stories. -- Mrs. Layton
I love gallery walks: I enjoy watching how students develop their analytic skills. --Ms. Maldonado
I enjoy when my students take their learning experiences beyond the classroom and tell me how they applied the skills to not only other classes, but to the real world. --Mrs. Wu
Tableau Tuesdays the students act out scenes of what we are reading. --Mr. Wilson
Every Friday I introduce a new and great Young Adult book that I think students will enjoy. Students won’t want to miss it!
--Mrs. Donohue
Geography The Jazz Age, 1920s
Reconstruction The Great Depression
Westward Expansion World War II
Industrialization The Cold War
Immigration & Urbanization Civil Rights
The Progressive Era Post War-
Imperialism Consumer Culture
World War I Globalization
Focus Questions:• How does geography influence events in
United States history?• What is the role of the United States in a
changing world?• What is the impact of technology on American
life?• How has the government reacted to events in
United States history?• How has daily life changed for ordinary
Americans over time?
What to Expectstudent centered instruction
• Note-taking strategies• Organizational strategies• More time between tests/quizzes• Increased use of technology in
classroom– Making a video/movie using online
software– Prezi/Google Slides– Blackboard (FCPS 24/7)– Google Classroom– Online textbook resource
• Student directed activities (debates, trials, simulations)
• Research methods• Use of primary documents in classroom• Focus on skills within the content
Skills within the Content
Students will:
• Be able to acquire information from a variety of sources, including primary source documents.
• Be able to organize information in a variety of forms.
• Be able to analyze and interpret information.
• Be able to communicate in a variety of written forms.
• Be able to communicate orally and through the use of technology.
Our goal is to inspire excellence while meeting the needs of all learners.
Differentiation allows all students to access course content and material based on their individual learning needs.
Extensions, enrichment, and accommodations are provided to meet student learning needs.
All Honors Model
Theodore Roosevelt
Who:
Roles:
Impact:
Vision:
George Dewey
Who:
How was he connected to American Imperialism?
Joseph Pulitzer
Who:
How was he connection to the Spanish American War?
William Seward
What was his feeling about expansionism?
What did he buy from Russia?
Was this a good purchase? Why? Support your answer with evidence.
Example of less structure:1. Please define and describe the role, impact, and/or vision of the following people in relation to our unit on Imperialism and the Spanish American War:
Theodore Roosevelt , George Dewey, Joseph Pulitzer , William Seward
Make sure to support and defend your answers with evidence.
Example of Test Questions:
More structure1.. All of the following are reasons for American expansionism during the late 1800s EXCEPT…
A. Trade/Economic (money) growth B. Establishing a relationship with Africa
C. To gain more Naval Ports (military Strength ) D. To spread American Culture
Less Structure: 2.. The following are reasons for American expansionism and the desire for colonies Circle all that apply-
A. As markets for U.S. manufactured goods B. Symbol of military might
C. As coaling stations D. Experiments for “Social Darwinism”
Examples of Activities!• Geography Road Trip-The
Regions of the U.S.
• Leaders of Westward Expansion/Captains of Industry iPhone Project
• Immigrant Experience Essay/Presentations
• Annexation of the Philippines and WWI Debates
• Trench Warfare Simulation
• Great Depression Dinner Project
Online Textbook• To support our curriculum and to maintain FCPS
commitment to incorporating technology in the classroom, all students have personal access to Discovering our Past: A History of the United States Modern Times.
Math 7Description
7th grade level Pre-algebra Students explore algebra and geometry concepts and skills; strategies for collecting, analyzing and interpreting data; number concepts and skills
Math 7 Standards:Number Sense, Computation/Estimation, Measurement, Probability and Statistics, Geometry and Patterns, Functions and Algebra
Preferred HabitsStudent should spend up to 30 minutes per day working outside of math class. This time includes homework completion, after-school help/Lancer Time and frequent practice with basic arithmetic.
Math 7Online Textbook - Grade 7 Big Ideas
Assessments• 2-3 Unit tests based on
the FCPS pacing guide• Weekly quizzes• Catalog ecart online
assessments• Formative assessments• Students take Math 7 SOL• Final exam
Comments• When transitioning to
middle school, consistent homework completion, frequent review of class materials and outside math support are important.
• This course leads to Math 8/Algebra 1
Math 7 HonorsDescription
• The depth and level of understanding in M7H is beyond the scope of Math 7
• Course is an acceleration of the Mathematics 8 curriculum and includes high school level honors extensions in each unit.
• Course requires students to master the content assessed on the Math 8 SOL test.
• Students who have not completed Advanced Mathematics 6 may need support and/or require additional effort and study to be successful.
• Mathematics 7 Honors prepares students for Algebra 1/Algebra 1 Honors in Grade 8.
Math 7 HonorsPreferred Habits
• Student should spend up to 30 minutes per day working outside of class. This time may include homework completion, after-school/Lancer Time help, and frequent review of materials.
• Assignments often include problem-solving and word problems.
• Student will stretch beyond problems computational in nature in order to make connections between concepts.
Assessments• 2-3 Unit tests (Pacing Guide)• Approximately 1 quiz every
week• Summative assessments
account for a majority of the overall average
• Formative assessments• Ecart catalog/division
online assessments• Final exam
Math 7 HonorsOnline Textbook - Pre-Algebra, Glencoe
Comments• It is recommended that a
student has completed an accelerated program in 6th grade as a pre-requisite.
• In addition to homework completion and frequent review of class materials, student will need outstanding study habits, high levels of motivation, perseverance and the desire to stretch one’s self mathematically.
Grade 6 to Math 7 Honors -Content missed:Absolute valueSquare rootOperations with integersSolving one/2 step equationsSingle/multi-step proportional reasoning and practical problems.
Algebra 1 HonorsDescription
• High school credit Algebra course; students must qualify for placement into this course.
• The content covers all the normal algebra topics including properties, solving equations and inequalities, linear systems, functions, polynomials, rational expressions, irrationals, and quadratic equations.
• Advanced topics such as set theory, bases, sequences, logic and series and elementary calculus will also be covered.
Algebra 1 HonorsOnline Textbook- Algebra 1, Pearson
Preferred HabitsStudent should spend at least 30 minutes per day working outside of class. This time includes homework completion, after school/LT help and frequent review of materials.
Assessments• 2-3 unit tests per quarter• Approximately 1 quiz every
week• Daily drills• Summative assessments
account for a majority of the overall average
• Students take Algebra SOL and a final exam.
Comments• Student must be found
eligible to take course by successfully completing an accelerated math program in 6th grade, score in the 91st percentile on the IOWA Aptitude test, and score pass advanced (500+) on the Math 7 SOL
• Student will move onto Geometry Honors in 8th grade with a teacher recommendation.
• Content homework will be supplemented with challenging middle school, high school and post high-school contest problems.
• In addition to homework completion and frequent review of class materials, student will need outstanding study habits, high levels of motivation and perseverance, and the desire to stretch one’s self mathematically
Activities – Contests - SupportActivities and Contests• Math Counts Try-outs and
official Math Counts Team• American Mathematics
Competition• American Mathematics
Open Contest• 𝜋𝜋 𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶
Support
• Power Math–elective• After school help with
individual teacher• Lancer Time activity period• Student Lunch Period• Spring SOL Prep class
Which course is best for your child?
• Recommendation of teacher/counselor• A discussion with child and teacher• Both Math 7 and Honors 7 lead to Algebra 1 in
Grade 8
Units of Study•Ecology (Understanding our environment)
•Observing Living Things
•Heredity and Diversity
•Science class every day
•Same content for all levels
•Extended concepts and faster pace for AA students
•20-30 minutes of homework daily on average
•No SOL at end of school year
•Through inquiry - lab activities•Cooperative group work – projects
and labs•Experimental design using metric
system•Analysis of real life situations and
problems•Guided and independent practice•Depth and complexity for all
students
• Students will investigate the interdependence of life in an ecosystem.
– Differentiate between populations, communities, ecosystems, and biomes.
– Construct a model aquatic ecosystem.– Investigate limiting factors on a population.
– Describe the processes of photosynthesis and respiration.
– Trace the flow of energy from the sun through a food web
– Compare the water, carbon dioxide/oxygen, and nitrogen cycles.
– Give examples of how a change in the population of one organism may affect the population of other organisms.
Observing Living Things • Students will
review the basic characteristics and needs of all living things.
• Give examples of how plants and animals meet their basic needs.
• Make detailed scientific drawings.
• List qualitative and quantitativeobservations of organisms.
Students will analyze the structure and function of cells and tissues needed to conduct life processes.
Using analogies to aid a high level of understanding
Students will investigate the passage of hereditary information from generation to generation.
Use Punnett squares
Construct a DNA model
Summarize the majorcontributions
Simulate genetic replication
Identify the benefits andrisks of genetic
engineering.
Differentiating Instruction and Projects
Extracting DNA Project:
Advanced Academics, Honors, Extension opportunities for all
Our mission★ To serve as the learning &
research hub of the school!
★ To ensure that students are:○ discerning users of
information○ responsible digital citizens○ lifelong lovers of reading
and learning!
When can students visit the library?Before school: 7:10-7:25
During lunch, with a pass from the teachers outside the cafeteria.
Library Lancer Time PassDuring Lancer Time, with a pass from their LT teacher.
LMS Library Online
Library Website:http://www.longfellowlibrary.org
Library Twitter:@LMS1ibrary
Library Blackboard page
Goals of the After School Program
• Academic support and enrichment
• Social skills and youth development
• Physical health and recreation
• Family and community involvement
After-School Operations• Monday-Friday 2:15-5:00
• Late Bus Days- Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Late buses will arrive at 4:15. A schedule will be available in August.
• On Tuesdays and Fridays students are expected to walk home or be picked up by an adult by 5:00.
• Students are under adult supervision at all times. Longfellow teachers sponsor after school clubs.
• Two 1 hour blocks (2:25-3:25) (3:30-4:15)
• ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO SIGN IN
• An After School Packet with information about the After School Program will be included in the Back to School Folders sent out in August.
After-School Operations Cont’d
• Three clubs that require testing testing/try outs to join. – Science Olympiad (2 tests administered in September-30 members make the
team)– Debate Club– Odyssey of the Mind
• After School Activities are free and open to all students
• There are no after school activities when schools are closed due to inclement weather or on scheduled early release days.
Time *Monday* Tuesday *Wednesday* *Thursday* Friday2:15 Bell Rings Bell Rings Bell Rings Bell Rings Bell Rings2:25 Lancer Library Lancer Library Lancer Library Lancer Library Lancer Library
Science Olympiad (159 Block 1 & 2)
Open Gym(Gym 2)
TSA (161) Science Olympiad (159 Block 1 & 2)
Math Counts(Math Wing)Science Bowl (209)
Odyssey of the Mind (204)
Lancer Athletics(Gym 1 @ 3:30)
Debate Club (145) Rocketry (222) Open Gym (Gym 2)
TJ Prep (Lecture Hall)
Ping Pong and Video Game Club
(Lecture Hall)
Model UN (214) Eco Action (146) Ping Pong and Video Game Club
(Lecture Hall)Art/Clay Club (105)
Quiz Bowl (209) Quiz Bowl (209) Italian Club (008) SCA (135) Lancer Athletics (Gym 1 @ 3:30)
Tennis(Outside Courts)
Science Olympiad(159 Block 1 & 2)
Flag Football(Outside Fields)
Basketball(Gym 1 & Gym 2)
FCA(145)
Science Olympiad (159 Block 1 & 2)
Writing Center (150)
Girls Fitness/Yoga (Gym 2)
Literary Club (216) Computer Science (Block 2 Room 222)
Rubik’s Cube (222) Timber Lane Tutors (TBD)
Cooking Club (Food Lab
Block 1 & 2)
3:15 Dismissal 2nd Block Dismissal 2nd Block Dismissal 2nd Block
3:20 Lancer Athletics (Gym 1 & Gym 2 )
Lancer Athletics(Gym 1 & Gym 2)
Lancer Athletics(Gym 1 & Gym 2)
Lancer Library Lancer Library Lancer LibraryPing Pong and Video
Game Club(Lecture Hall)
Ping Pong and Video Game Club
(Lecture Hall)
Ping Pong and Video Game Club
(Lecture Hall)
4:10 *Late Bus Bell* No Late Buses *Late Bus Bell* *Late Bus Bell* No Late Buses 5:00 Program Ends Program Ends Program Ends Program Ends Program Ends
More Information
• Contact:
– 703-533-2649
• Website:
https://longfellowms.fcps.edu/activities.