1. HMS Chromebook Initiative
Parent Information

2. Why a 1:1 Initiative? Preparing students for “the real world”
Increased collaboration
Expanded access to information and technology

3. Why Chromebooks? “Instant” boot up and access to the internet.
Full keyboard
Works seamlessly with Google Apps for Education
Light weight
Long battery life

4. What is a Chromebook? Laptop style device Cloud-based storage system
No hard drive
No software required
Must have access to a WiFi signal to be fully functional

5. General Student Expectations
Students will have a charged Chromebook everyday
Students will abide by the HPS Acceptable Use Policy
Students will take care of their assigned device

6. Distribution Schedule
Students will receive their Chromebooks per the following distribution schedule:
    Students with last names Allen - Gillooly  Monday, March 2 from 4:00 - 7:00
    Students with last names Gilman - O’Brien Tuesday, March 3 from 4:00 - 7:00
    Students with last names O’Connor - Zieper Wednesda, March 4 from 4:00 - 7:00
Chromebooks will only be distributed if the Chromebook Loan Agreement has been signed and returned, and the family provides proof of insurance or an insurance waiver.

7. Program of Studies For Students Entering Grades 7 and 8
Hingham Middle School
Growth
Scholarship
Hingham Middle School
Program of Studies
For Students Entering
Grades 7 and 8

8. Why Are We Here?
Hingham Middle School
Growth
Scholarship
Our goal is to work together to design a schedule that will best meet your child’s academic needs. It should be . . .
Engaging
Appropriately challenging
Well rounded

9. TIMELINE FOR COURSE SELECTION PROCESS
March 9 – 13 – Counselors visit classes and meet with students
March 13 – Teachers Post Recommendations
March – Request Page Open to Students and Families
April 27 – Due date for Parent Override Forms

10. Your Resources: THE PROGRAM OF STUDIES GUIDE
Hingham Middle School
Growth
Scholarship
THE PROGRAM OF STUDIES GUIDE
PROVIDES INFORMATION ON EACH COURSE FOR GRADES 6-12
AVAILABLE ON-LINE AT
Link to HMS and click on Program of Studies
PASSWORDS AND INSTRUCTIONS
Issued earlier this year. Contact your School Counselor or Assistant Principal if you need help.

11. Who Can I Ask for Help? TEACHERS SCHOOL COUNSELORS ADMINISTRATORS
Hingham Middle School
Growth
Scholarship
TEACHERS
SCHOOL COUNSELORS
ADMINISTRATORS
DEPARTMENT DIRECTORS

12. Your Child’s Schedule
REQUIRED COURSES
ENGLISH, MATH, SCIENCE, SOCIAL STUDIES, PHYSICAL EDUCATION,
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
RECOMMENDED COURSES
READING LAB, MATH PREP, STRATEGIES FOR LEARNING
ELECTIVE COURSES
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

13. ELECTIVE COURSES FOR GRADE 7
Hingham Middle School
Growth
Scholarship
Based on the number of recommended courses, the number of electives your
child can select may vary. Requests for changes in electives will not be
honored after the end of the second week of school
Art 7
Drama 7
Wood Technology
Family & Consumer Science 7
Middle School Concert Band
Middle School Chorus
Middle School Strings Ensemble (Orchestra)
Directed Study

14. ELECTIVE COURSES FOR GRADE 8
Hingham Middle School
Growth
Scholarship
Based on the number of recommended courses, the number of electives your
child can select may vary. Requests for changes in electives will not be
honored after the end of the second week of school.
Art 8
Drama 8
Introduction to Television Production
Technology Education
Family & Consumer Science 8
Middle School Concert Band
Middle School Chorus
Middle School Strings Ensemble (Orchestra)
Directed Study

15. Course Selection Process Step 1 – Log-in at ma-hingham.myfollett.com

16. The Course Selection Process Step 2 – After logging in, click on the “My Info” tab

17. Step 3 – Click on the “Requests” side tab

18. Step 4 – View Course Selections
Click on Select to view courses.

19. Step 5 – Select Courses
Make course selections here. (Recommended courses are pre- selected.)

20. Guidelines for Selecting Electives
Under “Primary Requests” students should choose 3 Elective Courses.
Under Alternate Requests students should select 2 additional Elective Courses as “back-ups”.

21. Step 6 – Post Selections
The course selection window will be opened from March 18 - March After all selections have been completed, click the “Post” button as shown below.

22. HMS Departmental Recommendations

23. Academic Levels at HMS
Level 2 – Challenging coursework that will require a good deal of independence on the part of the student.
Level 3 – Majority of students are recommended for this level. High academic standards and rigorous daily work.
Level 4 – Recommended for students who require additional support within the classroom.

24. Factors Used in Making Level Recommendations
Reading
Writing
Communication Skills (Speaking and Listening)
Critical Thinking Skills
Student’s Level of Independence

25. HMS English Department
Reading
Writing
Speaking/Listening
Level 2
Excellent ability; demonstrates independence in the following areas:
Critical reading and thinking
Inferential reasoning
Pace, fluency
Structure, logic, and development of ideas
Mechanics
Expression
Verbal articulation of ideas
Analysis/synthesis of ideas
Level 3
Above average to average ability; needs some support in the following areas:
Level 4
Average to below average ability; needs ongoing support in the following areas:

26. HMS Math Department

27. More specific rubric on HMS website.
HMS Math Department
Grade 6 to Grade 7:
The following factors are considered in recommendations :
Student Independence
Grade 5 MCAS
local results on the CAT
term 2 grade in 6th grade
6th grade fraction/decimals benchmark test
6th grade chapter 7 test
More specific rubric on HMS website.

28. HMS Math Department

29. HMS Math Department Grade 7 to Grade 8:
From L2 Pre-Algebra: Students with B averages or better are considered in conjunction with their math acuity and computational speed for L2 Algebra 1. Other students are recommended for Math 8 with Algebra.
From Math 7 Students who have earned a B- or above in Math 7 typically take Math 8 with Algebra. Students who earn below a B- typically take Math 8. However, in both instances, teachers must take into account a student’s ability to work independently and whether the student’s grade reflects significant extra help with or revision of tests and quizzes. 

30. HMS Math Department

31. HMS Science Department

32. HHS Science Curriculum

33. HMS Science Department

34. HMS Science Department
Grade 7
Life Science
Grade 8
I.P.S.

35. Social Studies Read Purposefully Write Effectively
Identifying and extrapolating significant material from a variety of printed sources.
Recognizing arguments for and against and issue.
Identifying and using knowledge from common graphic features (charts, maps, diagrams, graphs).
Recognizing bias and point of view.
Reading and analyzing primary source material.
Writing multi-paragraph compositions that have clear topic development and organization.
Documenting research using standard endnote and bibliographic format.
Analyzing document based questions.
Identifying definitions and explaining significance of term.
Level 2
The student independently demonstrates excellent ability in the above areas.
Level 3
The student, with moderate support, demonstrates above average to average ability in the above areas.
Level 4
The student, with support, demonstrates average to below average ability in the above areas.

36. Social Studies (continued)
Communicate Effectively
Identify, Analyze, and Solve Problems
Delivering oral presentations and debates.
Producing media presentations and projects.
Interacting with peers in student-centered activities.
Analyzing and expressing ideas in the arts in an historical context.
Following directions
Developing effective note taking skills from lectures and discussions.
Utilizing technology to express historical concepts.
Evaluate primary and secondary sources.
Utilize a wide range of resources to conduct research.
Develop and use a wide range of critical thinking skills.
Incorporate evaluation of sources, construction of casual relationships, balanced interpretations, and comparative analysis.
Recognize and analyze biases and points of view from a wide range of print and media sources.
Level 2
The student independently demonstrates excellent ability in the above areas.
Level 3
The student, with moderate support, demonstrates above average to average ability in the above areas.
Level 4
The student, with support, demonstrates average to below average ability in the above areas.

37. Foreign Language – Level 3
An upper standard foreign language student :
- exhibits above average to average ability
- needs more practice with speaking, listening
reading, writing
- needs to reinforce skills to incorporate into
knowledge base
- handles rigorous daily work in an appropriately
paced class
- meets high expectations for learning
- is appropriately challenged

38. Foreign Language – Level 2
An advanced foreign language student :
- exhibits excellent ability in all 4 skills (speaking,
listening, reading, writing)
- integrates new vocabulary and grammar concepts
into language base with ease
- works quickly, identifies and corrects errors
- participates actively, communicates easily both orally
and in writing
- is self-directed, works independently
- handles fast-paced, in-depth curriculum

39. Seventh Grade Medical Requirements
Hingham Middle School
Growth
Scholarship
Seventh Grade Medical Requirements
In accordance with Massachusetts state law, all students entering seventh grade are required to
have a physical. In addition, state regulations require written documentation that each child
has satisfied the following immunization requirements:
1. A second Measles, Mumps, and Rubella shot (MMR#2)
2. A series of #3 Hepatitis inoculations
3. A Tetanus-Diphtheria (Td) inoculation, given within the last 5 years.
4. One dose of Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine or a physician’s verification that the child has a reliable history of the disease.
Failure to comply with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations will result in
your child’s exclusion from school. Exemptions are allowed only for the following two situations:
1. A medical exemption, if a physician submits documentation that an immunization is medically unadvisable.
2. A religious exemption, if a parent/guardian submits a written statement that immunizations conflict with their sincere religious beliefs.
Philosophical exemptions are not allowed by Massachusetts state law.
You will be receiving a letter from the school nurse regarding these requirements. Please complete and
return all forms to the school nurse before the start of school in September so that your
child can begin school with his/her class.