1. Middle School Course Selection Parent Forum Principal : Mr. Montero Assistant Principals : Ms. Soberon and Mrs. Camus 6 th & 7 th grade Guidance Counselor : Ms. Kirker 7 th & 8 th grade Guidance Counselor : Ms. Hicks Student Support Specialists : Mrs. Sakay, Mrs. Escudero & Mrs. Acevedo SOMERSET ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL “A BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL”

2. What is Middle School going to be like? More classes and teachers More people More responsibilities More work More freedom More changes: physical & emotional The key to success is: Organization & Communication

3. Middle School Schedule 7 classes in total: 4 Core Classes 3 Electives We follow an A, B rotation:  A day:1st, homeroom, 3rd, 5th, & 7th periods.  B day:1st, homeroom, 2nd, 4th, & 6th periods. Start TimeEnd TimeLength Doors Open7:15 AM7:25 AM10 min 1st Block: Period 17:30 AM8:30 AM60 min Homeroom8:35 AM8:45 AM10 min 2nd Block: Period 2 or 38:50 AM10:20 AM90 min 3rd Block: Period 4 or 5 (READ 1st 30 minutes of class & Lunch) 10:25 AM12:55 PM150 min 4th Block: Period 6 or 71:00 PM2:30 PM90 min Student Dismissal2:30 PM——

4. Promotion Requirements Student must pass their 4 core classes each year: Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies A “C” or better each quarter is essential to passing each course successfully. “D” and “F” quarter grades put students at risk of having to repeat a course or being retained. Elective grades will be factored into the student’s GPA, therefore earning good grades in all classes is critical. If a student fails any core classes, he/she MUST make up the course(s) online over the summer.

5. Course Selection Review the curriculum guide for requirements and course descriptions. Every student must take: Language Arts Math Comprehensive Science Social Studies (World History, Civics, US History) Electives Reading is required for 6 th grade PE is required in 6 th, 7 th, and 8 th grade Arts, Foreign Languages, academic electives Intensive classes (for FSA level 1 & 2) CORE classes

6. Selecting courses  Use previous years’ FCAT scores  Consider current grades in specific subjects  Ask your child’s teacher for recommendations  Review the curriculum guide for requirements and course descriptions. (found on www.somersetacademy.com under Academics) or click here www.somersetacademy.comclick here

7. Levels of Courses  Intensive  Intensive – remedial class focused on learning strategies (required for students who score low on FSA)  Regular  Regular – on grade level classes  Advanced  Advanced – Above grade level classes (high level FSA and A’s and B’s in academic subjects)  Pre-AP  Pre-AP – Above grade level classes that require critical thinking and problem solving skills (Highest level FSA and A’s and B’s in academic subjects)  )

8. Advanced Math:  Students advanced in Math have two options requirements must be met and advancement must begin in 6 th grade:  Option 1: Advanced Math Track – ONE YEAR AHEAD ▪ 6 th grade – math 1 Advanced ( 7 th GRADE MATH) ▪ 7 th grade – Pre-Algebra (8 th GRADE MATH) ▪ 8 th grade – Algebra 1 Honors (HIGH SCHOOL class)  Option 2: GEM – TWO YEARS AHEAD ▪ 6 th grade – GEM (pre-Algebra- 8 th grade math) – requires Highest FSA score and GEM placement test score of 75% to **show mastery of concepts** ▪ 7 th grade – Algebra 1 Honors (HIGH SCHOOL class) ▪ 8 th grade – Geometry Honors (HIGH SCHOOL class)  Taking and passing an End of Course Exam is necessary to earn a high school credit in Algebra 1 Honors and Geometry Honors

9. 2 X 1 3 4 COURSE SELECTION SHEETS X X X X ELECTIVES Core Classes

10. Electives  Arts  Dance, arts, drama, band, chorus  If interested in the Arts Conservatory for high school consider arts electives  General electives  Reading, Speech & Debate, Creative Writing, Key Boarding (online class)  Foreign Languages  Italian Beginning (6-8)  Italian 1- HS level begin in 7 th grade (upon recommendation after Italian beginning)  Spanish 1 and Spanish for Speakers 1 can be taken starting in 8 th grade with a GPA of a 3.25 (A’s and B’s)

11. High School Courses in Middle School  Students in middle school have the option to get ahead with their high school credits.  The most common ways to take high school classes:  Foreign Languages ▪ Italian 1 (7 th Grade) or Spanish 1, Spanish for Speakers 1 (starting in 8 th grade) ▪ Math ▪ Advanced math students can choose between two tracks: ▪ Advanced math track – ahead 1 year in math ▪ GEM (Great Explorations in Math Program) – ahead 2 years in math

12. Grading for High School Classes Middle school students taking a High school course will: 1.earn a high school credit 2.their semester grades will be calculated into their High School GPA (grade point average) 3.Will take an End of Course Exam to earn a high school credit in Algebra 1 Honors and Geometry Honors Students may re-take a high school course if grade earned is a C, D, or F. Their new grade will count towards their GPA. (taken online in the summer or repeated the following year)

13. Schedule Changes Schedule changes are done during the first week of school, ONLY. Changes are not guaranteed Be sure to select 4 electives, keeping in mind that you may not get your first two choices Changes will not be honored for teacher change nor period swap

14. TO GO FROM 8 TH GRADE TO HIGH SCHOOL A student must PASS … 3 courses in Language Arts (6 th, 7 th and 8 th grade) 3 courses in Math (6 th, 7 th and 8 th grade) 3 courses in Science (6 th, 7 th and 8 th grade) 3 courses in Social Studies (6 th, 7 th and 8 th grade) 1 course in Career and Education Planning (including the creation a PAC plan) to be completed in 8th grade If a student fails any core classes, he/she MUST make up the course(s).

15. What happens if a student doesn’t pass a core class? In middle and high school, if you do not pass a class, you must re- take it over the summer online here at school. Somerset Virtual Academy is the online school our students use to make up courses. www.somersetvirtualacademy.com

16. FSA and EOC’s  Minimum standards on FSA= level 3 or higher ▪ Intensive math / reading will replace electives if FSA scores are low in reading and math  The FSA and all EOC’s will be computer based! 6 th grade7 th grade8 th grade Reading FSA Math FSA (grade level) Math FSA OR Algebra 1 EOC Math FSAOR Algebra 1 EOC OR Geometry EOC Writing FSA Civics EOCScience FSA

17. Pinnacle and Virtual Counselor Pinnacle Teachers online grade book Student ID # (06..) is the username Date of birth is the password (YEARmonthDAY) Sign up for Email Notifications** Check Pinnacle at least twice a week Keep up with grades and assignments Sign up for Teachers Websites** Virtual Counselor Broward County’s academic database. Contains the following information: Absences Academic History Marking Period Grades Student Schedule Middle School Progress Test Scores www.browardschools.com You need your child’s student ID # and birth date (DAY/MONTH/YEAR)

18. Preparing your child for Middle School Organization  Arrange a time each day set aside for homework and study time  Encourage the use of Academic planners and color coded folders  Monitor use of time and help your child balance his/her schedule  Prepare their materials and organize their assignments the night before Communication Do not “back off” because your child is in middle school  Stay tuned to Facebook accounts, text messages, TV programs, websites etc. Obtain teacher’s email addresses the first week of school and communicate as much as possible Have a pinnacle day of the week with your child

19. Parent Communication Somerset Academy Website: www.somersetacademy.com www.somersetacademy.com Staff websites and email addresses Events and the school calendar Parents should check Pinnacle for daily progress. Teachers should be the first line of communication for course related questions and concerns. Progress/Interim Reports are issued at the halfway mark of the grading period. Report Cards are issued at the end of each grading period (every 9 weeks)

20. All this and more is found at: www.somersetacademy.com Under the Middle School Guidance Page Any Questions email us : 6 th & 7 th Grade Guidance Counselor- Jkirker@somerseta cademy.com Jkirker@somerseta cademy.com 7 th & 8 th Grade Guidance Counselor- JHicks@somersetacademy.com JHicks@somersetacademy.com Stay tuned for Summer Orientation dates!