1. Course Selection Rising 8 th Grade

2. Grade 8 - Program of Studies Required Classes English 8 – Grade level, Honors Mathematics Mathematics 8 Algebra 1 – High School Credit Geometry – High School Credit Physical Science - Grade level, Honors Civics and Economics – Grade level, Honors Health and Physical Education Resource 8 or Spectrum 8 Two Elective Courses

3. Elective Courses Band 8 - (1) Chorus 8 - (1) Strings 8 - (1) Guitar 1 and 2- (1) Technology Education 8 - (1) or (.5) FACS 8 - (1) or (.5) Art 8 - (1) or (.5) Keyboarding 8 -(.5) Reading Strategies Workshop (1) (1) – Full Year (.5) – One Semester

4. 8 th grade FACS – Teen Living In 8 th grade FACS we study 20 life skills units. It is offered as an elective for full year or a semester. Highlights include: Cooking – Preparing healthy meals as we make breakfast, lunch, and dinner labs Research food cultures to design, prepare, and participate in the HP Heritage Night Learn about the principle of baking and enjoy quick bread and dough kitchen labs Sewing – make a pair of shorts from a pattern using the sewing machine Citizenship – design and execute a school-wide volunteer activity

6. World Languages and Cultures Spanish 1,2 Spanish for Fluent Speakers 1,2 French 1,2 German 1,2 Latin 1,2

7. Considerations Hard working Dedicated Organized Great study habits Grade 7Grade8Grade 9Grade 10Grade 11Grade 12 World Lang. & Cultures 1 World Lang. & Cultures 2 1 World Lang. & Cultures 3 2 World Lang. & Cultures 4 honors 3 World Lang. & Cultures 5 honors 4 honors World Lang. & Cultures AP 5 honors

8. MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH SEQUENCE 6 th Grade7 th Grade 8 th Grade MATH 6 MATH 7 ALGEBRA I MATH 8 ACCELERATED MATH 6/7 ALGEBRA I MATH 8 ALGEBRA I GEOMETRY Recommended score on IAAT test taken in 5 th grade Recommendations: Math 7 SOL score consideration & teacher recommendation Recommendations: Math 7 SOL score consideration & teacher recommendation Recommendations: Strong background in Algebra I (B or higher) & teacher recommendation

9. Math 8 Builds on foundation of Math 7 (Pre- Algebra) from 7 th Grade Provides greater understanding of Pre-Algebra concepts Provides a much stronger foundation for success in Algebra I Students take Math 8 SOL Students progress into Algebra I Algebra I Much faster pace than Math 8 Requires more independent work on the part of the student Requires more homework than Math 8 Requires very strong knowledge of Math 7 (Pre-Algebra skills) Students take Algebra I SOL Passing Algebra 1 SOL fulfills a verified credit required for graduation This is a high school level course. The grade in Algebra I will begin the student’s Grade Point Average (GPA) and appear on their high school transcript.

10. Selecting Classes through Naviance Step 1 -Go to the Web site http://connection.naviance.com/harperpark http://connection.naviance.com/harperpark Step 2 – Username & Password = Student ID Step 3 – Click “About Me” Step 4 - Rising 8 th Grade Course Requests Step 5 - Review with Mrs. Burnett Step 6 - Save & I Am Finished Step 7 - Click “Survey History” Step 8 - Print Course Requests

11. Thomas Jefferson High School Science & Technology

16. Loudoun County Academy of Science

17. The mission of the Academy of Science (AOS) is to provide an academic environment where students are encouraged to develop creative scientific endeavors of their own design, while having the opportunity to pursue a rich, well-rounded high school

18. Before You Apply Enrollment in Algebra, Geometry or Algebra 2 and Trig. during the 8 th grade. Accepted students who have not taken Geometry must complete Geometry either during summer school or from an online course. In addition it will be important to review your High School Plan of Studies with your current guidance counselor in order to develop an effective plan for completion of your academic and elective diploma requirements. Fine Arts/Career and Technical Education Elective Economics and Personal Finance Elective World Languages

19. Academy of Science - Timeline May - Information Session at Dominion High School August - Part I Applications available on AOS website. September -General Info session -Open House September - Deadline to submit Part 1 of AOS application and registration for PSAT. Saturday, October - PSAT Test and Writing Prompt at Dominion High School for all AOS Applicants December - Deadline to submit AOS applications

20. Evaluation of Applications  Successful Completion of Algebra I: Current eighth grade students must successfully complete Algebra I with a grade of B (or better) before the end of the current school year. Successful applicants who have not taken Geometry will need to take it during summer school.  Teacher Recommendations: Students will be required to request two recommendations. One from their 8th grade science teacher, and one from their 8th grade math teacher.  Middle School Transcript

21. Cont. PSAT Score Report  Writing Sample: Students will be asked to complete one writing sample on the same date as the PSAT testing.  Responses to Application Questions: There are several short response questions in this application packet. Please answer them concisely and completely. Please limit your responses to the space provided. No attachments will be accepted.  Interview: An interview may be requested by the AOS as part of the selection process.