Welcome Parents! Incoming Grade 7 Parent Orientation March 6, 2017 MRS. ALICE BOWMAN PRINCIPAL MR. ROBERT DENNIS ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL MRS. IRENE PETRSORIC COUNSELOR MRS. VALERIE ZAFFERS COUNSELOR Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School A Tradition of Excellence in Education

Overview of Topics to be Discussed Grade 7 Scheduling and Programs Accelerated Math Interscholastic Athletics Clubs and Activities Social and Emotional Issues for Grade 7 Students

Grade 7 Scheduling TEAMING IN GRADE 7 Students are on a team of teachers in grade 7 for their four core subject areas: Math, Social Studies, Science and English. They do not travel as a class. Each team has approximately 100 students. Teachers have common team planning time every day.

Math in Grade 7

Math 7-1 or Math 7-2 Students have been recommended to take either Math 7-1 or Math 7-2. Math 7-2 is the regular mathematics course for Grade 7. Math 7-1 is an accelerated course that covers the curriculum of both Grade 7 and Grade 8 math in one year and allows students to take Algebra I in Grade 8.

The Goal of Math 7-1 Students who take Math 7-1 will be able to take higher level math courses at JFKHS. Students will complete the Algebra I course and take the Regents Exam at POBMS. Please speak with your child’s math teacher if you have any questions about the recommendation for their math placement. There is a self-selection process for students who were not recommended for Math 7-1 but would like to pursue taking the course.

World Languages and Elective Classes

World Languages Students take a World Language in grade 7. Students will take Chinese, French, or Spanish depending on their course selection in grade 6. The successful completion of a language in Grades 7 and 8 marks the completion of level 1R and allows students to take level 2R or 2H in grade 9.

Specials The specials classes students take in Grade 7 are as follows: Full Year Half Year PE (alt. days) Art (alt. days) Music (alt. days) Technology (daily) FACS (daily)

Academic Intervention Services Academic Intervention Services (AIS): AIS Reading and/or AIS Math. Support is provided for all students that do not meet NYS Standards in the areas of math and reading. Students will be recommended for AIS based on multiple measures (Classroom grades, NYS Scores, SRI scores, etc.). This is traditionally taken in lieu of a special.

Alternate ELA Course Lit/Writing Fundamentals is an alternate ELA class some students take who need additional reading support. This course uses a program called Read 180. The goal of this course is to help support students that are reading significantly below grade level.

Special Education Services Students that have an IEP and receive support services may receive either Resource Room or an Integrated Co-Teaching Model Schedule. Students would receive a support period in lieu of Technology and Home and Careers.

Guidance Support in Grade Seven Mrs. Irene Petrsoric Guidance Counselor

Academic Changes There is an increase in work load. Content becomes more challenging. It will be more difficult for parents to assist with work. More responsibility is placed on the child. Organization is critical.

Social and Emotional Development Students are going through major changes during this time. Communication with parents often tends to decrease as peer groups become even more important to students. It is important that your child knows that there is an adult that they can talk to. Communication between home and school is critical.

Extracurricular Activities

Clubs and Activities There is a wide range of clubs for students to participate in (See the brochure) Clubs meet during zero period on Monday or Wednesday Students are also now able to participate in interscholastic athletics in Grade 7.

Career Exploration Students will begin Career Exploration in collaboration with FACS (Family and Consumer Science). Naviance Used as a resource through High School Use of Personality/Interest Inventories Résumé Writing Career Research Career Café

Music Program Students can participate in the following performing groups in grade 7: Symphonic Orchestra Chorus Band Jazz Band

Question and Answer Session Thank you for Coming this evening!