March 15, 2012 Rising 8 th Grade Parent Workshop

Agenda Welcome and Introductions Maria Verna, Director of Student Services Christina Cashman, Assistant Principal Promotion to 8 th grade requirements Course Selections for 8 th graders Curriculum Updates- What’s New…. Math Updates, Sherri Greenseid, Math Chair National Junior Honor Society Questions & Answers

GETTING TO 8 TH GRADE: In preparation for high school students Must PASS ALL Core classes and SOLs to advance to 8 TH grade………… English, History, Math, Science! So far, no SUMMER SCHOOL alternatives……. If there is a “D” in a core subject and/or failing SOLs… electives will automatically be added to schedules for next year, such as : Read 180, Power Math, Algebra Readiness, Power Literacy, Responsive Writing The only Summer School class available is a seven week Geometry Honors class

Math Updates Math Options: Math 8 Algebra 1 Algebra 1 Honors Geometry Honors *Geometry Honors will also be offered in Summer School. It will be a 7 week class that students can take if they have successfully completed Algebra 1 Honors.

Success in Math Classes  Teacher Recommendations  Math 8 is a Pre-Algebra class  Algebra 1 – a high school credit bearing class  Geometry Honors Summer School Class Option  TJ Interests?  Algebra 2 consideration

Honors Classes  For English, Science, Math and History: Students should demonstrate high achievement, have good study habits, demonstrate an interest in learning, and seek academic challenges.

Civics Honors & Community Service Field trip to Finance Park during 3 rd Quarter (A one day activity offering budgeting, life skills and financial planning discussions.) Civics requires 5 hrs of community service per quarter Introduce yourself and/or your child to serving the community.

National Junior Honor Society If a student has a 3.7 GPA (grade point average) in 7 th grade through first quarter of 8 th grade they will get a letter inviting them to apply to the NJHS.

Support Classes Specialized Programs English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Academic Language Exceptional Education Special Education Basic Skills Personal Development Reading 8

Support Classes, Continued If a student is recommended for a support class based on data (i.e., SOLs, grades, and Reading scores) they will be required to take the class. Action Literacy 8 Responsive Writing Power Math 8 Algebra Readiness Read 180 Personal Development* Basic Skills* Reading 8* * Indicates a class for students with an IEP

Electives for Rising 8 th Graders What’s New….. JROTC (Tutorial Learning) World Languages Languages are high school level credit courses and will show on student’s high school transcript Students that earn A’s and B’s in English may take a Language If students took Spanish 1 Part A in 7 th grade, they must take Spanish 1 Part B in 8 th grade to earn the Language Credit Students who wish to reach the AP Level must successfully complete Level 1 of a World Language by the end of their 8 th grade year Art Extensions Advanced Theatre Arts Appreciation Responsive Writing

Academic Advisement Counselors have already met with students and reviewed course selections for next year. Students should have returned their course selection sheets with your parent /guardian signatures. Before the end of the school year you will receive a copy of the your child's course lists. If there are any changes/corrections please submit in writing to the Students Services Office promptly.

To access the Course Description Guide on our Web Page, click on the following: 

Questions & Answers Any Questions? Thank you!