1. Welcome to the 7th Grade Curriculum Night for the Class of 2023!

2. General Information

3. Attendance
When a student returns from an absence, he or she must have a written excuse.
It is the student’s responsibility to check on any missing assignments.
Detailed information on student absences, tardiness, and medical appointments during the school day will be discussed in greater detail at the 7th Grade Orientation program in August.

4. Cafeteria
Breakfast (before the school day begins) and lunch is available.
A computer system tracks purchases of meals.
Seating
Call to get in line
Students from households that meet income guidelines are eligible and should apply for free or reduced price lunches.

5. School Nurse
You’ll receive information in the mail during the late summer concerning your child’s health, medical conditions, emergency phone numbers, etc. You must complete and return this packet of information.
If you have any questions about health concerns, please contact our school nurse at ext

6. Student Assistance Program
S.A.P. is a voluntary program conducted by a team who has been trained to identify and refer students that have barriers to their education. This program is in cooperation with UPMC Altoona and Blair Drug and Alcohol Partnerships.
Parents or students interested in more information on this program should call the School Counseling Office.

7. Student Assistance Program Services
Individual Counseling
Group Counseling
Drug and Alcohol Counseling
Mentoring
Drug Busters

8. Gym Uniforms and Gym Locks
Gym uniforms (a T-shirt and shorts) can be purchased from The Locker Room, Village Closet, and Transfer Junction.
Please buy a gym uniform and lock for your child’s PE class and gym locker.
Gym classes are held five days per week.

9. Locks Provided by the junior high and must be used at all times
Only school locks are permitted on hallway lockers.
Students will keep these locks through the 9th grade.
Main Office has the combinations and teachers will provide instruction.

10. Custody Concerns
In the best interest and safety of your child, we ask that you notify the Main Office and School Counseling Office of any custody issues that are related to your child. All of this information is kept confidential.
We also need the most recent documentation of this custody agreement for your child’s file.

11. 7th Grade Schedule Homeroom 7:38 7:46 1st Period 7:50 8:32 2nd Period
8:36
9:18
3rd Period
9:22
10:04
4th Period
10:08
10:50
5th Period
10:54
12:32 5A
11:24 5B
11:28
11:58 5C
12:02
6th Period
12:36
1:18
7th Period
1:22
2:04
8th Period
2:08
2:50

12. Calendar
February-March: Testing in Math, English, Social Studies March-April: Scoring and compiling of results May: Course verifications mailed Late Spring: Building master schedules are formulated Summer: Teacher and student schedules are tweaked ***Schedules mailed home before 7th Grade Orientation***

13. Placement Scores from Math and English/Social Studies tests
PSSA Scores from Fifth Grade
6th Grade Teacher/JH Department Chair Recommendations
PVAAS Data
When 6th grade PSSA scores are received, they are reviewed.

14. Course Verification Forms
Mailed home the week of May 22, on the back of a letter from Miss Herbaugh.

15. Math Department
“Mathematics is the queen of the sciences and number theory is the queen of mathematics”. Carl Friedrich Gauss

16. 7th Grade Mathematics
Algebra 1
Pre-Algebra
Academic Math
Math 7

17. Algebra 1 An advanced acceleration course
High expectations. Completes two grades levels in one year.
Extremely strong work ethic. Maturity is required.
Analytical, abstract and deductive reasoning skills.
Higher order critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Mastery with computational skills.
Excited to attempt new challenges.
Demanding nightly assignments, even on weekend and holidays.
Students must earn an 84% average to advance at this level for 8th grade.
Must demonstrate proficiency on Algebra 1 Keystone exam or student will be placed in a remedial Keystone Algebra course.

18. Depends upon student course performance.
Typical Progression
7th Grade Algebra 1 (Keystone)
8th Grade Algebra 2
9th Grade Honors Geometry
10th Grade Honors Trig- Pre-Calculus
11th Grade AB Calculus (AP Course)
12th Grade BC Calculus (AP Course)
Depends upon student course performance.

19. Pre-Algebra Independent dedicated learner, responsible.
Strong math computational skills
Analytical thinking ability
Problem solving skills
Strong work ethic and great school attendance
Ability to utilize problem solving strategies
Students must earn 77% average to advance at this level for 8th grade

20. Depends upon student course performance.
Typical Progression
7th Grade: Pre-Algebra
8th Grade: Algebra 1 (Keystone)
9th Grade: CB/Honors Geometry
10th Grade: CB/Honors Algebra 2
11th Grade: CB Trig/Pre-Calculus
12th Grade: CB Calculus
Depends upon student course performance.

21. Academic Math College bound preparation course
Requires some teacher assistance
Additional time to comprehend concepts
Ability to solve word problems
Commitment to completing assignments
A grade of 77% is required to stay in the college bound level.

22. Depends upon student course performance.
Typical Progression
7th Grade: Academic Math
8th Grade: CB Pre-Algebra
9th Grade: CB Algebra (Keystone)
10th Grade: CB Geometry
11th Grade: CB Algebra 2
12th Grade: CB Trig/Pre-Calculus
Depends upon student course performance.

23. Math 7 Basic or Below Basic on PSSA math test
Needs extra practice with math computational skills
Requires teacher guidance and directives
Poor fluency with basic math facts
Transition from dependent to independent learners
Emphasis on decoding word problems
Transition to self-motivation

24. Depends upon student course performance.
Typical Progression
7th Grade: Math 7
8th Grade: Algebra 1A and PSSA Math
9th Grade: Algebra 1B (Keystone)
10th Grade: Integrated Math 1
11th Grade: Integrated Math 2
12th Grade: Integrated Math 3
Depends upon student course performance.

25. English Language Arts Department

26. 7th GRADE ENGLISH Three levels: Pre-honors, College Bound, English 7
Designed to formalize the basic skills acquired in the
elementary years
Establish a foundation in grammar and composition for the
secondary years
Writing Focus: writing for multiple purposes
Reading Focus: mostly non-fiction, specifically
English Academy book summaries

27. All 7th Grade English Classes Students in each English level will be enrolled in Google Classroom, a state-of-the art on-line platform for writing assignments and paperless communications.

28. Pre-Honors English 7 Create independent writing projects
Work at an accelerated pace using higher-order thinking
Create independent writing projects
Have a mastery of basic grammar skills: capitalization,
parts of speech, complete sentences, punctuation
Participate in global-learning projects via written and
electronic contact with international classrooms
Successfully manage time for long-term assignments

29. College-Bound English 7
Similar to Pre-honors except that the PSSA score should
be Proficient at a minimum
Not as much independent study as in a Pre-honors class
More class time is spent on grammar skills that the Pre-
honors student has already mastered
Increased emphasis on each step of the writing process:
prewriting, first draft, revising, editing, and publishing

30. English 7 Basic or Below Basic scores on ELA test
and/or below grade level in reading ability
Focus on basic grammar rules that have been mastered
at the other levels
Spend more time on reading and analyzing a variety of
non-fiction material
Practice intensively the writing skills necessary for
after graduation (college and/or the workplace)

31. English Language Arts Department
Reading

32. 7th Grade Reading
Academic Reading 7
Reading 7

33. 7th Grade Reading Curriculum
Greek and Latin Roots and Affixes
Assigned weekly throughout the school year
Novels
Accelerated Reader Program
Students are required to read a specific number of books depending on the level assigned
Accelerated Reader accounts for 10% of the total grade each marking period
Variety of Texts including short stories, poetry, folktales etc.
Elements of Literature
Collection #1 – Plot
Collection #2 – Characterization
Collection #3 – Theme
Collection #4 – Point of View

34. Course Objectives Improve reading fluency, expression and rate
Improve comprehension skills
Read and analyze a variety of genres
Incorporate before, during and after reading strategies
Analyze and identify characterization, setting, plot, theme and point of view
Respond to and evaluate literature in writing and through discussion
Improve vocabulary through analysis of affixes, Greek and Latin roots, and context
Prepare for the PSSA
Develop an appreciation for reading

35. Academic Reading 7 Requires a greater level of independence
Students will be expected to do more work outside the classroom on their own
Course moves at a faster pace
Required to read additional Accelerated Reader books
Greater analysis of texts
Higher expectations for writing assignments
This is the highest reading level

36. Social Studies Department

37. 7th Grade Social Studies
Time Period: Prehistory to 1500’s Includes World Empires and World Religions

38. 7th Grade Social Studies
Pre-Honors World History
College-Bound World History
World History 7

39. Pre-Honors World History
Show satisfactory achievement on quizzes and objective and essay tests.
Complete regularly assigned textbook and frequent supplementary readings.
Complete homework assigned on a regular basis (including vocabulary work, study guides, content-driven written expression, oral and written reports, projects, map work, and current events)
Participate in class discussions and to keep a well-organized notebook of daily activities.
Be more independent learners, to think more critically, and to make evaluations on course content.
Required to use more primary and secondary sources, in-depth discussion, and written expression.

40. College-Bound World History
Expected to show satisfactory achievement on quizzes and objective tests.
Required to complete regularly assigned textbook and some supplementary readings.
Complete homework assigned on a regular basis (including vocabulary work, study guides, content-driven written expression, oral and written reports, projects, map work, and current events)
Participate in class discussions and to keep a well-organized notebook of daily activities.

41. World History 7
Show satisfactory achievement on quizzes and objective tests.
Complete regularly assigned textbook readings.
Complete homework assigned on a regular basis (including vocabulary work, study guides, content-driven written expression, projects, map work, and current events)
Participate in class discussions and to keep a well-organized notebook of daily activities

42. Hero Project
Students able to do a project on any person they consider to be a “hero” from the time periods they are learning about
Project requirements vary based on level of class
All content and objectives are the same

43. Science Department

44. 7th Grade Science Scientific Inquiry
Pre-Honors Science 7
College-Bound Science 7
Science 7
Placements, levels, and expectations the same as Math, English, and World History.
Content taught is essentially the same at all three levels. However, rigor and depth of study will vary.

45. 1. Introduction to Science 6. DNA/RNA
Description
This course addresses various aspects of scientific study: life science, math, and deductive/inductive reasoning. Students develop and apply skills involving observation, data collection, analysis, prediction, and classification. Hands-on activities comprise a significant portion of the course.
Topics
1. Introduction to Science 6. DNA/RNA
2. Metric System Genetics
3. Measurement Classification
4. The Microscope Vertebrates
5. The Cell Ecology

46. More Scheduling Info

47. Additional Scheduling Items
Band, Chorus, Orchestra
CLS: Contemporary Living Skills (Semester)
Health and Physical Education (5 days per week)
Lunch (30 minutes, 5th period)
NEW!! STEM 7 (9-week course)
NEW!! ART 7 (9-week course)
Other unique scheduling issues based on educational needs

48. STEM 7
5 periods per week - 9 weeks Purpose: STEM 7 is designed to show the student different technological areas and how science, technology engineering and math can be applied to solve real world problems. Materials, tools, and energy are used in combination with knowledge and information to complete assignments. Team work, interpersonal cooperation, communication, listening, creative thinking and reading skills will be emphasized. Course Description: This course is a laboratory class that exposes the student to many areas of technology. The topics include; Robotics, Engineering, and Manufacturing. These units are all introductory and exploratory. An appreciation of technology and the metric system of measuring is stressed throughout the course. The robotics unit is based upon curriculum materials developed by the Carnegie Mellon University. Requirements: The student is required to research the specific area of technology they are working in. The research is then presented by means of written reports, demonstrations, posters, projects, or classroom presentations. Tests and quizzes are also a part of the evaluation process.

49. ART 7
5 periods per week - 9 weeks Purpose: The art experience in the seventh grade will empower students to have renewed self-confidence in their creative abilities, fostering a greater sense of self-esteem. Students will further develop a personal definition of what art is. Course Description: Students in the seventh grade art class build on the sequential learning experiences of the elementary program that encompass Art History, criticism, aesthetics, and production. Through a variety of two and three dimensional projects, students will communicate ideas through problem solving activities. One of the areas to be explored is drawing with graphite pencils, charcoal, pastels, black and colored ink and glue! Other areas include painting, calligraphy, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, graphic design, and mixed media. Students will be encouraged to explore their personal world for motivation, and develop creative thinking skills to assist in adding meaning to their work. Art production will be enriched with exposure to Art History, aesthetics, and art criticism. Requirements: Confidence in their art ability will increase as students apply the basic skills and techniques to complete each project. Prerequisites: An open mind and a positive attitude!

50. Unique Situations
If you have a unique academic situation, your schedule may look a little different. If this is the case, Miss Herbaugh has already spoken to you or your parents/guardians about this.

51. Scheduling/Grading Criteria
To move up a level, students must obtain a 95% overall average.
To maintain the Honors level, a 84% or higher must be earned.
To maintain a College Bound level, a 77% or higher must be earned.
Grades below 70% could cause you to need summer school.

52. 7th Grade Orientation and First Day of School
Dates to Remember…
7th Grade Orientation and First Day of School

53. 7th Grade Orientation
August 17, :00-7:00 PM HAJHS Auditorium Students will meet their teachers and receive important 7th grade materials.

54. First Day of School
August 24, 2017 

55. Miss Herbaugh will be transitioning to a new position
Miss Herbaugh will be transitioning to a new position. Starting next school year, Miss Herbaugh will be the school counselor at Charles W. Longer Elementary School. Miss Herbaugh’s replacement has been hired. Her name is Katelynn Parkes. Any questions/concerns, please reach out! Website Address: Junior High School Counseling Office Mrs. Elda Boose, Counseling Office Secretary Miss Allison Herbaugh, JH School Counselor for the Class of 2020 Miss Katelynn Parkes, JH School Counselor for the Class of 2023

56. Thank you for attending
Thank you for attending! Best wishes for a wonderful summer and amazing 7th grade year!