1. Welcome to Fort Couch! Principal – Joe DeMar
Assistant Principal – Erin Peterson
School Counselors
Jace Palmer 7th
Lauren Madia 8th

2. Fort Couch Academics, Athletics, and Arts
National Blue Ribbon Award
Don Eichhorn Schools to Watch
Named in the 50 Best Middle Schools in the Country by TheBestSchools.org
Pittsburgh Business Times Regional Ranking
Upper St. Clair SD ranked Top 10 in the state U. S. News and World Report
Governor’s Award for Excellence in Academics

3. What do kids say about
middle school?

4. “Describe your 7th grade year in ONE word.”
Awesome
Change
Freedom
Fun
Fantastic
Amazing
Friends

5. “What are you most proud of this year?” “What is a goal you reached?”
“Pushing myself academically”
“I made some new friends”
“I tried my best”
“Being more independent”
“Getting a 100% on a math test”
“Getting my work done right after school”

6. “What is the most important thing you learned this year?”
“I learned how to write informational essays using research. I did not know how to do this last year, especially in text citations.”
“That the decisions that I make will reflect my choices later in life.”
“I think one of the most important things I learned this year was how to set a goal and achieve it.”
“To take your independence and freedom seriously.”
“That our team is like a family.”

8. Fort Couch Middle School
Transitioning to
Fort Couch Middle School

9. Similarities to Boyce Attendance procedures
Communication e.g., , voic , websites
Teaching counselors
Team teaching
Rigorous curriculum

10. Differences from Boyce to FC
Social Studies and Science every day
Evening socials
Athletic programs
More independence
More responsibility
Percentages are given for daily performance

11. Sample Schedule

12. Fort Couch 7th Grade Teaming
Team One – Traditional & IB
Two Homerooms Traditional
Two Homerooms IB
Team Two – Traditional & IB
Team Three – IB
Four Homerooms IB

13. Curriculum Leaders Social Studies – TBD Language Arts – Mrs. Kate Ruth
Science – Mrs. Caren Falascino
Math – Mr. Andy Lucas

14. Social Studies Skills Content Critical Reading
Writing
Forming and Defending an Opinion
Determining Bias in Different Sources
Content
1. Middle Ages, Exploration & Colonization of the Americas
American Revolution, American Government & Capitalism
Westward Expansion
Civil War, Reconstruction & Development of Industry

15. Reading, Writing, Grammar
Language Arts
Reading, Writing, Grammar

16. Reading Comprehension and Skills Highly differentiated Easy CBM
Standardized Test Data
Formative Assessments
Variety of Contexts
Novels (Leveled)
Short stories
Poetry
Persuasive/Informational
Drama
Supplemental Reading Program

17. Grammar Writing Review of basic elements of English
Extends to more extensive grammatical elements
Done in isolation and writing
Refinement of genres from Boyce
Narratives
Informational Writing
Argumentative Writing
Response to Literature

18. Science Employ a “hands on” and inquiry based approach
Each nine weeks focus on a different strand of science
Quarter 1 - Physical Science - Light Unit
Big idea focus on energy
Quarter 2 - Life Science – Cells Unit
Focus on the cell
Quarter 3 - Life Science - Genetics Unit
Focus on genetic traits
Quarter 4 - Earth Science - Our Changing Earth Unit
Focus on volcanoes, earthquakes, pollution,
etc.)

19. Mathematics – Pre-Algebra Curriculum Applied Arithmetic
Large and small numbers
Addition/subtraction
Multiplication/division
Negative numbers
Powers
Decimals
Percents
Scientific notation
Algebra
-The use of variables as pattern generalizers
-Abbreviations in formula
-Unknowns in equations
Geometry
-Measurement
-Relationships involving lines, angles, and polygons
-Connections between arithmetic, algebra, and geometry

20. Mathematics – Grade 7 Domains Ratios and Proportional Relationships
The Number System
Expressions and Equations
Geometry
Statistics and Probability
* A heavy emphasis is place on problem solving and the application of these domains in the real world.

21. Mathematics – General Information
The math program is structured so that all students could take calculus by their senior year.
A pre-test and post test coincide with each chapter.
Enrichment and remediation opportunities are provided daily.
Teachers recommend students to have a calculator in the TI-30 or TI-84 series. TI-15 calculators can still be used. Students may also use the calculator app on the iPad.
Graduation exams are given to students upon completion of Algebra I.
Accelerated courses are offered for students who qualify.

22. Mr. Jace Palmer Mrs. Lauren Madia
School Counselors
Mr. Jace Palmer
Mrs. Lauren Madia

23. Role of the Counselors Advocate for students
Serve as the liaison between students, teachers, parents and administration
Team Meetings
Classroom Teacher
Transition Coordinators
S3 Coordinator
Test Administration coordinator
Crisis Intervention
Coordinator of Olweus Bullying Program
Individual / Group Intervention

24. Guidance Curriculum 7th Study Skills Digital Citizenship
Diversity /Tolerance
Bullying Prevention
Drug and Alcohol Education
Character Education
Community Service
8th
Drug and Alcohol Education
Career Development
Digital Citizenship
Human Growth & Development
Bullying Prevention
Transition to High School

25. Practical Matters – The Building
Fort Couch Road Side
Do NOT drop off kids here
Field Side
Drop kids off here

26. Practical Matters – The Building

27. Practical Matters – The Building
Team One
Team Two
Team Three

28. Practical Matters – V.I.P.
Ms. Polfus Ext. 3004
Mrs. Lacey Ext. 3003

29. Practical Matters – V.I.P.
Nurse Hansen Ext. 3005

30. Practical Matters - The Bookcase

31. Middle School Athletics
Fall Sports
-Football
-Swimming
-Cross Country
-Girls Volleyball
Winter Sports
-Boys Basketball
-Wrestling
-Girls Basketball
Spring Sports
-Track and Field
-Softball
-Boys Volleyball

32. PTSO

33. School Nurse Annette Hansen 412-833-1600 ext: 3005

34. Expressive Arts
Students will have one rotation for each of the following courses:
Art
Music
Technology Education
Industrial Technology
Information Literacy

35. World Language Offerings
The intent is to continue with the language chosen in sixth grade in seventh and eighth grade. If students are in MYP, they will continue with the language chosen through tenth grade.
French
German
Spanish

36. Panther Time / Period 7 Daily 2nd Chance Learning Opportunities
(Math Mastery/LA Support)
Olweus Bullying Prevention Program
Club Day
Gifted Programming
Band
Chorus

37. Safety and Security Fire Drills Monthly Lock Down Drills Quarterly
USC School Police monitor daily
Partnership with USC Township Police

38. “This time shall pass.”
-Lou Holtz