1. Welcome to Farmwell Mrs. Sherryl Loya, Principal Mr. Rodney Farrar, Assistant Principal Ms. Tonya Edwards, Assistant Principal Mr. Carl LaRue, 7 th Grade Counselor Home of the Falcons

2. Required 7 th Grade Courses Language Arts U.S. History-1865 to the Present Life Science Mathematics Health and Physical Education Technology Education/Family and Consumer Science (one semester each) Resource Fine Arts Elective

3. Language Arts 7 The Language Arts 7 curriculum consists of: Oral language Reading/literature Writing (usage and mechanics) Research Vocabulary

4. U.S. History 7 1865 to Present Focus is on American history from the Reconstruction to the 21 st century Industrialization The World Wars The sweeping social changes of the 1900’s will be studied

5. Life Science 7 Life science is the study of the living world and biological systems. Some areas of study include: Cellular organization and classification of organisms Dynamic relationships among organisms Populations, communities, and ecosystems Transmission of genetic information from generation to generation

6. Academic or Honors A student in honors…. exhibits excitement/enthusiasm about the subject likes to be challenged demonstrates self-motivation goes beyond expectations completes assignments on time has an advanced vocabulary and/or knowledge base in the areas of interest

7. Math Selections Math 7 Prepare students for Algebra 1 Topics include: estimation, number theory, Geometry, Algebra, and measurement form foundation for advanced mathematics Fosters critical thinking skills

8. Math Selections Algebra 1 Incorporates concepts and skills necessary for advanced mathematics Fundamental concepts of equality, functions, multiple representations, probability, and data analysis guide activities Computers and graphing calculators will be used to enhance the understanding of functions

9. Math Progression Acc. Math  Algebra I  Geometry  Math 8 Math 6  Math 7  Algebra I

10. Math Progression

11. Health and Physical Education 7 Students are exposed to a wide variety of activities including: Individual and dual sports and team sports Rhythmic activities, physical fitness testing, lifetime fitness, and recreational activities Diet and nutrition Stress and mental health Lifetime fitness and wellness; and the relationship of healthy body systems to overall wellness

12. Technology Education 7 A semester class that allows students to become technologically literate beyond basic computer systems and ideas Learning modules allow students to interact with robots, lasers, machines controlled by computers, and other high- tech equipment

13. Family and Consumer Science 7 A semester exploratory program, which provides a “hands-on” approach to the development of skills critical to everyday life Activities prepare students for taking on responsibilities at home and in their lives Students explore practical skills related to nutrition, laundry techniques, consumerism, personal grooming, money management, food preparation, career interests, environmental issues, and many more

14. Communication Studies Learn about the history of communication Watch and discuss daily current events Work in groups to create original, project-based shows Develop a background in journalism and broadcasting Study camera angle shots and angles Create special effects Participate in all aspects of movie making (writing, directing, acting, editing) Participate in oral performances throughout the year: impromptu theatre, demonstration speeches, interviews, reader’s theatre, radio plays, commercials, debates, and movie making

15. First Year Foreign Language (High School Credited Course) French I Spanish I German I Latin I Students develop basic communication skills in the four areas of language learning: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The courses are high school credit courses which means that the final grade will go on the student’s high school transcript. It will affect their GPA!

16. Who should take a foreign language in 7 th grade? Students should: Have B+ average or better in Language Arts and above average scores in their other academic courses Score in the advanced proficient range on their Reading/Writing SOL Be highly motivated to learn and have highly developed study skills Expect additional study time outside of school Courses are going to be a blend of 7 th grade and 8 th grade students No option of dropping courses if grades fall below average

17. Elective Courses in Fine Arts (full year courses) Seventh Grade Guitar- Level 1 Course prepares the student for a lifetime of guitar playing and music appreciation Class meets for 45 minutes on alternating days Participation in class may require a graded, after school performance with rehearsals 7th Grade Strings Provides instruction for violin, viola, cello, or bass Opportunities for performances outside regular school hours are at the discretion of the instructor Students will provide their own instrument

18. Elective Courses in Fine Arts (full year) Art 7- Infuses art history, art criticism, and aesthetic critiques Students will also establish a continuing art portfolio Chorus 7- Open to all students with a strong desire to sing and requires no audition Students are expected to attend several concerts and rehearsals held after school hours

19. Elective Courses in Fine Arts (full year) Band 7 – Prerequisite-successful completion of an instrumentation class Continue to learn the basic fundamentals of playing a band instrument Must provide their own instruments Expected to practice daily and participate in concerts, festivals, and rehearsals outside school hours

20. Accelerating Literacy Skills Full year course Students who are reading and writing below grade level Students who have difficulty passing the reading/writing SOLS

21. Course Selection Changes Teacher recommendations are based on grades, test scores and teacher observations. Our goal is to provide the most appropriate setting for your student. Please consider any changes carefully. Sign and return the form to your child’s counselor, Mr. LaRue by Friday, March 13 th.. The Math Course listed is based on current level and progress. In addition to the courses listed, your child will also be taking Health and PE and electives. Please refer to the Program of Studies for more information. Course Requested Change English ____________________________ History ____________________________ Science _____________________________ Math _____________________________ Electives: Your child may also select two elective courses in 7 th grade. DROP ADD ________________________________________________ _____________________ __________________________ RETURN FORM SIGNED TO YOUR COUNSELOR BY MARCH 13, 2015. _____________________________________________________________________ Parent signature date

22. Changes ??? Please indicate on the back of the course selection form what you would like to “Drop” and what you would like to “Add” All course selection forms must be signed and returned to Mr. LaRue by Friday, March 13th Drop box in front of my office

23. TJ and AOS www.tjhsst.edu http://cmsweb1.lcps.org/aos