1. Welcome To Junior high Parent night

2. Junior high unity ▪Much collaboration between teachers ▪Team Teaching ▪Daily communication between teachers ▪Same breakdown of grades ▪Same policies implemented in the classroom T ogether e veryone a chieves more

3. grades ▪40% Independent Classwork, Collaborative work, Products ▪50% Quizzes, Tests, Products ▪10% Homework

4. Math April Langelett alangelett@mbvm.org ▪ Diocesan standards: In order to follow the standards, math textbooks are not being used. All notes/HW can be accessed on my website. ▪ www.mbvm.org Notes can be pulled up at home or at school Some of the HW assignments can also be accessed on the website and can be completed on their laptops with their stylus or printed off and completed by hand.

5. Math Homework ▪ Homework is given on a nearly daily basis (not a lot of problems, but enough to reinforce the concepts.) Some HW is considered a formative assessment to let me know how individual students are doing as well as the class as a whole. Sometimes HW is collected and considered a summative assessment if we have spent multiple days on a topic and I feel they are ready for a grade. HW taken for a grade can be corrected and returned to receive additional credit. Quizzes ▪ Quizzes are given nearly every Friday. Quizzes mainly cover the concepts learned that week, but also continue to review past material.

6. Aleks Most of the ALEKS time can be completed in study hall (20 minutes per day) but a total of 2 hours is required on a normal week. Some time might need to be spent on ALEKS at home. ALEKS can be completed on the students’ laptops, home computers or even IPADs. Tests: Tests aren’t given as often, but will cover larger amounts of information. Availability : I am available on MOST days before or after school for math help. I’d much rather the kids come to see me for help, than feel frustrated at home. Math is much more enjoyable if it is understood! Math

7. P.E. Requirements Students should have the required gym uniform and clean gym shoes every day for class. ( Mon. & Tues.) They are required to change every PE class, with very few exceptions. If they choose not to dress, their grade will reflect that. pe Sue Flott sflott@mbvm.org

8. RULES Respect others, yourself and the gym equipment. When the whistle blows, you STOP whatever you are doing and listen for instruction. Follow all instructions the first time they are given. Play fairly and honestly all the time. Show good sportsmanship. Candy and gum are not allowed. Rules & Consequences in P.E. CONSEQUENCES Verbal warning Time out in class Parent contact if behavior continues Detention- before or after school Severe Clause: Principal’s Office.

9. Grading in P.E. Uniform - 10 pts Participation - 30 pts Behavior -30 pts (Attitude, effort, respect equipment, listen to directions, stop when teacher blows the whistle. Sportsmanship – 30 pts (Play fair, be respectful of others, accept outcome of the game)

10. Language arts Cheryl Gaca cgaca@mbvm.org Focus on Diocesan Learning Standards Writing Research/Informative including Science Fair Background Research Argumentative Narrative Grammar/Conventions Vocabulary using roots and affixes Speaking and Listening

11. Language arts curriculum Emphasis will be placed on the study and usage of : 6+1 Traits of Writing Word Etymology Compound/complex sentence structure Improvement of word choice and use of figurative language APA and MLA citations Grammar: pronoun agreement/ phrases and clauses/ verbals/ active vs. passive voice Punctuation: comma/ colon/semicolon/ dash/ellipsis Participate in discussions while building on others’ ideas and expressing their own Present information emphasizing points with relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and well-chosen details Appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation when speaking.

12. Save the date: Saturday, November 7, 2015 Bourbonnais Upper Grade Center Time: 8:00 -12:00 Student attendance is required Speeches should be memorized by Oct. 13th Practice done in class, but additional help at home needed Speeches should last a minimum of 8 minutes from first spoken word Everyone leaves with a 1 st, 2 nd, or 3 rd place rating Awards distributed during school day at a later date All students must be passing subjects to participate (IESA regulation) Illinois literary speech contest

13. Formative assignments/quizzes will appear in School Speak but will not count towards the grade-they will be marked as formative A summative test can be in the form of an essay, presentation, or project Assignments are posted daily on website calendar Check at the end of the day-often additional items are added or due dates extended Please encourage your student to come see me for extra help before school and after school- I love questions! Important to know

14. Literature Erin Darling edarling@mbvm.org Diocesan Reading Standards for Literature – Key Ideas and Details – Craft and Structure – Integration of Knowledge and Ideas – Range Reading and Level of Text Complexity Literature Text – Literature Book – This book is a big hardcover book that is also accessible through the students’ laptops – Novels – Short Stories

15. Literature & Social Studies Diocesan Reading Standards for Informational Text – Key Ideas and Details – Craft and Structure – Integration of Knowledge and Ideas Using Informational Text that Supports and Reinforces the Social Studies Curriculum – Guided Reading and Close Read Activities – Analyzing and using Social Studies Vocabulary

16. Writing Diocesan Writing Standards – Argumentative, Expository, Narrative – Production and Distribution – Research to Build and Present Knowledge – Range of Writing Writing – Literature and Social Studies – Students will respond to Literature with a variety of written responses – Students will respond to Social Studies content and information with a variety of written responses

17. Social studies & religion Bridget Bassett bbassett@mbvm.org Religion Goals To know and understand the basic teachings of the Catholic Church. To know, reflect on appreciate the importance of Liturgy and of the Sacraments. To understand the importance of the Old and New Testament. To live out Jesus’ example of service and love, by serving others in our community, school and home. To engage in personal and communal Catholic forms of prayer that deepen one’s spiritual life.

18. Social Studies Goals 6 th Grade – To learn about the physical and human geography of the continents. To gain an understanding of the cultures, traditions, economies and religions of many countries around the world and then make a connection as to why it is important to us. 7 th Grade – To learn about the early American history and how our country was formed. We will begin with Colonial America, study and take the Constitution test, Westward Expansion. 8 th Grade - To begin with the great expansion of the West, Civil War and Industrial Revolution, the Great Depression, World War I and II and then finally ending with our modern American history and how it has shaped our country over the past 50 years.

19.  Science is a gift of human intellect, which is given to us by God to help us understand His Creation.  Science is the study of interdependent relations in our earth’s systems and structures that reflect God’s truth, beauty, and goodness.  Life, Earth, and Physical Science foster growth in Christian virtue and develop an appreciation for God’s creation and the good of society.  Science is developing our stewardship and relationship in all aspects of our faith and Gospel values. DIOCESE OF JOLIET - CATHOLIC STANDARDS FOR SCIENCE science Rhonda Smith rsmith@mbvm.org

20. Diocese of Joliet Science Standards Science Standards Description Inquiry ProcessUnderstand/use inquiry process to explain real world phenomena ConceptsUnderstand concepts for life, physical, earth/space, engineering and technology Analyze DataAnalyze/interpret data to demonstrate understanding ModelsExpress understanding through written work, models, and designs Digital ToolsUse a variety of digital tools to produce/publish work

21. Science Curriculum All Grades: – Inquiry, scientific method, experiments, analysis, lab reports, Group projects, research, models, dissection, science fair 6 th Grade: Life Science: Plants, Cells, Bacteria, Viruses, Ecosystems, Food Webs Physical Science - Energy, Energy Changes/Conservation Science Plus – Science Fair Preparation (2 nd /3 rd Trimesters) 7 th Grade: Earth Science - Solar System, Earth’s Natural Processes Physical Science- Matter, Changes of State, Electromagnetic Energy Science Plus – Science Fair Testing/Report Organization (1 st Trimester) 8 th Grade: Chemistry - Atoms, Elements, Periodic Table, Compounds, Chemical Reactions Life Science – Animals, Animal Cells/Body Systems, Physical Science - Motion/Forces, Energy Changes/Conservation, Newton’s Laws Science Plus – Simple machines/CO 2 Cars (3 rd Trimester)

22. Science Fair Schedule AUGUST: Complete Experiment Organization(7 th and 8 th ONLY) SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER: Experiment Conducted (At Home) Background Research Completed (LA/Home) NOVEMBER: Experiment Organization(Graphs, Analysis, Conclusion) Final Science Fair Paper Completed DECEMBER: Backboard(8 th )/Power point(7 th ) and Note cards(7 th /8 th ) JANUARY: Oral Presentations to the Judges - Week of 1/6/16 MARCH: Regional Science Fair - March 11, 2016 APRIL/MAY: 6 th Grade: Choosing topic; Research – 7 references ; Experiment Design 7 th Grade: Revising experiment design; Research – adding 3 references MAY: State Science Fair – May 13/14, 2016

23. APRIL/MAY: 6 th Grade: Choosing topic; Research – 7 references; Experiment Design 7 th Grade: Revising experiment design; Research – adding 3 references MAY: State Science Fair – May 13/14, 2016 Science Fair Schedule (con’t)

24. MRS. SMITH’S WEBSITE (assignments are attached to calendar) www.mbvm.org 1) Assignments - 80% typed on computer 2) Assignment Grades – School Speak a. Formative = Practice/New Information (Not in Grade %) b. Summative = Graded Class/HW/Quiz/Tests (Included in Grade %) 3) Remind Students to ASK QUESTIONS ?????? 4) Extra Help/Appointments: 7:30 – 7:45 AM or 3:00 – 3:30 PM(T-Th) 5) Parent Communication - e-mail with questions! Science Homework

25. Spanish & music Stacie Knefelkamp sknefelkamp@mbvm.org ▪ General goals Guided by the Diocesan Learning Standards students will – Use target language to communicate – Study the countries and culture of Spanish speaking areas – Use technology to produce works and presentations – Be provided opportunities for language practice and cultural awareness.

26. Assessments Achievement Effort Behaviors that Support Learning Spanish

27. music expectations 1. Come in quietly 2. Respect classmates, teacher, and instruments 3. Participate and do your personal best 4. Listen and Have fun!

28. Music Guided by the Diocesan Learning Standards students will: – Understand and apply the elements of music and musical concepts – Understand how music is created and performed – Understand the historical role of music in Civilization – Use different outlets of performance and presentation to demonstrate understanding of materials Students will receive grades based on the following – Achievement – Effort – Behaviors that support learning

29. Technology Steve Langelett steve@mbvm.org NEW for 2015-16 NO MORE VPN!! Internet access outside of school is still filtered, but now relies on a cloud-based system instead of a connection back to school New series of Science textbooks will be added to tablets (8 th grade already has it) Windows 10 in 8 th grade, still 8.1 in 6 th and 7 th but may upgrade later this year

30. Technology Tech plus 6 th grade is about “getting up and running”. Learning to use the digital textbooks, learning email, etc. 7 th grade will be working on the Microsoft Office Specialist program for Powerpoint 8 th grade will be working on the Microsoft Office Specialist program for Word

31. Teacher contact information Stacie Knefelkamp: sknefelkamp@mbvm.orgsknefelkamp@mbvm.org Sue Flott: sflott@mbvm.orgsflott@mbvm.org Erin Darling: edarling@mbvm.orgedarling@mbvm.org April Langelett: alangelett@mbvm.orgalangelett@mbvm.org Cheryl Gaca: cgaca@mbvm.orgcgaca@mbvm.org Bridget Bassett: bbassett@mbvm.orgbbassett@mbvm.org Rhonda Smith: rsmith@mbvm.orgrsmith@mbvm.org