Together we LEAD!

Purpose of Riverwatch Middle School

Our vision statement is “Together we LEAD – Learn, Excel, Achieve and Dream.”

ACADEMICS8th Grade Core Classes

Math, Advanced Math, or *Accelerated Math *Science or *Advanced Science Language Arts or Advanced Language Arts Social Studies or Advanced Social Studies *Spanish or *Study Skills

8th Grade Connections Classes PE/Health or Strength and Conditioning Art *Band *Chorus Personal Fitness Computers Engineering Technology Newspaper * Denotes Courses for High School Credit

High School Credit

Students can earn NO MORE than 4 high school credits in middle school.

Students receive either a P or a F on their high school transcript for high school credits earned in middle school.

The middle school course must meet the standards of the respective high school course.

Parents can decline credit by sending the school a written statement. This must be given to the school by June, 2012.

Expectations

Students will be writing a great deal within LA classes.

Students are expected to take notes and study from these notes as a study guide.

Students are expected to be more independent and able to self advocate.

Good attendance is essential for success in 8th grade classes.

Mathematics

On-level• Transition from skill-

based curriculum to concept based curriculum

• Students should expect to have homework EVERY night.

• TOPICS INCLUDE – probability, exponents, radicals, Pythagorean Theorem, linear relationships, equations, inequalities, and systems.

Advanced• Covers Entire 8th Grade

curriculum plus added advanced standards

• Increased Pace and rigor

• Students should be self motivated and an advocate for their success in the class

• Additional review time in class may not be a part of the class

Accelerated• Covers entire Math I

and half the Math II curriculum

• 7th Grade Accelerated Math is a prerequisite

• Increased task-based learning, pace and rigor

• Summative assessments, midterm and final exam are made in collaboration with high school teachers

• EOCT is worth 20% of total GPA

Science

On-level Student will take both

CRCT’s and EOCT’s. EOCT’s will count for 20% of the course grade

Course content will be the GA DOE High School Physical Science content standards

Topics include: Energy and Forces and Motion, Electricity, Magnetism, and Matter

Advanced Will complete all of on-level

course

Rigorous algebra-based physical science

Students are expected to work at a faster pace and complete independent research projects

Course will prepare students for Honors Biology in 9th grade year

On-Level Language Arts Preparation for CRCT Reading and ELA

3 novel studies and short stories Wordly Wise Vocabulary ($10) – emphasis on usage and

application, not recognition of word (no multiple choice quizzes)

Grammar – review of basic skills with intense application of on-level standards through writing

Current Events magazine ($10) – weekly reinforcement of non-fiction, grammar and writing

Preparation for Georgia Writing Assessment and LHS World Literature Expect 9-10 expository and persuasive essays between August

and January 3-4 Response to Literature pieces between January and May 3 summative timed essays before January

Students should expect homework every night

Advanced Language Arts

Students will complete all of on level course.

Students will complete several additional units and projects that will prepare them for Honors Literature at LHS.

The course will be fast paced with in depth discussions about literature and a heavy use of technology.

Georgia StudiesOn-level Large amount of standards

covering Georgia’s History and Government

Lecture based with emphasis on note taking skills

Course set-up and rigor will help prepare for success in high school history courses

Class time is given for most assignments and unfinished work will be completed for homework.

Review of notes is expected when there is no written assignments

Advanced Same content as on-level

Extension information added to connect with U.S. history

Faster pace

Choice projects to meet needs of different learning styles

Document based essays to prepare for AP high school courses such as 9th Grade AP Human Geography

Usage of technology and collaborative group discussions

SpanishExpectationsHomework: written practice

or vocabulary study each night– approximately 20-30 minutes.

Varied assessments include: written exams, projects, short research assignments, oral presentations, role-play, dialogues, skits, conversations, written exercises, reading of literature, singing songs, and watching videos.

Students will take the same final exam as the high school.

CurriculumGeorgia Standards and

Forsyth County pacing for high school Spanish level 1.

Students develop listening, reading, speaking and writing skills in a variety of topics.

Students will use simple communication with vocabulary and grammar of Spanish I.

Students will become familiar with the culture of Spanish-speaking persons.

High School Spanish I

Students will become proficient in the standards of second semester High School Spanish I.

Teachers collaborate with the high school and are able provide extensive practice on all topics.

Upon completion of Spanish I in the 8th grade, the student will be eligible to take Spanish II at the high school..

Study Skills

Study Skills work is embedded within math content.Note takingTest taking skillsTest preparations

This course is NOT a study hall.

Band

High School Standards –All 8th grade students will perform at state

performance evaluations (March, 2012) Will learn and perform a variety of music

from the state music listThe current 8th grade band curriculum at

RMS is already based on the high school standards (so, very little will be different)

Chorus

Based on High School Standards for High School credit including:

Learning and performing a variety of music

Composing musicAnalyzing and evaluating musicLearning historical and cultural contexts

of music

Grading and Student WorkGrades are composed of 80% summative

grades and 20% formative grades.Grades at the 18 and 36 weeks are final.

Grades at the 9 and 27 weeks are mid-term.Homework is expected to be complete. There is

a strong correlation between student success in a class and their completion of practice work.

Students’ report cards also report against work habits.A score of 2 is meeting standardA score of 3 is rare for exceeding standard

Academic Supports and Interventions

Morning Help SessionsRelearn and Recovery

Students who score below 79% on a summative assignment are offered 1 opportunity to improve the grade up to 79% by engaging in a teacher assigned learning activity and retaking a second/new summative. The relearn/recovery assignment must be completed within 1 week of the graded summative being returned to the student. Mid-terms, finals, and timed writing assignments are not eligible for R & R.

Angel – try the tutorial on www.angel.com!

The ScheduleSeven classes for approximately 50 minutes

periods and one 25 minute advisement class:1st Period – Language Arts from 9:00 – 9:50 2nd Period – PRIDE from 9:50 – 10:153rd Period – Science from 10:20 – 11:104th Period – Social Studies from 11:15 – 12:35 (includes

25 minute lunch)5th Period – Connections from 12:40 – 1:306th Period – Connections from 1:35 – 2:257th Period – Spanish or Math Literacy from 2:30 – 3:208th Period - Math from 3:25 – 4:15