Longfellow Middle School

February 1, 2018

Welcome to Curriculum Night

LMS Curriculum Night

Principal Welcome– Carole Kihm, Principal

PTA Welcome – Mel Quinn, PTA President

LMS Curriculum Night

Jill Tucker, Director of Student Services, Rob Plunkett, Assistant Principal, Kevin Sami, Assistant Principal

Bruce Walker, School Counselor, Caitlin Ivey, School Counselor, Samantha Upson-Smith, School Counselor

Welcome parents! Chesterbrook Lemon Road Churchill Spring Hill Colvin Run Timber Lane Franklin Sherman Westgate Haycock Kent Gardens Private Schools

LMS Curriculum Night

– To gain an understanding of the Longfellow course registration process

– To become familiar with the course offerings and after school programs available to Longfellow students for the 2018-2019 school year

Transition Events For Rising Seventh Grade Students

February 1, 2018 – Curriculum Night

February 5th – 16th– Longfellow school counselors visit feeder elementary schools to present registration information and teach students how to use the online registration tool or how to fill out the paper version. Parent(s) and students should review their child’s online selections or the course selection sheet (course catalog is available on our LMS website, link is at the top of the selection sheet) and return the form to the elementary school according to their due date. Please choose wisely as our master schedule and class sizes depend on your choices.

April – Tentative date for which elementary feeder schools are invited to tour Longfellow

Rising 7th grade Transition Activities and Events

‘How to Thrive’ PTA and LMS Student Services parent program – Thursday, April 19, 2018, 7 – 8:30 p.m.

May / June 2018 – Families receive list of courses that students are enrolled in, requests for changes in courses should be sent to the student’s Longfellow counselor liaison by June 18th

August 7th and 8th or 9th and 10th – Optional Jump Start to Success program at LMS (registration information will begin on May 1st)

August 21st –7th Grade Open House, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

August 23rd – 7th Grade Orientation – 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Rising 7th Grade Information

Most middle school students will take the following required courses:

Honors English, Honors History, Honors Science, Math and PE

• Elective(s) complete students’ schedules• Three possible combinations of electives:

2 full year electives1 full year, 2 half-year electives4 half-year electives

All Honors Model

• Most 7th and 8th grade students will take Honors English, Honors Social Studies, and Honors Science

• Teachers teach the Honors extensions and scaffold for students who need extra support

• Some students take smaller, self-contained classes

All Honors Model (continued)

• All of our classes are student – centered and teachers differentiate to address the needs of all students

• Our staff have participated in several professional development sessions on differentiation, facilitated by the FCPS Advanced Academics office, to enhance instruction and provide best practices in teaching and learning

Longfellow Level IV Program

AAP Classes Test into the AAP Program Rigorous – additional extensions, faster-paced Emphasis on higher level thinking, problem-solving,

and decision-making Students must commit to all 3 AAP courses (English,

Social Studies, Science). Math is a separate placement at the middle school

Longfellow ‘Life’- Teams

• Consist of the English, Social Studies, and Science teachers

• Make a larger school “feel smaller”• Allow teachers to plan events like field trips and team

activities • Teacher, counselor, and administrator meet weekly,

discuss student progress, and help recognize their good work

• Counselors work closely with the teams to identify students who may be struggling and assist with planning interventions for them

Longfellow ‘Life’- Teams

Lancer Code –Be Respectful, Responsible and Safe

Homework– Students receive, on average, 60-90 minutes of

homework a night

Lockers– Students practice opening lockers at the Open House

and for the first couple of weeks of school

Frequently Asked QuestionsMath Enrollment

Math 7 Honors – 8th grade curriculum with extensions, 6th grade compacted math and strong grades ensure success in this course

Algebra 1 Honors – Elementary schools administer assessments – students must earn 91st percentile on the IOWA and pass advanced on the 7th grade Math SOL for this placement

Frequently Asked QuestionsSupport Classes

Read 180 Action Literacy Algebra Readiness Power Math

LMS Elementary School Counselor Liaisons

Mrs. Samantha Kramer703-533-2638 / spkramer@fcps.eduHaycock

Mrs. Samantha Upson-Smith703-533-2639 / supsonsmith@fcps.eduChesterbrook and Timber Lane

Mrs. Caitlin Ivey703-533-4528 / cemulhare@fcps.eduChurchill, Lemon Road and Franklin Sherman

Mr. Bruce Walker703-533-2627 / bmwalker@fcps.eduColvin Run and Spring Hill

Mrs. Debbie Peel703-533-2637 / dgpeel@fcps.eduKent Gardens and Westgate

LONGFELLOW MIDDLE SCHOOL ______________________________ 7th Grade Course Selections (2017-2018) Student’s FULL Name & FCPS ID # / Label

*Student is in the AAP Program (Level 4) Student has an IEP Student receives ESOL services Student has a 504 Plan *Student will be scheduled for AAP English, History & Science

Step 2: SELECT ELECTIVE COURSES (FULL YEAR AND / OR SEMESTER) You may select 2 full-year electives, 1 full-year and 2 semester electives, or 4 semester electives. Please rank in order of all choices 1-6, even if you have chosen 1 or 2 full-year electives, as we may not be able to honor all requests.

FULL-YEAR ELECTIVES Fine/Performing Arts - Instrumental Placement will be determined by audition

Fine/Performing Arts – Vocal & Music *Vocal course offerings may or may not be available this year pending staffing

Beginning / Intermediate Chorus (926510) Audition may be required

Beginning Band (923210) Audition NOT required

Intermed / Adv Band (923310) Audition required World Languages Instrument: Chinese 1, Part A* (581300)

Orchestra (923810) Audition required for Intermediate/adv French 1, Part A* (511300)

placement Spanish 1, Part A* (551300)

Instrument: French Immersion 1 (511067) (Kent Gardens Immersion Students, HS Credit Course)

*Must enroll in Part B in 8th grade to receive high school credit

SEMESTER ELECTIVES (HALF-YEAR) Art Classes Literary Arts Theater Arts

Art Foundations (910532) Creative Writing (110862) Theater Arts Appreciation (139067)

3D Art Exploration (910632) - (Prereq.) Journalism (116168) Music Program

Computers in Art (911562) (video production)

Media Communications (139062) (Announcements)

Music Participation Lab (921132)

Business & Information Technology Technology & Engineering Education Other (by recommendation ONLY) Computer Solutions (660932) Engineering Design & Modeling (846432)

(formerly Technology Exploration 7) Strategies for Success (781932/781980) Coding and Innovative Technologies

(616032) (Prereq.) Family & Consumer Sciences Personal Development (781540)

Family & Consumer Sciences 7 (826332) Read 180 / Reading (110781 / 110881)

Work Awareness and Transition (907060)

Step 3: PARENT REVIEW & SIGNATURE I understand that staffing is based on course selection and that my child’s selections represent a firm commitment. I also understand that Longfellow Middle School reserves the right to change a student’s selections based on scheduling needs and/or conflicts. ___________________________________ ____________________________________ _____________________

Student’s Signature Parent / Guardian Signature Date

Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian(s): ____________________________________ Parent Phone: ___________________Parent Email: _________________________

Step 1: REQUIRED COURSES FOR ALL 7TH GRADE STUDENTS MUST select ONE Math Course:

__X__ English 7 Honors (111036) _____ Math 7 (311100) __X__ History 7 Honors (235536) _____ Math 7 Honors (311136) __X__ Science 7 Honors (411536) (Prereq. compacted math or accelerated Math program) __X__ Health & Physical Education 7 (712033/712034) **Algebra I Honors placement will be determined at a later date and will be for students who place at least in the 91st percentile on the IOWA Assessment & Pass Advanced (500+) on the 7th Grade Math SOL. We anticipate that you will be notified of the placement results by early July 2015.

Online Course Registration

Electives Offerings Video

Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tscej9pXhdE

All course descriptions are available on the online course catalog, the link is available on our LMS website:

https://insys.fcps.edu/CourseCatOnline/#/frontPanel/426/nocourselist/0/1/0

We look forward to having your students at Longfellow!!!

English/Language Arts We’re more than just reading…

We Begin with the End in Mind…

When My Students Leave In June…

They will they have the tools and resources needed for critical thinking, reading, and writing.-- Mrs. Wu

They will read more thoughtfully and write more clearly.

--Mr. Wilson

They will have confidence in their ability to read independently, work collaboratively and communicate effectively.” -- Mrs. Layton

“Halloween in Harlem,” Amy Stein

Critical and Creative

We provide a forum for meaningful thought and reflection through discussion and writing.

We use literature as a backdrop for life’s big questions.

We encourage students to define their own challenges, to stretch their perception of themselves, and to take intellectual risks.

We Keep Our Expectations High…

Our Classes Are Challenging Because…

Students get analytic skills through engaging activities. When they seek out and discover new ideas in my class, by the time they have finished, they have become experts in that specific area. Plus, they have fun doing so!

--Ms. Maldonado

There is always a high level of energy and excitement. We’re moving around to share ideas with as many people before coming together to synthesize our thoughts as a whole class.

--Mrs. Donohue

Units of Study

Elements of Fiction/ Narrative Writing

Elements of Nonfiction/Expository Writing

Persuasion/Persuasive Writing

Poetry

Literary Analysis

Methods of Differentiation in English

- What each student reads

- What each student does with it

- What each student produces as a result of

their learning

Academic Rigor

All teams cover the same curriculum, while differentiating from…

Guidance to Independence

Concrete to Abstract

Single facet to multiple facets

Clearly defined problems to complex problems

Structured to open ended

10

16

18

Our Philosophies Inform our Practice…

Authentic AssessmentsInstructional Reading (i.e., in whole-class instruction and/or literature circles)

Minimum of four full-length texts

Variety of genres in keeping with the requirements of the Program of Studies, to include, but not be limited to, plays, novels, poetry, and nonfiction

Some In-Class Novels…

Touching Spirit BearThe OutsidersThe Devil’s Arithmetic Nothing but the TruthOut of the DustCheaper by the Dozen No Promises in the WindWarriors Don’t Cry

Authentic AssessmentsWrite regularly, both formally and informally.

Practice and apply the Six Traits of Writing.

Complete at least one such writing from each genre:

narrative, expository, persuasive, literary analysis.

Produce additional writing that may not reflect the entire writing process (“quick-writes”, paragraphs, journal entries, summaries, reflections, etc.).

Analyze writing for ongoing self-assessment.

Writing Expectations (Va. DOE Grade-level Writing Standards)

- Recognize/edit fragments and run-ons.

- Noun – Pronoun agreement.

- Use past and present verbs correctly.

- Write complete sentences.

- Capitalize the first word of a sentence,

proper nouns, and the word “I.”

5th Grade

4th Grade

3rd Grade

3rd Grade

2nd Grade

What Your Students Would Say About Our Classes…

Three Word Summaries…Interactive, educational and fun (yet confusing)

--Mrs. Layton

FUN, but CHALLENGING—and HELPFUL to my future!--Mr. Wilson

interesting, engaging, and fresh-- Mrs. Donohue

helpful, enjoyable, structured--Mrs. Haber

Unique Approaches

Socratic SeminarParallel ReflectionDe Bono’s Thinking HatsNovel SymposiumsLiterature CirclesCharacter and Dramatic

Book TalksConcept MapsDebatesWikisBlogsDiscussion Boards

We Love What We Teach and Teach What We Love…

What Your Child Can Look Forward to…We will use a variety of lessons and texts that help them learn to create their own stories. -- Mrs. Layton

I love gallery walks: I enjoy watching how students develop their analytic skills. --Ms. Maldonado

I enjoy when my students take their learning experiences beyond the classroom and tell me how they applied the skills to not only other classes, but to the real world. --Mrs. Wu

Tableau Tuesdays the students act out scenes of what we are reading. --Mr. Wilson

Every Friday I introduce a new and great Young Adult book that I think students will enjoy. Students won’t want to miss it!

--Mrs. Donohue

U.S. History: 1865-Present

Geography The Jazz Age, 1920s

Reconstruction The Great Depression

Westward Expansion World War II

Industrialization The Cold War

Immigration & Urbanization Civil Rights

The Progressive Era Post War-

Imperialism Consumer Culture

World War I Globalization

Focus Questions:• How does geography influence events in

United States history?• What is the role of the United States in a

changing world?• What is the impact of technology on American

life?• How has the government reacted to events in

United States history?• How has daily life changed for ordinary

Americans over time?

What to Expectstudent centered instruction

• Note-taking strategies• Organizational strategies• More time between tests/quizzes• Increased use of technology in

classroom– Making a video/movie using online

software– Prezi/Google Slides– Blackboard (FCPS 24/7)– Google Classroom– Online textbook resource

• Student directed activities (debates, trials, simulations)

• Research methods• Use of primary documents in classroom• Focus on skills within the content

Skills within the Content

Students will:

• Be able to acquire information from a variety of sources, including primary source documents.

• Be able to organize information in a variety of forms.

• Be able to analyze and interpret information.

• Be able to communicate in a variety of written forms.

• Be able to communicate orally and through the use of technology.

Our goal is to inspire excellence while meeting the needs of all learners.

Differentiation allows all students to access course content and material based on their individual learning needs.

Extensions, enrichment, and accommodations are provided to meet student learning needs.

All Honors Model

Theodore Roosevelt

Who:

Roles:

Impact:

Vision:

George Dewey

Who:

How was he connected to American Imperialism?

Joseph Pulitzer

Who:

How was he connection to the Spanish American War?

William Seward

What was his feeling about expansionism?

What did he buy from Russia?

Was this a good purchase? Why? Support your answer with evidence.

Example of less structure:1. Please define and describe the role, impact, and/or vision of the following people in relation to our unit on Imperialism and the Spanish American War:

Theodore Roosevelt , George Dewey, Joseph Pulitzer , William Seward

Make sure to support and defend your answers with evidence.

Example of Test Questions:

More structure1.. All of the following are reasons for American expansionism during the late 1800s EXCEPT…

A. Trade/Economic (money) growth B. Establishing a relationship with Africa

C. To gain more Naval Ports (military Strength ) D. To spread American Culture

Less Structure: 2.. The following are reasons for American expansionism and the desire for colonies Circle all that apply-

A. As markets for U.S. manufactured goods B. Symbol of military might

C. As coaling stations D. Experiments for “Social Darwinism”

Examples of Activities!• Geography Road Trip-The

Regions of the U.S.

• Leaders of Westward Expansion/Captains of Industry iPhone Project

• Immigrant Experience Essay/Presentations

• Annexation of the Philippines and WWI Debates

• Trench Warfare Simulation

• Great Depression Dinner Project

Online Textbook• To support our curriculum and to maintain FCPS

commitment to incorporating technology in the classroom, all students have personal access to Discovering our Past: A History of the United States Modern Times.

Math 7Description

7th grade level Pre-algebra Students explore algebra and geometry concepts and skills; strategies for collecting, analyzing and interpreting data; number concepts and skills

Math 7 Standards:Number Sense, Computation/Estimation, Measurement, Probability and Statistics, Geometry and Patterns, Functions and Algebra

Preferred HabitsStudent should spend up to 30 minutes per day working outside of math class. This time includes homework completion, after-school help/Lancer Time and frequent practice with basic arithmetic.

Math 7Online Textbook - Grade 7 Big Ideas

Assessments• 2-3 Unit tests based on

the FCPS pacing guide• Weekly quizzes• Catalog ecart online

assessments• Formative assessments• Students take Math 7 SOL• Final exam

Comments• When transitioning to

middle school, consistent homework completion, frequent review of class materials and outside math support are important.

• This course leads to Math 8/Algebra 1

Math 7 HonorsDescription

• The depth and level of understanding in M7H is beyond the scope of Math 7

• Course is an acceleration of the Mathematics 8 curriculum and includes high school level honors extensions in each unit.

• Course requires students to master the content assessed on the Math 8 SOL test.

• Students who have not completed Advanced Mathematics 6 may need support and/or require additional effort and study to be successful.

• Mathematics 7 Honors prepares students for Algebra 1/Algebra 1 Honors in Grade 8.

Math 7 HonorsPreferred Habits

• Student should spend up to 30 minutes per day working outside of class. This time may include homework completion, after-school/Lancer Time help, and frequent review of materials.

• Assignments often include problem-solving and word problems.

• Student will stretch beyond problems computational in nature in order to make connections between concepts.

Assessments• 2-3 Unit tests (Pacing Guide)• Approximately 1 quiz every

week• Summative assessments

account for a majority of the overall average

• Formative assessments• Ecart catalog/division

online assessments• Final exam

Math 7 HonorsOnline Textbook - Pre-Algebra, Glencoe

Comments• It is recommended that a

student has completed an accelerated program in 6th grade as a pre-requisite.

• In addition to homework completion and frequent review of class materials, student will need outstanding study habits, high levels of motivation, perseverance and the desire to stretch one’s self mathematically.

Grade 6 to Math 7 Honors -Content missed:Absolute valueSquare rootOperations with integersSolving one/2 step equationsSingle/multi-step proportional reasoning and practical problems.

Algebra 1 HonorsDescription

• High school credit Algebra course; students must qualify for placement into this course.

• The content covers all the normal algebra topics including properties, solving equations and inequalities, linear systems, functions, polynomials, rational expressions, irrationals, and quadratic equations.

• Advanced topics such as set theory, bases, sequences, logic and series and elementary calculus will also be covered.

Algebra 1 HonorsOnline Textbook- Algebra 1, Pearson

Preferred HabitsStudent should spend at least 30 minutes per day working outside of class. This time includes homework completion, after school/LT help and frequent review of materials.

Assessments• 2-3 unit tests per quarter• Approximately 1 quiz every

week• Daily drills• Summative assessments

account for a majority of the overall average

• Students take Algebra SOL and a final exam.

Comments• Student must be found

eligible to take course by successfully completing an accelerated math program in 6th grade, score in the 91st percentile on the IOWA Aptitude test, and score pass advanced (500+) on the Math 7 SOL

• Student will move onto Geometry Honors in 8th grade with a teacher recommendation.

• Content homework will be supplemented with challenging middle school, high school and post high-school contest problems.

• In addition to homework completion and frequent review of class materials, student will need outstanding study habits, high levels of motivation and perseverance, and the desire to stretch one’s self mathematically

Activities – Contests - SupportActivities and Contests• Math Counts Try-outs and

official Math Counts Team• American Mathematics

Competition• American Mathematics

Open Contest• 𝜋𝜋 𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶

Support

• Power Math–elective• After school help with

individual teacher• Lancer Time activity period• Student Lunch Period• Spring SOL Prep class

Which course is best for your child?

• Recommendation of teacher/counselor• A discussion with child and teacher• Both Math 7 and Honors 7 lead to Algebra 1 in

Grade 8

Longfellow Middle School Science Program

Meeting the needs of all learners

Inspiring excellence and

Environmental/Life Science

•Content

•Process Skills

Units of Study•Ecology (Understanding our environment)

•Observing Living Things

•Heredity and Diversity

•Science class every day

•Same content for all levels

•Extended concepts and faster pace for AA students

•20-30 minutes of homework daily on average

•No SOL at end of school year

•Through inquiry - lab activities•Cooperative group work – projects

and labs•Experimental design using metric

system•Analysis of real life situations and

problems•Guided and independent practice•Depth and complexity for all

students

• Students will investigate the interdependence of life in an ecosystem.

– Differentiate between populations, communities, ecosystems, and biomes.

– Construct a model aquatic ecosystem.– Investigate limiting factors on a population.

– Describe the processes of photosynthesis and respiration.

– Trace the flow of energy from the sun through a food web

– Compare the water, carbon dioxide/oxygen, and nitrogen cycles.

– Give examples of how a change in the population of one organism may affect the population of other organisms.

Student using microscope to observe protists from model aquatic ecosystem.

Observing Living Things • Students will

review the basic characteristics and needs of all living things.

• Give examples of how plants and animals meet their basic needs.

• Make detailed scientific drawings.

• List qualitative and quantitativeobservations of organisms.

Students will analyze the structure and function of cells and tissues needed to conduct life processes.

Using analogies to aid a high level of understanding

Students will investigate the passage of hereditary information from generation to generation.

Use Punnett squares

Construct a DNA model

Summarize the majorcontributions

Simulate genetic replication

Identify the benefits andrisks of genetic

engineering.

Differentiating Instruction and Projects

Extracting DNA Project:

Advanced Academics, Honors, Extension opportunities for all

Integrating Technology

Science Clubs

Longfellow Library

Librarians/ Bibliophiles: Jennifer Polidoro & Lisa Hoyle

Our mission★ To serve as the learning &

research hub of the school!

★ To ensure that students are:○ discerning users of

information○ responsible digital citizens○ lifelong lovers of reading

and learning!

What are *some* things we (the librarians) do?

Inquiry research model

What are *some* things we (the librarians) do?

When can students visit the library?Before school: 7:10-7:25

During lunch, with a pass from the teachers outside the cafeteria.

Library Lancer Time PassDuring Lancer Time, with a pass from their LT teacher.

Why do students visit the library?

LMS Library Online

Library Website:http://www.longfellowlibrary.org

Library Twitter:@LMS1ibrary

Library Blackboard page

Interested in Volunteering in the library?

Longfellow Middle School After School Program

Goals of the After School Program

• Academic support and enrichment

• Social skills and youth development

• Physical health and recreation

• Family and community involvement

After-School Operations• Monday-Friday 2:15-5:00

• Late Bus Days- Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Late buses will arrive at 4:15. A schedule will be available in August.

• On Tuesdays and Fridays students are expected to walk home or be picked up by an adult by 5:00.

• Students are under adult supervision at all times. Longfellow teachers sponsor after school clubs.

• Two 1 hour blocks (2:25-3:25) (3:30-4:15)

• ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO SIGN IN

• An After School Packet with information about the After School Program will be included in the Back to School Folders sent out in August.

After-School Operations Cont’d

• Three clubs that require testing testing/try outs to join. – Science Olympiad (2 tests administered in September-30 members make the

team)– Debate Club– Odyssey of the Mind

• After School Activities are free and open to all students

• There are no after school activities when schools are closed due to inclement weather or on scheduled early release days.

Time *Monday* Tuesday *Wednesday* *Thursday* Friday2:15 Bell Rings Bell Rings Bell Rings Bell Rings Bell Rings2:25 Lancer Library Lancer Library Lancer Library Lancer Library Lancer Library

Science Olympiad (159 Block 1 & 2)

Open Gym(Gym 2)

TSA (161) Science Olympiad (159 Block 1 & 2)

Math Counts(Math Wing)Science Bowl (209)

Odyssey of the Mind (204)

Lancer Athletics(Gym 1 @ 3:30)

Debate Club (145) Rocketry (222) Open Gym (Gym 2)

TJ Prep (Lecture Hall)

Ping Pong and Video Game Club

(Lecture Hall)

Model UN (214) Eco Action (146) Ping Pong and Video Game Club

(Lecture Hall)Art/Clay Club (105)

Quiz Bowl (209) Quiz Bowl (209) Italian Club (008) SCA (135) Lancer Athletics (Gym 1 @ 3:30)

Tennis(Outside Courts)

Science Olympiad(159 Block 1 & 2)

Flag Football(Outside Fields)

Basketball(Gym 1 & Gym 2)

FCA(145)

Science Olympiad (159 Block 1 & 2)

Writing Center (150)

Girls Fitness/Yoga (Gym 2)

Literary Club (216) Computer Science (Block 2 Room 222)

Rubik’s Cube (222) Timber Lane Tutors (TBD)

Cooking Club (Food Lab

Block 1 & 2)

3:15 Dismissal 2nd Block Dismissal 2nd Block Dismissal 2nd Block

3:20 Lancer Athletics (Gym 1 & Gym 2 )

Lancer Athletics(Gym 1 & Gym 2)

Lancer Athletics(Gym 1 & Gym 2)

Lancer Library Lancer Library Lancer LibraryPing Pong and Video

Game Club(Lecture Hall)

Ping Pong and Video Game Club

(Lecture Hall)

Ping Pong and Video Game Club

(Lecture Hall)

4:10 *Late Bus Bell* No Late Buses *Late Bus Bell* *Late Bus Bell* No Late Buses 5:00 Program Ends Program Ends Program Ends Program Ends Program Ends

More Information

• Contact:

– rtbarrows1@fcps.edu

– 703-533-2649

• Website:

https://longfellowms.fcps.edu/activities.