welcome to the 2015 7 th grade information night
TRANSCRIPT
Welcome to the 2015 7th Grade Information Night
Goals for the Evening
Introductions Calendar of Events Student Placement Teams General Information Math, English, Reading, History, and
Science Department Presentations Looking Ahead
Calendar
February: Testing in Math, English, History
March: Scoring and compiling of results
April: Teams developed
May: Course verifications mailed
Late Spring: Master schedules are developed
***Schedules mailed home before 7th Grade Orientation***
PlacementScores from Math and
English/History tests
PSSA Scores from Fifth Grade
6th Grade Teacher/Department Chair Recommendations
Teaming
Three equal-sized teams, each with three levels and no team is better or smarter
A small school atmosphere within a large school A sense of belonging to ease adjustment In one area of the building A part of a group instead of a large school Formed from elementary schools, other
districts, and local private schools
Academic Advantages
Teachers can monitor progress of the students as a team.
Teachers can provide interdisciplinary lessons.
On each Day 1, teams meet as a group for planned activities or guest speakers.
It’s easier for parents to meet with the team teachers since they have a common planning time.
Team Composition
Team Composition
TEAM 1
TEAM 2
TEAM 3
School Supplies
Supply lists for each of the three teams will be in the 7th grade orientation flyer mailed in August.
Teachers will remind the students what they’ll need for each class. Don’t purchase anything until you see your team’s supply list.
Some supplies are available in the student store located behind the cafeteria.
Attendance When a student returns from an absence,
he or she must have a written excuse.
It is the student’s responsibility to check on any missing assignments.
Detailed information on student absences, tardiness, and medical appointments during the school day will be discussed in greater detail at the 7th Grade Orientation program in August.
Cafeteria
Breakfast (before the school day begins) and lunch are available. 7th grade lunch is from 10:55 -11:40.
A computer system tracks purchases of meals.
Students from households that meet income guidelines are eligible and should apply for free or reduced price lunches.
Gym Uniforms and Gym Locks
Gym uniforms (a T-shirt and shorts) can be purchased from The Locker Room, Village Closet,
and Transfer Junction.
Please buy a combination lock for your child’s gym locker.
Gym classes are held four days per week.
Locks
Provided by the junior high and must be used at all times
Only school locks are permitted on school lockers.
Students will keep these locks through the 9th grade.
Teachers have the combinations and will provide instruction.
School Nurse
You’ll receive information the mail during the late summer concerning your child’s health, medical conditions, emergency phone numbers, etc. You must complete and return this packet of information.
If you have any questions about health concerns, do not hesitate to contact our school nurse, Mrs. Barb Huff, at 695-4426 ext. 6531.
Student Assistance Program
S.A.P. is a voluntary program conducted by a team who have been trained through a state-endorsed program of drug, alcohol, and suicide prevention. This team works in cooperation with the Altoona Hospital Mental Health Center and Blair County Drug and Alcohol Services.
Parents or students wishing more
information on the S.A.P. program should call the nurse or guidance office.
Custody Concerns
In the best interest and safety of your child, we ask that you notify the Main Office and Guidance Office of any custody issues that are related to your child. All of this information is kept confidential.
We also need the most recent documentation of this custody agreement for your child’s file.
Math Department
“Mathematics is the queen of the sciences and number theory is the queen of mathematics”. Carl Friedrich Gauss
Mrs. Leigh Ann Craig
Below Basic
Basic Proficient Advance
Scaled scoresCut scores
700 - 1157 1158 - 1311 1312 -
14821483 – up
(2300)
Range 458 154 171 818
5th grade Percents 11% 17% 29% 43%
# students 27 43 70 104
PSSA Testing
7th Grade Mathematics
Algebra 1 Pre-Algebra Academic Math 7 PSSA Math - Selected students only
- Second math course
Algebra 1
O Independent learner, extremely strong work ethic
O High expectations at an accelerated pace
O Analytical, abstract and deductive reasoning skills
O Higher order critical thinking and problem solving skills
O Maturity and mastery with computational skills
O Self-discipline to accept demanding nightly assignments even on weekends or holidays and to accept new challenges
O Students must earn an 84% average to advance at this level for 8th grade
O Must demonstrate proficiency on Algebra 1 Keystone exam or student will placed in a remedial Keystone Algebra course
Pre-Algebra
Similar demands as other pre-honor courses
Independent dedicated learner Strong math computational skills Analytical thinking ability Strong work ethic Responsible and dedicated effort Ability to utilize problem solving strategies Students must earn 77% average to
advance at this level for 8th grade
Academic
College bound preparation course Requires some teacher assistance Additional time to comprehend concepts Ability to solve word problems Commitment to completing assignments A grade of 77% is required to stay in the
college bound level.
Math 7
Basic or Below Basic on PSSA math test Needs extra practice with math computational skills Requires teacher guidance and directives Transition from dependent to independent learners Emphasis on decoding word problems Development of a strong work ethic Transition to self-motivation
PSSA Math
Below Basic or Basic on 6th grade PSSA test
Opportunity to get additional assistance with 7th grade PSSA content
Small class size
Emphasis on computation and concepts required on the PSSA test to achieve proficient level
English Language Arts Department
Mrs. Marion Borr
7th Grade English Courses
Three levels: basic, college-bound, & pre-honors
Are designed to formalize the basic skills acquired in the elementary years and to establish a foundation in grammar and composition for the secondary years
Use communication and technology activities (ICT) to promote 21st century skills
Two Textbooks: Grammar and Composition
Literature English Academy: Unique reading program for non-fiction
books only
Pre-honors English
Work independently and move at an accelerated pace
using higher-order thinking
Write for multiple purposes using advanced writing and presentation
skills
Have a mastery of basic grammar skills: capitalization,
parts of speech, complete sentences, punctuation
Participate in global-learning projects via written and electronic
contact with international classrooms
Successfully manage time for long-term assignments
College-bound English
Similar to Pre-honors except that the PSSA score should be Proficient at a minimum Not as much independent study as in a Pre-honors class
More class time is spent on grammar skills that the Pre- honors student has already mastered
Increased emphasis on each step of the writing process: prewriting, first draft, revising, editing, and publishing
English 7 – Basic
Basic or Below Basic scores on PSSA Reading test and/or below grade level in reading ability
Focus on basic grammar rules that have been mastered on the other levels
Spend more time on reading and analyzing a variety of non-fiction material.
Practice intensively the writing skills necessary for after graduation (college and/or the workplace).
im working on my report for english class cuz
its due on friday
English Language Arts Department
Mrs. Melanie Nedrich
Reading
7th Grade Reading
Reading 7 Academic Reading 7
7th Grade Reading Curriculum Greek and Latin Roots and Affixes
Assigned weekly throughout the school year Text Structure (Nonfiction Texts) Novels Accelerated Reader Program
Students are required to read a specific number of points depending the level assigned
Accelerated Reader accounts for 10% of the total grade each marking period
Variety of Texts including short stories, poetry, folktales etc. Elements of Literature
Collection #1 – Plot Collection #2 – Characterization Collection #3 – Theme Collection #4 – Point of View
Course Objectives Improve reading fluency, expression and rate
Improve comprehension skills
Read and analyze a variety of genres
Incorporate before, during and after reading strategies
Analyze and identify characterization, setting, plot, theme and point of view
Respond to and evaluate literature in writing and through discussion
Improve vocabulary through analysis of affixes, Greek and Latin roots, and context
Prepare of the PSSA
Develop an appreciation for reading
Academic Reading 7
Requires a greater level of Independence
Students will be expected to do more work outside the classroom on their own
Course moves at a faster pace Required to earn additional Accelerated
Reader points Greater analysis of texts Higher expectations for writing
assignments This is the highest reading level.
Social Studies Department
Mrs. Allison Arbuckle
7th Grade World History
Time Period: Beginning of time to 1500’s
Includes World Empires and World Religions
7th Grade World History
Pre-Honors World HistoryCollege-Bound World HistoryWorld History 7 (Co-
Teaching)
Pre-Honors World History
Show satisfactory achievement on quizzes and objective and essay tests
Complete regularly assigned textbook and frequent supplementary readings.
Complete homework assigned on a regular basis (including vocabulary work, study guides, content-driven written expression, oral and written reports, projects, map work, and current events)
Participate in class discussions and to keep a well-organized notebook of daily activities
Be more independent learners, to think more critically, and to make evaluations on course content
Required to use more primary and secondary sources, in-depth discussion, and written expression
College-Bound World History
Expected to show satisfactory achievement on quizzes and objective tests
Required to complete regularly assigned textbook and some supplementary readings
Complete homework assigned on a regular basis (including vocabulary work, study guides, content-driven written expression, oral and written reports, projects, map work, and current events)
Participate in class discussions and to keep a well-organized notebook of daily activities
World History 7
Show satisfactory achievement on quizzes and objective tests.
Complete regularly assigned textbook readings.
Complete homework assigned on a regular basis (including vocabulary work, study guides, content-driven written expression, projects, map work, and current events)
Participate in class discussions and to keep a well-organized notebook of daily activities
Hero Project
Students able to do a project on any person they consider to be a “hero” from the time periods they are learning about
Project requirements vary based on level of class
All content and objectives are the same
7th Grade Science (Scientific Inquiry & Environmental Science)Pre-Honors Science 7College Bound Science 7Science 7Placement, levels and expectations the same as Math, English and World History.
Course Description
Scientific Inquiry this is the component of the course that addresses various aspects of scientific study: life science, mathematics, and deductive/inductive reasoning. Students develop and apply skills involving observation, data collection, analysis, prediction and classification. Hands-on activities involve a significant portion of the course.
Course Component Outline: 1. Introduction to Science 2. Metric System 3. Measurement 4. The Microscope 5. The Cell (structures and functions) 6. DNA 7. Genetics 8. Classification 9. Vertebrates
Environmental ScienceThis component of the course is designed to provide a survey of the concepts of environment, and ecology. It provides students with the information, skills, and strategies needed to become effective citizens in the 21st century.
Course Component Outline: Populations and CommunitiesEcosystems and BiomesLiving ResourcesThe skills and strategies that were acquired during the Scientific Inquiry portion of the class will be continually reinforced during the Environmental Science portion of the course creating a comprehensive learning environment for the student.
For Eighth Grade…
To advance a level, students must obtain a 95% average.
To maintain the honors level, 84% or higher must be earned.
To maintain a college bound level, a 77% or higher must be earned.
School News
Website Address:
www.tigerwires.com
Junior High Guidance Counselor
695-4426 ext. 6521
Thank you for attending!
We look forward to seeing you in August!