8 th Grade Parent Meeting

1. 8th Grade Parent Meeting

2. Requirements to Be Promoted to 9th Grade Successfully complete 12 core credits 3 - Language Arts 3 - Mathematics 3 - Science 3 - Social Studies

3. High School Courses taken in Middle School • Available High School Courses at Union Academy • Algebra 1 Honors • Geometry Honors • Spanish 1 • Spanish 2 Honors • Physical Science Honors • World History Honors • Business Honors • 8th Grade Robotics Honors • Course grades are used in middle school GPA AND high school GPA • Grade forgiveness can be done for C (High School Courses taken in Middle School only), D, or F

5. High School Graduation Requirements • 24 Credits • 4 - English • 4 – Mathematics (Algebra and Geometry) • 3 – Science (Biology) • 3 – Social Studies (World History, US History, Gov/Econ) • 1 – PE (HOPE) • 1 – Performing/Fine Art • 8 – Electives • 1 – On-line Course

6. Additional Requirements • Passing score on Grade 10 FSA • Passing score on Algebra 1 EOC • Take Geometry EOC • Take Biology EOC • Take US History EOC • 2.0 cumulative unweighted GPA

7. Community Service & Foreign Language • Neither Community Service nor Foreign Language are graduation requirements. • Both are required for some scholarships – like 2 of the 3 types of Bright Futures. • Foreign Languages are recommended for college-bound students, and • 2 consecutive years are required for 4-year university admissions. 3 or more consecutive years is recommended. • Community Service Hours • Can begin to earn hours the summer between 8th and 9th grade. • Student Application and Parent Approval Form and Record of Volunteer Hours signed by a supervisor • are required. An Agency Form may be required. • High School Credit (75 hours for ½ credit –maximum 1.0 credit)

11. https://polkschoolsfl.com/ib/ • Prerequisites and How to Apply • In order to attend one of the IB high schools, a student must apply and qualify for one of the limited seats during the open enrollment period during his/her eighth-grade year. For the upcoming school year, interested students must apply by completing two steps: • Step 1: Register online at TestRegistration.polk-fl.net to take a placement test. Students must be signed up prior to testing. • Step 2: Submit an online application. Applications will be available through www.polkschoolsfl.com/SchoolOptions  from November 5th through December 13th, 5:00pm

12. TestRegistration.polk-fl.net The registration period to sign up for the test will run from 09/05/2019 to 11/15/2019.

14. Available test dates are: • October 19th – 8:15am–12:00 – George Jenkins High School or Winter Haven High School • October 23rd – 2:30pm–6:00 – Bartow High School or Haines City High School • November 9th – 8:15am–12:00 – George Jenkins High School or Winter Haven High School • November 16th – 8:15am–12:00 – Bartow High School or Haines City High School

15. Open Enrollment • November 5th – December 13th • Parent Portal – make sure that your address is correct. Two proofs needed for change. • Choose schools and/or academies in the order of interest (#1, #2, etc.) • Once you receive notification of your child’s acceptance, you have 10 days to respond.

16. www.polkschoolsfl.com/schooloptions

22. A guide for students and parents. Pick up a brochure tonight.