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Welcome to Fort Couch!

Fort Couch Middle School offers a rigorous academic program, an award-winning athletics program, and a vibrant arts program. Our students excel academically and have access to numerous extracurricular activities.

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Welcome to Fort Couch!

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  1. Welcome to Fort Couch! Principal – Joe DeMar Assistant Principal – Erin Peterson School Counselors Jace Palmer 7th Lauren Madia 8th

  2. Fort CouchAcademics, Athletics, and Arts • National Blue Ribbon Award • Don Eichhorn Schools to Watch • Named in the 50 Best Middle Schools in the Country by TheBestSchools.org • Pittsburgh Business Times Regional Ranking • Upper St. Clair SD ranked Top 10 in the state U. S. News and World Report • Governor’s Award for Excellence in Academics

  3. What do kids say about middle school?

  4. “Describe your 7th grade year in ONE word.” • Awesome • Change • Freedom • Fun • Fantastic • Amazing • Friends

  5. “What are you most proud of this year?” “What is a goal you reached?” • “Pushing myself academically” • “I made some new friends” • “I tried my best” • “Being more independent” • “Getting a 100% on a math test” • “Getting my work done right after school”

  6. “What is the most important thing you learned this year?” • “I learned how to write informational essays using research. I did not know how to do this last year, especially in text citations.” • “That the decisions that I make will reflect my choices later in life.” • “I think one of the most important things I learned this year was how to set a goal and achieve it.” • “To take your independence and freedom seriously.” • “That our team is like a family.”

  7. Transitioning to Fort Couch Middle School

  8. Similarities to Boyce • Attendance procedures • Communication e.g., email, voicemail, websites • Teaching counselors • Team teaching • Rigorous curriculum

  9. Differences from Boyce to FC • Social Studies and Science every day • Evening socials • Athletic programs • More independence • More responsibility • Percentages are given for daily performance

  10. Sample Schedule

  11. Fort Couch 7th Grade Teaming • Team One – Traditional & IB • Two Homerooms Traditional • Two Homerooms IB • Team Two – Traditional & IB • Two Homerooms Traditional • Two Homerooms IB • Team Three – IB • Four Homerooms IB

  12. Curriculum Leaders • Social Studies – TBD • Language Arts – Mrs. Kate Ruth • Science – Mrs. Caren Falascino • Math – Mr. Andy Lucas

  13. Social Studies • Skills • Critical Reading • Writing • Forming and Defending an Opinion • Determining Bias in Different Sources Content 1. Middle Ages, Exploration & Colonization of the Americas American Revolution, American Government & Capitalism Westward Expansion Civil War, Reconstruction & Development of Industry

  14. Language Arts Reading, Writing, Grammar

  15. Reading • Comprehension and Skills • Highly differentiated • Easy CBM • Standardized Test Data • Formative Assessments • Variety of Contexts • Novels (Leveled) • Short stories • Poetry • Persuasive/Informational • Drama • Supplemental Reading Program

  16. Grammar Writing • Review of basic elements of English • Extends to more extensive grammatical elements • Done in isolation and writing • Refinement of genres from Boyce • Narratives • Informational Writing • Argumentative Writing • Response to Literature

  17. Science • Employ a “hands on” and inquiry based approach • Each nine weeks focus on a different strand of science • Quarter 1 - Physical Science - Light Unit • Big idea focus on energy • Quarter 2 - Life Science – Cells Unit • Focus on the cell • Quarter 3 - Life Science - Genetics Unit • Focus on genetic traits • Quarter 4 - Earth Science - Our Changing Earth Unit • Focus on volcanoes, earthquakes, pollution, • etc.)

  18. Mathematics – Pre-Algebra Curriculum • Applied Arithmetic • Large and small numbers • Addition/subtraction • Multiplication/division • Negative numbers • Powers • Decimals • Percents • Scientific notation Algebra -The use of variables as pattern generalizers -Abbreviations in formula -Unknowns in equations Geometry -Measurement -Relationships involving lines, angles, and polygons -Connections between arithmetic, algebra, and geometry

  19. Mathematics – Grade 7 Domains Ratios and Proportional Relationships The Number System Expressions and Equations Geometry Statistics and Probability * A heavy emphasis is place on problem solving and the application of these domains in the real world.

  20. Mathematics – General Information • The math program is structured so that all students could take calculus by their senior year. • A pre-test and post test coincide with each chapter. • Enrichment and remediation opportunities are provided daily. • Teachers recommend students to have a calculator in the TI-30 or TI-84 series. TI-15 calculators can still be used. Students may also use the calculator app on the iPad. • Graduation exams are given to students upon completion of Algebra I. • Accelerated courses are offered for students who qualify.

  21. School Counselors Mr. Jace Palmer Mrs. Lauren Madia

  22. Role of the Counselors • Advocate for students • Serve as the liaison between students, teachers, parents and administration • Team Meetings • Classroom Teacher • Transition Coordinators • S3 Coordinator • Test Administration coordinator • Crisis Intervention • Coordinator of Olweus Bullying Program • Individual / Group Intervention

  23. Guidance Curriculum • 7th • Study Skills • Digital Citizenship • Diversity /Tolerance • Bullying Prevention • Drug and Alcohol Education • Character Education • Community Service • 8th • Drug and Alcohol Education • Career Development • Digital Citizenship • Human Growth & Development • Bullying Prevention • Transition to High School

  24. Practical Matters – The Building Fort Couch Road Side Do NOT drop off kids here Field Side Drop kids off here

  25. Practical Matters – The Building

  26. Practical Matters – The Building Team One Team Two Team Three

  27. Practical Matters –V.I.P. Ms. Polfus Ext. 3004 Mrs. Lacey Ext. 3003

  28. Practical Matters –V.I.P. Nurse Hansen Ext. 3005

  29. Practical Matters - The Bookcase

  30. Middle School Athletics Fall Sports -Football -Swimming -Cross Country -Girls Volleyball Winter Sports -Boys Basketball -Wrestling -Girls Basketball Spring Sports -Track and Field -Softball -Boys Volleyball

  31. PTSO

  32. School Nurse • Annette Hansen • 412-833-1600 ext: 3005 • ahansen@uscsd.k12.pa.us

  33. Expressive Arts • Students will have one rotation for each of the following courses: • Art • Music • Technology Education • Industrial Technology • Information Literacy

  34. World Language Offerings • The intent is to continue with the language chosen in sixth grade in seventh and eighth grade. If students are in MYP, they will continue with the language chosen through tenth grade. • French • German • Spanish

  35. Panther Time / Period 7 • Daily 2nd Chance Learning Opportunities • (Math Mastery/LA Support) • Olweus Bullying Prevention Program • Club Day • Gifted Programming • Band • Chorus

  36. Safety and Security • Fire Drills Monthly • Lock Down Drills Quarterly • USC School Police monitor daily • Partnership with USC Township Police

  37. “This time shall pass.” -Lou Holtz

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