St. Paul Catholic School Middle School Information Night September 1, 2011

1. St. Paul Catholic SchoolMiddle SchoolInformation NightSeptember 1, 2011 Welcome! 82 Years

2. Stay Informed! www.stpaul1930.org http://spprincipal.blogspot.com/ efulham@stpaul1930.org office@stpaul1930.org All Teachers: First initial, last name, @ stpaul1930.org

3. Curriculum St. Paul Catholic School follows the standards and benchmarks set forth by the Diocese of St. Petersburg, which are based upon the Sunshine State Standards, which in turn, are based upon national standards.

4. Religion Middle School Religion is integrated into every part of our school day. Our goal is to help each child develop a lifelong loving relationship with God and to help each child to use their faith to guide their thoughts, choices, and actions throughout their lives. The Franciscan Charism is ever present in our school, continually stressing the importance of service to God and others.

5. Religion Curriculum Sixth Grade Old Testament Seventh Grade New Testament & Sacraments Eighth Grade Church History All grades: Catholic Prayers

6. Mathematics A Continuation of Everyday Mathematics from the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project The federal government's What Works Clearinghouse gave Everyday Mathematics the highest rating of any commercially published elementary mathematics curriculum. Our curriculum is a continuation of EDM. • Field Tested • Research Based • Aligned with National Math Standards • Higher Order Thinking • Applicable to Real World

7. Six Grade Mathematics Two levels: Grade level and Accelerated • Students given Pre-Test on each unit and placed in the appropriate class based on their pre-test scores. Students are NOT permanently grouped. They have the ability to change their grouping with each unit, according to their prior knowledge on that unit.

8. Seventh Grade Mathematics Two levels • Transition Mathematics A (Two-year version) • Transition Mathematics – (One-year version) the pre-Algebra component of Everyday Math. Placement is made on a yearly basis after examination of four criteria: • Final sixth grade math grade • ITBS percentile Rank • Placement Test score • Teacher Recommendation

9. Seventh Grade Mathematics Requirements for seventh grade Pre-Algebra in one year Three out of the four following criteria: • Final math grade of B or better in sixth grade • A minimum 85th percentile rank on ITBS Total Math in sixth grade • A placement test score of at least 22 out of 30 • Teacher recommendation

10. Eighth Grade Mathematics Three levels • Transition Mathematics B: USCMP - Equal to Pre-Algebra • Eighth Grade Algebra – UCSMP • Algebra 1 Honors – Florida Virtual School Placement is made on a yearly basis after examination of four criteria: • Final seventh grade math grade • ITBS percentile rank • Placement test score • Teacher recommendation

11. Eighth Grade Algebra and Pre-Algebra Eighth Grade Pre-Algebra (Grade Level Math) • Students not meeting the qualifications for Algebra or Algebra 1 Honors are placed in this class. • Teachers may make adjustments to placement within the first nine weeks, if supporting data is present. Eighth Grade Algebra Students must meet 3 out of the 4 following criteria: • A final grade of B or better in seventh grade • A minimum 85th percentile rank on ITBS Total Math • A placement score of 24 or higher out of 32 for Transition students, or 22 or higher out of 30 for Pre-Transition students • Math teacher recommendation

12. Qualifications for Algebra 1 Honors • Algebra 1 Honors: High School Credit offered through Florida Virtual Schools, to students who have demonstrated outstanding mathematic and algebraic abilities, and demonstrated the readiness for this course by meeting the following criteria: • A final math grade of an A in seventh grade • A Minimum 90th percentile rank on ITBS Total Math • Placement test score of 27 or higher out of 32 • Recommendation of math teacher

13. SEPUP Science SCIENCE EDUCATION FOR PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING PROGRAM DEVELOPED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT BERKLEY SEPUP.com, 2011 SEPUP ONLINE • Issue-oriented science • Engages students in the process of learning science • Encourages students to use scientific evidence to make decisions • Helps educate tomorrow’s citizens about the application of science to their lives • Advocates critical thinking skills – not one position on issues • Inquiry-based science • Motivates students • Provides a daily challenge • Meets science standards in a hands- on, student-centered environment • Encourages learning through doing! • Gears learning to middle school students’ learning styles • Has student-friendly text written on appropriate level

14. Sixth Grade Science Students gather and apply evidence to solve problems • SEPUP Earth Science • Students investigate: • Soil and the Scientific Method • Geology • Erosion and Deposition • Plate Tectonics • Meteorology • Astronomy Students work in cooperative learning groups

15. Seventh Grade Science • Life science • Experimental Design • The Human Body • Cell Biology and Disease • Genetics • Ecology • Evolution Learner Centered Knowledge Centered Assessment Centered Community Centered

16. Eighth Grade Science • Physical science • Studying Materials Scientifically • The Chemistry of Materials • Water • Energy • Force and Motion Students relate material to prior knowledge Students put emphasis on the science knowledge and skills in each lesson Students reflect on new knowledge Students use the assessments to build deeper understanding

17. Science Grades SEPUP assessments are research based • Student Activities and Labs • Two or three times per week – 50 points each • Half the grade reflects the student’s completion of the activity/lab and half the grade reflects the student’s thoughtful answers to “Analysis” questions • Formal Assessments • Once per unit – 100 points • Projects • Once per quarter – 100 points Avoid “Yes” or “No” answers. DISCUSS! REASON! THINK! Explore possibilities. Students are not regurgitating rote facts. Score Indicates student work is: 4 advanced, above and beyond (A) 3 complete and correct (B) 2 partially correct (C) 1 incorrect (D) 0 missing or off task (F) Each child will also complete an age-appropriate long-term research-based science project, worth 300 points

18. Language Arts: Ms. Marijon Reed • Eighth Grade Homeroom Teacher • Language Arts Teacher for Grades Six, Seven, and Eight • Encompasses Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, Spelling, Grammar, Speech and Theater • To strengthen our vocabulary banks so that we can increase our ability to read and write • To learn proper spelling, punctuation, and grammar usage so that others can understand and enjoy the work we produce • To become proficient at using the computer as a tool for more effective communication

19. Important Websites • www.vocabularyworkshop.com • www.grammarforwriting.com • (for all middle school students) • www.phlitonline.com • (for students in Grade 6)

20. Prentice Hall Literaturefor Grade 6 Students • Online Component • Common Core Standards • Requires a student name and password • Eventually will extend to Grades Seven and Eight

21. Writing A new writing piece is submitted each month. • Many opportunities for practice • Most writing is done in writer’s log • Students are encouraged to write about personal interests and experiences. • Guest speakers/field trip suggestions welcome! • Rubrics are provided • First writing piece due Sept. 30th

22. Homework Read ten pages a night in Accelerated Reader book. Study for weekly spelling or vocabulary test. Most assignments are completed during class time.

23. Accelerated Reader • Goals are individual, based on ITBS results. • AR grade is based on percentage of goal. • Students may do a book report if there is no AR test. • If a student has earned only a part of his or her goal, it registers as an F on Power School. • Students have the entire quarter to earn their goal. • It is not necessary to complete AR goal in order to earn an A in language Arts, but it does increase performance in every subject.

24. Social Studies CurriculumMs. Betsy Alonzo Sixth Grade Ancient Civilizations Seventh Grade Civics/Economics Eighth Grade U.S. History/Finance Park

25. History Alive!6th and 8th Grade • Interactive Student Notebook • Preview • Guided Reading • Activity • Processing Visual Discovery Social Studies Skill Builder Experiential Exercise Writing for Understanding Response Group Problem Solving Group Work

26. Civics7th Grade • Florida Joint Center for Citizenship Civics Course • Citizenship • United States and its Federal Government • State and Local Government • Elections • The U.S. Economy • Global Affairs and U.S. Foreign Policy

27. GROWGeographic Review of the World • two questions per day • eight questions per week • test every 3 weeks

28. Each week each class is divided into two groups Library Computer Lab Sunshine State Reader Extended Reading Time Check Out Books Accelerated Reader and SRI Research After School with Note • Computer Skills • Business Applications • Power Points • Travel Brochures • Social Studies Projects • Science Research • Language Arts Assignments • Special Projects

29. Sunshine State Readers • Grades 3-5 -List of 15 Books • Grades 6-8- List of 15 Books • Students are eligible to vote for their favorite books if they have read at least 3 books and taken and passed the AR test. • Students are eligible to try out for our Book Bowl, held in the spring, if they have read at least eight books from their class level list.

30. Requirements for the Book Bowl • Take the qualifying test and pass with at least a 70%. • Mandatory attendance for three practices after school. • Desire to enter into competitive competition. • Follow all rules that are set up by the Sunshine State Readers Association.

31. TechnologyAll computer projects must be completed in school No more long projects!. • Power Points • Publisher – Flyers Website • Research for Projects • Criterion Writing • Everyday Math Online • Digital Imagery • Word Documents • Font Changes • Cut and Paste • Color and Style • E-mail • Flash Drives: May be used for Language Arts Writing pieces & transferring pictures from home

32. SpanishMaestra MarthaMartha Marquez-Miller Middle School students have Spanish class four times a week. Sixth Grade three times a week. 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Textbooks and materials Emphasis on conversation and dialogue Experiencing success rather than frustration Enjoying foreign language!

33. Physical EducationMr. David Sukeena Standards and Benchmarks, Skills and Free Time Grades based on… • Dressing out • Participation • Effort Staying Hydrated Water coolers will be on the field during hot weather. Students are also encouraged to bring their own water bottles.

34. Middle School Sports Boys Girls Students who wish to participate in any sport must have four completed forms on file in the office: Statement of Compliance, Health Screening, (Physicians signature required) Physical History, Athletic Events Consent and Release. All forms can be found on our school website. • Flag Football • Soccer • Basketball • Track • Volleyball • Soccer • Basketball • Track • Cheerleading Homework, Grades, Conduct and Sportsmanship

35. Try-Outs and Play Time • Rubrics used during try outs • Every student athlete who is eligible to play will get in each regular season game. • Tournament games are more competitive.

36. Musical Ensembles -- during music period • Bell Choir • Christmas Pageant Choir -- during choice class period • Clarinet Choir -- during recess period • Marching Hand Bells • Glee Club -- during school liturgies • Liturgy Ensemble • ScholaCantorum

37. Art Middle School students are introduced to a limitless range of art mediums and opportunities. From pastels, collage, and acrylic painting to clay, paper mache and sculpture, art class is always an inviting, fun, sometimes messy, and enjoyable environment. Students attend regularly scheduled art classes each week. During the middle school years, classes are divided into smaller groups for more intensive discovery of abilities. Middle school students are also offered choices of additional art classes as electives

38. School CounselorMrs. Kathleen Pszenny Promotes teamwork, respect, and Self Confidence Mind, Body, and Spirit Retreats High School and College Pre Choice Classes Classroom Lessons Small Group discussions Available to Parents and Students

39. Champions of Character • Proactive Christian Cards • If a student demonstrates an act of peacemaking, an act of Christian charity, or an act of respect, he or she will be awarded a Proactive Christian Behavior Card. • If a student receives five of these cards and no yellow cards in one nine weeks from one teacher, he or she will receive a conduct mark of O in that particular class. • Student Uniform Letter • Students who violate the uniform and personal appearance requirements will receive a letter from the HR teacher. The letter must be signed and returned the next school day.

40. Champions of Character • Student Behavior Cards • If students engage in inappropriate behaviors, they must fill out, sign, and date a card detailing their behavior. • Accumulation of three student behavior cards results in an afternoon detention. • Parents also receive notification that a fourth card will lower the citizenship grade to an NI and that the student will be issued an office referral. • Fifth behavior card results in another office referral and a U on the report card. • Student Responsibility Cards • If students do not have an assignment, they fill out, sign, and date a card explaining why they do not have the assignment. • Accumulation of three student responsibility cards results in an afternoon detention. • A fourth pink slip (SRC) will result in an academic referral.

41. Champions of Character • O – Students who receive five Proactive Christian Behavior Cards and no yellow cards earn this mark. • G – Students who have no student behavior cards earn this mark. • S – Students who receive from one to three student behavior cards per nine weeks earn this mark. • N – Students who receive from four to five student behavior cards per nine weeks earn this mark. • U – Students who receive six or more student behavior cards per nine weeks earn this mark. • Some specials teachers have amended policies.

42. Assignment Notebook Homework Folder Your child will be supplied with an assignment notebook. Please check the notebook each afternoon, and oversee your child’s completion of homework. Please check your child’s red homework folder each evening. Do not discard papers. Have your child file the papers in his/her file system so that they may be reviewed for tests and examination. Please be sure that your child has supplies needed to be successful in school.

43. HomeworkAverage 90 Minutes Per Night CHECK POWER SCHOOL Math Homework is given each night CHECK THE SCHOOL WEBSITE • Your child has homework every night, even if it is reading ten pages in an AR book or studying for a quiz. • Parents have homework too! Make sure that you check your child’s grades every week or two on Power School. If they have any missing assignments please talk to your child, and keep a close watch on the homework planner. If you a recurrent issue, please contact the teacher. In order for your child to be successful, we have to work as a team.

44. $ Ribbit Rewards $ $ Teachers will give students ribbit rewards for when students are “caught” doing something right. Students sign the backs of ribbit rewards, and deposit them in the treasure chest in the upstairs hall. On Tuesdays, Mrs. Armstrong draws 10 names from the treasure chest. Those lucky students get to pick a prize from the treasure bin!

45. You are Your Child’s Most Important Teacher! Thank You for Partnering With Us! www.stpaul1930.org http://spprincipal.blogspot.com/ efulham@stpaul1930.org office@stpaul1930.org All Teachers: First initial, last name, @ stpaul1930.org