LMS Parent Night

1. LMS Parent Night Preparing for the 2014 – 2015 School Year 7th Grade Perspective

2. Student Body Decreasing 8th grade students have been allowed to finish their middle school career at Landrum. Opening of Valley Ridge Academy (Nocatee K-8) has decreased 6th and 7th grade numbers.

3. Principal – Jewel Johnson Assistant Principal – Debra Allred Curriculum Resource Coordinator – Cindy Leeber Counselor 6th & 7th Grade – Liza White Counselor 8th Grade – Valerie Golden Science Teacher & SAC Chair – Laurie Stanton INTRODUCTIONS Administrative Team

4. Middle School Promotion Facts • The State of Florida requires the following for promotion each year: • Pass Language Arts • Pass Math • Pass Science • Pass Social Studies • Additional Requirements: • Intensive Reading if FCAT Reading is Level 1 or 2 • Intensive Math if FCAT Math is Level 1 or 2

5. Schedule of Courses • LMS is on an alternating Block Schedule – Total of 7 classes • 3 classes on A days (90 min each). • 3 different classes on B days (90 min each). • A “skinny” class every day at the 4th block time frame (Also known as Homeroom) • Morning minutes daily for Mane Management (Rituals for students to organize themselves for the work of the day).

6. 7th Grade Core Classesby Levels Advanced Level Language Arts 2 Adv Mathematics 2 Advanced Civics Advanced Comprehensive Science 2 Advanced Grade Level GIFTED LEVEL • Language Arts 2 Adv Gifted • Algebra I Honors • Civics Adv Gifted • Comprehensive Science 2 Adv Gifted • Language Arts 2 • Mathematics 2 • Civics • Comprehensive Science 2 Teachers recommend students for next year’s class level based on their academic effort throughout the year, grades and test scores. Other factors such as FCAT results are also taken into account, especially for math placement. The SJCSD Pupil Progression plan lists specific guidelines for core class and math placements. Parents have the option to change the teacher recommendations; however, course levels will not be changed once the new school year starts.

7. Math DecisionsWhere you start can determine where you finish!

8. Which Level is Right for your Student?Examples of Work Expectations and/or Requirements on each Level Advanced Level Expect: Students take notes independently. Out of class reading of textbook & outside sources. Required to expand and connect topics of study in class discussions, text, & written assignments. Grade Level GIFTED LEVEL • Requirement: • Gifted referral and testing. • Expect: • Guided note taking. • Review chapter text and notes. • Apply information when presented with a test or written assignment.

9. Exceptional Student Education (ESE) and Gifted Services Presented by Mrs. Debra Allred, Assistant Principal IEPs EPs 504 Plans

10. Non-Core Courses (Electives) • 3 non-core courses are taken each year • Course offerings were selected with grade level needs in mind. • 7th grade electives were designed to introduce students to foreign languages and expand the scope of electives with performing arts choices. • Completed Elective Course Offering Sheets were due last month. • One required course plus a “choose” 2 (from Band, PE, Art, and Drama).

11. Intensive Reading & Intensive Math • Students scoring Level 1 or 2 on 2014 FCAT Reading MUST take Intensive Reading. • Students scoring Level 1 or 2 on 2014 FCAT Math MUST take Intensive Math. Intensive Reading and/or Math courses replace non-core (elective) courses on the students’ schedule. If both course have to be taken the student will get the choice of one non-core course.

12. Standards-Based Curriculum • Teachers are teaching the content-area academic standards outlined by the State or Common Core. • Teachers have broken the standards into learning goals or objectives that state what the student must be able to know or do to demonstrate knowledge of the standard. • Students and teachers know exactly what standards a student has met and what still needs to be learned. • Teacher-made tests, district EOCs and State mandated exams are aligned with the standards.

13. End of Course (EOCs) Exams • State EOCs – Algebra, Geometry, Biology (High School Courses) Civics (Middle School Course) High School Course EOCs must be passed to earn the course credit (will also count as 30% of final grade). MS Civics EOC will count as 30% of final course grade and is required for promotion to high school. • District EOCs – Created for all other courses. Will count towards the students’ grade and 50% of the teacher’s evaluation.

14. NEW State Assessmentfor Reading and MathTest Specifications Coming late MayDetails will be presented in a Special Coffee with the Principal

15. PREPARATION: Readiness for Future Success Presented by Mrs. Laurie Stanton, Science Teacher and SAC Chair

16. The Great Balance Under the weight of mandatory academic demands, we must remain balanced to not lose our identity on those things that we value that will enrich students’ overall experience at school and in the classroom.

17. My Hope for Landrum… • It’s students’ home away from home; welcoming, inviting! • All students are met where they are when they arrive and grow academically each day. • Every student has at least one adult that knows them personally. • Smiles are on the faces of students, teachers, and staff.

18. Questions and Answers