Making Choices for 8 th Grade

1. Making Choices for 8th Grade Swanson Middle School Scheduling Information Presentation Mr. Flores & Ms. Hawes, 7th Gr. Counselors

2. Agenda • The big picture - High School Diplomas • Review 8th Grade – Core classes and Electives • High School Credit Classes • ACTII opportunities • Academic Plan • Course Request Forms • Questions This power point presentation will be available on our school’s website under the counseling link.

3. Looking at High school Class of 2019!

4. Standard Diploma • Verified Credits are SOLs • For more details, please refer to the Programs Of Study booklet, page 61.

5. Advanced Studies Diploma • Verified Credits are SOLs • For more details, please refer to the Programs Of Study booklet, page 62.

6. INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE(IB Diploma) • The IB Diploma is an internationally recognized program of studies available at Washington-Lee High School. • This diploma can serve as an academic passport to universities around the world. • Students who earn an IB diploma are also considered to have met the requirements for an Advance Studies Diploma. • Students who wish to participate in W-L’s Pre-IB program must submit a Pre-IB applicationduring the Fall of their 8th grade. • Prerequisites for W-L Pre-IB for 9th and 10th graders: • Algebra I or greater in 8th grade or Geometry or greater in 9th grade • Spanish II, French II, Arabic II, Chinese II or Latin I in 8th grade (Latin II for rising 7th graders) • Strong grades (A’s and B’s) in all subjects

7. 8th Grade CORE classes • Four core subjects: • Language Arts – Reading and Writing • Science – Physical Science • Social Studies – World Geography* • Math - recommendations in June • Math 8 • Algebra I* • Algebra I Intensified * • Geometry Intensified * Health and P.E. • One quarter of health • Three quarters of P.E. * High School Credit

8. Middle School Math Pathway

9. Swanson Full Year Electives World Languages*: Level I or II • Spanish • Spanish for Fluent Speakers • French • Latin • Chinese (Distance Learning) • Arabic (Distance Learning) Supportive Electives: • Reading Strategies • Math Strategies (Algebra/Math 8) • Instructional Studies** Arts/Tech. Education: • Orchestra • Band • Symphonic Band • Wind Ensemble Band • Chorus • Theater Arts (Drama) • Visual Art • Life Management (Teen Living) • Journalism • Computer Applications • Tech. Systems (Tech. Ed.) • Yearbook (Appl. Required –Due Feb. 25, 2014) *High School Credit **Teacher Recommendation

10. Swanson Semester Electives • Theater Arts (Drama) • Visual Art I or II • Computer Appl. Internet Tech • Digital Input Tech • Tech Ed. (Inventions & Innovations) • Taking Charge (Girls Only) • Exploring Life Skills (Teen Living) • Chorus • Introduction to World Languages** (Non-High School Credit Electives) • French • Spanish • Latin ** Full year course is available for students taking Reading Strategies or Instructional Studies. Semester course available for all other students.

11. How many electives do I take? • Everyone can sign up for: • 4 semester electives (Art, Tech Ed., Drama and Computers) or • 2 semester electives and 1 full year elective (Art/Tech Ed. And French) or • 2 full year electives (Band and French) • Reading or Math strategies may be recommended as an elective class (Recommendations are reviewed in early June). • Math and Reading Strategies recommendations depend on SOLs, final grades and classroom performance. • Students with an IEP may also be recommended for Instructional Studies as an elective. • For more detail course descriptions please refer to the 2014-15 Middle School Programs of Study.

12. 7:50 – 8:10 STAR 1 8:12 – 8:58 Elective or PE 2 9:01 – 9:47 Elective or PE 3 9:50 – 10:36 COREor Elective or PE 4 10:39 – 11:25 CORE 11:25 – 12:00 LUNCH 5 12:00 – 12:46 CORE 6 12:49 – 1:35 CORE 7 1:38 – 2:24 CORE 8th Grade Bell Schedule

13. *ACT II* After School Electives • 2:30 – 3:30PM or 2:30 – 4:10PM • Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays • Semester or Full Year Elective • Course is graded and attendance is required • Could interfere with a sport season or clubs • ACT II Classes: • Business and Information Tech • Chorus • Family and Consumer Science • Instrumental Music: Band, Guitar or Orchestra • Theater Arts • Technology Education • Visual Arts • Core Plus

14. Get Involved! Mr. Holland, Activities Coordinator 703-228-5510 • Get involved in sports and/or clubs • It will expand your school experience • Colleges and employers look for well rounded candidates

15. This is APS’ Academic Plan and it can be found on the APS website. • Its an overview of courses available from grades K-12.

16. Academic Plan Form • 7th graders have completed and overview of their Academic Plan for 8th grade and 9th grade. • Copies of their Academic Plan will be sent home by the end of the school year.

17. Contact Information • Counselors: • Mr. Flores, Mariners and Captains Counselor, alvaro.flores@apsva.us 703-228-5519 • Ms. Hawes, Voyagers Counselor, 703-228-2347 • Math Coordinator: • Laura Partridge, Laura.Partridge@apsva.us • 703-228-2344 • Reading Coordinator • Cynthia Chiu, Cynthia.chiu@apsva.us703-228-5520

18. Course Request Form (Front) • Using a pencil, Write your full name and student ID #. • Put a check in the following boxes: • Grade

19. Course Request Form (Back) Semester Courses and Teacher recommendations Semester or Full Year Electives Full Year Electives & Foreign Languages On this side of the card you choose electives. Core Plus is an ACT II class. ACT II Inventory– Select one course that you would consider taking. Pick Alternates ACT II Registrations/Sept. 2014 Due Feb. 24 with Parent Signature

20. Review and Questions • Course Request Forms lessons will begin Feb. 13 through Math Classes • Captains – Feb. 13 • Mariners – Feb. 14 • Voyagers – Feb. 19 (Including Ms. Brown’s Math 8 classes) • Signed CRFs are due to the STAR teachers by February, 24.