Rising 7 th Grade Orientation Meeting

1. Rising 7th Grade Orientation Meeting Endeavor Charter school

2. Welcome! • It is a new year with lots of changes. • We will all work together this year to make it a positive and successful transition. • Communication, responsibility, and effort are essential elements for your child’s success.

3. Meet the Teachers • Susan Nielsson– Language Arts • Mark Root – Social Studies • Katie Clemmons - Science • Jim Douglas- Math

4. Schedule Monday-Thursday • Homeroom/Announcements 8:30-8:40 • 1st Period 8:40-9:50 • 2nd Period 9:50-11:00 • Morning Meeting 11:00-11:15 • 3rd Period 11:15-12:25 • 4th Period 12:25-1:20 • Lunch/Recess 1:20-2:20 • Electives 2:25-3:05 • Carpool 3:10-3:45 Friday No electives • Homeroom/Announcements 8:30-8:40 • 1st Period 8:40-10:05 • 2nd Period 10:05-11:30 • Morning Meeting 11:30-12:00 • 3rd Period 12:00-1:20 • Lunch/Recess 1:20-2:20 • 4th Period 2:20-3:10 • Carpool 3:10-3:45

5. Communication/ Conferences • Email! We return emails promptly and professionally. Contact us anytime for questions, clarification, or concerns. Please do not rely solely on a student’s account for complete information. • Be on the lookout for a SignUp Genius where you can sign up for conferences at the end of 1st and 3rd Quarters • ** Most conferences are a “team approach” meaning more than one core teacher will be present. • Weekly updates are generally sent out Sundays or Mondays. Please read all the information written in these newsletters as this is the best way to communicate all the WONDERFUL things that are occurring throughout the year.

6. Lunch Coverage • 7th grade • lunch 1:20-1:50 • Recess 1:50-2:20 PLEASE try to join us for at least one lunch per quarter. This helps make coverage equitable for all families and if we do not have coverage, YOUR child may not get to meet with us if needed, we may not get to do other important things during this time, and you will miss out on a great chance to volunteer and come see your middle school child in their natural habitat.  There will be a Lunch Sign-Up Genius form on our 7th Grade Website

7. Lunch Procedure We will be following the same lunch procedure next year that we have used this year in 6th grade. Students will be divided into two “dining rooms”. The rooms will rotate throughout the year, giving students several opportunities to socialize with different people. This process has been very popular because we will only need two parents to cover lunch instead of three. We have found that it also encourages camaraderie among the students.

8. BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS • Behavior affects learning. We foster the best learning environment possible for all students. • We encourage and reward positive behavior and expect students to be Prepared with ALL materials, Polite & Respectful to all adults, and Engaged in learning and on task during class. • Multiple or excessive class disruptions will result in a recess detention for the day. • An informational packet / student contract will go home the first week of school. • We want students to make the BEST choices, take responsibility, and learn from their mistakes.

9. ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS • Parents will have access to Parent Portal where they can view their child’s grades • You can check online to stay informed of progress • Late work policy for homework - students will receive a zero and an e-mail will be sent home • Students still will need to complete it for the sake of practice, knowledge or necessary notes/etc • 8 pts deduction per day for late projects • NOT completing assignments is not an option. Student should complete all assigned work. When missing work becomes a pattern, students will lose recess time to notify parents or eventually receive a consequence for noncompliance.

10. Morning Meeting • Time to learn about and develop social skills and peer interaction including topics/lessons / activities on peer relationships, learning styles, bullying, academic behaviors, character traits, and more • Time management and organizational skills reinforcement • Important information, discussion and grade level meeting times • This is also snack time!

11. GRAMMAR/ COMPOSITION GENERAL OVERVIEW • Vocabulary workbook - Words: The Power Within – root-based vocabulary program • DGP – will be tested throughout the year • Grammar – parts of speech, sentence patterns, verbals, phrases and clauses, punctuation • Writing Genres – journaling and brainstorming, expository, persuasive, literary analysis, and poetry • Writing workshop approach to teaching writing process with emphasis on peer editing and revising skills THINGS TO KNOW • Formal paper format expectations are posted online and consistent all year • Your child must have a flash drive at all times • Students are expected to hand in a hard copy of papers at the time it is due and will not be allowed to leave/disrupt class to print at school unless prior arrangements have been made with a parent • Students can retake or make corrections on a failed quiz/test. If a student makes an 80% or higher on the retake or corrections, the failing grade will be raised to a 70%.

12. LITERATURE General Expectations Units of study • Class is structured on a “reading workshop model” ala Lucy Calkins middle grades adaptation • Reading levels assessed and tracked in a variety of formal /informal ways : Study Island benchmarking and weekly assignments, SRI lexiling, and reading conferencing • Consistent nightly reading of 30 mins. as well as DAILY in class reading is standard to build stamina, increase lexile, and expose students to variety of genres and meet qrtly growth and goals • Students will be expected to read approx 2 – 4 novels per quarter both in and out of class • Parents will need to purchase 1 novel per qtr and be expected to help monitor and select literature throughout the year. • Elements of Fiction • Fantasy • Independent Novel Study/ Reading Workshop • Mini novel projects (hands on, creative, student choices) and technology • Paideia or Socratic Seminars • Whole class novel studies • Nonfiction • Poetry – Annual Poetry Café

13. SCIENCE-1st Semester Units of Study: Highlights: • Scientific Inquiry • How's the Weather Up There? • CELLabration Time! • It Must be Genetic • Bodily Functions • Move It! Forces and Motion • Hands-on Experiments • Focus on basic science skills, including graphing, equipment identification, and forming hypotheses • Human Body Olympics • Field Trip to Nature Research Center

14. SOCIAL STUDIES – 7th Grade Areas of Study Assignments/ Teaching Style • The World • Starting with Christopher Columbus landing in the “New World” (1492) through the present day, all around the world… • DBQ - Document Based Questions • “Tour Guide” Project • Hands-on and weekly small groups activities • 3-2-1’s • G20 Summit Meeting

15. MATH Things to know: Homework/Assessments • Each student will be issued a textbook • Typically, we work through sections from a chapter using notes/discussion, group work, homework, quizzes, and a chapter test • There is class time set aside to review hmwk, quizzes, & tests • More details to come about online textbook, grading rubric and online gradebook • It is rare that students do not have homework. • Homework is posted online. • Students can make corrections on a failed quiz/test. The highest grade a student can earn is a 70% on the corrections. • Extra credit will not be given. • Students should make an appt. with Mr. Douglas to get extra help.

16. 7th Grade Math Options: CC Math 7 (Path 1) • What is the difference between CC Math 7 and CC Math 7 PLUS? • Common Core Math 7 focuses solely on one year of math rather than compacting. Common Core Math 7 PLUS contains all of the 7th grade curriculum and approximately half of the 8th grade curriculum as well. • What type of student is this class suited for? • CC Math 7 is best suited for a student that benefits from additional guided practice on a given math topic and a modified pace. • Students who take CC Math 7 in their seventh grade year will most likely take CC Math 8 in 8th grade. However, some students may skip CC Math 8 and take Math I based on teacher recommendation. • Assessment: Students who take CC Math 7 will take the 7th grade EOG at the end of the year.

17. Math Options in High School (Path 1) Students that take CC Math 7 in 7th grade and CC Math 8 in 8th grade will have the following options in high school: Additional courses available for high school credit after completing the core include the following options. All of these options listed are accepted by the UNC General Administration for admission to UNC institutions. Advanced Functions and Modeling; Discrete Mathematics; Pre-Calculus; Integrated Math IV; AP Statistics; AP Calculus; etc… Statistical Analysis; Pre-Calculus Algebra; Pre-Calculus Trigonometry; Pre-Calculus; Statistics II; Calculus I and II

18. 7th Grade Math Options (Path 2) CC Math 7 PLUS CC Math 7 PLUS covers the entire 7th grade math curriculum and a compacted section of the 8th grade math curriculum. Student criteria for eligibility into Common Core Math 7 PLUS Students must have fulfilled all of the criteria established below to receive a teacher recommendation for CC Math 7 PLUS.

19. Math Options in High School ( Path 2) Students who take CC Math 7 PLUS in 7th grade, followed by Math I in 8th grade, will have the following high school options available. This information was adapted from www.wcpss.net. Note: The word PLUS refers to an advanced level course. An honors credit is given to only those high school courses taken while IN high school. Additional courses available for high school credit after completing the core include the following options. All of these options listed are accepted by the UNC General Administration for admission to UNC institutions. Advanced Functions and Modeling; Discrete Mathematics; Pre-Calculus; Integrated Math IV; AP Statistics; AP Calculus; etc…

20. Math Options Continued (Path 3) • Math I • This is a high school level math course which will meet high school graduation requirements. • Students who take this course as 7th graders must meet the following criteria • IAAT score is based on research done by Baron, Ansley, and Hoover (2001) on the validity of the IAAT, we expect students should accurately answer at least 83.3% of the IAAT to qualify for Algebra 1 • As a parent, what can I do if my child does not meet all of the above requirements for this course, but I feel they are ready? • Parents who feel their child is placed incorrectly may request a waiver to override the teacher recommendation. The waiver states that parents understand by overriding the recommendation, they may be placing their child in a course that may not suit their math needs. All waivers should be turned into Mrs. Dougherty by the last day of school. • Assessment: At the end of the school year students will take the 7th grade EOG and the Math I EOC • The Math I EOC grade, along with the grade for the course, will be listed on the student’s high school transcript. This course will count towards high school graduation requirements but will not be calculated into the student’s GPA or class rank in high school.

21. Things to Consider • If your child qualifies for placement into Math I as a 7th grader, please consider the following to determine if this is the best fit for your child. • Is your child academically and emotionally prepared to deal with the rigors of a high school level course as a 7th grader? • All students that enroll in Math I have a period of 20 school days to drop the course; however, if a change is made, the grades from Math I will be averaged into the grades for the CC Math 7 PLUS class. • If your child qualifies and is placed into a Math I course, you can choose to opt out of the placement and request CC Math 7 PLUS if you feel it is a better fit for your child. • All students MUST have 4 high school math credits to graduate. Math I and Math II that the students take in 7th and 8th grade will count towards this, therefore “technically” students only need 2 more math credits in high school. • HOWEVER: In speaking with various high schools, they highly recommended that students plan to take 4 math courses while in high school to be competitive college applicants. Therefore, accelerating through courses in middle grades will place students in very high level math their junior and senior years. • This path is designed for students who are passionate about math and catch on quickly to new concepts.

22. Math Options in High School (Path 3) Students who take Math I as a 7th grader and Math II as an 8th grader will have the following options in high school. Additional courses available for high school credit after completing the core include the following options. All of these options listed are accepted by the UNC General Administration for admission to UNC institutions. Advanced Functions and Modeling; Discrete Mathematics; Pre-Calculus; Integrated Math IV; AP Statistics; AP Calculus; etc…

23. What is the Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test and EVAAS? • This test is designed to assess students readiness level for algebra. • If you consider your child a candidate for Math 1in 7th grade, which is a high school level course, you may request your child take this optional assessment by filling out an IAAT Testing form. This form can be found on Mrs. Dougherty’s website. In order for your child to be tested Mrs. Dougherty must receive this form by May 28, 2013. This assessment is not necessary for any student that goes into CC Math 7 or CC Math 7 PLUS for their 7th grade year. • The IAAT is a nationally normed test. • This assessment will be given on May 29 , 2013. • What does the IAAT consist of? • This test consists of 4 timed sub-tests (students with testing modifications will be given the necessary accommodations). • It has been shown that nearly 83% of students who correctly answered 50 out of 60 (83.3%) questions on the IAAT obtained As and Bs in Algebra 1. 83% converts to a national percentage of 91 and a scale score of 170. • A handout will come home once students have taken the assessment to let you know how your child scored. • Students that have the necessary EOG and classroom grade criteria along with an IAAT score of 83% or higher will be recommended for Math I in 7th grade. • What is EVAAS? • EVAAS is a computer program owned by SAS Institute — a Cary-based, privately-held corporation that develops and sells specialized software for a variety of industries, from education to casinos to oil and gas. EVAAS uses all available end-of-grade (EOG) and end-of-course (EOC) testing data for every student. Based on past test performance, EVAAS establishes a predicted score for each student. One score generated is the anticipated score students will receive in Algebra 1 (now known as Math I) based on their prior test history.

24. The Next Step… • All interested families will fill out the “IAAT Request for Testing” form by May 28, 2013. • Students will take the IAAT on May 29, 2013 • Scores for the IAAT and math placements recommendations for ALL students will be sent home to parents on May 31, 2013. These recommendations will be sent in a sealed envelope via the student’s backpack. A reminder email will go home to families to be on the lookout for the placement envelopes later that day. • Any parent who disagrees with the school’s placement may complete a waiver (found on Mrs. Dougherty’s web page) and turn it in by June 4, 2013.

25. 4th Period– Academic Discovery • Each course will be 9 weeks and students will rotate classes • Clemmons- Health & Nutrition • Douglas- Mathematical Problem Solving • Root- Discovery of the World • Ezzell- Media Literacy • Scholastic Empowerment- Nielsson (Year Long) (Course is based on teacher recommendation)

26. 4th Period Academic Discovery • Classes will be academically rigorous • Expect homework and tests!

27. 7th and 8th Grade Electives • Electives are student selected special interest classes, but should be treated like any other academic class. The elective classes are aligned with the 7th and 8th grade standard course of studies and follow the objectives set by the North Carolina Department of Instruction. • These classes may include homework, tests, and projects and will occasionally require outside commitments. • Grades for these courses will be included on the student’s report card. • Classes will meet for the last period of the day Monday-Thursday

28. Past Elective Options have included: • Musical Theatre • Recreational Fitness • Public Speaking • Three-Dimensional Art • Two-Dimensional Art • Bridge Building • New to 2014: Spanish! • Literature Magazine • Art Around the World • Careers in Art • Chorus • Classroom Assistant Service • Puppet Making • DIG

29. Elective Procedures • Students will fill out elective forms and select their first, second, and third choices. • We will do our best to make sure all students get their first or second choice. Eighth graders who turn their forms in on time will have first preference followed by seventh graders who turn their form in on time. • Elective forms will be sent home with students before the end of the year. • Switching classes will only be allowed on the first day of the quarter. Students who wish to switch should contact the teacher of the class they are currently in and the teacher of the class they would like to switch to. Drop/Add Forms to switch classes will be in Mrs. Whiteside’s office. The form will need to be signed by both teachers and by the student’s parent. Students should then place forms in the box outside of Mrs. Whiteside’s office. • Classes will be announced on the first day of the quarter in the student’s homeroom class. • Students will select their 3rd and 4th quarter choices at the end of the 2nd quarter. More information on these electives will be sent home at the end of the 1st semester.

30. Thank you for coming this evening! • We are so excited to meet our new group of students!! • Mark Root • Katie Clemmons • Susan Nielsson • Jim Douglas