Together we LEAD!

Purpose of Riverwatch Middle School Our vision statement is “Together we LEAD – Learn, Excel, Achieve and Dream.”

Expectations Students will have additional homework each night. Students are expected to be more independent with their learning. Students need to increase self advocating skills. Having good attendance is necessary to maximize student achievement.

ACADEMICS  7 th grade Core Classes  Math, Advanced Math, or Accelerated Math  Science or *Advanced Science  Language Arts or *Advanced Language Arts  Social Studies or *Advanced Social Studies  Spanish or Literacy ‏  7 th Grade Connections Classes  PE/Health or Strength and Conditioning  Art  Band  Chorus  Personal Fitness  Computers  Engineering Technology  Newspaper * Denotes Horizons Courses

Math  On-level Homework: every weeknight – approximately minutes Frequent in class formative assessments Frequent online assessments are expected to be completed at home Open Response summative tests every 2 to 3 weeks study guides will be given and must be completed prior to test Multiple Choice summative exams at the conclusion of each unit  Advanced In addition to on-level requirements: Faster pace (must cover all 7 th grade standards as well as advanced topics) More in-depth questions on summative assessments  Accelerated In addition to the on-level & advanced requirements: Extremely fast pace: will cover all 7 th and 8 th grade GPS for Math Homework may be given on the weekends Frequent formative and summative assessments as well as tasks

Science On-level Homework: every night review concepts approximately minutes: Add 5-10 minutes if there is written assignment Frequent in class formative assessments Frequent online assessments are expected to be completed honestly at home Multiple Choice summative exams at the conclusion of each unit Completion of Scientific Method written projects Advanced Faster pace (must cover all 7 th grade standards as well as advanced topics) More in-depth questions on summative assessments Homework: every weeknight – approximately minutes Frequent in class formative assessments Homework may be given on the weekends Frequent formative and summative assessments as well as tasks Completion of Scientific Method written project

Language Arts On-level 3-4 Novels Vocabulary (Literature-based or list) Writing Intensive Heavy grammar review Homework 2-4 nights per week -- load depends on unit of study Advanced 4-5 Novels Wordly Wise Vocabulary (every other week) Projects ( 4-5) Writing Intensive Current Events Homework ( 3-4 nights) Participation in a contest to reflect /encourage their gifts and talents Summatives are not multiple choice

Social Studies On-level Projects (3-4 throughout the year) are summative assessments Multiple Choice summative exams at the conclusion of each unit. Additional summative tests are given throughout the year; these include short answer questions. Homework (1-2 nights) – concepts should be reviewed nightly. Frequent in class formative assessments Advanced Accelerated pace (must cover all 7 th grade standards as well as advanced topics) Projects (4-5 throughout the year ) are summative assessments Multiple choice summative exams at the conclusion of each unit with more- in depth questions & essays. Additional summative tests are given throughout the year. Homework (3-4 nights, sometimes on weekends) concepts should be reviewed nightly. Angel Assessments (2x a month) Frequent in class formative assessments

Spanish  Expectations Homework: written practice or vocabulary study each night– approximately minutes. Varied assessments include: written exams, projects, short research assignments, oral presentations, role-play, dialogues, skits, conversations, written exercises, reading of literature, singing songs, and watching videos.  Curriculum Georgia Standards and Forsyth County pacing for the first ½ of high school Spanish level 1. Students develop listening, reading, speaking and writing skills in a variety of topics. Students will use simple communication with vocabulary and grammar of Spanish I. Students will become familiar with the culture of Spanish- speaking persons.

Math Literacy An extension of on-level for students needing additional time and/or examples to grasp concepts. Students attend on-level math and literacy math each day. Smaller class size which allows for more individualized or small group instruction. Pace is that of on-level unless students’ needs dictate otherwise. No homework or grades

Academics Grading and Reporting: Summative assignments are assignments/assessments, such as unit tests and projects, that determine student mastery of standards after the unit or learning activity has been completed. Counts 80% toward class average. Formative assignments are tasks,such as homework, class work,and quizzes, that provide students with practice while learning. These assignments are used to inform both the teacher and student regarding the learning progress. This grade is reported separately. Counts 20% toward class average. Work Habits are student behaviors that have the potential to impact academic achievement.

Grading and Student Work Grades are composed of 80% summative grades and 20% formative grades. Parent Portal is a great resource for checking student grades. Angel – try the tutorial on Homework is expected to be complete. There is a strong correlation between student success in a class and their completion of practice work. Students report cards also report against work habits. A score of 2 is meeting standard A score of 3 is rare for exceeding standard

Academic Supports and Interventions Morning Help Sessions Relearn and Recovery Students who score below 79% on a summative assignment are offered 1 opportunity to improve the grade up to 79% by engaging in a teacher assigned learning activity and retaking a second/new summative. The relearn/recovery assignment must be completed within 1 week of the graded summative being returned to the student. Mid-terms, finals, and timed writing assignments are not eligible for R & R.

The Schedule Seven classes for approximately 50 minutes periods and one 25 minute advisement class: 1 st Period – Language Arts from 9:00 – 9:50 2 nd Period – PRIDE from 9:50 – 10:15 3 rd Period – Science from 10:20 – 11:10 4 th Period – Social Studies from 11:15 – 12:35 (includes 25 minute lunch) 5 th Period – Connections from 12:40 – 1:30 6 th Period – Connections from 1:35 – 2:25 7 th Period – Spanish or Math Literacy from 2:30 – 3:20 8 th Period - Math from 3:25 – 4:15