January 11, 2012 MR. JOHN MCNAMARAPRINCIPAL MRS. JOAN SAPIRGUIDANCE – Current Grade 8 MRS. DANIELLE ORGONIKGUIDANCE - Current Grade 7 MRS. JODI GOLDSTEINGRADE 8 MATH TEACHER Welcome Parents! Incoming Grade 8 Parent Orientation Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School A Tradition of Excellence in Education

Overview of Topics to be Discussed Grade 8 Scheduling and Programs What our Students are Saying about Eighth Grade Clubs and Activities Social and Emotional Issues as You Begin to Prepare for High School Parenting Issues

Grade 8 Scheduling TEAMING IN GRADE 8 Students are on a team of teachers in grade 8 for their four core subject areas: Math, Social Studies, Science and English They do not travel as a class Each team has approximately one hundred students Teams have common team planning time every day

Core Subject Areas All students take the same four core subject areas: Math, Social Studies, Science and English Students will take either Algebra I or Math 8-2 based on their current placement Algebra I is a high school level course and culminates in a Regents exam in June Students were recommended for Earth Science or Science 8 Students were recommended for either Art 9 or Art 8 Foundations of Literature is an alternate ELA class some students take Self Selection Deadline is APRIL 30th

LOTE All students take a Language Other Than English (LOTE) in grade 8 The LOTE courses are either Spanish or French, depending what the child chose to take in grade 6 The successful completion of a language in grade 7 and 8 marks the completion of Spanish 1R or French 1R and allows students to take Spanish 2R or French 2R in grade 9

Encore Classes The encore classes students take in grade 8 are as follows: Physical Education – Full Year/Alt. Day Health– Full Year/Alt. Day Art 8 – Half Year Technology – Half Year Art 9 – Full Year

Academic Intervention Services Academic Intervention Services (AIS): AIS Reading or AIS Math Support is provided for all students that do not meet NYS Standards in the areas of math and reading Students that score below a level three on NYS Assessments are mandated by NYS to receive additional support This is traditionally taken in lieu of Art and Technology in grade 8

Special Education Services Students that have an IEP and receive support services may receive either Resource Room or an Integrated Co-Teaching Model Schedule Students would receive a support period in lieu of Technology and Art

NYS Assessments in Grade 8 ELA Math Science Social Studies (Regional Exam) LOTE Proficiency (Regional Exam) Accelerated Courses: Algebra I and Earth Science Regents

What do the Students Have to Say….

Clubs and Activities There are a wide range of clubs for students to participate in (See the list in the handout) Clubs meet during zero period on Monday or Wednesday Students can continue to participate in interscholastic athletics in grade 8 There are four athletic seasons in middle school modified athletics A limited amount of spots available on some teams

Music Program Students can participate in the following performing groups in grade 8: Symphonic Orchestra Chorus Band Jazz Band

Tips for Success Developing Good Study Habits

Study Tips Time to study: plan a definite time to study each day and then study at that time. Try to keep this time consistent so that this becomes routine. Place to study: designate a place to study. Make sure there is good lighting, and plenty of room. It is also important for there to be quiet, and free of distractions i.e., TV, cell phones, computer… unless it is used for assignments. Materials for Study: make sure you have what you need…sharpened pencils, pen, ruler, agenda, notebook, textbooks.

Time Management Tips Keep a schedule. Make a weekly schedule that is visible in your child’s place of study. It should give you more detailed information for important commitments and deadlines. Plan time for homework and other activities. Be careful not to overload your child’s schedule with extra curricular activities which may interfere with homework and study time. Set priorities. Consider what assignments are most demanding and require more energy. Plan to tackle the tough things first. Overcome procrastination. Have a plan for how to handle any long term assignments, test and quizzes. Make sure to schedule time to do those in addition to regular homework. Take bigger assignments and break them into smaller, manageable steps.

Things to remember The agenda should be used for writing and monitoring homework assignments daily Utilize 9 th period extra help on Tuesdays and Thursdays Review notes on weekly basis Encourage your child to regularly check and organize his/her binders on a weekly basis.

You are not alone!!! Teachers and Guidance work together to help your child have a successful year. Please call the Guidance Office if you have any concerns or questions.

Parenting in the Teenage Years….. GOOD LUCK!!!!!

Question and Answer Session THANK YOU FOR COMING THIS EVENING!