Together we LEAD!

Purpose of Riverwatch Middle School Our vision statement is “Together we LEAD – Learn, Exceed, Achieve and Dream.” 2

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 7th grade Core Classes 7th Grade Connections Classes Math, Advanced Math, or Accelerated Math Science or *Advanced Science Language Arts or *Advanced Language Arts Social Studies or *Advanced Social Studies Academic Enrichment or Math Workshop 7th Grade Connections Classes PE/Health or Strength and Conditioning Art Band Chorus Computers Engineering Technology Newspaper Speech and Debate * Denotes Horizons Courses

Math On-level Advanced Accelerated Homework: every weeknight – approximately 20-30 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 7th 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 7th and 8th grade standards for Math Homework may be given on the weekends Frequent formative and summative assessments as well as tasks * GPS transitioning to Common Core State Standards

Science Advanced On-level Faster pace (must cover all 7th grade standards as well as advanced topics) More in-depth questions on summative assessments Homework: every weeknight – approximately 20-30 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 On-level Homework: every night review concepts approximately 10-15 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

Language Arts On-level Advanced 4-5 Novels 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 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 Advanced 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 7th 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

Academic Enrichment This class is designed to support and develop student skills in the areas of research and writing. Students will develop these skills through social studies and science content. Students will rotate this course every nine weeks. 2 nine week periods will be with social studies content. 2 nine week periods will be with science content.

Math Workshop An extension of on-level for students needing additional time and/or examples to grasp concepts. Students attend on-level math and math workshop class 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

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. 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 55 minutes periods : 1st Period – Language Arts from 9:00 – 10:00 2nd Period – Science from 10:05 – 11:00 3rd Period – Social Studies from 11:05 – 12:20 (includes 25 minute lunch) 4th Period – Connections from 12:25 – 1:20 5th Period – Connections from 1:25 – 2:20 6th Period – Academic Enrichment or Math Workshop from 2:25 – 3:20 7th Period - Math from 3:25 – 4:15

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