Middle School: A Springboard To the Future Richard Merkin Middle School Home of the Trailblazers Presented by: Mrs. Acimovic, Counselor

Why are we here today? Revisit RMMS vision for culminating students Academic knowledge: A-G Requirements GPA Credits Transcripts

RMMS Vision RMMS is a community of learners, committed to challenging and supporting middle grade students, and preparing them for success at higher educational levels. RMMS students are empowered with the skills and knowledge required for graduation from a four-year college or university.

RMMS ESLRs ESLRs = Expected School-Wide Learning Results These help prepare you to be college and career ready Effective Communicator Productive and Tolerant Citizen Critical Thinker** Life-Long Learner**

ESLR: Critical Thinker Understand that decisions made today effect the future Make connections between classroom learning and real world experience

ESLR: Life-Long Learner Maintain high expectations for self Formulate and pursue life-long learning goals Develop college readiness

College Readiness Academic Readiness Academic Behaviors Demonstration of learning/mastery of coursework (i.e., grades, test scores, etc.) Academic Behaviors Skills, attitudes, knowledge Understand: relationship between academics and world of work effort is necessary hard is ok. Don’t be afraid of it mistakes are part of learning Motivation, persistence, commitment, personal responsibility, initiative Cooperation, teamwork, goal-setting, study skills

A College Education… Is an investment in: Yourself: Your Future: Knowledge Skills Greater earning potential $$$$$ Your Future: Broader range of career opportunities Less likely to be unemployed Linked with better health care Your Community: Contribute to economic growth in your area Serve as a role model

OK We Get it. College is important OK We Get it! College is important! But why is this important to know NOW? We’re only in middle school?

PATHWAY TO COLLEGE START HERE Elementary School Middle School High School (High School Diploma) 2-Year College (AA or AS Degree) Transfer to 4-Year College/University (BA or BS Degree) START HERE Elementary School Middle School High School (High School Diploma) 4-Year College/University (BA or BS Degree) 2 or More Years (Masters Degree) or Professional Degree Doctorate (Ph.D.)

Why are grades important? Grades are a measure of your learning Because you will continue to build on what you learn So you can successfully move to High School and beyond Future Plans: Be prepared for college, work world… *Grades are only part of the equation for college and career readiness. An important one for sure but not the only predictor of success. More later. . .

How to Get Good Grades Believe in Yourself Be Organized Manage Your Time Well Be Successful in Class: Show on time, with supplies, prepared to learn Take Good Notes: Actively listen to speaker, ask ??? if unclear Know How to Read a Textbook (CATCH) Study Smart: use # 1-6 to help you with this!! Use Test-Taking Strategies…Doing your homework will help prepare you for tests Reduce Test Anxiety: preparation, good sleep and nutrition, relaxation techniques Get Help When You Need It (and KNOW your teacher)

What is G.P.A. & how is it calculated? G.P.A. = Grade Point Average For every 20 week/semester-long course you take, you earn grades that are equivalent to points. The point breakdown for Alliance schools is below: A = 3.4 - 4.0 points B = 2.7 – 3.39 points C = 2.0 - 2.69 points NP = 0 - 1.99 points * 5 week report cards are “progress reports” indicating how well you are learning so far and are NOT final grades until the end of 20 weeks. To calculate your G.P.A. you add all your points earned for a grading period and divide that total by the number of classes taken (7). The resulting number is your G.P.A. Your cumulative G.P.A. can be calculated similarly by including ALL classes you have completed since the start of middle school.

What is a credit? Credits are the points earned for passing a class. They are NOT the same points as grade points in GPA. There is no scale of 0-4 points with credits. Grade of C, B, A = 5 credits per semester class Grade of NP= O credits!!!!! (In High School you must retake class and pass to earn credit and a HS diploma) You earn 5 credits for a passed ½ year/semester class You earn 10 credits for a passed 1 year class Passing advisory class earns 2.5 credits per semester

What is a transcript? A cumulative record of all of the classes you’ve taken and grades you’ve earned since you’ve been at RMMS Items included: Grades Grade Point Average (GPA) Credits *You will each receive your transcript during the next advisory meeting

A-G Requirements Set of courses students are required to take in high school in order to apply to a 4-year university Ensure students are prepared for courses, majors, and programs offered at UC and CSU Must be passed with grade “C” or higher

A-G Requirements

RMMS Middle School Schedule Subject Area   Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 History / Social Science Ancient Civilizations Medieval Times United States History B. English/ Language Arts Common Core English 6 Common Core English 7 Common Core English 8 C. Math Common Core Math 6 Common Core Math 7 OR CC Math 7 - (Honors) Common Core Math 8 D. Science Integrated Science 6 Life Science Physical Science E. Language Other Than English F. Visual / Performing Arts Theater (S1) Art (S2) Art (S1) Theater (S2) G. College Prep Elective Physical Education PE 6 PE 7 PE 8  Other Electives Middle School Success Alliance Requirement Advisory

Credits Earned Per Year A-G Subject 6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade Total Middle School A- History 10 30 credits B- English C- Math D- Science E-LOTE N/A F- VAPA 20 credits G- College Prep Elective Elective 10 credits PE Advisory 5 15 credits Total Annual Credits 65 Passing all classes 130 total 195 total 195

Main Points from Today Middle school is a time to develop: College readiness All 4 ESLRs – they demonstrate/support being college ready Middle school years are a time of opportunity: a time to learn new subjects, a time to find out what you like and what you want to become in the future.

Start Now The messages you receive in middle school and the self-beliefs you adopt now can define and shape your high school years – and even beyond! Focus NOW on preparing for high school Identify strengths and challenges – boost your own self-awareness! Develop good study habits Engage in healthy behaviors (nutrition, exercise, etc.) Set goals for yourself Maintain good attendance and take responsibility for your behavior Begin college and career exploration- more on that later. . .

Aim High 9th grade performance is highly predictive of how likely a student is to graduate high school. Strong performance in the mathematics during the middle grades prepares students for achievement in high school mathematics, so they’re ready for success in high school. Struggling in class? Find help (teachers, peers, parents, siblings, tutoring, etc.) Aim to learn as much as you can in all your classes and test proficient or above.

Next Steps Advisory follow up activity Semester 1 is gone reflect Semester 2 is beginning set goals Spring advisory plans- college and career exploration ILP/portfolios/exit interviews

Thanks for your attention! “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” - Robert Collier