Welcome to 8 th Grade Class of 2017 Last year in Middle School!! Guidance Counselor: Mrs. Lisko

Things that 8 th graders should know: Who your guidance counselors are and what do they do? Who your guidance counselors are and what do they do? Middle school graduation requirements. Middle school graduation requirements. What are grades worth? What are grades worth? What is a PAC Plan? What is a PAC Plan?

Guidance Department I am here for 3 of your needs: ◦ Academic (scheduling, parent/teacher conferences, academic goal setting, academic concerns) ◦ Personal/social (peer pressure, bullying, anger management, social issues, family issues, behavioral goal setting) ◦ Career Planning (PAC plan development in 8 th grade, preparation for high school, GPA )

Middle School Graduation Requirements  In order to enter any high school in Florida you MUST fulfill 2 requirements: 1 st – You MUST pass ALL core classes all 3 years1 st – You MUST pass ALL core classes all 3 years 2 nd – You MUST create a PAC Plan showing 24 planned credits for high school2 nd – You MUST create a PAC Plan showing 24 planned credits for high school

Must pass core classes all 3 years and create a PAC Plan 6 th grade Language Arts 1 Math 1,2, or 3 Comprehensive Science 1 World Cultures 7 th grade Language Arts 2 Math 2, 3, or Algebra 1 Honors Comprehensive Science 2 Civics and Careers 8 th grade Language Arts 3 Math 3, Algebra 1 H., or Geometry H. Comprehensive Science 3 US History Complete your PAC Plan with 24 credits Did you pass these already? Pass these!

PASS YOUR FOUR CORE and you will SOAR to high school! Language Arts Math Comprehensive Science Social Studies

Virtual School  Allows for grade forgiveness  Also allows for advancement

Virtual School  Florida Virtual School (FLVS) and Somerset Virtual Academy (SVA) are online schools used for course recovery  If a student fails a core class (Language Arts, Math, Science, Civics) they will have to take the course online for a better grade.  Usually during the summer… bummer!

What are grades worth? A = 4 points A = 4 points B = 3 points B = 3 points C = 2 points C = 2 points D = 1 point D = 1 point F = 0 points F = 0 points Add your points every quarter! Add your points every quarter! GPA – grade point average GPA – grade point average Everyone needs a 2.0 GPA to graduate high school(that’s a “C” average!) Everyone needs a 2.0 GPA to graduate high school(that’s a “C” average!) Danger Zone

What is passing?  You must have at least 4 points for each class by the end of the year.  For example: Math grades for all four quarters Math grades for all four quarters  Did this person pass math? Quarter 1Quarter 2Quarter 3Quarter 4 FFCD

Ricky’s First Quarter Report Card ClassGrade Math 3A Language Arts D Comp. Sci. 3A US HistoryB Drama 2A Art 3DC PEA What is Ricky’s GPA for the first quarter? STEPS: 1.Add up the points for each class. 2.Divide by the amount of classes.

Johnny’s GPA Q1Q2Q3Q4 Total ScienceBBAA____ MathCCDC ____ Inten. MathBDAB____ PEAAAA____ Civics CDDD____ Lang. ArtsDDFD____ Art 2DBCAB____ 1.GPA = add all the totals and divide by 28 (7 classes X 4 quarters = 28) 2.Which class does Johnny have to re-take over the summer? 3.Which classes are Johnny’’s electives? 4.What is the total GPA?

How do I successfully pass my classes?  Use your agenda everyday  Prepare for class  Take responsibility for yourself  Take GOOD notes and study!  Always pay attention.  Ask for HELP when you need it!

What is a PAC Plan?  Personal  Academic  Career  Plan

FCAT ◦ FOUR FCAT tests in April ◦ Reading ◦ Math ◦ Writing ◦ Science ◦ What do I have to get to PASS the FCAT? ◦ Level 3 ◦ Intensive math / reading will replace electives if FCAT scores are a 2 or below in reading and math

EOC ◦ Which courses have an EOC? ◦ Algebra 1 Honors ◦ Geometry Honors ◦ If you are in either of these classes you will take an EOC- end of course exam – NOT your 8 th grade math FCAT ◦ You must pass EOC to get credit for Algebra 1 and Geometry

Your Resources  Daily: ◦ Check somersetacademy.com for updates, teacher webpages, homework assignments, school activities, more.  Weekly: ◦ You should log on to pinnacle weekly and keep track of your own grades  Quarterly: ◦ Virtual Counselor is used for FCAT scores, grades, attendance, in the future for graduation requirements.

Guidance Department  Always, always, ALWAYS remember… WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!!! WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!!!