1. Rising 7th and 8th Grade Middle School Transition Meeting
Endeavor Charter School

2. Welcome!
We are excited to welcome you and your child to the 7th and 8th grade.
The 7th and 8th grade years are exciting times full of social and academic changes and opportunities.
They are also the years when we begin to see glimpses of the adults your children are becoming.
We are so honored to work with your family during such pivotal years!

3. Meet the 7th and 8th Grade Teachers
Susan Nielsson–Language Arts(7th)
Tiffany Carson – Math (7th)
Brad Ezzell – Language Arts (8th)
Leah Boas – Math (8th)
Mark Root – Social Studies
Katie Clemmons – Science

4. Susan Nielsson
17 years teaching experience, the last ½ at Endeavor Charter School.
I love to read. I have never met a bookstore I didn’t like! Have you met Thriftbooks.com?
I am certified in Language Arts 6-9 and Special Education K-12.
I am a huge movie buff.
I love to sing, sometimes in class (but don’t worry, I am not quitting my day job!)
I have 2 children of the 4 legged variety. I will be adopting your children during the school year and making sure they are the best they can be!

5. Language Arts – 7th Grade
Mysteries
Science Fiction
Independent Novel Study/ Reading Workshop on fiction that follows social studies: Europe during the Renaissance, Child Labor during the Industrial Revolution
exploring different poetry formats
Mini novel projects (hands on, creative, student choices)
Intro to Socratic Seminar

6. Brad Ezzell 19 years teaching experience, 6 at Endeavor
I have taught 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th grade.
I have a nearly 3 year old son.
I am a huge Star Wars fan and have a collection of action figures (not dolls).
I coach the boys’ soccer team each fall.
I put a strong emphasis on grammar and literary analysis.

7. Language Arts – 8th Grade
ELA in 8th grade is all about preparing for a strong transition to high school.
Dystopian Fiction
Historic Fiction
Mini novel projects (hands on, creative, student choices) and technology
Classics including plays/dramas
Poetry
Paideia or Socratic Seminar
Whole class novel studies
Big emphasis on nonfiction

8. Tiffany Carson 12 years experience teaching, 1st year at Endeavor
By far, 7th grade math is my favorite grade to teach!
Have almost 3 year old son and almost 8 year old step-son
love running, Crossfit, and the Dallas Cowboys

9. Mathematics – 7th Grade Core & Compacted 7/8 Math
Hands-On Interactive lessons
Real-World Applications
Have very high expectations that I know ALL students can meet
I believe that Math is Fun and Engaging!
"A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new."
-Albert Einstein

10. Leah Boas 11 years experience teaching, 5 years at Endeavor
I am originally from Ohio
I have a one year old son
I like to run, practice yoga and be outside

11. Mathematics – 8th Grade Common Core I or Math 8.
Strong emphasis on problem-solving, real-world application and high level thinking.
Collaborative learning environment
Hour of Code
The only way to learn
mathematics is to do mathematics.
- Paul Halmos

12. Mark Root A little about me... former disc jockey and college athlete
teacher for 18 years
have lived in North Carolina since 2005
love to fish in my spare time

13. SOCIAL STUDIES – 7th Grade
Areas of Study
“Ohh the places, we’ll go and the things we’ll do!”
We’ll learn from the time of the Renaissance through present day. That’s about 600 years of history in 18 weeks!!

14. SOCIAL STUDIES – 8th Grade
Areas of Study
American Revolution through the Civil War and from World War I through Vietnam.
Field trips: Tryon Palace, Mordecai House and Bennett Farm

15. Katie Clemmons 14 years experience teaching
Master’s degree in Science Education and National Board Certified
I have (almost) 3 year old twin girls, so I have become an expert at multi-tasking!
I love running, yoga, cooking, and being outdoors.
I teach science to the 7th graders in the fall and the 8th graders in the spring.
We “learn by doing” 2-3 labs per week. Science is discovery based, collaborative, and fun!

16. SCIENCE - 7th Grade Units of Study: Highlights: Scientific Inquiry
How's the Weather Up There?
CELLabration Time!
It Must be Genetic
Bodily Functions
Move It! Forces and Motion
Hands-on Experiments
Field Trip to local museum (Durham or Nature Research Center)

17. SCIENCE - 8th Grade Units of Study: Highlights: Interactions of Matter
Where Does Energy Come From?
Diseases/Biotechnology
Hydrosphere
Populations and Ecosystems
Evolution of Lifeforms and Landforms
Use of Natural Resources
Pond testing
Individual experiments
Ocean Museum

18. Morning Meeting (Monday-Thursday) & Clubs (Fridays):
Time to learn about and develop:
social skills and peer interaction including lessons/activities on peer relationships, bullying, and character traits.
Academic Skills such as learning styles, time management and organizational skills.
Clubs: Choices have included yoga, Wiffleball, Role- Playing Games, ,, Film Feast & many others.

19. Lunch Bunch
This is a great chance to volunteer and see your middle school child with his/her friends. ☺
7th grade and 8th grade share recess
Recess and Lunch Monday thru Friday 11:55-12:55
PLEASE try to join us for at least three lunches per quarter.
There will be a link for the Lunch Sign-Up Genius form on our Website or Endeavor’s homepage. Sign up before the spots fill up!

20. Highlights of the 7th and 8th grades
Students will be permitted to join all sports teams (June 1- June registration for boys’ soccer, girls’ tennis, and cross country)
Boosterthon Color Run
Service projects
Electives for 7 & 8 graders will be at the END of the day
Recess is a mix of grades 7 and 8.
On Fridays, Students in grades 7 & 8 will get to eat in the MPR - Great social opportunity!

21. Thank you for coming!
We look forward to working with you and your child next year.
We are working hard to plan for a wonderful year of growth and success.
We appreciate your
attendance today and
your support in the year
to come!