1. Welcome to Farmwell! Mrs. Sherryl Loya, Principal
Ms. Tonya Edwards, Assistant Principal
Mr. Jesse Encampara, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Carra, Counselor
Mrs. Jennifer Eisner, Dean

2. Required Courses English 8 Physical Science Civics and Economics Math:
8th Grade
English 8
Physical Science
Civics and Economics
Math:
Math 8, Algebra I/Geometry/
Algebra II/Trig
Health and PE 8
2 Electives

3. 8th Grade Courses Sample Schedule
A Day
B Day
English 8
Math
(Algebra I, Geometry or
Algebra II/Trig)
Physical Science
Resource – (90 minutes or 45 if your child has Spectrum)
Civics & Economics
Elective 2
Elective 1
Health and PE/Health

4. Electives are Full Year (Pick Two)
Foreign Languages (Spanish, French, Latin, and German)
Technology Education
Family and Consumer Science
Art 8
Exploratory Dramatics
Technology of Robotic Design (HS credit)
Communications (for students who have not taken it before)
Music Electives: Chorus 8 Band 8 Strings 8 Guitar 8
Resource (full block) or Half with Spectrum 8
Program of Studies: Look on the LCPS Website

5. Important Considerations
Teacher Recommendations (best predictor of success)
Each math course delivers content that builds on the previous courses’ material
Math moves from the concrete (Math 5) to the abstract (Algebra 1)
Strong understanding and performance of Algebra 1 skills are CRUCIAL to success in all higher levels of math and therefore we want to place our students in Algebra 1 at a time when it will most benefit them and not discourage them!

6. M.S. Math Progression Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 Math 6 Math 7
CURRENT 6TH GR:
Math 6
Math 7
Algebra I
Geometry
Accelerated
Math 6/Math 7
Algebra I 
Geometry-
Algebra II or
Algebra II w/ Trigonometry
CURRENT 7TH GR:
Geometry 
Alg II with Trig
Math 8 
Algebra I
In mathematics, the skills required to be successful are more sequential and developmental than in other courses. Therefore, prerequisites are set for placement in middle school math classes based on a student’s success on standardized tests and class performance.

7. Foreign Language Electives
Spanish, French, German, Latin
LCPS offers six years of Foreign Languages
It is recommended that a student earn at least
a “B” in order to progress to the next level of foreign language study

8. Foreign Language Important Notes:
(1) For an Advanced Studies Diploma, students must successfully complete three years of one language or two years each of two different languages.
(2) Some colleges may require more than the minimum number of foreign language credits currently needed for the Advanced Studies Diploma.
(3) Colleges are looking for students to continue foreign language through their senior
year of high school.

9. Foreign Language High School Credit Courses what you should know….
The workload will be higher both in classwork and homework
You will need to learn a great deal of new vocabulary, spelling and grammar, which will require study time
You will be expected to read, write, speak and listen to your new language every day

10. Types of Diplomas
Advanced Studies Diploma This is what we plan for all students at the middle school level 26/9 credits with specific number of core courses and SOL’s. Standard Studies Diploma 22/6 credits with specific number of core courses and SOL’s. Modified Diploma For eligible students who must meet 20 credits. For specific information on each diploma requirements, please check the High School Program of Studies on the county website

11. Plan of Studies Worksheet
7th
8th
9th
10th
11th
12th
English 7
English 8
English 9
English 10
English 11
English 12
Math 7--->
Math 7-->
Algebra I-->
Math 8--->
Geometry-->
Algebra I--->
Geometry -->
Algebra II-->
Geometry--->
Advanced Algebra-->
Algebra II--->
Advanced Algebra--->
AP Calculus AB->
Advanced Algebra
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
US History 7
Civics & Economics 8
World History/Geo I
World History/Geo II
US History
US Government
Life Science 7
Physical Science 8
Earth Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Language
LEVEL 1
1 2
Language-
/AP
PE/Health 7
PE/Health 8
PE/Health 9
PE/Health 10
Economics & Personal Finance
Elective

12. A Student in an Honors Class…
exhibits excitement/enthusiasm about the subject
likes to be challenged
demonstrates self-motivation
goes beyond expectations
completes assignments on time
has an advanced vocabulary and/or knowledge base in the areas of interest

13. Teacher Recommendations
Honors vs. Academic
Reading level
Independent and self advocating
Higher level thinking
Work habits
Contact specific teacher with questions…

14. What Should I Take?
In order to select courses that reflect the goal of a balanced academic and extracurricular work load, students and parents should consider the following:
What grades in the subject over the past few years?
How much of a time commitment will each course require?
What are the recommendations of my parents, teachers, and counselors who know me?
Am I involved in numerous outside activities that will limit the amount of time I have for school work?
Do I like the subject?

15. Naviance/Family Connections http://familyconnections.com/fsms
What is Family Connection?
Family Connection is a web-based service designed especially for high school students and their parents. Family Connection is a comprehensive website that helps students as they make decisions about academic plans, colleges, and careers. Family Connection is linked with Counselor's Office, a service used in LCPS school counseling offices to track and analyze data about college and career plans, so it provides up-to-date information that is specific to each student's school.
What are some key features of Family Connection?
Family Connection provides students the opportunity to explore and record their skills and interests, career and educational plans and allows them to track the activities and goals to create their individual game plan for postsecondary educational and career opportunities. Parents are able to view their students' plans.
Students use their student ID for both their User ID and Password
Recent Career Cluster Finder and Road Trip Nation
Students can find the Naviance tab directly on LCPSGO

16. Timeline
The Parent VUE portal will be open from January 15th to February 23th for parents to make elective changes and view course recommendations. 2 Electives choices/ 1 alternative elective Any changes to teacher recommendations for core course/language must be in writing to Mrs. Carra.

17. **Be sure to pick an ALTERNATE elective.
Phoenix Student/Parent VUE
**Be sure to pick an ALTERNATE elective.

18. High School Programs Academy of Science Academy of Engineering
Monroe Technology (MATA)
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science and Technology (TJHSSST)
CAMPUS – Program Director: Powerpoint on the Farmwell Website

19. Before you apply…. Check Websites for calendar
August/September-applications are available
Open House schedules
Oct-Dec-Admissions Test
2 Step Process with Finalist completing a writing prompt/require teacher recommendations
April-Acceptance notices
Enrollment in Algebra, Geometry or higher during 8th grade
Geometry must be completed before entrance to schools
PSAT-College Board Test with specific rules concerning testing accommodations-Approval by College Board’s Service for Students with Disabilities
Students who currently have approved IEP testing accommodations should apply with SSD office of the College Board-Deadline August
Detailed information at: