1. 8th Grade Scheduling the red house
Clarence Middle School

2. Typical 8th grade Day Start: 8:53 End: 3:35
41 miniute periods 43 for 1st period
Homeroom after first period 10 minutes
Before and afterschool assistance available in the Learning Center

3. English Language Arts expository essays analytical paragraphs
Building on sixth and seventh grade writing skills
eighth graders will continue to develop their capabilities by practicing the steps of the writing process to develop:
narratives
expository essays
analytical paragraphs
personal responses to literature
a research paper

4. English Language Arts a variety of units include: personal narratives
the Holocaust
the struggles of minorities and people with disabilities
the richness of poetry
the awesomeness of Shakespeare.
Learning will take place with individual work, group collaboration, play acting and performance, large class discussion, and teacher-directed lessons.

5. Math
Math 8
Algebra

6. Math 8
This course continues to broaden students’ understanding of mathematical concepts using problem solving strategies and logical reasoning. Major units of study include:
transformational geometry
solving linear equations
geometry with algebra
polynomials
This course prepares students for regents integrated algebra, which they will take in their freshman year of high school.

7. Algebra I Honors
This is an advanced regents-level course that requires students to have a strong algebraic problem-solving ability, as well as a strong work ethic. Operations with integers are not specifically covered and should be mastered prior to enrolling in this course. Students are expected to successfully complete assignments independently as well as cooperatively in small groups.

8. Algebra I Honors Major units of study include:
linear and quadratic equations
functions
polynomials
probability and statistics
A large portion of this course involves word problems and the application of mathematical skills to real-world situations. Students who successfully complete this course will enroll in Geometry Regents or Geometry Honors their freshman year of high school.

9. Science
Physical Science
Earth Science

10. Physical Science
Physical science focuses on teaching the basics of physics, chemistry and earth science.
Topics covered include:
Rocks
minerals
plate tectonics
atomic structure
matter
energy
motion
forces
erosion
The class has been designed to include all the topics included in the New York State Intermediate Science Standards-Physical Setting.

11. Earth Science
The Earth Science curriculum enriches the standards set forth by the New York State Physical Setting/Earth Science Core Curriculum guide.
The basic units of study we will investigate are:
Metrics and Density
Atoms to Minerals
Minerals
Rocks
Plate Tectonics
Weathering and Soils
Running Water
Glaciers
Wind
Waves and Currents
Meteorology
Astronomy and Geologic Time
We will approach our study of these topics using a wide variety of approaches including both individual and group study and activities.

12. Social Studies
Eighth grade Social Studies focuses on the latter half of American history (post-Civil War), as well as the structure and function of the United States government. Students will learn to critically analyze primary source documents and other media, write effective expository and opinion pieces, and begin to make connections between our nations past and the world we live in today.

13. Social Studies Major units of study include US Government Civil Rights
Immigration
Industrialism
the Gilded Age
Progressive Movement
US Expansionism
both World Wars
the Roaring 20s and Great Depression
the Cold War and Post World War II America.

14. Foreign Language
Latin
French
Spanish

15. Latin Students continue the study of: grammar
derivation and history started in Grade 7
increased exposure to Roman literature
Students also learn about culture topics including:
Roman dining
Roman families
Roman society
myths and legends
Successful completion of Latin I earns students high school graduation credit. 

16. French students will explore topics such as: the body clothing
food/restaurants
shopping/personal appearance
various cultural events
traditions celebrated throughout French-speaking countries
Completion of French I earns student High school Level credit

17. Spanish students will explore topics such as: the body
clothing, food/restaurants
shopping/personal appearance
various cultural events
traditions celebrated throughout Spanish speaking countries.
Completion of Spanish I will earn student high school level credit

18. Specials Areas 10 week classes Home and Career Skills Technology Art
Music (only if not in an Ensemble)

19. Ensembles
Band
Orchestra
Chorus

20. NO Health Class in 8th grade

21. Study Hall
If you do not participate in a music Ensemble, you will be scheduled for an everyday Study hall.
If enrolled in an ensemble, you will be scheduled for a quarterly Study Hall instead of Music Class.
Students will be scheduled for an every other day Study hall opposite of Physical Education.
Earth Science Students will have 1 Lab and 1 study hall out of the 4 day cycle.

22. Extracurricular Activities
Art Club
Chess Club
Clarence Service Club
Dance and Drama
Engineering Club
Healthy Breakfast Club
Jazz Ensemble
Music opportunities
Musical
Quiz Bowl
Science Club
Strategic Games Club
Student Ambassadors
Student Council

23. Modified Sports Teams
Fall
Winter
Spring

24. Being the Best Student you can Be
Sleep at least 8 hours a night
Eat right
Exercise/ be actice
Get involved
Plan your time/ use your time wisely
Use the resources at school
Keep treating others with kindness and respect
Be helpful/ Look up for each other
Think before you speak, act or text