2. How Can I Help My Student Achieve Success?

3. Prefrontal Cortex or the “Thinking Brain” is not fully developed  Less likely to stay organized  Less likely to show:  Responsibility in planning  Prioritizing  Evaluating the consequences of their actions

4. Junior High School Mind  The brain is not fully developed until age 25  Much of this is physiological  Sometimes not caring about consequences, (“living in the moment”)  The region of the brain that leads to motivation is still developing in adolescence

5. Organization  Help students stay organized -- Notebooks should be reorganized every six weeks  Use a PLANNER  Use a different notebook for each class/ Color code  To do/done Homework folder  Pencil bag with supplies  Organize locker  BOSS video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIfgsWqwtqg&fe ature=youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIfgsWqwtqg&fe ature=youtube

6. Staying on Top of it with Technology  Home Access Center – Grades, Attendance  Teacher Websites -- Katyisd.org  Online Textbooks/Students /Secondary Portal  Edmodo/Canvas  Email teachers

7. Home Access Center  Parents are issued a HAC letter  If you have children at multiple campuses, one login will show all of your children’s information at one time.  Use the “Frequently Asked Questions” section to help you.  http://www.katyisd.org/pages/home-access- center.aspx http://www.katyisd.org/pages/home-access- center.aspx

8. Home Access Center (Students)  Username = Student ID Ex: K1211111  Password = KT first initial of first and last name + 4 digits (random)  Example : Student’s name is Mary Barker Mary’s password is kt mb1234.

9. Retest Policy  Failing Test Grades – Students should Retest for 69 and below  Make immediate arrangements with teacher  Attend tutorials for extra help  Some conditions may apply

10. Student Portal  Go to Katyisd.org >campuses>Junior High >Beck http://www.katyisd.org Teacher websites/ Beck info Counselor’s Corner Student Portal  Online Textbook Link-- Hover over to find sign in info  Canvas Link http://www.katyisd.org

11. Edmodo Teachers use either Canvas or Edmodo to post Info about their classes, calendar, and handouts/assignments. Edmodo access is available from the student site or from the teacher. You can join all the classes and have one view. Parent tutorial for Edmodo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbkJ3QAIEaw Student tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxrty5j8MS4

12. CANVAS  Canvas can be accessed from Katyisd.org >Students > Secondary Portal  Students log in with their Katy ISD ID and Passwords.  Canvas, like Edmodo, is a teacher website where students can view class assignments/info, calendars, and have interactive discussions with classmates.  No parental access codes  Only students have access – Work with your student

13. End of Year Average 6 th & 7 th Grade  1 st six weeks average  + 2 nd six weeks average  + 3 rd six weeks average _______________________ Total Divided by 3 = Semester Avg EOY average = Sem 1 Avg + Sem 2 Avg > 70 to pass

14. How Grades are Averaged by Semester 8 th Grade I st 6 weeks x 2 + 2 nd 6 weeks x 2 + 3 rd 6 weeks x 2 + Semester Exam ---------------------------------------------- Total Divided by 7 = Semester Average Junior High School classes = EOY > 70 to pass High School classes = Semesters are independent

15. Grade Category Breakdown Major Minor Other  Between 6 th and 8 th grade, Major grades (Tests and Major Projects) range from 45% to 55%.  Minor grades (quizzes) range from 40% to 30%  And “Other” grades (homework/classwork) counts 15%

16. 70% Rule as Passing 100 Homework is top 15% 85 70_____________________________________ 69 and below is failing 15 0 Homework is not bottom 15%

17. Attendance Change  House Bill 5 requires students to be in attendance 90% of the time in order to receive class credit or a final grade.  Careful about unexcused absences or vacations  Don’t leave at semester exam time

18. How much Homework Minimum Homework and Study time: One to Two Hours Daily Math Homework alone 30+ min Reading 30 min. daily Time increase with each grade and if taking Pre ap Classes Use Advisory Period to study or for tutoring

19. Studying at Home Make it a Habit  Where? Same place everyday-- Kitchen table; Dining room table; Study; Bedroom desk  How? Quiet, well lit, without distractions-- No phone, T.V., Music  When? Every day at 3:30 p.m. after snack  Regular Routine? It should become routine.

20. Katy OnTheGo – Mobile App http://www.katyisd.org/sites/mobileapp/Pages/default.aspx

21. Thank you This concludes Part 1 Computer Lab Part 2