1. Principal: Mr. Montero Assistant Principals: Ms. Soberon and Mrs. Camus 6 th & 7 th grade Guidance Counselor: Ms. Kirker 8 th grade Guidance Counselor: Mrs. Diaz Student Support Specialists: Mrs. Sakay and Mrs. Escudero SOMERSET ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL “A BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL”

2.  More classes and teachers  More people  More responsibilities  More work  More freedom  More changes: physical & emotional The key to success is: 1. Organization and Communication

3.  7 classes in total  4 core classes  3 electives  We follow an A, B rotation:  A day will be 1st, 3rd, 5th, & 7th periods.  B day will be 1st, 2nd, 4th, & 6th periods.

4.  Student must pass their 4 core classes each year:  (Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies)  A “C” or better each quarter is essential to passing each course successfully.  “D” and “F” quarter grades put students at risk of having to repeat a course or being retained.  Elective grades will be factored into the student’s GPA, therefore earning good grades in all classes is critical.  If a student fails any core classes, he/she MUST make up the course(s) online over the summer.

5.  Review the curriculum guide for requirements and course descriptions.  Every student must take:  Language Arts  Math  Comprehensive Science  Social Studies (World History, Civics, US History)  electives ▪ Reading is required for 6 th grade ▪ PE is required in 6 th, 7 th, and 8 th grade ▪ Arts, Foreign Languages, academic electives ▪ Intensive classes (for FCAT level 1 & 2) CORE classes

6.  Use previous years’ FCAT scores  Consider current grades in specific subjects  Ask your child’s teacher for recommendations  Review the curriculum guide for requirements and course descriptions. (found on www.somersetacademy.com under Academics) or click here www.somersetacademy.comclick here

7.  Intensive  Intensive – remedial class focused on learning strategies (required for students who score a level 1 & 2 on FCAT)  Regular  Regular – on grade level classes  Advanced  Advanced – Above grade level classes (high level 3 and above and A’s and B’s in academic subjects)  Pre-AP  Pre-AP – Above grade level classes that require critical thinking and problem solving skills (Level 4 and 5 and A’s and B’s in academic subjects)  )

8.  Students advanced in Math have two options (requirements must be met and advancement must begin in 6 th grade):  Option 1: Advanced Math Track ▪ 6 th grade – math 1 Advanced ▪ 7 th grade – math 2 advanced (Pre-Algebra) ▪ 8 th grade – Algebra 1 Honors (high school class)  Option 2: GEM ▪ 6 th grade – GEM (pre-Algebra) – requires a certain FCAT score and GEM placement test score ▪ 7 th grade – Algebra 1 Honors (high school class) ▪ 8 th grade – Geometry Honors (high school class)  Taking and passing an End of Course Exam is necessary to earn a high school credit in Algebra 1 Honors and Geometry Honors

9. 2 1 X 1 2 3 4

10.  Arts  Dance, arts, drama, band, chorus  If interested in the Arts Conservatory for high school consider arts electives  General electives  Reading, Speech & Debate, Creative Writing, Key Boarding (online class)  Foreign Languages  Italian Beginning  High School classes such as Spanish 1, Italian 1, and Spanish for Speakers 1 can be taken starting in 7 th grade with a GPA of a 3.25 (A’s and B’s)

11.  Students in middle school have the option to get ahead with their high school credits.  The most common ways to take high school classes:  Foreign Languages ▪ Spanish 1, Italian 1, Spanish for Speakers 1 (starting in 7 th grade) ▪ Math ▪ Advanced math students can choose between two tracks: ▪ Advanced math track – ahead 1 year in math ▪ GEM (Great Explorations in Math Program) – ahead 2 years in math

12.  Middle school students taking a High school course will: 1. earn a high school credit 2. their semester grades will be calculated into their High School GPA (grade point average) 3. Will take an End of Course Exam to earn a high school credit in Algebra 1 Honors and Geometry Honors  Students may re-take a high school course if grade earned is a C, D, or F. Their new grade will count towards their GPA.

13.  Schedule changes are done during the first week of school, ONLY.  Changes are not guaranteed  Be sure to select 4 electives, keeping in mind that you may not get your first two choices  Changes will not be honored for teacher change nor period swap

14. A student must PASS…  3 courses in Language Arts (6 th, 7 th and 8 th grade)  3 courses in Math (6 th, 7 th and 8 th grade)  3 courses in Science (6 th, 7 th and 8 th grade)  3 courses in Social Studies (6 th, 7 th and 8 th grade)  1 course in Career and Education Planning (including the creation a PAC plan) to be completed in 8th grade If a student fails any core classes, he/she MUST make up the course(s).

15.  In middle and high school, if you do not pass a class, you must re-take it over the summer online.  Somerset Virtual Academy is the online school our students use to make up courses. www.somersetvirtualacademy.com

16.  Minimum standards on FCAT= level 3 or higher ▪ Intensive math / reading will replace electives if FCAT scores are a 2 or below in reading and math  The FCAT and all EOC’s will be computer based! 6 th grade7 th grade8 th grade Reading FCAT Math FCATMath FCAT OR Algebra 1 EOCMath FCAT OR Algebra 1 EOC OR Geometry EOC Civics EOCWriting FCAT Science FCAT

17. PINNACLE  Teachers online grade book  Student # (06..)is the username  Date of birth is the password  Valuable tool for students and parents  Check Pinnacle at least twice a week  Keep up with grades and assignments VIRTUAL COUNSELOR  Broward County’s academic database. Contains the following information:  Absences  Academic History  Marking Period Grades  Student Schedule  Middle School Progress  Test Scores  www.browardschools.com www.browardschools.com  you need your child’s student ID and birth date

18. ORGANIZATION  Arrange a time each day set aside for homework and study time  Encourage the use of Academic planners and color coded folders  Monitor use of time and help your child balance his/her schedule  Prepare their materials and organize their assignments the night before COMMUNICATION  Do not “back off” because your child is in middle school  Stay tuned to Facebook accounts, text messages, TV programs, websites etc.  Obtain teacher’s email addresses the first week of school and communicate as much as possible  Have a pinnacle day of the week with your child

19.  Somerset Academy Website: www.somersetacademy.com www.somersetacademy.com  staff websites and email addresses  Events and the school calendar  Parents should check Pinnacle for daily progress.  Teachers should be the first line of communication for course related questions and concerns.  Progress/Interim Reports are issued at the halfway mark of the grading period.  Report Cards are issued at the end of each grading period (every 9 weeks)

20. All this and more is found at: www.somersetacademy.com Under the Middle School Guidance Page Stay tuned for Summer Orientation dates!