1. Together we LEAD!

2. Purpose of Riverwatch Middle School
Our vision statement is “Together we LEAD – Learn, Exceed, Achieve and Dream.” 2

3. Expectations Students will have additional homework each night.
Students are expected to be more independent with their learning.
Students need to increase self advocating skills.
Having good attendance is necessary to maximize student achievement.

4. ACADEMICS 7th grade Core Classes 7th Grade Connections Classes
Math, Advanced Math, or Accelerated Math
Science or *Advanced Science
Language Arts or *Advanced Language Arts
Social Studies or *Advanced Social Studies
Academic Enrichment or Math Workshop
7th Grade Connections Classes
PE/Health or Strength and Conditioning
Art
Band
Chorus
Computers
Engineering Technology
Newspaper
Speech and Debate
* Denotes Horizons Courses

5. Math On-level Advanced Accelerated
Homework: every weeknight – approximately minutes
Frequent in class formative assessments
Frequent online assessments are expected to be completed at home
Open Response summative tests every 2 to 3 weeks study guides will be given and must be completed prior to test
Multiple Choice summative exams at the conclusion of each unit
Advanced
In addition to on-level requirements:
Faster pace (must cover all 7th grade standards as well as advanced topics)
More in-depth questions on summative assessments
Accelerated
In addition to the on-level & advanced requirements:
Extremely fast pace: will cover all 7th and 8th grade standards for Math
Homework may be given on the weekends
Frequent formative and summative assessments as well as tasks
* GPS transitioning to Common Core State Standards

6. Science Advanced On-level
Faster pace (must cover all 7th grade standards as well as advanced topics)
More in-depth questions on summative assessments
Homework: every weeknight – approximately minutes
Frequent in class formative assessments
Homework may be given on the weekends
Frequent formative and summative assessments as well as tasks
Completion of Scientific Method written project
On-level
Homework: every night review concepts approximately minutes: Add 5-10 minutes if there is written assignment
Frequent in class formative assessments
Frequent online assessments are expected to be completed honestly at home
Multiple Choice summative exams at the conclusion of each unit
Completion of Scientific Method written projects

7. Language Arts On-level Advanced 4-5 Novels 3-4 Novels
Vocabulary (Literature-based or list)
Writing Intensive
Heavy grammar review
Homework 2-4 nights per week -- load depends on unit of study
Advanced
4-5 Novels
Projects ( 4-5)
Writing Intensive
Current Events
Homework ( 3-4 nights)
Participation in a contest to reflect /encourage their gifts and talents
Summatives are not multiple choice .

8. Social Studies On-level Advanced
Projects (3-4 throughout the year) are summative assessments
Multiple Choice summative exams at the conclusion of each unit.
Additional summative tests are given throughout the year; these include short answer questions.
Homework (1-2 nights) – concepts should be reviewed nightly.
Frequent in class formative assessments
Advanced
Accelerated pace (must cover all 7th grade standards as well as advanced topics)
Projects (4-5 throughout the year ) are summative assessments
Multiple choice summative exams at the conclusion of each unit with more- in depth questions & essays. Additional summative tests are given throughout the year.
Homework (3-4 nights, sometimes on weekends) concepts should be reviewed nightly.
Angel Assessments (2x a month)
Frequent in class formative assessments

9. Academic Enrichment
This class is designed to support and develop student skills in the areas of research and writing.
Students will develop these skills through social studies and science content.
Students will rotate this course every nine weeks.
2 nine week periods will be with social studies content.
2 nine week periods will be with science content.

10. Math Workshop
An extension of on-level for students needing additional time and/or examples to grasp concepts.
Students attend on-level math and math workshop class each day.
Smaller class size which allows for more individualized or small group instruction.
Pace is that of on-level unless students’ needs dictate otherwise.
No homework

11. Academics Grading and Reporting:
Summative assignments are assignments/assessments, such as unit tests and projects, that determine student mastery of standards after the unit or learning activity has been completed. Counts 80% toward class average.
Formative assignments are tasks ,such as homework, class work ,and quizzes, that provide students with practice while learning. These assignments are used to inform both the teacher and student regarding the learning progress. This grade is reported separately. Counts 20% toward class average.
Work Habits are student behaviors that have the potential to impact academic achievement.

12. Grading and Student Work
Grades are composed of 80% summative grades and 20% formative grades.
Parent Portal is a great resource for checking student grades.
Homework is expected to be complete. There is a strong correlation between student success in a class and their completion of practice work.
Students report cards also report against work habits.
A score of 2 is meeting standard
A score of 3 is rare for exceeding standard

13. Academic Supports and Interventions
Morning Help Sessions
Relearn and Recovery
Students who score below 79% on a summative assignment are offered 1 opportunity to improve the grade up to 79% by engaging in a teacher assigned learning activity and retaking a second/new summative. The relearn/recovery assignment must be completed within 1 week of the graded summative being returned to the student. Mid-terms, finals, and timed writing assignments are not eligible for R & R.

14. The Schedule Seven classes for approximately 55 minutes periods :
1st Period – Language Arts from 9:00 – 10:00
2nd Period – Science from 10:05 – 11:00
3rd Period – Social Studies from 11:05 – 12:20 (includes 25 minute lunch)
4th Period – Connections from 12:25 – 1:20
5th Period – Connections from 1:25 – 2:20
6th Period – Academic Enrichment or Math Workshop from 2:25 – 3:20
7th Period - Math from 3:25 – 4:15

15. Go Panthers!
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