Rising 7 th Grade Parent Information Night RISING 7 TH GRADE TEAM: MRS. LETINA (DEAN) MRS. KOLCUM (COUNSELOR)
7 th Grade Required Courses Core courses will be automatically uploaded based on teacher recommendations (students will not make core selections). Grade Level or Honors enrollment in the following courses: English Life Science U.S. History Math: Students currently in Math 6 will go to Math 7. Students currently in Accelerated Math 6/7 will go to Algebra 1. Other required courses: Health and P.E. Resource or Spectrum (for 45 minutes) Technology and Engineering Education / Family and Consumer Science (one semester of each)
7 th Grade Elective Courses All students will choose ONE Fine Arts Elective: Art 7 Band 7 (must be currently enrolled in Band 6) Chorus Guitar 7 Strings 7 (must be currently enrolled in Strings 6) All students will choose ONE Language Elective: Coding at the Middle School (CAMS) Communication Studies / Reading Strategies French 1, German 1, Latin 1, Spanish 1 (high school credit)
Coding at the Middle School (CAMS) The CAMS mission is to give all students, regardless of age, race, gender, or ability, the opportunity to explore coding using Scratch, a drag-and-drop programming language developed for kids at MIT. The course has recently also started using Codesters, a drag-and-drop interface used with Python, a popular programming language. By implementing a designed-based learning approach, students will produce better projects that reflect authentic learning. Projects have included Student Scrapbooks, drawing on the coordinate grid, student-created mazes, and single player games. Students will build their 21 st Century skills to better prepare them for higher-level thinking in multiple disciplines, i.e. math, science, language arts, music, and graphic arts.
Communication Studies (45-minute Block) This course introduces students to the basic principles of human communication, including interpersonal and small group, intercultural, and mediated (mass or electronic) communication and public speaking. Units of study focus on the communication process, qualities of competent communication, and the role of communication in developing relationships in a democracy. Emphasis will be on developing critical thinking skills and helping students develop their media literacy. This course is project-based; students will exhibit their learning through activities in publication and/or public speaking.
Reading Strategies (45-minute Block) This course uses reading skills and strategies to help students to prepare for the SOL Tests. Instruction will focus on phonics, fluency, comprehension, critical thinking, vocabulary, reading engagement, viewing, and test-taking. It will be a differentiated Reading Workshop model according to students needs. The course will use materials that will assist students with reading in other courses.
Important notes when taking a World Language For an Advanced Studies Diploma, students must successfully complete three years of one language or two years each of two different languages. Some colleges may require more than the minimum number of world language credits currently needed for the Advanced Studies Diploma. Colleges are looking for students to continue a language through their senior year of high school. It is recommended that a student earn at least a B in order to progress to the next level of language study. The State Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to qualifying graduating students with proficiency in English and one or more other languages
Advanced Studies Diploma Requirements Academic Areas Credits SOL Verified Credits English 4 2 Social Studies (World Studies (2), US/VA Government, and US/VA History) Mathematics (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II or above level of Algebra II) 4 2 4 2 Science (From 3 of these area: Biological, Chemical, Physical, Earth) 4 2 World Language (3 years of one language or 2 years each of two different languages) 3 or 4 0 Health/Physical Education 2 0 Fine Arts or Career & Technical Education 1 0 Economics & Personal Finance 1 0 Electives 3 0 Student Selected Verified Credit 0 1 Total (depends on foreign language option) 26 or 27 9
What is a verified credit? A verified unit of credit is earned by passing a course and its related end-of-course Standards of Learning (SOL) test where an end-of-course test is required. Students may repeat end-of-course tests to earn the verified credits needed for graduation. Classes that have SOLs: MATH: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Algebra II/Trigonometry SCIENCE: Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science ENGLISH: Reading and Writing (both tests administered in English 11) HISTORY: World History and Geography to 1500 World History and Geography, 1500 to Present United States History
Summer Options Some students decide to take a math course in the summer to accelerate their course work through Virtual Loudoun. Detailed Information is provided to counselors in May, and will be forwarded to parents at that time. Typical cost: approximately $700 per course
Expunging Grades Applicable to high school credit courses taken during middle school Expunges BOTH the grade AND the credit Requires re-taking the course to receive credit and to move onto subsequent levels Expungement forms will be sent home with all FINAL report cards. Forms MUST be submitted to Mrs. Kolcum NO LATER than August 15, 2018.
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