HMS Chromebook Initiative

Parent Information

Why a 1:1 Initiative?

Preparing students for “the real world”

Increased collaboration Expanded access to information

and technology

Why Chromebooks?

“Instant” boot up and access to the internet.

Full keyboard Works seamlessly with Google

Apps for Education Light weight Long battery life

What is a Chromebook?

Laptop style device Cloud-based storage system No hard drive No software required Must have access to a WiFi signal

to be fully functional

General Student Expectations

Students will have a charged Chromebook everyday

Students will abide by the HPS Acceptable Use Policy

Students will take care of their assigned device

Distribution ScheduleStudents will receive their Chromebooks per the following distribution schedule:     Students with last names Allen - Gillooly  Monday, March 2

from 4:00 - 7:00     Students with last names Gilman - O’Brien Tuesday, March 3

from 4:00 - 7:00     Students with last names O’Connor - Zieper Wednesda,

March 4 from 4:00 - 7:00

Chromebooks will only be distributed if the Chromebook Loan Agreement has been signed and returned, and the family provides proof of insurance or an insurance waiver.

Hingham Middle School

Program of StudiesFor Students Entering

Grades 7 and 8

Why Are We Here?

Our goal is to work together to design a schedule that will best meet your child’s academic needs. It should be . . .

Engaging Appropriately challenging Well rounded

TIMELINE FOR COURSE SELECTION PROCESS

March 9 – 13 – Counselors visit classes and meet with students

March 13 – Teachers Post Recommendations March 18 -27 – Request Page Open to Students

and Families April 27 – Due date for Parent Override Forms

Your Resources:

THE PROGRAM OF STUDIES GUIDE PROVIDES INFORMATION ON EACH COURSE FOR GRADES 6-

12 AVAILABLE ON-LINE AT WWW.HINGHAMSCHOOLS.COM

Link to HMS and click on Program of Studies

PASSWORDS AND INSTRUCTIONS Issued earlier this year. Contact your School Counselor or

Assistant Principal if you need help.

Who Can I Ask for Help?

TEACHERS SCHOOL COUNSELORS ADMINISTRATORS DEPARTMENT DIRECTORS

Your Child’s Schedule

REQUIRED COURSES ENGLISH, MATH, SCIENCE, SOCIAL STUDIES, PHYSICAL EDUCATION,

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

RECOMMENDED COURSES READING LAB, MATH PREP, STRATEGIES FOR LEARNING

ELECTIVE COURSES SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

ELECTIVE COURSES FOR GRADE 7

Based on the number of recommended courses, the number of electives your

child can select may vary. Requests for changes in electives will not be

honored after the end of the second week of school

Art 7 Drama 7 Wood Technology Family & Consumer Science 7 Middle School Concert Band Middle School Chorus Middle School Strings Ensemble (Orchestra) Directed Study

ELECTIVE COURSESFOR GRADE 8

Based on the number of recommended courses, the number of electives your

child can select may vary. Requests for changes in electives will not be

honored after the end of the second week of school.

Art 8 Drama 8 Introduction to Television Production Technology Education Family & Consumer Science 8 Middle School Concert Band Middle School Chorus Middle School Strings Ensemble (Orchestra) Directed Study

Course Selection ProcessStep 1 – Log-in at ma-hingham.myfollett.com

The Course Selection Process Step 2 – After logging in, click on the “My Info” tab

Step 3 – Click on the “Requests” side tab

Step 4 – View Course Selections

Click on Select to view courses.

Make course selections here. (Recommended courses are pre-selected.)

Step 5 – Select Courses

Guidelines for Selecting Electives

Under “Primary Requests” students should choose 3 Elective Courses.

Under Alternate Requests students should select 2 additional Elective Courses as “back-ups”.

Step 6 – Post Selections

The course selection window will be opened from March 18 - March 27. After all selections have been completed, click the “Post” button as shown below.

HMS Departmental Recommendations

Academic Levels at HMS

Level 2 – Challenging coursework that will require a good deal of independence on the part of the student.

Level 3 – Majority of students are recommended for this level. High academic standards and rigorous daily work.

Level 4 – Recommended for students who require additional support within the classroom.

Factors Used in Making Level Recommendations

Reading Writing Communication Skills (Speaking

and Listening) Critical Thinking Skills Student’s Level of Independence

HMS English Department  Reading Writing Speaking/Listening

Level 2 

Excellent ability; demonstrates independence in the following areas: Critical reading and

thinking Inferential reasoning Pace, fluency

Excellent ability; demonstrates independence in the following areas: Structure, logic, and

development of ideas Mechanics Expression

Excellent ability; demonstrates independence in the following areas: Verbal articulation of

ideas Analysis/synthesis of

ideas

Level 3 

Above average to average ability; needs some support in the following areas: Critical reading and

thinking Inferential reasoning Pace, fluency

Above average to average ability; needs some support in the following areas: Structure, logic, and

development of ideas Mechanics Expression

Above average to average ability; needs some support in the following areas: Verbal articulation of

ideas Analysis/synthesis of

ideas

Level 4 

Average to below average ability; needs ongoing support in the following areas: Critical reading and

thinking Inferential reasoning Pace, fluency

Average to below average ability; needs ongoing support in the following areas: Structure, logic, and

development of ideas Mechanics Expression

Average to below average ability; needs ongoing support in the following areas: Verbal articulation of

ideas Analysis/synthesis of

ideas

HMS Math Department

HMS Math Department

Grade 6 to Grade 7:

The following factors are considered in recommendations :

– Student Independence – Grade 5 MCAS– local results on the CAT – term 2 grade in 6th grade – 6th grade fraction/decimals benchmark test – 6th grade chapter 7 test

More specific rubric on HMS website.

HMS Math Department

HMS Math Department

Grade 7 to Grade 8:

From L2 Pre-Algebra: Students with B averages or better are considered in conjunction with their math acuity and computational speed for L2 Algebra 1. Other students are recommended for Math 8 with Algebra.

From Math 7 Students who have earned a B- or above in Math 7 typically take Math 8 with Algebra. Students who earn below a B- typically take Math 8. However, in both instances, teachers must take into account a student’s ability to work independently and whether the student’s grade reflects significant extra help with or revision of tests and quizzes. 

HMS Math Department

HMS Science Department

HHS Science Curriculum

HMS Science Department

HMS Science Department

Grade 7Life

Science

Grade 8I.P.S.

Social StudiesRead Purposefully Write Effectively

Identifying and extrapolating significant material from a variety of printed sources.

Recognizing arguments for and against and issue.

Identifying and using knowledge from common graphic features (charts, maps, diagrams, graphs).

Recognizing bias and point of view. Reading and analyzing primary source

material.

Writing multi-paragraph compositions that have clear topic development and organization.

Documenting research using standard endnote and bibliographic format.

Analyzing document based questions. Identifying definitions and explaining

significance of term.

Level 2 The student independently demonstrates excellent ability in the above areas.

The student independently demonstrates excellent ability in the above areas.

Level 3 The student, with moderate support, demonstrates above average to average ability in the above areas.

The student, with moderate support, demonstrates above average to average ability in the above areas.

Level 4 The student, with support, demonstrates average to below average ability in the above areas.

The student, with support, demonstrates average to below average ability in the above areas.

Social Studies (continued)Communicate Effectively Identify, Analyze, and Solve Problems

Delivering oral presentations and debates. Producing media presentations and projects. Interacting with peers in student-centered

activities. Analyzing and expressing ideas in the arts in

an historical context. Following directions Developing effective note taking skills from

lectures and discussions. Utilizing technology to express historical

concepts.

Evaluate primary and secondary sources. Utilize a wide range of resources to conduct

research. Develop and use a wide range of critical

thinking skills. Incorporate evaluation of sources,

construction of casual relationships, balanced interpretations, and comparative analysis.

Recognize and analyze biases and points of view from a wide range of print and media sources.

Level 2 The student independently demonstrates excellent ability in the above areas.

The student independently demonstrates excellent ability in the above areas.

Level 3 The student, with moderate support, demonstrates above average to average ability in the above areas.

The student, with moderate support, demonstrates above average to average ability in the above areas.

Level 4 The student, with support, demonstrates average to below average ability in the above areas.

The student, with support, demonstrates average to below average ability in the above areas.

Foreign Language – Level 3

An upper standard foreign language student :- exhibits above average to average ability- needs more practice with speaking, listening

reading, writing- needs to reinforce skills to incorporate into

knowledge base- handles rigorous daily work in an appropriately

paced class- meets high expectations for learning- is appropriately challenged

Foreign Language – Level 2

An advanced foreign language student :

- exhibits excellent ability in all 4 skills (speaking,listening, reading, writing)

- integrates new vocabulary and grammar conceptsinto language base with ease

- works quickly, identifies and corrects errors- participates actively, communicates easily both orally

and in writing- is self-directed, works independently- handles fast-paced, in-depth curriculum

Seventh Grade Medical Requirements

In accordance with Massachusetts state law, all students entering seventh grade are required to

have a physical. In addition, state regulations require written documentation that each childhas satisfied the following immunization requirements: 1. A second Measles, Mumps, and Rubella shot (MMR#2) 2. A series of #3 Hepatitis inoculations 3. A Tetanus-Diphtheria (Td) inoculation, given within the last 5 years. 4. One dose of Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine or a physician’s verification that

the child has a reliable history of the disease.

Failure to comply with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations will result in

your child’s exclusion from school. Exemptions are allowed only for the following two situations:

1. A medical exemption, if a physician submits documentation that an immunization is medically unadvisable.

2. A religious exemption, if a parent/guardian submits a written statement that immunizations conflict with their sincere religious beliefs.

Philosophical exemptions are not allowed by Massachusetts state law.You will be receiving a letter from the school nurse regarding these requirements. Please

complete andreturn all forms to the school nurse before the start of school in September so that yourchild can begin school with his/her class.