Making Choices for 8th GradeSwanson Middle School

Scheduling Information Presentation

Mr. Flores & Ms. Hawes, 7th Gr. Counselors

Agenda

The big picture - High School Diplomas

Review 8th Grade – Core classes and Electives

High School Credit Classes

ACTII opportunities

Academic Plan

Course Request Forms

Questions

This power point presentation will be available on our school’s website under the counseling link.

Looking at High school

Class of 2019!

Standard Diploma

• Verified Credits are SOLs

• For more details, please refer to the Programs Of Study booklet, page 61.

Advanced Studies Diploma

• Verified Credits are SOLs

• For more details, please refer to the Programs Of Study booklet, page 62.

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE(IB Diploma)

The IB Diploma is an internationally recognized program of studies available at Washington-Lee High School.

This diploma can serve as an academic passport to universities around the world.

Students who earn an IB diploma are also considered to have met the requirements for an Advance Studies Diploma.

Students who wish to participate in W-L’s Pre-IB program must submit a Pre-IB application during the Fall of their 8th grade.  

Prerequisites for W-L Pre-IB for 9th and 10th graders: Algebra I or greater in 8th grade or Geometry or greater in 9th grade

Spanish II, French II, Arabic II, Chinese II or Latin I in 8th grade (Latin II for rising 7 th graders)

Strong grades (A’s and B’s) in all subjects

8th Grade CORE classes

Four core subjects:1. Language Arts – Reading and Writing2. Science – Physical Science3. Social Studies – World Geography*4. Math - recommendations in June

o Math 8o Algebra I*o Algebra I Intensified *o Geometry Intensified *

Health and P.E. 1. One quarter of health2. Three quarters of P.E.

* High School Credit

Middle School Math Pathway

Swanson Full Year Electives

Swanson Semester Electives1. Theater Arts (Drama)2. Visual Art I or II3. Computer Appl. Internet Tech4. Digital Input Tech5. Tech Ed. (Inventions & Innovations) 6. Taking Charge (Girls Only)7. Exploring Life Skills (Teen Living) 8. Chorus9. Introduction to World Languages**

(Non-High School Credit Electives)1. French2. Spanish3. Latin

** Full year course is available for students taking Reading Strategies or Instructional Studies. Semester course available for all other students.

How many electives do I take?

Everyone can sign up for:4 semester electives (Art, Tech Ed., Drama and Computers) or 2 semester electives and 1 full year elective (Art/Tech Ed. And French) or2 full year electives (Band and French)

Reading or Math strategies may be recommended as an elective class (Recommendations are reviewed in early June).

Math and Reading Strategies recommendations depend on SOLs, final grades and classroom performance.

Students with an IEP may also be recommended for Instructional Studies as an elective.

For more detail course descriptions please refer to the 2014-15 Middle School Programs of Study.

8th Grade Bell Schedule

7:50 – 8:10 STAR

1 8:12 – 8:58Elective or PE

2 9:01 – 9:47 Elective or PE

3 9:50 – 10:36 CORE or Elective or PE

4 10:39 – 11:25 CORE

11:25 – 12:00 LUNCH

5 12:00 – 12:46 CORE

6 12:49 – 1:35 CORE

7 1:38 – 2:24 CORE

*ACT II* After School Electives

2:30 – 3:30PM or 2:30 – 4:10PM Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays Semester or Full Year Elective Course is graded and attendance is required Could interfere with a sport season or clubs

ACT II Classes: Business and Information Tech

Chorus

Family and Consumer Science

Instrumental Music: Band, Guitar or Orchestra

Theater Arts

Technology Education

Visual Arts

Core Plus

Get Involved!

Mr. Holland,

Activities Coordinator

703-228-5510

Get involved in sports and/or clubs

It will expand your school experience

Colleges and employers look for well rounded candidates

• This is APS’ Academic Plan and it can be found on the APS website.

• Its an overview of courses available from grades K-12.

Academic Plan Form

• 7th graders have completed and overview of their Academic Plan for 8th grade and 9th grade.

• Copies of their Academic Plan will be sent home by the end of the school year.

Contact Information

Counselors: • Mr. Flores, Mariners and Captains Counselor,

alvaro.flores@apsva.us 703-228-5519

• Ms. Hawes, Voyagers Counselor, 703-228-2347

Math Coordinator:Laura Partridge, Laura.Partridge@apsva.us 703-228-2344

Reading CoordinatorCynthia Chiu, Cynthia.chiu@apsva.us 703-228-5520

Course Request Form (Front)

1. Using a pencil, Write your full name and student ID #.

2. Put a check in the following boxes:

1. Grade

Semester Courses and Teacher recommendations

Semester or Full Year Electives

Full Year Electives &Foreign Languages

1. On this side of the card you choose electives.

2. Core Plus is an ACT II class.

3. ACT II Inventory– Select one course that you would consider taking.

ACT II Registrations/Sept. 2014

Due Feb. 24 with Parent Signature

Pick Alternates

Course Request Form (Back)

Review and Questions

Course Request Forms lessons will begin Feb. 13 through Math Classes Captains – Feb. 13 Mariners – Feb. 14 Voyagers – Feb. 19 (Including Ms.

Brown’s Math 8 classes)

Signed CRFs are due to the STAR teachers by February, 24.