the wheatley school...course guide for students entering 8th grade 4 the wheatley school five-year...

THE WHEATLEY SCHOOL

VERITATEM QUAERITE

GRADE 8

COURSE SELECTION GUIDE

2019-20

Course Guide for Students Entering 8th Grade

2

THE EAST WILLISTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Mr. Mark Kamberg, President

Mr. Robert Fallarino, Vice President

Mr. Leonard Hirsch

Mr. David P. Keefe

Mr. Alan Littman

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION

Dr. Elaine Kanas, Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Danielle Gately, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction & Personnel

Mrs. Diane Castonguay, Assistant Superintendent for Business

THE WHEATLEY SCHOOL

Dr. Sean C. Feeney, Principal

Dr. Karen Klapper, Assistant Principal

DISTRICT WIDE CURRICULUM PERSONNEL

Mrs. Joan Anderson, World Language

Mr. Stephen Collier, English

Dr. Scott Eckers, Social Studies

Mr. Michael Scaturro, Director of PE, Athletics, Health, Medical Services & FCS

Mr. Edward Kemnitzer, Director of Technology, Innovation, & Information Services

Dr. Lynn Mazza, Director of Pupil Personnel Services

Mrs. Mary Alexis Pace, Director of Science

Dr. Robert Teseo, Mathematics and Business

Mrs. Janna Varela Bonacorsi, Director of Guidance

WHEATLEY GUIDANCE COUNSELING STAFF

Mrs. Suzanne Gluck

Mrs. Justine Meyer

Mrs. Sherri Schacter

Mrs. Lauren Silverstein


3

N E W Y O R K S T A T E R E Q U I R E M E N T S GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Regents Diploma Required Course Credit

Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation Required Course Credit

English 4 English 4

Social Studies 4 Social Studies 4

Mathematics 3 Mathematics 3

Science 3 Science 3

World Language* 1 World Language** 3

Art/Music 1 Art/Music 1

Health 0.5 Health 0.5

Physical Education 2 Physical Education 2

Electives 3.5 Electives 1.5

Total 22 Total 22

Regents Diploma Required Regents Exams

5 Regents Exams Required (Passing Score of 65 and Above)

Regents Diploma with Adv. Designation Required Regents Exams

9 Regents Exams Required (Passing Score of 65 and Above)

English Language Arts Exam English Language Arts Exam

One Mathematics Exam:

Algebra 1 or Geometry or

Algebra 2 Exams

Three Mathematics Exams:

Algebra 1 and Geometry and

Algebra 2 Exams

Global History Exam Global History Exam

U.S. History Exam U.S. History Exam

One Science Exam:

Earth Science or Living Environment

or Chemistry or Physics

Two Science Exams:

1. Living Environment

2. Earth Science or Chemistry or Physics

*World Lang. Regional Assessment

FLACS/NYSAWLA Checkpoint A Exam

*World Lang. Regional Assessment

FLACS/NYSAWLA Checkpoint B Exam

* An alternate pathway is available by pursuing a 5-credit sequence in Art, Business, or Technology

Honors Distinction on High School Diploma:

Students can receive either a Regents Diploma with honors or Regents Diploma with Advanced

Designation with honors if the overall average of required Regents Exams is 90% or higher.

In addition, students can receive Honors Distinction in Mathematics and/or Science by meeting the

following criteria:

3 Mathematics Regents examinations with 85% or above on each exam

and/or

3 Science Regents examinations with 85% or above on each exam.


4

THE WHEATLEY SCHOOL

FIVE-YEAR PROGRAM

SAMPLE A

PERIOD GRADE 8 GRADE 9 GRADE 10 GRADE 11 GRADE 12

1 7:50 AM

P.E. ELECTIVE

OR LAB

P.E. SCIENCE

LAB

P.E. SCIENCE

LAB

P.E. SCIENCE

LAB

P.E. SCIENCE

LAB

2

SCIENCE

NGSS 8

BIOLOGY REGENTS EXAM

EARTH SCIENCE

REGENTS EXAM

CHEMISTRY REGENTS EXAM

(PHYSICS) REGENTS EXAM

3

ENGLISH 8 ENGLISH 9 ENGLISH 10 /

SWS

ENGLISH 11 /

SWS R E G E N T S EX AM

ENGLISH 12 /

SWS

4

SOCIAL

STUDIES 8

GLOBAL/WORLD

HISTORY

GLOBAL/WORLD

HISTORY REG EN T S EX A M

US HISTORY REG EN T S EX A M

SOCIAL

STUDIES

5

LUNCH

LUNCH

LUNCH

LUNCH

LUNCH

6

LEVEL 100

LANGUAGE* FLACS/NYSAWLA

EXAM A

LEVEL 200

LANGUAGE*

LEVEL 300

LANGUAGE* FLACS/NYSAWLA

EXAM B

LEVEL 400

LANGUAGE

AP LANGUAGE

(LANGUAGE)

7

PREALGEBRA ALGEBRA 1 REGENTS EXAM

GEOMETRY REGENTS EXAM

ALGEBRA 2 REGENTS EXAM

(PRE

CALCULUS)

8

ART / MUSIC

/ ELECTIVE

ART / MUSIC /

ELECTIVE

ELECTIVE

ELECTIVE

ELECTIVE

9 2:26 PM

TECHNOLOGY ELECTIVE HEALTH

ELECTIVE

ELECTIVE

ELECTIVE

*The FLACS/NYSAWLA Regional Assessments have replaced the former NYS Proficiency and Regents

exams.

Courses noted in parentheses exceed the NYS diploma requirements.

Wheatley students will be strongly encouraged to continue advanced study in all academic disciplines.


5

THE WHEATLEY SCHOOL

FIVE-YEAR PROGRAM

SAMPLE B

PERIOD GRADE 8 GRADE 9 GRADE 10 GRADE 11 GRADE 12

1 7:50 AM

P.E. ELECTIVE

OR LAB

P.E. SCIENCE

LAB

P.E. SCIENCE

LAB

P.E. SCIENCE

LAB

P.E. SCIENCE

LAB

2

BIOLOGY REGENTS EXAM EARTH SCIENCE

REGENTS EXAM

CHEMISTRY REGENTS EXAM

(PHYSICS) REGENTS EXAM

(AP SCIENCE OR

ELECTIVE)

3

ENGLISH 8 ENGLISH 9 ENGLISH 10 /

SWS

ENGLISH 11 /

SWS R E G E N T S EX AM

ENGLISH 12 /

SWS

4

SOCIAL

STUDIES 8

GLOBAL/WORLD

HISTORY

GLOBAL/

AP WORLD REG EN T S EX A M

US

HISTORY REG EN T S EX A M

SOCIAL

STUDIES

5

LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH

6

LEVEL 100

LANGUAGE* REGIONAL EXAM

LEVEL 200

LANGUAGE*

LEVEL 300

LANGUAGE* REGIONAL EXAM

LEVEL 400

(LANGUAGE)

AP LANGUAGE

(LANGUAGE)

7


GEOMETRY REGENTS EXAM


PRE-

CALCULUS

AP CALCULUS /

AP STATISTICS /

ELECTIVE

8

ART / MUSIC

/ ELECTIVE

ART / MUSIC /

ELECTIVE ELECTIVE ELECTIVE ELECTIVE

9 2:26PM

TECHNOLOGY ELECTIVE | HEALTH ELECTIVE ELECTIVE ELECTIVE

*The FLACS/NYSAWLA Regional Assessments have replaced the former NYS Proficiency and Regents

exams.

Courses noted in parentheses exceed the NYS diploma requirements.

Wheatley students will be strongly encouraged to continue advanced study in all academic disciplines.


6

T H E W H E A T L E Y S C H O O L

R E Q U I R E D G R A D E 8 C O U R S E S ( O N E C O U R S E P E R D E P A R T M E N T )

E N G L I S H D E P A R T M E N T :

English 8

In English 8, students develop the English skills needed to be confident and successful throughout high school.

Students write creative, narrative, informative and persuasive pieces. The study of vocabulary in context, and of

grammar and usage in relation to their writing, are emphasized. The reading curriculum stretches from

contemporary fiction and non-fiction to literary classics. Students also learn to use digital and print sources for

research. A wide range of instructional activities includes traditional whole class lessons, cooperative learning,

individual conferences, class presentations and performances.

M A T H D E P A R T M E N T :

PreAlgebra

This course builds the foundation students will need to be successful in Algebra 1 and is aligned with the New York

State Curriculum for grade 8. Topics include integers, order of operations, algebraic expressions, linear equations,

linear inequalities, ratios, proportions, geometric applications of proportions, percentage problems, angle/line

relationships, transformations, variables, exponents, operations on polynomials, factoring polynomials, functions,

graphs, and constructions. Students will take a final exam at the end of the course.

Algebra 1 1 credit

This is the first course in the New York State Mathematics sequence that reflects the Common Core learning

standards at the high school level. Algebra provides tools and ways of thinking that are necessary for solving

problems in a wide variety of disciplines, such as science, business, social sciences, fine arts, and technology.

Algebra 1 covers operations on algebraic expressions, first-degree equations and inequalities in one variable, ratios,

proportions, relations, functions, coordinate geometry, special products, factoring, algebraic fractions, systems of

equations, inequalities, and statistics. Students will take the Algebra Regents examination in June.

Algebra 1 with Lab 1 credit

This is the first course in the New York State Mathematics sequence, which reflects the Common Core Learning

Standards at the high school level. Algebra provides tools and ways of thinking that are necessary for solving

problems in a wide variety of disciplines, such as science, business, social sciences, fine arts, and technology. The

Algebra 1 with Lab course meets for an additional period every other day and covers all of the topics from

Algebra 1. This lab period will be used to explore mathematics using a hands-on approach to help students make

deeper connections with the content of Algebra 1. Students will take the Algebra Regents examination in June.

S C I E N C E D E P A R T M E N T :

Science 8 NGSS

This course emphasizes physical science concepts from Earth Science, Physics, and Chemistry. Science 8 NGSS

completes the sequence of science courses needed for the New York State Intermediate Level Science Assessment

in addition to establishing a strong foundation for high school science courses.

Regents Biology Enriched 1 credit

Biology Enriched is a course that follows and goes beyond the NYS Living Environment curriculum. Students are

prepared to sit for the Living Environment Regents exam and must successfully complete 1200 minutes of

laboratory work in order to take this exam. Topics of study include: ecology, classification, cell theory,

biochemistry, reproduction, genetics, evolution, and physiology. This full-year course meets on an alternating

single-period/double-period schedule.


7

Regents Biology – Living Environment 1 credit

Regents Biology is designed for students who may need some additional support to be successful on the Living

Environment Regents exam. This course focuses on those topics emphasized on the Living Environment Regents

exam and provides the additional support needed to help students be successful on this Regents exam. Students are

prepared to sit for the Living Environment Regents exam and must successfully complete 1200 minutes of

laboratory work in order to take this exam. Topics of study include: ecology, classification, cell theory,

biochemistry, reproduction, genetics, evolution, and physiology. This full-year course meets on an alternating

single-period/double-period schedule.

S O C I A L S T U D I E S D E P A R T M E N T :

Social Studies 8

Eighth grade social studies constitutes the second half of an American history survey course, begun in seventh

grade. The course in modern American history starts with a review of Reconstruction following the Civil War and

runs all the way to present times. Along the way, students learn about the West, Gilded Age, Industrialization,

Immigration, Imperialism, World War I, Roaring Twenties, Great Depression, World War II, Civil Rights and

Suburbia, Vietnam War, and the Cold War. Students explore political, economic, and social situations in each

historical era. Emphasis is placed upon the dynamic, urban society of twentieth-century America as well as the

United States as a global power.

W O R L D L A N G U A G E D E P A R T M E N T :

Introduction to Spanish Language

This introductory course is designed for students who have never taken a world language course or did not

successfully complete language 7 or 7-1 at Willets Road or Introduction to Spanish at Wheatley (2018-19).

Students must successfully complete 1 credit of language prior to the end of grade 9 in order to meet minimum

NYS graduation requirements. Students will develop basic communicative proficiency skills in listening, speaking,

reading and writing. Students will also explore cultural connections. This course is also available to students who

wish to begin study of a second world language.

Incoming Grade 8 students who have completed World Language 7 at Willets Road will continue their language

study at the 100 Level. Students who have successfully completed Spanish 7-1 at Willets Road will continue their

language study in Spanish 8.

Spanish 8

Spanish 8 is the continuation of the Spanish 7-1 course offered at Willets Road in 2018-19. Students will continue

to develop their communicative skills through verbal and visual presentations, situational tasks and voice

recordings. Reading and writing skills will continue to develop through simple research tasks that require accessing

authentic documents via the internet. This course will prepare students for the Spanish 100 course in grade 9.

Level 100 (French, Italian, Spanish) 1 credit

Level 100 is designed for students who have successfully completed world language 7 at Willets Road MS or

Level I at Wheatley. This course is the second phase in the sequence that completes Checkpoint A requirements of

the New York State syllabus. Students’ communicative skills will continue to develop as they begin to express

themselves in the past tense. Students will also develop an increased awareness of cultural differences and

similarities. The FLACS/NYSAWLA Checkpoint A Regional Language Assessment will be given upon completion

of this course.

Prerequisite: World Language 7


8

P H Y S I C A L E D U C A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T :

Physical Education 8

All students in grade 8 must successfully complete Physical Education. Due to the nature of physical education

activities, proper clothing is a requirement. Students must wear athletic attire: shorts, t-shirt, socks and sneakers. A

warm-up suit or sweat suit may be worn in place of shorts and a t-shirt. The physical education program is designed

to offer a variety of activities. The purpose of these activities is to enhance the individual’s physical awareness,

increase physical fitness levels and promote lifetime activities.

M U S I C D E P A R T M E N T :

Intermediate Band and Orchestra Full Year – Every Day

These groups include incoming 8th graders, plus students of other grade levels who need further work to master the

prerequisites for the more advanced groups. In this course, students are expected to learn basic music theory as it

applies to their instrument, elementary playing techniques as described in the NYSSMA manuals for levels

I, II, and III, and exhibit proper rehearsal behavior throughout the school year. A playing test given in January

determines class placement for the following year. A student should be able to fulfill the prerequisite requirements

for Concert Band/ Orchestra. If a student is unable to fulfill these requirements, they are given an opportunity to

remain in the Intermediate group. These groups perform at the traditional winter and spring concerts. Additionally,

the orchestra performs with the Long Island Philharmonic in an annual concert in February.

T E C H N O L O G Y D E P A R T M E N T :

Technology 8 Full Year – Every Day

Technology8 fulfils the New York State Education is a state mandated course required of all 8th graders. It is

predominantly a hands-on, project-oriented class whereby students are provided with experiences allowing them to

discover and explore their technical interests and abilities. Specifically, the nature of the coursework and projects

provide activities in the areas of problem solving, experimentation, innovation, creativity, reaching compromises

and working with others in a group situation.


9

2 0 1 9 - 2 0 8 T H G R A D E E L E C T I V E S

Introduction to Art

This full-year course meets on alternate days and teaches students the basic fundamentals of art. The essentials of 2-

D design, 3-D design, drawing and collage will be explored along with various techniques and media to encourage

creative self-expression through art making.

Explorations in Traditional and Digital Art

This full-year course meets on alternate days and teaches students to further explore all areas of art as well as the

basics of communicating ideas through art using traditional and digital methods. Students will explore different

materials and continue to develop an understanding of the principles and elements of art.

Robotics

This alternate day, full-year course is designed for students who want to explore the fundamentals of robotics.

Students will be learning introductory coding and applying these skills to robotics. There will be a focus on team

building and sharing of responsibilities. The Capstone Project will be the Adelphi Robotics Competition. Students

will be challenged to create and program a robot to complete a series of tasks, as well as make a presentation about

the process.

Introduction to Creative Writing

This alternate day, full-year course is for students who enjoy writing. It will allow students the opportunity to write

short stories, poetry, plays, and screenplays. The class operates as a writing workshop, where students will work

together on their writing. Students will work on character studies, creating dialogue and writing scenes, and writing

using the computer and Internet. Publishing students’ written work is the aim of this introductory course.

Intermediate Chorus

In this course, incoming 8th grade students will be expected to learn basic music theory as it applies to chorus,

master proper singing techniques, and exhibit proper rehearsal behavior throughout the school year. A variety of

musical styles is introduced throughout the year. Sight reading techniques are also introduced and practiced

throughout the year. Intermediate Chorus performs at the winter and spring concerts as well as other events during

the school year.

Introduction to STEM Research

Students who plan on exploring careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics will be well served by

taking this course. Students will have the opportunity to explore science and mathematics outside the bounds of the

traditional high school curriculum. Through this lens, students will explore a topic of interest, think creatively,

experience the thrill of making discoveries on their own, and learn the value of “sticking with” a problem. This

will open-up opportunities to explore advanced courses in science and mathematics research. This course is taken

on an independent study basis.

Introduction to Social Science Research

This course is an introduction to the methodological foundations of social and behavioral science. The year will

begin with readings and discussion of the various disciplines of social science: philosophy, sociology, cultural

anthropology, economics, education, psychology, and political science. We will then cover the methods associated

with successful and ethical research practices. This research course provides students with an opportunity to

practice using concepts inherent in the research experience. Students will practice scientific thinking and learn

scientific processes regarding topics of their choosing and interest. Students will complete both on group and

individual research projects throughout the year. All students participate in the National History Day competition.


10

ACADEMIC SEQUENCES BY DEPARTMENT

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT SEQUENCE OF COURSES

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT SEQUENCE OF COURSES


11

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT SEQUENCE OF COURSES

SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT SEQUENCE OF COURSES

Social Studies 8

Global Studies 9R

World History 9H

Global Studies 10R

AP World History

US History 11R

AP US History

AP Government with Economics

AP Economics with Government

College Regional Studies

Participation in Government and

Economics


12

COURSE SELECTION WORKSHEET 2019-20

Course Name

1 English 8

2 Social Studies 8

3 Int. Science 8

NGSS

Biology Requires an additional alternate day

lab period

4 Physical Education Science Lab or

Elective

5 PreAlgebra Algebra 1

6 Lunch

7 Spanish OR Italian OR French

8 Technology 8

9 Band OR Orchestra OR Elective

the wheatley school...course guide for students entering 8th grade 4 the wheatley school five-year...

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