Making Choices for 8th Grade
Swanson 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.
2.
3.
4.
Language Arts – Reading and Writing
Science – Physical Science
Social Studies – World Geography*
Math - recommendations in June
o
o
o
o
Math 8
Algebra I*
Algebra I Intensified *
Geometry Intensified *
Health and P.E.
o
o
*
One quarter of health
Three quarters of P.E.
High School Credit
Middle School Math Pathway
Swanson Full Year Electives
World Languages*:
Level I or II
 Spanish
 Spanish for Fluent
Speakers
 French
 Latin
 Chinese (Distance Learning)
 Arabic (Distance Learning)
Supportive Electives:
 Reading Strategies
 Math Strategies (Algebra/Math 8)
 Instructional Studies**
Arts/Tech. Education:
 Orchestra
 Band
 Symphonic Band
 Wind Ensemble Band
 Chorus
 Theater Arts (Drama)
 Visual Art
 Life Management (Teen Living)
 Journalism
 Computer Applications
 Tech. Systems (Tech. Ed.)
 Yearbook (Appl. Required –Due
Feb. 25, 2014)
*High School Credit
**Teacher Recommendation
Swanson Semester Electives
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
**
Theater Arts (Drama)
Visual Art I or II
Computer Appl. Internet Tech
Digital Input Tech
Tech Ed. (Inventions & Innovations)
Taking Charge (Girls Only)
Exploring Life Skills (Teen Living)
Chorus
Introduction to World Languages**
(Non-High School Credit Electives)
1. French
2. Spanish
3. 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) or
 2 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 – 8:58
Elective 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 Coordinator
Cynthia 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
Course Request Form (Back)
Semester or Full
Year Electives
Full Year Electives &
Foreign Languages
Semester Courses
and Teacher
recommendations
1.
2.
3.
ACT II Registrations/Sept. 2014
Due Feb. 24 with Parent Signature
On this side of the
card you choose
electives.
Core Plus is an
ACT II class.
ACT II Inventory–
Select one course
that you would
consider taking.
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.