Welcome
To
Junior high
Parent night
Junior high unity
▪ Much collaboration between teachers
▪ Team Teaching
▪ Daily communication between teachers
▪ Same breakdown of grades
▪ Same policies implemented in the classroom
Together
everyone
achieves
more
grades
▪ 40% Independent Classwork, Collaborative work, Products
▪ 50% Quizzes, Tests, Products
▪ 10% Homework
Math
April Langelett
alangelett@mbvm.org
▪ Diocesan standards:
• In order to follow the standards, math textbooks are not being used.
All notes/HW can be accessed on my website.
▪ www.mbvm.org
• Notes can be pulled up at home or at school
• Some of the HW assignments can also be accessed on the website
and can be completed on their laptops with their stylus or printed off
and completed by hand.
Math
Homework
▪ Homework is given on a nearly daily basis (not a lot of problems, but enough to
reinforce the concepts.) Some HW is considered a formative assessment to let me
know how individual students are doing as well as the class as a whole. Sometimes
HW is collected and considered a summative assessment if we have spent multiple
days on a topic and I feel they are ready for a grade. HW taken for a grade can be
corrected and returned to receive additional credit.
Quizzes
▪ Quizzes are given nearly every Friday. Quizzes mainly cover the concepts learned
that week, but also continue to review past material.
Math
Aleks
• Most of the ALEKS time can be completed in study hall (20 minutes per
day) but a total of 2 hours is required on a normal week. Some time
might need to be spent on ALEKS at home. ALEKS can be completed on
the students’ laptops, home computers or even IPADs.
Tests:
• Tests aren’t given as often, but will cover larger amounts of
information.
Availability:
• I am available on MOST days before or after school for math
help. I’d much rather the kids come to see me for help, than
feel frustrated at home. Math is much more enjoyable if it
is understood! 
pe
Sue Flott
sflott@mbvm.org
P.E. Requirements
Students should have the required gym uniform and
clean gym shoes every day for class. ( Mon. & Tues.)
They are required to change every PE class, with very
few exceptions. If they choose not to dress, their grade
will reflect that.
Rules & Consequences in P.E.
RULES
• Respect others, yourself and
the gym equipment.
• When the whistle blows, you
STOP whatever you are doing
and listen for instruction.
• Follow all instructions the
first time they are given.
• Play fairly and honestly all the
time. Show good
sportsmanship.
• Candy and gum are not
allowed.
CONSEQUENCES
• Verbal warning
• Time out in class
• Parent contact if behavior
continues
• Detention- before or after
school
• Severe Clause: Principal’s
Office.
Grading in P.E.
• Uniform - 10 pts
• Participation - 30 pts
• Behavior -30 pts (Attitude, effort, respect equipment,
listen to directions, stop when teacher blows the
whistle.
• Sportsmanship – 30 pts (Play fair, be respectful of
others, accept outcome of the game)
Language arts
Cheryl Gaca
cgaca@mbvm.org
Focus on Diocesan Learning Standards
• Writing
Research/Informative including Science Fair Background Research
Argumentative
Narrative
• Grammar/Conventions
• Vocabulary using roots and affixes
• Speaking and Listening
Language arts curriculum
Emphasis will be placed on the study and usage of :
6+1 Traits of Writing
Word Etymology
Compound/complex sentence structure
Improvement of word choice and use of figurative language
APA and MLA citations
Grammar: pronoun agreement/ phrases and clauses/ verbals/ active vs. passive voice
Punctuation: comma/ colon/semicolon/ dash/ellipsis
Participate in discussions while building on others’ ideas and expressing their own
Present information emphasizing points with relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and
well-chosen details
• Appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation when speaking.
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Illinois literary speech contest
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Save the date: Saturday, November 7, 2015
Bourbonnais Upper Grade Center
Time: 8:00 -12:00
Student attendance is required
Speeches should be memorized by Oct. 13th
Practice done in class, but additional help at home needed
Speeches should last a minimum of 8 minutes from first spoken word
Everyone leaves with a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place rating
Awards distributed during school day at a later date
All students must be passing subjects to participate (IESA regulation)
Important to know
•
Formative assignments/quizzes will appear in School Speak but will not count
towards the grade-they will be marked as formative
•
A summative test can be in the form of an essay, presentation, or project
•
Assignments are posted daily on website calendar
•
Check at the end of the day-often additional items are added or due dates
extended Please encourage your student to come see me for extra help
before school and after school- I love questions!
Literature
Erin Darling
edarling@mbvm.org
Diocesan Reading Standards for Literature
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Key Ideas and Details
Craft and Structure
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
Range Reading and Level of Text Complexity
Literature Text
– Literature Book – This book is a big hardcover book that is also accessible
through the students’ laptops
– Novels
– Short Stories
Literature & Social Studies
Diocesan Reading Standards for Informational
Text
– Key Ideas and Details
– Craft and Structure
– Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
Using Informational Text that Supports and
Reinforces the Social Studies Curriculum
– Guided Reading and Close Read Activities
– Analyzing and using Social Studies Vocabulary
Writing
Diocesan Writing Standards
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Argumentative, Expository, Narrative
Production and Distribution
Research to Build and Present Knowledge
Range of Writing
Writing – Literature and Social Studies
– Students will respond to Literature with a variety of written responses
– Students will respond to Social Studies content and information with a
variety of written responses
Social studies & religion
Bridget Bassett
bbassett@mbvm.org
Religion Goals
• To know and understand the basic teachings of the Catholic
Church.
• To know, reflect on appreciate the importance of Liturgy and
of the Sacraments.
• To understand the importance of the Old and New Testament.
• To live out Jesus’ example of service and love, by serving
others in our community, school and home.
• To engage in personal and communal Catholic forms of prayer
that deepen one’s spiritual life.
Social Studies
Goals
• 6th Grade – To learn about the physical and human geography of
the continents. To gain an understanding of the cultures,
traditions, economies and religions of many countries around the
world and then make a connection as to why it is important to us.
• 7th Grade – To learn about the early American history and how our
country was formed. We will begin with Colonial America, study
and take the Constitution test, Westward Expansion.
• 8th Grade - To begin with the great expansion of the West, Civil
War and Industrial Revolution, the Great Depression, World War I
and II and then finally ending with our modern American history
and how it has shaped our country over the past 50 years.
science
Rhonda Smith
rsmith@mbvm.org
DIOCESE OF JOLIET - CATHOLIC STANDARDS FOR SCIENCE
 Science is a gift of human intellect, which is given to us by God to help us
understand His Creation.
 Science is the study of interdependent relations in our earth’s systems
and structures that reflect God’s truth, beauty, and goodness.
 Life, Earth, and Physical Science foster growth in Christian virtue and
develop an appreciation for God’s creation and the good of society.
 Science is developing our stewardship and relationship in all aspects of
our faith and Gospel values.
Diocese of Joliet
Science Standards
Inquiry Process
Concepts
Science Standards Description
Understand/use inquiry process to explain
real world phenomena
Understand concepts for life, physical, earth/space,
engineering and technology
Analyze Data
Analyze/interpret data to demonstrate understanding
Models
Express understanding through written work, models,
and designs
Digital Tools
Use a variety of digital tools to produce/publish work
Science Curriculum
All Grades: – Inquiry, scientific method, experiments, analysis, lab reports,
Group projects, research, models, dissection, science fair
6th Grade:
Life Science: Plants, Cells, Bacteria, Viruses, Ecosystems, Food Webs
Physical Science - Energy, Energy Changes/Conservation
Science Plus – Science Fair Preparation (2nd/3rd Trimesters)
7th Grade: Earth Science - Solar System, Earth’s Natural Processes
Physical Science- Matter, Changes of State, Electromagnetic Energy
Science Plus – Science Fair Testing/Report Organization (1st Trimester)
8th Grade: Chemistry - Atoms, Elements, Periodic Table, Compounds, Chemical Reactions
Life Science – Animals, Animal Cells/Body Systems,
Physical Science - Motion/Forces, Energy Changes/Conservation, Newton’s Laws
Science Plus – Simple machines/CO2Cars (3rd Trimester)
Science Fair Schedule
AUGUST:
Complete Experiment Organization(7th and 8th ONLY)
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER:
Experiment Conducted (At Home)
Background Research Completed (LA/Home)
NOVEMBER:
Experiment Organization(Graphs, Analysis, Conclusion)
Final Science Fair Paper Completed
DECEMBER:
JANUARY:
MARCH:
Backboard(8th)/Power point(7th) and Note cards(7th/8th)
Oral Presentations to the Judges - Week of 1/6/16
Regional Science Fair - March 11, 2016
Science Fair Schedule (con’t)
APRIL/MAY:
6th Grade: Choosing topic; Research – 7 references; Experiment Design
7th Grade: Revising experiment design; Research – adding 3 references
MAY:
State Science Fair – May 13/14, 2016
Science Homework
MRS. SMITH’S WEBSITE (assignments are attached to calendar)
www.mbvm.org
1) Assignments - 80% typed on computer
2) Assignment Grades – School Speak
a. Formative = Practice/New Information (Not in Grade %)
b. Summative = Graded Class/HW/Quiz/Tests (Included in Grade %)
3) Remind Students to ASK QUESTIONS ??????
4) Extra Help/Appointments: 7:30 – 7:45 AM or
3:00 – 3:30 PM(T-Th)
5) Parent Communication - e-mail with questions!
Spanish & music
Stacie Knefelkamp
sknefelkamp@mbvm.org
▪ General goals
Guided by the Diocesan Learning Standards students will
– Use target language to communicate
– Study the countries and culture of Spanish speaking areas
– Use technology to produce works and presentations
– Be provided opportunities for language practice and cultural awareness.
Spanish
• Assessments
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Achievement
Effort
Behaviors that Support Learning
music
expectations
1. Come in quietly
2. Respect classmates, teacher, and instruments
3. Participate and do your personal best
4. Listen and Have fun!
Music
Guided by the Diocesan Learning Standards students
will:
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Understand and apply the elements of music and musical concepts
Understand how music is created and performed
Understand the historical role of music in Civilization
Use different outlets of performance and presentation to demonstrate understanding of
materials
Students will receive grades based on the following
– Achievement
– Effort
– Behaviors that support learning
Technology
Steve Langelett
steve@mbvm.org
NEW for 2015-16
• NO MORE VPN!! Internet access outside of school is still filtered,
but now relies on a cloud-based system instead of a connection back
to school
• New series of Science textbooks will be added to tablets (8th grade
already has it)
• Windows 10 in 8th grade, still 8.1 in 6th and 7th but may upgrade later
this year
Technology
Tech plus
• 6th grade is about “getting up and running”.
Learning to use the digital textbooks, learning
email, etc.
• 7th grade will be working on the Microsoft
Office Specialist program for Powerpoint
• 8th grade will be working on the Microsoft
Office Specialist program for Word
Teacher contact information
Stacie Knefelkamp: sknefelkamp@mbvm.org
Sue Flott: sflott@mbvm.org
Erin Darling: edarling@mbvm.org
April Langelett: alangelett@mbvm.org
Cheryl Gaca: cgaca@mbvm.org
Bridget Bassett: bbassett@mbvm.org
Rhonda Smith: rsmith@mbvm.org