Endeavor Charter school
Welcome!
 It is a new year with lots of changes.
 We will all work together this year to make it a positive and
successful transition.
 Communication, responsibility, and effort are essential
elements for your child’s success.
Meet the Teachers
 Susan Nielsson– Language Arts
 Mark Root – Social Studies
 Katie Clemmons - Science
 Jim Douglas- Math
Schedule
Monday-Thursday
 Homeroom/Announcements
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1st Period
2nd Period
Morning Meeting
3rd Period
4th Period
Lunch/Recess
Electives
Carpool
8:30-8:40
8:40-9:50
9:50-11:00
11:00-11:15
11:15-12:25
12:25-1:20
1:20-2:20
2:25-3:05
3:10-3:45
Friday
No electives
 Homeroom/Announcements
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1st Period
2nd Period
Morning Meeting
3rd Period
Lunch/Recess
4th Period
Carpool
8:30-8:40
8:40-10:05
10:05-11:30
11:30-12:00
12:00-1:20
1:20-2:20
2:20-3:10
3:10-3:45
Communication/ Conferences
 Email! We return emails promptly and professionally. Contact us anytime
for questions, clarification, or concerns. Please do not rely solely on a
student’s account for complete information.
 Be on the lookout for a SignUp Genius where you can sign up for
conferences at the end of 1st and 3rd Quarters
 ** Most conferences are a “team approach” meaning more than one core
teacher will be present.
 Weekly updates are generally sent out Sundays or Mondays. Please read all
the information written in these newsletters as this is the best way to
communicate all the WONDERFUL things that are occurring throughout
the year.
Lunch Coverage
 7th grade
 lunch 1:20-1:50
 Recess 1:50-2:20
PLEASE try to join us for at least one lunch per quarter. This helps make
coverage equitable for all families and if we do not have coverage,
YOUR child may not get to meet with us if needed, we may not get to
do other important things during this time, and you will miss out on a
great chance to volunteer and come see your middle school child in
their natural habitat. 
There will be a Lunch Sign-Up Genius form on our 7th Grade Website
Lunch Procedure
We will be following the same lunch procedure next year
that we have used this year in 6th grade. Students will
be divided into two “dining rooms”. The rooms will
rotate throughout the year, giving students several
opportunities to socialize with different people. This
process has been very popular because we will only
need two parents to cover lunch instead of three. We
have found that it also encourages camaraderie among
the students.
BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
 Behavior affects learning. We foster the best learning
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environment possible for all students.
We encourage and reward positive behavior and expect
students to be Prepared with ALL materials, Polite &
Respectful to all adults, and Engaged in learning and
on task during class.
Multiple or excessive class disruptions will result in a recess
detention for the day.
An informational packet / student contract will go home
the first week of school.
We want students to make the BEST choices, take
responsibility, and learn from their mistakes.
ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS
 Parents will have access to Parent Portal where they can view
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their child’s grades
You can check online to stay informed of progress
Late work policy for homework - students will receive a zero
and an e-mail will be sent home
Students still will need to complete it for the sake of practice,
knowledge or necessary notes/etc
8 pts deduction per day for late projects
NOT completing assignments is not an option. Student should
complete all assigned work. When missing work becomes a
pattern, students will lose recess time to notify parents or
eventually receive a consequence for noncompliance.
Morning Meeting
 Time to learn about and develop social skills and
peer interaction including topics/lessons / activities
on peer relationships, learning styles, bullying,
academic behaviors, character traits, and more
 Time management and organizational skills
reinforcement
 Important information, discussion and grade level
meeting times
 This is also snack time!
GRAMMAR/ COMPOSITION
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GENERAL OVERVIEW
Vocabulary workbook - Words:
The Power Within – root-based
vocabulary program
DGP – will be tested throughout
the year
Grammar – parts of speech,
sentence patterns, verbals,
phrases and clauses,
punctuation
Writing Genres – journaling
and brainstorming, expository,
persuasive, literary analysis, and
poetry
Writing workshop approach to
teaching writing process with
emphasis on peer editing and
revising skills
THINGS TO KNOW
 Formal paper format expectations
are posted online and consistent all
year
 Your child must have a flash drive at
all times
 Students are expected to hand in a
hard copy of papers at the time it is
due and will not be allowed to
leave/disrupt class to print at school
unless prior arrangements have
been made with a parent
 Students can retake or make
corrections on a failed quiz/test. If a
student makes an 80% or higher on
the retake or corrections, the failing
grade will be raised to a 70%.
LITERATURE
General Expectations
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Class is structured on a “reading workshop
model” ala Lucy Calkins middle grades
adaptation
Reading levels assessed and tracked in a variety of
formal /informal ways : Study Island
benchmarking and weekly assignments, SRI
lexiling, and reading conferencing
Consistent nightly reading of 30 mins. as well as
DAILY in class reading is standard to build
stamina, increase lexile, and expose students to
variety of genres and meet qrtly growth and goals
Students will be expected to read approx 2 – 4
novels per quarter both in and out of class
Parents will need to purchase 1 novel per qtr and
be expected to help monitor and select literature
throughout the year.
Units of study
 Elements of Fiction
 Fantasy
 Independent Novel Study/
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Reading Workshop
Mini novel projects (hands on,
creative, student choices) and
technology
Paideia or Socratic Seminars
Whole class novel studies
Nonfiction
Poetry – Annual Poetry Café
st
SCIENCE-1
Units of Study:
 Scientific Inquiry
 How's the Weather
Up There?
 CELLabration Time!
 It Must be Genetic
 Bodily Functions
 Move It! Forces
and Motion
Semester
Highlights:
 Hands-on Experiments
 Focus on basic science
skills, including
graphing, equipment
identification, and
forming hypotheses
 Human Body Olympics
 Field Trip to Nature
Research Center
SOCIAL STUDIES – 7th Grade
Areas of Study
Assignments/ Teaching Style
 The World
 Starting with Christopher
Columbus landing in the
“New World” (1492) through
the present day, all around
the world…
 DBQ - Document Based
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Questions
“Tour Guide” Project
Hands-on and weekly small
groups activities
3-2-1’s
G20 Summit Meeting
MATH
Things to know:
Homework/Assessments
 Each student will be issued a
 It is rare that students do not
textbook
 Typically, we work through
sections from a chapter using
notes/discussion, group work,
homework, quizzes, and a
chapter test
 There is class time set aside to
review hmwk, quizzes, & tests
 More details to come about
online textbook, grading rubric
and online gradebook
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have homework.
Homework is posted online.
Students can make corrections
on a failed quiz/test. The
highest grade a student can earn
is a 70% on the corrections.
Extra credit will not be given.
Students should make an appt.
with Mr. Douglas to get extra
help.
7th Grade Math Options: CC Math 7 (Path 1)
Common Core Math 7 covers the following concepts
The Number System
Expressions and Equations
Geometry
Statistics and Probability
Ratios and Proportional Relationships
What is the difference between CC Math 7 and CC Math 7 PLUS?
Common Core Math 7 focuses solely on one year of math rather than compacting.
Common Core Math 7 PLUS contains all of the 7th grade curriculum and
approximately half of the 8th grade curriculum as well.
What type of student is this class suited for?
CC Math 7 is best suited for a student that benefits from additional guided practice on
a given math topic and a modified pace.
Students who take CC Math 7 in their seventh grade year will most likely take CC
Math 8 in 8th grade. However, some students may skip CC Math 8 and take Math I
based on teacher recommendation.
Assessment: Students who take CC Math 7 will take the 7th grade EOG at the end of
the year.
Students that take CC Math 7 in
9th Grade
7th
Math Options in High School (Path 1)
grade and CC Math 8 in 8th grade will have the following options in high school:
10th Grade
11th Grade
12th Grade
Optional Elective
Math I
Math II
Math III
Additional
course options
can be found
below
Additional
course options
can be found
below
Math I PLUS
Math II PLUS
Math III PLUS
Additional
course options
can be found
below
Additional
course options
can be found
below
Integrated
Mathematics I
Integrated
Mathematics II
Integrated
Mathematics III
Additional
course options
can be found
below
Additional
course options
can be found
below
Additional courses available for high school credit after completing the core include the
following options. All of these options listed are accepted by the UNC General
Administration for admission to UNC institutions.
Advanced Functions and Modeling; Discrete Mathematics; Pre-Calculus; Integrated Math
IV; AP Statistics; AP Calculus; etc…
Statistical Analysis; Pre-Calculus Algebra; Pre-Calculus Trigonometry; Pre-Calculus;
Statistics II; Calculus I and II
7th Grade Math Options (Path 2)
CC Math 7 PLUS
CC Math 7 PLUS covers the entire 7th grade math curriculum and a compacted section of
the 8th grade math curriculum.
Student criteria for eligibility into Common Core Math 7 PLUS
Students must have fulfilled all of the criteria established below to receive a teacher
recommendation for CC Math 7 PLUS.
Summative Data
Grades
Teacher
Observation
The student scored a 3
or 4 on their 6th grade
EOG.
The student has
received As and Bs on
the majority of
assessments in their 6th
grade math class (tests
and quizzes).
The student
consistently masters
new math content after
a few repetitions.
The student has an
EVAAS probability
proficiency of 80% or
greater for passing
Math I.
The student retains and
can build on previous
taught math concepts
Math Options in High School ( Path 2)
Students who take CC Math 7 PLUS in 7th grade, followed by Math I in 8th grade, will
have the following high school options available. This information was adapted from
www.wcpss.net.
9th Grade
10th Grade
11th Grade
12th Grade
Math II
Math III
*start of
additional math
courses…see list
provided below
*start of
additional math
courses…see list
provided below
Math II PLUS
Math III PLUS
*start of
additional math
courses…see list
provided below
*start of
additional math
courses…see list
provided below
Note: The word PLUS refers to an advanced level course. An honors credit is given to only those high
school courses taken while IN high school.
Additional courses available for high school credit after completing the core include the following options. All of
these options listed are accepted by the UNC General Administration for admission to UNC institutions.
Advanced Functions and Modeling; Discrete Mathematics; Pre-Calculus; Integrated Math IV; AP Statistics; AP
Calculus; etc…
Math Options Continued (Path 3)
Math I
• This is a high school level math course which will meet high school graduation requirements.
• Students who take this course as 7th graders must meet the following criteria
Summative Data
Grades
Teacher Observation
The student scored 95% or greater on
their 6th grade EOG.
The student has received As on the majority
of assessments on the first attempt in their
6th grade math class (tests and quizzes).
The student consistently masters
new math content after a few
repetitions.
The student has an EVAAS probability
The student retains and can build on
proficiency of 95% or greater for passing
previously taught math concepts.
•IAAT score
is based
on research done by Baron, Ansley, and Hoover (2001) on the validity of the IAAT, we expect students
Math
I.
should accurately answer at least 83.3% of the IAAT to qualify for Algebra 1
IAAT score of 83% or higher
The student can articulate and make
connections to a variety of problem
solving strategies
• As a parent, what can I do if my child does not meet all of the above requirements for this course, but I
feel they are ready?
Parents who feel their child is placed incorrectly may request a waiver to override the teacher
recommendation. The waiver states that parents understand by overriding the recommendation, they
may be placing their child in a course that may not suit their math needs. All waivers should be turned
into Mrs. Dougherty by the last day of school.
Assessment: At the end of the school year students will take the 7th grade EOG and the Math I EOC
The Math I EOC grade, along with the grade for the course, will be listed on the student’s high
school transcript. This course will count towards high school graduation requirements but will not be
calculated into the student’s GPA or class rank in high school.
Things to Consider
If your child qualifies for placement into Math I as a 7th grader, please consider
the following to determine if this is the best fit for your child.
• Is your child academically and emotionally prepared to deal with the rigors of a high school level
course as a 7th grader?
• All students that enroll in Math I have a period of 20 school days to drop the course; however, if a
change is made, the grades from Math I will be averaged into the grades for the CC Math 7 PLUS
class.
• If your child qualifies and is placed into a Math I course, you can choose to opt out of the
placement and request CC Math 7 PLUS if you feel it is a better fit for your child.
• All students MUST have 4 high school math credits to graduate. Math I and Math II that the
students take in 7th and 8th grade will count towards this, therefore “technically” students only need
2 more math credits in high school.
HOWEVER: In speaking with various high schools, they highly recommended that
students plan to take 4 math courses while in high school to be competitive college
applicants. Therefore, accelerating through courses in middle grades will place
students in very high level math their junior and senior years.
This path is designed for students who are passionate about math and catch on quickly to new
concepts.
Math Options in High School (Path 3)
Students who take Math I as a 7th grader and Math II as an 8th
grader will have the following options in high school.
9th Grade
10 Grade
11 Grade
12th Grade
Optional
Elective
Math III
Additional
course
options…
See some of
the options
listed below
Additional
course
options…
See some of
the options
listed below
Additional
course
options…
See some of
the options
listed below
Additional
course
options…
See some of
the options
listed below
Or
Math III
PLUS
Additional courses available for high school credit after completing the core include the following
options. All of these options listed are accepted by the UNC General Administration for admission
to UNC institutions.
Advanced Functions and Modeling; Discrete Mathematics; Pre-Calculus; Integrated Math IV; AP
Statistics; AP Calculus; etc…
What is the Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test and EVAAS?
This test is designed to assess students readiness level for algebra.
If you consider your child a candidate for Math 1in 7th grade, which is a high school level course,
you may request your child take this optional assessment by filling out an IAAT Testing form. This
form can be found on Mrs. Dougherty’s website. In order for your child to be tested Mrs. Dougherty
must receive this form by May 28, 2013. This assessment is not necessary for any student that goes
into CC Math 7 or CC Math 7 PLUS for their 7th grade year.
The IAAT is a nationally normed test.
This assessment will be given on May 29 , 2013.
What does the IAAT consist of?
• This test consists of 4 timed sub-tests (students with testing modifications will be given the necessary
accommodations).
• It has been shown that nearly 83% of students who correctly answered 50 out of 60 (83.3%) questions on the
IAAT obtained As and Bs in Algebra 1. 83% converts to a national percentage of 91 and a scale score of 170.
A handout will come home once students have taken the assessment to let you know how your child scored.
Students that have the necessary EOG and classroom grade criteria along with an IAAT score of 83% or higher
will be recommended for Math I in 7th grade.
What is EVAAS?
EVAAS is a computer program owned by SAS Institute — a Cary-based, privately-held corporation
that develops and sells specialized software for a variety of industries, from education to casinos to
EVAAS
oil and uses
gas. all available end-of-grade (EOG) and end-of-course (EOC) testing data for every student.
Based on past test performance, EVAAS establishes a predicted score for each student. One score
generated is the anticipated score students will receive in Algebra 1 (now known as Math I) based on their
prior test history.
The Next Step…
•All interested families will fill out the “IAAT Request for Testing” form by May 28, 2013.
•Students will take the IAAT on May 29, 2013
• Scores for the IAAT and math placements recommendations for ALL students will be
sent home to parents on May 31, 2013. These recommendations will be sent in a
sealed envelope via the student’s backpack. A reminder email will go home to families
to be on the lookout for the placement envelopes later that day.
• Any parent who disagrees with the school’s placement may complete a waiver (found
on Mrs. Dougherty’s web page) and turn it in by June 4, 2013.
th
4
Period– Academic Discovery
 Each course will be 9 weeks and students will rotate
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classes
Clemmons- Health & Nutrition
Douglas- Mathematical Problem Solving
Root- Discovery of the World
Ezzell- Media Literacy
 Scholastic Empowerment- Nielsson (Year Long)
(Course is based on teacher recommendation)
th
4
Period Academic Discovery
 Classes will be academically rigorous
 Expect homework and tests!
th
7
and
th
8
Grade Electives
 Electives are student selected special interest classes, but should be
treated like any other academic class. The elective classes are aligned
with the 7th and 8th grade standard course of studies and follow the
objectives set by the North Carolina Department of Instruction.
 These classes may include homework, tests, and projects and will
occasionally require outside commitments.
 Grades for these courses will be included on the student’s report card.
 Classes will meet for the last period of the day Monday-Thursday
Past Elective Options have
included:
 Literature Magazine
 Musical Theatre
 Art Around the World
 Recreational Fitness
 Careers in Art
 Public Speaking
 Chorus
 Three-Dimensional Art
 Classroom Assistant
Service
 Two-Dimensional Art
 Puppet Making
 DIG
 Bridge Building
 New to 2014: Spanish!
Elective Procedures
 Students will fill out elective forms and select their first, second, and third choices.
 We will do our best to make sure all students get their first or second choice. Eighth
graders who turn their forms in on time will have first preference followed by seventh
graders who turn their form in on time.
 Elective forms will be sent home with students before the end of the year.
 Switching classes will only be allowed on the first day of the quarter. Students who wish to
switch should contact the teacher of the class they are currently in and the teacher of the class
they would like to switch to. Drop/Add Forms to switch classes will be in Mrs. Whiteside’s
office. The form will need to be signed by both teachers and by the student’s parent.
Students should then place forms in the box outside of Mrs. Whiteside’s office.
 Classes will be announced on the first day of the quarter in the student’s homeroom class.
 Students will select their 3rd and 4th quarter choices at the end of the 2nd quarter. More
information on these electives will be sent home at the end of the 1st semester.
Thank you for coming this evening!
 We are so excited to meet our new group of students!!
 Mark Root
 Katie Clemmons
 Susan Nielsson
 Jim Douglas