Our guiding statement is “Together we LEAD – Learn, Exceed, Achieve and Dream. The mission of Riverwatch Middle School is to encourage all students to reach their maximum potential by providing high quality instruction, focusing on 21st century skills, nurturing healthy relationships and community ties, and fostering well-rounded, life-long learners. RMS believes in developing happy, healthy and hardy students (H3). A happy environment is one in which positive communication between all stakeholders is a priority so that everyone feels their work is acknowledged and their time is valued. A healthy environment is one in which common goals among all stakeholders are met using a support system, understanding the purpose of work, and nurturing self and others. A hardy environment is one which our resiliency allows us to overcome challenges, is a product of the support from others, and helps us to maintain balance and flexibility. Students will have additional homework each night. Students are expected to be more independent with their learning. Students need to begin self advocating. 7th grade Core Classes Math, Advanced Math, or Accelerated Math (pre-requisite 6th Accelerated Math) Science or *Advanced Science Language Arts or *Advanced Language Arts Social Studies or *Advanced Social Studies Enrichment or Math Literacy or Reading Literacy 7th Grade Connections Classes PE or Strength and Conditioning Health Band Chorus Art Business and Marketing Engineering Technology Newspaper * Denotes a Horizons Class Accelerated On-level Homework: every weeknight – approximately 2030 minutes Frequent in class formative assessments Frequent online assessments are expected to be completed at home Open Response summative tests every 2 to 3 weeks study guides will be given and must be completed prior to test Multiple Choice summative exams at the conclusion of each unit In addition to the on-level & advanced requirements: Advanced All on-level requirements plus: Faster pace (must cover all 7th grade standards as well as advanced topics) More in-depth questions on summative assessments Extremely fast pace: will cover the 2nd half of 7th grade and all of 8th grade on level and advanced CCGPS for Math. Expect homework EVERY night – including over the weekend. Frequent formative and summative assessments as well as tasks *6th Grade Accelerated Prerequisite or 90% on a placement test. Grade Course 7th Grade Advanced Math 8th Grade Advanced Math 9th Grade Accelerated Algebra and Geometry A 10th Grade Accelerated Geometry B/ Advanced Algebra 11th Grade Accelerated Pre-Calculus 12th Grade AP Calculus or AP Statistics Grade Course 7th Grade Second ½ of 7th and all of 8th Grade Math 8th Grade Accelerated Algebra and Geometry A 9th Grade Accelerated Geometry B/ Advanced Algebra 10th Grade Accelerated Pre-Calculus 11th Grade AP Calculus or AP Statistics 12th Grade Georgia Tech Virtual Math or another online option Advanced On-level Homework: every night review concepts approximately 10-15 minutes: Add 5-10 minutes if there is written assignment Frequent in class formative assessments Frequent hands-on class activities Summative exams at the conclusion of each unit Completion of various types of written projects Faster pace (must cover all 7th grade standards as well as advanced topics) *protein synthesis, hypotonic and hypertonic solutions, half-life of elements, and crossing multiple traits More in-depth questions on summative assessments Homework: every weeknight – approximately 20-30 minutes Frequent in class formative assessments Homework may be given on the weekends Frequent formative and summative assessments as well as tasks Completion various types of written projects On-level 2-3 novel studies with Grammar & Vocabulary integrated 1-2 novel related projects Frequent Formative checks Summative exams may vary in format including: multiple choice, short answer questions needing answer with details and evidence from the text Homework 1-2 nights each week Online assessments Multiple writing assessments Advanced 3-4 novel studies with Grammar & Vocabulary integrated 2-3 novel related projects Frequent Formative checks Multiple Choice summative exams which will include short answer questions. Homework 2-3 nights each week Online assessments Multiple writing assessments Academic Contest Requirement On-level Projects (3-4 throughout the year) are summative assessments Multiple Choice summative exams at the conclusion of each unit, which may also include short answer questions. Homework (1-2 nights) – concepts should be reviewed nightly. Frequent in class formative assessments Online assessments Novel studies Advanced Accelerated pace (must cover all 7th grade standards at in depth levels) Projects (up to 5 throughout the year) are summative assessments. Some examples include: *Apartheid simulation *The Breadwinner novel study Multiple choice summative exams at the conclusion of each unit with more-in depth questions & essays. Homework (3-4 nights, sometimes on weekends) - concepts should be reviewed nightly. Online Assessments Frequent in class formative assessments Course Description: Students will be actively engaged in research based reading and writing activities connected to the English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies content areas to enhance their learning Homework: Most activities will be completed in class. In the event that a student is unable to complete an activity, it will be the student’s responsibility to complete it on their own time. Math Literacy is an extra math class which students take in place of the Enrichment class. A student’s enrollment in Math Literacy is based on CRCT scores and the teacher’s recommendation based on class performance. Students ‘ grades are primarily based on class participation. The class is designed to reinforce on-level content and review and practice basic math computation skills. Reading Literacy is an extra reading class which students take in place of the Enrichment class. A student’s enrollment in Reading Literacy is based on CRCT scores and the teacher’s recommendation based on class performance. Students ‘ grades are primarily based on class participation. The class is designed to reinforce on-level content and review and practice basic reading and comprehension skills. RMS is growing! In an effort to help the school feel smaller and more personal, students will be placed on “teams.” Teams are groups of 5 teachers – LA, Science, Math, Social Studies, and Enrichment who share the same group of 130 - 140 students. Morning Help Sessions Relearn and Recovery (R and R) The purpose of relearn and recovery at Riverwatch is to support students in mastering the standards. No two students are alike. Each teacher has the discretion to do what is best for the individual student. Student Support Team (SST) English as Second Language (ESL) To change any teacher recommendation, please fill out the waiver form located on the front page of the RMS website. This form needs to be completed by May 1, 2015 at 5:00 PM. Thank you for joining us tonight. If you have further questions, please refer to the teacher locations on your agenda. Have a great night!