GRADE 8 PROGRAM

Welcome to 8th Grade!

8th grade students are assigned to an interdisciplinary team composed of their core teachers. The middle school team structure provides students with a “school within a school”, and therefore creates a “smaller” school environment.

The eighth grade school day consists of eight instructional periods and one lunch period, each approximately thirty-nine minutes in length. Eighth grade periods include the following:

One daily period of instruction in each of the four academic team subjects (English, Math, Earth Science and Social Studies)
Earth Science lab for one period on alternating days
Physical Education for one period on alternating days
One daily period of instruction in World Language: Spanish, French, Hebrew, Latin, Mandarin Chinese or ENL (English as a New Language)
One daily period of instruction in required exploratory subjects (Health for 20 weeks, Technology for 10 weeks, and Computers for 10 weeks)
Elective*, special education service, ENL, or an academic intervention (English Learning Center and/or Math Learning Center)
Lunch

* The number of elective courses a student can take is dependent upon individual program needs. Some eighth graders will have room for one elective course in their schedule, some will have room for two and others will not have room for any.

A description of elective courses can be found on the elective courses tab below.

World Language Courses

Spanish 8

The successful completion of Spanish 7 is a prerequisite for this course. By the end of this course, students are expected to demonstrate a measurable degree of communicative competence both in speaking and writing in Spanish, as mandated by Checkpoint A, the curriculum guide designed by New York State. The course concludes with the students taking the Checkpoint A exam. **The final average from this course will be included on the high school transcript and is included in the total cumulative high school average.**

1 Unit of High School Credit

French 8

The successful completion of French 7 is a prerequisite for this course. By the end of this course, students are expected to demonstrate a measurable degree of communicative competence both in speaking and writing in French, as mandated by Checkpoint A, the curriculum guide designed by New York State. The course concludes with the students taking the Checkpoint A exam. **The final average from this course will be included on the high school transcript and is included in the total cumulative high school average.**

1 Unit of High School Credit

Mandarin Chinese 8

The successful completion of Mandarin Chinese 7 is a prerequisite for this course. By the end of this course, students are expected to demonstrate a measurable degree of communicative competence both in speaking and writing in Mandarin Chinese, as mandated by Checkpoint A, the curriculum guide designed by New York State. This course concludes with the students taking the Checkpoint A exam. **The final average from this course will be included on the high school transcript and is included in the total cumulative high school average.**

1 Unit of High School Credit

Hebrew 8

The successful completion of Hebrew 7 is a prerequisite for this course. By the end of this course, students are expected to demonstrate a measurable degree of communicative competence both in speaking and writing in Spanish, as mandated by Checkpoint A, the curriculum guide designed by New York State. The course concludes with the students taking the Checkpoint A exam. **The final average from this course will be included on the high school transcript and is included in the total cumulative high school average.**

1 Unit of High School Credit

Latin 8

This course is a continuation of Latin 7. Increased emphasis is placed on Latin grammar, the reading and writing of Latin, and English vocabulary building. There is also increased emphasis on Greek and Roman civilization and their impact on our modern civilization. This course concludes with the students taking the Checkpoint A exam. **The final average from this course will be included on the high school transcript and is included in the total cumulative high school average.**

1 Unit of High School Credit

Spanish 1

This course is an introductory course for students in grade 8. A strong emphasis is placed on communication and the integration of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Thematic vocabulary and grammar are acquired gradually as students build interpersonal communicative skills. Students work to develop a familiarity and understanding of the cultural environments where Spanish is spoken and various aspects of everyday living. Students who successfully complete this course will typically be enrolled in Spanish II in high school. Students who did not take a world language in grade 6 or grade 7 typically enroll in Spanish 1 in order to meet New York State graduation requirements. This does not pertain to students who have been exempt from World Language by the Committee on Special Education (CSE.)

Music Courses

Chorus:

Students who are interested in singing in a group may elect to join the chorus. They will work on proper singing technique: individual vocal tone quality, intonation, projection, breath control, and articulation of vowels and consonants. The chorus performs a wide variety of musical selections in three-part harmony, including popular and Broadway songs, as well as music by the master composers. Students who participate in NYSSMA in the spring will have the opportunity to be considered for the All-County Festival. Chorus participation culminates in two evening concerts. After school rehearsals are required two weeks prior to concerts.

Band:

All students who play brass, woodwind and percussion instruments and have successfully completed the seventh grade band course (or one year of private study) may register for eighth grade band. The band rehearses as a full concert band ensemble and incorporates basic technique, drills and warm-ups with the rehearsal of concert band repertoire. Band participation culminates in two evening concerts. After school rehearsals are required two weeks prior to concerts.

Orchestra:

All string players who have successfully completed the seventh grade orchestra course (or one year of private study) may register for eighth grade orchestra. The orchestra rehearses as a full string ensemble and incorporates basic technique, drill and warm-ups with rehearsal of string orchestra repertoire. Orchestra participation culminates in two evening concerts. After school rehearsals are required two weeks prior to concerts.

Academic Intervention Services (AIS)

Academic intervention classes are designed to provide remediation in concepts and skills. Students with scores of 1 or low 2 on the New York State Assessments in Language Arts and/or Math are required to take academic intervention classes. Other students may be recommended by their teachers for academic intervention.

English Learning Center (ELC)

The English Learning Center is designed for students who need additional assistance in language arts. Teachers work with students to support English class curriculum, improve reading and writing skills, and help students meet the New York State English Language Arts learning standards.

Math Learning Center (MLC)

The Math Learning Center is designed for students who need additional math support. Teachers work with students to enhance their understanding and mastery of mathematical concepts, computation skills, and real-world problem-solving. In addition, support and practice designed to help students meet the New York State Mathematics learning standards are provided. Small class size allows time for focused practice, hands-on activities, computer applications, and individualized instruction.

General Information

It should be understood that the availability of all courses and programs described on this website is subject to recommendation by the administration of the school district and to final action and authorization by the Board of Education as the Board develops its school budget.

Grades & Grading

Report cards are posted and can be viewed on the parent portal four times a year. The letter symbols listed below indicate academic achievement.

A+ = 97-100

A = 93-96

A- = 90-92

B+ = 87-89

B = 83-86

B- = 80-82

C+ = 77-79

C = 73-76

C- = 70-72

D = 65-69

F = 64 and below

Parents are advised to check the Campus Parent Portal regularly for grades and to monitor their child's academic progress.

Extra Help

Extra help is offered by teachers to all students. It may be scheduled before school, during lunch or after school.

Extra Help Schedule

The Homework Center in the library is open Monday through Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:25 p.m. Staff members are assigned to the center to assist children with homework in all academic areas. Bus transportation is available at 3:45 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. If you have any questions or concerns about extra help, we urge you to contact your child's teacher or his/her school counselor.

The availability of all courses and programs described on this website is subject to recommendation by the administration of the school district and to final action and authorization by the Board of Education as the Board develops its school budget.

Elective Courses

We are excited to begin preparing your eighth grade program. Here, you can read about our eighth grade courses on the Great Neck North Middle School website.

If you are presently enrolled in Band, Orchestra or Chorus, you will continue with this class in eighth grade. If you are continuing in Band or Orchestra in eighth grade and would like to also participate in Chorus, please speak with Mr. Trinkwald.

Eighth grade students may have room in their schedule for an additional elective course. Keep in mind that the number of additional courses a student can take is dependent upon individual program needs. Some eighth grade students will have room for one course in their schedule, some will have room for two and others will not have room for any. Descriptions of these courses can be found below and on the above-mentioned website.

We are asking you to indicate your top four choice elective courses according to your interest so that we can program them where applicable. Elective choices must be submitted through the Google Form link below no later than February 14, 2025.

ELECTIVE COURSES*

*It should be understood that the availability of all courses is subject to recommendation by the administration of the school district and to final action and authorization by the Board of Education as the Board develops its school budget for next year.

Please use the following link to number the elective courses in rank order, 1-4 with 1 being your first choice:

8th Grade Elective Selection Form

Choices include: 3-D Experience, Artist’s Workshop, Drama, Exploring FACS, Exploring Multimedia, Introduction to Film and Video, Law and Justice/Economics, and Science Research.

Art Electives

Art 8

In this studio based art course students will create a variety of projects. They will have the opportunity to experiment with various materials and techniques while engaging in creative problem solving. The course will expand upon key concepts addressed in Art 6 and Art 7 as well as introduce new ones keeping in alignment with the New York State Learning Standards for Visual Art, and student interests.

Art 9

Art 9 is a high school level studio art course offered to 8th grade students. It is geared towards serious and motivated students who have demonstrated ability and interest in their Art 7 classes. In order to be considered, students must participate in the Art 9 evaluation process. Upon successful completion of the course, students will earn one credit towards high school graduation.

Artist’s Workshop:

In this studio-based art course, students will create a variety of projects. They will have the opportunity to experiment with various materials and techniques while engaging in creative problem solving. The course will expand upon key concepts addressed in Art 6 and Art 7 as well as introduce new ones keeping in alignment with the New York State Learning Standards for Visual Art, and student interests.

Introduction to Film and Video:

Using the latest green screen technology and video equipment, this class will introduce students to the concepts and skills required to produce high-quality professional media content. Students will gain hands-on experience working with multiple cameras set up in a real studio and an attached control room. The focus will be on critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity. Students will have an understanding of all the key roles involved in producing a variety of live productions from conception to production, including talk shows, variety shows, commercials, TV news, and game shows. Students will utilize NewTek hardware and software to take advantage of virtual sets and backgrounds.

3-D Experience (Art):

As the title suggests, this course aims to explore a variety of three-dimensional art media. This may include clay, paper mache, and other materials that lend themselves to creating three-dimensional artworks. This course is project-driven, meaning that students will learn by doing and creating. Students will create a good number of three-dimensional projects utilizing a variety of materials.

Computer Elective

Exploring Multimedia:

This course is designed to broaden students’ knowledge of different forms of media and intensify the skills they acquire throughout their experiences in North Middle School computer classes. This course is project-based and driven by students’ skill-set and interests. Projects may include creation of music videos, animated videos, original soundtracks, calendars, and advanced photo editing. Some programs used are Adobe Photoshop, Go!Animate, Garageband, iMovie, and FinalCut Express.

Family & Consumer Sciences (FACS) Elective

Exploring Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS):

This project-based course consists of several units in both the food lab and the sewing lab with a focus on leadership, communication, and critical thinking. Students will complete several projects that cover a variety of topics including sewing, culinary arts, entrepreneurship, and service learning. Culinary units include intermediate recipe preparation with an emphasis on the function of ingredients and recipe adjustments. Students will also participate in culinary challenges such as a "Cupcake Wars" competition. Sewing units typically are tied to service learning and machine sewing projects. The entrepreneurship unit focuses on creating a business that culminates into students’ participation in the North Middle School “Shark Tank” competition. Students assume the role of aspiring entrepreneurs who pitch their food-based business idea to a panel of potential investors; they will hope that someone on the panel likes their business enough to bite!

Music Elective:

Drama:

Welcome to Drama, a class where you can discover talents you may not have realized you have! This course is designed to allow the student to develop performance and production skills. We will also delve into the history of theater and view productions of varying styles. All aspects of theater such as acting, directing, playwriting, scenery design, costumes, lighting and make-up will be explored in order to instill a deeper appreciation of the art of the theater and its relevance to our society today.

Science Elective:

Science Research:

This course includes the development and implementation of scientific research procedures and instruction in the use of selected laboratory equipment and other essential technology. Students will participate in various science competitions and contests, such as the Long Island Science and Engineering Fair and Science Olympiads. While this course is NOT a prerequisite for the North High School Research Program, it is fine preparation for this form of scientific exploration. Students who select Science Research will be given further instructions regarding the application process for this course. **

Social Studies Elective

Law and Justice/Economics:

During this class, we will explore social science topics related to Law and Justice as well as Economics. Students will learn about the workings of the legal system in the United States, the rights and freedoms guaranteed to us under the law, and the actions and consequences set in motion when laws are violated. Landmark court decisions from the past and cases in the news will be researched, discussed, and debated. For the Economics portion, we will investigate where money comes from and where it goes. We will learn about investing in the Stock Market by participating in Investopedia, an online game. We will also research companies and then design a business plan for a unique student created business.