GRADE 8 PROGRAM
Welcome to 8th Grade!
Welcome
Elective Selection Form
Program Description
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:
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One daily period of instruction in each of the four academic team subjects (English, Math, Earth Science and Social Studies)
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Earth Science lab for one period on alternating days
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Physical Education for one period on alternating days
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One daily period of instruction in World Language: Spanish, French, Hebrew, Latin, Mandarin Chinese or ENL (English as a New Language)
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One daily period of instruction in required exploratory subjects (Health for 20 weeks, Technology for 10 weeks, and Computers for 10 weeks)
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Elective*, special education service, ENL, or an academic intervention (English Learning Center and/or Math Learning Center)
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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.
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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
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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.
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 4:00 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.