Welcome to Belzer!!

Troy Knoderer, Principaltroyknoderer@msdlt.k12.in.us

Bonita Neal, 7th Grade Counselorbonitaneal@msdlt.k12.in.us

Troy Knoderer20 years in LT

Teacher/AP at FCVESC AdministratorCraig PrincipalBelzer Principal

LT resident with 2 children in LT schools8th grader at Belzer4th grader at Mary

Castle

2013-14 Belzer Admin./Counseling Staff Bonita Neal, 7th Grade Counselor/Coordinator

of Counselingbonitaneal@msdlt.k12.in.us

Chauntee Smith, 7th grade Assistant Principalchaunteesmith@msdlt.k12.in.us

Chaq McCreary, Principal’s Assistantchaqcreary@msdlt.k12.in.us

Debbie Benjamin, Special Ed. Dept. Chairdebrabenjamin@msdlt.k12.in.us

Mike Connors, Athletic Directormichaelconnors@msdlt.k12.in.us

Belzer Middle School – an “A” School A to F grade based on

percentage of students passing ISTEP

Points are gained or lost based on the growth of students compared to the previous year

Belzer’s score is 4.25 out of 4.0

Belzer is one of only 4 Marion County Middle Schools to earn an A.

Belzer Middle School: Beyond the A…….100% of Algebra students pass the state-

required end-of-course assessment63% of Algebra students score pass+ on the ECAIncreasing percentage of students scoring pass

+ on both the math and language arts ISTEP testAward-winning performing arts program – band,

orchestra, choirCommitment to elective offerings and athletics

to develop well-rounded studentsHigh expectations and academic accountability

Parents as PartnersCommitment to Communication

Sunday Evening Phone callsWeekly counselor listserve (group) e-mailsBi-weekly school newsletterTeachers send Skyward grade reports every 2

weeksWebsite consistently updatedRegular teacher listserve e-mailsMonthly Principal Reports during PFO

meetings

Number #1 Predictor for Future Academic Success: Reading

School-Wide ExpectationsSummer Reading Project:

Read 3 books of your choice; Complete a project over one of the books; Reading log and project are due the first day of school; Belzer open on Fridays for book check-out.

Reading Logs due every Tuesday of the school year

120 minutes of reading outside of the school day; Parent signature required

Class Schedule4 required classes: Math, Language Arts,

Science and Social Studies

3 electives: Music, Art, Technology, Reading/math electives

Each day begins with College Prep.

Lunch is scheduled during 3rd period for 7th graders.

Math – all students are placed in an advanced math class

In May, all 6th graders will take a pre-algebra test.

Based on that assessment, students will be placed into the appropriate level of math for 7th grade:AlgebraPre-Algebra (8th grade math) over 1 yearPre-Algebra over 2 years

Language ArtsAll language arts is

accelerated and organized into units of study.

Readers/Writers Workshop

Reading Logs 2 hours of outside reading

each week Parent signature required

How do we support students who need additional help in language arts and math?

Co-teaching

Additional language arts and math classes based on ISTEP/Star scores

XL ScienceInquiry-based approach

Discovery Education: interactive, technology-based content to coordinate with inquiry units

Achieve 3000: technology-based, science articles differentiated to a students reading level.

Social StudiesStudents study Asia, Africa

and Middle East through primary sources, projects and literature.

Each classroom is equipped with White Boards, electronic responders and each student has a laptop computer.

Achieve 3000: technology-based, social studies articles differentiated to a students reading level.

Electives Facts:Students may select a combination of semester

and yearlong courses.Students need to select enough classes to fill

three periods.No class can be selected more than once, unless

the student intends to select two different band or orchestra instruments.

Semester CoursesSemester CoursesArtProject Lead the WayTechnology CommunicationBTV (Belzer TV)WellnessNewspaper/PublicationsWorld Cultures/College

BoundDrama/DanceGospel Choir/History of RockPiano Keyboarding

Yearlong ClassesBand Orchestra ChoirWellness

Elective Choices:

Art

Extra-Curricular Clubs/AthleticsAthletics: volleyball, cross country, football,

tennis, cheerleading, wrestling, basketball, track, baseball, softball

Clubs: National Junior Honor Society, Academic Pursuit, Intramurals (basketball, soccer), Scrabble Club, Cooking Club, Service Club, Student Council, Homework Club, Lacrosse, Best Buddies

Core 4 ExpectationsSchool-Wide Behavior Support System

Be RespectfulBe ResponsibleBe Safe Be Involved

Behavior Expectations are taught for areas such as the cafeteria, hallways, and restrooms.

Important DatesMrs. Neal and Mr. Knoderer will visit each

elementary the week before Spring Break

Parents may schedule a visitation day through Mrs. Neal or attend one of our regular visitation days on April 19 or May 10.

Registration Dates: July 30 – 31, 9 am to 7 pm

First Day of School: Weds, August 7th