ELECTIVE/ENCORE OPTIONS - 4.files.edl.io  · Web view3:10: Bus dismissal. Positive Behavior Intervention Support: This program encourages students to maintain positive behavior.

McDowell CountyMiddle School

Course Catalog2020-2021

Inspiring Success: Future-Focused, Student-Centered, Mission-Driven

As a district, we are committed to creating classrooms that make sure all students are successful. To accomplish that, we have a complete curriculum that is in place to be

taught in a caring, learning environment for our middle school students.

The mission of McDowell County Schools is to deliver an excellent education where students work together, communicate with others, and explore new ideas so they

graduate ready to be successful.

It is the responsibility of the Superintendent and the McDowell County Board of Education to ensure all our students are College and Career Ready.

We encourage you to review the contents of the course catalog. It is important to understand the requirements needed for McDowell County School students to move to

the next level in their education or join the workforce.

In addition to the course catalog, be sure to review the information about the programs, sports and club opportunities that McDowell County Schools has to offer.

We wish you the best of luck in your educational journey!-McDowell County Middle School Staff

1

2

3

Table of Contents

➢ A Day in the Life 4➢ Academic Core Courses

○ 6th Grade 5○ 7th Grade 6○ 8th Grade 7

➢ Elective/Encore Options 9➢ Academically/Intellectually Gifted Program 12➢ Programs for Exceptional Children 13➢ McDowell County Middle School Athletics 13➢ Foothills Community School 14➢ East McDowell Middle School 16➢ West McDowell Middle School 17➢ Procedure for Selecting Advanced Math Courses 18➢ Middle School Math Placement Parent Waiver 19

The Mission of McDowell County Schools is to create learning environments that ensure Excellence with Equity for all students.

School Contacts:Superintendent Mark Garrett 828-652-4535Chief Academic Officer Laura Davis 828-652-4535

EMMS Principal Desarae Kirkpatrick 828 652-7711School Counselor Ashley Bartlett 828 652-7711School Counselor Tim Partlow 828 652-7711Social Worker Nicole Bolick 828 652-7711

WMMS Principal Nakia Carson 828-652-3390School Counselor Lora Atkins 828-652-3390School Counselor Ellen Miller 828-652-3390

Foothills Community School Melanie Shaver 828-652-3390School Counselor Ellen Miller 828-652-3390

4

A Day in the LifeMiddle school is an exciting time for students! New school, new friends, and new teachers are just some of the experiences awaiting you at any of the McDowell County Middle Schools.

Here are explanations of a few aspects of life in middle school:Homerooms/Advisory GroupsStudents are organized into homerooms/advisory groups. Each morning, students go to their homeroom/advisory class for attendance and to hear the morning announcements.

TeamsMiddle schools use a team approach to smooth the transition for students from elementary school. In 5th grade students are typically with one or two teachers for the entire day, while in middle school students will work with four or more teachers each day. Each middle school academic team consists of core academic teachers (Social Studies, English Language Arts, Math and Science), one of which also serves as the homeroom teacher.

Required CoursesStudents are required to take four core academic courses in middle school: English/Language Arts (ELA), Math, Science, and Social Studies (SS).

Elective CoursesElective courses are the classes middle school students take in addition to their core academic courses listed above. In North Carolina, all middle school students must take Health/Physical Education (PE) yearlong. Sixth grade students participate in 4 additional 9-week mini-courses which serve as an introductory to semester-long elective courses offered in seventh and eighth grade. Seventh and eighth grade students participate in two additional semester-long elective courses.

ScheduleSee Specific School Page for Details

1:1 Technology InitiativeAll students are provided a Chromebook for use during the school day. Chromebooks are assigned to students for use during their classes. Our teachers are committed to transforming their teaching practices to harness this technology to engage students and improve learning. Parents/Guardians may be responsible for damages to school issued Chromebooks.

5

SIXTH GRADE - Academic Core ClassesMATHEMATICSSixth Grade Math follows the progression of the Common Core State Standards. The five areas of focus for the year are Numbers and Operations, Ratio and Proportion, Expressions and Equations, Geometry, and Data and Statistics. Students are supported in accessing the appropriate grade level content through in-class differentiation. Data is used to plan and implement enrichment and remediation activities throughout the year. Classroom activities consist of, but are not limited to, Cornell Note-taking, individual and group practice, centers, and small-group collaboration. Additional supports include computer assisted diagnostic/prescriptive programs designed to help students in their individual areas of need.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTSSixth grade English Language Arts covers standards for reading and writing, as well as speaking and listening. Emphasized skills include analysis of rigorous text including short stories, novels, poetry, and informational texts. Paideia seminars, based on Socratic seminar techniques, feature open discussion and critical thinking around important texts and are used throughout the year.

SCIENCEThe process of scientific inquiry, experimentation and technological design support understanding of the core concepts drawn from physical science, earth science and life science. Students in the 6th grade learn about geology, matter and transfer of energy, plant structures and functions, and the Earth within the universe. Hands-on activities and investigations reinforce the notion that "what" is known is inextricably tied to "how" it is known through the merging of content acquisition and application.

SOCIAL STUDIESStudents in 6th grade Social Studies will build a foundation of knowledge, skills and understandings through an examination of the world from the Beginning of Time to 1450. Civilizations range across the seven continents and include: Mesopotamia, Egypt, Mediterranean cultures including Greece and Rome, Early India and China, Western Africa, as well as the Americas. This course will guide students to see patterns of change and continuity over time with a focus on conflict and cooperation, economic development, population shifts, political thought and organization, cultural values and beliefs and the impact of the environment over time, examining both similarities and differences.

SEVENTH GRADE - Academic Core Classes 6

MATHEMATICSIn grade seven, students will further develop their understanding of rates and ratios, using tables, graphs, and equations to solve real-world problems involving proportional relationships. Students will also work on quickly and accurately solving multi-step problems involving positive and negative rational numbers. Additionally, students will expand their knowledge of geometry and apply the properties of operations to solve real world problems involving the measurement of multi-dimensional objects. Students will also understand connections between algebra and geometry.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTSIn 7th grade English Language Arts students will learn to analyze the author's craft and how literary elements work together to create meaning in a text. Through the course, students will also work with informational text, analyzing text structures and features, as well as completing close readings of challenging text. In addition to a focus on informational nonfiction and literature, students will learn how to create an effective argument, using supporting reasons and evidence and addressing counterclaims. Students will participate in a variety of genres, use technology to research and create products, and develop speaking and listening skills in various discussion forums, including Paideia.

SCIENCEThe process of scientific inquiry, experimentation and technological design support understanding of the core concepts drawn from physical science, atmospheric science and life science. Students in the 7th grade learn about weather and atmosphere, cells, genetics, physics, and human body systems. Hands-on activities and investigations reinforce the notion that "what" is known is inextricably tied to "how" it is known through the merging of content acquisition and application.

SOCIAL STUDIESStudents in 7th grade Social Studies will build upon the foundation of knowledge laid in 6th grade investigating and gaining skills and understandings through an examination of the history of the world from 1450 to present day. The focus will remain on the discipline of geography by using the themes of location, place, movement, human-environmental interaction and region to understand modern societies and regions. This course will guide students through patterns of change and continuity with a focus on conflict and cooperation, economic development, population shifts, political thought and organization, cultural values and beliefs and the impact of the environment over time. Through an investigation of the various factors that shaped the development of societies and regions in the modern world and global interactions, students will examine both similarities and differences. Students often explore these concepts through a variety of methods including oral histories, primary source analysis, simulations, and graphic organizers.Students also build their content literacy by learning new strategies to comprehend nonfiction text.

EIGHTH GRADE - Academic Core Classes

7

MATHEMATICSThe foundations that the 8th grade math curriculum is built upon includes integers, number facts, vocabulary and numeracy. 8th grade math focuses on four main areas. First, formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations. This includes modeling an association of two sets of variables with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations. Secondly, understanding the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships. Thirdly, analyzing two and three dimensional space figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem. Finally students must display understanding of scatterplots in two forms; word problem associations and graph correlations.See Middle School Math Placement Parent Waiver at the end of the Course of Study.

MATH IMath I is a course designed to address all concepts found in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study for Math I. Strong emphasis is placed on number systems and properties, operations with variables and exponents, exponential and radical arithmetic, equation solving, problem solving and manipulation of formulas. An introduction to polynomials, functions, linear systems, graphing relations and functions, equalities and coordinate geometry is also included in this course. Successful completion of this course is required for graduation. Course has an EOC exam.See Criteria on Procedures for Selecting Advanced Math Courses at the end of the Course of Study.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTSIn eighth grade, students build upon and apply their prior knowledge to the study of complex themes in literature. Through Paideia Seminars, close reading and writing, and high-level, engaging texts, students deepen their understanding of literary works and concepts. By the end of eighth grade, students should have a rich background and deepened understanding of literature and nonfiction and the role they play in shaping our society. Writing in eighth grade includes in-depth research, literary analysis, and creative fiction. Students will also participate in a variety of delivery methods to showcase their learning.

EARTH/ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCEThe earth/environmental science course focuses on the function of the earth’s systems. Emphasis is placed on matter, energy, crystal dynamics, environmental awareness, materials availability, and the cycles that circulate energy and material through the earth system. The areas of inquiry include: energy in the earth system, geochemical cycles, the earth system and universe, predictability of a dynamic earth, and human interactions with the earth’s geological and environmental systems. Criteria for placement in this class depends on ???

SCIENCEIn 8th grade students will be introduced to a variety of scientific fields. There will be a focus on scientific investigation and reasoning across the entire course. Class time will typically be spent researching informational text, conducting group projects, data analysis, doing inquiry labs and taking detailed notes. Major topics covered in science will include, Matter: Properties and Change; Energy: Conservation and Transfer; Earth Systems, Structures and Processes; Earth History; Structures and Functions of Living Organisms; Ecosystems; Evolution and Genetics; Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.

SOCIAL STUDIES8th grade Social Studies continues to build on previously introduced topics in United States and North Carolina studies. Topics will include history, geography and environmental literacy, economics and

8

financial literacy, civics, government, and culture. This will be accomplished through engaging projects, class discussion, brainstorming, role playing, and the study of primary sources, maps, and informational texts. We will also explore the big themes of history to demonstrate relevant links between what did happen and what is happening.

9

ELECTIVE/ENCORE OPTIONSBAND (6th, 7th and 8th Grade)- Year-long***Learning to play a musical instrument can be fun and challenging. Learning to play music can enhance your life for years to come and connect you with some of the best friends you could ever ask for. In band class, we learn how to play instruments and read music. We sometimes travel around our county and region to play and listen to other musicians. If you have ever seen a high school marching band and want to do that, this is the required class you need to prepare you for that.

The 8th grade band is the middle school’s most advanced performing ensemble. This year-long course introduces comprehensive musicianship through music performance of challenging and varied literature. Skills and concepts are developed and expanded upon. In addition to continued refinement of individual performance skills, greater emphasis is placed on ensemble performance skills. In addition to the two after-school concerts, individual growth and achievements are encouraged through participation in adjudicated solo and ensembles performance, and all-district band.

BIOTECHNOLOGY AND HEALTHCAREThis course prepares middle school students for careers related to medicine, nursing, and health science programs – from Biomedical Engineering to Veterinary Medicine. Biotechnology and Health Careers. In this class you will explore Biotechnology and how it helps us in our everyday lives. You will also get to learn about different healthcare careers. There are 10 different careers to explore: Nursing, Sports Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Mental Health, Forensics, Emergency Medical Technician, Pharmacology, Dentistry, Biomedical Engineering and Medical Imaging. You will learn many different skills for each career that you study.

CHORUSDo you like to sing? Do you enjoy performing? Do you want to improve your vocal and acting skills so you can become a star? If so, join the Chorus class! In this semester-long course, you will learn all about singing, acting, and performing techniques. You will also learn how to read music and you will sing songs from a variety of genres, including pop, jazz, gospel, classical, multicultural, and Broadway show tunes.

COMPUTER SCIENCE DISCOVERIESComputer Science Discoveries is an introductory Computer Science course from code.org that empowers students to create authentic artifacts and engage with Computer Science as a medium for creativity, communication, and problem-solving.

CREATIVE DRAMATICSThis course will begin with a development of the understanding of the origins of theatre and why theatre exists. Focus will be on acting, communication skills, drama and dancing and the interpretation and presentation of ideas, feelings and action in dramatic form. Emphasis will be on the expansion of performance skills that include training of both the body and voice. Attention will be given to a variety of standard exercises used to improve clarity of speech, expression and presentation of ideas, to help develop one’s creative capacity. Rehearsal and performance in group theatrical presentations will be stressed throughout the semester. 7th graders will work on small skits to perform for fun. The 8th grade class will perform a play or skit by the end of the semester for the school.

EXPLORING ANIMAL AND PLANT SCIENCE10

This middle school course introduces each grade level to topics in the industry of agriculture. Topics include animal science, agricultural science, plant science, agricultural issues, natural resources, food science, stewardship, consumer agriculture, FFA, supervised agricultural experiences, and careers. 6th grade will be an introduction to the topics covered in 7th-grade and 8th-grade. They will be exploring the fundamentals of agricultural science to help them understand the importance of agriculture to our social and economic well-being as they learn about consumer agriculture and food science. Students will be incubating and raising chickens as well as growing plants in a hydroponic system.

EXPLORING BUSINESS, MARKETING, AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP This middle school course is designed to explore the nature of business in an international economy and to study related careers in fields such as entrepreneurship, financial services, information technology, marketing, office systems technology, public relations and promotion, and travel and tourism, Emphasis is on using the computer while studying applications in these careers along with problem-solving and thinking skills.

EXPLORING CAREER DECISIONSThis course was developed to provide students with an opportunity to develop basic technical literacy through the application of principles, processes, skills, and specific knowledge found in the modern industry. This course of study helps the student develop and enhance his/her decision-making, problem-solving, and creative-thinking skills through activity-based instruction. The integration and application of language, mathematics, science, social studies and the arts allow students to build on academic concepts and apply those concepts to a variety of activities. Students learn to access, process, and share information through the use of contemporary tools and processes. Through a systematic approach to problem-solving, students acquire adaptable techniques essential for comprehending contemporary industry that will start the formation of a foundation of skills needed for the world of work.

EXPLORING ENGINEERING AND DESIGNIn this course, students learn how to apply science and math skills through invention and innovation utilizing robotics. They have opportunities to design and program robots to do specific tasks and complete challenges. They learn about the core concepts of technology and about the various approaches to solving problems, including engineering design and experimentation. Students apply their creativity in the invention and innovation to create products, processes, or systems.

EXPLORING NUTRITION AND WELLNESSThis middle school course allows students to explore life skills essential for their roles as managers, consumers, workers, and family members both now and in the future. Areas of study include managing resources, relating with others, making healthy food choices, learning about children, and preparing for careers.

VISUAL ARTSArt in the Middle School takes creative thinking to a whole new level. With each project we go deeper into the history and theology behind the techniques; we explore a variety of mediums (materials), and challenge our creative thinking and problem solving skills to think outside of the box. We will develop and improve upon the following skills: drawing, painting, sculpture (clay and paper mache’), hand eye coordination, and much more.

HEALTH/PHYSICAL EDUCATION- Year-long***(This is a requirement)

11

Eighth grade students are introduced to the following physical education strands: mental and emotional health, personal and consumer health, interpersonal communication and relationships, nutrition and physical activity, alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, motor skills, movement concepts, health related fitness and personal/social responsibility.

12

Academically and Intellectually Gifted ProgramDefinition: The McDowell County Schools system defines gifted students as individuals who perform or show potential to perform at substantially high levels of accomplishment when compared with others of their age, experience, or environment. Academically or intellectually gifted students exhibit high performance capability in intellectual areas, specific academic fields, or in both intellectual areas and specific academic fields. Academically or intellectually gifted students require differentiated educational services beyond those ordinarily provided by the regular education program. Outstanding abilities are present in students from all cultural groups, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor.

Overview: The Academically-Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Program at McDowell County Schools serve sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students who qualify through the criteria set by McDowell County Schools. Full-time and part-time AIG Specialists are staffed to provide and coordinate services for AIG students. Services focus on differentiation of core content material in Math and/or English/Language Arts, enrichment, acceleration, social and emotional support, and interest-based learning.

Identification: Students can qualify for AIG services as Academically Gifted in Math, Academically Gifted in Reading, Academically Gifted in Reading and Math, or as “Intellectually Gifted.” Students are identified through multiple pathways that include aptitude, achievement, observation of gifted characteristics, and school performance. Qualifying scores are determined by McDowell County Schools and are based on nationally normed percentiles. An AIG Services Committee meets regularly to review individual students’ assessment results and to determine which services will be appropriate for each student.

Screening and Referral: Students can be referred for AIG screenings.

Differentiation Differentiation within the content areas of Math and English/Language Arts is an important component of the McDowell County Schools AIG program. The AIG Specialists work directly with classroom teachers in these areas to plan and deliver content that is designed to be engaging and rigorous for gifted learners. Classroom teachers use pre-assessment evidence and classroom performance to appropriately differentiate instruction and curriculum for the varied levels of learners. Best practices in grouping, extension activities, acceleration, and enrichment are used to ensure that gifted learners are appropriately challenged in areas of strength.

13

Exceptional Children’s ProgramThe Exceptional Children’s Program provides specially designed instruction to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free and appropriate public education. The program emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet students’ unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment and independent living. Services may include specialized educational instruction, speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, hearing impaired services, visually impaired services, and transportation

The Common Core State Standards and North Carolina Essential Standards are used throughout all Middle School levels. Exceptional Children teachers use a variety of strategies to help students make progress in the curriculum, including inclusion support with general education teachers.

Students with significant cognitive disabilities participate in the Extensions of the Common Core Standards. This curriculum teaches the essential elements of the traditional course of study while also emphasizing the acquisition of functional skills.

McDowell County Middle School AthleticsMcDowell Middle School offers three distinct seasons of sports for our 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. Sixth grade students are allowed to compete in all our athletic programs except football. Sixth grade students are also selected to serve as managers for sports’ teams. All interested students need to listen for morning announcements that will detail the initial interest meetings as well as the time and location of tryouts. Parents may always contact the school directly for information. Up-to-date information is posted on social media as well. Every student must have a current athletic physical completed and on file with MCS before trying out or managing. These forms are available on the school’s website.

The fall season consists of football, girls’ volleyball, girls’ and boys’ soccer. This season runs from approximately late August until late October. The winter season consists of wrestling and boys’ and girls’ basketball. This season runs from early November until early February. The spring season consists of track, baseball, and softball and runs from late February until May. We have a cheerleading squad that competes throughout the year. Games vary depending on the sport Practices occur nearly every day during the week. Each team’s coach will provide detailed practice and game schedules as they are developed. Transportation is provided to and from the games, but students will need rides home from school after practices and games.

Our sports teams are very competitive and are designed to help develop players’ abilities and deepen their understanding of the game. Students are required to try out for these sports. Our athletic program becomes a vital component of developing the whole child here at McDowell County Middle Schools. Under the close guidance of our excellent coaching staff, the opportunities for leadership and personal growth abound as our student athletes practice, compete, and grow into the young men and women our community needs.

14

Foothills Community SchoolBell Schedule:7:45 Start Time2:50 EMMS bus dismissal3:00 Car dismissal3:10: WMMS bus dismissal

Families: Upon entering FCS, students are assigned to a family. This family is their foundation for their career at FCS. The family provides our 6th graders with opportunities to be mentored by our 2nd and 3rd year students, while the 2nd and 3rd year scholars have the opportunity to emerge as a leader and mentor to our 1st year scholars. Having a family teacher also provides parents a point of contact.

Multi-grade Classrooms: Classrooms are multi-graded (meaning that it is possible to have 6th-8th graders in one class). This provides scholars access to in class acceleration or deceleration based on their individual needs.

Project Based Learning: is a student-centered pedagogy that involves a dynamic classroom approach in which it is believed that students acquire a deeper knowledge through active exploration of real-world challenges and problems.

Standards-based Grading: involves measuring students' proficiency on well-defined course objectives, set by the state of NC.

STEM Focus: What does this look like? ● Scholars behaving as scientists: On a typical day, scholars may be recording observations,

carrying out experiments, or conducting their own research. Learning is project-based and sometimes messy, but scholars learn by doing, not by rote memorization.

● Connecting STEM learning to a career: To help scholars understand what kind of jobs are available, each unit is connected to a CTE pathway and future careers.

● Integrating with other subjects: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math subjects are woven into other areas of the curriculum.

● Making use of technology: Scholars are not only consumers of technology, but begin to be producers of technology by creating original creative work.

● Noise: Classrooms are not quiet and are often arranged so that students can sit and work in groups. This encourages collaboration as scholars discuss their work and challenge each other’s ideas.

English Language Learner program: Scholars qualifying as ELL are served within the regular classroom. The ELL teacher works with content area teachers to provide strategies that support all learners.

Academically and intellectually gifted program: Scholars are invited to participate in NCSSM (NC School of Science and Math) enrichment sessions as well as being served in the regular classroom.

Quarterly Learning Celebrations: After every unit, the community is invited to an open house to celebrate scholar achievements and to view the projects that scholars have worked on!

15

Scholar-led Conferences: During our Quarterly Learning Celebrations, scholars lead their own conference in which they discuss their progress and the areas of strengths and weaknesses. During this time, they highlight their work on their digital portfolios which serve as an indicator of growth throughout the year.

Clubs: FCS has different clubs that students can choose from ranging before school or after school. Science Olympiad, Lego Robotics, FTC Robotics, Gardening, Journalism, Outdoor, Running, Comics, Gaming and more!

Student Services include access to one school counselor, a school nurse, and a school resource officer. We offer services including a food pantry, clothing closet, and coordination of outside services for mental health providers.

16

East McDowell Middle SchoolBell Schedule:Start time-7:50End time-3:15

Car rider dismissal-3:15Bus rider dismissal-3:25Walker dismissal-3:40 (after buses are released)

Upon entering EMMS, students are assigned to a grade-level family, which will consist of 4 core teachers. The ‘family’ provides our students with a sense of belonging, consistent expectations and a reduced amount of transitions. Having a family of core teachers also provides parents a point of contact.

An enrichment program (WIN time) is included in our daily schedule for 30 minutes and is focused on English Language Arts and Math. Academically gifted students receive differentiated instruction during class. All English as a Second Language students are served daily during WIN time for 30 minutes.

EMMS is a PBIS school. We encourage and reward positive behaviors daily. Students can earn UROCK cards for going above and beyond during the school day.

Beginning Guitar (Spring Semester): is a step‐by‐step, user friendly, interactive approach that is fun, yet challenging. Students perform music immediately. The Beginning Guitar course is designed to accommodate each student’s aptitude with different options within a unified set of goals. It includes reading standard notation, intro to chords and solo pieces using finger-style and classical techniques (plucking with the fingers instead of a pick). The style of the music ranges from classical to pop.

ESL Newcomers (Yearlong)-Newcomer Class at East McDowell Middle School serves ESL students who come to EMMS with no English language skills (non-English speakers). The program assists these students in becoming proficient in the English language so that they may become successful in academic subjects during their remaining time in secondary school. It provides an orientation to the American educational system and culture, while giving them necessary survival skills in English and enhancing their self-esteem.

SPLASH/Advanced Spanish (Yearlong): This class is designed as a continuation of the SPLASH class from Eastfield. This class is offered as an Encore/Elective class for all grade levels.

BEAST Buddies: Student Leadership is a large focus at East. The BEAST Buddies Mentoring Program provides students with the opportunity to return to their feeder Elementary School once a month in order to mentor another student. Our BEAST Buddies are trained prior to beginning the Mentorship. Students must apply in order to be a part of this program. Students must have good attendance and be within good academic standings.

Student Services include access to two school counselors, a school social worker, a school nurse, and a school resource officer. We offer services including a food pantry, clothing closet, and coordination of outside services for mental health providers.

17

West McDowell Middle SchoolBell Schedule:First Bell 7:45Tardy Bell 7:50Advisory 7:50-8:00

Core classes and Electives: 8:00-2:30Spartan Time: 2:30-3:00 except on Wednesday

Spartan time is remediation/enrichment Club Time: 2:30-3:00 On Wednesdays. Students select a club each semester.

3:00 Car dismissal3:10: Bus dismissal

Positive Behavior Intervention Support: This program encourages students to maintain positive behavior. Every nine-weeks we have a celebration for students who have not received an office referral.

Men of Honor: Men of Honor is an organization of 30 male students. Sponsors of this group work with these students on manners, appropriate gentlemen behavior, and doing community service. These students work monthly with elementary students to support good behavior.

Intensive Care Unit: ICU is a tutoring program that is staffed from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Students can use this program during electives, lunch, and afterschool for help with any school work they do not understand or have missing.

Hands of Hope: This is a program where select high school female students meet every other week with a group of 7th-grade girls who need extra help.

Study Lab: This group will be meeting during Spartan time to work on the basics of how to study. We will be calling this our Study Lab.

Spartan Connect: Daily meeting of 8th-grade students who mentor 6th-grade students during advisory and again on Wednesday during club time.

Math I Outreach: Math I students mentor, tutor, and teach a group of elementary students once a week.

Student services include access to two school counselors who use different counseling strategies that meet the needs of all students, a nurse for medical emergencies, and a school resource officer. West offers services including a food pantry, clothing closet, and will assist with finding outside services for mental health providers.

18

Procedure for Selecting Advanced Math Middle School Courses

Grade Eight:1. A potential list of all students meeting ANY of the following criteria and their data for each of

the criteria will be established:a. 7th grade math EOG level at or above the 85 %tileb. AIG placement in mathc. Final grade in 7th grade math

2. Middle School principals, 8th grade math teachers, and counselors will host a meeting for students on the potential list and their parents by July 1. They will explain the opportunity and expectations of the advanced math track.

3. Parents and students will indicate by July 15 whether they wish to opt in or opt out of the advanced math pathway.

4. Middle School Principals and Counselors will consider students on the screening list who did not complete an opt in or opt out form as well as students who are newly enrolled to MCS.

5. Parents of students who were not on the initial screen have the opportunity to appeal to the principal and request the course by July 31. The waiver request forms will be available on the schools’ websites and hard copies will be available in each school’s main office as well as the counseling offices.

6. MCS will ensure that all demographic subgroups are included in the final class roster.

Grade Eight:1. Schools will make efforts to include students who are newly enrolled from other systems into

the pool for advanced coursework.2. Students who are interested in pursuing advanced high school course options may take Math I

as long as they have an EVAAS prediction of making a Level 4 or above on Math I at 85% or higher.

3. It should also be noted that students who take Math I in grade 8 are eligible to receive a high school credit for the course and their final grade will be recorded on their high school transcript. Additionally, the state EOC (final exam) will count 20% of their final grade for that course per BOE policy 3410.

MCDOWELL COUNTY SCHOOLS19

Middle School Math PlacementParent Waiver Form 2020-2021

By signing and submitting this waiver, I am requesting that my child be placed in a middle school math course other than the one recommended by the educators for this school year.

Student Name:

School:

Current Grade Level:

Parent/Guardian’s Name:

Parent/Guardian’s Phone Number:

Parent/Guardian’s Email:

Math Course Recommended by School:

Math Course Requested by Parent:

Rationale for Request:      

Please review and check each of the following:

I understand that requests will be reviewed by the middle school principal, who ultimately is the responsible party☐ and will make the final decision.

If the placement is changed, I understand that it can’t be changed back after day 20 and my ☐student will remain in the requested course for the full school year.

I attest that I have read through the middle school/high school math pathways and have also ☐thoughtfully considered my student’s test scores, grades, classroom performance, work habits, motivation, and academic needs as they pertain to middle school math and believe I can support my child’s success in the requested course change.

Parent/Guardian’s Signature: ________________________________Date: _____________________

20