Troy Knoderer, [email protected]
Bonita Neal, 7th Grade [email protected]
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
Chauntee Smith, 7th grade Assistant [email protected]
Chaq McCreary, Principal’s [email protected]
Debbie Benjamin, Special Ed. Dept. [email protected]
Mike Connors, Athletic [email protected]
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