MIDDLE
SCHOOL PROGRAM
Early adolescence, characterized by diversity in physical, social,
emotional, and intellectual growth, marks the beginning of the transition from the dependence of
childhood to the independence of adulthood.
The middle school years are exciting and challenging as students face
new academic and social situations. Our
middle school provides a secure environment in which students can make a
comfortable transition to high school.
We recognize the existence of a variety of learning styles, and we
operate with the assumption that all students do well if they can. We value and encourage individual excellence
and provide all students with opportunities to succeed. This approach is inherent in our curriculum
and the methodologies we use.
Our middle school prepares students with the skills and knowledge
necessary for success. We hope that upon
leaving middle school students will see their education as an ongoing process
and not as an end in itself.
PARENT
& SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
Parents working together with our school community make for a powerful team. Formal events such as Back to
School Night and Parent/Teacher Conferences are excellent opportunities for
parents to become familiar with school routines and to communicate with
teachers. If you have a question about the schedule, planning for high school,
or a concern about your daughter/son’s social or emotional well being, please
contact middle school guidance counselor Nanette Spoehr. Ms. Spoehr is also the
person to call if you wish to make an appointment to meet with either the
sixth, seventh, or eighth grade teaching team. Should any classroom concern or
question arise, please contact the appropriate teacher first. Usually all
difficulties can be resolved in this manner, and School Committee policy
requires that teachers be contacted first. The Team Leader, guidance counselor,
Dean of Students, and principal are available for help if the concerns cannot
be resolved. You may reach anyone at school by calling 637-5560, and you may
access voicemail through the receptionist.
E-mail addresses are available for individual teachers (please see staff
directory in the front of this book). You may also stay up-to-date with most school
events by visiting our website at www.lenoxps.org.
We also use an automated calling system to inform parents of school closings and
other announcements, email to parents as needed and View
My Schedule which is accessed from our home page (www.lenoxps.org) and provides up-to-date
information on sports events. If we do
not have your email address, please call the main office at LMMHS and speak
with Elaine Lovato, secretary to the principal or email Elaine at elovato@lenoxps.org . A form is included in the back of this
handbook for your use as well.
All Middle School students are given an agenda that should be used
faithfully to record nightly homework and to keep track of assignments. The notebook
also has space for parent/teacher communication, and parents should ask to see
it daily.
Report cards are sent home for parent signature
four times per year. Parents are asked to sign the report card and send it back
to school the next day. Progress reports
called “Interims” are mailed home on an as-needed basis midway between report
cards. Parents who wish to have notification that an interim report is being
sent must call the guidance office and provide an E-mail address. Parents are
invited to meet teachers and to go through their daughter/son’s schedule on
Back to School Night, usually scheduled a few weeks after the opening of school
in September. Parent/Teacher conferences are scheduled in November and are
arranged by calling the school for an appointment.
Appropriate Attire
Students at LMMHS are expected to dress appropriately for school and
school-sponsored activities. A student’s dress should show the respect that we
encourage for self and others. Therefore, to that end, a student’s clothing is
not to expose underwear, buttocks, breasts (or cleavage), navels; depict
violence; gang membership or promotion; promote illegal activities; contain
profanity or pornographic material; or cause disruption or disorder. Clothing
that obstructs the identity of an individual (i.e.: hoods) will not be allowed.
Students will be asked to change their clothing if it falls into any of
the above categories. A first offense will be considered a minor infraction of
school rules. However, repeated offenses or a refusal to change inappropriate
clothing will be considered a major infraction and handled accordingly.
DAILY Schedule
Students should
report to their first period class between 7:35 and 7:40 a.m. First period
class begins at 7:45 a.m. and also serves as a "homeroom" where
attendance is taken and the daily bulletin is read. The school day is divided
into seven periods plus a 30 minute lunch period. The school day ends at 2:24 p.m.
Lunch
Schedule
1st
Lunch 10:22 – 10:52 Middle school students have 1st
lunch
2nd
Lunch 11:15 – 11:45
H.S.
Students are divided between 2nd and 3rd lunch (Some 8th
grade students may eat 2nd lunch depending upon their schedule)
3rd
Lunch 12:08 – 12:38
Five of the seven
periods are devoted to Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, World
Language and, in grade six,
Most classes meet
daily while others such as physical education and most mini courses are offered
on alternate days. School days rotate in
a six-day cycle with days labeled as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Alternate-day courses appear on student
schedules as occurring on "135" or "246" days. Courses
lasting half of the year are semester courses while those lasting for one
marking period are quarter length courses.
It sounds more
complicated than it is, and schedules are quickly mastered.
Homeroom 7:45 – 7:47 (Students have homeroom in their
1st period class)
Period A 7:47 – 8:36
Pass 8:36
– 8:40
Period B 8:40 – 9:29
Pass 9:29
– 9:33
Period C 9:33 – 10:22
1st
Lunch 10:22 – 10:52
Period
D 10:56 – 11:45
Period
E 11:49 – 12:38
Period
D 10:26 – 11:15
2nd
Lunch 11:15 – 11:45
Period
E 11:49 – 12:38
Period D 10:26 – 11:15
Period E 11:19 – 12:08
3rd
Lunch 12:08 – 12:38
Pass 12:38
– 12:42
Period F 12:42 – 1:31
Pass 1:31
– 1:35
Period G 1:35 – 2:24
School Cancellation and Delayed
Opening
Due to inclement
weather or other emergencies, school may either open after the normal 7:45 a.m.
starting time or be canceled for the day.
Notice of delayed opening or cancellation will be announced using the
school’s automated calling system, local TV broadcast stations channels 6, 10,
13, Capital News 9, most local radio stations including WBEC (105.5 FM), WUPE
(95.9 FM, 1110 AM), WSBS (860 AM), and WBRK (101.7 FM, 1340 AM). Delayed
openings count as full school days; however, cancellations must be made up at
the end of the school year.
School Safety
Visitors
All visitors to
the school must enter through the main entrance and report to the main office
to sign in and obtain a visitor’s badge, which must be worn at all times.
Visitors who do not report to the main office may be subject to a charge of
illegal trespass.
Student Guests
Student guests may be permitted on a
limited basis. The guest and their student host must each have written parental
consent and must obtain the written consent of the principal at least two days
prior to the visit. Guests must adhere
to all school rules and regulations. Students applying to Lenox under the provisions
of "school choice" must make an appointment for their visit through
the guidance office by calling 637-5560.
Building Evacuation
From time to time
the building is evacuated either for a practice drill or for an actual
emergency. Students should become
familiar with the fire exit instructions that are posted in every
classroom. The signal for evacuating the
building is a loud alarm that is used only for this purpose. When outside, students
should stay with their class and teacher.
The teacher will take attendance. Students should walk with their class
to the parking lot and remain clear of fire lanes. Students should not get into
cars unless specifically instructed to do so. Students using other exits should
remain 100 feet from the building. If alternative evacuation procedures are
required, specific instructions will be announced over the intercom.
For reasons of
safety and communication of instructions, it is very important to remain quiet
and orderly. Failure to adhere to school
rules during building evacuations will be considered a major infraction of
school rules.
Building Lockdown
A lockdown would
be used in the event that a dangerous person has entered the school or is on
school property. While this is not likely to happen, it is important that we
all know how to respond if it should happen. A lockdown would be announced on
the school’s intercom system. A lockdown requires that classrooms be locked,
shades pulled down, and students should be sitting on the floor away from
windows. Students will also be given specific instructions by the teacher on
what to do when a lockdown is announced.
Attendance/Tardy Policies
A clear, positive
relationship exists between good school attendance and high academic
achievement. The learning experiences
that take place in the classroom are a meaningful and essential part of the
educational process. It simply is not
possible to "make up" everything that is lost when a day of school is
missed. Developing good attendance and
work habits are strong components of overall preparation for employment and
higher education.
Parent Procedure for Student Unplanned Absence
If your
son/daughter is absent from school, please do the following:
1) Call the school at 637-5560 before 9:00
a.m. An answering machine will be in use
for calls before 7:30 a.m.
2) Indicate your student's name, grade level,
date(s) of absence and the reason for the absence. Your call will be logged and
placed in your student's file.
·
If it
is an extended illness, please state so as soon as that is known.
·
Other
than a known extended illness, the school must be contacted each
day a student is out of school.
Attendance Responsibilities
The compulsory
school attendance law in
It is sometimes
unavoidable to be tardy or absent from school.
Parents are discouraged from scheduling vacations while school is in
session. Legitimate reasons for being absent or tardy may include:
illness serious
family emergencies
religious observances college visits
required court appearance
Many times an
absence or tardiness is avoidable. Examples of excuses for being tardy or
absent that are not legitimate
include:
holiday shopping working on homework
hair appointments being tired
forgetting books taking care of a pet
Excused Absence
An absence is
considered excused when the parent/legal guardian contacts the school and
provides a legitimate excuse for the absence.
Contact with the school should be made in accordance with the
"Parent Procedure for Student Absence” stated previously.
Work Missed for Excused Absences
Students whose absences are excused have
the right to make up tests and as much classroom work missed as each teacher
deems essential. It is the student's responsibility to schedule makeup
arrangements with each of his/her teachers.
Work missed due to one or two absences should be made up within two
school days. Work missed due to longer absences should be
made up within five days. With the written consent of the teacher, further
extension may be granted if, in the opinion of the teacher, the complexity
and/or quantity of work missed requires extended time for completion. Parents should discuss extenuating
circumstances with the nurse and/or guidance counselor. In no case will an
extension exceed 20 school days from the date the student returns to school. Arrangements
for makeup work will take place either before or after school or at such time
prescribed by individual teachers. While our teachers try to accommodate
extended absences as best they can, they cannot re-teach all the missed
classes. In some cases, missed science labs may not be possible to make up due
to the complexity of the lab set-up required for completion.
The burden of
making up missed school work lies with the student and must be completed within
the allocated time frame. Students
who are absent from school as a result of short-term out-of-school suspension
are responsible for getting assignments, textbooks, and other school supplies
from classmates.
Parents must notify the
Principal in writing at least one week in advance for planned absence(s), and
all work missed must be made up in accordance with the requirements stated
above for work missed due to excused absence(s). Parents are discouraged
from scheduling vacations while school is in session.
Unexcused Absence
An unexcused
absence is defined as an absence that does not fall within the description of
an excused absence. An unexcused absence
is considered a major infraction of school rules and will result in one or more
days of either in-school or out-of-school suspension. Students missing tests and other classroom
work due to unexcused absence(s) may lose their right to make up work missed as
a result of such absence(s). Repeated unexcused absences of a student under the
age of 16 violates Massachusetts compulsory school attendance laws and, in
addition to school imposed penalties, will result in referral to the
appropriate legal authority.
Morning Tardiness
Students are
required to arrive to their first period (homeroom) class between 7:35 and 7:40
a.m. Failure to arrive in class by 7:45
a.m. constitutes tardiness. Students who
are tardy must report first to the office to obtain a pass to their scheduled
class. If a student arrives at school
after 7:45 a.m., s/he must have a note from her/his parent/legal
guardian on the same day that provides an acceptable excuse for the
tardiness. Morning emergencies occurring
on the way to school will require a note on the following day. The note must be delivered to the main office
and a pass obtained prior to entering class.
If a student is tardy without a note from his/her parent/guardian, the
tardy is considered unexcused and the student will be assigned to an after
school detention. A student may have a maximum of four excused instances of
tardiness in any one marking period. Further instances of tardiness will result
in being assigned to after school detention.
Students begin with a “clean slate” at the start of the next marking
period. A student who has a medical condition supported by a letter from their
physician that prevents the student from arriving to school on time will not be
assigned detention.
Classroom Tardiness
Students should
arrive to class on time. Students who fail to reach their next period class
during the allotted four-minute passing period without a pass are tardy and
subject to either teacher-assigned or office-assigned detention. Students will
be given 24-hour notice of such detention.
Care of Personal and/or School
Property
It
is the student's responsibility at all times and in all situations to protect
his or her property and school property placed in his or her charge. Generally, students should not bring extra
money or other valuables to school. If a
student must have a large sum of money or an item of value while in school,
s/he should deposit such item(s) in the office during school hours. Students should keep their lockers locked at
all times. Carelessness, including that
of friends who know the combination, is the most frequent cause of a loss of
property. All equipment, books, etc.,
should be marked with the student's name. Report all losses to the office
immediately. Students are expected to
treat school property with care and respect. Students will be held responsible
for any damage or vandalism of books, desks, calculators, or other school
property in their care.
Lockers
Lockers should be
used to temporarily store coats, books, and other school supplies, and provide
a good alternative to carrying everything around in a bookbag. Health experts
strongly suggest that students not carry more than 10% of their body weight in
backpacks. Students are assigned both hallway lockers and gym lockers. All
lockers have combination locks, and students should keep their lockers locked at
all times. Valuables should not be stored in lockers. Lockers are school property and are subject
to search by school officials without warning.
Computer
System and Internet Rules and Guidelines
The supervised use
of computers and other technologies is available to Lenox Memorial students to
advance education and research in a manner consistent with the philosophy and
goals of our school. Computers are school property and are
subject to search by school officials without warning. No student should have any expectation of
privacy while using LMMHS technology. The school reserves the right to access,
review, copy, delete, monitor, and disclose all messages and files on its
computer system, as well as review, monitor, and disclose internet usage if necessary
and appropriate. All communication, including text and images, can be disclosed
to law enforcement or other third parties without prior consent of the sender
or receiver.
All aspects of the Code of Conduct
concerning one’s personal conduct apply while using computers, the Internet or
any other technology. The Massachusetts Computer Crimes Statute specifies that
unauthorized access to or tampering with computer files is a violation of State
law. Students will also be held financially responsible for the repair of any
damage resulting from the misuse/vandalism of computers.
Lenox Memorial may
issue individual computer/e-mail accounts to students in accordance with the
following rules and guidelines:
·
Computers
are for school-related research, and students may not use them to play games. A
reasonable time limit on use may be imposed when computers are in demand.
·
Computer
and e-mail accounts may be used only by the authorized owner of the account to
advance education and research.
·
There
is a zero tolerance policy on physical abuse and vandalism of the computer
systems
·
Sending
annoying, obscene, libelous, or slanderous messages is specifically prohibited.
·
Threats
or harassment sent by e-mail may constitute illegal acts punishable by law.
·
The
Internet is not a secure medium, and you should not assume confidentiality.
·
Students
should check e-mail daily.
·
Computer
users must respect copyright laws and licensing agreements pertaining to
material entered into and obtained via the computer system.
The following uses
of the computer systems and the Internet are prohibited:
·
Use of
the Internet for commercial purposes, including personal shopping, or
advertising.
·
Downloading,
copying, or installing of any files (including music, software, games,
graphics, etc.) is prohibited.
·
Changing
any configuration settings on any school computer
·
Accessing
web-based e-mail/IM services such as Yahoo, MSN, Hotmail, etc.
·
Accessing
or attempting to access internet sites that promote and/or offer a means to
cheat or plagiarize. Such action is also contrary to our expectations for
academic integrity.
After or before
school use of computers (including library computers) is subject to all of the
rules stated above. Additional computer
system and Internet rules and guidelines may be issued from time to time to
protect the computer systems or to enhance effective use. Such rules and
guidelines will become effective upon issuance and notice to the students.
Student-Owned
Computers
Students
may have the privilege of using a personally owned computing device on school
grounds given the following conditions:
- In order to be defined as a laptop, a
device must have a 7-inch screen or larger, have an attached keyboard, and
be capable of research and word processing.
- The school is not responsible for any
damage, loss or theft of student-owned equipment.
- The students must submit a student
computer permission form signed by their parent/guardian. See the District
Technology Coordinator (Mr. Jackson) to obtain the required form.
- Student-owned computing devices are
not permitted for use in classrooms except by specific permission of the
teacher on an as-needed basis.
- The privilege of using a student-owned
computer/electronic device may be revoked at any time by the school
administration and/or the District Technology Coordinator (Mr. Jackson)
- Any student-owned computing device on
school grounds is subject to search and / or confiscation by school
officials.
- A student must surrender any passwords
to his/her computer upon request by school officials.
- In order to be granted access to the
school network, a student must register the device with the District
Technology Coordinator (Mr. Jackson). A thorough search of the device may
occur at that time. (Access points will be limited to specific areas, with
no guarantee of service.)
- Rules of acceptable behavior are the
same for both student-owned and school-owned equipment. Non-academic uses
are not allowed.
- Students may not connect to any
network other than one that is designated for student use. These will be
identified with the prefix “Student-AP”.
- The student agrees not to connect to
any other networks or access the internet by any other means.
- To best protect the school and other
students, the student agrees to keep current virus prevention software
licensed and installed on their computer at all times.
STUDENT SERVICES
The
The
Guidance
The guidance
office plays a very active role in the preparation for the new school year. We
look forward to welcoming our new students, and we wish to help in any way we
can to make the transition comfortable and happy. As the school year progresses, the guidance
counselor is available to students and
parents. At any point, if questions or
concerns arise about the schedule, educational planning, or about
social/emotional well being, please feel free to call or come in. The counselor monitors the progress of all
students during the year and will call, write, or E-mail parents if a conference is needed.
School Adjustment Counseling
Students and
parents may request school adjustment counseling services when a student is experiencing
personal, academic, or family distress. The goal of the program is to support
school achievement and positive relationships while encouraging effective
communication and problem solving, and promoting self-esteem. Individual, group, and family counseling is
available at school, or referral to community-based social service
professionals can be provided. If a student needs to meet with a school
adjustment counselor more than three times, then parent permission is
necessary. However, parents will be notified immediately in cases where a
student’s safety is at risk.
A school
adjustment counselor (SAC) is a licensed independent clinical social worker.
School adjustment counseling may be arranged by speaking with a guidance
counselor or by direct contact with the school adjustment counselor, Kristine
Grimes, at extension 1207.
Extra Help
Most students will
need extra assistance with one or more of their courses at some time or
another. One of the best ways to get
help is for the student to see a teacher before or after school. The student should first talk with the
teacher to select a specific day to come back for help. Another good way to get help is from a peer
tutor. A peer tutor is usually a high
school student who is volunteering his/her time to help other students with
their schoolwork. Peer tutors are
arranged through the guidance office.
School Resource Officer
The School
Resource Officer (SRO) provides assistance to students, parents and teachers on
legal issues, fosters a positive relationship with the Police Department, and
assists with maintaining a safe school environment. Teachers may use the
Resource Officer for assistance with topics such as law and heath education.
The Resource Officer is also available to meet with parents and students for
advice and counseling on a variety of questions or concerns related to the
law. The School Resource Officer has a
mailbox at school and a posted schedule in the main office and cafeteria.
Health
Services
Students at Lenox
Memorial have a nurse or a health aide available during the school day for
drop-in visits and emergency first aid.
Regular services include hearing, vision, scoliosis, height and weight
screenings, individual health counseling, and administration of medications. State law and School Committee policy
requires all seventh and eleventh graders and all students who wish to try out
for an athletic team to have a physical exam.
The Massachusetts
Department of Public Health requires (105 CMR 220.000) the following
immunizations for all students entering grade 7:
·
2nd
MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
·
Hepatitis
B (series 3 immunizations in a 6-month period)
·
Tetanus
Booster (within 5 years)
·
Varicella
(chicken pox) MD certification that student has had the disease or vaccination
is required.
Under special
circumstances, medical or religious exemptions may be obtained. However,
personal or philosophical exemptions are not acceptable.
At times, a
student may be too ill to attend school.
As a general guideline, students should stay home if they have nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, or an elevated temperature. A student should be free of
such conditions for twenty-four hours before returning to school. A student who is out of school for more than
five consecutive days must have a note from a doctor prior to return. The nurse may excuse a student from
participation in physical education class upon the request of either the
student or parent. The nurse may require
a doctor’s note if the student either has multiple requests for exclusion or
needs extended absence from physical education.
The Lenox Public
School System has a medication policy that insures student safety and adherence
to good nursing practice. In order for
the school to administer an over- the-counter medication (such as aspirin, Tylenol,
etc.) a medication authorization form signed by both the parent and physician
must be on file. In order for the school to administer a
prescription medication, both parent and physician, on an annual basis, must
sign a medication authorization form. Medication authorization forms may be
obtained from the nurse. Students are not permitted to carry their own
medications except in special circumstances approved by a physician and
coordinated by the nurse and parent.
Please feel free to contact the nurse with any questions about this
policy.
Substance Abuse Counselor
A substance abuse
counselor is available on location daily to meet with students and/or families
for assistance with substance abuse or smoking cessation. Students may make
individual appointments through the guidance office or parents may make an
appointment by calling the guidance office at 637-5560.
School Library Media
Center
The
The library is
available to all students during and after school. After school library hours are considered an
extension of the school day and all school rules will continue to apply to
after school hours. Monday through Thursday the library is open until
3:30. On Fridays, the library closes at
3:00. On the first Monday of the month,
the library may close at 2:35 p.m. for faculty meetings. Students who use the
library during class visits or on an individual basis are expected to remain in
the library with work to do. No food or
drink is allowed in the library. The
following rules apply:
1. First
priority is given to class visits arranged by teachers. Library closings will be posted.
2. Students
in grades 6 - 8 must present a signed and dated research pass obtained from a
classroom teacher. Only valid passes
will be accepted. Students are expected
to work quietly while in the Library.
3. Students
must remain in the Library for the entire class period. Make sure you have everything you need with
you.
4. Students
who use the library for purposes other than research, reading, or other
assigned work will be asked to leave.
Students who
violate library rules will be asked to either return to their class or to the
office at the discretion of the library staff.
Repeated failure to follow rules will result in a loss of library
privileges.
- Because students and faculty share all
Library resources, prompt return of all materials is required. All students are assigned a patron
number that allows for the borrowing of books and audio-visual
resources. All items must be
checked out at the circulation desk.
Overdue notices will be sent to English teachers for grades 6 -8.
All students are responsible for the return of materials. Failure to return library materials will
be considered an infraction of school rules and may result in the loss of
school privileges. Replacement
costs for lost or damaged items will be the responsibility of the student.
INSTRUCTIONAL
Program
General Information
All middle school
students are enrolled in the major subject areas of English, mathematics,
science, and social studies every year.
These are full-year courses taught by grade level teams of teachers
whose primary concern is the middle school. In grade six, all students also
take reading for the full year; and all students in all grades take physical
education every other day.
Middle school
students are normally scheduled every period. When they are not in a major
subject area class or in physical education, they are enrolled in one or more
of a variety of exploratory courses called “mini courses.” Most mini courses are up and doing hands-on
classes that meet every other day for either a quarter or half of the school
year. The only elective choices middle
school students have are whether or not to take band and whether or not to take
a foreign language. Band is available in all middle school grades and foreign
language study is available in grades seven and eight. Due to schedule
conflict, students who elect band will be unable to take some of the mini
courses.
Teaching Teams
When scheduling
allows, the teachers for grades 6, 7, and 8 form teams for their grade level
and meet on a regular basis. Team
meetings provide an opportunity for the teachers to coordinate plans, discuss
problems, and meet with the guidance counselor or administrative staff. Faculty
work together to integrate the curriculum across disciplines, and students are
taught to see the inter-relationships among these areas of knowledge. Teachers also use this time to see individual
students or meet with parents. Parents
wishing to see their child's teachers should phone the guidance office at
637-5560 for an appointment.
The Resource Room
The resource room
program is designed for students who are experiencing some difficulty in one or
more of their courses and who need academic assistance. The type and amount of assistance is flexible
and depends upon the individual needs of the student. Instruction is provided
either individually or in small groups and is tailored to the needs and
abilities of each student. Students are
graded each marking period and must complete class and homework assignments and
attend regularly to earn a passing grade. A student must have a disability that
affects learning to qualify for extra help in the resource room. A parent or
student aged 14 and older may request an evaluation to determine if the student
has a disability by contacting the guidance counselor.
Hand-Held Calculator Use
Professional
mathematics organizations such as the National Council of Teachers of
Mathematics, the Mathematics Association of America, and the Mathematical
Sciences Education Board of the National Academy of Sciences have strongly
endorsed the use of calculators in mathematics instruction. Calculators enhance
problem-solving skills, assist in the discovery of new mathematics concepts,
and reduce time spent on repetitious computation at the expense of process
skills. Efficient calculator use is also an expected skill in academic,
personal, and occupational life.
Calculator use
is gradually increased in grades six and seven and fully integrated into the
instructional program by grade eight to facilitate increased attention to
problem solving. We encourage students to purchase their own scientific
calculators for both home and school use.
The following
guidelines are established for the use of calculators as part of the
mathematics program:
1. Calculators
should be used when they:
·
extend
students’ capability to do problem solving;
·
speed
up a search for patterns;
·
enable
more examples to be considered;
·
remove
the anxiety of computational failure;
·
provide
motivation and confidence that a problem can be solved;
·
offer
access to mathematical ideas not available without them;
·
eliminate
tedious or routine computations;
·
allow
for problems of greater intricacy and difficulty;
·
contribute
to further applications and exploration of related topics;
·
save
time without significantly detracting from the curriculum objectives.
2. Calculators
should not be used:
·
when
there is no advantage to performing the learning activity with a calculator;
·
so
extensively that opportunities to use and maintain personal skills are
significantly diminished;
·
in
competitive situations in which all students do not have equal access to a
calculator;
·
as a
substitute for learning basic computational and estimation skills.
Report Card Grades
The following
grades may be earned:
A = Excellent P = Passing
B = Good WP
= Withdrawn Passing
C = Average WF
= Withdrawn Failing
D = Poor
F = Failing
I = Incomplete
Incomplete
Grades
A grade of ‘I’
(incomplete) may only be issued under extenuating circumstances beyond the
student's control when s/he is unable to submit all work during the normal
course time. This grade may not be awarded simply for missing an important
test. An incomplete must be made up
within two weeks after grades close unless the teacher grants an additional
extension of one week. Any additional extension must receive the written
approval of the Principal. Failure to make up the required work within the
specified time limit will result in a change of grade from ‘I’ to whatever the
adjusted grade is with a zero averaged in for the missing work.
Honor Roll
The Honor Roll
recognizes excellence in achievement in all areas. The following guidelines provide all students
with the opportunity to be recognized for their success.
Eligibility for
the honor roll is determined as follows:
High Honors: A
grade of B+ or higher in all classes
Honors: A grade of B- or higher in all classes
Grade 8 Algebra 1
is a weighted, honors course for high school credit and will be treated accordingly.
An (F) in a course
graded pass/fail, or carrying more than one course graded pass/fail, shall
disqualify a student from the honor roll.
A (P) will not be averaged in with graded courses.
Field Trips and Excursions
Students
participating in a field trip or excursion are representing both our school and
community; and exemplary behavior is expected at all times. Going on a field
trip or excursion is a privilege, and students are required to have an
acceptable record of behavior and achievement (as outlined below) in order to
participate. Parent consent, as
indicated by signature on specific forms provided by the school, is also
required for participation. Some field trips and excursions may require additional
rules.
Field trips are integral parts of the school program
where students investigate or participate in real or lifelike experiences away
from the classroom. The school pays most of the costs for field trips; and all
students in the participating class are expected to attend. Examples include visits to museums, historic
sites, or nature centers.
Excursions are supplements to the school program and
typically do not require the participation of all students in a group or class.
Examples include trips sponsored by student clubs, student foreign exchange
programs, and travel of special interest groups outside of school hours.
Participating students pay most or all of the cost of excursions.
Minimum standards for behavior and
achievement:
1. The teacher(s) sponsoring the fieldtrip may
establish an academic prerequisite as a condition for participation on the
trip. Any prerequisite shall be directly related to the trip and be assigned at
least 10 school days in advance of the trip. A student who does not complete
the prerequisite shall be so informed by the teacher at least three school days
prior to the date of the trip. The principal may waive this requirement when
extenuating circumstances exist that are beyond the student’s control that
affect the student’s ability to complete the prerequisite. The SPOT Committee
will review all such cases.
2. The following discipline record will
exclude you from a field trip or excursion for a period of 90 school days:
2
assignments to
or
3
days resulting from any combination of ISS (In School) and/or
3.
If you
are assigned to either ISS or
4.
You
must not have a suspension (ISS or
5.
Standards
beyond the minimum standards stated above may be required for overnight and/or
international travel. Such standards will be approved by the principal and the
individual(s) sponsoring the trip and will be stated when the trip is
announced.
A student who is ineligible to participate in a field trip is
to attend school on the day of the trip and complete an alternative assignment
in lieu of the work related to the field trip.
STUDENT
ACTIVITIES
Participation in
school-sponsored activities such as dances, clubs, and student government is
fun and helps build school spirit. Most activities need student help with
organization and planning particularly from members of the sponsoring club or
class. The first priority of every student is academic success. Classroom and
disciplinary obligations always have priority over participation in
co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.
Clubs and Organizations
Clubs provide an
excellent opportunity for students to pursue specific interests beyond the
regular school day. Below is a sampling of clubs/organizations open to
mid-school students:
Math Team School Band Art
Club
Student Council/Class Office Technology Club Going Places
Destination Imagination Crafts Club Outing Club
Drama
Drama is an
after school, co-curricular program whose educational objectives are framed
within the English department guidelines. Students adapt works of fiction or
non-fiction, interpret established dramatic works, or collaborate to produce an
original theater piece. Drama schedules two middle school productions per year.
Participation
in the drama program is guided by the Code of Conduct, school attendance
policies, and by maintaining passing grades. To participate in the drama
program, a student must have passed the equivalent of 25 credit hours in the
preceding marking period. The 25 credit hours must include a minimum of four
major subjects. Also, a student who is suspended from school (
Interscholastic Sports
The athletic
program is an important part of the total school program and is open to students
in grades seven through twelve.
Participation in the athletic program is a privilege and is subject to a
number of requirements outlined in the Athletic Code section of this handbook.
Coaches also have information about the requirements for each particular team.
Students playing
on cooperative teams must adhere to the rules in both schools.
The following
sports teams are typically offered:
FALL: Soccer,
Cross-Country Running, Golf, Crew, Volleyball, Football (with
WINTER: Basketball, Cross-Country Skiing, Alpine Skiing, Swimming (with
SPRING: Baseball, Softball, Tennis, Track, Lacrosse
(with
Students wishing to request the addition of an interscholastic
sport must see the Athletic Director one year prior to the requested sport’s
season.
SPORTSMANSHIP
"The ideals of good
sportsmanship, ethical behavior and integrity should permeate all
interscholastic athletics in our community. In perception and practice,
good sportsmanship shall be defined as those qualities of behavior which are
characterized by generosity and genuine concern for others. Our athletic
fields should be the laboratory to produce good citizens reflecting "fair
play" in every area of life."
Expectations
of Parents, Guests and Other Fans
- Game attendance is a privilege, not a
license to verbally assault others or to be obnoxious.
- Respect the entire playing of the
National Anthem and remove your hat.
- Respect decisions made by contest
officials.
- Be an exemplary role model by
positively supporting teams in every manner possible, including content of
cheers and signs.
- Become aware of the purpose of the
league and rules to keep winning in its proper place.
- Respect fans, coaches and
participants.
- Be a fan....not a fanatic!
- Recognize outstanding performances on
either side of the playing field.
Suggested
Positive Behavioral Guides
- Applaud during introduction of
players, coaches and officials.
- Accept all decisions by officials.
- Handshakes between participants and
coaches at end of contest, regardless of outcome.
- Treat competition as a game, not a
war.
- Search out opposing participants to
recognize them for outstanding performance or coaching.
- Applaud at end of contest for
performances of all participants.
- Demonstrate concern for injured
player, regardless of team.
- Encourage supporting people to display
only sportsmanlike conduct.
Unacceptable
Behavior
- Yelling or negative chanting or
gestures toward opponent.
- Booing or heckling an official's
decision.
- Criticizing officials in any way;
displays of temper with an official's call.
- Taunting or, trash talk.
- Refusing to shake hands or to give
recognition for good performances.
- Blaming loss of game on officials,
coaches or participants.
- Laughing or name calling to distract
an opponent.
- Using profanity or displays of anger
that draw attention away from the game.
From MIAA Sportsmanship Committee at www.miaa.net
Dances
Classes,
clubs, and other approved organizations may sponsor dances. The principal must approve all dances. Middle school dances are for students in
grades 6, 7, and 8 only and will start at 6:30 p.m. and end at 9:30 p.m. No
guests or high school students are allowed to attend. Eighth graders may bring a guest to the grade
8 graduation dance, but that guest must be a mid-school student and must be
signed up prior to the dance. Only
current Lenox students are allowed at dances unless they are a guest at the
mid-school graduation dance. Five adult
chaperones are required including faculty advisors/sponsors. A Lenox police
officer may be required at the discretion of the principal/assistant principal.
Students will not be admitted to the dance after 8:00 p.m. and will not be
readmitted after leaving. It is the
student’s responsibility to inform their parent/guardian if they are leaving
early or have made a change of plans.
Student Government
Holding a class
office or being elected to student council is a privilege. Class officers and council members are
expected to serve as role models and to uphold the standards and ideals of the
school and community. Each class has a
president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer and elects two students to
serve as representatives on the student council. The middle school and high school each have
their own student council. Elections for all high school class offices will be
held in May of each year. Elections for
all middle school offices will be held in September/October of each year. Elections for class office will be held prior
to student council elections. There is a
standard ballot for each office that requires five nomination signatures and a
paragraph describing the candidate’s reasons for running for office. The advisor must then approve the
ballot. A description of the duties for
each office is available from the class advisor.
Standards for Running for Class Office:
Academic
- No report card grade of
"F" in the previous two marking periods
Disciplinary – The following discipline record will
exclude you from running for office in the next election:
2
assignments to
or
3
days resulting from any combination of In-School or Out-of-School Suspension
Class Dues - Class dues must be paid in full.
Conditions for Retaining Office
1. Any infraction of school rules that requires
three or more consecutive days of suspension will result in immediate removal
from office for the remainder of the term of office.
2. Conviction of a crime will result in
permanent expulsion from all class offices.
3. A second violation of the school’s tobacco
policy will result in removal from office for the remainder of the term
of office.
4. Passing grades must be maintained. A
student must have passed 25 credit hours in the preceding marking period. The
25 credit hours must include a minimum of four major subjects. A student who
does not maintain this standard will be removed from office for the remainder
of the term of office.
5. Loss of office will not result in new
elections. The class advisor may appoint the runner-up.
6. Class advisors and the assistant principal
will serve as a standing advisory board to discuss issues as necessary.
Class Dues
Class dues are
used to pay for a number of student activities.
Each class establishes the level of dues that each student in the class
is expected to pay. Dues are payable
each year, and failure to pay dues may result in exclusion from certain class
activities. The principal will grant
students experiencing financial hardship a waiver of dues.
FEDERAL
& STATE REGULATIONS
STUDENTS AGED 14 AND OLDER
Students aged
fourteen and older have the right to look at their official school records
housed in the guidance department and have the authority to allow others to see
their file. Fourteen year old students
also have the right to attend their TEAM meetings held in accordance with the
provisions of the Massachusetts Department of Education Special Education
Regulations (603 CMR 28.00).
PROTECTION AGAINST DISCRIMINATION
The
Lenox Public School System is committed to ensuring equal educational
opportunities for all students. In accordance with Title IX of the Education
Acts of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Chapter 622 of the
General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Lenox Public Schools
affirm that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion,
national origin, or sexual orientation be excluded from participation in,
denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any education program
or activity it operates, including employment therein, and admission thereto.
See page 15 in the Code of Conduct section for additional information.
Any
complaints or inquiries concerning this policy should be directed as follows:
Susan M. Strong, Principal
Lenox
Memorial Middle & High School
(413) 637-5560
EDUCATION OF STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
SECTION 504
In
compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Lenox Public
Schools affirm that no qualified handicapped person shall, on the basis of
handicap, be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or
otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity sponsored
by the Lenox Public Schools.
SPECIAL
EDUCATION
The guidelines
regarding special education are based on state and federal law. The state special education law sets
procedures for identification and assessment of students with special
needs. A student must receive a
complete and comprehensive evaluation to determine if the student has a
disability and is eligible for special education. If eligible, the
evaluation(s) will assist in determining appropriate special education supports
and services. Parents who have a concern
about their child’s development or have a suspicion about a possible disability
may refer their child for an initial evaluation. Upon receipt of a request for an initial
evaluation, the school district must send notice to the parent and must receive
the parent’s written consent to conduct the evaluation.
In
Whenever a
referral is made, parents are notified in writing. An evaluation or assessment will occur only
after written parental consent.
Following the evaluation period, parents and members of the evaluation
team will meet to discuss the assessments and whether or not the student is
eligible for special education services.
If a student is eligible for special education services, an Individual
Education Plan (IEP) will be developed.
Parents then have the right to accept or reject the IEP (in part, or in
full). If the parents disagree with the
special education program proposed for their child, an appeal process is
available.
Requests for
further information, complaints or inquiries concerning either Section 504 or
special education should be directed to:
Ms. Cynthia Dinan
Director of
Student Services
(413) 637-5571
RELEASE
OF STUDENT DIRECTORY INFORMATION
In Lenox, such
information is typically used in the newsletter, in press releases, in sports
coverage in local newspapers, and as part of the college/university application
process. We do not release phone numbers without consent. We also provide names
and addresses to recognized groups supporting school activities such as PTO and
booster clubs. You have the right to request that such information not be
released without your prior consent. If you wish to make such a request, please
do so in a note sent to the attention of the guidance office.
TRANSFER OF STUDENT RECORDS
If
a student transfers to another school, the student’s record will be sent to the
new school without the written consent of the parent or student.
ACCESS
OF STUDENT RECORDS BY NON-CUSTODIAL PARENTS
HOMELESS
ASSISTANCE ACT
The federal
McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act requires school districts to
immediately enroll homeless students in school, even if they don’t have the
documents typically required for enrollment in their immediate possession. The
appropriate guidance counselor will provide assistance to families in obtaining
records from the prior school. A homeless student may also remain in their
school of origin until the end of the school year in which they obtain
housing. Transportation for the student
will be provided at no cost to the family or student.
ASBESTOS
HAZARD EMERGENCY RESPONSE ACT
REQUIRED
NOTICE
This
notification is required by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act
[“AHERA”], 40 CFR Part 763 of Title II of the Toxic Substance Control Act.
Asbestos
Management Plans have been developed and are available for the following
buildings currently in use by the Lenox Public Schools:
1.
2. LMMHS,
3. District Office,
These plans are
available and accessible to the public for review at these locations.
Mr Jeffrey Ano
at LMMHS,
A 3-Year Asbestos
Re-inspection Report was recently completed and is available for review as part
of the Asbestos Management Plan. No other asbestos-related activities are
currently planned or in progress for the upcoming school year
PESTICIDE
POLICY
Lenox Public Schools prohibits the use of pesticides indoors while
students are on the property (ant traps are an exception to this policy and may
be used according to the manufacturer’s directions for use.) In addition, Lenox Public Schools must
notify, in writing, students and their parents/legal guardians, and employees
at least two work days before pesticides are used outdoors at school. Schools, which utilize pesticides inside the
building must be closed for a minimum of five days both during and immediately
after application. A Notice
of Pesticide Use, which will be provided by the pesticide manufacturer,
must be posted on the school bulletin board at least two days before pesticides
will be used and for at least 72 hours following their use. Any questions with regard to pesticides use
should be directed to your principal and or superintendent of schools (MGL
132B, 6C-6I.)
GRADE 6
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Language Arts 6
The Language Arts program introduces students to a variety of literary genres
throughout the year in addition to the reading curriculum. The genres will
include, yet are not limited to novels, short stories, plays, poetry,
newspaper, and magazine articles.
Students will read, discuss, synthesize and provide written and oral
interpretation and analysis of the literary material. They will produce
responses to these literary pieces using letters, the five paragraph essay,
reflections, creative writing and group-created oral reports.
Students will also: study various
traditional as well as current poets, read and analyze several types of poetry,
learn about figurative language and how it enhances meaning, and learn how to
generate their own poetry. They will
also be able to produce and display content through the use of modern
technology.
In addition to studying literature and
poetry, there will be a heavy emphasis on all types of writing, including but
not limited to folktale/creative writing, all types of formal essays, paragraph
writing, formal letter writing, editorials, and speeches. Students will also
learn through formal instruction and through meaningful text, the importance of
mechanics and rich vocabulary.
Most importantly, students will learn
how to get along in groups, problem solve and collaborate in order to produce
successful end results and to support their peers.
Mathematics 6
This course begins
with a review of numeration, place value, and addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division of whole numbers.
From there the course moves on to the same operations with decimal
numbers and fractions. Other topics such
as metric systems, basic geometry, and statistics are introduced. Throughout the year, emphasis is given to the
practicality of math and its application to real life uses. Students are taught the many strategies of
problem solving and then work in groups to solve various problems. Calculators are used occasionally to do
computation during problem solving.
Social Studies 6
In 6th
grade Social Studies students will be studying the world from a geographic
prospective. Students will be learning
the skills necessary to become global citizens.
They begin the year by learning the five themes of geography and taking
a look at the tools a geographer would use to better understand the world. The focus then shifts to an in depth look at
Latin America, Africa, Europe, and
World Languages
Sixth grade
students take one year of French or Spanish. Students are introduced to
everyday vocabulary, basic sounds, grammar and structures through group
activities and simulations. This introduction allows students to better
understand what a “World Language” is and the importance of learning a language
as a significant component to a comprehensive secondary education. This course is offered every other day
throughout the school year.
Science
Students examine
the sciences and their relationship to the world around them through identified
key concepts. Extensive hands-on activities and experiments guide students’
understanding of the scientific method. Emphasis is placed on observing what
happens in an experiment and in drawing meaningful conclusions. Students are
expected to maintain a journal of their observations and to present their
conclusions in a written lab format.
Reading
The reading
program combines skill development and literature. Much of the literature is
chosen to complement the social studies program. Vocabulary, comprehension, and
decoding skills are developed through a variety of resources.
Health & Wellness
Health &
Wellness meets every other day and is required of all students unless they are
specifically excused in writing by a licensed physician. Successful completion of the program requires
attendance and active participation, including proper dress. The program is
designed to give every student a chance to find and enjoy a lifelong sport and
to build an understanding that activity and exercise are valuable contributors
to good health now and in later life. The program is coeducational with an
emphasis in middle school on organization, providing an outlet for energy, and
cultivation of a knowledge and respect for rules and regulations. There are opportunities for participation in
team sports, social growth activities, physical fitness training, and outdoor
activities. Students are graded on an A – F basis based primarily on active
participation in class. As with all courses graded on an A – F basis, grades
earned in physical education count toward eligibility for honor roll.
GRADE 6
"MINI COURSE" DESCRIPTIONS
“Mini Courses” are of shorter duration than major subject
courses and provide students with skills of immediate use as well as exposure
to a wide range of experiences that they may wish to pursue further in high
school. A mini course typically meets every other day for half the year or for
one marking period.
Middle School Band
The middle school
music program consists of a sixth grade band, a seventh grade band, and an
eighth grade band that meet during the school day. Seventh and eighth grade
students may, with the director’s permission, participate in the Jazz Ensemble
or Pep Band. These two groups meet after school. Middle school students wishing
to begin study of a band instrument may do so by arrangement with the director.
Art
Sixth graders
participate in a general introductory art program exploring a wide variety of
two- and three-dimensional media.
Emphasis is on self-expression and development of appreciation of their
own work as well as that of other students.
Computer Technology
Computer
technology 6 provides students with the basic techniques necessary to use the
computer as a tool for personal/school application. Students learn the commands
needed to do writing assignments and Internet projects on school computers.
While practicing these skills, students will be doing work directly related to
the sixth grade social studies, science, language arts, and health curriculums.
Health Education
Sixth grade
students study the characteristics of early adolescence, self-confidence,
communication skills, understanding emotions, and peer relationships. Healthy
lifestyles are studied including nutrition, fitness, and dealing with stress as
well as a review of the Drug Awareness Resistance Education (DARE) approach to
substance abuse.
GRADE 7 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Social Studies 7:
Students will use
their reading, research, and note-taking skills to explore interdisciplinary units
based on the ancient civilizations of
English 7
This
literature-based program emphasizes reading, writing, and critical thinking
skills. Literary analysis skills are
developed, and students address the structure and style of different literary
genres including the novel, the short story, the play, the personal essay and
poetry. Students read and analyze shared
texts – many of which connect to work done in other disciplines – and read
independently-selected books. Students continue to develop their
paragraph-writing skills and learn to write critical, narrative, persuasive and
descriptive essays. Students craft short stories and a variety of poems. Students explore the origins of the English
language as they work on vocabulary, and grammar and writing mechanics are
reviewed regularly.
Science 7
Seventh grade
science is an activity based course designed to encourage students to develop
critical and creative thinking skills and to foster independence in
learning. Students engage in a variety
of activities that increase familiarity with the scientific method and
information-based technology. Earth
Science is the primary focus, but concepts from Life Sciences, Physical
Sciences, Technology and Engineering are integrated into the curriculum. Students start the year by investigating the
relationship between climate, terrain and ecosystems. They then examine how Earth’s history can be
studied through the geological record; some of the topics included are:
erosion, weathering and sedimentation, fossil formation and the evidence for
plate tectonics. Students compare past
and present conditions of
Mathematics
Fundamental
operations with whole numbers and fractions are included. There is an emphasis on decimals. Each area stresses problem solving,
estimation, and calculator use. Ratio,
proportion, and percent concepts are expanded.
Graphing, probability and statistics, and geometry coverage are
continued from grade six.
Accelerated
Mathematics 7
Recommended 7th
graders are allowed to take accelerated math 7.
This is a pre-algebra course with emphasis on the language and symbols
of algebra. Some of the topics covered
are: algebraic expressions, equations and inequalities, spatial thinking and
area and volume. Projects showing the
application of mathematical concepts will be done throughout the year.
Health
and Wellness
Health &
Wellness meets every other day and is required of all students unless they are
specifically excused in writing by a licensed physician. Successful completion of the program requires
attendance and active participation, including proper dress. The program is
designed to give every student a chance to find and enjoy a lifelong sport and
to build an understanding that activity and exercise are valuable contributors to
good health now and in later life. The program is coeducational with an
emphasis in middle school on organization, providing an outlet for energy, and
cultivation of a knowledge and respect for rules and regulations. There are opportunities for participation in
team sports, social growth activities, physical fitness training, and outdoor
activities. Students are graded on an A – F basis based primarily on active
participation in class. As with all courses graded on an A – F basis, grades
earned in physical education count toward eligibility for honor roll.
GRADE 7 MINI
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Middle School Band
The middle school
music program consists of a sixth grade band, a seventh grade band, and an
eighth grade band that meet during the school day. Seventh and eighth grade
students may, with the director’s permission, participate in the Jazz Ensemble
or Pep Band. These two groups meet after school. Middle school students wishing
to begin study of a band instrument may do so by arrangement with the director.
Computer/Keyboarding 7
This course is
primarily designed to teach the basic word processing and keyboarding skills
and techniques necessary to use the computer as a tool for personal/school
applications. Emphasis will be placed on
proper fingering position, correct alphabetic and numeric finger reaches using
the touch-typing method, and proper numeric pad technique. The goal will be to type without looking at
the keys at the rate of 26 words per minute with no more than 1 error per
minute during a 2 minute timed writing.
Students will learn to format various documents from a multi-page
document to personal/business letters. Computer literacy is also taught through
readings and software applications.
Health Education
This course
focuses on three main areas: first aid, safety, and disease
process/wellness. A refresher on
substance abuse is placed in the disease process unit. Successful completion of the American Red Cross
standard first aid course enables students to be certified in adult CPR as well
as first aid. Other topics studied in sixth grade health are continued
including self-confidence, emotions, peer relationships, family relationships,
decision making, and goal setting. All seventh grade students take health for
one quarter of the year.
Technology
This is an
introductory course that allows for exploration and application of technology
through simulation and "hands-on" experiences. Traditional and computer aided drafting (CAD)
continues to be the foundation of the course.
Basic electronics, robotics, and design are introduced allowing for a
broad-based technology exploration experience. All seventh grade students take
technology for one quarter of the year.
Civics
Students will
learn the rights and duties of citizens and the principle of equal rights for
all. They will consider the nature of civic virtue in a school, a community,
and a nation; and identify the major obstacles and threats to civil rights.
Students will compare, contrast, and analyze diverse forms of government, the opportunities
they promote and their effects on human rights.
Careers
This seventh grade course is an introduction to
investigating careers, to learn more about yourself, to explore your interests
and aptitudes, to examine your values and decision-making skills, and to expose
students to various career options.
Basic math and English composition skills will be incorporated.
GOALS:
Upon completion of this course, you will:
1. be able to develop decision-making,
problem-solving, and critical thinking skills needed to enter the twenty-first
century.
2. develop
a positive self-image and self-esteem.
3. develop
a positive work behavior.
4. become
life-long learners and self-directed individuals.
5. explore
career options.
Newspaper
In this course, the students will research
topics and/or interview people to use in producing a middle school publication.
A desktop publishing program will be used to plan a student publication, called “Whatever News” in a newspaper
format. All students are responsible for
each phase of the publication and grades are based on initiative and effort.
GOALS
1.
To write eight articles for the newspaper.
2.
To edit and correct articles.
3.
To plan, design, assemble, insert pictures, and print documents.
4.
To continue to develop computer skills.
5.
To continue to develop writing skills.
Wood Shop
This
is a beginning woodworking course.
Through the construction of small projects, the student learns various
methods of shaping, joining and finishing of wood. Emphasis is placed upon safe working habits
and on the proper care and use of hand tools and machines.
GRADE 8
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
English 8
Eighth grade
English consists of three basic components: literature, writing, and
vocabulary. The literature selections aim
at developing sensitivity to other people and an appreciation for the hardships
and accomplishments of others. Students are exposed to many literary styles and
several genres. Emphasis is placed on historical fiction to complement work
done in eighth grade social studies.
Students are
exposed to a wide variety of creative and expository forms of writing in
English 8. The methods used reflect the
philosophy of writing as process.
Students refine brainstorming, revision, conferencing, and editing
techniques.
The purpose of the
vocabulary component is to broaden students' written and spoken language and to
develop word-attack skills. Vocabulary words are also derived from the
literature.
Science 8
A comprehensive
study of matter and energy is presented.
Students should gain a clear understanding of such fundamental concepts
as
Several different
approaches of study are used such as hands-on science activities,
lecture/note-taking, and class discussions.
Mathematics 8
Eighth grade math
is a transition between fundamental arithmetic operations and algebra. While this pre-algebra class does review
everything that was covered in 7th grade, the emphasis is on application of
these concepts. Calculator usage,
problem-solving skills, percentages, probability and statistics, as well as
geometry concepts and applications are stressed.
Algebra I Honors
Some students are
recommended to take Algebra I Honors.
This recommendation is based on performance in pre-algebra (7th grade
honors) and on test results. An average
of B- in pre-algebra is expected, and testing must show a strong computational
ability and a readiness for the abstract nature of algebra. Five credits toward graduation are given upon
successful completion. This course is
more rigorous than math 8 with considerably higher homework requirements.
Social Studies 8
The eighth grade
social studies course provides students with an overview of American history
concentrated specifically on four target areas: revolution and independence,
the political foundation of the
Many methods are
employed in this course, and an attempt is made to interweave experiential
activities with more "conventional" classroom methods. An effort is made to depart from the
"textbook approach" to history and instead provide students with
readings, lessons, and activities that represent different viewpoints and
stimulate opinion formation as well as critical thinking and writing.
Spanish and French
An eighth grade
student may enter a foreign language course at the introductory level. The choices are Introductory Spanish or
Introductory French.
Foreign language
courses started in 7th grade continue on a more advanced level. More complex grammatical structures and new
vocabulary are introduced in each lesson.
Knowledge of the foreign culture is also broadened, and students are
encouraged to read simple contemporary magazines or simple short stories.
Activities, role-playing, and conversations are used to develop oral
communication skills. Five credits toward graduation are awarded after
successful completion of two years of study in the same language. Students
completing two years with an average grade of at least C- and the
recommendation of their teacher are eligible for entry into French III or
Spanish III.
Health
and Wellness
Health &
Wellness meets every other day and is required of all students unless they are
specifically excused in writing by a licensed physician. Successful completion of the program requires
attendance and active participation, including proper dress. The program is
designed to give every student a chance to find and enjoy a lifelong sport and
to build an understanding that activity and exercise are valuable contributors
to good health now and in later life. The program is coeducational with an
emphasis in middle school on organization, providing an outlet for energy, and
cultivation of a knowledge and respect for rules and regulations. There are opportunities for participation in
team sports, social growth activities, physical fitness training, and outdoor
activities. Students are graded on an A – F basis based primarily on active
participation in class. As with all courses graded on an A – F basis, grades
earned in physical education count toward eligibility for honor roll.
GRADE 8
"MINI COURSE" DESCRIPTIONS
Health Education
The 8th grade
health curriculum includes the study of health trends and fads, consumerism,
death and dying, the aging process, and human sexuality and sexually
transmitted diseases. A refresher course
in adult CPR is offered for students to renew their one-year certification in
adult CPR. All students take health for
half the year
Computer Literacy
The eighth grade
computer literacy course provides for further improvement in keyboarding, word
processing, databases, spreadsheets, Internet projects, and the integration of
all these skills for use in school reports and presentations. The applications that we study are part of
Microsoft Office.
Art
Eighth grade art
emphasizes the process of printmaking as an art form. Students are provided
with the opportunity to explore relief printing and monoprinting. They will
acquire the skills to cut multiple blocks so they may learn the application of
color registration. Design skills and color theory are integrated into the
learning process.
Wood Shop
This is a
beginning woodworking course. Through
the construction of small projects, the student learns various methods of
shaping, joining and finishing of wood.
Emphasis is placed upon safe working habits and on the proper care and
use of hand tools and machines. All eighth grade students take wood shop every
other day for one quarter of the year.
Money
Management
This eighth grade
middle school financial literacy course will focus on how to handle personal
finances and why it is important.
Students will be taught the basic skills on budgeting, banking services,
investments, savings, credit, and checking accounts. This course meets every other day for one
quarter.
Course Objectives:
The students will be able to learn:
1.
Why it
is important to manage your money?
2.
How to
make a budget plan based for spending and savings of your money.
3.
How to
be a comparison shopper.
4.
What
are the sources of income?
5.
What
are the different types of savings and investments?
6.
How to
recognize investment fraud?
7.
How
are advertisements made?
8.
What
is credit and the advantages/disadvantages of using credit cards.
9.
How to
maintain a checking account and prepare a bank reconciliation
Newspaper 8
This eighth grade
course builds on skills acquired in "Newspaper 7." Emphasis is placed
on creating and editing text and illustrations; planning, designing,
assembling, and printing document layouts, and reinforcing English composition
skills. Each student will be involved and responsible for all phases of the
quarterly publication of the "Lenox News."
Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)
CAD 8 furthers
seventh grade study of graphics using traditional drafting layout tools and
CAD. Students also apply geometry and projection skills to develop 3-view
drawings as well as ortho and exact sizing skills.
Technology 8
This course builds
upon the grade seven exploration of circuit board electronic assembly (surface
mount technology) and investigates the effects of circuit modifications.
Emphasis is placed on the application of technology through simulation and
"hands-on" experiences. Meter reading and measurement techniques are
introduced. Electronic analysis of binary numbering and decoding into numerical
display leads to the construction of an electronic clock circuit that is
retained by the students at the conclusion of the course.
Geography
Students will
learn map reading and other geography skills as guided by the National
Standards in Geography. Students will also become aware of many the physical
and political features of the world that play a part in the major events of our
contemporary world. The goal is geography literacy coupled with problem solving
skills.
Economics
Economics helps
students understand the principle characteristics of the
Drama
Eighth grade drama
emphasizes creative problem solving experiences where, through a series of
structured exercises and responses, students work to develop the natural voice
and the art form natural to themselves.
Students will read a short work to consider for possible adaptation.
They will create their own short pieces. They will improvise and react to
controlled situations that require decision making and evaluation.
While the
long-term goal of drama is production, growth will be measured through
increased ownership and personal responsibility. All eighth grade students who
are not in band take drama every other day for one quarter of the year.
Middle School Band
The middle school
music program consists of a sixth grade band, a seventh grade band, and an
eighth grade band that meet during the school day. Seventh and eighth grade
students may, with the director’s permission, participate in the Jazz Ensemble
or Pep Band. These two groups meet after school. Middle school students wishing
to begin study of a band instrument may do so by arrangement with the director.
American
Sign Language
American Sign
Language (ASL) is an introduction to the vocabulary, grammar and structure of
ASL. Students are exposed to the five parameters of ASL: handshape, location,
movement, orientation and facial expression, and how changing any one of these
changes the meaning of the sign. They gain the ability to incorporate basic
vocabulary, numbers and fingerspelling to express ideas. Students also gain an
understanding of the various careers that they could pursue using ASL. The
class typically concludes with students interpreting a song in ASL.