Eisenhower Middle School7th to 8th Grade

Transition MeetingApril 24, 2019

Chris Giordano, Assistant PrincipalErica Ward, School Counselor/ Social Worker

Agenda

Physical/Emotional Changes

Cognitive Changes

The Eighth Grade Experience

Curriculum

High school

Physical and Emotional Changes

• Changes in physical appearance• Developing identity• Stronger pull towards peer group for

acceptance • Testing of rules and boundaries-Push for

Independence

Typical Cognitive Changes

• Increased capacity for abstract thought and reasoning

• Increased capacity for better decision-making• Capacity to assume greater responsibility for school work

The 8th Grade Experience:Preparation for High School

Our goal is to prepare 8th graders both academically and emotionally for the transition into high school. Teachers and parents can work together to develop the following key skill sets in students as they transition to high school:

• Study/Organizational skills

• Self-advocacy/Independence

• Responsibility/Accountability

• Community awareness

• Self-esteem and confidence

8th Grade Curriculum

Core Subjects● Math

○ Math 8 (Math in Focus),

○ Algebra

○ Geometry

•Language Arts Literacy○ Readers/Writers Workshop

○ Advanced Language Arts

•Social Studies ○ American History & Civics

•Science○ Meteorology, chemistry, genetics, and human biology and health.

•World Language: Spanish, French, Italian

Math Course Sequence:8th Grade to High School

8TH GRADE HIGH SCHOOL

Math Science From Math 8 (Pre-Alg.)

Algebra 1 CP or CPE Biology CP or CPE

From Algebra Algebra 1 CPE Geometry (H or CPE)

Biology CPE Chemistry (H or CPE)

From Geometry Geometry (H or CPE) Algebra 2 (H or CPE)

Chemistry (H or CPE) Physics

CP: College Prep CPE: College Prep Enhanced H: Honors

Selection Criteria for

Advanced Language Arts•Teacher recommendation•Samples of literary essays

•On-demand narrative pieces

•Must maintain B average to continue in course

•Units of study consistent with 8th grade curricula, but swift pace will allow for more in-depth and enriched study of literature and include greater authentic writing experiences

Reading vs. World Language

•What happens in 8th grade?

•Reading

•Everyday World Language

•What does it mean for high school?

•Students who have not taken a World Language go into a Level 1 WL course in HS

Cycles•Health

•Home Economics

•Wellness

•TV production (ETV)

•STEM Challenge

•Art

•Yearbook

Specials•Vocal/Instrumental or Exploratory

•WEL (During TIEE)

Required Courses•Physical Education & Health

Exploratories● Financial Literacy● Graphic Novels● STEM

Typical 8th Grade Schedule• 7:55 Entry Bell• 8:00 - 8:08 Homeroom• 8:10 - 8:50 Cycle• 8:52 - 9:42 Language Arts• 9:44 - 10:34 Math• 10:36 - 11:11 TIEE• 11:13 - 11:53 Exploratory/Music/PE• 11:55 - 12:25 Lunch• 12:27 - 1:17 Social Studies• 1:19 - 2:09 Science• 2:11 - 2:51 World Language

What about high school?•Information sent out from HS at start of year

•High School open houses begin in October

•Guidance Counselor info sessions (Nov/Dec)

•Evening guidance meeting with parents

•8th grade teacher recommendations in Dec/Jan

•February registration for:

○ Indian Hills/Ramapo

○ University Programs

○ Bergen Academies○ Parochial Schools

How can you help your child?•Encourage responsible behavior

•Continue to monitor work

•Keep communication lines open

•Listen to your instincts

•Praise positive behavior

•Monitor online behavior and mobile technology use: Instagram, Snapchat, Text Messaging

Thank You for Coming!

Chris Giordano: cgiordano@wyckoffschools.orgErica Ward: eward@wyckoffschools.org