WelcomeWelcomeWelcomeWelcome8 White8 White

Core Team TeachersMrs. Wood - ELAELA

Mr. Hill - Science

Mrs. D’Rozario - Math

Mr. Hammann- Social Studies

Mrs. Cartwright - French

Ms. Pidsadnick- Spanish

Mrs. Hazen- Resource

Mr. Necci & Mrs. Renner- Art

Mr. Root & Mr. Tackett- Technology

Mr. Pukalo, Mr. Asquith, Ms. Cashmore & Ms. Moore- Physical Education

Miss Fraser & Miss Gizzarelli – FACS

Mrs. Landahl & Mrs. Lutz – Health

Mrs. Higgins, Mr. Burch, Mr. Reagan & Mrs. Catalano -Music

Exploratory Team Teachers

Parent Portal

• We encourage all parents to use Parent-Portal to keep up with your child’s grades.

• Usernames and passwords are available through Mrs. Franklin in the Guidance Office.

Core Curriculum Classes -Introductions

The Common Core Standards

for Math and ELA

•Are aligned with college and work expectations;•Are clear, understandable, and consistent;•Include rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order skills;•Build on strengths and lessons of current state standards;•Are informed by other top-performing countries, so that all students are prepared to succeed in a global economy and society;•Are evidence-based.

6 Shifts in ELA/Literacy1. Read as much Non-Fiction as Fiction2. Learn About the World by Reading3. Read More Complex Material Carefully4. Discuss Reading (using evidence)5. Writing From Sources (using evidence)6. Academic Vocabulary

2013-2014 Module Implementation for ELA

• NYS has introduced “Module” units as a way of successfully implementing all of the Common Core Shifts.

• A “Module” is an 8 week unit of study which incorporates a fictional text and several corresponding informational texts.

• These “Modules” stress high-level analysis and text dissection. • In other words, this work will be extremely challenging and

require persistence in the classroom and at home. • Content areas will begin applying these modules this year.• These modules emphasize rigor, complex informational texts,

close reading, and analytical response to literature. • In addition to the Module, ELA classrooms will continue with the

Reading and Writing Workshop Philosophy, maintaining a focus on student accountability.

Examples of Module Questioning

• Pre-Module Questioning:– In “The Gettysburg Address,” Lincoln says

the nation is dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Why is equality an important value to promote?

• Questioning with Module Implementation:– “The Gettysburg Address” mentions the year

1776. According to Lincoln’s speech, why is this year significant to the events described in the speech?

8th Grade Science: Mr. Hill

• Daily materials: Science Journal, Pencil, Folder

• Resources: Electronic, NYS Review Books,

Textbooks

• Grading: Homework & Classwork 10%

Labs & Projects 40%

Tests & Quizes 50%

• Assessments: Local Midterm & Final

NYS 8th Grade Science Exam

Social Studies Course Description

Units

Unit 1: Industrialization and Immigration

Unit 2: America Looks Overseas

Unit 3: 1920's and Great Depression

Unit 4: World War II

Unit 5: The Cold War

Unit 6: Entering a New Millennium

**Progress Reports are sent home EVERY week**

Unit Test

Thematic/DBQ Essay

Project

This year 8th grade students will continue their study of American History beginning with westward expansion.  Our curriculum will take us through the rest of the 19th century then through the entire 20th century and up to the modern era. 

Math

This year in 8th grade Math, the students will learn the Common Core Curriculum Standards.

* Scientific Calculators will be used in class and on the NYS test.

* NYS State Assessment will be in Beginning of May

* Pioneer Benchmarks will be given at the end of each 10 week marking period.

* AIS will available for students that need extra help.

NEW Unit tests that are from NYS Common Core

Foreign Language• This is the second of a two year Foreign

Language program. The concepts studied this year will build on knowledge learned in 7th grade.

• Passing a Proficiency Exam will fulfill the Foreign Language graduation requirement earning one High School credit.

• There will be 6 assessments administered throughout the year that are aligned with the exam in June.

Resource

• Mrs. Hazen is one of the Resource teachers for grade 8.

• She will specifically work with our 8th grade team.

• She will be in academic classes to offer support to students and teachers.

Forms

• A contact information sheet is A contact information sheet is available.available.

• EmailEmail is the best way to contact is the best way to contact us.us.

• A supply list is available if you A supply list is available if you did not receive one. did not receive one.

• The supply list is also available The supply list is also available on the Pioneer website.on the Pioneer website.

Support Services• Media Specialist – Miss Muhlbauer• Guidance Counselors

– Mrs. Boberg A - K– Ms. Roth L - Z

• Social Worker – Mrs. Koser• School Psychologist – Ms. Cooney• Nurse – Mrs. Strait• Attendance – Mrs. Law (Mention that

parents need to write and turn in excuses)

Child Absent?• Call attendance• Call greeter to request missing hw• Write and send in a note to Mrs. Law

detailing reason for absence• Student must see teachers upon returnStudent is responsible for all work

missed

After School ProgramBEGINS SEPTEMBER 5, 2013

Is composed of two components:

Academic Program:• Work on homework, project or a quiet place to read.

Recreation Program:• Various athletics and games.

*Permission slips are necessary for all after school activities. Forms will be available at the Main Office, the Greeter’s Desk or

on the Pioneer homepage.

*Important change – Students failing 2 or more subjects will NOT be able to attend after school recreation. Eligibility will be updated each 5 week marking period.

Student Involvement Opportunities

• Modified Sports• Banana Splits• Chess Club• Certified Babysitting Training• Dance Class• Technology Club• Radio Club• National Junior Honor Society

• Marching Band• Yearbook Club• Leo Club• Recreation Program• Student Council• Newspaper Club• Safe School

Ambassadors• Middle School Musical• Junior FFA• Pioneer Productions

Important Dates

• September 5th Students First Day of School

• October 3rd Picture Day

• October 14th Columbus Day (No School)

• November 11th Veterans Day (No School)

• November 25st Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences

12:00pm to 7:00pm

• November 26nd Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences

7:30am to 2:00pm

• November 27 – 29th Thanksgiving Break

Agenda/ID Card Use

• Important pages in the agenda and go over important information

• New Agendas every 10 weeks• ID Card required to borrow books

from LMC• ID Card required to buy lunch

Team Homework Policy

• Check your child’s agenda• Homework day sheet will be posted

on our team website each day.• In all core classes students will

incur 50% penalty if homework is not turned in on time.

Forms• Sent home in the mail to be turned in at orientation to

homeroom teacher:

– Introducing Your Child– Media Consent Form– After-School Program– Student Residency Form– Parent Volunteer Form– Free and Reduced Lunch Form– Right to Know Form (Asbestos, Pesticides, etc.)– Pride T-Shirt Form

• Please complete and turn in completed forms to homeroom teacher before you leave

Questions/Comments/Concerns?

Thank you for coming!