Garrett Middle School

Empowering Lifelong Learners!

8th Grade Curriculum & Instruction

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to 8th Grade! I hope you and your child are excited about the upcoming year! The information below will help you understand what your child will be learning this year in our classrooms.

Social Studies

Our class this year will focus on the major events in American history from the Revolution through post-Civil War reconstruction. We will study these historical events in many ways including a textbook, online activities, field trips, guest speakers, videos, presentations, and some homework assignments. Students will have an online textbook as well as a workbook for extra support. We will have a classroom set of books available if needed. This class will go in-depth into multiple topics using the technology, guest speakers, and field trips as support. On occasion, we will discuss more recent historical events as well as look at some historical moments that helped shape our country that occurred outside of 1776 – 1865 time period.

Reading

Reading curriculum falls into three main categories: literature, nonfiction, and vocabulary. Throughout the course of the year we will read a variety of texts that examine the genres of realistic fiction, historical fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. Students will be asked to read regularly. This may include staying on pace with the class novel, completing a short nightly reading selection, reading independently from a book of their choosing, or through programs such as NewsELA. During class we will utilize a variety of activities and lessons to assist students with their comprehension of assigned readings to reach the goal of developing readers who are able to interact independently with a variety of texts.

Science

The Science curriculum is categorized into four areas of learning: Physical Science, Earth and Space Science, Life Science, and Engineering. Your child will actively learn this academic content through a combination of interactive notes, videos, labs designed for multiple learning styles, projects, group and individual work, and assessments.

Math

This course will include a combination of standard-driven lessons, ALEKS, and enrichment projects. The students will be expected to complete homework assignments each week and take assessments over skills learned in class lessons. Typically, the daily homework will be due the next day.

Writing

In Writing, throughout the year, we will be focusing on writing in three main genres: argumentative, informative, and narrative. Students will also be working in class Tuesday and Thursday on improving their grammar through an online website, NoRedInk. We will be utilizing various tools to enhance our writing. These tools consist of journaling, Grammarly, and Citation Machine. We will work collaboratively with other classes during the course of the year to create projects that demonstrate our knowledge from what we have learned.

Preparation for College & Careers

Preparing for College and Careers curriculum addresses the knowledge, skills, and behaviors all students need to be prepared for success in high school, college, their career, and life. The focus of the course is the impact of today’s choices on tomorrow’s possibilities. The following questions are used to guide self-awareness and exploration in class.

1. Who am 1?
2. What do I want to do? 3. How do I get there?

Physical Education

This class will cover physical fitness and competitive games. Our fitness activities will include strength, speed, core strength, and endurance assessments. The competitive games will include, but are not limited to: football, soccer, kick ball, basketball, wrestling, badminton, baseball, flicker ball, and running.

Let’s Have a Great Year

We look forward to a great year with your student and to seeing them work hard, have fun, and learn a lot. If you have any questions during the year, feel free to email us.

Mrs. Ashenfelter - Science [email protected]

Mrs. Armstrong - Reading [email protected]

Mr. Lapadot- Social Studies [email protected]

Mrs. Molargik - Math [email protected]

Ms. Roub - Writing [email protected]

Ms. Smith - Preparation for College & Careers [email protected]

Mr. Kraus - Physical Education [email protected]

Mrs. Getts - 8th Grade Resource [email protected]

8th Grade Policies & Procedures 2022-2023 Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to 8th Grade! I hope you and your child are excited about the upcoming year! The information below will help you understand the procedures and expectations in our classrooms.

GKB Username/Email address & Password

Username: ______________________ Password: ______________________

The username and password are utilized on the following GKB Systems: ● Canvas

• ●  PowerSchool

• ●  Google Apps/Drive (including email)

• ●  Apple ID is the same as Gmail ([email protected])

  New iPads 2022-2023

  These expectations have been established by G-K-B Schools and agreed upon by parents during student registration via the technology agreement. Students will adhere to the following:

• ●  The case is NOT to be removed by students for any reason.

• ●  Stickers/other personal items should NOT be placed anywhere on the case or iPad.

• ●  Do NOT write on or around the keyboard or case.

• ●  Do NOT use the iPad/case as a folder.

  *Please see attached page regarding information on the iPad charger included with your child’s iPad.

  Swift K12 (Parent Contact/Messaging System)

  G-K-B Schools uses a school notification system called SwiftK12 which allows our school, and classroom teachers, to send messages using phone, email, and SMS text messaging. SwiftK12 is integrated with the existing PowerSchool Parent Portal (used to register students). It is very important that we have your current contact information in SwiftK12 (SwiftK12 tab in PowerSchool) as this will be the main form of communication with parents. For your convenience, please see the attached SwiftK12 parent information letter to review and update your contact information.

  Canvas

  We will utilize Canvas throughout the year to post the weekly agenda (see Announcements tab on Canvas) and assign resources. Students will have a personal login and can share with you their assignments and calendar. Parents also have the option of observing each Canvas course. You can do this on the Canvas homepage by entering your child’s username and password. This is a great way to help your child stay on task with projects and classwork!

  PowerSchool

  Much like Canvas, PowerSchool is a platform that allows students and parents to access grades in real time. As we update grades, they are updated immediately on PowerSchool. There should never be a time when you are unable to know your student’s updated grade. For information on accessing PowerSchool, please contact the school office.

Classroom Tardy Policy

Students are expected to arrive at class on time. If a student is tardy to class, it will be documented by that classroom teacher in PowerSchool and the following consequences will be applied.
1st Tardy - verbal reminder

2nd Tardy - parent contact
3rd (and any additional) Tardy - detention assigned

Classroom Behavior Expectations

1.) Be RESPONSIBLE: students are expected to come to class prepared to learn each and every day.
2.) Be ON TIME: students should be in their assigned seat when the bell rings.

3.) Be RESPECTFUL: students should be respectful to their teacher and classmates and the school and other’s property.

Classroom Assignment Expectations

1.) Students should have all assignments turned in on time. Assignment due dates will be indicated on Canvas. Students will only receive credit for their work until the end of each learning unit. Work submitted after the end of the learning unit will NOT be accepted for a grade. End of unit dates will be communicated by the classroom teacher and documented on Canvas.

2.) Projects assigned as culminating assessments will have a specific due date and students are expected to turn in their completed project on that date. Students will have the option to request an extension of the due date from the classroom teacher if they have been actively working on the project. Students must communicate their request (in writing) to extend the due date PRIOR to the date the project is due.

Let’s Have a Great Year

We look forward to a great year with your student and to seeing them work hard, have fun, and learn a lot. If you have any questions during the year, feel free to email us.

Mrs. Ashenfelter - Science [email protected]

Mrs. Armstrong - Reading [email protected]

Mr. Lapadot- Social Studies [email protected]

Mrs. Molargik - Math [email protected]

Ms. Roub - Writing [email protected]

Ms. Smith - Preparation for College & Careers [email protected]

Mr. Kraus - Physical Education [email protected]

Mrs. Getts - 8th Grade Resource [email protected]

8th Grade Student & Parent/Guardian Agreement ‘22-’23

Student Name: ________________________________________

Please remove this page, initial/sign below, and return it to Mrs. Ashenfelter by Thursday, August 18, 2022.

iPads

I have read, understand, and agree to follow the expectations in regards to the care and use of the school-issued iPad. I have also read the attached page regarding student iPad chargers.

Student Initials: ________

Canvas

Parent/Guardian Initials: ________

Swift K12 (Parent Contact/Messaging System)
I have logged into the PowerSchool Parent Portal and reviewed and updated (as needed) my SwiftK12 contact information. I also understand that if any of my contact information changes during the school year, I will need to update it in the PowerSchool Parent Portal.

Parent/Guardian Initials: ________

I understand that a weekly agenda will be posted on Canvas, and I will use the Canvas Announcements and/or Calendar to see all my assignments, projects, quizzes, tests, etc.

Student Initials: ________ Parent/Guardian Initials: ________

PowerSchool

I understand that I have access to PowerSchool and can access student’s grades at all times.

Student Initials: ________ Parent/Guardian Initials: ________

Classroom Behavior Expectations

I understand and agree that it is important to be responsible, on time, and respectful at school. This ensures the best possible learning experience for my student and their classmates.

Student Initials: ________ Parent/Guardian Initials: ________

Classroom Assignment Expectations

I have read, understand, and agree to the classroom assignment expectations. Student Initials: ________ Parent/Guardian Initials: ________

Parent/Guardian Signature: _____________________________________ Date: ___________