Thursday, March 20, 2014

Freshman Scheduling Information



Dear Students/Parents/Guardians,

As we get closer to the end of the 2013-2014 school year, it is time to begin to think about the transition from middle school to high school.  This letter is meant to give you a clear understanding of the scheduling process.

Week of March 24th:  Mr. Pellicano will be in one of the 8th grade classrooms to have a general discussion in regards to this transition.  

After Third 9 Weeks:  The 8th grade teachers will make recommendations for placement in academic or honors courses.

* You will receive notification of the teacher recommendations at that time.
* We realize that students could perform far better or worse during the final grading period and this could affect the recommendation. 

Week  of  April 7th :  Mr. Como, high school guidance counselor, will spend a day in one of the 8th grade classes to continue the transition discussion.  Topics will include credits required for graduation and elective courses and the overall scheduling process.  

May 29th :  “Bump Up Night” will be held for all 8th grade students and their families.  It will be held from 6:00-7:30 this evening.  Students will be given a tentative schedule for 9th grade and have a chance to walk through the high school building. Future meetings can be set up with the high school counselors should there be any additional questions. 


Sincerely,

Aaron Pellicano
Middle School Counselor

Events and dates

Friday, March 21
 No School

Tuesday, March 25
9:50am [PSSA GRADE 8] MATH & READING
 
Wednesday, March 26
9:50am [PSSA GRADE 8] MATH & READING
11:56am [PSSA GRADE 8] MATH & READING
 
Friday, March 28
9:50am [PSSA GRADE 8] MATH & READING

Monday, March 31
9:50am [PSSA GRADE 8] MATH & READING
 
Tuesday, April 1
  [AMS GRADE 8] Reading/Math PSSA Tests make-up
9:50am [PSSA GRADE 8] MATH & READING
 
Wednesday, April 2
 [AMS GRADE 8] Reading/Math PSSA Tests make-up
 
Thursday, April 3
 [AMS GRADE 8] Reading/Math PSSA Tests make-up
9:50am [PSSA GRADE 8] Writing PSSA Test
 
Friday, April 4
 [AMS GRADE 8] Reading/Math PSSA Tests make-up
9:50am [PSSA GRADE 8] Writing PSSA Test
 
Monday, April 7

9:50am [PSSA GRADE 8] Writing PSSA Test
 
Tuesday, April 8
 [Event] Musical Assembly

Wednesday, April 9
9:50am  [PSSA GRADE 8] Writing PSSA Test
 
Friday, April 11
 [Reading] Read your WWII Fiction Book. Take AR quiz on 4/11
 
Thursday, April 17
11:59am Senator Visit, Honorable Matt Smith
 
Friday, April 18
 No School - Spring Vacation
 
Monday, April 21
 School back in session
 
Thursday, April 24
 [Event] National Pay It Forward Day
 
Friday, April 25
11:59am Pay It Forward - Volunteer Symposium
 
Monday, April 28
9:53am   [PSSA GRADE 8] Science PSSA
 
Tuesday, April 29
9:53am  [PSSA GRADE 8] Science PSSA
 
Wednesday, May 7
 2-HOUR Delay Teacher In-service
 
Friday, May 9
 [Event] History Center Field Trip & Strip District Tour
 
Monday, May 12
 [KEYSTONE EXAM GRADE 8] Algebra Students
 
Tuesday, May 13
 [KEYSTONE EXAM GRADE 8] Algebra Students
 
Tuesday, May 20
 Kennywood Field Trip
 
Monday, May 26
 No School - Memorial Day Holiday
 
Friday, June 6
 Last day of school for students!

PSSA Math and Reading Testing March 25 through April 1



NOTICE

Testing regulations prohibit the use of all electronic devices, including Kindles, Nooks, iPads or other electronic readers during testing times. If you are currently reading a book on an electronic reader, please make the necessary arrangements to find your novel at the library in the old fashioned book form. All cell phones, pagers, portable listening or recording devices, any devices with photographic capability must remain at home or in your locker.

Reading/Math PSSA Tests*
March 25      9:50 - 11:26±
March 26
     9:50 - 11:26, 11:59 - 1:32±
March 28
     9:50 - 11:26
March 31 
    9:50 - 11:26±
April 1
   9:50 - 11:28
± Calculators needed for the Math PSSA Test
Students will be responsible for bringing their own calculator to the testing sessions.  Available calculators are limited!  Please speak to your student about what they will use during our 3 days of math testing.  Students are not permitted to use the calculator feature of their phones.

  • Take your AR book to each testing period. If you have extra time after you complete a test, you may read silently at your desk.
  • Students will be responsible for bringing their own calculator to the testing sessions.  Available calculators are limited!  Please speak to your student about what they will use during our 3 days of math testing.  Students are not permitted to use the calculator feature of their phones. 
  • Do your best to get a good night’s rest prior to testing days and eat a nutritious breakfast. A good sleep and nutrition can make a difference!
  • Avoid scheduling doctor appointments or other out-of-school activities during testing times. Participation in PSSA exams is a state requirement. Making up tests pulls you from your regular classes. As a result, you will miss valuable class time. It will be your responsibility to make up any classwork you miss. Of course, if you are genuinely ill, please stay at home and take the necessary time off to get well. You will perform better on a test if you are healthy.
  • Invest your best effort in these tests. Show what you know. Your personal
    achievement is monitored by teachers and counselors to help make decisions about your academic needs and placements.
Read more from the State Department of Education.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

PSSA Snack Update



Learn more here! If you are able to donate a case of water or snacks please contact Mrs. Hickman.  Our graph is updated regularly as donations are received.

Science quiz retakes

A science quiz retake has been scheduled for Thursday! 
https://sites.google.com/site/sci8haskins/unit-g-chemical-reactions/g3quizi

Monday, March 17, 2014

No School
Friday, 3/21/14
Parent-teacher Conferences

This week:

 Tue: Reading-Literary Terms Test 

 Wed: 3rd nine-weeks ends 

Thu: Civics-Judicial Branch Test 

Fri: no school