River View School. Home of the Eagles. 8 th Grade Course Description Guide School Year

Transcription

1 River View School Home of the Eagles 8 th Grade Course Description Guide School Year Also available online at:

2 Table of Contents If you have questions regarding anything in this guide please contact Dan Joseph Holly Magness Chris McDaniel Civil Rights Compliance Information p.2 8 th Grade Registration Form p. 3 8 th Grade Required Courses p. 4-5 o 8080 Homeroom 8 o 8600 English Language Arts Advanced ELA 8 o Math 8202 Pre-Algebra Algebra (must meet set criteria) 8220 Geometry (must meet set criteria) o 8300 Social Studies 8 o 8400 Science 8 o 9980 Physical Education 8 th Grade Encore Courses p. 5-8 o 9180 Band o 9280 Choir Alto 8 o 9281 Choir Bass 8 o 9282 Choir Soprano 8 o 9380 Orchestra 8 o 9003 Technology Education 3 o 9004 Technology Education 4 o 9080 Art A o 9081 Art Design 8 o 9082 Art B o 9083 Art Foundations o 9480 Computer 8 o 9490 Business Explorers o 9580 Food for Fitness o st Century Skills o 9780 French 8 o 9790 French I o 9880 Spanish 8 o 9890 Spanish I o 8500 Resource (Alternate Option Only) 8 th Grade Intervention Classes p. 8 (Students that meet set criteria may be placed into one or more of these courses) o 8001 Reading Intervention o 8201 Math Intervention o 8410 SOAR Resource - 1 -

3 Civil Rights Compliance Equal Opportunity Officers Section 504 and Americans with Disability Act Michael Halstead, Director of Special Education Title IX Kyle Schleis, Activities Director Title VI and All other discrimination complaints Michael Halstead, Director of Special Education and Pupil Services Title Coordinator s name, address, and phone number Section 504 and Americans with Disability Act Michael Halstead, Director of Special Education and Pupil Services 1701 County Road CE, Kaukauna, WI Title IX Kyle Schleis, Activities Director 1701 County Road CE, Kaukauna, WI Title VI and All other discrimination complaints Michael Halstead, Director of Special Education and Pupil Services 1701 County Road CE, Kaukauna, WI Non Discrimination Statement The Kaukauna Area School District does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, religion, color, physical, mental, emotional or learning disability, marital or parental status, pregnancy, sex, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, arrest record, conviction record or military service. Employees of this District are required to comply with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments. For additional information on the nondiscrimination policy and/or complaint procedure, contact the District at Reasonable Accommodations An opportunity will be available during the selection process for persons with disabilities to advise the District of any need for reasonable accommodation. Office of Civil Rights Address Office for Civil Rights U.S. Department of Education 111 North Canal Street, Suite 1094 Chicago, IL Telephone: Fax:

4 RIVER VIEW SCHOOL - KAUKAUNA, WI GRADE 8 REGISTRATION FORM Name Male Female Last First Middle Address Telephone Number (H) Name of Parent/Guardian (W) 8 th grade students will be placed in the core classes of math, reading, writing/la, science and social studies automatically. Physical education will be automatically scheduled every other day for the year. Students are encouraged to take Family and Consumer Education and Technical Education some time during 6 th, 7 th, or 8 th grade. It is highly recommended that all students take a variety of classes while they attend River View School. Please complete the three steps below in making choices for classes in 8 th grade. Step 1 Foreign Language - Students should have taken French 7 or Spanish 7 prior to taking French 8 or Spanish 8. Students that did NOT take a Foreign Language in 7 th grade can sign up for French I or Spanish I. These courses will meet everyday all year. No Foreign Language 9780 French French I (All Year Everyday) 9880 Spanish Spanish I (All Year Everyday) Step 2 Music / Art - Please indicate the Music or Art classes you want in addition to Foreign Language. These classes meet every other day all year. No music or Art 9180 Band 9280 Alto Choir 9281 Bass Choir 9282 Soprano Choir 9380 Orchestra 9083 Art Foundations Step 3 Other Encore Class Choices Rank the courses below based on interest. These classes meet every other day for a semester. Please rank the following nine classes: 1 highest interest and 9 lowest interest Technology Education st Century Skills 9004 Technology Education Art A 9480 Computers Art Design 9490 Business Explorers 9082 Art B 9580 Food for Fitness 8500 Resource (Alternate Option Only) How many of the ranked classes will fit in my schedule? Students who do not choose any Music, Art II, or Foreign Language will have six of the ranked encore classes to fit in their schedule. Students choosing a Foreign Language (with the exception of French I or Spanish I), Music or the Art II class will have four of the ranked encore choices fit in their schedule. Students choosing one Foreign Language (with the exception of French I or Spanish I), and one Music or the Art II class will have two of the ranked encore choices fit in their schedule. Students choosing one Foreign Language (with the exception of French I or Spanish I), and two Music or a Music and the Art II class will have no ranked encore choices in their schedule. Students choosing Spanish I or French I with a music or Art II will have no ranked encore choices. Though the school will do its best to place all preferred classes in a student s schedule there is no guarantee this will happen as classes are sometimes offered at the same time or are at capacity and therefore do not fit into a student s schedule as requested. Ranking the above classes provides options if we are unable to place first choice classes into a schedule. If a class does not have enough students the class may not be offered the next school year

5 Eighth Grade Required Courses Students will automatically be scheduled into these required courses (an Algebra or Geometry course will be placed in the schedule if a student meets criteria) Homeroom 8 All Year-Everyday Homeroom meets every day for the year at the end of each day. Students have the opportunity to work on assignments, receive additional support in the areas of reading or math and make sure they have all materials to complete work for the next day at home. Homeroom teachers can also use this time to advise students on personal issues that may be impacting their learning Pre-Algebra 8 All Year-Everyday Math 8 students will concentrate on writing and solving equations, transformations, angles and triangles, graphing and writing linear equations, solving systems of equations, functions, exponents and scientific notation, Pythagorean Theorem, volume of similar solids, data analysis and displays Algebra All Year-Everyday Algebra is the same course which is taught in the high school. Topics covered include the basic rules of algebra, signed numbers, equations, inequalities, graphing, functions, systems of equations, exponents, radicals, polynomials and quadratics. Successful completion of this course advances students to Geometry. To qualify for Algebra, students must successfully complete Advanced Math 7 or meet the set criteria Geometry All Year-Everyday This is the same course taught at the high school and will emphasize two-dimensional geometry and introduce some three-dimensional concepts. This course will incorporate logical reasoning and problem solving skills. To qualify for Geometry, students must have successfully completed Algebra and have the approval of parent/guardian and math teacher Social Studies 8 Semester-Everyday Eighth grade social studies will focus on economics and political science with an emphasis on civic engagement. The course will include basic concepts of modern economics from the viewpoint of the individual consumer to the national economy. The role of labor, government and conservation efforts will also be explored. In addition students will learn about the government of the United States, how it functions, the roles of different government institutions, and how individuals are empowered and protected therein. Case studies in which students will be challenged to explore companies, issues, and problems with regards to economics and political science will be fundamental to the course study Science 8 Semester-Everyday The eighth grade science curriculum will cover basic chemistry and earth science. The chemistry units covered are atoms, elements, compounds, mixtures, states of matter, and physical and chemical changes. The earth science units covered are minerals, rocks, and erosional and depositional landforms English Language Arts 8 All Year-Everyday English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum is based on the Common Core State Standards for 8 th grade. Throughout the year, students will study the reading and writing process used in literary fiction, literary nonfiction and informational texts. During quarter one, students will read and respond widely and deeply to foster a deeper understanding of the human experience through the analysis of short stories leading to the writing of their own personal narrative or short realistic fiction piece. During quarter two, students will use a variety of thinking strategies to understand, analyze, and create text for personal enrichment, inquiry and problem solving. Students will focus on the qualities of literary non-fiction, specifically informational text, and critically examine current events and issues. Based on their reading, they will choose a current event inquiry - 4 -

6 question to research and develop their own piece of informational writing. During quarter three, students will collect, analyze, and cite specific evidence to formulate questions, construct arguments, make decisions and challenge previous thinking. By studying social issues relating to poverty, students will conduct a social issue action project. During quarter four, students will obtain, analyze, and synthesize information from a variety of resources to express information, change perspectives, clarify thinking, and make informed decisions. Students will compare and contrast written and spoken text to other media such as video and live performance. Throughout the year, various forms of technology will be taught and used to enhance the learning process. Additionally, students are expected to read and write independently outside of class and discuss the experience with others Advanced ELA 8 All Year-Everyday Throughout the year, students will study the reading and writing process used in literary fiction, literary nonfiction and informational texts. During quarter one, students will analyze and evaluate literature, as well as foster a deeper understanding of the human experience. Independently, students will synthesize literature to produce and publish a narrative. During quarter two, students will analyze, and create text for inquiry and problem solving. Furthermore, students will develop questions to research following their reading; leading to significant research about the chosen topic. Independently, students will synthesize their research to produce and publish an informative/explanatory text. During quarter three, students analyze and synthesize information from multiple sources. With awareness of audience, purpose and content-specific vocabulary, students will conduct and present a social action project. During quarter four, students will analyze, and synthesize information from written text and multimedia sources to express information, change perspectives, clarify thinking, and make informed decisions. The students learning extends into the independent production and publication of a movie trailer. Throughout the year, various forms of technology will be utilized taught and used to enhance the learning process, as well as develop strong presentation skills in front of large and small audiences Physical Education 8 All Year-Day 1 or Day 2 This program works to teach students motor skills necessary to participate in a wide variety of physical activities which include: physical fitness, team, lifetime, dual and individual sports. It also advocates the link between good health and physical activity in their lives. Units include student driven and creative cooperative dance & game units along with a heavy emphasis on fitness and lifetime activities. 8 th grade physical education class is a stepping stone for more advanced course offerings at the high school level. 8 th grade Encore Courses 9180 Band All Year-Day 1 or Day 2 The 8 th grade band prepares and performs a wide variety of music including marches, popular tunes, and standard concert band literature. This music is performed at three concerts throughout the year in addition to a marching performance in the fall. Other various performances may be required. Students receive small group lessons each week. Students are strongly encouraged to have previous band instruction, although this is not a requirement. Students who have not had previous instruction are encouraged to take summer band lessons through the district Choir Alto 8 All Year-Day 1 or Day Choir Bass 8 All Year-Day 1 or Day Choir Soprano 8 All Year/Day 1 or Day 2 The eighth grade choir course content includes singing of standard choral literature with emphasis on voice and voice production. Note reading and part-singing will also be stressed. Students will learn and perform many different styles of music and will compose a stomp-like rhythmic piece. The soprano section sings the highest vocal part in our literature while the alto sings the middle range. The bass class/section covers all three vocal parts for the middle school changing male voice. Students in the bass class may be singing - 5 -

7 tenor, baritone or bass depending on their voice range. Students will receive a small group lesson once a quarter Orchestra 8 All Year-Day 1 or Day 2 Students are strongly encouraged to have played a string instrument for at least one year prior to taking orchestra. Emphasis will be on learning to play as an ensemble, but class time will also be spent exploring instrument maintenance, musical hobbies, and careers in music. A private lesson each week from the director and three concert performances are required Technology Education 3 Semester-Day 1 or Day 2 Technology 3 is a hands on class where students spend time in both a traditional shop and a contemporary computer-based technology center. Students will work on various problem solving activities in a team learning environment and will learn about safe machine usage, aviation, truss construction and eggdrop machines. Students will have an opportunity to design a floor plan, learn about digital graphic manipulation using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator in the technology center. Safety and problem solving will be stressed Technology Education 4 Semester -Day 1 or Day 2 Technology 4 is a hands on class where students spend time in both a traditional shop and a contemporary computer-based technology center. Subjects covered include computer aided drafting, digital graphic design and electronics fundamentals. We will explore manufacturing through arc welding, wood turning and by designing, building and racing CO2 powered dragsters. Balsa wood towers will be designed, built and tested in a construction unit. Safety and problem solving will be stressed Art A Semester-Day 1 or Day 2 This course will study the basic art principles. It emphasizes the further development of drawing skills, sculpture (paper relief/design), clay and grid drawing to create animals, landscape and architecture Art Design 8 Semester-Day 1 or Day 2 The course content of "Introduction to Design" will include the discussion and application of the six elements of art; color, line, space, texture, shape, and values. The course will contain various two dimensional projects along with some brief history of Logo Design. Some of these projects will include interior design board, painted color wheel, faux printing and toy packaging design. This is a different class from Art Design Art B Semester-Day 1 or Day 2 This art class will study monochromatic photo and self portrait painting, sculpture (paper mache creature) Calder Mobile and pointillism (black/white and or color drawing) as well as a review of the basic art principles Art Foundations All year-day 1 or Day 2 The art curriculum involves lessons designed to work in an ongoing, sequential process, building on knowledge learned in previous years. The Elements of Art and Principles of Design, the basic building blocks of Art, are introduced in Kindergarten, and reinforced and expanded upon as the student grows older. Art is a fundamental part of human existence, and is a visual language that is universal for all people. The art curriculum provides opportunities for differentiated learning; skills that are learned in art allow for wholebrain development and enhance student success in other subject areas. This class is intended for more advanced art students. Students will be working with drawing, painting, ceramics, metals, and 2 point perspective Computers 8 Semester-Day 1 or Day 2 The eighth grade computer curriculum covers important skills students need to know for the future. Students will review Microsoft Word, Power Point and Excel concepts. They will learn the basics of Microsoft Access (database) and how Microsoft Office apps may be integrated with each other. Students will practice using online apps such as Google Docs as an alternative to Microsoft Office and for collaboration purposes. They - 6 -

8 will learn about computer coding and programming logic using Scratch, a fun programming application. In addition, students will learn how to create Flash animations, as well as basic web page design concepts Business Explorers Semester-Day 1 or Day 2 Business Explorers serves as a background for transitioning to the business courses at KHS. This course deals with topics concerning all areas of business such as savings, banking, insurance, money management, credit, advertising, and business career exploration. These topics are expanded in business courses which are offered in the later high school years. A business simulation project is also included Food for Fitness Semester-Day 1 or Day 2 In this class, you will learn what types of food you should be eating and why you should be eating them. You will learn how to make healthier food and why it is important to use these tricks in your everyday life. A variety of discussions, projects, and activities will keep you engaged and interactive throughout the semester st Century Skills Semester-Day 1 or Day 2 In this class, you will learn and practice using the necessary skills needed for your future. You will work on utilizing the necessary skills needed to be successful in the future. You will also get the opportunity to participate in a job simulation. A variety of discussions, projects, and activities will keep you engaged and interactive throughout the semester French 8 All Year-Day 1 or Day 2 Students will continue to build on the language skills acquired in the French 7 course. Students are expected to learn and apply various vocabulary, grammar concepts, and verb conjugations in order to speak, read, write and listen to the language in realistic situations. Role playing, projects, songs, games, partner activities and group work are used to teach and practice skills. Based on their achievement after completing this course, students may be eligible to take a level II French class at the high school as a freshman. For students planning to attend a post high school institution you may want to investigate if they have foreign language requirements and how you may meet those requirements while a student in Kaukauna. Prerequisite: French French I All Year-Everyday Students will learn and apply various French vocabulary, grammar, verb conjugations, and culture concepts through practice of listening, reading, writing, and speaking activities. Role playing, projects, songs, games, partner activities, and group work will be used to teach and practice these skills. For students planning to attend a post high school institution you may want to investigate if there are foreign language requirements and how you may meet those requirements while a student in Kaukauna. Successful completion of this course and passing the end of the year district assessment may lead to French II placement at the high school level Spanish 8 All Year-Day 1 or Day 2 Students will continue to build on the language skills acquired in the Spanish 7 course. Students are expected to learn and apply various vocabulary, grammar concepts, and verb conjugations in order to speak, read, write and listen to the language in realistic situations. Role playing, projects, songs, games, partner activities and group work are used to teach and practice skills. Based on their achievement after completing this course, students may be eligible to take a level II Spanish class at the high school as a freshman. For students planning to attend a post high school institution you may want to investigate if they have foreign language requirements and how you may meet those requirements while a student in Kaukauna. Prerequisite: Spanish 7-7 -

9 9890 Spanish I All Year-Everyday This is an introductory level course where students learn basic grammar and communication skills through reading, listening, writing, and speaking activities. Students will be required to learn/memorize vocabulary and will be exposed to the Spanish culture throughout the year. Role plays, songs, games, projects, and partner/group work will be used to teach and practice the language. Successful completion of this course and passing the end of the year district assessment may lead to Spanish II placement at the high school level Resource (Alternate Option Only) Semester-Day 1 or Day 2 Students who would like a regularly scheduled study time will be able to do so by requesting a resource period on their student schedule. Students may not sign up for more than two resource classes. There is no guarantee that they will both fall in opposite semesters. (Alternate Option Only) 8 th Grade Intervention Courses (Students may be automatically scheduled into these courses if they meet the set criteria) 8001 Reading Intervention 8201 Math Intervention The math and reading intervention courses are smaller than a traditional class and meet daily or every other day during the encore periods. These courses focus on specific needs a student may have in either of these content areas. These classes are in addition to a student s regular math or reading class SOAR Resource The SOAR support class is a smaller class as well that meets daily or every other day, depending upon a student s need, to address organization issues and work completion