8th Grade High School Transition
In early February, 8th graders will begin planning for their freshman year in high school. This involves learning about the courses offered, getting teacher recommendations, attending orientation meetings at BHS, exploring elective options, meeting with 9th graders. A meeting will be held for parents around that time to walk you through the process. All pertinent information will be posted on this site as the registration process begins. Here is the slideshow I will be sharing:
docs.google.com/presentation/d/1wMWqQ6wRVUCVX5UPordqZLbsI2WkXUiHBRfS8HnJR2w/edit?usp=sharing
Calendar for 2018:
https://calendar.google.com/calendar/r.
This can be both an overwhelming and an exciting time for students and parents. For most students, this is the very first time they are making a major transition in their lives, certainly in their schooling. Going from a K-8 setting to a high school the size of BHS is a big change and we take that to heart.
Some technical differences of note: the high school starts at 8:20 am and ends at 2:50 M-Th and from 8:20-2:00 on Fridays. Classes meet 4 times a week, varying between 50-60 minutes long. Sports meet every day after school and last until around 6:00pm. Your child will be assigned a guidance counselor, an associate dean and a dean. Each of these people is there to help. It may require you or your child reaching out directly if help is needed.
Each student will be receiving course recommendations for their academic classes. This is the first time they will experience being in a leveled class. While our teachers do a tremendous job of making appropriate recommendations for each student, the thought of being in any particular level can produce feelings of anxiety. Our priority is to set them up for a smooth transition to high school and to engage in the various activities BHS has to offer.
In English, History, and Science, there are 2 levels: Standard and Honors. In Math and World Language there are 3 levels: Standard, Honors and Advanced. The difference between the Standard and Honors is most easily measured by class size and pace. Standard classes offer a rigorous curriculum in a setting where students may get a little bit more support from a classroom teacher. Honors is also a rigorous curriculum that moves at a faster pace-this may mean more time spent for homework and a larger class size. Advanced is generally for students who not only excel at the course, but also possess a deep dedication to the subject area. We spend a lot of time at Runkle talking with students about balancing their lives and schedules Freshman Year. For some of them, this may mean taking all Honors and Advanced Classes. For others it may mean taking a mix of Standard and Honors. The final decision about which course level your child takes is ultimately up to you as the parents. If you want to change the level from what your child's teacher has recommended, there will be an opportunity to "override" the recommendation. If you have questions about your individual child's schedule, please don't hesitate to contact me.
For more detailed information about each subject area, please refer to the following link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1xy2cpLAz-gTHVnUzhXLWY5M0dMNHJsV3NrcHJOUDNSTFpV/view?usp=sharing
In addition to the amazing academic courses the high school has to offer, there is a very wide range of electives students can take. 9th graders can take up to 3 half-year electives, in the areas of Visual Arts, Performing Arts and Career and Technology Education. Class descriptions will be available to view in the catalog, and here is an abbreviated version:
drive.google.com/file/d/0B1xy2cpLAz-gN0VfX05xcjNKcWx1LTZ5dHJjNXhLdFpOdE9n/view?usp=sharing
There are other courses that meet in place of two electives for which students will receive grades and course credit. Some examples of such courses are: Freshman Tutorial, Learning Center and African American and Latino Scholars. Some students opt to take Study Hall, for which they will receive no credit. This will give them an opportunity to get some homework done during the school day.
For specific information go to:
drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B1xy2cpLAz-gZVpFbHdUTHo0TkU
Rebecca Sneider
rebecca_sneider@psbma.org
