Testing

It is that time of year again. We begin our district benchmark tests next week. 6th - 8th graders will take the math portion on September 17th. 8th graders will take the science portion on Monday, September 21st. The benchmarks consist of two 40 minute sessions. Please make sure your students get a good nights sleep and eat a good breakfast.

8th Graders - ePEPs, MAIs and PSAT

During orientation in July a packet of information was handed out for 8th graders. This packet contained materials explaining what ePEPs were. Also sinside the packet was a registration sheet for taking the PSAT.

Unfortunately, the packets got to the front desk a little too late and some of the students did not get this packet. I have the extras in my office. I will also be coming around to the 8th grade classes to check with students to see whether or not they received the information. If they did not, I will give them a packet at that time.

ePEPs are electronic plans for high school. MAIs are Major Areas of Interest. MAIs are similar to choosing a major in college where once the major is chosen, you taken classes related to that major to get your degree. Students will be asked to select a MAI and then will have to decide on electives to match that MAI. A total of 4 electives in the major area of interest is required for high school graduation. Before the ePEPs and the MAIs are completed, students will participate in career lessons through their social studies class.

The PSAT assessment will be given in October for any 8th grade student who wishes to take it. The cost for this is $13.00. Only cash can be accepted. Please turn in the registration form from the packet along with the money to Mrs. Garrett.

If parents and/or students have any questions regarding this information, please contact me. My phone number is 904-346-5650 x112 and my email is garrettt@duvalschools.org.

Summer Reading

I have recently finished reading all the books assigned for the students for summer reading. I have to say that my favorite of all was Tangerine. I loved the character development in this story. It also focused on activities that I can relate to. I love the strength and courage of the main character. Also, I loved how the parents evolved throughout the book. It just shows that even as adults we can make mistakes and have consequences for our mistakes.

FCAT Writes

The writing portion of the FCAT will be administered on February 10, 2009. This test is for 8th grade students.

Students please make sure that you get a good nights rest, eat a healthy breakfast, and show up to school on time!

High School Credits

Earlier this year, I met with every 8th grade student to discuss promotion requirements and high school credits. Hopefully, they informed the parents of the discussion.

There are a few points that I would like to re-emphasize. Grades earned in Algebra I and Geometry in middle school WILL count as part of the students high school grade point average. Students were encouraged to put forth best effort in these particular courses. While these courses will count toward grade point average, they will not eliminate the required 4 math courses for high school.

So, a student taking Algebra I in 8th grade will most likely take Geometry in 9th grade. Students taking Geometry in 8th grade will most likely take Algebra II in 9th grade.

ePEP

Mrs. Long and I have been working with 8th grade students to complete their ePEPs. An ePEP is an electronic personal education planner. The students are logging into FACTS.org and selecting courses for high school. The students started this plan by exploring career choices and then selecting a Major Area of Interest (MAI). The MAI helps to drive the courses that the students must take, especially the elective courses. In high school, students must take one elective each year that falls under their MAI.

As the students to show you their ePEP online.