23-24 Gr. 8 Scheduling Newsletter
RPMS
Welcome Rising 8th Grade Students and Parents!
Hello Parents and Students,
Welcome to the 2023-2024 School year.
It is our hope that this newsletter will give you all of the information needed to make informed decisions with your student regarding classes for the next school year.
In the following sections, you will find important information regarding course selections.
Please take some time to read through everything. You will find the following:
1. Requirements for Extended Classes
2. Elective classes descriptions
3. Academic Advising Course Request form (at the bottom of the newsletter)Please read this document carefully before completing your online course request form.
If you have additional questions, please feel free to reach out to a school counselor for help!
Requirements for Extended and Foreign Language Classes
- Generally speaking, if a student was in an extended class in 7th grade and performing well (A or B), they will be recommended to take an extended class in 8th grade.
- If a student was in a regular level math or language arts class in 7th grade, but wishes to take an extended version of the course for 8th grade - we will make the determination on a student by student basis.
Foreign Language Classes: Spanish 1 and French 1 will be offered next year, however, space is extremely limited.
UNDERSTANDING THE MATH SEQUENCES
Please remember that Math courses are sequential, and students can not skip to a higher level math course. Please see the progressions below to help your student select the proper math class:
- If your student took "Math 7" last year, they will select "Pre-Algebra" for next year.
- If your student took "Math 7 Extended" last year, they will select "Advanced Algebra I" for next year.
- If your student took "Pre-AP Algebra I" last year, they will select "Advanced Geometry" for next year.
Elective Information for the 23-24 School Year.
8th grade students will have two elective periods on their schedule. Because Health and PE is required for all 8th grade students*, they will have one remaining period to choose an elective.
Students can choose one of two options:
- They may request 1 year long elective
- They may request 2 semester long electives
Elective Options:
- Digital Art - Semester
- Art: Sculpture - Semester
- Engineering Systems - Semester
- Life Career Planning (FACS) - Semester
- Concert Band (Advanced) - Year Long
- Advanced Orchestra - Year Long
- Advanced Chorus - Year Long
Foreign Language
- French I and Spanish I will operate independently of the elective periods, and will NOT affect your elective choices if selected.
*Students who are in the Gifted Program will come out of PE for half of the school year to take a semester of SIGNET.
Encore Descriptions
LIFE CAREER AND PLANNING (FACS): Life and Career Planning is an advanced-level course that prepares middle school students for their roles in families, careers, and communities through project-based instruction. Students experience in-depth studies of nutrition and wellness, food preparation, relationships, personal environments, textiles, fashion and apparel, consumer resources, child development and care, and leadership service in action.
ENGINEERING SYSTEMS (Tech Ed) : Students learn about the structure and function of technological systems. Students will explore, design, analyze, and evaluate technological systems. By simulating systems and assessing their impacts, students gain insight into how to approach the problems and opportunities of a technological world. Teachers will use the nationally recognized middle school engineering curriculum, Gateway to Technology by Project Lead the Way.
ART: The Prince William County visual art instructors educate students to develop an awareness and appreciation of art. Through their study of visual art, students will develop fluency in visual, oral, and written communication using the language of art. While developing aesthetic and critical thinking skills, students will become risk takers and creative problem solvers. Students learn about visual communication while making original artwork. Students are expected to embrace art as a visual language to express and communicate their ideas and feelings while utilizing safe and ethical practices in the creative process.
FRENCH 1 or SPANISH 1: Students use the language authentically, communicating in real-life situations from the beginning of the course. They learn the sound system and basic grammar and vocabulary, primarily through the use of the language in meaningful contexts. All basic skills of the language are learned: understanding, speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasis is on communication in interpersonal situations. Culture is an integral part of the course.
Reading Strategies: Reading Strategies is designed to guide middle school students to improve their reading comprehension, along with writing, listening, fluency, and decoding skills, as needed. This is achieved as students read, write, and collaborate with their peers, in a small-group setting of up to 12 students, using authentic text and direct instruction. Students will learn and use strategies for comprehending both nonfiction and fiction text, as well as strategies for vocabulary development. These skills are vital as the students gain confidence to become independent readers, writers, speakers, and thinkers which improves comprehension across curriculum This course is designed to support students reading well below grade level.
Creative Writing: Creative Writing is a project-based course that engages students in a recursive writing process. Students explore methods for generating and developing ideas, adapting ideas for different audiences and formats, cultivating their voice, and editing their work for publication. In addition to supporting the English Standards of Learning in grades 6-8, this course develops students’ creativity, ownership of writing strategies, and metacognitive thinking. This course will support the eager writer wanting to expand their skillsets and creativity.
Band Information:
8th Grade Advanced Band: Band is a wonderful opportunity for you to build new skills and develop relationships with other students! The main focus of 7th and 8th Advanced Bands is to learn challenging music, improve creativity, and have fun making music with friends. Members of our Rippon Advanced Bands are selected by Mrs. Bryk. If you are new to Rippon, we will make sure to place you in the band that best fits your skill level. If you have any questions you can email her at bryksj@pwcs.edu
Choir Information
8th Grade Advanced Chorus:
"In 8th grade Advanced Chorus, we will sing altogether as a group to improve and advance our overall musicianship and singing skills. In our rehearsals throughout the school year, we'll continuously practice and work toward performing in various chorus concerts. With our singing, we will also gain knowledge pertaining to music history, music literacy (reading music), music appreciation, and listening skills. This class will focus on singing unison, 2 part, and 3 part choral music. This class is suitable for returning 8thgrade chorus students that are ready to advance their musicianship skills to the next level and at a faster pace. 8th Grade Advanced Chorus will have extra performance opportunities throughout the school year."
Orchestra Information
8th Grade Symphonic Orchestra:
In 8th Grade Symphonic Orchestra we will be performing more than ever before! We have a lot of exciting opportunities to perform and get better at playing our instrument. In this class, we will continue to learn even more about playing our instrument (violin, viola, cello or double bass), bow patterns, different music genres, and preparing for judged performances. We have a lot of exciting things to learn together in Symphonic Orchestra! Questions? Email Mrs. Rushing at rushinam@pwcs.edu.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS
Updated Course Request Form** July 2023
PARENTS AND STUDENTS: WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO HONOR YOUR COURSE REQUESTS, BUT DUE TO CLASS RESTRICTIONS AND AVAILABLE SPACING, WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO HONOR ALL OF THEM.
Also, if your student filled this form out already, please do not duplicate it.
If you need to update or change a class request, please fill out the form below, print it and scan it or drop it off at Rippon. You can scan it and send it to hernanal@pwcs.edu
CLICK FORM BELOW FOR 8TH GRADE COURSE SELECTIONS
Request for a Change of Schedule
Schedules will be made available through ParentVue and StudentVue in early August 2023