THE WHEATLEY SCHOOL · 2019. 6. 14. · Algebra 1 with Lab course meets for an additional period every other day and covers all of the topics from Algebra 1. This lab period will

THE WHEATLEY SCHOOL

VERITATEM QUAERITE

GRADE 8

COURSE SELECTION GUIDE

2021-2022

Course Guide for Students Entering 8th Grade

2

THE EAST WILLISTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Mr. Mark Kamberg, President

Mr. Robert Fallarino, Vice President

Mr. Leonard Hirsch

Mr. David P. Keefe

Mrs. Tasmeen Meghji

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION

Dr. Elaine Kanas, Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Danielle Gately, Deputy Superintendent

Mrs. Diane Castonguay, Assistant Superintendent for Business

THE WHEATLEY SCHOOL

Dr. Sean C. Feeney, Principal

Dr. Karen Klapper, Assistant Principal

DISTRICT-WIDE CURRICULUM PERSONNEL

Mr. Stephen Collier, English Chairperson

Mr. Wayne Jensen, Director of Social Studies & Real World Learning

Mr. Edward Kemnitzer, Director of Technology, Innovation, & Information Services

Dr. Lynn Mazza, Director of Pupil Personnel Services

Ms. Danielle Mammolito, Director of Middle School Life and K-12 Fine Arts

Mr. Sean O’Brien, Director of Guidance

Mrs. Mary Alexis Pace, Director of Science & High School Life

Mr. Michael Scaturro, Director of PE, Athletics, Health, Medical Services & FCS

Mr. Thomas Sposato, Assistant Director of Pupil Personnel Services

Dr. Robert Teseo, Director of Mathematics & Data Protection Officer

WHEATLEY GUIDANCE COUNSELING STAFF

Mrs. Suzanne Gluck

Mrs. Sherri Schacter

Mrs. Lauren Silverstein

Dr. Alison Warner


3

N E W Y O R K S T A T E R E Q U I R E M E N T S GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Regents Diploma Required Course Credit

Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation Required Course Credit

English 4 English 4

Social Studies 4 Social Studies 4

Mathematics 3 Mathematics 3

Science 3 Science 3

World Language* 1 World Language** 3

Art/Music 1 Art/Music 1

Health 0.5 Health 0.5

Physical Education 2 Physical Education 2

Electives 3.5 Electives 1.5

Total 22 Total 22

Regents Diploma Required Regents Exams

5 Regents Exams Required (Passing Score of 65 and Above)

Regents Diploma with Adv. Designation Required Regents Exams

9 Regents Exams Required (Passing Score of 65 and Above)

English Language Arts Exam English Language Arts Exam

One Mathematics Exam:

Algebra 1 or Geometry or

Algebra 2 Exams

Three Mathematics Exams:

Algebra 1 and Geometry and

Algebra 2 Exams

Global History Exam Global History Exam

U.S. History Exam U.S. History Exam

One Science Exam:

Earth Science or Living Environment

or Chemistry or Physics

Two Science Exams:

1. Living Environment

2. Earth Science or Chemistry or Physics

*World Lang. Regional Assessment

FLACS/NYSAWLA Checkpoint A Exam

*World Lang. Regional Assessment

FLACS/NYSAWLA Checkpoint B Exam

* An alternate pathway is available by pursuing a 5-credit sequence in Art, Business, or Technology

Honors Distinction on High School Diploma:

Students can receive either a Regents Diploma with honors or Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation

with honors if the overall average of required Regents Exams is 90% or higher.

In addition, students can receive Honors Distinction in Mathematics and/or Science by meeting the following

criteria:

3 Mathematics Regents examinations with 85% or above on each exam

and/or

3 Science Regents examinations with 85% or above on each exam.


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THE WHEATLEY SCHOOL

FIVE-YEAR PROGRAM

SAMPLE A

PERIOD GRADE 8 GRADE 9 GRADE 10 GRADE 11 GRADE 12

1 7:50 AM

P.E. ELECTIVE

OR LAB

P.E. SCIENCE

LAB

P.E. SCIENCE

LAB

P.E. SCIENCE

LAB

P.E. SCIENCE

LAB

2

SCIENCE

NGSS 8

LIVING

ENVIRONMENT REGENTS EXAM

EARTH SCIENCE

REGENTS EXAM

CHEMISTRY REGENTS EXAM

(PHYSICS) REGENTS EXAM

3

ENGLISH 8 ENGLISH 9 ENGLISH 10 /

SWS

ENGLISH 11 /

SWS R E G E N T S EX AM

ENGLISH 12 /

SWS

4

SOCIAL

STUDIES 8

GLOBAL/WORLD

HISTORY

GLOBAL/WORLD

HISTORY REG EN T S EX A M

US HISTORY REG EN T S EX A M

SOCIAL

STUDIES

5

LUNCH

LUNCH

LUNCH

LUNCH

LUNCH

6

LEVEL 100

LANGUAGE* FLACS/NYSAWLA

EXAM A

LEVEL 200

LANGUAGE*

LEVEL 300

LANGUAGE* FLACS/NYSAWLA

EXAM B

LEVEL 400

LANGUAGE

AP LANGUAGE

(LANGUAGE)

7

PRE-ALGEBRA ALGEBRA 1 REGENTS EXAM

GEOMETRY REGENTS EXAM

ALGEBRA 2 REGENTS EXAM

(PRE

CALCULUS)

8

ART / MUSIC /

ELECTIVE

ART / MUSIC /

ELECTIVE

ELECTIVE

ELECTIVE

ELECTIVE

9 2:26 PM

TECHNOLOGY/

ELECTIVE

ELECTIVE HEALTH

ELECTIVE

ELECTIVE

ELECTIVE

*The FLACS/NYSAWLA Regional Assessments have replaced the former NYS Proficiency and Regents

exams.

Courses noted in parentheses exceed the NYS diploma requirements.

Wheatley students will be strongly encouraged to continue advanced study in all academic disciplines.


5

THE WHEATLEY SCHOOL

FIVE-YEAR PROGRAM

SAMPLE B

PERIOD GRADE 8 GRADE 9 GRADE 10 GRADE 11 GRADE 12

1 7:50 AM

P.E. ELECTIVE

OR LAB

P.E. SCIENCE

LAB

P.E. SCIENCE

LAB

P.E. SCIENCE

LAB

P.E. SCIENCE

LAB

2

LIVING

ENVIRONMENT REGENTS EXAM

EARTH SCIENCE REGENTS EXAM

CHEMISTRY REGENTS EXAM

(PHYSICS) REGENTS EXAM

(AP SCIENCE OR

ELECTIVE)

3

ENGLISH 8 ENGLISH 9 ENGLISH 10 /

SWS

ENGLISH 11 /

SWS R E G E N T S EX AM

ENGLISH 12 /

SWS

4

SOCIAL

STUDIES 8

GLOBAL/WORLD

HISTORY

GLOBAL/

AP WORLD REG EN T S EX A M

US

HISTORY REG EN T S EX A M

SOCIAL

STUDIES

5

LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH

6

LEVEL 100

LANGUAGE* REGIONAL EXAM

LEVEL 200

LANGUAGE*

LEVEL 300

LANGUAGE* REGIONAL EXAM

LEVEL 400

(LANGUAGE)

AP LANGUAGE

(LANGUAGE)

7


GEOMETRY REGENTS EXAM


PRE-

CALCULUS

AP CALCULUS /

AP STATISTICS /

ELECTIVE

8

ART / MUSIC /

ELECTIVE

ART / MUSIC /

ELECTIVE ELECTIVE ELECTIVE ELECTIVE

9 2:26PM

TECHNOLOGY/

ELECTIVE ELECTIVE | HEALTH ELECTIVE ELECTIVE ELECTIVE

*The FLACS/NYSAWLA Regional Assessments have replaced the former NYS Proficiency and Regents

exams.

Courses noted in parentheses exceed the NYS diploma requirements.

Wheatley students will be strongly encouraged to continue advanced study in all academic disciplines.


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T H E W H E A T L E Y S C H O O L

R E Q U I R E D G R A D E 8 C O U R S E S ( O N E C O U R S E P E R D E P A R T M E N T )

E N G L I S H D E P A R T M E N T :

English 8

In English 8, students develop the English skills needed to be confident and successful throughout high school.

Students write creative, narrative, informative and persuasive pieces. The study of vocabulary in context, and of

grammar and usage in relation to their writing, are emphasized. The reading curriculum stretches from contemporary

fiction and non-fiction to literary classics. Students also learn to use digital and print sources for research. A wide

range of instructional activities includes traditional whole class lessons, cooperative learning, individual conferences,

class presentations and performances.

M A T H D E P A R T M E N T :

Pre-algebra

This course builds the foundation students will need to be successful in Algebra 1 and is aligned with the New York

State Curriculum for grade 8. Topics include integers, order of operations, algebraic expressions, linear equations,

linear inequalities, ratios, proportions, geometric applications of proportions, percentage problems, angle/line

relationships, transformations, variables, exponents, operations on polynomials, factoring polynomials, functions,

graphs, and constructions. Students will take a final exam at the end of the course.

Algebra 1 1 credit

This is the first course in the New York State Mathematics sequence that reflects the Common Core learning

standards at the high school level. Algebra provides tools and ways of thinking that are necessary for solving

problems in a wide variety of disciplines, such as science, business, social sciences, fine arts, and technology. Algebra

1 covers operations on algebraic expressions, first-degree equations and inequalities in one variable, ratios,

proportions, relations, functions, coordinate geometry, special products, factoring, algebraic fractions, systems of

equations, inequalities, and statistics. Students will take the Algebra Regents examination in June.

Algebra 1 with Lab 1 credit

This is the first course in the New York State Mathematics sequence, which reflects the Common Core Learning

Standards at the high school level. Algebra provides tools and ways of thinking that are necessary for solving

problems in a wide variety of disciplines, such as science, business, social sciences, fine arts, and technology. The

Algebra 1 with Lab course meets for an additional period every other day and covers all of the topics from Algebra 1.

This lab period will be used to explore mathematics using a hands-on approach to help students make deeper

connections with the content of Algebra 1. Students will take the Algebra Regents examination in June.

S C I E N C E D E P A R T M E N T :

Intermediate Science 8 NGSS

This course emphasizes physical science concepts from Earth Science, Physics, and Chemistry. Science 8 NGSS

completes the sequence of science courses needed for the New York State Intermediate Level Science Assessment in

addition to establishing a strong foundation for high school science courses.

Regents Living Environment Enriched 1 credit

Living Environment Enriched is a course that follows and goes beyond the NYS Living Environment curriculum.

Students are prepared to sit for the Living Environment Regents exam and must successfully complete 1200 minutes

of laboratory work in order to take this exam. Topics of study include ecology, classification, cell theory,

biochemistry, reproduction, genetics, evolution, and physiology. This full-year course meets on an alternating single-

period/double-period schedule.


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S O C I A L S T U D I E S D E P A R T M E N T :

Social Studies 8

This course constitutes the second half of a survey of American History, which began in Grade 7. In Grade 8 students

study modern America from Reconstruction to the present day. Emphasis is placed upon the dynamic, urban society

of twentieth century America as well as the United States as a global power.

W O R L D L A N G U A G E D E P A R T M E N T :

Introduction to Spanish Language

This introductory course is designed for students who have never taken a world language course or did not

successfully complete language 7 or 7-1 at Willets Road or Introduction to Spanish at Wheatley (2018-19). Students

must successfully complete 1 credit of language prior to the end of grade 9 in order to meet minimum NYS

graduation requirements. Students will develop basic communicative proficiency skills in listening, speaking, reading

and writing. Students will also explore cultural connections. This course is also available to students who wish to

begin study of a second world language.

Incoming Grade 8 students who have completed World Language 7 at Willets Road will continue their language

study at the 100 Level. Students who have successfully completed Spanish 7-1 at Willets Road will continue their

language study in Spanish 8.

Spanish 8

Spanish 8 is the continuation of the Spanish 7-1 course offered at Willets Road in 2018-19. Students will continue to

develop their communicative skills through verbal and visual presentations, situational tasks and voice recordings.

Reading and writing skills will continue to develop through simple research tasks that require accessing authentic

documents via the internet. This course will prepare students for the Spanish 100 course in grade 9.

Level 100 (French, Italian, Spanish) 1 credit

Level 100 is designed for students who have successfully completed world language 7 at Willets Road MS or Level I

at Wheatley. This course is the second phase in the sequence that completes Checkpoint A requirements of the New

York State syllabus. Students’ communicative skills will continue to develop as they begin to express themselves in

the past tense. Students will also develop an increased awareness of cultural differences and similarities. The

FLACS/NYSAWLA Checkpoint A Regional Language Assessment will be given upon completion of this course.

Prerequisite: World Language 7

P H Y S I C A L E D U C A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T :

Physical Education 8

All students in grade 8 must successfully complete Physical Education. Due to the nature of physical education

activities, proper clothing is a requirement. Students must wear athletic attire: shorts, t-shirt, socks and sneakers. A

warm-up suit or sweat suit may be worn in place of shorts and a t-shirt. The physical education program is designed

to offer a variety of activities. The purpose of these activities is to enhance the individual’s physical awareness,

increase physical fitness levels and promote lifetime activities.

M U S I C D E P A R T M E N T :

Intermediate Band and Orchestra Full Year – Every Day

These groups include incoming 8th graders, plus students of other grade levels who need further work to master the

prerequisites for the more advanced groups. In this course, students are expected to learn basic music theory as it

applies to their instrument, elementary playing techniques as described in the NYSSMA manuals for levels

I, II, and III, and exhibit proper rehearsal behavior throughout the school year. A playing test given in January

determines class placement for the following year. A student should be able to fulfill the prerequisite requirements for

Concert Band/ Orchestra. If a student is unable to fulfill these requirements, they are given an opportunity to remain

in the Intermediate group. These groups perform at the traditional winter and spring concerts. Additionally, the

orchestra performs with the Long Island Philharmonic in an annual concert in February.


8

T E C H N O L O G Y D E P A R T M E N T :

Technology 8 Full Year-Alternate Day

Technology 8 fulfils the New York State Education is a state mandated course required of all 8th graders. It is

predominantly a hands-on, project-oriented class whereby students are provided with experiences allowing them to

discover and explore their technical interests and abilities. Specifically, the nature of the coursework and projects

provide activities in the areas of problem solving, experimentation, innovation, creativity, reaching compromises and

working with others in a group situation.

2021-2022 8TH GRADE ELECTIVES

Introduction to Art

This full-year course meets on alternate days and teaches students the basic fundamentals of art. The essentials of 2-D

design, 3-D design, drawing and collage will be explored along with various techniques and media to encourage

creative self-expression through art making.

Explorations in Traditional and Digital Art

This full-year course meets on alternate days and teaches students to further explore all areas of art as well as the

basics of communicating ideas through art using traditional and digital methods. Students will explore different

materials and continue to develop an understanding of the principles and elements of art.

Studio in Art Grades 8-12*

This full-year art course meets the New York State requirement for a Regents Diploma and is a prerequisite for

certain upper level art electives. Studio in Art is a foundation course that emphasizes the Elements and Principles of

Art with a focus on the continued refinement of basic skills. This course will enable students to begin to build a

foundation of skills, explore a variety of mediums, and expand their critical thinking skills. This course meets every

day.

*8th grade enrollment: Only 8th graders interested in visual arts or pursuing a 5-year sequence in art should enroll

in this course. All interested 8th graders should meet with their 7th grade art teacher about the program.

Media Arts Grades 8-12*

This full-year art course meets the New York State requirement for a Regents Diploma. Unlike Studio in Art,

however, this foundation course provides an alternative option for students who are more inclined to using digital

technology (in addition to traditional methods) as they continue to pursue art. This is an excellent option for students

who enjoyed the Exploring Traditional and Digital Art course. Students will focus on using the tools of current and

emerging technology while developing an understanding the Elements and Principles of Design. This course also

supports a sequence in any of the art electives. This course meets every day.

*8th grade enrollment: Only 8th graders who are interested in visual arts or who have an interest in pursuing a 5-

year sequence in art should enroll in this course. All interested students are encouraged to meet with their 7th grade

art teacher about the program.

Introduction to Applied Coding

This alternate day, full-year course is designed for students who want to explore the fundamentals of robotics.

Students will be learning introductory coding and applying these skills to robotics. There will be a focus on team

building and sharing of responsibilities. The Capstone Project will be the Adelphi Robotics Competition. Students

will be challenged to create and program a robot to complete a series of tasks, as well as make a presentation about

the process.


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Healthy Living

This course will introduce students to the basic principles of physical and mental wellness. The focus will be placed

on enhancing student awareness in regard to balancing personal food choices and physical activity. The overall goal is

to encourage students to make responsible and informed decisions that affect their well-being while developing

healthy attitudes and behavior patterns. Topic will range in discussions based around basic nutrition, lifestyle, fitness

and life-long planning, focusing on today’s eating trends and available nutritional information. Edible Schoolyard

In this course, students will build upon their knowledge of food and healthy eating by connecting our training to the

beginning of the food chain. Learning will extend outside the traditional classroom, creating opportunities in the

Wheatley greenhouse and outdoor learning lab. Geographical aspects of foods and farming will be discussed and

students will understand the benefits of a "Farm to Table" lifestyle.

Introduction to Creative Writing

This alternate day, full-year course is for students who enjoy writing. It will allow students the opportunity to write

short stories, poetry, plays, and screenplays. The class operates as a writing workshop, where students will work

together on their writing. Students will work on character studies, creating dialogue and writing scenes, and writing

using the computer and Internet. Publishing students’ written work is the aim of this introductory course.

Reading Rendezvous

The goal of this course is to embrace reading as a path to discovery and enjoyment, both for those who already love to

read and never have enough time, and for those who struggle to find the right book to engage their interest. In this

yearlong, alternate day course, we will read and discuss books of a variety of genres and themes—reading together in

class, in smaller book groups, and independently. The books we read will be chosen based on student interest and

input, though with an emphasis on books that are page-turners and reflect the contemporary world of young adult

literature. We will spend a significant portion of each class period reading, and we will use our books to launch

discussions, write, create, and share. In the process, you will be developing your reading skills, your writing skills as

well as your ability to develop probing questions and formulate solid responses. There will be a culminating

assignment for each book and students will be given ample time to work in class.

Intermediate Chorus

In this course, incoming 8th grade students will be expected to learn basic music theory as it applies to chorus, master

proper singing techniques, and exhibit proper rehearsal behavior throughout the school year. A variety of musical

styles is introduced throughout the year. Sight reading techniques are also introduced and practiced throughout the

year. Intermediate Chorus performs at the winter and spring concerts as well as other events during the school year.

Introduction to STEM Research

Students who plan on exploring careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics will be well served by

taking this course. Students will have the opportunity to explore science and mathematics outside the bounds of the

traditional high school curriculum. Through this lens, students will explore a topic of interest, think creatively,

experience the thrill of making discoveries on their own, and learn the value of “sticking with” a problem. This will

open-up opportunities to explore advanced courses in science and mathematics research. This course is taken on an

independent study basis.

Making, Innovation, and 3D Design

This hands-on course will engage students in making physical things and integrating them with electronics/software

to make them work. Students will gain knowledge of common fabrication techniques and skills through making

things with hand tools, creating 3D designs and printing them on 3D printers, laser cutting, and utilizing electronics.

Students work with culminate in the completion design challenges, "MacGyver" challenges, and demo day

challenges.

History Through Film

This course will focus upon the relationship between actual historical events and the way in which creative artists

have depicted these events through film. Methodology to be used will include the technology of film in the twentieth

century, film as propaganda, the problems of historical accuracy and revisionism, the problem of entertainment and

public accessibility, and ethnocentric versus multicultural constructs. The course will stress


10

in-depth study of selected units and historical events with each component of study culminating in the critical viewing

of an important cinematic work.

Introduction to Social Science Research Grade 8-9

This course is an introduction to social science research, which focuses largely on history and societal issues. Students

will learn basic research methods such as using surveys and conducting interviews. They will study the basics of

analyzing data to draw conclusions in history. All students will be given the opportunity to work independently and as

part of a group on local history projects. They will work on an in-depth research project through the National History

Day competition.

ACADEMIC SEQUENCES BY DEPARTMENT

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT SEQUENCE OF COURSES

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT SEQUENCE OF COURSES


11

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT SEQUENCE OF COURSES

SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT SEQUENCE OF COURSE


12

COURSE SELECTION WORKSHEET 2021-2022

Course Name

1 English 8

2 Social Studies 8

3 Int. Science 8

NGSS

Living Environment Requires an additional alternate day

lab period

4 Physical Education Science Lab or

Elective

5 Prealgebra or

Algebra 1

Algebra 1 lab or

Elective

6 Lunch

7 Spanish OR Italian OR French

8 Technology Elective

9 Band OR Orchestra OR Elective

Documents

THE WHEATLEY SCHOOL · 2019. 6. 14. · Algebra 1 with Lab course meets for an additional period every other day and covers all of the topics from Algebra 1. This lab period will