Welcome to 8th Grade!

Back to School NightCentral Middle School

Meet the TeachersBlue Team

• Ms. Hannah Zimmermann • Mr. Brian Weick• Ms. Lauren Sturwold • Ms. Brenda Fanella • Ms. Megan Minehart• Mr. David Chapman• Ms. Lindsay Chandler • Ms. Cathy Pankow

(para-professional)

8th Grade Core Values

• Our goal is to participate in a motivational, enjoyable learning environment that will promote respect for all members.

• The 8th grade believes in responsibility, knowledge, and working towards each individual’s full potential.

S.T.A.R. Character Education• S.T.A.R. stands for “Students

That Accept Responsibility”• The program promotes good

choices by students • The program promotes monthly

character traits such as: Responsibility, Integrity & Acceptance

• The program promotes this mission through various activities such as: Dances, Assemblies, Contests & Community Service Projects

• Elections begin in September

Highlights from last year :Veterans’ Day Assembly and

fundraiserHoliday fundraiser to

provide gift baskets for district families

St. Patrick’s Day DanceRelay for Life

Our Schedule• 45 minute class periods – for

the exception of ELA (90 minutes)

• Lunch/Band/Task• Students have 9 periods –

including two Encore classes & lunch

• 2nd hour (8:31-9:16) blue team teachers meet - please let us know if you would like a conference with the team during this time

Parent PortalClick the link for Parents

and Students

Parent Portal

Click the link for

Gradebook

Grade Reports• Progress can be monitored

through Power School at any point during the school year.

• Some teachers post student grades in the classroom using student numbers. Students are responsible for being aware of their grade and reporting it at home.

• Final quarter grades will be posted on Power School at the end of the quarter.

8th Grade Homework Policies

• The goal of the eighth grade teaching staff is to best prepare our students for a successful high school experience. The teaching staff strongly believes that responsibility and accountability are the keys to success. The following homework policies have been created to assist all eighth graders on their paths to success.

Daily Work

• Daily assignments must be turned in when they are due.

• Late daily assignments will not be accepted.

• Some teachers may issue detentions for missing work.

• Missing & late assignments will affect eligibility for athletics and extra-curricular activities.

Projects/Large Assignments(assignments with high point

value)• Purpose: to evaluate, reinforce, &/or

discover strategies and concepts • Major assignments must be turned in

on due date.• Late major assignments will be

accepted on the following scale:– One day late = -20% off of final grade– Additional 10% off of final grade each

additional day late

• Teachers may issue detentions for missing work.

• Missing & late assignments will affect eligibility for athletics and extra-curricular activities.

Absentee Homework

• If you would still like to pick up absentee assignments – please notify the school secretary when calling your child in sick

• If homework is requested it will be in the office by 2:30 P.M. for pick up of that school day

When Absent Students Return…

• Please remind your children to visit their teachers upon returning to school after absence.

• It is the students’ responsibility to find out work missed and make arrangements for missed tests/quizzes

Unit Assessments• Purpose: High school

preparation & to align with PARCC assessments

• Occurrence: will take place at the end of every unit in ELA, pre-algebra, science, social studies, & encore classes – possibly 2 or 3 per quarter

• Study Guides: may be distributed prior to these assessments.

Assessment Advice

All 8th grade teachers stress the importance of holding onto any:

• Notes• Assignments • Tests / Quizzes

Or any other important classroom materials that might benefit them in the preparation of these assessments!

8th Grade Field Trips & Special Events

Springfield Trip – 10/3/14Agriculture Day – 10/31/14Feed My Starving Children

& No. IL Food Bank – 1/22/15

Great America – May 2015

THANK YOU!!!We look forward to a successful year with your children!

Please feel free to visit the teachers in their classrooms.