Attention 8th Grade Students:

It’s Time for SPIN Night!

The high schools are providing information sessions to rising ninth graders regarding their programs. Please plan to attend the SPIN Night of your selected high school:

  • Riverview High: April 15, auditorium
  • Booker High: April 14, Visual & Performing Arts Theatre
  • Suncoast Polytechnical High: February 9, cafeteria
  • Sarasota High: April 13, auditorium
  • Venice High: April 7, auditorium
  • North Port High: April 28, Performing Arts Center

 

Career and High School Transition:

  • 7th grade students completed the state’s career unit earlier in the year.
  • 7th and 8th grade students have completed CHOICES Interest Profiler and Cluster Finder.
  • 8th grade students will use information from these inventories to select high school small learning communities (SLCs) and major areas of interest (MAIs).
  • 8th grade students will participate in a presentation from a high school career advisor for additional assistance in selecting SLCs and MAIs.
  • Once selected, we will use the selected SLCs and MAIs to create/update ePEPs.
  • 8th grade students will complete the Pathway Connections transition unit through classroom guidance.
  • High schools will either send counselors to SSIS for registration presentations or send information that will be completed with Ms. Tilman.
  • SPHS students will consult with guidance and teachers on course selections.
  • Students are encouraged to attend the high school Spin Nights.

General High School Coursework in 9th Grade

Math: 4 credits required for graduation

  • Pre-Algebra
  • Algebra I A and Algebra I B
  • Algebra I
  • Algebra I Honors
  • Geometry
  • Geometry Honors
  • Algebra II
  • Algebra II Honors
  • Intensive Math
  • ESE Math 9-12 (must be approved through ESE department)


English (L.A.): 4 credits required for graduation

  • Intensive Reading (Mandatory for Level 1 FCAT Reading Scores)
  • English I
  • English I Honors
  • Applied Communications
  • ESE English 9-12 (Must have approval from ESE department)


Science: 3 credits required for graduation, 4 recommended for college-bound

Course offerings may vary from school to school, but generally are as follows:

  • Physical Science
  • Physical Science Honors
  • Biology
  • Biology Honors
  • Integrated Science I
  • Integrated Science Honors

**Some programs may offer a wider selection of science courses. Check with the Program of Studies to see which courses are offered at your high school.

**Usually, 9th graders take Physical Science or Integrated Science.


Social Studies/History:

No SS until 10th grade unless an elective. I will consult with you if I have a question. The exception is at SPHS.

Physical Education/Health:

  • HOPE: Graduation Requirement

*Try to completed this course by 9th or 10th grade.

Additional Electives:

Additional electives can be selected based on availability. Also, students must choose at least one course from their major area of interest. It is recommended that you record additional electives when filling out registration, so that if your preferences aren’t available you will still be assigned to classes that you like.

Additional Notes:

It is important in the freshman year to create a balanced schedule because you will deal with many adjustments in the transition. Please involve your parents/guardians in the course selection process. All selections should be reviewed by Ms. Tilman before they are submitted – allow me enough time to do this!

Get Real Program (Middle School Girls):

The Baby, Think It Over program will provide the simulated babies to participating students as follows:

Group 1: April 9-11

Group 2: April 16-18

**Students must hand in permission forms to participate and are responsible for the care of the robotic babies. Please send any further questions to Ms. Tilman or Ms. Elizabeth (Girl Scouts).

Body Changes: 4th and 5th Grades

This year, we will transition the Body Changes unit from 5th grade to 4th grade in an effort to better meet the needs of our students.

Diane Stokas, Coach Sefchick, and Ms. Tilman will be coordinating on the unit to provide general information to students on maturation. Fourth grade students are scheduled for April 26th and fifth grade students are scheduled for April 28th. Boys and girls will have separate presentations.

Parents/guardians, please keep your eyes open for passive permission forms for this unit.

For further information on what your child will be learning, please contact Ms. Tilman or Coach Sefchick.