GENERAL INFORMATION Remediation Programs Remediation in the subject areas of English, science, social studies, and mathematics is required for students having difficulty mastering the Standards of Learning. Promotion and Retention The decision to promote or retain a student is based on the student’s academic achievement with consideration given to social and emotional maturity, age, and attendance pattern. It is the expectation that all students pass the core classes of English, math, social studies and science. The final determination of grade placement is made by the principal on an individual basis and in accordance with board policy. Summer School The division superintendent may require students who are academically at risk to participate in special programs in summer school. These may be programs of prevention, intervention, or remediation. Assessment data on each student is used to develop an individual plan of study for those recommended for summer school. The curriculum for the summer program focuses on improving the reading and math skills of students. Alternative Education According to Henry County Public Schools Policy IGBH, an alternative education program may be offered for students in grades six through twelve who are not succeeding in the traditional school environment. English Language Learners (ELL) At each grade level, ELL students engage in instructional activities to increase listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. While building on their prior knowledge and learning new material, students are provided support services through a cohesive program. Proficiency is determined by the WIDA WAPT
Screening Assessment and/or the WIDA ACCESS Test. Students build Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS) and Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP) through an inclusion model. Gifted Education The gifted education program provides services for students in accordance with the Standards of Quality. The program is designed to address individual learning styles, needs and interests. Henry County Public Schools require appropriately differentiated instructional services for students at all grade levels. The Henry County Public Schools Local Plan for the Education of the Gifted provides detailed information on referral and identification processes as well as the services provided for identified students. Standards of Learning (SOL) Assessment The Virginia Board of Education requires Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments at the middle school level. Students in the sixth and seventh grades take a Virginia SOL Test in reading, social studies and mathematics. Eighth grade students take math, social studies, science and English SOL tests. Those students enrolled in Algebra I and Geometry must take the corresponding SOL End-of-Course Test. Homework Homework provides an essential communication link between the school and the home. The amount of homework and the time required to complete homework assignments will vary. However, the average time required for most students to complete assignments each evening will conform to the following: Grades 6, 7 of 1 ½ hours 8 30 minutes per teacher Grading Scale
A B C D F 94 – 100 87 – 93 77 – 86 70 – 76 69 – Below GENERAL INFORMATION Academic Honor Roll “A” Honor Roll – A student who receives all A’s for subjects in which he/she is enrolled. “A-B” Honor Roll – A student who receives all A’s and B’s for subjects in which he/she is enrolled “B” Honor Roll – A student who receives all B’s for subjects in which he/she is enrolled. Explore Camp Explore Camp is an exciting and challenging fourday summer experience for students currently enrolled in grades four through eight. Students select appealing camp sessions that explore and solve real world challenges through participation and handson activities. Students also realize their personal strengths and possible career interests through the camp experience. Classes are small and taught by experts. Applications are available in May through the school counselor or at www.henry.k12.va.us. Student Activities Students are encouraged to participate in sports, student government, honor societies and other organizations. These provide students with many opportunities to develop physically, socially and emotionally. High School Credit Courses in Middle School Eligible students may take certain high school courses for credit. High school credit is offered in Algebra I, Geometry and foreign languages (Spanish or French). In accordance with the Standards of Accreditation parents have the right to have their child’s grade omitted from his/her transcript for the high school credit courses in which their child was enrolled during the eighth grade year. Should parents choose to omit the
PROGRAM OF STUDIES For 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Students 6th Grade Courses English 6 — Grade 6 Reading SOL Test Math 6 – Grade 6 Math SOL Test Social Studies- US History I SOL Test Science 6 Health and Physical Education 6 Middle School Keyboarding Band 6 or Exploratory Rotation (see course descriptions) 7th Grade Courses English 7—Grade 7 Reading SOL Test Math 8– Grade 8 Mathematics SOL Test or Algebra I Social Studies -US History I SOL Test Life Science 7 Health and Physical Education 7 • 7 Elective (see course descriptions) 8th Grade Courses English 8—Grade 8 Reading SOL Test Grade 8 Writing SOL Test Algebra I—Algebra I SOL Test or Geometry Civics and Economics - Civics and Economics SOL Test Physical Science 8—Grade 8 Science SOL Test • Four semester courses or two yearlong electives or two semester courses and one yearlong course (see course descriptions)
of Courses Core Courses Core courses include English, mathematics, science, and social studies. Exploratory Courses Exploratory courses include classes such as Agriscience, Art, Band, Business and Information Technology, Career Pathways, Foreign Cultures, Music and Technology Education. They meet for six (6) or nine (9) weeks. Elective Courses Elective Courses include classes such as Agriscience, Art, Band, Career Pathways, Computer Applications, Chorus, Digital Input Technologies, Performance Enrichment, Foreign Cultures, Foreign Language, Health and Physical Education 8, PhotoJournalism, Technology Education, and Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow. They meet for eighteen (18) weeks or (36) weeks.