Aloha Students and Families!

Welcome to a new school year at KapaaMiddle School! As you know from previous years, your child’s Advisory teacher is your first step when you wish to communicate concerns or questions. You can find the phone extension of the Advisory teacher on the attached list of 8th grade teachers and their extensions. The Advisory teacher can be a great resource for you and will work to facilitate parent/school communication and involvement.

The following are ways that you can communicate with your child’s Advisory teacher:

Planner: The planner is a vital link between school and home. Advisory teachers check students’ planners weekly for 3 things:

Students fill out each class entry completely (with special attention to homework assignments and due dates for core classes).
A parent signature indicating that you have also checked and discussed classwork and activities. (Only one signature per week is required, but more are welcome!)
Any notes or communication from home. (Please remind your child to tell his/her Advisory teacher ASAP so you can get a timely response.)

Phone (808) 821-4460 or Email: You will receive a response to emails at the teacher’s first opportunity.

The following is a list of what was included in the large stack of paperwork required to be sent home at the beginning of each school year. This can serve as a checklist for what you have received.Please pay special attention to the documents that must be signed and returned:

Must be signed and returned: / For your information to keep:
______Emergency Card (Front & Back) / ______Chapter 19 Booklet
______Letter to Households: School Lunch
______Student Publication/Video Release
______McKinney Vento Homeless Questionnaire
______Planner: page 10(Internet Permission)
______Planner: page 11(Home/School Compact)
______Acknowledgement below / ______DOE Equal Educational Opportunity (pink)
______Equal Educational Opportunity for Disabled Students
______Kapa’a Middle School’s new bell schedule

______

Name / Subject / Phone
(821-4470)
Kristi Sumida / Counselor / x157
Shelly Pascua / Social Studies / x150
Russ Josephson / Social Studies, Science / x156
Peter Roach / Science / x160
Karina Vedder / Math, Math Honors / x201
Catherine Hurd / Math / x155
Terry Maguire / English LA, English LA Honors / x153
Victoria Nagatori / English LA / x154
Rene Relacion / ELL / x179
Laurie Haynes-Bento / Special Education Support / x148
Matthew Sutherland / Special Education English, Math / x151
Heidi Beers-Hill / Special Education / x200
Michael Tittnich / Sports, Computers / x184/177
Nicole Fujimoto / Computers, GT / x 158
Shannon Sardinha / Home Economics / x144
Julia Sanderl / Art / x197
Chris Sanderl / Digital Arts/Ybook, GT / x140
Mary Lardizabal / Chorus, Ukulele, Gen’l Music, SAC / x136

8th Grade Team

A copy of the master syllabus for 8th grade classes is found on the home page of our school website.

Please read and discuss with your child the expectations for each of the classes he or she attends. By signing the statement below, you and your child acknowledge that you have read, discussed, and agree to follow each teacher’s expectations.

Again we welcome the opportunity to get to know your child and o’hana!

8th grade Advisory Teachers and Support Staff

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Please return this page to your advisory teacher after your parents/guardians have signed it.

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Student Name Student Signature

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Parent/Guardian Name Parent/Guardian Signature

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Parent/Guardian Contact Number Parent/Guardian Email

______

Date Advisory Teacher

8th Grade Course Syllabus for U. S. History (Social Studies)

Kapa’a Middle School

2015-16 School Year

Ms. Shelly Pascua

I would like to welcome you as parents/guardians and students to our yearly course of study. I hope this year will be one of partnership, communication, and support between the home and the school. It is my desire to have a great and positive year!

The 8th grade course of study includes the following topics and a tentative time frame in relation to the Hawai’i Content and Performance Standards III:

TOPIC / BENCHMARK / QUARTER
I. Forming a new nation—U. S. Constitution/Government
A. Adopting a new Constitution—
Bill of Rights/Amendments
B. Structure and Function of Government
C. Citizen Rights and Responsibilities / SS.8.3.3: The Constitution: / 1
Describe the ideas and principles (checks and balances, separation of power, representative democracy) in the Constitution
SS.8.5.1:
Citizenship and Participation:
Explain the responsibilities of citizens in a representative democracy
II. Westward Expansion / SS.8.4.3: Global Cooperation, Conflict, and Interdependence: / 2
Describe the influences of America on other nations and/or organizations and vice versa (Lewis and Clark Expedition)
III. Jacksonian Democracy / SS. 8.3.7: Early Government of The United States: / 2
Describe significant events and changes associated with Andrew Jackson’s presidency (including Jackson’s stance on Indian removal issues and Jacksonian democracy)
IV. **Industrial Revolution
** This unit topic will be studied in depth throughout the school year. A year long project will be assigned with various activity projects throughout the school year with a culminating Cause and Effect Essay finalizing this year long process due at the beginning of Quarter 4. / SS.8.3.9: Early American Society: / 2-4
Describe how the development of technology in the first half of the 19th century had an impact on American life
SS.8.8.1: Limited Resources and Choice:
Explain productivity in terms of output per worker, hour, machine, or unit of land, and its effects on standards of living in 18th and/or 19th century America
SS.8.8.2: Role and Function of Markets:
Describe the factors that influence production and consumption decisions in a market system

Ms. S. Pascua(8th grade course syllabus-2014-15, cont’d) Page 2

TOPIC / BENCHMARK / QUARTER
V. Social Reform / SS.8.3.8: Early American Society: / 3
Examine the impact of the Seneca Falls Convention and major abolitionists, including Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison
VI. Sectionalism (Antebellum America-early 1800s) / SS.8.3.11: Antebellum America: / 3
Explain the sectionalism that emerged in the first half of the 19th century
VII. Road to the Civil War / SS.8.3.12: Civil War: / 3
Explain how the key issues and events after the Mexican War relate to the outbreak of the Civil War
VIII. Civil War (key battles/consequences) / SS.8.3.13: Civil War: / 4
Explain the major factors that determined the outcome of the Civil War (including leaders, resources, and key battles)
IX. Reconstruction / SS.8.3.14: Reconstruction: / 4
Analyze the Reconstruction plan of President Lincoln and that of the congressional Republicans

Media education, researching skills, communication skills (written and oral), and technology will be incorporated into the curriculum. I encourage you to have your child read the textbook entitled, “America: History of Our Nation” to assist him/her in class discussions and assignments. These textbook topics can also be interesting family discussions as historical issues can be related to current issues/problems presently occurring in our country and world. I expect my students to express themselves using their own words and therefore, students are not to plagiarize on any in depth written assignments/projects, or any other forms of written communication from books, periodicals, and/or the internet.

Geography and current events are an integral part of the social studies curriculum. Students are expected to read newspapers and magazines, as there is occasional reference and discussions on current news topics. Please encourage your child to be cognizant of what is going on within our state/country, and world for class discussions. Televised news viewing can also help your child in class discussions on current events.

GRADING: To gauge the achievement level of your child, daily tasks/performances, projects, writing activities and tests/quizzes will be assigned throughout the school year. These assignments embody the State of Hawai’i Social Studies standards. The grading scale below indicates how your child will be monitored for proficiency.

Proficiency Level / Grade Equivalent / Criteria
Advanced / A / Performing beyond Grade level expectations
High Proficiency / B / Meeting Grade Level Standard at a high level
Partially Proficient / C / Making progress toward and approaching Grade Level Standard
Novice / D / Making marginal progress toward Grade Level Standard
Unsatisfactory / F / Lacking adequate progress toward Grade Level Standard

Ms. S. Pascua(8th grade course syllabus-2014-15, cont’d) Page 3

HOMEWORK: is usually an extension of classroom activities. It is not given every night so please check your child’s planner daily. He/she should have recorded what was covered in class that day as well as any homework assignment. *Reviewing your child’s planner daily and/or during the weekend will also help them as (most) advisory teachers require a parent or guardian signature in the planner once for each week.

TEXTBOOK: As mentioned previously, the 8th grade text is called America: History of Our Nation. America: History of Our Nation. The cost of the textbook is $75.00 if the textbook or CD is damaged or lost. *I will furnish your child with a textbook in class so your child is not required to bring his individually assigned copy to class; use the individually assigned text at home. Students will be assigned an in-class text copy and he/she will share this same book with students from other periods to ensure accountability in taking care of the in class text. .

ABSENCES: When absences occur, your child must bring a note to the attendance clerk and obtain an excuse form. He/she is required to approach his/her teachers for any make up assignments. I advise students to see me at morning recess and/or at the end of class for their back work as more time in explaining can be given to ensure the student comprehends what’s expected of him/her for the homework assigned.

I encourage you to keep informed via your child of his/her learning experience and progress. Discussions in the home bring much enthusiasm into the classroom and stimulate learning opportunities for all. I am also available by phone if any concerns arise at 821-4470 ext. 150 or if it is convenient for you to reach me by email, my email address is: I am located in H-104 if you wish to meet with me (be sure to get office clearance during school hours.) Open and constructive communication to help your child succeed is welcomed.

Ms. Shelly Pascua

8th grade Social Studies

KAPAAMIDDLE SCHOOL

Rm H-108Ph: 821-4470, ext. 154

English LAGrade 8 Syllabus 2015-2016Instructor: V. Nagatori

Welcome to the 8th grade! This is an especially important year as you prepare to leave middle school and move up to high school. With commitment and diligent work, I know that you will be ready for the transition.

I look forward to working with you and having a great year!

Course Content

Guided by the English Language Arts Common Core Standards for reading, writing, and oral communication, you will be given instruction and practice in becoming:

-skilled readers of prose and poetry;
-flexible writers, able to compose in a variety of forms and for a variety of purposes;
-confident speakers, able to communicate effectively; and
-critical thinkers, adept at analyzing, interpreting, and reasoning.

1) This year, the English Department will be using a new curriculum called Springboard. This program was chosen by the State to help students learn the skills defined in the new standards.

Each student will be issued his or her own workbook – there is a replacement cost of $25.00 if the workbook is lost or stolen.

2) Achieve3000 (Teenbiz) – five activities scoring 75% or higher (Achieve3000 automatic scoring) are required each midquarter (10 per quarter)

Note: For this Quarter 1 only, seven (7) Activities are required.

Language Arts Common Core Standards Overview

Reading

Reading Literature – StandardsRL.8.1 to RL 8.10

Key Ideas and Details, Craft and Structure, Integration of Knowledge and Ideas,

Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity

Reading Informational Text – Standards RL.8.1 to RL.8.10

Key Ideas and Details, Craft and Structure, Integration of Knowledge and Ideas,

Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity

Writing

Writing – Standards W.8.1 to W.8.10

Types and Purposes, Production and Distribution of Writing, Research to Build

and Present Knowledge, Range of Writing

Oral Communication

Speaking and Listening – Standards SL.8.1 to SL.8.6

Comprehension and Collaboration, Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas

Conventions

Language Mastery – Standards L.8.1 to L.8.6

Conventions of Standard English, Knowledge of Language, Vocabulary Acquisition

and Use

Homework:

Achieve3000 (Teenbiz) can be done at home. Also, some work that you have not completed in class may be taken home to complete.

Grading:

Your grades measure your progress and performance on state standards for the 8th grade.

AAdvancedIndicates a firm command of subject matter

High level of skill development

Exceptional preparation for later learning

BAdvanced to Command of subject matter beyond minimum

ProficientAdvanced development of most skills

Has prerequisites for later learning

CProficient toCommand of the basic concepts of knowledge

Partially proficientDemonstrates ability to use basic skills

Lacks a few prerequisites for later learning

DPartially proficient toLacks knowledge of some fundamental ideas

NoviceSome important skills not attained

Lacks many of the prerequisites for later learning

FNoviceMost of the basic concepts and skills not learned

Most essential skills cannot be demonstrated

Lacks most prerequisites for later learning

Absences

Upon returning to school after an excused absence, you are responsible for requesting any assignments that you missed during the absence.

Make-up work will be given for an absence excused by your parent/guardian or school. A note explaining the absence and signed by your parent or guardian must be given to the attendance clerk in exchange for an excuse slip that you then take to teachers to sign.

You are responsible for presenting the excuse slip to me and requesting make-up work.

Classroom Rules:

1. Be on time – and in your seat when the tardy bell rings

2. Be prepared – with all necessary class materials: lots of loose leaf paper, composition book, binder, No. 2

pencils, erasers, pens with blue or black ink only (no glitter pens), color markers or color

pencils, highlighters.

3. Be responsible – for taking care of your Springboard workbook and other books; for doing all work neatly

and well, and for not cheating or copying another’s work

4. Be respectful – of the rights and property of others

- of school rules; such as wearing your I.D. and school shirt, no gum or food in class

- no electronic devices such as cell phones, cameras, music players, or game players

- no toys or other distractions

5. Be self-disciplined – by using appropriate language and behavior (no swearing, yelling, or spitting, no throwing or passing notes or objects, no talking out of turn, or leaving your seat without

permission)

- by remaining in your seat until the bell rings to change classes, or until you are dismissed.

- by not gathering at the door or stepping outside

8th Grade U.S. History through 1877

Russ Josephson

Dear Parents and Guardians:

I will be teaching 8th Grade Social Studies this year and your son or daughter is in my class. my course syllabus is below and my classroom expectations are attached.Please review the classroom expectations with you child, sign at the end, and have your child bring the letter back to me. Thank you.

If you have any questions or comments at any time, please contact me through the school e-mail system () or by telephone in my classroom (821-4460, ext. 156). The room number is H-110.

The following are the topics we will be covering during the year’s course:

1. Beginnings of American History

Roots of the American people
Europe Looks Outward
Colonies Take Root
Life in the Colonies

2. Forming a new nation

The Road to Revolution
The American Revolution
Creating the Constitution
The Constitution

3. The New Republic

Launching a New Nation
The Era of Thomas Jefferson
A Changing Nation

4. The Nation Expands and Changes

The North and South Take Different Paths
An Age of Reform
Westward Expansion

5. Civil War and Reunion

The Nation Divided
The Civil War
Reconstruction and the New South

Epilogue: The U.S. Since 1865 (a preview)

STANDARDS-BASED GRADING

As you will recall from last year, we’ve been using standards-based grading, using the Common Core standards. What that means is that assignments and tests are graded on a rubric, with students generally earning a 4, 3, 2, or 1 score depending on how many of the criteria have been met. (Mastery is given a 4.) Ideally, there will be several assessments for each standard, so a student can show mastery of a standard. It becomes tricky is when we have to boil down the data to an A, B, C-type grade, but my grades will be the best reflection I can give you to show overall competency on the Common Core standards.

Again, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments.

Sincerely,

Russ Josephson

Mrs. Maguire's

Language Arts Syllabus

Room H-107Ph. 821-4460 ext 153

Eighth grade language arts will be implementing a new curriculum this year which will cover all of the common core standards. The program is called Springboard; it is a rigorous program that will have several activities that will be done in the classroom. I have attached a letter from the program detailing what will be covered during Quarter 1. All students will be given their own book at the beginning of the school year, if the book is lost, there will be an approximate $25.00 charge for a second book.

These are some of the assignments for first quarter

* Auto Bio Collage and presentation (oral) Due August 3rd

*Compare contrast paper

* Vocabulary tests

* Every other Friday they will have a daily oral language quiz

* Spelling tests and assignments will vary with the Sitton spelling program

* All students will write a personal narrative due Sept. 21

* Students will be required to pass with a 70% ( the Achieve website grading criteria), seven activities, due first quarter. (10 will be due 2nd quarter)

Language Arts Common Core Standards Overview

Reading

Reading Literature – Standards RL.8.1 to RL 8.10

Key Ideas and Details, Craft and Structure, Integration of Knowledge and Ideas,

Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity