2020-2021 Academic Guide - P. J. Jacobs Junior High Grades Stevens Point Area Public ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
P. J. Jacobs Junior High
2020-2021 Academic Guide
Grades 7 - 8
Jenna Muenchow, Grade 9
P. J. Jacobs Academic Guide
Table of Contents
Introduction���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������2
Welcome to P. J. Jacobs from the Principal���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3
School Profile�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 4
School Facts���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 5
Student School Day����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 6
District/School Contacts���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7
Who Do I Contact For...����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 8
General Information�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 9
Registration Timeline������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 10
School Counseling Program�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 12
Student Assessment Matrix��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 13
Advanced Classes����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 14
World Languages FAQ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 15
Response to Intervention (RTI)��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 16
Grading Scale/Point Charts��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 18
Grading Information��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 19
School Procedures���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 20
Department & Course Offerings����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 22
Agriculture/Natural Resources����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 23
Art������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������24
Business Information Technology������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 26
Computer Science����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 27
English (ELA)������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 28
Reading���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������30
Family Consumer Science/Health����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 32
Mathematics�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 33
Music - Instrumental�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 36
Music - Vocal������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 39
Music - General��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 40
Physical Education���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 41
Science����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������42
Social Studies������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 44
Special Education������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 46
Technology & Engineering����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 49
World Languages������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 50
Table of Contents
1
Introduction
Welcome Letter
School Profile/Facts
Daily Building Schedule
District/School Contacts
Who do I contact to ...
Introduction
2 Back to "Table of Contents"Welcome to P. J. Jacobs from the Principal
WELCOME TO
P. J. JACOBS JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Dear Parents:
Welcome to the registration process for the 2020-21 school year. We are very excited to have your child enrolled at P. J.
Jacobs Junior High School. The following pages will serve as a guide to assist you in selecting your child’s classes for
the next school year. Please take time to read the guide carefully and review it with your child. Our school counselors
have already met or will soon meet with students to explain the registration and scheduling process. There are several
opportunities within each subject area for students at our school.
Please note that we will make staffing decisions based on student enrollment in each class. As you read through the
Academic Guide and discuss the courses available, please encourage your child to choose carefully, as these will be the
courses for which they will be scheduled for the entire school year.
Please remember some courses require an additional fee for class supplies that will be provided. The anticipated fee
amount is listed under the course name in this guidebook. These fees are updated yearly and are subject to change. If
you have any questions regarding a course fee, please do not hesitate to call us, and we will gladly answer any questions
you may have.
The P.J. Jacobs staff is here to serve you. If you have a question about course assignment and placement, please contact
your child’s current teacher in that content area and/or our Student Services office. We hope that this Academic Guide
provides you with the necessary initial information to register for the upcoming school year.
Yours in Education,
Dan Dobratz
Principal
P.J. Jacobs Junior High School
2020 - 2021 SCHOOL YEAR
3 Back to "Table of Contents"School Profile
P. J. Jacobs Junior High School
Stevens Point Area School District
“Home of the Patriots”
P.J. Jacobs Junior High School Profile
(2400 Main Street Stevens Point, WI 54481)
Administration: Student Services:
Dan Dobratz, Principal Julia Her, School Counselor
Steve Strasman, Assistant Principal Lora Schultz, School Counselor
Mary Baird-Barnes, School Psychologist
Dave Hauser, Athletic Director
Profile:
The Stevens Point Area School District is located in Central Wisconsin. The cities of Stevens Point,
Plover, Park Ridge, Junction City and Whiting are located within its boundaries. Its population is a
diverse group of individuals who are engaged in various economic activities including: light industry,
farming, retail businesses, government, higher education and the insurance industry. Our school district
is considered a leader in education in the state of Wisconsin.
P. J. Jacobs Junior High School, which is named for a former insurance executive, is located in the city of
Stevens Point on the corner of Michigan Avenue and Main Street. Originally built as a high school during
the Great Depression by WPA (Work Progress Administration), the building has served generations of
students in this community. During the 1970’s, the school was converted to a junior high school when
SPASH, the current high school, was built. Currently, it is one of two junior high schools which enrolls
7th, 8th and 9th grade students in the northern half of our geographical area. Within its boundaries,
the school receives students from four “feeder” elementary schools: Bannach, Jefferson, Madison, and
Washington. The current enrollment is 672 students in grades 7-9.
P. J. Jacobs maintains a strong core curriculum with a rich and diverse elective program which “prepares
our students to be successful” in high school, post-secondary programs and other chosen fields of the
future. Our staff is dedicated to student achievement and is proud of their students. For these reasons,
we consider it the flagship school of this community.
School Profile
Location
The school mailing address is 2400 Main Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481. It is located at the
intersection of Michigan Avenue and Main Street. The school parking lot can be accessed off Michigan
Avenue on the north side of the school.
4 Back to "Table of Contents"School Facts
P. J. JACOBS FACTS
The school is named for former Sentry insurance executive,
School Name
Mr. P. J. Jacobs.
Nickname Patriots
School Colors Scarlet, Royal Blue, White
Mascot Revolutionary Soldier
Year Built 1936
Year it became
a Junior High 1971
School
Remodeled 1995-1996
Grades 7th, 8th, and 9th
Total: 672
Current 7th Grade: 213
Enrollment 8th Grade: 229
9th Grade: 230
School Facts
5 Back to "Table of Contents"Student School Day
STUDENT SCHOOL DAY
Period Regular Day1/Day 2 Advisory Day
1 7:45 – 8:32 47 mins. 7:45 – 8:28 43 mins.
Advisory/
N/A N/A 8:32 – 9:02 30 mins.
Homeroom
2 8:36 – 9:23 47 mins. 9:06 – 9:48 42 mins.
3 9:28 – 10:14 46 mins. 9:53 – 10:35 42 mins.
4 10:18-11:04 46 mins. 10:39 – 11:21 42 mins.
5a 11:08 – 11:54 46 mins. 11:25 – 12:07 42 mins.
5b 11:37 – 12:23 46 mins. 11:54 – 12:36 42 mins.
6a 11:58 – 12:44 46 mins. 12:11 – 12:53 42 mins.
6b 12:27 – 1:13 46 mins. 12:40 – 1:22 42 mins.
7 1:18 – 2:04 46 mins. 1:27 – 2:09 42 mins.
8 2:08 – 2:55 47 mins. 2:13 – 2:55 42 mins.
Lunch Lunch
5a 11:08 – 11:33 25 mins. 11:25 – 11:50 25 mins.
6a 11:58 – 12:23 25 mins. 12:11 – 12:36 25 mins.
6c 12:48 – 1:13 25 mins. 12:57 – 1:22 25 mins.
• The school opens at 7:15 AM when the first bell rings. All students should report to their holding
areas; 7th grade, third floor; 8th grade, second floor; 9th grade, first floor. The LMC is open for any
student to study from 7:15 to 7:45 AM and the cafeteria serves breakfast to students who request it
from 7:15 to 7:35 AM.
School Day Schedules
• A second bell rings at 7:35 AM, and students are free to leave their holding areas and report to their
first hour class.
• If a student arrives late, he/she should report to the main office to obtain a pass to class.
Closed Campus:
• P. J. Jacobs maintains a closed campus. Once students arrive at school, they are not to leave without
written/signed permission from a parent/guardian or a person designated on their emergency contacts
listed in Skyward.
After School:
• School ends at 2:55 PM, and all students should prepare to depart from school unless they are in a
school-sponsored activity or supervised by a staff member.
• The LMC is open from 2:55 PM - 3:30 PM to all students.
• At 3:05 PM, all students not in a supervised activity or the LMC should have departed.
Office Hours:
• The Main Office is open from 7:00 AM until 3:30 PM.
• The Student Services Office is open from 7:00 AM until 3:30 PM.
6 Back to "Table of Contents"District/School Contacts
DISTRICT / SCHOOL CONTACTS
Board of Education: P. J. Jacobs:
Trish Baker Dan Dobratz 715-345-5422, x55555
pbaker@pointschools.net Principal
Jeff Ebel E-mail: ddobratz@pointschools.net
jebel@pointschools.net
Meg Erler Steve Strasman 715-345-5422, x55552
merler@pointschools.net Assistant Principal
Ed Morganroth, Jr. E-mail: sstrasma@pointschools.net
emorganr@pointschools.net
Barb Portzen Mary Baird-Barnes 715-345-5661
bportzen@pointschools.net School Psychologist
Judy Rannow E-mail: mbaird@pointschools.net
jrannow@pointschools.net
Christina Scott Nancy Smith 715-345-5422
cscott@pointschools.net Head Secretary
Ann Vang E-mail: nsmith@pointschools.net
avang@pointschools.net
Mike Wade Jan Slowinski 715-345-5423
mwade@pointschools.net Student Services Secretary
E-Mail: jslowins@pointschools.net
District Administrators:
Julia Her 715-345-5422, x70598
Craig Gerlach 715-345-5444 School Counselor
District Superintendent E-Mail: jher@pointschools.net
E-mail: cgerlach@pointschools.net
Lora Schultz 715-345-5422, x70412
Caleb Feidt 715-345-5454 School Counselor
Director of Student Services E-mail: lschultz@pointschools.net
E-mail: cfeidt@pointschools.net
District/School Contacts
Joe Quisler 715-345-5657
Connie Negaard 715-345-5445 Police Liaison
Director of Secondary Education E-mail: jquisler@pointschools.net
E-mail: cnegaard@pointschools.net
Mike DeMarco 715-345-5422
Cory Hirsbrunner 715-345-5466 Head Custodian
Director of Elementary Education E-mail: mdemarco@pointschools.net
E-Mail: chirsbru@pointschools.net
Dave Hauser 715-345-5422, x70209
Beth Bakunowicz 715-345-5512 Athletic Director
Director of Human Resources E-mail: dhauser@pointschools.net
E-Mail: bbakunow@pointschools.net
Tom Owens 715-345-5432
Director of Business Services
E-mail: towens@pointschools.net
Brian Casey 715-345-5511
Director of Technology
E-mail: bcasey@pointschools.net
7 Back to "Table of Contents"Who Do I Contact For...
WHO DO I CONTACT FOR...
Main Office: (715)345-5422
• Attendance
• General information questions
• Emergency situations or a need to contact someone immediately at the school
• Emergency messages to students
• Delivery of items to students during the school day
• Payment of school fees
- Student fees
- Fee refunds
- Fee waivers
- Participation fees
• Skyward Family Access passwords and related issues
• Curriculum questions and concerns (Administration)
• Discipline
• Facility usage
• Personnel questions
Student Services Office: (715)345-5423
• Academic questions and concerns
• Social/emotional concerns (School Counselors and School Psychologist)
• Career education
• Scheduling
• Moving out of district
• Forms for withdrawal from school
• Free and reduced lunch forms (pick up and drop off )
• Medication drop off and medication administration permission forms
• Immunization forms (School Nurse)
• In-District Transfers
• Changes in demographic information
Who Do I Contact to...
• Material including court documents for a student’s cumulative file
• Health management plans (School Nurse)
• Special education (School Psychologist)
• 504 plans (School Psychologist)
Athletic Director: (715)345-5422, x70209
• Athletic information
Teachers: (715)345-5422
• Grades
• Instruction and curriculum
• Classroom behavior
8 Back to "Table of Contents"General Information
Registration Timeline
School Counseling Program
Student Assessment & Grading
Assessment Program
Advanced Classes
World Language FAQs
Response to Intervention (RtI)
Grading Scale/Points
School Procedures
General Information
9 Back to "Table of Contents"Registration Timeline
REGISTRATION TIMELINE
STEVENS POINT AREA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
2020-2021 REGISTRATION TIMELINE
Sixth to Seventh Grade: Eight to Ninth Grade
Date Seventh to Eighth Grade
Elementary to Junior High Starting High School
• Communication with
teachers, students, and
parents about registration
and academic planning
• Eighth grade conferencing
• Registration
• Communication with starts: counselors, parents
preparations and
teachers, students, and students meet to
December communication to
and parents about ediscuss academic,
6th grade teachers,
registration process. career, and social/
students, and parents.
emotional development.
The hight school
component of Academic
& Career Planning (ACP) is
introduced to parents.
• Counselors present to 8th
grade classes on 9th grade
registration form, SPASH
Academic Guide, and
gradution requirements.
• Classroom visits to
• Classroom visits with ○ Standard requirements
elementary schools
distribution of 8th grade ○ Electives and
with distribution of
registration materials graduation
registration materials
Registration Timeline
January • Students complete 8th requirements
• Students complete 7th
grade course registration ○ Student Academic &
grade course registration
selection form Career Planning (ACP)
selection form
• Parent orientation • Students complete 9th
• Parent orientation
grade course registration
selection form
• Parent orientation
• Eighth grade conferencing
continues
• Students input 9th grade
• 7th grade course • Students input 8th grade course selections into
February selections inputted into course selections into Skyward
Skyward Skyward • Eighth grade conferencing
continues
10 Back to "Table of Contents"REGISTRATION TIMELINE
STEVENS POINT AREA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
2020‐21 Registration Timeline
Date Sixth to Seventh Grade: Seventh to Eighth Grade Eighth to Ninth Grade:
Elementary to Junior High Starting High School
March ● Eighth grade conferencing
continues
April ● Eighth grade conferencing
continues
May ● Transition meetings with ● 8th grade course verification ● Eighth grade conferencing
6th grade teachers forms mailed to parents continues
● 6th grade students tour ● 9th grade course
Junior High verification forms mailed
● 7th grade course to parents
verification forms mailed
to parents
Summer ● 7th grade schedule creation ● 8th grade schedule creation ● 9th grade schedule creation
in Skyward based on course in Skyward based on course in Skyward based on
requests requests course requests
● 7th grade/New Student
Orientation in late summer
Seventh Grade & New Student Orientation
Incoming 7th grade and new students will be invited to a New Student Orientation. This Orientation will be
held just before the school year begins and is designed to introduce students to the academic, behavioral, and
Registration Timeline
procedural expectations at P.J. Jacobs. Students will receive their schedules and practice opening their lockers.
Before, during, and after the Orientation, parents may pay school fees and complete important forms:
acceptable use policy (for technology), email consent/permission, media release, and over‐the‐counter
medication. Money may be deposited into the family lunch account for use on the first day of school. Fees may
also be paid online through Skyward Family Access.
A welcome letter and schedule for the New Student Orientation will be mailed to all new students in early
August. Although student attendance is not required, we strongly encourage all students new to P.J. Jacobs to
attend.
11 Back to "Table of Contents"School Counseling Program
SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM
The Stevens Point Area Public School District Comprehensive School Counseling Program, including
P. J. Jacobs Junior High, provides a framework to service ALL students in the social/emotional, academic
and career domains. This program is driven by four key components including:
• Counseling Curriculum: content delivered to all students through classroom activities,
interdisciplinary curriculum development, group activities, parent/student workshops
• Individual Planning: assist students in educational and career planning, decision making, and
goal setting
• Responsive Services: prevention and intervention, consultation, individual and small group
counseling, crisis counseling, referrals
• System Support: program delivery and support, professional development, consultation,
collaboration, and teaming School Counseling Program
The comprehensive counseling program also includes:
• A “By ALL for ALL” Philosophy, meaning school counselors create partnerships with all
stakeholders in order to deliver services to every student
• Preparation of students for challenges of 21st Century through academic, career and enhanced
social/emotional development with direct services to all students
• Counseling based on American School Counselor Association Standards for School Counseling
and is aligned with the Wisconsin Counseling State Standards and Benchmarks
• Strong emphasis on student & parent educational/career conferencing, including Academic &
Career Planning
• Student development focus
• Delivery to “Give Purpose to Learning”
• Relating educational programs to future success and answering the student question, “Why do I
have to learn this stuff?”
• A system for student long-range planning and learning
School Counseling Program
• Assistance to parents in accessing school and community resources
• A program which has structure-specific content for an interdisciplinary team effort
• Delivery to “Prepare Each Student to be Successful”, integrating school counseling with the
academic mission of the school district
• Providing increased opportunity for collaboration among counselors, parents and the community
• Facilitation by DPI-Licensed School Counselors
Any questions about comprehensive counseling, scheduling, academics, curriculum, social emotional
concerns, or career education can be directed to the following:
Ms. Julia Her
School Counselor
Phone: 715-345-5422, x70598
E-mail: jher@pointschools.net
Caseload: All 7th graders and 8th graders with the last name starting with M-Z
Ms. Lora Schultz
School Counselor
Phone: 715-345-5422, x70412
E-mail: lschultz@pointschools.net
Caseload: All freshmen and 8th graders with the last name starting with A-L
12 Back to "Table of Contents"Student Assessment and Grading
Stevens Point Area Public School District
Student Assessment Matrix
Formative Assessments Screeners Summative Assessments
• Quickly inform instruction. • Are one m easurethatshowsstudent • Evaluatelearningbyproviding
• Providespecificandimmediate starting pointandgrowththroughout cumulative snapshots.
feedback. theyear. • Include standardizedassessments.
• Includedaily,ongoing • Provideaninstructionalstartingpoint • Gaugehowwellstudentsare
instructional strategiesthatare thatmatchesstudentneed. doingin relationtotheWisconsin
student-and classroom-centered. • Are designedtobeeasyand repeatable. Academic Standards.
• Helpeducatorsanswer • Helpwithstudentgrouping. • Showwhatstudentsshouldknow
“whatcomes nextforstudent andbe abletodoinordertobe
learning?” collegeandcareer ready.
K-12 Classroom Examples 4 Year Old Kindergarten Wisconsin Assessment System
• Aimsweb Progress Monitoring • 4K Literacy Screener Semester I
• AnecdotalRecords/ • B.E.S.T Screener (2x) • Next Step to Guided Reading
Observations Kindergarten Assessment
• AttitudeSurveys • ACCESS for ELLS: Limited
• Next Step to Guided Reading
• Class/IndividualProfile English Proficient (LEP)
Assessment (3x)
• ClassRecords/Charts Semester II
• Bridges Number Corner Assessment
• ClassroomDiscussion • PALS: Grade K
(3x)
• ConstructedResponse • Wisconsin Forward Exam or
• B.E.S.T Screener (2x)
• DoubleEntryJournals Dynamic Learning Maps
• GraphicOrganizers 1st - 2nd Grades
English and Math: Grades 3-8
• InformalReadingAssessments • Next Step to Guided Reading Science: Grades 4 & 8
• Journals/ResponseLogs Assessment (3x) Social Studies: Grades 4, 8 & 10
• LiteratureCircles • Bridges Number Corner Assessment • Wisconsin Civics Exam
• MindMaps (3x) 9th Grade
• PerformanceAssessment • B.E.S.T Screener (2x) • ACT Suite
Student Assessment Matrix
• Portfolio(working) • Aimsweb for selected students ACT Aspire 9th and 10th grades
• Questionnaires ACT Plus Writing, 11th Grade
• Reading/LearningLogs ACT WorkKeys, 11th Grade
• Rubrics
3rd-6th Grades 7th-9th Grades
• RunningRecords
• SelectedResponse • District Writing Assessment (1x) • Content Area Common
• StudentSelf-Assessment • MAP Testing in Reading, Language and Assessments (i.e. final exams,
• Unit Tests Math (3x) projects, essays, labs, etc.)
• WritingAcrosstheCurriculum • B.E.S.T Screener (2x)
• Aimsweb for selected students
7th-9th Grades 10th-12 Grades Optional Exams
• MAP Testing in Reading and Math (3x) • Advanced Placement Testing
• District Writing Assessment (2x) • Armed Services Vocational
• Qualitative Reading Inventory and Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
Aimsweb for selected students • National Merit Scholarship
10th-12th Grades Qualification Test (NMSQT)
• Pre-Scholastic Aptitude Test
• District Writing Assessment (2x)
(PSAT)
• MAP Testing in Reading and Math for
selected students (2x)
• Qualitative Reading Inventory and
Aimsweb for selected students
13 Back to "Table of Contents"Accelerated Advanced Classes
ADVANCED CLASSES
What is the purpose of an advanced class in the core subject areas in junior high?
An advanced class consists of the same scope and sequence as the general class but in much greater depth
and rigor. The rigor of the subject matter requires students to achieve at a higher level of understanding and at a
faster pace. Therefore, a student who registers for an advanced class must be willing to go beyond the standard
expectations of academic achievement in order to be successful in an advanced curriculum.
How does a student enroll in an advanced class?
There are no enrollment prerequisites for an accelerated or advanced class at a student’s grade level, but proper
placement is important to the academic success of your child. Please be aware of the following information and
guidelines at P. J. Jacobs Junior High School concerning your choices:
• Math placement can be a difficult choice; therefore, we will provide you with two important resources to assist
you in making the proper decision. Our math instructional leader will present at the registration meeting to
assist parents and students in making the correct choice or placement. In April, our school will administer
a universal screener (placement test) at our elementary feeder schools. This accurate form of analysis will
provide us with a raw score to compare to the student’s math placement. If the data from this math placement
test and other resources (e.g., Wisconsin Forward Exam, district screeners, and teacher recommendations)
indicates there is a discrepancy in the class selection, you will be contacted by our school.
• Course selections in other advanced courses in English, social studies, and science will be reviewed by our
school student services office and the student’s current elementary school teachers. After reviewing these
selections, if the data (e.g., Wisconsin Forward Exam, district screeners, and teacher recommendations)
indicate there is a discrepancy in the class selection, you will be contacted by our school.
• If there is a conflict between the school placement and the student/parent selection, the final placement will
be made by the principal.
Can my student drop an advanced course?
Yes. However, the ability to change can be limited by class offerings, class sizes, and electives chosen. In
addition, the parent and child should be aware of the school’s schedule change policy found in the Academic
Guide and Student Planner.
What valuable student traits, test score information, and recommendations should a parent consider
before enrolling a student in an advanced class?
• Self-motivation
Advanced Classes
• Emotionally ready to handle the rigor, depth, and acceleration of the curriculum
• Advanced proficiency in writing, reading, speaking, and listening
• Strong critical thinking skills
• Standardized test scores should reflect advanced achievement
• A recommendation from the student’s previous core area teacher which indicates he/she can excel given the
rigorous academic expectation of the class
If I have a question(s) about placement in an advanced class, who can I contact?
• A junior high school counselor or administrator
• The teacher of the advanced core class at the junior high
• The current teacher of the student in the core subject area
Is a grade issued in an advanced course weighted?
No. The grade received in an advanced class is equal in value to all other classes at the junior high level.
Is an advanced class at the junior high level a prerequisite for Advanced Placement (AP) classes?
14 Back to "Table of Contents"ADVANCED CLASSES
There are no enrollment prerequisites for Advanced Placement (AP) classes except for math and world
languages.
Does my child need to take advanced courses to be admitted to college?
No. Seventh and eighth grade courses do not appear on a high school transcript with the exception of world
languages and high school level algebra classes and beyond.
World Languages FAQ
WORLD LANGUAGES FAQ
Advanced Classes; World Languages FAQ
Does my child need to take a World Language to be admitted to a college?
Some colleges require that a student take a minimum of two years of a single World Language for admission.
Parents will need to check with the colleges their child is interested in attending to be sure. Many colleges
recommend a student take a World Language.
How many years should a student take?
This will vary by college. Be aware of terms such as “required” or “recommend.” For example, a college may
“require” two years of a World Language but may also “recommend” more to be a competitive applicant.
When should a student start world language?
World Language is offered beginning in seventh grade. If a student is only planning to complete two years of
a language, he/she may want to consider waiting to begin the language. Some colleges may want those two
years to be taken during the high school years. Again, parents will need to check with the colleges their child
is interested in attending.
Will world language classes taken in grades seven and eight be reflected on my student’s high school
transcript?
The course(s) will be listed along with the grade received for each semester. Seventh and eighth grade
courses will not be counted toward the student’s high school GPA and no high school credit will be received.
Will my student have to take more world language at the college level?
• If a student does not take World Language before attending a college, he/she may have to take it in
college.
• If a student takes World Language before attending college, he/she still may have to take more language
classes in college. Parents will want to check with each college to learn about its requirements.
Can my child receive college credit for world language?
Students may receive retroactive credit through their college. Students may also be able to earn credit
through advanced placement (AP) exams. Parents need to check with each college to learn their policy for
credit.
Please see your child’s school counselor if you have any additional questions or concerns.
15 Back to "Table of Contents"Response to Intervention (RTI)
RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION (RTI)
The Stevens Point Area Public School District has embraced “Response to Intervention” (RtI), as a multi-
tier teaching and learning process using high-quality differentiated instruction that meets student needs.
In addition, the RtI framework monitors student learning progress through balanced assessments while
modifying instruction to insure continual student growth.
One part of RtI is to collect and analyze data to establish an instructional baseline, which can be used
to determine whether each student is likely to meet, exceed, or not meet benchmarks and can be
constructed for both academic and behavioral purposes. A universal screener is an assessment given as
one part of the process to collect data for RtI. The two universal screeners used at P.J. Jacobs for reading
and math have not been determined by the school district at the time of the publication of this document.
Please check our parent newsletter for more up-to-date information.
Students who continue to struggle and perform below grade level, despite differentiated instruction, will
be identified for academic supports. P. J. Jacobs offers academic supports, which we explain below, in the
areas of reading, writing, and math.
Students who continue to struggle and perform below grade level, despite differentiated instruction and
supports, will have an intervention plan created collaboratively by a team of the parents and appropriate
staff. Progress of these individual or small-group interventions are monitored weekly and reviewed by the
team after a nine-week period.
ACHIEVING IN MATH (731/831)
Academic Support: Math
Required/Teacher Recommendation
Every day all year
No fee
Response to Intervention (RtI)
This course is designed as a second math class for those students who need remediation and extra
support in order to be successful in Transitional Math or Pre-Algebra. Students enrolled in AIM must also
be enrolled in Transitional Math or Pre-Algebra. AIM is a pass/fail class. Teacher recommendation is
required for enrollment in this class.
READER’S WORKSHOP (180)
Academic Support: Reading
Required/Teacher Recommendation
Every other day all year
No fee
Reader’s Workshop is designed to aid students who experience difficulties in reading as indicated by
below grade level reading scores and teacher recommendations. The program uses whole group, small
group, and individualized instruction with evaluation based on pre- and post-testing and observation of
student progress and effort. The classes are limited in size so each student can receive individual help in
basic reading skills.
The framework for Reader’s Workshop will include: 1) focused mini-lesson on a reading/comprehension
strategy, 2) opportunities to practice and apply strategies using fiction and informational texts, and 3)
differentiated instruction, providing reading at each student’s level and assisting with individual goal
setting. Skill development includes: vocabulary, comprehension, fluency and writing with a focus on texts
and classwork from the student’s content area courses.
16 Back to "Table of Contents"RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION (RTI)
WRITING CENTER
Academic Support: Writing
Required/Teacher Recommendation
One day per week during Study Center
No fee
The Writing Center is a place for students to improve upon their writing skills, allowing them to attain or
remain at the skill level of same-age peers. These skills may include organizing paragraphs and essays,
developing sentence structure, learning parts of speech and/or revising mechanical errors. During his/her
scheduled Writing Center time, the student is required to bring any coursework or assignments requiring
writing. Students will be supported by an English teacher in completing that work, either one-on-one or in
small groups. The goal is to boost students’ writing skills in all content areas.
The Writing Center will not assign extra work, is not a separate class, and will end once a student displays
proficiency in the noted area of need.
MATH STUDY CENTER SUPPORT
Academic Support: Math
Required/Teacher Recommendation
1 - 5 days per week
No fee
The math study center is for students who have difficulty in mathematics. A student works with a math
teacher to understand their current and previous math concepts. The teacher will check in with the
student to go over work as an individual or as a small group. The goal is to help the student understand
and succeed in his/her math class.
Response to Intervention (RtI)
There is no extra work assigned, but the teacher may work on the student’s current assignment or other
work as needed.
17 Back to "Table of Contents"Grading Scale/Point Charts
GRADING SCALE/POINT CHARTS
GRADING SCALE CHART
GRADE LOW HIGH
A 93.0 100
A- 90.0 92.99
B+ 87.0 89.99
B 83.0 86.99
B- 80.0 82.99
C+ 77.0 79.99
C 73.0 76.99
C- 70.0 72.99
D+ 67.0 69.99
D 63.0 66.99
D- 60.0 62.99
F 0 59.99
GRADING POINT CHART
GRADE LOW
A 4.000
Grading Scale/Point Charts
A- 3.700
B+ 3.300
B 3.000
B- 2.700
C+ 2.300
C 2.000
C- 1.700
D+ 1.300
D 1.000
D- 0.700
F 0.000
I 0.000
W 0.000
HONORS GRADE POINT AVERAGE
3.2-3.599 GPA: HONORS
3.6 - 4.0+: HIGH HONORS
18 Back to "Table of Contents"Grading Information
GRADING INFORMATION
Since the end of the 2015-2016 school year, the Stevens Point Area Public School District (SPAPSD)
adopted uniform grading percentages, used at P. J. Jacobs Junior High School, Ben Franklin Junior High
School and SPASH. These percentages are listed below for our school:
Seventh and Eighth Grades: 70/30 (70% summative and 30% formative)
Ninth Grade: 80/20 (80% summative and 20% formative)
Although as a school district and school we have not developed an exact definition of summative and
formative assessment, we are able to provide you with some initial guiding principles:
What is the difference between formative and summative assessment?
Formative assessment
The goal of formative assessment is to monitor student learning to provide ongoing feedback that
can be used by instructors to improve their teaching and by students to improve their learning. More
specifically, formative assessments:
• help students identify their strengths and weaknesses and target areas that need work
• help faculty recognize where students are struggling and address problems immediately
Formative assessments are generally “low stakes”, which means that they have low or no point value.
Examples of formative assessments include asking students to:
• draw a concept map in class to represent their understanding of a topic
• submit one or two sentences identifying the main point of a lecture
• daily assignments
Summative assessment
The goal of summative assessment is to evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional unit by
comparing it against some standard or benchmark. Summative assessments are often high stakes, which
means that they have a high point value. Examples of summative assessments include:
• a unit or final exam
• a final project
• a research paper
• recitals or performances
Grading Information
Information from summative assessments can be used formatively when students or faculty use it to
guide their efforts and activities in subsequent courses.
At the beginning of the year, parents should check with each teacher and his or her syllabus to see how
he or she defines these two terms and grades students.
Late Work and Test Retake Policies:
There was extensive work completed on late work and test retake policies for each class at the two junior
highs. These policies are written into each class syllabi and explained to each parent at our “Back to
School Night.”
19 Back to "Table of Contents"School Procedures
SCHOOL PROCEDURES
Study Centers (SC)
When students are not enrolled in classes, they will be assigned to learning environments called Study
Centers (SC). Study center will be held in the cafeteria (room 116) except during the lunch hours when
they will be held in individual classrooms or the LMC (library). Study center will be supervised by multiple
instructors from different instructional areas. Within the environment of the SC, we will operate writing
(staffed by ELA instructors) and math (staffed by math instructors) labs to assist students in increasing
their academic skills in these areas. The following key expectations have been developed to assist
students in being successful;
Students will:
• Arrive on time with all your materials including your planner and SSR book
• Be respectful of others (quiet zone)
• Have a self guided action or study plan
• Ask permission to use technology and form study groups
Students will also be allowed to obtain individual passes from their teachers to receive additional
instruction or assistance, or they may use the LMC based on grades, behavior and room availability.
*NOTE: Students who are not being academically successful may be required to remain in the SC to
complete an action or student plan.
Advisory
Advisory occurs each Wednesday. It will be held between first and second periods and lasts
approximately 30 minutes. School periods throughout the day will be shortened to accommodate this
program on advisory/homeroom days. Students will be assigned on a random basis by grade and the
assigned homeroom will be listed on student schedules. Items to be covered during advisory/homeroom
include: academic and career planning (ACP; state mandated), social/emotional instruction, digital
citizenship for the 1:1 computer program, and other school-related matters.
Schedule Changes
School Procedures
All students in grades 6-8 are mailed a COURSE VERIFICATION FORM in the spring. Courses should
be reviewed carefully by both a parent/guardian and the student. The master schedule of courses and
teacher staffing are based on these forms.
Schedule changes are allowed during the first five school days of each new semester. Schedule changes
are granted based on academic need and class availability and require both school counseling and
principal approval. Parental permission is required for all schedule changes.
A student who drops a course after the first week of the semester may receive a grade of “F” for the
course. Classes may be added during the first three weeks of school, given parental permission and
sufficient room in the course. Waivers of this policy require principal approval and will be based on
exceptional circumstances.
20 Back to "Table of Contents"SCHOOL PROCEDURES
High School Courses and Credits
Students earn credits towards high school graduation beginning in ninth grade. High school courses
taken in seventh and eighth grade (e.g. a World Language; Algebra 1 or higher math courses) do not
earn students credits and are not factored into the high school grade point average; however, high school
courses taken in seventh and eighth grade and the grades earned in these courses will appear on the
high school transcript.
Student Failures
Student grades are monitored on a mid-quarter, quarter, and semester basis. Students with failing
grades meet with teachers, school counseling staff, and administration to develop a plan on how to be
successful in class. Parents have access to student progress via Skyward Family Access, parent/teacher
conferences, and email/phone contact with staff.
Seventh and eighth grade students who fail a core class (English, math, science, and social studies) for
an entire year may have to repeat that course during the next school year and/or attend summer school.
Policy of Retention
Student retention in the Stevens Point Area Public School District is guided in seventh and eighth grade
by school board policy. Factors to be considered in retention other than academic progress are ability,
age, achievement, and the emotional/physical/social maturity of the student. However, a student who
makes an honest effort to pass the entire year will not be retained.
All student retentions will be determined on an individual basis. The principal makes the final decision.
School Procedures
21 Back to "Table of Contents"Department & Course
Offerings
Department &
Course Offerings
22 Back to "Table of Contents"Agriculture/Natural Resources
AGRICULTURE /
NATURAL RESOURCES
AGRICULTURE 8 (079AA)
Elective
Every day for a semester
Fee: $6 - last year’s fee subject to change (supplies for the wildlife, floral design and forestry units)
Agriculture 8 (Plants, Animals and You) is a course which students may sign up to take one semester or
two semesters, making it a full elective for the year.
This is not a class for students who enjoy sitting in their seats and listening to their teacher lecture.
Plants, Animals and You is all about learning by doing. Focus is on labs, projects and hands-on activities
to meet course objectives. Plants, Animals and You is all about animal handling and behavior, plant
anatomy and identification, nutrition, discovery of U.S. crops and food processing, which involve many
chances to eat, business management (Monopoly), computer simulations, i-Pod activities, and outdoor
adventures.
Agriculture/Natural Resources
23 Back to "Table of Contents"Art
ART DEPARTMENT
All seventh and eighth grade art courses are designed to explore a variety of art media and techniques
in both 2-D and 3-D processes. Emphasis areas are: design, drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture,
ceramics, jewelry, fibers, calligraphy, and bookbinding. An art text is also used as a supplementary tool.
ART 7A (702)
Elective
Every day all year
Fee: $12 - last year’s fee subject to change (fee pays for clay, printmaking, plaster, painting, paper and
various utensils)
This basic foundation course in the study of art is open to all seventh graders. Students are introduced to
a broad range of art experiences. The instruction units are based on the following course objectives:
1. Provide opportunities for creative problem solving
2. Develop expressive and critical abilities in visual art communication
3. Develop understanding of how art and visual aesthetic choice applies to everyday
life
4. Develop a greater awareness of visual art forms in our environment, including
popular art forms such as the media
5. Develop knowledge of how art is part of our cultural heritage, both past and present
6. Develop skills and understandings about art in relationship to various careers and
constructive use of personal leisure time
ART 7B (701)
Elective
Every day for a semester
Fee: $9 - last year’s fee subject to change (fee pays for clay, printmaking, plaster, painting, paper and
various utensils)
This course is based upon the same instructional objectives as art 7A. Instructional units are selected on
the basis of fewer class sessions, which provides an option for those students unable to schedule an all
year course.
ART 8A (802)
Elective
Every day all year
Fee: $13 - last year’s fee subject to change (fee pays for clay, printmaking, plaster, metal, painting, paper
and various utensils)
Admittance is based on high interest and achievement in seventh grade art. However, students who
show sincere interest in art, but have not taken art previously, will also find this course stimulating.
Art
24 Back to "Table of Contents"ART DEPARTMENT
Emphasis is on:
1. Improving critical and aesthetic judgment skills in every day life
2. Learning about art and its use in today’s world
3. Learning about art as a part of our heritage and civilization
4. Developing problem solving and creative thinking skills in self-expression
5. Developing more advanced skills and techniques in various media
2D and 3D processes include: painting, bookbinding, ceramics, drawing, fibers, jewelry, sculpture,
printmaking, and design
ART 8B (801)
Elective
Every day for a semester
Fee: $10
The description for this course is the same as Art 8A. Instructional units are selected on the basis of
fewer class sessions. This class provides an option for those students unable to schedule an all year
course.
Art
25 Back to "Table of Contents"Business Information Technology
BUSINESS INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY
BUSINESS & CAREER SKILLS 7 (721A)
Required
Every day for 9 weeks (1 quarter)
Fee: $4
This is a required nine-week course. Students will apply the touch type method within the context of
learning activities that introduce entrepreneurship/business skills and career awareness. This “blended
curriculum” engages students in keyboarding and writing skills through future planning, team taught
lessons and community involvement through Junior Achievement.
Activities include WIsCareers/E-portfolios, document development using Google Docs and Microsoft
Word, Career Exploration, Financial Literacy, and Digital Literacy/Citizenship.
COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS 8 (822)
Elective
Every day for a semester
Fee: $3
This is an elective semester course. The course is designed to help 8th and 9th grade students
prepare for high school and beyond. Students learn how to prepare for the future by identifying
employability, reinforcing critical thinking skills, examining digital information literacy, and exploring career
options. Students will work on financial literacy skills, interviewing skills, develop portfolios, and learn to
promote one’s self through developing an online presence. This course includes community partnerships
with PIE, CCCU and JA.
Business & Marketing
26 Back to "Table of Contents"Computer Science
COMPUTER SCIENCE
FOUNDATIONS OF COMPUTER SCIENCE, GRADE 7 (740)
Elective
Every day for a semester -OR- every other day for the year
Fee: $3
This class is designed to give students a better understanding of computer science. Students will gain
experience in using a computer and software applications available, including on-line resources, and see
ways that they can apply the applications to make their work easier and more professional. The overall
goal of this course is for students to become effective digital citizens and discover ways the computer can
be utilized to help them in school and everyday life.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, GRADE 8 (840)
Elective
Every day for a semester -OR- every other day for the year
Fee: $3
This class is designed to help students to be more effective and responsible users of internet technology.
This course will cover internet topics such as: digital citizenship, web site structure and design, various
forms of web programming, internet commerce, cyber security, and video conferencing both in district and
globally. Students completing this course will have attained a working knowledge of both the software and
structure utilized in a variety of internet applications.
Computer Science
27 Back to "Table of Contents"English
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT (ELA)
ENGLISH 7 (711)
Required
Every day all year
No fee
Seventh grade English focuses on improving students’ reading and writing skills. Each quarter features a
theme:
Quarter One: Friendship and Family
Quarter Two: Who Am I: Decisions/Actions/Consequences
Quarter Three: Acceptance
Quarter Four: Environment and Responsibility
Within each themed unit the following are addressed: specific State Standards, Enduring
Understandings, Essential Questions, Knowledge, Skills, Core Literature, and Evidence of Learning/
Assessments. Specific English 7/7A content can be viewed online from the Stevens Point School
District’s Homepage. Literature is presented in a variety of formats including: teacher-guided lessons,
independent reading, and literature circles. The student’s RIT level will be determined, and progression
will be monitored through the use of the Measures of Academic Progress test (MAP) which is
administered three times during the year. Writing projects emphasize the writing process (prewriting,
drafting, revising, editing, and sharing) and are assessed with Six Traits-related rubrics. A writing portfolio
is maintained and passed on to English 8 teachers. Technology integration occurs in instructional
delivery, student presentations, and course management.
Student learning styles are addressed and lessons are differentiated to meet a variety of learner needs.
ENGLISH 7A (711A)
Required
Every day all year
No fee
This is a fast-paced advanced general English course with emphasis on improving reading, writing,
speaking, and grammar skills. Students will complete a variety activities and assessments in an online
environment. Strong computer skills, advanced organizational skills, and the ability to work independently
and collaboratively are prerequisites for the student to be successful in this classroom environment.
Students who take on the challenge of this course will be expected to successfully complete a variety
of activities independently outside of class time and bring questions to classroom discussions (Blended
English (ELA)
Learning). The focus of classroom time will emphasize higher-level discussion and the application
of concepts related to assigned reading, writing, mechanics, usage, and grammar. Public speaking/
presentations will also take place during classroom time. This class is managed entirely online using
Skyward Family Access and Schoology. Though it is not a requirement that students are familiar with
all of these, it is vital for them to understand that these will be used regularly and they need to be
comfortable completing school work independently on a computer in an online environment.
28 Back to "Table of Contents"ENGLISH DEPARTMENT (ELA)
Along with completing the Stevens Point School District English 7 Curriculum, students will specifically be
engaging in the following:
1. Establish and assess monthly goals related to self-selecting and reading a variety of literature
2. Utilize Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) test data to improve reading comprehension
3. Complete a variety of written assignments which involve the writing process (pre-write, draft, revise,
edit, and publish) and utilize peer and adult assessments
4. Study and apply fundamental writing skills related to mechanics, grammar, and usage
5. Communicate electronically in a variety of forms using Standard American English
6. Improve public speaking skills by completing a variety of presentations and assessments
7. Work collaboratively and communicate efficiently in shared learning projects
8. Improve keyboarding skills
9. Utilize a wide variety of web 2.0 tools and software applications independently—with minimal teacher
supervision
10. Integrate and apply skills learned in ENGLISH 7A Hybrid (785A) to SCIENCE 7A Hybrid (785A)
ENGLISH 8/8A (811/811A)
Required
Every day all year
No fee
Eighth grade English builds upon the foundation of skills gained in seventh grade English.
Students continue developing and refining their use of effective reading strategies in order to appreciate,
interpret and critically analyze literature from a variety of genres such as: essays, fables, myths, plays,
poetry, novels and short stories.
Lessons are rooted in the following unit themes:
Quarter One: Human Nature
Quarter Two: Courage and Dignity
Quarter Three: Tolerance
Quarter Four: Heroes, Fables, Tall Tales and Myths
Literature is presented in a variety of formats including: teacher-guided lessons, independent reading,
and literature circles. The student’s RIT level will be determined, and progression will be monitored
through the use of the Measures of Academic Progress test (MAP) which is administered three times
English (ELA)
during the year.
Vocabulary development for increased fluency in the areas of reading, writing and oral communication is
a component of each course unit.
The development and refinement of composition skills in order to create clear and coherent text that
develops a central idea or tells a story is stressed. Major emphasis is placed on the student’s ability to
utilize the writing process to produce writing that reflects the author’s consideration of audience, purpose,
29 Back to "Table of Contents"You can also read
