Academics
- HONORS AND ACCELERATED COURSES
- ACADEMIC AWARDS AND HONORS
- ACADEMIC STANDARDS
- CITIZENSHIP
- WORK HABITS
- GOAL SETTING
HONORS AND ACCELERATED COURSES
Math
TUSD Middle School Math Website
Math 6 Accelerated (Math 6A)
Math 6A is an accelerated course, which covers 1.5 years of math in one year - all of Math 6 standards and half of Math 7 standards. Math 6A is not considered an honors course. Instead, it is an accelerated course, which goes through the same content as Math 6, but at a faster pace.
Students who are successful in Math 6 Accelerated usually have:
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a strong grasp of mathematical concepts
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the ability to learn new concepts quickly
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the ability to communicate understanding to others orally and in writing
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strong organizational skills and study habits
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a strong desire to learn
Math 7 Accelerated (Math 7A)
Math 7A is an accelerated course, which covers 1.5 years of math in one year - the second half of Math 7 standards and all of Math 8 standards. Math 7A is not considered an honors course.
Instead, it is an accelerated course, which goes through the same content as Math 7 & 8, but at a faster pace.
Algebra 1
A systematic study of numbers and their properties. The content areas include structure of the real number system; simplification of algebraic expression; solving equations and inequalities;
problem solving; polynomials and factoring; functions and graphing; exponents, and radicals. The aim of this rigorous course is to establish a solid foundation for more advanced course work in
mathematics equivalency class.
Honors Core
In sixth grade, honors level is embedded throughout our Reading, Language Arts, and Social Studies classes. Based on current research and best practices with gifted learners, students are
provided with critical thinking activities filled with depth and complexity throughout their differentiated instructional program. For Reading and Language Arts, Hewes follows the
workshop model where students are expected to read and write at their level and show growth during the school year. Challenge-level projects, novelty activities, in-depth research and
analysis opportunities, and higher-level reading and writing strategies are provided for students who are ready for more advanced content. Our goal is to support all students in reaching
their fullest potential. 7th and 8th grade honors level core classes are separate from the regular core classes.
ACADEMIC AWARDS AND HONORS
STUDENT AWARDS AND HONORS
Students who like to participate and achieve at Hewes will find many ways to be challenged. Some may be recipients of one of numerous awards given in scholarship, electives, athletics, citizenship, and service.
ACADEMIC COMPETITION
Throughout the school year, essay, art and other academic contest opportunities may be available for students to demonstrate ability and excellence. Your teachers, the PTA and administrators will provide ongoing information.
AMERICAN LEGION AWARDS
The highest honor an 8th grade student can receive is given at the Promotion Ceremony. One eighth grade boy and one eighth grade girl will be selected by the staff as the winner of the coveted American Legion Award. Selection is based on: 1) patriotism, 2) service to the school, 3) cooperation and courtesy, 4) leadership, 5) scholarship, and 6) morality, integrity and respect for property and people. Grades, behavior and attitude throughout all three years at Hewes Middle School will be considered when choosing American Legion Awards recipients.
CITIZENSHIP
Approximately twenty of the top eighth grade citizens are selected each year to receive special recognition for their outstanding behavior and attitude.
HONOR ROLL
Any student with a 3.5 grade point average or higher in a full academic program will be considered on Honor Roll each semester. Students achieving Honor Roll for all six semesters will receive special recognition.
EIGHTH GRADE HIGHLANDER AWARDS
These special awards are given to the top eighth grade Hewes students in each academic and elective area. Award winners are recognized at the end-of-year awards assembly.
STUDENT OF THE MONTH
Students of the Month are acknowledged for their contributions to Hewes Middle School. These students are selected for this honor in one of four categories: 1) Positive Attitude; 2) Student Leadership; 3) Consideration and Courtesy; and 4) Academic Improvement or Excellence.
ACADEMIC STANDARDS
The primary goal of Hewes Middle School is to provide appropriate learning experiences for every student to achieve personal academic success. Students are expected to attend all classes promptly and to be well-prepared.
1. At least one hour each day at home should be reserved for study, review and reading. Some assignments will require longer hours for research and class participation.
2. All written work must have an appropriate heading (including full name, date, and class period); must be legible and on a standard size of notebook paper, and have correct grammar usage with correct punctuation and spelling.
3. Progress reports will be mailed home at mid-quarter when a student is having problems in class or is in danger of failing a course. Parents are encouraged to contact the appropriate teacher regarding these reports. Honors level students will receive a progress report for any mid-term progress at or below a “B-“
4. Grade reports will be mailed home at the close of each semester.
5. The guidance counselor is available to discuss particular concerns. Appointments may be scheduled in the office.
6. Achievement tests are administered to students at times and grade levels designated by the district and the state.
CITIZENSHIP
CITIZENSHIP
All students begin with an "S" in citizenship and work habits and must show the characteristics of an "O" to earn that mark on their report card.
OUTSTANDING CITIZENSHIP
- exceeds satisfactory expectations
- Helps others and is a leader
- Self-disciplined
- Courteous
- Trustworthy
- Promotes welfare of the class - better because they are there
- Demonstrates personal and academic integrity
SATISFACTORY CITIZENSHIP
- Respectful and sensitive to others
- Cooperative and solves problems
- Pays attention
- Regularly follows school and class rules
- Has a positive attitude
- Responds appropriately to correction/remediation
- Responds appropriately in classroom situations
- Is on time (fewer than 4 tardies)
- NO behavior referrals
- Dresses appropriately
- Demonstrates PBIS expectations
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT in CITIZENSHIP
- Excessive talking and disruptive behavior
- Not respectful to others and/or property
- Uncooperative
- Inappropriate language
- Poor participation
- Off task
- 4 or more tardies
- Poor attitude
- Chews gum/eats food
- Dresses inappropriately
- Multiple technology violations
UNSATISFACTORY CITIZENSHIP
- Cheats / forges / steals
- Consistently defiant / disrespectful / disruptive
- Inappropriate contact
- Habitually tardy
- No attempts to improve attitude / behavior
WORK HABITS
WORK HABITS
All students begin with an "S" in citizenship and work habits and must show the characteristics of an "O" to earn that mark on their report card.
OUTSTANDING WORK HABITS
- Performs above and beyond expectations
- Positive approach to subjects
- Always prepared for class
- Completes ALL assignments on time
- Always on task
- Eagerly participates in class
- Plans ahead
SATISFACTORY WORK HABITS
- Meets expectations
- Demonstrates best effort
- Prepared for class with books, materials and assignments
- Willingly participates and collaborates
- Follows through with make-up work
- NO academic referrals
- Consistently on task
- Follows directions
- Organized
- Observes school academic honesty policy
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT in WORK HABITS
- Has not met all expectations
- Incomplete / late / missing assignments
- Demonstrates little effort
- Not on task
- Avoids class participation or collaboration
- Avoids academic help
- Neglects remediation attempts
- Disorganized
- Multiple technology violations
UNSATISFACTORY WORK HABITS
- Demonstrates no effort
- Negative approach to subject
- Consistently unprepared
- Refuses to participate or collaborate
GOAL SETTING
LIBRARY
Hewes' Library is a calm, inviting space where students can find books for leisurely reading or to support research and other school assignments. The library is also a favorite spot to tackle schoolwork, recharge devices or relax for a quiet moment.
The Computer Lab is located in the library.
- iPad Damaged? Bring damaged iPads to the library for help with the repair process.
- iPad Connectivity Issues? The librarian can help!
- Lost iPad? Please report to the librarian.
- Lost & Found - Hewes' Lost and Found is in the library.
- Textbooks - extra copies of some textbooks are available for loan in the library.
- Printing - students may print school assignments in the Computer Lab located in the library.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math)
The STEM program at Hewes continues to expand and push the limits into new possibilities.
At Hewes Middle School, we are thrilled to announce the continuing expansion of our CTE/STEM program. We have been providing Hewes students with the opportunity to engage in these classes for over 10 years, and we continue to increase the number of courses offered each year. These courses support our district’s Career Technical Education (CTE) Pathways and align with the many courses available at the high school level. In an effort to better align our middle school electives, and create a more consistent language with these pathways, we have transitioned to refer to our program and classes as Career Technical Education (CTE) electives. We have expanded the content and curriculum so much that these courses have become more robust and encompass so much more than just science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
WRITING - Critical Thinking (CER + A)
CLAIM
What do you know?
- Response to the question/prompt/problem.
- A statement you can prove.
- Main idea/conclusion.
Helpful Hints:
- Use keywords from the question or prompt in your claim.
- Avoid using "I think" or "I believe"
EVIDENCE
How do you know that?
What happened?
What does the text SAY?
Proof from ...
- Data Text (quote or summary from a story or article)
- Observation
- Research
Helpful Hints:
- Provide reliable information that supports your claim
- Sentence starters ...
- The author states ...
- According to the passage
- In the text ...
- From my observations
- The data shows ...
- According to (cite research) ...
- On page ___, the author claims ...
REASONING
Why and how does your evidence support your claim?
What does it MEAN?
May include ...
- An interpretation / support
- An analysis
- Scientific rule
- A principle
- A scientific / math property
Read between the lines.
Helpful Hints:
- Should offer new insight
- This is your analysis (your thinking)
- Link evidence to claim
- Acknowledgement of connections between ideas
Sentence Starters:
- This means ...
- This expresses the idea ...
- This shows ...
- This reveals ...
- This confirms ...
APPLICATION
Why does it MATTER (in life, in a text, to me, to others)?
- How does it apply in real-life?
- What problems can be solved because of this?
- What are the implications (possible outcomes or results)?
- What is the significance?
- So what?
- Why is it important?
Sentence starters:
- This is important because ...
- This applies to ...
- This implies ...
- This proves ...
- This suggests ...
- This signifies ...