Principal: Mr. MonteroAssistant Principals: Ms. Soberon and Mrs. Camus6th & 7th grade Guidance Counselor: Ms. Kirker8th grade Guidance Counselor: Mrs. DiazStudent Support Specialists: Mrs. Sakay and Mrs. Escudero

SOMERSET ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL“A BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL”

 

More classes and teachers More people More responsibilities More work More freedom More changes: physical &

emotional

The key to success is:1.Organization and Communication

7 classes in total 4 core classes 3 electives

We follow an A, B rotation: A day will be 1st, 3rd, 5th, & 7th periods. B day will be 1st, 2nd, 4th, & 6th periods.

Student must pass their 4 core classes each year:

(Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies)

A “C” or better each quarter is essential to passing each course successfully.

“D” and “F” quarter grades put students at risk of having to repeat a course or being retained.

Elective grades will be factored into the student’s GPA, therefore earning good grades in all classes is critical.

If a student fails any core classes, he/she MUST make up the course(s) online over the summer.

Review the curriculum guide for requirements and course descriptions.

Every student must take: Language Arts Math Comprehensive Science Social Studies (World History, Civics, US

History) electives

▪ Reading is required for 6th grade ▪ PE is required in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade▪ Arts, Foreign Languages, academic electives▪ Intensive classes (for FCAT level 1 & 2)

CORE classes

Use previous years’ FCAT scores Consider current grades in specific

subjects Ask your child’s teacher for

recommendations Review the curriculum guide for

requirements and course descriptions. (found on www.somersetacademy.com under Academics) or click here

IntensiveIntensive – remedial class focused on learning strategies (required for students who score a level 1 & 2 on FCAT)

RegularRegular – on grade level classes AdvancedAdvanced – Above grade level classes (high

level 3 and above and A’s and B’s in academic subjects)

Pre-APPre-AP – Above grade level classes that require critical thinking and problem solving skills (Level 4 and 5 and A’s and B’s in academic subjects)

)

Students advanced in Math have two options (requirements must be met and advancement must begin in 6th grade):

Option 1: Advanced Math Track▪ 6th grade – math 1 Advanced▪ 7th grade – math 2 advanced (Pre-Algebra)▪ 8th grade – Algebra 1 Honors (high school class)

Option 2: GEM▪ 6th grade – GEM (pre-Algebra) – requires a certain FCAT

score and GEM placement test score▪ 7th grade – Algebra 1 Honors (high school class)▪ 8th grade – Geometry Honors (high school class)

Taking and passing an End of Course Exam is necessary to earn a high school credit in Algebra 1 Honors and Geometry Honors

2

1

X

1

2

3

4

Arts Dance, arts, drama, band, chorus If interested in the Arts Conservatory for high school

consider arts electives General electives

Reading, Speech & Debate, Creative Writing, Key Boarding (online class)

Foreign Languages Italian Beginning High School classes such as Spanish 1, Italian 1, and

Spanish for Speakers 1 can be taken starting in 7th grade with a GPA of a 3.25 (A’s and B’s)

Students in middle school have the option to get ahead with their high school credits.

The most common ways to take high school classes:

Foreign Languages▪ Spanish 1, Italian 1, Spanish for Speakers 1 (starting in 7th

grade)

▪ Math▪ Advanced math students can choose between two tracks:▪ Advanced math track – ahead 1 year in math▪ GEM (Great Explorations in Math Program) – ahead 2 years

in math

Middle school students taking a High school course will:

1. earn a high school credit2. their semester grades will be calculated into

their High School GPA (grade point average) 3. Will take an End of Course Exam to earn a high

school credit in Algebra 1 Honors and Geometry Honors

Students may re-take a high school course if grade earned is a C, D, or F. Their new grade will count towards their GPA.

Schedule changes are done during the first week of school, ONLY.

Changes are not guaranteed Be sure to select 4 electives, keeping in

mind that you may not get your first two choices

Changes will not be honored for teacher change nor period swap

A student must PASS…

3 courses in Language Arts (6th, 7th and 8th grade)

3 courses in Math (6th, 7th and 8th grade)

3 courses in Science (6th, 7th and 8th grade)

3 courses in Social Studies (6th, 7th and 8th grade)

1 course in Career and Education Planning (including the creation a PAC plan) to be completed in 8th grade

If a student fails any core classes, he/she MUST make up the course(s).

In middle and high school, if you do not pass a class, you must re-take it over the summer online.

Somerset Virtual Academy is the online school our students use to make up courses.www.somersetvirtualacademy.com

Minimum standards on FCAT= level 3 or higher▪Intensive math / reading will replace electives if FCAT scores are a 2 or below in reading and math

The FCAT and all EOC’s will be computer based!

6th grade 7th grade 8th grade

Reading FCAT

Reading FCAT Reading FCAT

Math FCAT Math FCAT OR Algebra 1 EOC

Math FCAT OR Algebra 1 EOC OR Geometry EOC

Civics EOC Writing FCAT

Science FCAT

PINNACLE Teachers online grade book Student # (06..)is the

username Date of birth is the

password Valuable tool for students

and parents Check Pinnacle at least

twice a week Keep up with grades and

assignments

VIRTUAL COUNSELOR Broward County’s

academic database. Contains the following information: Absences Academic History Marking Period Grades Student Schedule Middle School Progress Test Scores

www.browardschools.com you need your child’s

student ID and birth date

ORGANIZATION

Arrange a time each day set aside for homework and study time

Encourage the use of Academic planners and color coded folders

Monitor use of time and help your child balance his/her schedule

Prepare their materials and organize their assignments the night before

COMMUNICATION

Do not “back off” because your child is in middle school

Stay tuned to Facebook accounts, text messages, TV programs, websites etc.

Obtain teacher’s email addresses the first week of school and communicate as much as possible

Have a pinnacle day of the week with your child

Somerset Academy Website: www.somersetacademy.com staff websites and email addresses Events and the school calendar

Parents should check Pinnacle for daily progress. Teachers should be the first line of communication

for course related questions and concerns. Progress/Interim Reports are issued at the

halfway mark of the grading period. Report Cards are issued at the end of each

grading period (every 9 weeks)

All this and more is found at:www.somersetacademy.com

Under the Middle School Guidance Page

Stay tuned for Summer Orientation dates!