Belmont Ridge Middle SchoolHome of the River Hawks

Rising 8th Grade Parent Information Night

Mission of LCPS

The mission of Loudoun County Public Schools is empowering ALL students to make meaningful contributions to the world

This mission is accomplished by cultivating a high-performing team of professionals who deliver effective and efficient support for student success

Belmont Ridge Middle School ensures the future success of our students, by providing an equitable, engaging environment of educational success.

Develop knowledgeable critical thinkers, communicators, collaborators, creators, and contributors.

Mission of Belmont Ridge MS

Belmont Ridge Team

Dr. Hitchman Principal

Mr. McKenzie Assistant Principal

Mr. Surma Assistant Principal

Dr. Lewis Dean

Mr. Mikulsky Dean

Mr. Skinner Dean

Mr. White Counselor

~ Parent Teacher Organization ~

Support Our School…

Join the PTO!

Stay connected!

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Find the PTO tab on the school homepage!

Every contribution is meaningful; thank you!

PTO President:

Mrs. Katherine Stethem

Parent Liaison:

Mrs. Kristan Ash

Block Schedule

90 Minute Blocks

Classes meet every other day

4 Classes Per Day

Resource, Spectrum and Math or Reading Workshops

Music/Art/FACS/Tech Ed

World Languages

COURSE SELECTIONS

Required Courses

• English

• Civics

• Science

• Math

• PE/Health

• Resource

Full Year Elective Courses

(Students Select Two)

• World Language

• Art

• Chorus

• Band

• Guitar

• Strings

• Tech Ed

• FACS

Sample Student Schedule

A Day

•English

•World Language

•Civics

•Lunch (1:18-1:48)

•PE/Health

B Day

•Tech Ed/FACS Music/Art

•Resource

•Science

•Lunch (1:18-1:48)

•Algebra

8TH GRADE SOL’S

Reading

Writing

Math

Social Studies

Science

Academics

Provide an enriching and challenging academic program.

4 C’s for the 21st Century

Communication

Collaboration

Critical Thinking

Creativity

Choose courses carefully to create a well-balanced schedule that meets the needs of your child.

Homework in 8th Grade

Homework is a practice of student learning.

Students should not rely on resource to complete homework.

Teachers will have homework posted on StudentVue/ParentVue or Vision.

“To treat all children the same is to

favor some and penalize others.”

Personalized Learning

Dynamically tailoring student learning experiences to their strengths, needs, and interests

Occurs through a blending of face-to-face instruction and digital learning

Allows teachers to meet with students and discuss their progress and needs

Allows students to work at their own pace

Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT)

Students can use their devices for instructional purposes with teacher permission

Devices should have a readable screen, keyboard, and ability to connect to WIFI

Teachers have some devices for student use if a student does not have a device

Positive Behavior Intervention and Support

(PBIS)

Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) is a research and evidence based practice.

It creates a common vision of behavioral expectations through consistent language and practices.

PBIS is a framework of tiered approaches to address ALL the needs of our students.

Math 8

Number and

Number Sense

Computation

and Estimation

Measurement

and Geometry

Probability and

Statistics

Patterns, Functions,

and Algebra

Algebra I

Simplify polynomial, rational, and square root expressions.

Translate phrases & sentences into algebraic expressions and equations.

Add, subtract, multiply, divide and factor polynomials

Investigate and analyze linear and quadratic function families.

Interpret graphs and identify relevant data. Compare and contrast multiple one-variable data sets.

Write, solve, and graph linear and quadratic equations and inequalities

Solve systems of linear equations and systems of linear inequalities

Interpret variation by examining mean absolute deviation, standard deviation, and z-scores in real-world contexts.

Determine the equations of curves of best fit, using mathematical models.

GeometryReasoning, Lines, and TransformationsTrianglesPolygons and circles3-D Figures

Triangles

Circles

Quadrilaterals

River Hawk Math Boot Camp

Math Boot Camp

MS Math for 6th grade

Math 6 and 6/7

Number sense

Computations

Functions & Algebra

Geometry Prep

July 31-Aug. 4 &

Aug. 7-11

Information to sign up is in the school news letter & on our website

PTO fundraiser

English

Oral Language

Analyze Readings

Impact of Readings

Vocabulary

Develop Writing

Content covered

incorporates:

Civics and Economics

Civics

Political Organization

Social Organization

Laws

History

Economics

Allocation of Resources

Current Events

Geography

Cultures

Physical Science

Periodic Table

Physical and Chemical Changes

Energy Transformation

Matter and Energy

Art 8 & Art 3D

Class meets every other day for the full block (90 minutes).

Topics Covered

Drawing

Painting

Printmaking

Computer Graphics

Sculpture

Ceramics

Music Programs Offered

Band 8

Chorus 8

Guitar 8

Strings 8

Expectations

Performing ensembles

Commitment to the ensemble

Practice at home required

Class meets for 90 minutes every other day

Tech Ed

Our Technology Education Program teaches technological literacy to all students so they can be responsible citizens in our technological world.

8th Manufacturing Elective Course

Introducing tools and machines.

Applying the engineering design process.

Applying the manufacturing process

Creative problem solving

Teen Living(FACS)

Year-long (FY)

Competency based curriculum

Exploratory

Early Childhood

Nutrition and Wellness

Interior Design

Fashion

Human Growth and Development

Workplace Readiness Skills

World Language

French, German, Latin, & Spanish

High School credit class

High expectations

Begin Level I in 7th or 8th grade

Continue with Level II in 8th grade

Leave BEMS with two high school credits

Master key learning targets Speaking

Writing

Reading

Listening

Health and Physical Education

Football Fishing Archery Speed Ball

Fitness Testing w/ Goal Setting

Fitness Stations FLE Basketball Volleyball

Track & Field Quarterly Health Units Softball

FITNESS is a way of life

Spectrum

Offered during 45 minutes of the resource class.

Student participation is optional.

Participation option may be exercised from year to year.

Students enrolled in Spectrum in 7th grade are placed in Spectrum in 8th

grade.

Special Education Providing an inclusive learning environment to meet the

needs of all students.

Resources:

Belmont Ridge M.S. Special Education webpage:

http://www.lcps.org/bmrms >Department>Special Education

LCPS Office of Special Education

LCPS Parent Resource Center

Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)

Virginia Department of Education

LCPS Academy of Science (AOS)

Program will be located at Academies of Loudoun for students in grades 9 - 12.

Application/selection process begins in the 8th

grade.

Must have the PSAT (Administered in the Fall of 8th

Grade).

Must complete Algebra I with a grade of B or better by the end of the 8th Grade

AOS website: www.lcps.org/aos

LCPS Academy of Engineering and Technology (AET)

Program will be located at the Academies of Loudoun for students in grades 9-12.

Students must successfully complete Geometry by the end of their 8th grade year.

Application and selection process begins in fall of 8th

grade year.

AET website: www.lcps.org/aet

Thomas Jefferson High Schoolfor

Science and Technology

Program is located in Fairfax County.

Application/selection process begins in the 8th grade and includes an admission examination.

Must be in Algebra I or higher by 8th grade.

TJHS website: http://www.tjhsst.edu

Naval JROTC

Located at Loudoun County High School.

The mission of the NJROTC program is to instill in students the ideals of Leadership, Character, Honor, and Service as the foundation for success in life.

The program's focus on order, precision, self-discipline, respect for authority, ethical behavior, patriotism, service, and citizenship is designed to prepare students for success in life, regardless of their future plans.

Clubs & Organizations at BEMS

-- Anime Club

-- Book Club

-- Bright Life Buddies

-- Belmont Singers

-- Chess Club

-- French Club

-- Jazz Band

-- Math Counts

--Morning News Show

-- Odyssey of the Mind

-- River Hawk Runners

-- Spanish Club

-- Student Council

-- VEX Robotics

-- Video Game Club

-- Yearbook Club

Spring Musical

This year’s spring musical is Mary Poppins

There are over 150 students involved in the production

Dates of the musical are March 24-26 and March 30-April 1

Belmont Ridge Middle School

2015-2018 National School to Watch

2016 School-Business Partnership Award

2016 Virginia Index of Performance (VIP) Board of Education Excellence Award

2016 NYA Junior Division Best Overall Musical

2016 NYA Junior Division Best Ensemble

2015 Blue Ribbon School of Music

2015 VIP Board of Education Excellence Award

Questions ???

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