8th Grade

I finished the 2nd of 4 all-8th grade visits today. This time I went to al the Science classes. I talked about finishing up the 2nd quarter in a strong way. The quarter’s grades are averaged with 1st quarter to give a semester grade, and that latter grade is what is included on the academic transcript. I also talked about how 8th grade is really the beginning of high school, in the sense that work habits, attitudes toward school, and other factors often get set for the next 4 years while in 8th grade. High school is already starting, in other words. I encouraged them all to tour not just their own high school in their neighborhood, but a second one, to give them some perspective.

I spent most of my time discussing what in past years are the distractions and events that can derail 8th graders.

I visited all the math classes in the first of 4 quarterly visits to the 8th grade class. The Counseling Department is trying to reach all WMS students 4 times a year with grade- and time-relevant info. For this first visit, I spoke about focusing on the upcoming move to high school, about needing to develop the skill of asking for help, and about the recent media blitz of teen suicides attributed in part to bullying, particularly anti-gay harassment

I also asked each class to break into small groups and create an 8th grade job description: what might a school be looking for if it were to higher the ideal 8th grade student? THe students came up with a great list of qualities, including among many others: perseverance, serving as a role model, taking responsibility, and working hard. Now of course, we have to help them fulfill their description.