Avon Middle School offers honors-level classes to qualifying students in the core-academic, subject areas of Language Arts, Mathematics, Science*, and Social Studies*. Students who qualify and choose to schedule for honors courses need to understand the high expectations. Although general and honors courses use the same curricular content, honors-level classes typically:
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move along at a more rapid pace
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require a deeper understanding of lesson concepts
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demand increased rigor and focus
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carry a heavier work load
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involve more out-of-school study
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require students to think and work more independently
Even if a student qualifies for honors courses, it is strongly advised that parents and students consult the respective teacher(s) in the subject area(s). Honors courses are optional and are not necessarily guaranteed to all who qualify. Students transferring to AMS, who may have the grades to qualify for honors courses, will need to be assessed and reviewed for such classes.
*Honors-level classes in Science and Social Studies are not available to students in Grade Six.
GRADE SIX
Qualifying: Students who request to enroll in honors courses are required to earn all As or two As and one B during the first three marking periods in the respective subject area(s). For Honors Language Arts and Honors Mathematics, in addition to grades a record review of district-wide and statewide data will be used to determine if a student qualifies.
Returning Honors Students: Students who are enrolled in 6th grade honors courses (Honors Language Arts and/or Mathematics) must maintain grades no lower than a B average in the respective subject area to advance to the next 7th grade honors courses.
Honors Mathematics: For students to be considered for this course, they must first qualify grade-wise with three A's or two A's and a B for the first three marking periods. As previously stated, they will have a record review of district-wide and state-wide data to determine whether they qualify for placement. Letters for qualifying students will be sent home. If parents choose not to have their child(ren) placed in this course, they can call AMS Student Services Offices at (440) 934-3800, ext. 5011 or 5012.
NOTE for planning ahead: Students who wish to take Physical Science Honors in eighth grade instead of Science 8 need to have taken Honors Mathematics 7 and Honors Science 7, and maintain As and Bs for the first three marking periods in both classes in order to be eligible for Physical Science. Thereafter, they will have a record review of district-wide and state-wide data to determine whether they qualify for placement. If you have any questions, please contact your child's Guidance Counselor.
GRADE SEVEN
Qualifying: Students requesting to advance from general courses to honors courses are required to earn all A's or two As and one B during the first three marking periods in the respective subject area(s). For Honors Language Arts and Honors Mathematics, in addition to grades a record review of district-wide and statewide data will be used to determine if a student qualifies.
Returning Honors Students: Students who are currently enrolled in 6th grade honors courses must maintain grades no lower than a B average in the respective subject area to advance to 7th grade honors courses in the same subject area. As previously stated, for Honors Language Arts and/or Mathematics, a record review of district-wide and statewide data will be used to determine if a student qualifies.
Honors Mathematics: For students to be considered for this course, they must first qualify grade-wise with three A's or two A's and a B for the first three marking periods. As previously stated, they will have a record review of district-wide and state-wide data to determine whether they qualify for placement. Letters for qualifying students will be sent home. If parents choose not to have their child(ren) placed in this course, they can call AMS Student Services at (440) 934-3800, ext. 5011 or 5012.
Science (8th Grade): Students who wish to take Physical Science Honors in 8th grade instead of Science 8 need to have taken Honors Mathematics 7 and Honors Science 7, and maintain As and Bs for the first three marking periods in both classes in order to be eligible for Physical Science Honors. Thereafter, they will have a record review of district-wide and statewide data to determine if they qualify.
GRADE EIGHT
Qualifying: Students who are requesting to advance from regular/general courses to honors courses are required to earn all A's or two As and one B during the first three marking periods in the requested subject area(s). For Honors Language Arts and Honors Mathematics, in addition to grades a record review of district-wide and statewide data will be used to determine if a student qualifies.
Returning Honors Student: Students who are currently enrolled in 7th grade honors courses must maintain grades no lower than a B average in the respective subject area(s) to advance to 7th grade honors courses in the same subject area. As previously stated, for Honors Language Arts and/or Mathematics, a record review of district-wide and statewide data will be used to determine if a student qualifies.
World Language: Only students who have earned a B average (80%) or greater in Language Arts for the first three marking periods are eligible to take a world language.
Algebra 1: To enroll in Algebra 1, seventh graders will need to have taken Honors Mathematics-7 and must maintain grades no lower than a B average. This is a prerequisite for Honors Geometry.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE Honors: This course introduces students to basic concepts of chemistry and physics, while building an essential foundation for scientific literacy. Experimentation inquiry, activities, and scientific graphing are emphasized. Students are expected to solve science-related mathematical problems. Although the eighth grade science course (Science-8) is required, eligible students can elect to enroll in Physical Science Honors. To qualify, students must first earn As and Bs during the first three marking periods in Honors Science-7 and Honors Mathematics-7. Thereafter, they will have a record review of district-wide and state-wide data to determine whether they qualify for placement. Physical Science Honors is a high school-level course assigned credit (1.00 each), with final grades appearing on the high school transcript but not factored into the high school cumulative GPA (year course)
SCHEDULE CHANGES
It is important for students and their parents to schedule carefully, and to consult with teachers and their respective Guidance Counselor during the Springtime. Please note that no schedule changes will occur beyond the designated and announced date, unless there is one or more the following factors:
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technical error in the scheduling process
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summer school attendance necessitating course change(s)
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scheduling conflict in student course needs or requests
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class failure from the previous year
CONTACT US
If you have any questions about the scheduling process, please contact the School Counselors in the AMS Student Services Offices:
Mrs. Maria Enourato (A~K) e-mail - [email protected] OR telephone - (440) 934-3800, ext. 5012
Mrs. Becky Speicher (L~Z) e-mail - [email protected] OR telephone - (440) 934-3800, ext. 5011