In eighth grade, students become the leaders of the Middle School. Their social needs have settled down a bit, and they learn how to balance social and academic priorities more effectively.
Philosophy
Students become well-versed in the ability to reflect on their learning and plan meaningful short-term goals for themselves. They are generally skilled at working collaboratively. The advisors and eighth grade teaching staff create opportunities for student autonomy, creativity, and leadership. Responsibility shifts to the student, and the student takes part in most conversations about his or her learning. Through appropriate, incremental steps, the eighth grade staff works to prepare the students for the increased expectations and requirements of the Upper School.
Developmental Themes for Eighth Graders
During the eighth grade year, students begin to think about themselves as individuals within a community, and we encourage exploration of how their decisions reflect their values and ideas. In eighth grade, students are better able to understand how their actions and words affect those around them. They are encouraged to make decisions on their own and offered feedback from their peers and the adults in the community. Their identity formation is now in the testing phase, and teachers help to reinforce a self-image of efficacy and confidence.
As students, eighth graders begin to take pride in their work and search for strategies to improve their study habits. Most have developed organizational strategies that helps them plan for long-term projects and look ahead to congested times in their schedule. Eighth grade is an opportunity for students to try new strategies, receive feedback, and alter their habits as they settle into an academic routine that best suits their learning styles and needs.
Academics and Homework in Grade 8
In eighth grade, students are involved in the planning of their work. They may have more assignments that are long-term, allowing them to reinforce and hone their organizational skills. In eighth grade, students can expect to have 30 minutes of homework in each of their classes, spending approximately 90 minutes each evening on homework. We realize that some students complete the homework more quickly, while others may take longer than the average to complete their work. Students have 2–3 hours of quiet study time each week depending on music placement. All eighth grade teachers are available during this time to meet with and assist students.
Eighth grade students are required to use the Middle School Planner. All assignments should be recorded by the student for each class. Late assignments will be listed in the back of the planner. Students should bring the planner to all classes and take it home each evening. Homework assignments also are listed on course web pages.
Laptop Computers
As in seventh grade, eighth grade students are issued laptop computers. Most of the work that students complete at home on the laptops will include word processing, presentation production, audio recording, or information diagramming, none of which require a connection to the Internet. There are times when students will be asked to conduct research on their laptops, participate in an online class discussion, or retrieve information from a website. These activities do involve the use of the Internet. Most of the research assignments will involve the use of library databases and can be accessed from the SPA library web page.
Parent-Teacher Communication
The faculty works in a close partnership with parents in an effort to provide the best possible education for our students. We invite parents to contact us whenever we can be of help.
In eighth grade, students often have good insight into their own learning skills. The practice of reflection and work review has become a part of their normal routine, and students work towards independence in setting reasonable goals. eighth grade students typically want to be in charge of their learning and are more willing to meet with their teachers independently when they have a question or concern.
As in other grades, teachers may send home academic progress reports to note special congratulations, unsatisfactory work, or a sudden change in habit or performance over the course of the trimester. Copies of these reports go to the advisor and to the grade-level team leader, who confer with students. Students also continue to receive grade reports at the conclusion of a unit, such as in math or science. This provides an opportunity for discussion at home about the student’s standing in a given class and potential areas for improvement. Students are asked to bring the grade sheets home to parents, and a parent signature is required.
There are three opportunities for formal conferences throughout the year on days when there is no school for middle school students.
- Advisor/advisee/parent conferences—First week of school.
- Parent/teacher conference—October
- Parent/teacher conference—April.
These formal conferences are on the master calendar, and we encourage parents to make note of these dates in advance to avoid scheduling conflicts.
We also have time for parents and students to meet with the student’s advisor just prior to winter break. This is an informal opportunity for parents to review student learning plans generated after the first-trimester reports.
Highlights of the Eighth Grade Year
- Increased leadership opportunities through activities program, service projects, and advisory meetings. Eighth grade students elected to the Student Council play a leadership role in shaping the culture of the school, organizing student social events, and collaborating with other middle schools.
- Eighth grade students begin the year with a full-day retreat focused on leadership, problem solving, and team building. Eighth grade advisories function as mentoring sessions for sixth grade students during the opening week of school.
- Eighth grade students participate in a service learning project of their choice. Students collaborate with an organization outside of school and are directly involved in a community assessment of needs and planning of service events.
- Eighth grade students occasionally participate in Upper School events, such as attending senior speech assemblies on some Fridays and participating in the Homecoming Pep Fest. They also begin to think about their possible role on Upper School elected committees.