Program of Studies

 

The primary educational goal of the South Allegheny School District is to provide a quality educational opportunity for all children.  This shall be accomplished with the establishment of behavioral objectives to enhance and strengthen this goal and to define proper forms of evaluation to maintain the goal.

 

A successful school system is characterized by performance and results determined by personal evaluation.  An understanding and appreciation of everyone’s assigned duties should accomplish the desired goal and practical objectives of our system.  In order to accomplish a goal of quality education, we must provide the interest and educational opportunities necessary to meet the challenge of a most critical society.  The prescribed goal with fair and consistent evaluation must be completed within the economic situations of our communities.

 

This program of studies has been prepared to meet the diversified needs, aptitudes and interests of the middle and senior high students of the South Allegheny School District. As a matter of policy, all courses are open to both males and females.  

 

 

Kristy Roche (412) 675-3070 ext. 1301 [email protected]
  

 

The Middle School encompasses grades six, seven, and eight. In all grade levels, the academic teachers employ a team approach. Teaming brings together a common group of teachers and students to create a small, caring family, which ensures that no student will go unnoticed. Four academic teachers work together as a team to coordinate curriculum, plan interdisciplinary activities, and share insights about the progress and needs of each student. Students also    pursue Health and Wellness, Digital Citizenship, Intro into Performing Arts, Robotics, and Physical Education through special classes. Music, including band, chorus, and the Skills and Wellness Program are also important components of our program.

 

 

South Allegheny Middle School - (Approved by the Board of School Directors):

A	90%-100%
B	80%-89%
C	70%-79%
D	60%-69%
E	0%-59%
I	Incomplete work (becomes an "E" if not made up within 14 days)

 

 

For a student to be promoted to the next grade they must meet the following requirements:

 

Students need to earn at least 3 points to pass the class. For example:

 

First Semester:	First nine weeks	ex. F (0 points)
	Second nine weeks	ex. D (1 point)
Second Semester	Third nine weeks	ex. D (1 point)
	Fourth nine weeks	ex. D (1 point)

The Student receives 3 points for the year and passes.
If regression is evident the classroom teacher and administrative team can recommend retention. 

 

Promotion to Grade 7: Students must pass at least 3 of 4 core courses.
Promotion to Grade 8: Students must pass at least 3 of 4 core courses.
Promotion to Grade 9: Students must pass at least 3 of 4 core courses.

 

*Students who do not meet these minimum requirements must complete summer course(s) for one or more failed classes to be promoted to the next grade level. Guardians are responsible for notifying the guidance office of the planned summer work AND supplying proof of satisfactory completion before the student is promoted.

 

Grade 6	Grade 7	Grade 8
Language Arts	Language Arts	Language Arts
Math	Math	Math
Science	Science	Science
History	History	History

 

 

Students requesting a schedule change to drop/add courses should communicate with the guidance counselor, either in person or through email.  Students will only be allowed to drop classes within 15  days after the first day of school.

 

 

Promotion in The South Allegheny Middle School is by grade level. Any pupil (in grades 6, 7, and 8) subject to retention will be reviewed by the administration.  Students must pass 3 out of 4 core classes to be promoted. Students will be offered summer school if they need to successfully complete ELA or math.

  
Students who fail a core class will receive a failure letter in the mail. Failure letters are mailed at the completion of each 9 weeks. Subjects failed are listed and scheduling a parent/teacher conference through the school counselor is encouraged and recommended.

 

 

The school year is divided into four (4) report periods,  each nine (9) weeks in length. Report cards are accessible in Skyward for parent view. The final report card will be a summary of a student’s achievements in each course for the entire school year. Parents and students can also check progress on Skyward.

 

Students who fail a core class will receive a failure letter in the mail. Failure letters are mailed at the completion of each 9 weeks. Subjects failed are listed and scheduling a parent/teacher conference through the school counselor is encouraged and recommended.

 

     
Student progress is evaluated by the subject area teacher in the middle of each marking period. If a student is earning a failing grade or is in danger of failing the course, the parent is contacted and the teacher will recommend a conference to establish a plan for success for the student. Open communication with the teacher is highly recommended. The counselor is also available throughout the day to assist students and parents. A conference with counselors or teachers may be arranged at any time, by calling 412-675-3070.

 

Honor Roll 

 

The Middle School maintains an “Honor Roll” to recognize student academic achievements. It is prepared and reported for each grading period as determined by the  student’s Grade Point Average (GPA). Students may not have a failing or incomplete grade at the time of the report.  To determine one’s GPA, a numerical value is assigned to a letter grade as listed in the following table: 

 

 

A	4
B	3
C	2
D	1
F	0

 

The GPA is determined by dividing the total of all quality points earned by the total courses completed. Any students with a GPA of 3.5 to 4.0 will be designated as earning “High Honors”. Any student with a GPA of 3.0 to 3.49 will be designated as earning “Honors”.

 

The NJHS is the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding middle level students. More than just an honor roll, NJHS serves to honor those students who demonstrate excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, and character. Students in the seventh and eighth grades are eligible for consideration for membership in NJHS. The guidelines for selection at South Allegheny Middle School are the following criteria:

 

Scholarship:    
Students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or above.  

      

Service:    
This quality is defined as the voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, without direct financial or material compensation to the individual performing the service.

 

Leadership:    
Student leaders are often viewed as those who are     resourceful, good problem solvers, involved in and promoters of school activities, idea contributors, dependable, and persons who are both organized and good organizers. Experiences to be considered under the Leadership criterion can include activities that originate in the school or community or both, as determined by faculty evaluation. 

 

Citizenship:    
The student who demonstrates citizenship understands the importance of civic involvement, has a regard for freedom, justice, and democracy, and demonstrates mature participation and responsibility through involvement in activities such as scouting, community organizations, or school clubs. 

 

Character: 
A student of good character can be said to be one who upholds principles of morality and ethics, is cooperative and responsible, demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability, shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others; and generally maintains a positive out-look on life.  

 

Students at the Middle School must complete a Student Information Portfolio to document activities, major accomplishments, leadership positions, and community service, as well as submit an essay, prior to selection in NJHS. 

 

Students in sixth grade are enrolled in four core courses of Science, Language Arts, Ancient World History, and Math for the full year. Health and Wellness, Digital Citizenship, Intro into Performing Arts, Robotics, and Physical Education are required in a seven-week rotation course.  Students participate in the Skills for Life Program, Chorus, or Band, for five days per week for the full year.  

 

 

Students in seventh grade are enrolled in four core courses of Science, Language Arts, Early American History, and Math for the full year. Introduction to Language I, App Creators, Creativity and Design, Health/Physical Education, and Art are required in a seven-week rotation course.  Students participate in the Skills for Life Program, Chorus, or Band, for five days per week for the full year.  

 

 

Students in eighth grade are enrolled in four courses of Science, Language Arts, American History, and Math for the full year. Introduction to Language Part II, Introduction to Python, Innovation Technologies, Art, Physical Education, and Health are required in a seven-week rotation course. Students participate in the Skills for Life Program, Chorus, or Band, for five days per week for the full year.