Promotion Ceremony Requirements
Requirements for eligibility to participate in the 8th Grade Activities/Promotion Ceremony include:
• Earn no more than 1 unsatisfactory mark (“U”) in citizenship in the 4th quarter.
• Maintain acceptable behavior during the second semester. Excessive suspensions, truancies, and/or tardies could result in exclusion.
• Earn a passing grade in at least 9 of their 12 classes taken; 4 of these passing grades must be earned in the final semester.
• Pay all fines owed to Hillside Middle School a week prior to the date of the promotion activities.
• Participation in the 8th Grade Portfolio Day.
TUPE Curriculum Parent Letters
TUPE curriculum parent letters:
7th Grade Project Alert English
7th Grade Project Alert Spanish
Sexual Harassment Prevention Presentation
Every year, the counseling office presents to sixth and seventh grade students on the topic of Sexual Harassment Prevention. Letters will be given to students to bring home and is available HERE. The presentation includes characteristics of sexual harassment, different forms of sexual harassment, and how to get support if the situation occurs.
This counseling curriculum is district mandated to ensure that every student is provided a safe and positive learning environment at Hillside Middle School. Students have the right to get an education and participate in school activities free from any unwelcome or unwanted sexual behavior.
If a parent or guardian has any questions, feel free to contact Mr. Bednar or the Counseling Office.
Elective Descriptions
Click Here to access the elective course descriptions for the 2018-2019 academic year.
Description of Honors Courses
Math:
Presentation from the Math Honors Information Night: Click Here
History/Social Studies:
Honors history courses are differentiated from regular history courses by engaging students in a higher-order analysis of historical events and themes. There is generally a good amount of formal writing (5-paragraph essays, research papers, etc.) Students are given preparation for high school Advanced Placement courses by working on Document-Based Questions, which are a major component to the AP test.
Science:
Honors science is very similar for both 7th and 8th grade. Honors science covers the same standards as regular science but at a quicker pace, and with greater depth. There is a higher level of written work expected and more independent work in both labs and projects. 7th grade honors science covers details in biology, ecology, human development, and heredity. 8th grade honors science covers chemistry and physics, including the application of mathematical concepts into the science curriculum. Math is deeply connected with the science curriculum and can be challenging to students who do not have the requisite mathematical skills.
English:
Honors English students read at or above grade level. They demonstrate more sophistication in writing and understanding of literary analysis. Students in honors English come to school with background knowledge on a wide variety of topics that enriches their comprehension of text. Students are able to hold class discussions at a higher level, are self reflective, and have a strong work ethic. They are confident in giving oral presentations and have a high level of organization and responsibility.
Zero and Seventh Period Classes for 2018/2019 School Year
"Running" (singing up) for zero and seventh period classes for next school year will begin on January 25th at 5pm, take place in the 200 Hallways, and is only offered that evening to our current Hillside students. Future Hillside students may request these courses during their course registration in March. Families that sign up for these courses are committed to remain in the class for the duration of the course. The potential classes (based on number of sign ups) for next year are the following:
Zero Period: Yoga and Spanish (Spanish is only offered to eighth grade students)
Seventh Period: Applied Legal Studies and Mock Trial, Dance, Digital Illustration, Drawing and Painting I and II (see attached flyer), Play Production (audition required at a later date), and Robotics and Engineering I and II.
Drawing and Painting will be offered for seventh period and will have an emphasis in set design and large-scale paintings. Please be aware of this change when signing up.
