Behavior & Work Expectations
Embedded Files
Welcome to 7th and 8th grade.
The ArtSpace 7th and 8th grade program is unique, and our alumni consistently report to us how much they miss it when they move on to high school. During these two years, students truly move from childhood to young adulthood, and we have created an environment in which students can cultivate maturity, responsibility, and freedom.
Students rotate through four core classes and an elective, each taught by specialists as they would in many other schools. What’s different here is that the students will have the same math, social studies, English/language arts, and science teachers for two years in a row. This two-year system creates incredible cohesion and alignment academically, socially, and emotionally for all the students. In a nutshell: 7/8 teachers really, really get to know their students. Part of making the 7th and 8th grade run smoothly for all these unique, young individuals is having a behavior system that works. Each year, students help craft classroom expectations that are reasonable and fair. Supporting this work is a system of natural incentives and rewards to help grow the students toward a place of maturity and responsibility.
The 7th/8th Teaching Team welcomes you and your child. We hope the information below clarifies the behavioral and work expectations, but if you have questions, please let us know.
Sincerely, The ArtSpace 7/8 Teaching Team
Behavior
Silent Lunch Tiers
Silent Lunch Tiers 2023-24.pdfMultiple Silent Lunches Letter
Silent Lunch Email to Parents 23-24.pdfThe 7th and 8th grade program as a whole revolves--as all of ArtSpace does--around the Four Pillars of the ArtSpace Code of Conduct:
1. Respect. Respect yourself, others, and the learning environment.
2. Leadership. Be a leader. Take responsibility for your learning. Model appropriate behavior, and encourage others to do the same.
3. Effort. Consistently demonstrate your best effort in learning, relationships, and play.
4. Service. Actively serve your community by helping meet the needs of those around you.
Each individual teacher may have slightly different classroom “rules” based on the setting and content of that class, and so the students take part in crafting and revising sets of expectations for core classes and electives. These expectations are posted, refreshed, and reviewed throughout the year.
When students meet expectations, they are celebrated and thanked--just as they should be! Rewards might take the form of extra free time, special activities, or even an occasional ice-cream sandwich. Alternately, when students do not meet expectations, they can expect consequences based on the level of infraction.
Minor behavioral infractions in the 7th and 8th grade such as talking over instruction, being late to class, or using inappropriate language typically earn the mild consequence of “Silent Lunch.” Students who earn this penalty sit silently (while eating apart from peers) and complete a short written reflection about their behavior. Since even low-level infractions become problematic if they develop into a pattern, the 7/8 teaching team has developed a tiered system for the students who earn multiple Silent Lunches that notifies parents and provides additional support and consequences.
After the 3rd Silent Lunch: homeroom teacher sends home an email
After the 4th Silent Lunch: student meets with 7/8 teachers to problem solve the behavior
After the 5th Silent Lunch: Parent Conference
After the 6th Silent Lunch: Student will follow a behavior/communication plan
Please note, more serious offenses may result in a consequence more severe than Silent Lunch.Examples are detailed in the ArtSpace Parent/Student Handbook and may include administrative referrals, detentions, or suspensions. Contact Mr. Rob with any questions.
Grading, Assignments, and Missing Work
ArtSpace uses a standard-based grading system which measures evidence of students’ mastery of grade level academic standards. Grades are typically based on a blend of traditional tests, quizzes, and writing with arts-integrated projects and presentations. It is the students’ responsibility to complete these assignments by the due dates and communicate with teachers right away if they run into a completion issue.
Ketchup and Relish is the program we have developed in 7th & 8th grades to address late or missing work. Students who complete and turn in their work daily will be invited to attend Friday Relish from 2:00 - 2:40. Relish is either an outside organized group activity or indoor quiet free time. Students who do not complete work during the week are required to attend Friday Ketchup from 2:00 - 2:40. There students will have the chance to complete missed work but also to problem solve with a staff member and brainstorm improved strategies for ensuring work is completed and turned in on time.
Friday Ketchup is not intended to replace extra academic help for those who need it. Students who need teacher support in order to complete work may be assigned a math or reading or study hall Academic Extension on Mondays/Thursdays from 2-2:40. These interventions are certainly not penalties but are rather supplemental assistance. The goals in all these settings are both academic and organizational. We want our students to learn how to complete work independently, keep it organized, and get it to the “in-box” on time.
Ketchup Explanation
Ketchup & Relish flyer.pdfKetchup Parent Letter Example
Ketchup Parent Notification.pdfReport abuse