Guidance Middle

Middle School Guidance Information

(Guidance HS)

The counseling staff at FUSD schools are committed to providing each student with the information they need to progress all the way through high school toward graduation and in preparation for their next step into higher education. They will assist them in this endeavor and provide guidance to suit their needs both academically and personally.

Courses Offered

The courses listed in this catalog directory (Middle) represent all the approved courses for the Fremont Unified School District. 

Programs

6th Grade Program

First Semester
English Language Arts & Social Studies Core
Math & Science Core
Physical Education
Elective Wheel (see below)

Second Semester
English Language Arts & Social Studies Core
Math & Science Core
Physical Education
Elective Wheel (see below)

Most students in 6th grade Middle School will cycle through four electives: Academic Strategies, Digital Citizenship, Healthy Lifestyles, and Innovation (not necessarily in that order). Each elective in the Wheel will last one quarter (nine weeks).

7th Grade Program

First Semester
English
Mathematics
Science
Social Science
Physical Education
Elective

Second Semester
English
Mathematics
Science
Social Science
Physical Education
Elective

8th Grade Program

First Semester
English
Mathematics
Science
Social Science
Physical Education
Elective

Second Semester
English
Mathematics
Science
Social Science
Physical Education
Elective

Students in 7th and 8th grade take six classes each semester.

Some electives for 7th and 8th grade students are a full year, and others are a semester.

General Information about our Middle School Programs

Add/Drop Course
Students may add a course up to three (3) weeks into a new semester. Courses may be dropped up to three (3) weeks into a semester if students are adding a new course in a different subject/level. Students may drop a course up to five (5) weeks for the purposes of changing to a parallel subject/section only. Any class change must be made with counselor/teacher input and administrator approval. 

Grade Point Average and Eligibility
A student’s grade point average (GPA) is calculated each quarter on the basis of grades received in all their courses; only semester grades are included in transcripts as part of a student’s permanent school record. 

Academic eligibility to participate in extracurricular and co-curricular activities is based on a student’s GPA for the most recent grading period (quarter or semester). A student must have and maintain a 2.0 C grade point average and have no more than one F grade in order to be deemed eligible. An academic probation period of one quarter is permitted for students with a GPA of 1.75 – 1.99 and no more than one F grade. A student with a GPA of lower than 1.75 and/or more than one F grade is not eligible. A student who is on probation or ineligible for one quarter must earn full eligibility in order to participate the next quarter. 

Second semester of 8th grade GPA will impact eligibility to play fall sports in 9th grade.

Homework Policy
The Board of Education believes that homework is an integral part of the educational program and should be regularly assigned. Accordingly, each site has developed a site homework policy consistent with FUSD guidelines, (BP/AR 6154). Concerns about homework assignments and/or time required should be addressed with the teacher to ensure that homework demands are not excessive. Sixth through eighth grade homework will be approximately 60-90 minutes per evening or 240-360 minutes per week.

ElectiveOfferings
While schools offer many of the same elective courses, some elective offerings are dependent upon staffing and credentialing; thus, not all sites offer exactly the same elective courses.

Honors Programs (Seventh and Eighth grade students only)
GATE identified students at the secondary level may be placed in Honors classes in English and/or Science. To be considered for initial placement in Honors classes, Non-GATE identified students must meet the following district criteria:

7th Grade English

• Non-GATE identified students coming from an elementary school must have “A” or “B” grades in Reading and Writing on all three trimester report cards in 6th grade.

• Non-GATE identified student coming from a middle school must have “A” or “B” grades in English on both semester report cards in 6th grade. 

8th Grade English

• Non-GATE identified students must have “A” or “B” grades in English on both semester report cards in 7th grade.

7th Grade Science

• Non-GATE identified students coming from an elementary school must have must have “A” or “B” grades in Reading, Writing, and Math on all three trimester report cards in 6th grade.

• Non-GATE identified students coming from a middle school must have “A” or “B” grades in English and Math on both semester report cards in 6th grade.

8th Grade Science

• Non-GATE identified students must have “A” or “B” grades in English, Math and Science on both semester report cards in 7th grade.

All students may continue in an Honors class with a grade of “C” or higher at the previous level in the subject area.

Curriculum
Curriculum for Honors classes will be appropriately differentiated. Curriculum objectives will reflect higher-level critical thinking, creative problem solving, and will be more rigorous. Lessons will incorporate one or more of the following dimensions: depth, complexity, novelty, or acceleration of pacing. 

Honors Homework Policy
Homework will comply with the Fremont Unified School District policy (BP/AR 6154) and not require excessive amounts of time; differences will be in depth and complexity, not in quantity or length of assignments. 

Special concerns regarding 7th – 8th grade Honors/GATE students should be addressed at the school level to ensure that homework is not excessive. 

Teachers may not assign summer homework or require students to complete assignments during summer vacation in preparation for the next school year’s Honors course(s). 

Grading Policy
Honor’s teachers will communicate the following guidelines to students and parents at the beginning of the year and discuss as necessary for clear understanding:  

• It is a realistic expectation for all GATE identified and high-achieving students to academically succeed in Honors classes.

• Parent notification must occur for any student receiving a grade below a C- at the quarter in an Honors class. The student’s continued presence in the class must be evaluated at that time.

• Students are not to be dropped from the Honors classes without a parent meeting and, if necessary, a referral to the Student Study Team (SST).

Program Exit Criteria
Students enrolled in 7th–8th Honors course(s) must maintain appropriate grades (C- or higher). Students whose grades consistently fall below a C- in an Honors class will be notified by the teacher, and a parent conference by phone or in person must be scheduled. These students may have until the end of the semester to improve their grade(s) for continuance in the class or be referred to the school’s Student Study Team (SST). 

a) Continuance in the Honors course

b) Transfer to a college preparatory class with parents being informed of the transfer 

Parents and/or students may appeal the decision of the SST to the site principal. Students may petition to enroll in an Honors class the following year.