Some people have the belief that "8th Grade doesn't count" because you are not earning high school credit . But 8th grade DOES count!
It is more important than ever that you finish 8th Grade STRONG!
The decisions you make in the 8th grade can have a large impact on how you start your 9th grade year.
Working hard and doing well in your 8th grade Math class and scoring well on Smarter Balance and MAPs tests in 7th and 8th grade may allow you to take a 45 minute Geometry class. Students who need additional support may have a 90 minute Geometry class all year.
Working hard and doing well in your 8th grade ELA/Humanities class, and scoring well on Smarter Balance and MAPs tests in 7th and 8th grade may allow you to take Honors English 9.
Working hard in your 8th grade classes = more choices of electives in your 9th grade schedule! If you need extra support in the 9th grade, you may be placed in a Study Strategies class. This class is considered an elective and would take the place of another elective in your schedule.
Working hard in your 8th grade classes helps you to develop good study habits for when you start the 9th grade and when you are earning high school credits. And - if you are doing well in 9th grade classes, this means more time for fun activities/clubs at lunch time and after school.
Students who are failing classes at the high school may be required to attend "Afters," a study session in the library AFTER school. If you are required to attend Afters, this makes club and sports participation after school very difficult! Practice doing well in 8th grade so that it comes automatically to you in the 9th grade - giving you more fun options!
Good 8th Grade study habits = Good 9th Grade Study habits = passing classes = continued eligibilty to compete in sports! Failing classes may mean that you can practice - but cannot compete with your team.
The College Bound Scholarship is an early commitment of state financial aid to eligible students who enroll in middle school and meet the pledge requirements. The College Bound Scholarship covers average tuition at public college rates, some fees, and a small book allowance at over 65 colleges, universities, and technical schools in Washington.
Am I eligible? Students who meet one of the following requirements are automatically enrolled in the College Bound Scholarship program: • You are in public school and eligible for free and reduced price lunch (FRPL) in 7th, 8th, or newly eligible for free/reduced in 9th grade. • You are in state foster care, or a dependent of the state between 7th grade and high school graduation.
You may pick up an application for free/reduced meals at any school, or by clicking on this link: https://www.cashmere.wednet.edu/Page/197