INTRODUCTION
This section provides information about Hampton City Schools’ academic programs and educational services designed for the middle school level. Information provided will help students and parents understand the educational requirements and elective opportunities available.
The middle school program for students in grades six, seven, and eight provides a gradual transition from the individual elementary classroom structure to the independent course, departmentalized structure of the secondary level. All students take English/Language Arts, math, social studies, science, health and physical education, and electives.
In addition to our traditional programs, we also offer choice program options. Detailed information about these options can be found on page 3.
The curriculum features academic programs for students of all levels of ability. Interdisciplinary approaches, team teaching, flexible time blocking, and special programs are unique features in the middle school design. Exploratory elective courses are offered at all grade levels. Each school designs its programs based on its curriculum offerings. Some electives are offered for a semester, or on a rotating basis and others may be offered as yearlong courses.
There are also opportunities to take courses for high school credit. In accordance with the Standards of Accreditation, parents of middle school students taking high school courses may request that grades be expunged from their child’s academic history. The student will not earn high school credit for the course and this course will not count towards the student’s grade point average (GPA). The decision to count a student’s grade for high school courses taken in middle school must be finalized at the end of each school year. Once a student leaves middle school all changes are final. To be consistent with high school procedures, grades will be reported by semester and both semester grades will count towards the student’s GPA. Individual semester grades cannot be expunged. Teachers of high school credit courses will provide consent forms at the end of each school year. Parents wishing to discuss which option is best for their student should contact the school counselor.
Each student is assigned a school counselor who works with students, teachers, and parents during the middle school years to provide personal, social, academic and career planning programs and services to ensure maximum success for each student.
The school counselor, parent and student will develop an Academic and Career Plan that will address the interests and aptitudes of the student. This plan will serve as a guide for yearly conferences and decisions to be made throughout middle and high school.
Parent conferences are welcomed and encouraged throughout the school year. To make an appointment for a conference with the team, individual teacher or counselor, please contact the School Counseling Department secretary in each school.