SEMESTER CONFERENCES (Tentative Dates)

Honor Roll

To be on the honor roll is an important achievement for any student. The middle school has both Merit and High Honors for each marking period. Each marking period, honor roll is calculated using the marking  period average for all classes taken during the period.

Merit Honor Roll– A student must have at least an 85% average in their core academic classes and no grade below an 80 for the marking period.

High Honor Roll– A student must have at least a 95% average in their core academic subject areas for the trimester with no grade below a 90.

* DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO SNOW DAYS

Student Awards and/or Recognitions

It is important to continually reinforce and reward high levels of student achievement and excellence in citizenship and conduct.  Additionally, school- wide awards are provided in several categories as outlined below.

Student of the Month

I. MacKinnon School– Students of the Month - Each month a sixth, seventh and eighth grade student is selected to recognize his/her academic performance and/or citizenship qualities. Students are selected by the major subject teachers during the last common planning period of the month and approved by the entire faculty.  

Recipients are honored at regular Board of Education meetings.

Bring your "A" Game

II. MacKinnon students “Bringing their  “A” Game”

Several times throughout the year select students will be recognized for “Brining their “A” game” .These students are selected by the teachers, school counselor and/or prinicipal due to their outstanding work ethic that has been consistent over a stretch of time.  The school is considered a “work center.” for students. Bringing your “A” game refers to the following:  This phrase, that most of us have heard numerous times, refers to bringing maximum effort, focus, and undeniable commitment. It’s an encouragement to do your best. When you bring your ‘A’ game, it means that you are leaving nothing on the field, court, home or “work center.” You’re giving it your all.

Eighth Grade Awards: 

Recognized towards the conclusion of the year or at the Promotion Ceremony:

• Valedictorian

• Salutatorian

• President’s Award for Educational Excellence

• President’s Award for Academic Effort

• Music Achievement - Morris Hills and Wharton Band Boosters

• Art Achievement

• Academic Effort Award - FOP

• Physical Education Achievement

• Health Achievement

• Technology Achievement

• Proficiency in World Language - Spanish

• Proficiency in Math

• Excellence in Science

• Proficiency in Reading - Wharton Public Library

• Vocal Music/Chorus Award

• Proficiency in ELA

• Excellence in World History

• Fernandez Awards (Boy’s Basketball)

• Girls Basketball Award 

• Drama Award

• Ann Rossetti Athletic Leadership Award

• Perfect Attendance

• Morgan Astrologo Memorial Award

• Gregg Bitondo Memorial Award

• Wayne Schiele Memorial Award

• Unsung Hero Award

• Student Council Leadership Award

• Student Council Committee Leadership Award

Study & Work Habits 

Study Hall

Any student that is failing two or more subjects is expected to attend Study Hall during Period 5 before or after their lunch. While in study hall students will have a quiet setting to complete work, correct work where the grade can be improved, study or read. This is a good opportunity for students to improve their grade and practice a stronger work ethic. Students will be with a certificated staff member who can assist them if needed. 

Assessments

Quizzes, tests and exams measure the learning that has taken place.  Keeping pace with the class, fulfilling the daily requirements, reviewing the textbook and your notebook on a regular  basis along with the necessary specific preparation, and study will contribute to satisfactory scores and grades.

There may be a time when you miss some class work or when you are encountering difficulty understanding the subject matter.  Your teachers are available on most days after school for assistance.  It is your responsibility to make the effort to seek that help.

After School Homework, S.O.S., club

During the school year, a homework help club will be run by certificated staff members. On days that the club runs, students can choose to attend or may be recommended by a teacher or teachers to attend. Permission slips can be found in the main office