1st Marking Period
Start Date
September 3, 2024
End Date
November 4, 2024
2nd Marking Period
Start Date
November 5, 2024
End Date
January 24, 2025
3rd Marking Period
Start Date
January 27, 2025
End Date
April 2, 2025
4th Marking Period
Start Date
April 3, 2025
End Date
Last Day of School
SEMESTER CONFERENCES (Tentative Dates)
FALL
November 18
( 5 pm - 8 pm-Virtual)
Duffy & MacKinnon
November 19
( 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm- In person or virtual)
Duffy & MacKinnon
November 20
( 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm- In person or virtual)
SPRING
March 12
( 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm- In person or virtual)
Duffy & MacKinnon
March 13
( 5 pm - 8 pm-Virtual)
Duffy & MacKinnon
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.
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..
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 AND WORK HABITS
Many factors enter into your grade for each of your subjects. Preparation for class, daily classroom performance, completion of homework assignments, quiz scores and test scores contribute to each marking period's grades. You should report to class on time, prepared with the necessary materials, and with a positive attitude. Listening attentively, participating, by asking and answering questions, writing down important notes and assignments, and conscientiously completing written work are keys to learning subject matter and earning good grades.
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.
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.