Grade 7

Organization

GUIDELINES FOR PLANNING YOUR GRADE SEVEN PROGRAM

If you have not already done so, be sure to read the general guidelines. Each year Grade 6 teachers discuss course selection with the counselors in February. In March, school counselors visit classes and present a comprehensive description of the Grade 7 curriculum and school life.  If you prefer not to choose one of the electives, you will have three study periods per cycle included in your schedule. Each elective replaces studies according to the number of periods indicated. In order to accommodate support services some students who receive SPED, ELL or reading services postpone their study of a world language until high school.  No requests for elective changes will be accepted after the completion of the first two cycles (12 school days) of each semester.

CLUSTER ORGANIZATION AND SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL LEARNING

A cluster is a grouping of 40-96 students assigned to the same teachers for instruction in English, social studies, math and science. School Counselors and Learning Center personnel are assigned to Grade 7 clusters. Instruction is provided in heterogeneous settings for all subjects. The cluster group works as a team for subject and social/emotional learning, field trips, and assemblies. Students participate in the same learning experiences and teachers share common objectives for all grade seven students.  Additionally, students engage in a social/emotional program, called “SEED,” that provides time each month for 7th grade students to discuss topics appropriate for their transition to middle school as well as a 15-minute daily "advisory." Both are places for them to get to know and connect with their peers and adults in a non-academic setting as well as time to think about new and challenging issues. Topics include anti-bullying, cultural awareness, identity, study skills, resilience, friendship, digital citizenship and ally behavior. Skills include: self management, self awareness, social awareness, relationship building and responsibility decision-making.

SEED also provides a forum to communicate and honor our core values: