MIDDLE SCHOOL TRANSITION
Philosophy
The West Islip middle schools affirm the importance of the school/home connection in the education of middle-level students. Schools with middle-level grades have a responsibility to seek and encourage educational partnerships with the family, community, and other human service agencies necessary for the effective education of middle-level students.
Interdisciplinary Teaching/Learning Teams
Interdisciplinary teams are composed of colleagues who teach different subjects but share the same students. Teachers on a team can collaborate on curriculum and instruction, discuss an individual student’s needs, arrange extra time for learning, etc. Teachers on interdisciplinary teams may also meet as a team with parents to review progress and plan interventions.
Sixth Grade
Sixth grade prepares students to be more independent. Teaming begins on this grade level and consists of a teacher team for the instruction of math, science, language arts, reading and social studies.
Seventh and Eighth Grades
At the seventh and eighth grade levels, teaming is a very important part of the educational program. The teams may be composed of two to three teachers for the instruction of English, math, science and social studies.
Marking Policy
There are four report periods per year: November, January, April, and June. Parents and students have access throughout the school year to check assignments and grades through the parent and student portal. If you are struggling in any area, your parent will be encouraged to contact the subject area teacher.
Students who fail all four core subjects (English, Math, Science and Social Studies) will be retained; eighth graders will not be permitted to participate in the Moving-Up Ceremony.
Any incomplete earned must be resolved within two weeks of the end of the marking period, or a failing grade may be reflected on the student’s record.
School Hours
School is in session from 8:05 a.m. to 2:38 p.m. each day. Students in grades 7 and 8, who are involved in select ensembles, begin school at 7:20 a.m. (period 0 rehearsal) on an alternating days’ schedule. Students may not leave the building for any reason, including illness, without permission, which must be obtained from the Main Office.
Computer Code of Ethics for Students
Curriculum Overviews
Getting around School & Middle School Expectations