As part of our school mission, all students will be prepared to transition to high school by the end of 8th grade. Below, we have outlined criteria for success that will support our students’ post- secondary adventure. Our students will complete this school year successfully in both academics and behavior, while making memories that will last a lifetime. In order to participate in the end of the year 8th Grade Continuation Ceremony, students must meet or exceed the expectations outlined below:
- Attendance must meet 95% overall rate
- Score a 2 or higher on Hill Campus’ Standard Mastery Scale
- Complete quarterly community service hours
- Complete all ICAP assignments
- Behavior must be in alignment with our school values and Restorative Process
Attendance
Starting in Quarter 2, attendance percentage points can be made up by attending an after school study hall session. Sessions will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:15 to 4:00pm. Students that attend, arrive promptly, and use the time productively will be awarded 1 percentage point toward their overall attendance rate. Continuation participation requires a 95% or better attendance.
Academics
In order to meet the academic requirement for continuation, students need to earn a 2 or higher on Hill Campus’ Standard Mastery Scale. Students who earn a 1 on standards in any class will not be eligible to participate in continuation.
If a student receives a 1 on standards on their report card during quarters 2, 3, or 4, they will have a month window to reach out to their teacher to schedule a time to demonstrate engagement and/or mastery of the standard to remain eligible for continuation. It will be the responsibility of the student to work with their teachers to schedule an opportunity to engage with the standards they need.
Community Service
Community Service is an opportunity for students to engage with the community in a meaningful way. From the experience, students will gain knowledge that will enrich their school and community experiences. Our communities benefit from altruistic young adults who give their individual assets with the purpose of creating a positive change. For students, these experiences develop their understanding of how their actions impact the environment around them.
All 8th grade students will complete 2 hours of community services per quarter (for quarters 2-4), 6 hours total. Community service can be done on or off school grounds, after school hours. Students performing community services on school grounds must get the approval from a parent and staff member. Students will need to be signed off by the teacher, staff member or the adult they are working with to complete their service.
ICAP Requirements
ICAP stands for Individualized Career and Academic Plan. ICAP is a crucial part of student success because it gets students thinking about their future careers and academic goals. ICAP is required for continuation from 8th grade and graduation from high school. In order to prepare our students for high school success and beyond it is the expectation that all ICAP surveys and assignments are completed for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade years.
There are surveys and assignments before the end of each quarter that students will be able to complete in class with the assistance of their teachers. Missing assignments can be done from home at any time and questions about progress can be directed toward Director of Student Culture, Darian Turner. (
darian_turner@dpsk12.net).
Behavior Expectations
8th grade students are expected to be the leaders of the building and serve as role models for younger students. In the event that an 8th grader does not follow behavioral expectations, the following process must be followed in order to restore the harm and earn the privilege of participating in continuation:
Student must engage in the restorative process with a member of the student support team
Successful, complete, and meaningful participation in restoration will be documented in IC and make the student re-eligible for continuation participation
Students that have two major behavior incidents during Semester 1 will engage in a long term behavior plan/contract. Students must abide by the contract for the remainder of the school year to be eligible to participate in continuation. Displaying our school core values on a consistent and daily basis is the expectation of all 8th grade students, in order to prepare them for high school and beyond.
