We are looking forward to next year! Below is information our incoming 7th grade families will find useful.
Important Dates
SVMS Virtual Tour
Course Descriptions (Updates Coming Soon!)
Elective Video From Our Student Group #1 AND Elective Video From Our Student Group #2
Leadership Information and Application- Students interested in this class should read all information at this link to determine if they would like this as their first choice elective.
Science Olympiad- Students interested in this class should read all information at this link to determine if they would like this as their first choice elective.
Band and Orchestra Placement Information
Special Education Information
Elective Selection Process (Incoming 7th Graders). THIS IS DUE BY FRIDAY, APRIL 21st.
English Language Arts Update:
ELA will have Mixed Ability Grouped classes next year. Here is the rationale:
Educational research has proven that mixed ability grouping eliminates systematic barriers that may prevent certain groups of learners from accessing invaluable content. Additional research consistently shows that classrooms of mixed ability students outperform those who are tracked (ie. Gen-Ed vs. Honors). In our ELA courses, students will practice the necessary skills to research, write upper-level essays, read complex novels, non-fiction and primary sources. Students will also be prepared to give presentations and showcase their work in a variety of ways. With this new model, our English classes will be smaller in size with strategic clustering of students based on multiple data points and feedback from their current teacher.
Students who previously were identified as “Honors” tend to continue to excel in heterogeneous classes and many times even outperform their tracked peers. Those students who come from non-honors tracking benefit from being engaged in higher order conversations and thinking. Everyone will also gain collaboration skills–inclusive of rhetorical flexibility–so students can solidify and clearly articulate their understanding of the learning targets as they focus on this most important lifelong skill they will use in college and career.
We will balance students and their ability level so there is a healthy distribution of different learners in each classroom. Students wanting to choose more challenging assignments or participate in enrichment activities to enhance their learning will have the opportunity to do so.
Social Studies Honors Placement Criteria
Students must receive a “yes” response in two of three measures in order to be placed in Honors Social Studies:
- General Ed students must have an “A-“ or above grade in trimesters one and two of 6th grade Language Arts (reading and writing only). APAAS students need a “B-“ or above.
- The student must have demonstrated mastery on a summative analytical writing assessment during 6th grade.
- Teacher appraises student to be placed an Outstanding reader and writer.
Appeal Process
If a student/parent wants to appeal Social Studies placement, they need to fill out this Google Form before the deadline of May 5th. From there, we will use multiple data points and may follow-up with teachers for writing samples and/or further insights. Placement will be determined and communicated with parents.
