2023-2024 MJHS Success Guide

JuniorHigh 2023-2024

SUCCESS GUIDE

101 JUNIOR HIGH

Be prepared for growth. Plan ahead. Get involved!

Be yourself and be an original. Use Warrior Bell wisely!

Ask for help if you need it. Stay positive.

Use your Schoology calendar to help with organization and time management.

BUILDING A POSITIVE School Climate

Our goal is that every person that enters our junior high school feels welcome and safe.

At the Junior High, Climate Council focuses on making every student that enters our building feel welcome and safe. We build on the lessons and themes learned through the elementary OLWEUS program. Climate Council is open to all students and meets a few times each month. This club is responsible for decorating lockers, organizing food drives and fundraisers, and monitoring student shout-outs each month.

Each month, two seventh graders and two eighth graders are nominated for Student of the Month recognition. We celebrate positive character traits, including: empathy, courage, leadership, kindness, generosity, and respect. Students are recognized based upon their actions that positively impact our learning community.

20 Square Feet of Influence

At MJHS, our school culture emphasizes the Warrior 20. The Warrior 20 represents our 20 Square Feet of Influence. Each Warrior’s 20 Square Feet provides the foundation on which our school community is built. Recognizing that our behaviors and attitudes impact those around us is key to making a difference in the lives of our peers.

We work together to develop connections, relationships, and a mindset that fosters continual growth and positive impact on others.

MJHS Warriors, we are encouraged to be Energy Givers within our 20 Square Feet. We strive to make a difference by:

• Starting with heart

• Committing to care, listen, and understand

• Demonstrating the courage to act with integrity

• Using our best gifts and talents to bring out the best in others

According to a study conducted by the National Association of School Psychologists, bullying is the most common form of violence in our society; between 15% and 30% of students are bullies or victims. This is unacceptable. If you need to report bullying or any other safety concerns, the district offers an anonymous, 24-hour safety reporting service through Public School Works. Everyone can access this service through the junior high school’s homepage on the district website or through My Mariemont Portal on the top of the district website.

Sources of Strength is a student and teacher led group that focuses on positive mental health, and highlights strengths in our lives that we can all rely on for help. They run positive, high-energy, schoolwide campaigns to bring students and teachers together and be connectors in our community.

Academics

What is your advice on homework?

Don’t procrastinate! Missing assignments can really affect your grades. This is a great way to put your learning into practice and help your teachers see how you’re learning. Be sure to do your homework and turn it in on time for full credit. Find an organization system that works for you! Color-coded planners, folders and notebooks for each class can really help, as can staying digitally organized on Schoology.

When can I get extra help with my schoolwork?

Everyone needs extra help from time to time. Your teachers are very open to working with you whenever they can. You can make an appointment to come and talk to some teachers before school from 7:30 – 7:55. Other teachers are available at lunch or after school. There is also after-school homework help from 3:00-4:00 every Tuesday and Thursday in the library, with a teacher present to help! Just remember- your

teachers want you to succeed. They will encourage and support your independence and self-advocacy, so don’t hesitate to ask!

What if I can’t get my homework turned in on time?

Homework is used purposefully in the classroom, so completion is crucial for participation. If you turn in homework late, your teacher may still accept it and you might not receive full or any credit but you will still receive feedback. To state it simply: Homework should be turned in the day it is due, so this is why staying organized and focused is really important!

How should I prepare for unit summative tests?

Great question. There are helpful steps to take to make sure you are as prepared as possible. First, review the learning targets to identify any areas of weakness. Second, use the resources provided by your teacher. Make sure to use Schoology as a resource guide to review and study. Most teachers will put a lot of extra study links up to help you. Be sure to use them! And most importantly, know your personal learning style and be sure to utilize strategies that will help you personally recall and retain information.

What languages can I take at the junior high?

As a student in the class of 2029, you will get to take Latin 1A or Spanish 1A for junior high credit. During your 8th grade year, you will get to take Latin 1B or Spanish 1B for high school credit. As a student in the class of 2028, you will take Latin 1 or Spanish 1 for high school credit.

Who decides which level of courses I’ll be taking?

Teachers will make recommendations for math and language arts placements before 7th and 8th grade. There are many opportunities throughout junior high and high school to switch paths between variousleveled courses so if you are not comfortable in a particular course, don’t hesitate to speak up!

Tell me a little more about exams.

Semester exams are components of year-long courses. Elective courses will feature summative assessments or culminating learning opportunities. Exams and summative assessments focus on key concepts and significant learning objectives, and are a good way to prepare for high school..

What time does school start and how long are the classes?

The school day for students is from 8am - 3pm. The building opens at 7:30 for students. During the day, students attend seven classes that are approximately 50 minutes in length, with a 30-minute lunch. There are 3 minutes between bells.

Logistics

When is the first day of school?

For the 2023-24 school year, the first day of school is on Wednesday, August 23.

Do we have a homeroom?

Yes, we have a homeroom. Your assigned homeroom or Warrior Bell class will serve as your familiar “home base.”

How will I find my classes on the first day?

Once you receive your schedule at orientation, you can walk around that day to get used to the building and become more familiar with your schedule. You will have a paper copy. There is time between orientation and the first day of school to come back and walk through your schedule. If you have a problem once school starts, teachers and staff are always helpful.

How do I get ready for the day?

Doors open at 7:30 am. Students can head to their lockers at 7:45 am to prepare for the day. At 7:55 am, we engage in school-wide Mindful Music to provide a calm, centered start to the school day. Classes begin at 8:00 am.

What do I need to know about my locker?

Lockers are assigned to you. You will get your locker assignment and combination at Student Orientation in August. Use your locker for storage. Lock up your jacket and lunch. Lockers are also where you store bookbags throughout the day. Take the books you need for the first half of the day and switch at lunchtime. You will not have time to go to your locker between every bell. If you forget your combination, go ask at the office. If you have a class near your locker, that might be a good time to switch out a few things that you need.

How do I find my bus route and schedule?

The district website is a great tool for this and for many, many other things. To find your bus schedule, check the district website under “Parents” or call transportation at 513-272-7510. The bus schedule is usually posted in early August each year. Bus passes will be issued at orientation. Remember, all school rules apply on the buses.

What is the district’s technology policy?

At Mariemont Junior High School each student will be issued a common device at the beginning of the school year. Students will use this device all year and will be permitted to take it home with them on nights and weekends. But always remember to bring the (fully charged) device with you because all students are required to have their device with them throughout the school day. Remember - You are responsible for the appropriate

use of your device. Don’t allow your device to become a distraction by visiting unrelated sites.

How do I find out about missed work?

Students are encouraged to become familiar with their teachers’ make-up work procedures. Students should check Schoology and are encouraged to contact teachers (most email their teachers!) about submitting make-up work.

What if I have to leave the classroom for any reason?

If you have to go, go! If you can, try to go to the bathroom between bells or ask your teacher for permission to go before the tardy bell rings. You will need to ask your teacher if you need to leave the classroom for any reason.

Tell me about how lunch works at the junior high.

Students eat lunch by grade (all 7th graders together, all 8th graders together) in the Commons. You can also eat outside when the weather permits. Lunch is 30 minutes long.

Does the district use social media?

Yes! The school district uses Facebook and Twitter (@MariemontSchool). The junior high also has its own twitter account @Mariemont_JH. Mr. Estepp, the district superintendent, uses Twitter (@Estepp) as does Tom Nerl,

the district athletic director (@mmontad). Following the district’s social media is a great way to follow what’s going on with the school and the community.

I’m having a rough time; is there someone I can talk to?

Of course there is! Never, ever feel like you are alone. If you are having a difficult time with your class schedule or classes you can talk to your teacher, counselor or building principal any time. Don’t forget – everyone wants you to succeed! You can also talk to your counselor or school psychologist if you’re having a difficult time and feeling overwhelmed, depressed or upset. Added to that, the district has partnered with Child Focus, Inc. to offer additional mental health services for students. The junior high has licensed therapists, who offer a more intensive level of services for students and families, and can be accessed all year. We want every student to feel emotionally healthy and ready to learn. There is no shame in needing and asking for help.

What is the cell phone and device policy?

As we are one-to-one with a common device for all of our technology needs, cell phones are not needed during the school day. Phones should be turned off and in your locker at all times during the school day. Lunch is completely device-free, so we can interact with each other and build connections.

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Where is the lost and found?

In the Commons in a large bin by the lunch line. If you lost something, chances are it will turn up here.

What do I do if I forget something at home, like my sports bag or my iPad?

We all forget things from time to time. In between classes you can go to the office to call home or pick up delivered items.

Can I drink, eat or chew gum in class?

Respect your peers, respect your space, respect your teachers. We understand you might get hungry or thirsty throughout the day. There is a set snack time at the junior high, but please note that all snacks from home must be peanut-free and cannot be shared with classmates. You can chew gum if you can be respectful with it. Students are actively encouraged to have water bottles with them in class and refill them throughout the day at one of our three water bottle refilling stations. We know that keeping growing bodies fed and hydrated helps them learn!

When is orientation?

Orientation is on Monday, August 14, 2023 at Mariemont Junior High School. Please plan to meet in the Commons (lunchroom). 7th grade students and 8th grade students have orientation at different times on the same day. Bus transportation is provided. More information about orientation will be sent to you and your parents at the end of the 2022-2023 school year and over the summer. You will also get your picture taken at orientation, get your schedule and have time to explore the building.

What if I need to take medication during the school day?

We would need a form signed by your doctor to keep on file in the office. Your parents can find this form on the district website clicking Parents > Student Health Services or ask for one in the office. All medication is kept in the office, unless you have permission to carry an inhaler or an epi-pen.

What if I need to leave in the middle of the day for a doctor’s appointment or something?

Your parent or guardian needs to send a signed note to school with you that you will turn into the front office. Your parent can also send an email directly to the office staff. After a note or email has been received, you will get a pass to leave class and come to the office. If you do not bring a note/email, your parent will have to come into the office to sign you out. When it’s time for you to leave, go to the front office. Your parent does not need to come into the office to sign you out if a note was provided. That being said, you cannot leave until your parent or guardian arrives.

I’m sick and won’t be coming to school today. How do we let the school know?

Your parent or guardian should email or call the school to report your absence. There is also a 24-hour attendance line available (513) 272-7302.

What are Athletics like at the junior high?

There are tons of opportunities to get involved in Athletics at the junior high! First of all, it’s worth knowing that every season there is at least one no-cut sport, so everyone has the opportunity to try something new.

Interested students sign up for fall sport tryouts at the end of 6th grade during the school day. MJHS football, volleyball, golf, cheerleading, cross country, boys soccer, girls soccer and tennis begin with tryouts/practices on Monday, August 7, 2023, and practices are held every school day after team rosters are announced. Tell your parents to consider tryouts when making vacation plans if being part of a particular team is important to you. Winter and spring sport sign-ups are held

right before the seasons begin and are managed online at school by the students.

All student athletes are required to have a current physical on file at the MJHS office before August 7. Your doctor can complete the forms, which are available on our website under Athletics. Athletes must be registered in Final Forms to receive all communication from the coaching staff regarding the first day of the season.

If you’re participating in a sport that practices at the high school, an activity bus runs from the junior high to the high school each afternoon. Our PTO offers a snack bar at the junior high on most days, in case you need some extra energy before practice. Sports awards nights are held at the junior high at the conclusion of each season.

Tell me a little bit more about community service at the junior high.

Community service is encouraged and promoted at the junior high! There are so many students who take it upon themselves to make our world a better place. We promote our students making a positive impact through a school-wide Day of Service in the Spring. The Day of Service includes all MJHS students and staff being placed with non-profit and service organizations around the Greater Cincinnati Area to perform community service. Expeditions experiential learning, as part of our Warriors BEyond program, also provides opportunities for students to demonstrate leadership and service to the local community.

Builder’s Club, which is supported by the Mariemont Kiwanis Club, is open to all MJHS students and emphasizes the mission of developing competent, capable, caring leaders through the vehicle of service.

Immunization Requirements for Junior High

All students entering 7th grade during the 2023-2024 school year are required by the State of Ohio to have a second booster of the Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) and first dose of the meningococcal vaccine. Mariemont Junior High School will need to receive written evidence that this immunization was received with the date of dose and a signature from the physician/nurse.

If you have questions concerning this immunization, please email:

Holly McCormack, RN, MSN, District Health Aide hmccormack@mariemontschools.org or Sue Fahey, RN sfahey@mariemontschools.org

STAYING Informed

Schoology is an online resource that contains information that is helpful to parents and students. You may access Schoology through the district website at www.mariemontschools.org. Schoology is updated by teachers and contains course-specific information.

We are always excited to share your successes and news from the junior high!

Parent/teacher conferences are held during the first half of the school year. Additional conferences are scheduled as needed by the teacher or at a parent’s request.

Report cards will be available for parents on the Student Achievement Dashboard each quarter. You can access the Student Achievement Dashboard through the district website by clicking the My Mariemont Portal link.

Standardized assessment information will be housed in your password-protected site on the Student Achievement Dashboard. We will notify parents via email when new assessment data is posted.

At Open House you will have the opportunity to walk through your schedule.

Daily announcements are posted to the district website on the junior high page. You can subscribe to receive them in your email inbox daily.

The district and school events can be found on the calendars on the district website. Remember - dates, locations and details can change so check the calendar regularly.

Expeditions

At Mariemont Junior High School, students will participate in numerous experiential education opportunities from the five Warriors BEyond pillars to build upon their elementary Explorations. Expeditions provide students with exciting, innovative, hands-on and un-graded learning opportunities throughout the school year. Expeditions are run by a combination of junior high staff and community partners to give students a broad array of opportunities. Students may leave the school campus to gain real-world experience throughout the district and surrounding areas.

Day of Service

The entire junior high participates in a Day of Service, volunteering at places like Stepping Stones, Bethany House, Our Daily Bread, Crayons to Computers, Mercy St. Theresa and Gorman Farms. The belief is that days like this can foster a sense of community as well as civic responsibility. Students read through a menu of options (similar to Expeditions) and chose an opportunity that matches their interests – from serving food, to working in a garden, to preparing a summer camp, to organizing donated school supplies, to visiting with residents of a nursing home.

8th Grade Washington, D.C. Trip

Mariemont City School District

8th grade students have the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. to experience what they learned in 8th grade U.S. History first hand. The 8th grade class, along with staff chaperones, leaves in late May to travel to the Capital. Students will visit many monuments and historical landmarks during the 3-day trip.

Language Arts

School SUPPLY LIST

ALL STUDENTS

Summer Reading Book

(2) boxes of #2 pencils

(2) boxes of black/blue pens

(2) boxes of tissues

headphones/ear buds

hand sanitizer

pencil pouch

lined filler paper

Science

(1) 1-inch or 1.5-inch binder

(1) Package of dividers

(1) Pack of college-ruled loose leaf paper

Social Studies (1) 2-pocket folder

(1) 2-Pocket folder with prongs

(2) Composition notebooks

(1) Pack of colored pencils

World Language Latin 1A

Cultural Intelligence

GRADE 7 GRADE 8

Yellow Red Green Purple

(2) 2-pocket folders

Spanish 1A

(1) 1.5-inch or 2-inch binder

(1) package of tabbed dividers

(1) pack of loose leaf paper

(1) 2-pocket folder

Modern (2) 2-pocket folders with prongs Communications/ (any color)

Any

MATH COURSES

Grade 7 Math

(1) 1” Binder

(1) Notebook or Composition notebook

(1) Scientific calculator

Grade 8 Math / CP Algebra I

(1) Blue Pocket folder

(1) Scientific calculator

Honors Algebra 1

(1) 1” Binder

(1) Scientific calculator

Honors Algebra II

(1) 1” Binder graph paper

(1) TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator

Geometry

(1) 1” Binder

(1) Scientific calculator

*All Math courses (except for Honors Algebra II) will utilize TI-30X IIS or TI-30XS MultiView scientific calculators

Language Arts

Social Studies

Science

Yellow Red Green Purple

(2) 2-pocket folders

(1) Pack of college-ruled loose leaf paper

(1) 2-pocket folder

(2) 2-Pocket folders with prongs

(2) Composition notebooks

(1) Pack of colored pencils

World Language Latin 1B

(2) 2-pocket folders

Spanish 1B

(1) 1.5-inch or 2-inch binder

(1) package of tabbed dividers

ADDITIONAL COURSES

Orchestra

(1) 1” Binder Chorus

(1) 1” Binder, any color

7th GRADE 2023 Summer Reading

INCOMING 7th GRADE

Incoming seventh graders at Mariemont Junior High School will be required to complete the following summer reading. Each student will be assessed on this reading when school begins in August.

All 7th graders will read I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives by Martin Ganda and Caitlin Alifirenka. Be prepared to discuss and write about concepts based on your reading. The points of focus include:

• Understanding other perspectives and cultures.

• Valuing relationships and understanding the importance of communication and collaboration.

• Demonstrating learning in authentic ways.

8th GRADE 2023 Summer

CP ELA

Reading

ACP ELA

Incoming eighth graders at Mariemont Junior High School will be required to complete the following summer reading. Each student will be assessed on this reading when school begins in August.

All incoming 8th grade CP ELA students will read Resistance by Jennifer A. Nielsen. Be prepared to discuss and write about concepts based on your reading. The essential questions include:

• What makes a ‘great’ story?

• Is it true that everyone has a story to tell?

• How can we learn life lessons through stories?

• Does a story have the power to change someone?

• How does the author effectively use literary elements to engage the reader?

All incoming 8th grade ACP ELA students will read The Light in Hidden Places by Sharon Cameron. Be prepared to discuss and write about concepts based on your reading. The essential questions include:

• What makes a ‘great’ story?

• Is it true that everyone has a story to tell?

• How can we learn life lessons through stories?

• Does a story have the power to change someone?

• How does the author effectively use literary elements to engage the reader?

• What themes are evident in this story?

89%

of junior high students participate in extracurricular activities so now is the time to get involved!

There are many clubs offered at Mariemont Junior High, ranging from Environmental Club, Stock Market Game, Model U.N., Power of the Pen, World Language Clubs, Science Club, and Art Club.

GETTING INVOLVED

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ABOUT JUNIOR HIGH?

Already busy after school? Some clubs meet during lunch.

Programs

Language Arts

The junior high language arts program offers students the opportunity to enhance their skills in writing, mechanics, reading and vocabulary. While we reinforce the fundamentals, we also move on to a more independent style of critical reading and more formal types of writing, such as informative and argumentative. Vocabulary skills are strengthened through the use of our individualized, online vocabulary site, Membean. Students are challenged through a deeper analysis of the text, and they provide textual evidence for their ideas. They continue to collaborate with their peers in large and small group settings. We will also continue and expand on elements of the Reading Workshop model.

Math

As you move from elementary math to junior high math, your teachers will ask you to think on a more abstract level. At the junior high level, students learn to master skills such as solving problems involving ratios, percents and proportions. They learn how to solve problems involving the four operations with rational numbers. They also learn how to simplify algebraic expressions and solve equations. Algebra focuses on three types of functions: linear, exponential and quadratic. Students enrolled in CP and Honors Algebra 1 or beyond earn high school math credit.

Science

At the junior high, students explore three areas of science including Life Science, Physical Science and Earth Science. These courses focus on using engaging, interactive and collaborative laboratory activities to reinforce concepts taught in 7th and 8th grade. We find that junior high students learn best when they are actively learning with both their minds and hands to connect the content learned in class with real-world experiences. When our students make these connections between the classroom and their lives, they deepen their understanding of the world around them. Both grades are lab based, and 8th grade students move into a student-led learning model.

Social Studies

In junior high social studies, students explore world history as a 7th grade student. Content covers ancient civilizations and their contribution to the world as a whole as well as to our society. In 8th grade, students study American history –culminating with a class trip to Washington, D.C. during the 8th grade year.

World Language

Within their world language experience at Mariemont Junior High, students are challenged to become more globally competent. Using meaningful communication and critical thinking skills, students cultivate their understanding of other languages, cultures and perspectives. Seventh grade students will select either Latin 1A or Spanish 1A to take as a year-long required junior high credit course. Students will complete their first world language high school credit course in eighth grade with Latin 1B or Spanish 1B and will continue on to Latin 2 or Spanish 2 in ninth grade.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Highly Engaged Students

The ENGAGED student...

is CURIOUS, CREATIVE, and demonstrates PASSION through his/her learning and experiences. demonstrates SELF-AWARENESS, INDEPENDENCE and OWNERSHIP of his/her learning.

values RELATIONSHIPS and understands the importance of meaningful COMMUNICATION and COLLABORATION. takes responsible academic RISKS and possesses RESILIENCE. is GLOBALLY COMPETENT and understands other perspectives and cultures. is a CRITICAL THINKER who EXPERIMENTS, QUESTIONS and SOLVES problems.

builds strong content KNOWLEDGE, effectively FILTERS information, and demonstrates learning in AUTHENTIC ways.

Important Dates

Your teacher is the best person to give you specific study tips for his/her class. The teacher knows your progress in that class and can be the most effective person in advising you how to improve a grade or be a more effective learner.

Students can go to the library for extra help with assignments. Go to the library with specific questions or a draft to revise after school Monday through Thursday from 3-4 p.m.

Learn to love formative assessments! We use them a lot here. These are like miniassessments during a unit that help you (and your teacher!) take a “temperature check” of your learning and understanding so far. These are a great way to see if you’ve already mastered the learning or need some extra help.

Be aware of your best time of day. Many people learn best in daylight hours. Think about if this is true for you. If it is, schedule time to study during the day. If not, find out what is best.

Use your waiting time effectively. Ten minutes waiting on a bus or 15 minutes waiting for practice can add up. Also, in between school and extracurricular activities, use this time to your advantage.

Use a regular study area. When you use the same place to study, day after day, your mind and body become trained. It should help you focus and concentrate quickly.

When studying, figure out what method works best for you, whether this means listening to classical music or taking effective study breaks. Also avoid other distractions such as the TV or phone.

Don’t get too comfortable. Easy chairs, the bed or a sofa can be dangerous places to study. If too comfortable, your body may be getting the message “time to sleep” rather than “time to study.”

Study difficult subjects first! If a particular subject is hard or puts you to sleep, tackle it first while you are fresh.

Get plenty of rest! According to the National Sleep Foundation, teens need about 8-10 hours of sleep each night to function best. Most teens do not get enough sleep — one study found that only 15% reported sleeping 8 1/2 hours on school nights.

Studies indicate some mobile device owners check their devices every 6.5 minutes! Challenge yourself to give yourself a break and disconnect from technology every once in a while.