AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

The After School Program is available for 7th and 8th grade students only.  This allows student time after school to gain help with homework, work on projects, and engage in social activities with peers.  Students will be served a full dinner during this time.

ADJUSTMENTS

Students' lives are different in the Junior High School.  Students have a different teacher for every subject, have 8 class periods in a day, and must share a locker with another student.  In the cafeteria students have a variety of new lunch choices, but are reminded to make healthy choices.  Healthy food choices help to make healthy minds.  

Students will also experience a stronger sense of independence and responsibility.  Students are more responsible for completing assignments on their own without continual reminders from their teachers.  Every student was provided with an agenda/date book which is to be used to write in homework assignments and due dates for short/long-term projects.  It is very easy to fall behind on assignments especially when students underestimate the amount of time needed to research, write, and proof-read projects.

ATTENDANCE

With the earlier start time, than the elementary.  Many students find it difficult to get to school or get to school on time.  The start time for 1st period 0at the North Schuylkill Junior/Senior High School is 7:39 AM.  It is high suggested that you get to school no later than 7:30 AM so that you have time to prepare yourself for the day.  Not being in school means missing out on being taught by your teachers, which mean, missing out on important information for projects, assignments, and tests.  BE AT SCHOOL ON TIME.  You are expected to be in school every day, unless you are sick, or there is a family emergency.

CAREER EXPLORATION

In the Junior High School there are several ways that students have opportunities to explore possible careers.  In 7th grade students are given 4 rotation classes; these classes include:  Cyber Literacy, Mechanical Drafting, Career Exploration, and Music.  In 8th grade the 4 rotation classes are:  Family and Consumer Sciences, Introduction to Foriegn Language, Foundations of Art, and Industrial Arts.  

Students in grades 6, 7, and 8 will also (beginning this school year) have access to the new Family Connections (Naviance) Software program.  This program has many features to help students, as they progress through to high school, plan their preparation for a future career.  Career choices range from:  Enlisting in the Armed Services, finding full-time employment, going to a technical school, attending a community college, to attending a four-year college and beyond.  All student are encouraged to make the choices that fit the best for him/her.

CHALLENGES

Some of the challenges that are faced in Junior High include:  More social events, Harder classes, More activities and clubs, and the new rules of a new school.  The same overall district policies are still in effect, such as the dress code, but with greater freedom in using electronic devices, also comes a greater responsibility and accountability.  Be smart in your posts ... do not put anything on the Internet that you would not openly share with your mother or grandmother!

SCHOOL CALENDAR

Know what days are non-school days, teacher in-service days, and 2-hour data delays.  The new school calendar also has important dates such as:  School Board Meetings, when Progress Reports are being sent home, when the marking periods, etc.

STUDENT SCHEDULES

All student schedules are generated from the recommendations made by their subject area teachers from the previous school year.  Schedule changes have been completed and all students need to be following the schedule provided to them.  Should parents have questions or concerns, they may contact the middle school guidance counselor at (570) 874-0495 extention 2118.