SOUTH FORSYTH MIDDLE SCHOOL

4670 Windermere Parkway

Cumming, Georgia 30041

(770) 888 – 3170

Jo-Anne Jackson, Assistant Principal Sandy Tinsley, Principal Ben Jones, Assistant Principal

March 16, 2018

Dear Parents and Students,

Schools were recently informed that rising 8th graders will have new options in science and math for the upcoming school year. South Forsyth Middle School will be hosting a Rising 7th and 8th Grade Parent Meeting on Thursday, April 19th at 6:30pm. We hope that you will join us on this night to learn more about these options.

SCIENCE

In previous years, all eighth grade students in Forsyth County were enrolled in High School physical science for high school credit. Implementation of the new Georgia Standards of Excellence requires options be available to ensure the greatest level of success of all students. Rising eighth grade students will now have the option, based on teacher recommendation, to enroll in High School Physical Science for high school credit or Grade 8 Science for middle school credit.

Those students who take High School Physical Science will be required to take the Georgia Milestones Physical Science End of Course (EOC) test at the end of the year.

  • The EOC will count 20% of the student’s final course grade;
  • A final average of 70 or higher will yield one unit of high school credit;
  • The final course grade will not be part of the high school GPA; and
  • Students who successfully complete physical science in 8th grade will be recommended for Biology in 9th grade.

Those students taking Grade 8 Science will take the Georgia Milestones End of Grade (EOG) assessment at the end of the year. The EOG is not part of the final grade, and students will not earn a high school credit. Students who successfully complete Grade 8 Science will be recommended for Physical Science or Earth Science in 9th grade.

8th Grade Science Course Options: / 9th Grade Recommendation:
Grade 8 Science
  • No Credit for high school
  • GA Milestones End of Grade Assessment (EOG)
/ High school schedule will determine choices
High School Physical Science (on-level)
  • One unit of credit for high school; does not count in high school GPA.
  • GA Milestones End of Course (EOC) assessment required and counts as 20% of final course grade.
/ Biology
High School Physical Science (advanced)
  • One unit of credit for high school; does not count in high school GPA.
  • GA Milestones End of Course (EOC) assessment required and counts as 20% of final course grade.
/ -Biology
-Biology (Honors) – teacher recommendation required

MATH

In previous years, eighth grade students have had only one math course available to them for high school credit. Those students enrolling in eighth grade courses will now have the option, based on teacher recommendation, to enroll in 8th grade math, GSE Algebra I, or Accelerated GSE Algebra I/Geometry A.

Both Algebra I and Accelerated Algebra I/Geometry A will require the Georgia Milestones End of Course (EOC) test.

  • The EOC will count 20% of the student’s final course grade;
  • A final average of 70 or higher will yield one unit of high school credit;
  • The final course grade will not be part of the high school GPA; and
  • Option to deny the High School credit must be finalized in December.

Those students taking 8th grade math will take the End of Grade (EOG) at the end of the year. The EOG is not part of the final grade, and students do not earn a high school credit. Students who successfully complete 8th grade math will be recommended for the appropriate course in 9th grade. (See chart.)

8th Grade Math

  • No credit for high school.
  • End of Grade Assessment (EOG)

GSE Algebra I

  • One unit of credit for high school; does not count in high school GPA.
  • GA Milestones End of Course (EOC) assessment required and counts as 20% of final course grade.

Accelerated GSE Algebra/Geometry A

  • One unit of credit for high school; does not count in high school GPA.
  • GA Milestones End of Course (EOC) assessment required and counts as 20% of final course grade.

Grade / Support / Standard / Advanced / Accelerated
6 / GSE 6th Grade Math / GSE 6th Grade Math / GSE 6th Grade Math Advanced / GSE Accelerated Math 6/7A
7 / GSE 7th Grade Math / GSE 7th Grade Math / GSE 7th Grade Math Advanced / GSE Accelerated Math 7B/8
8 / GSE 8th Grade Math / GSE 8th Grade Math / GSE Algebra I
(for High School credit) / Accelerated GSE Algebra I/ Geometry A
(for High School credit)
9 / GSE Algebra I & Algebra Support / GSE Algebra I / GSE Geometry / Accelerated GSE Geometry B/ Algebra II
10 / GSE Geometry & Geometry Support / GSE Geometry / GSE Algebra II / Accelerated GSE Pre-Calculus
11 / GSE Algebra II / GSE Algebra II / GSE Pre-Calculus / AP Calculus AB/BC, AP Statistics, Dual Enrollment
12 / GSE Advanced Mathematical Decision Making, Mathematics of Finance, Statistical Reasoning / GSE Pre-Calculus, GSE Advanced Mathematical Decision Making, AP Statistics, Statistical Reasoning / GSE Calculus, AP Statistics, Dual Enrollment / AP Calculus AB/BC, AP Statistics, Dual Enrollment, Multivariable Calculus

Respectfully,

Ms. Sandy Tinsley

Principal