Overview of Honors Program

Overview of Honors Program

At Lee Junior High School, honors courses are available in English language arts (English/Reading), mathematics, science, and social studies for both seventh- and eighth-grade students. The purpose of the honors program is to provide rigorous curricula for students desiring intense academic preparation for high school and beyond. Students who successfully complete the honors program have the potential of earning up to three Carnegie units toward their high school diploma (Algebra I, Physical Science, and keyboarding or Spanish I).

Generally, honors courses are taught at a more accelerated pace so that students cover more content at a greater depth than in the general education program. In addition, teachers require more independent and long-term assignments from honors students.

Eligibility for Enrolling in Honors Program

Any student wishing to pursue more rigorous coursework and who has parental support to do so may enroll in the honors program. We encourage students to aspire to succeed in the highest academic program possible; however, the following qualifications must be met to enroll without special permission from the school principal:

Students who have been recognized as academically gifted may enroll in the honors program without completing the packet.

ü  Student has shown a history of academic and citizenship excellence:

ü  GPA in core classes of 3.0 or higher

ü  No excessive behavior referrals (as determined by the honors committee)

ü  A demonstrated willingness to work hard and produce high quality work

ü  Above average standardized test scores

ü  Excellent teacher recommendations

ü  Student completes and returns the application packet by the due date to Lee.

If any of the above criteria are questionable, teacher recommendations and parental agreement to requirements will be considered by the honors selection committee. Late applications will only be considered for students transferring from outside of Monroe City School district.

Requirements for Remaining in Honors Program

To remain in the honors program, each student must

·  Maintain a C or better in ALL honor classes (earn no grades of D or F in any class) and

·  Receive no behavior referrals for major disciplinary infractions (including but not limited to: uses profane and/or obscene language, instigates or participates in fights, etc.)

Failure to maintain the above requirements will result in removal from the honors program and placement in an appropriate general education course.

Required Documentation

1.  Sixth-grade iLEAP scores (fifth-grade scores may be substituted in event of delayed release of sixth-grade scores)

2.  Most recent report card OR current Parent Command Center print out

3.  STAR Reading and/or STAR Math scores

4.  Two teacher recommendations (form attached)

5.  Student/Parent Contract (form attached)

6.  Answers to essay questions typed or in black ink on loose-leaf paper.

Teacher Recommendation

Student Name ______

Teacher Name______

Subject(s) Taught to Student______

Please comment briefly about why you believe this student can successfully participate in honors courses (include any specific strengths or work habits that might contribute to success):

______

Signature______Date______

Teacher Recommendation

Student Name ______

Teacher Name______

Subject(s) Taught to Student______

Please comment briefly about why you believe this student can successfully participate in honors courses (include any specific strengths or work habits that might contribute to success):

______

Signature______Date______
Student/Parent Contract

Student Name______

Parent/Guardian Name______

Please read the following statement and sign if you agree to the terms of participating in the honors program:

I/we understand that

ü  the honors program requires completion of rigorous, independent assignments, class work, tests, and projects;

ü  the student must maintain a grade of C or better in all coursework to remain in the honors program;

ü  the student must receive NO major behavior referrals during the school year;

ü  habitual absenteeism, tardiness, and/or minor discipline will be cause dismissal from the honors program and placement in appropriate general education course;

ü  tutoring (private or school provided) may be required in order to maintain successful grades in challenging courses.

ü  the honors program may require mandatory parent teacher conferences

Student Signature______Date______

Parent Signature______Date______

Note: Grades are determined at the end of each 9-week grading period. Teachers may inform parents earlier in the grading period if student’s performance is jeopardizing grade. However, we encourage parents and students to monitor grades throughout the 9-weeks by using Parent Command Center.

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