Welcome Parents and Students to the 2025-2026 school year!

In our 6th, 7th, and 8th grade classrooms, students are expected to act as self-advocates by communicating directly with Mr. J about most classroom-related matters. This system of self-advocacy: 

1. Encourages Independence: Students are expected to take responsibility for their learning by asking questions when they need clarification. 

2. Fosters Problem-Solving: Before seeking help, students should attempt to identify specific challenges and possible solutions, so conversations with Mr. J are focused and productive. 

3. Promotes Communication: Students should reach out directly to Mr. J—whether in class, after class, or via email—when they need extra support or guidance. This includes, but is not limited to: (1) when students need further explanation or clarification of assignment details; (2) when students need additional time to complete an assignment or project; (3) when students are having difficulty working within their Peer Groups.

Office Hours

If students feel they need extra help, they may come to Room 16 during office hours. As stated above, students should come to after school help only if they are able to identify specific challenges they are having. By doing so, they will allow Mr. J to target his efforts to help students who may be struggling.

After school help should not be seen as "extra credit" or as a way for stuggling students to boost their grade simply by showing up for extra help.

Unless an urgent need arises, students will need to fill out an appointment slip for extra help. These slips can be found in Room 16. Once completed, students should submit the appointment slip to Mr. J and the student's name will be included in the class calendar. Students are then required to show up to their appointment on the scheduled day.

Office Hours:
Monday 3:00 - 4:00
Thursday 3:00 - 3:30

Please note: Students who need extra help, but are enrolled in an after-school club, will be accommodated. Those students should make Mr. J aware of this when they fill out their appointment slip.
 

Social Studies 

6th Grade – World Civilizations 

Project-Driven Curriculum, Focus on Geography, Focus on Key Terms & Concepts 

7th Grade – US History 1 (Colonial America – The Civil War) 

Analytical Curriculum, Focus on Foundational Knowledge, Focus on Historical Argumentation 

8th Grade – US History 2 (Reconstruction Era – World War II) 

Project-Driven Curriculum, Focus on Critical Analysis, Focus on Historical Relevance 

Science 

6th Grade – From Broad to Narrow Topics 

Astronomy & Earth in Space, Earth Systems, Weather & Climate, Ecosystems, Human Biology, Plant & Animal Cells 
 
7th Grade – From Broad to Narrow Topics 

Earth Systems, Force, Energy & Waves, Matter & Chemical Reactions, Human Biology, Evolution and Genetics, Human Impact on Environment 
 

I'm looking forward to another great year in the classroom!

-Patrick Jarkowsky