Use your school planner to keep track of class assignments and school calendar. There are a lot of changes when entering middle school and it can seem overwhelming at first. Make sure to check the school calendar often so that you are aware of “A and “B” days.
Get to know your teachers, counselors and administrators. You now have 8 teachers instead of 2-3 so you have a lot to keep track of. Seek them out so that they know who you are, and you can turn to them for guidance if you need help.
Know what your teachers expect in every class. You have to put in the effort to earn good grades. If you are being lazy and not completing assignments, your teachers won’t meet you halfway. YOU have to work hard to meet their expectations and succeed.
Review the student code of conduct to become familiar with school policies and procedures. You don’t want to get in trouble and have the incident placed on your academic record. Make sure you follow ALL school rules, both in and out of the classroom.
Set high academic goals and maintain them. The habits you create today are the goals that you achieve tomorrow. Getting good grades must continue until you graduate from high school.
Create a student portal account. This will help you keep track of your grades and any work you may have missed. Parents can also create a parent portal account to monitor assignments and receive progress reports.
Get involved in extra-curricular activities. Make it a habit from now to get involved in clubs/sports after school. Practice makes perfect!
Review your report card every 9 weeks and share this information with your parents. Report cards give you and your parents an idea of your content mastery in each class. Each nine-week grade adds up to receive your final grade in each course. Use progress reports to determine where you need assistance.
Get into the School Spirit! It’s GREAT to be a Mater Bay Ray!
7th Grade
You’re halfway through middle school!
Review the student code of conduct so that you are aware of your responsibilities. You don’t want to get in trouble and have the incident placed on your academic record. Make sure you follow ALL school rules, both in and out of the classroom.
Set high academic goals and maintain them. As you acclimate into the middle school setting, it’s important to make sure you are taking ownership of your classwork and homework assignments. This will make the difference between earning good grades and bad grades.
Develop good time management, organizational, test taking and note taking skills. The use of our school agenda will help keep you organized and on track for being a successful student. Make sure to take detailed notes in class so that you have plenty of information to study with at home.
Be sure to check your student portal account at least once a week. This will allow you to monitor your grades and make sure you got the correct grade for each assignment. Don’t let it be a surprise when progress reports or report cards are released!
Speak with your counselor about high school courses and programs. You can begin to take high school courses as early as 8th grade. These courses include Algebra 1, Physical Science, Biology, Geometry, and Foreign Language. Meet with your counselor to see if this is right for you.
Get into the School Spirit! It’s GREAT to be a Mater Bay Ray!
8th Grade
Get Ready for High School!
Review the student code of conduct so that you are aware of your responsibilities. You don’t want to get in trouble and have the incident placed on your academic record. Make sure you follow ALL school rules, both in and out of the classroom.
See your counselor about requirements for promotion to 9th grade and become familiar with high school requirements. High school requirements can be started during 8th grade when eligible. If you are interested in joining Dual Enrollment courses, see our Doral College coordinator so that you can start off on the right track. (Dual Enrollment courses are currently only offered online and are to be completed after school)
Select which High School Academy you’d like to be part of. You will join an Academy and remain in it throughout the next four year so make sure it is an area you feel passionate about.
Review your report card every 9 weeks and share this information with your parents. Remember, your grades determine the courses you can select for the following school year and are especially important when attempting to boost your high school GPA.
Speak to your teachers or counselors if you need help in your classes. If you feel overwhelmed with your current courses or the thought of starting high school, see your counselor for time management and/or study techniques.
Participate in summer programs. Keep in mind that you can begin community service as early as the summer going into Freshmen Year. 100 community service hours are required to graduate from Mater Bay, so why not start now?
Get/stay involved in extra-curricular activities. Extracurricular activities make an impact when applying to colleges. Start early so you can display all your years of dedication and passion after school.
Get into the School Spirit! It’s GREAT to be a Mater Bay Ray!
