This Program of Studies booklet describes the West Allegheny Middle School courses currently offered and their pre-requisites. A chart provides a summary of grade level academic options and exploratory arts. We encourage parents and students to review the booklet together to learn about Middle School programming.
Each student will attend a meeting with a counselor to make any course requests that are necessary. Course requests and teacher recommendations will be recorded on the Course Request Verification Letter that will be posted to Edline by the end of June. At that time, parents are encouraged to email with questions or make changes to the list of courses for their child.
A focus at the West Allegheny Middle School is to begin to prepare students for post-secondary endeavors. As the backbone of our efforts, we focus on three dimensions to define career and college readiness:
* Academic preparedness refers to key academic content knowledge and cognitive strategies needed to succeed in doing college-level work and in preparing for career training. Students should strive to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
* Academic tenacity refers to the underlying beliefs and attitudes that drive student achievement. Being in class and facing productive struggle and challenge help students develop into tenacious learners ready to face adversity. Students should strive to exceed 95% attendance rates.
* Career and college knowledge is that knowledge base and contextual skills that enable students to successfully access and navigate college and career paths.
You should be mindful of these dimensions as you reflect on your courses for the upcoming school year and plan for your future.
Also included in the booklet are summaries of the grading system, homework policy, drop/add policy and program eligibility for parent/student review. Know that the staff of the West Allegheny Middle School is here to support and guide you. Please utilize your teachers, school counselors, and administrators to help you to be ready for the academic year.