1. Identification of student strengths and weaknesses
2. Application of an appropriate program
3. Curriculum articulation
4. Expansion of each student's support group

Gifted Support Program

The Seminar Program provides support for identified gifted students. The class meets once each week throughout the school year. The emphasis is on enrichment, not acceleration.

Learning Support Program

The Learning Support Program is a special education program designed for students with special learning needs. Students in the program are assigned to regular and special education classes based on their Individual Education Program (IEP).

Our learning support students attend regular education classes whenever possible and as recommended by their IEP documents. Regular and special education teachers modify instruction, follow the IEP accommodations, and use techniques, that will help these students learn successfully.

Choral Music

Students interested in choral singing have many opportunities to do so. Each grade level has a choir. Students may sing in one of two choruses that are scheduled during school time. An audition is required. These groups perform for school and community functions.

Instrumental Music

• 6th Grade Band
• 6th Grade String Ensemble
• 7/8th Grade Band
• 7/8th Grade Orchestra
• String Chamber Groups

These groups, while being highly activity-oriented, impart a basic knowledge of musical notation and music literature. For additional information, call the Middle School Music Office at 610-853-5900, ext. 5141.

General Music

General Music is a musical option for students who do not participate in either an instrumental or choral music ensemble. In sixth grade, the emphasis of this class is on listening, singing and performing on a variety of instruments. In seventh grade, emphasis is on the historical approach to the understanding of music and musical literature.

Grading Procedures

Grades are one method of evaluating a student's academic work. Student behavior will have no effect on the grades as reported. Student academic achievement will be reported as a letter grade according to the revised system:

Report Cards

**REPORT CARDS WILL NOT BE SENT HOME**

If you require a paper copy of the report card please use the Report Card Request form  on the Middle School website.

Exams

English/Language Arts, History/ Social Studies, Mathematics and Science final examinations are given in grades six, seven and eight. The content of the examination is determined by the Curriculum Department and its grade value is related to the final grade. The final examination is a value of 1/9 of the final grade.

Major Subject Courses

Unified Arts Courses

Student Recognition

Our students are recognized for outstanding accomplishments throughout the year. It is our goal to celebrate the uniqueness of each child. Academic, athletic and social awards are given throughout the year.

Student of the Month

Each month, the academic teams choose a student (one boy and one girl) from their team as a Student of the Month. Criteria for this honor are: school citizenship, leadership, cooperation and positive attitude.

Team Recognition Awards

Each marking period, students from each academic team are recognized for excellence and outstanding contribution in any of the following categories: school citizenship, community service, extra-curricular activities, cooperation and positive attitude.

Academic Awards

Students who achieve a high standard of academic performance will be recognized in our Scholastic Honors system. At each quarterly grading period students who meet the specified academic standards will be honored. Students must earn all As or Bs to receive this award.

Sports Awards

For participants on a school athletic team, seventh and eighth grade students receive a certificate and letter.

Michael Bianco School Spirit Award

This award is given to an outstanding eighth grade student who best represents the continuation of the ideals of former principal, Mike Bianco, who was vital force in the life of Haverford Middle School. The selected student will have demonstrated outstanding school spirit throughout the five areas of school life:

1. Character
2. Commitment to school
3. Community and school service
4. Leadership
5. Scholarship

Carol Plater Restifo Award

Mrs. Restifo spend 41 years in Haverford School District as a principal and teacher, her last 11 years were here at HMS. Her contribution to our School District and HMS was more then her teaching and administrative skills; Mrs. Restifo taught us lessons on life. This honor will be bestowed upon an eighth grade student who embodies the essence of Mrs. Restifo:

1. Kindness
   
2. Tolerance
3. Empathy
4. Patience
5. Care to all

Students must earn 5.25 units to be promoted to the next grade. In 6th and 7th grades, two of the units must be in Language Arts and one in Math. In 8th grade, one of the units must be in English and one in Math. No required major subject may be failed in successive years. Students must earn a passing grade in two or more marking periods in order to pass that subject for the year.

Unit Values

Subjects that meet weekly for the year have a unit value of one (English, History, Math, Science, World Language 8).
Classes that meet 5 times a week for a double period (Language Arts - grades 6 and 7) have a unit value of two.
Subjects that meet weekly for one quarter have a unit value of .25 (Art, Exercise Science, Technology Education, Information Technology, Geography 8, Health, Spanish 6, French 7, Latin 7).

Summer School

The school district attempts to offer a summer program, in English/Language Arts and Math for Middle School students who have not mastered the required material. Summer School usually begins the week after the regular school year concludes and is in session for a period of six consecutive weeks. Tuition is charged for each course.

Summer School is held only when there are enough students to support the creation of a class.