Academic Programs and Procedures
Academic Teams
At HMS your child is part of an instructional team. Team participants include students, their major subject teachers, a guidance counselor, and a building administrator. Our teaming arrangement is designed to provide a supportive learning environment for each student.
Gifted Support Program
The Seminar Program provides support for identified gifted students. The class meets throughout the school year. The emphasis is on enrichment and meeting individual student needs.
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
Instrumental Music is offered to any student in the school who currently plays a standard band or orchestral instrument. For those who currently play, the following ensembles are offered:
- 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:
| 100 - 98 | A+ | 79 - 78 | C+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 97 - 93 | A | 77 - 73 | C | |
| 92 - 90 | A- | 72 - 70 | C- | |
| 89 - 88 | B+ | 69 - 68 | D+ | |
| 87 - 83 | B | 67 - 63 | D | |
| 82 - 80 | B- | 62 - 60 | D- | |
| 59 - 0 F | ||||
Report Cards
Report Cards will be emailed to valid email addresses on file in PowerSchool approximately one week after the quarter ends so teachers have time to finalize grades.
Quarter and final grades may be viewed through PowerSchool.
For end of quarter dates see the Middle School calendar.
If you require a paper copy of the report card please contact the grade level secretary.
Major Subject Courses
| Grade 6 | Grade 7 | Grade 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Language Arts Mathematics Social Studies Science |
Language Arts Mathematics Social Studies Science |
English Mathematics History Science World Language |
Unified Arts Courses
Grade 6 |
Grade 7 |
Grade 8 |
|---|---|---|
|
Tech Ed |
Tech Ed French/Italian Art Physical Education Music |
Tech Ed Health Art Physical Education Music |
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:
- Character
- Commitment to school
- Community and school service
- Leadership
- 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:
- Kindness
- Tolerance
- Empathy
- Patience
- Care to all
Team Leader Challenge Award
The Haverford Middle School Team Leader Challenger Award is bestowed to an eighth grade student who has successfully overcome a personal challenge or obstacle. This student is someone who has shown initiative, continuous improvement, and a willingness to accept help from others.
Student consistently overcomes obstacles through:
- A positive attitude and determination in all work and activities.
- Acceptance that everyone needs assistance to reach their full potential
- Takes pride in self and accomplishments
- Personal aspiration and goals to continue success
Pupil Services Peer Act of Kindness Award
The Pupil Services Peer Act of Kindness Award Award is bestowed to an eighth grade student who understands that simple acts of kindness really do make a difference. This student knows how to show kindness to their classmates and consistently supports peers.
- Consistent living of one’s own life with honesty, integrity, responsibility, and a sense of welfare for the school and local community.
- Special acts of kindness that has benefitted others
- Unusual commitment of time and energy in service to others
- Special gifts of friendship
Promotion Policy
Policy
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).
Bell Schedules
| Homeroom | 7:50 - 8:05 |
|---|---|
| Period 1 | 8:08 - 8:56 |
| Period 2 | 8:59 - 9:47 |
| Period 3 | 9:50 - 10:38 |
| 6th Grade | |
| Lunch | 10:41 - 11:11 |
| Period 4 | 11:14 - 12:02 |
| Period 5 | 12:05 - 12:53 |
| 7th Grade | |
| Period 4 | 10:41 - 11:29 |
| Lunch | 11:32 - 12:02 |
| Period 5 | 12:05 - 12:53 |
| 8th Grade | |
| Period 4 | 10:41 - 11:29 |
| Period 5 | 11:32 - 12:20 |
| Lunch | 12:23 - 12:53 |
| Period 6 | 12:56 - 1:44 |
| Period 7 | 1:47 - 2:35 |
| Dismissal | 2:35 |
Parent Conference Schedule
| Day 1 | |
|---|---|
| Teachers on duty / Doors open Homeroom Period 1 Period 2 Period 3 Period 4 Period 5 Dismissal |
7:40 7:50 - 8:00 8:04 - 8:34 8:38 - 9:08 9:12 - 9:42 9:46 - 10:16 10:20 - 10:50 10:50 |
| Day 2 | |
| Teachers on duty / Doors open Homeroom Period 3 Period 4 Period 5 Period 6 Period 7 Dismissal |
7:40 7:50 - 8:00 8:04 - 8:34 8:38 - 9:08 9:12 - 9:42 9:46 - 10:16 10:20 - 10:50 10:50 |
| Day 3 | |
| Teachers on duty / Doors open Homeroom Period 1 Period 2 Period 6 Period 7 Dismissal |
7:40 7:50 - 8:00 8:04 - 8:42 8:46 - 9:24 9:28 - 10:06 10:10 - 10:50 10:50 |
LUNCH WILL NOT BE SERVED TO STUDENTS ON PARENT CONFERENCE DAYS |
|
Early Dismissal Schedule - Act 80 Days
| Teachers on Duty / Doors open | 7:40 |
|---|---|
| Homeroom | 7:50 - 7:55 |
| Period 1 | 7:59 - 8:24 |
| Period 2 | 8:28 - 8:53 |
| Period 3 | 8:57 - 9:22 |
| Period 4 | 9:26 - 9:51 |
| Period 5 | 9:55 - 10:20 |
| Period 6 | 10:24 - 10:49 |
| Period 7 | 10:53 - 11:18 |
| Announcements | 11:18 - 11:20 |
| Dismissal | 11:20 |
LUNCH WILL NOT BE SERVED TO STUDENTS ON ACT 80 DAYS |
|
2 Hour Delay Time Schedule
| 6th Grade | 7th Grade | 8th Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:50 - 10:03 | Homeroom | ||
| 10:07- 10:37 | Period 1 | Period 1 | Period 1 |
| 10:41 -11:11 | Period 2 | Period 2 | Period 2 |
| 11:15 - 11:45 | Lunch | Period 3 | Period 3 |
| 11:48 - 12:18 | Period 3 | Lunch | Period 4 |
| 12:21 - 12:51 | Period 4 | Period 4 | Lunch |
| 12:55 - 1:25 | Period 5 | Period 5 | Period 5 |
| 1:29 - 1:59 | Period 6 | Period 6 | Period 6 |
| 2:03 - 2:33 | Period 7 | Period 7 | Period 7 |
| 2:33 | Announcements | ||
| 2:35 | Dismissal | ||
Extended Homeroom Schedule
| Teachers on Duty | 7:40 |
|---|---|
| Homeroom | 7:50 - 8:30 |
| Period 1 | 8:34 - 9:17 |
| Period 2 | 9:21 - 10:04 |
| Period 3 | 10:08 - 10:51 |
| Grade 6 | |
| Lunch A | 10:55 - 11:25 |
| Period 4 | 11:29 - 12:12 |
| Period 5 | 12:16 - 12:59 |
| Grade 7 | |
| Period 4 | 10:55 - 11:38 |
| Lunch B | 11:42 - 12:12 |
| Period 5 | 12:16 - 12:59 |
| Grade 8 | |
| Period 4 | 10:55 - 11:38 |
| Period 5 | 11:42 - 12:25 |
| Lunch C | 12:29 - 12:59 |
| Period 6 | 1:03 - 1:46 |
| Period 7 | 1:50 - 2:33 |
| Announcements | 2:33 |
| Dismissal | 2:35 |
| Periods 48 minutes |
|