Grade 8

Welcome to 8th Grade!

We’re excited to welcome you to 8th grade — a milestone year where students take on leadership roles, deepen their academic skills, and prepare for high school. From engaging projects to the capstone ExPO experience, this year is all about growth, confidence, and celebration of achievements. Check out our team directory below and reach out anytime — we’re here to support every step of the journey!

8th Grade Daily Schedule

Regular Days:

• 7:30–7:35 AM: HOMEROOM

• 7:38–8:57 AM: CORE 1

• 9:00–9:38 AM: WEB

• 9:41–10:22 AM: CORE 2

• 10:27–11:05 AM: LUNCH

• 11:07–11:41 AM: CORE 2

• 11:43–12:58 PM: CORE 3

• 1:01–1:39 PM: Exploratory 1

• 1:41–2:19 PM: Exploratory 2

Wednesdays (CREW Day):

• 7:30–8:00 AM: CREW

• 8:03–9:15 AM: CORE 1

• 9:17–9:54 AM: WEB / ExPO

• 9:56–10:26 AM: CORE 2

• 10:28–11:03 AM: LUNCH

• 11:06–11:49 AM: CORE 2

• 11:51–1:04 PM: CORE 3

• 1:06–1:42 PM: Exploratory 1

• 1:44–2:19 PM: Exploratory 2

Additional Notes:

• Students rotate Science and Social Studies every five weeks.

• The school operates on a Green/White day rotation, alternating Exploratory classes every other day.

• Once a month, students enjoy a Friday Activity Period where they choose from clubs or special activities.

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8th Grade Curriculum Overview

✏️ Language Arts

• Suspense in Short Stories

• Exploring Perspectives through Non-Fiction

• Drama: Romeo & Juliet

*All Language Arts students at GMS are required to complete weekly units in the reading literacy program, Lexia. Eighth grade completes 60 minutes per week.

➗ Math

• Transformations and Congruence

• Linear Equations and Linear Systems

• Functions and Volume

• Pythagorean Theorem and Irrational Numbers

*All Math students at GMS are required to complete weekly units in Khan Academy.

🌎 Social Studies

• United States History

  • Origins of U.S. Democracy and National Identity; Expansion, Influence and Economic Growth; Civil Unrest, Civil War, and Reconstruction

🔬 Science

• Earth’s History and Processes

• Biological Evolution

• Genetics and Heredity (Reproduction)

• Biodiversity: Mutations, Hybrids, GMOs

Science and Social Studies alternate every five weeks.

SPARC (Student Passion and Research Capstone) Project

SPARC, formerly ExPO, is a signature experience for all 8th graders. This student-driven research project allows each learner to:

• Explore a topic of personal interest

• Apply critical thinking and communication skills developed over K–8 education

• Connect with community members through interviews and fieldwork

The project culminates with:

• A formal presentation to a panel

• Community SPARC Night, where students showcase their findings to families, staff, and community members

CREW & Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

CREW meets weekly and helps students build strong relationships, learn conflict resolution skills, and feel connected to their school community. It’s one more way we support the whole child at GMS.

Homework Policies

Late homework is accepted but may receive a maximum of 75% credit at the teacher’s discretion. For Science and Social Studies, work will not be accepted past the end of each five-week rotation.

Critter Coin Reward System

The 8th grade team uses Critter Coins to recognize academic accomplishments and positive behaviors. Students can earn coins for:

• Outstanding Achievement

• Participation

• Lexia Streak

• ExPO Readiness

• Homework Completion

• Chromebook Checks

Coins can be redeemed for rewards like extra recess or a Test Booster, adding 10% to a test score.

Helpful Resources

• Daily Homework Slide

• 8th Grade Google Classroom: For homework and resources