Dear Millennium Families,

It seems as though this year is passing very rapidly.  Soon we will already be planning for next year!  High School counselors are coming to meet with our 8^th grade students on February 11^th to help them begin making decisions about high school scheduling, while our current 6^th and 7^th graders will be meeting with counselors in the near future to determine their elective preferences as well. 

In South Lyon, middle school has always been viewed as a critical stage in our students’ education, helping them to continue developing good Habits of Mind in addition to building the academic foundation for success in high school and beyond.  However, at times in the past, some students may have not achieved their academic potential prior to the time that they perceived school as “important” to their future.  These students have viewed high school as the start of their “real” academic career; some have even believed that they didn’t need to get “serious” about their studies until the 10^th grade, thinking that they could “ease in” to high school during freshman year.   With the new rigorous high school graduation requirements, it is imperative that our students are committed to putting forth their best effort toward academic achievement by the beginning of 8^th grade.  As teachers and parents, we must help students to realize the importance of their middle school career.  If you are unable to attend our presentation on Thursday, February 4^th, but would like more information about planning and preparing for high school, please contact our counselors.

The need for students to apply themselves to their fullest ability during 8^th grade is abundantly clear.  All students now take Algebra I, the first in a series of math courses required for a high school diploma in Michigan.  Concepts studied in 8^th grade Science are actually addressing high school benchmarks.   Students will be expected to know these when they take the ACT/MME test which is required for all high school students.  While foreign language is not yet a mandatory graduation requirement for our current 7^th and 8^th grade students, we strongly encourage two or more years of study for those considering college in the future.  Many universities prefer three or four years of a foreign language for admission.  Students who are ready to begin a multi-year study of a language may choose to do so during their 8^th grade year.

In order for students to be prepared for a successful 8^th grade year, they need to build the foundational knowledge and Habits of Mind during 6^th and 7^th grade.  Please reinforce with your children the importance of making a serious commitment to their academic studies, and please contact teachers or counselors regarding additional support if necessary.