Parent Letter for Advanced Middle School Courses:
Algebra I in Middle School
Homeroom Teacher: ____________________________________________________________
Dear Fairhope Middle School Parent/Guardian:
Your student, ____________________________________________________________________, has been identified for Algebra I in Middle School
based on the following criteria: Aspire mathematics score, first semester mathematics classroom grade*, and/or an
additional achievement measure determined by your child’s school.
If your child chooses to be a part of the Algebra I in Middle School class next year, he/she will be learning high school
Algebra I curriculum in addition to a portion of eighth grade mathematics. Algebra I in Middle School is a compacted course,
which means that the course compresses a full year and approximately half of another year of math curriculum into a single
course. Therefore, your child will be engaged with high school content at a faster, more challenging pace. The advanced
middle school courses are intended to be a preparation for higher-level high school classes (i.e., Advanced Placement,
International Baccalaureate, etc.) and to give students the opportunity to experience a more challenging curriculum before
the transition to high school.
Additionally, if your child chooses to take Algebra I in Middle School and successfully completes the course with a passing
average, he/she may choose to accept the associated Algebra I credit toward high school graduation. The final grade earned
in this course will be used in calculating his/her cumulative grade point average (GPA) throughout high school. In this case,
your student will take Geometry in his/her 9th grade year. If your child elects not to accept the Algebra I credit, he/she will
take Algebra I again in the 9th grade. The final grade earned in the 9th grade Algebra I course will then be used to compute
the cumulative grade point average (GPA) at the high school.
Students enrolled in advanced courses must recognize and understand that they will be responsible for extended academic
responsibilities and expectations, which may include a more challenging work load as well as additional skill mastery and
problem solving assignments inside and outside of class. A commitment to the course and its depth of content, along with
good time management and study skills, is essential to your child’s success. There is no summer assignment for Algebra 1.
Once your child has committed to the advanced class, schedule changes should not be expected. Please plan to
attend the 8th Grade Advanced Classes Parent Meeting on April 6th in the FMS cafeteria.
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Kathryn Doyle, the 8th grade Counselor, at [email protected] or 928-2573.
Sincerely,
Angie Hall
Principal
Please sign below and return this form to your student’s Homeroom Teacher by May 8, 2017.
I have read the above letter and understand the expectation for Algebra I Middle School. I am requesting that my child be
enrolled in this class.
__________________________________________________________________________________________Date: ___________________________
Parent’s Printed Name
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Parent’s Signature
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Student’s Signature
*If the student’s grade falls to a D or an F by the end of the school year, then taking the advanced class will not be recommended. The
student will be placed in a standard class unless the parent completes and returns the “Request to Enroll” form that is located at
www.bcbe.org. Parents should contact their child’s middle school to find out the date this form is due.