🌍 IB Middle Years Programme · Homestead Middle School
One platform for every IB
teacher, student & leader.
Unit planners, task cards, grade merging, community projects, student portfolios — all in one place. Never heard of IB before? We'll walk you through every single step, no experience needed.
8
Subjects
3
Grade Levels
2
Projects/Year
0–8
Score Scale
1 of 10
in Miami-Dade
I am a...
Teacher
Unit planners, task cards, grade upload, rubrics
Student
My grades, portfolio, service hours, policies
Community Leader
Project oversight, hours verification, newsletter
IB Coordinator
Review portfolio, all data, 5-year reports
IB School Code
04889🏫
650 NW 2nd Ave · Homestead FL
Units Submitted
87%📋
2024–25 school year
Scores Due
Jan 13⏰
Summative scores deadline
CP Exposé Night
Apr 16🌍
Plan ahead — evening event!
🌟 Learner Profile of the Month
Knowledgeable
Students develop and use conceptual understanding to explore knowledge. They engage with issues important to their lives and the world.
🛠️ ATL Skill of the Month
Collaboration
Social Skills · ATL
"I can work effectively with others to achieve shared goals and respect diverse perspectives."
"I can work effectively with others to achieve shared goals and respect diverse perspectives."
📅 Upcoming IB Deadlines
| Date | Event | Who | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 13, 2025 | Unit Planners Due | All Teachers | ✓ Submitted |
| Jan 13, 2026 | Summative Scores Due | All Teachers | ⏳ Upcoming |
| Feb 10, 2026 | CP Journal Checkpoint 3 | 8th Grade | ⏳ Upcoming |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Community Project Final | 8th Grade | Pending |
| Apr 16, 2026 | 🎤 CP Exposé — Evening Event | 8th Grade + Families | Pending |
| Apr 24, 2026 | Service Hours Due | 6th & 7th Grade | Pending |
Founded 1968 · Geneva, Switzerland · 108 Countries
The International Baccalaureate
— Made Simple
IB isn't just a curriculum. It's a way of thinking, learning, and seeing the world. At Homestead Middle School, we offer the Middle Years Programme (MYP) — one of only 10 in all of Miami-Dade, and the ONLY choice programme in the South Region.
1968
Founded
1,358
IB Schools Worldwide
108
Countries
10
MYP schools in Miami-Dade
The 3 Big IB Frameworks — Explained Simply
Everything in IB connects to these three ideas. Once you understand them, the rest makes sense.
Global Contexts
Big ideas about the world that show WHY what you're learning matters in real life. Every unit connects to one of 6 Global Contexts. Teachers choose the context that best connects the subject to the real world.
📌 Studying water in Science → "Fairness & Development" (who has clean water and who doesn't?)
📌 Reading Diary of Anne Frank → "Orientation in Space & Time" (how this event in history still shapes us today)
📌 Building a game in PE → "Scientific & Technical Innovation" (how we invent and improve ideas)
📌 Reading Diary of Anne Frank → "Orientation in Space & Time" (how this event in history still shapes us today)
📌 Building a game in PE → "Scientific & Technical Innovation" (how we invent and improve ideas)
Approaches to Learning (ATLs)
These are the SKILLS you practice while you learn. They are not the subject — they are HOW you learn it. There are 5 skill categories with many sub-skills under each.
🧠 Thinking Skills — analyze, evaluate, create ideas
💬 Communication Skills — read, write, present
🤝 Social Skills — collaborate with others
📅 Self-Management — manage time, stay organized
🔍 Research Skills — find, evaluate, cite sources
Example: Meeting a deadline = Self-Management ATL!
💬 Communication Skills — read, write, present
🤝 Social Skills — collaborate with others
📅 Self-Management — manage time, stay organized
🔍 Research Skills — find, evaluate, cite sources
Example: Meeting a deadline = Self-Management ATL!
IB Learner Profile
10 character strengths IB wants every student to grow into. These aren't just words — they show up in how you act, think, and treat others. HMS celebrates one attribute per month.
Inquirer · Knowledgeable · Thinker · Communicator · Principled
Open-Minded · Caring · Risk-Taker · Balanced · Reflective
Example: Respecting classmates from different cultures = Open-Minded!
Open-Minded · Caring · Risk-Taker · Balanced · Reflective
Example: Respecting classmates from different cultures = Open-Minded!
🌍 The 6 Global Contexts — Full Reference
👤 Identities & Relationships
Who am I? Who are we? Identity formation, beliefs, values, human relationships, family, communities, cultures, what it means to be human.
🗺️ Orientation in Space & Time
Personal histories, homes, journeys, turning points in history, discoveries, explorations, migrations, interconnectedness of civilizations.
🎨 Personal & Cultural Expression
How we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs. Creativity, artistry, aesthetic appreciation, cultural traditions.
🔬 Scientific & Technical Innovation
How we understand the natural world, interaction between people and nature, impact of scientific advances, digital life, modernization.
🌱 Globalization & Sustainability
How everything is connected — local to global, environment, consumption, conservation, population, decision-making impact on humanity.
⚖️ Fairness & Development
Rights and responsibilities, equality, access to opportunities, peace and conflict, justice, power, civic responsibility, imagining a hopeful future.
📊 How MYP Grades Work — Step by Step
Step 1: 4 Criteria per Subject
Every subject has 4 criteria: A, B, C, D. Each criterion has its own name depending on the subject (e.g., in Language Arts: A=Analysing, B=Organizing, C=Producing Text, D=Using Language).
Step 2: Each Criterion Scored 0–8
Teachers score each criterion from 0 to 8 using a rubric. Maximum raw score = 32 points (4 × 8).
Step 3: Converts to IB Level 1–7
Raw points convert to an IB Achievement Level from 1 to 7. That IB level then converts to a district percentage/letter grade per MDCPS policy.
| IB Level | Raw Points | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 28–32 | Excellent |
| 6 | 23–27 | Very Good |
| 5 | 18–22 | Good |
| 4 | 14–17 | Satisfactory |
| 3 | 9–13 | Partial |
| 2 | 5–8 | Limited |
| 1 | 0–4 | Beginning |
⚠️ Teachers must assess all 4 criteria at least twice per year — that's why every subject has 2 summative projects each year!
📚 The 8 MYP Subject Groups at HMS
📖
Language & Literature
English · Reading · Writing · Analysis
🌐
Language Acquisition
Spanish or French · Phases 1–6
🌍
Individuals & Societies
World History · Social Studies
🔬
Sciences
Biology · Life Science · Physics
📐
Mathematics
Algebra · Geometry · Data
🎨
Arts
Visual Art · Media Arts
🏃
Physical & Health Ed.
PE · Health · Performance
💻
Design
Technology · Innovation · Coding
🏆 Why IB at Homestead Middle School?
📚
Rigorous & Relevant
Challenges you to think deeper, connect ideas across subjects, and apply learning to real-world situations that matter.
🎓
Bright Futures Scholarship
Continue to IB Diploma in high school and automatically qualify for the Florida Academic Scholars award.
🌍
Global Citizen
Join 1,358 IB schools in 108 countries. Develop international mindedness and make a real difference in your community.
6th Grade — MYP Year 1
7th Grade — MYP Year 2
8th Grade — MYP Year 3
Subjects
8
All subject groups
Projects Complete
10
of 16 total
Scores Uploaded
6/8
2 subjects pending
Next Deadline
Jan 13
Summative scores due
Planner Progress
1 of 7 sections
📌 Section 1 — Unit Overview *Required
🔑 Section 2 — Key Concept, Related Concepts & Global Context
Change
Communication
Communities
Connections
Creativity
Culture
Development
Form
Global Interactions
Identity
Logic
Perspective
Relationships
Systems
Time, Place & Space
💡 Related concepts come from your subject guide. Choose 1–2 that best connect to the key concept.
AI drafts from your key concept, related concepts & global context above.
❓ Section 3 — Inquiry Questions
Every IB unit needs all 3 types of questions. They guide student inquiry from factual knowledge to deeper thinking.
Answer is found in textbooks or research — one correct answer.
Connects concepts — requires analysis and understanding.
No single correct answer — requires evidence, reasoning, and taking a position.
🎯 Section 4 — Summative Assessment Task (GRASP Format)
GRASP = Goal · Role · Audience · Situation · Product. This is how IB frames authentic, real-world assessments. IB Coordinator Mrs. Davis says: "Look at your objectives and develop the assessment based on that."
🛠️ Section 5 — Approaches to Learning (ATL) Skills
Select the ATL skills students will develop in this unit. Choose at least 2. Each IB teacher is expected to address ATLs explicitly in their planning.
🧠 Thinking — Critical Thinking
💡 Thinking — Creative Thinking
🔄 Thinking — Transfer
💬 Communication — Interaction
📝 Communication — Language
🤝 Social — Collaboration
📅 Self-Management — Organization
🪞 Self-Management — Reflection
🔍 Research — Information Literacy
📱 Research — Media Literacy
🌟 Section 6 — IB Learner Profile Attributes
Which Learner Profile attributes will students develop through this unit? Connect to HMS monthly LP focus where possible.
🔍 Inquirer
📚 Knowledgeable
🧠 Thinker
💬 Communicator
⚖️ Principled
🌍 Open-Minded
❤️ Caring
🚀 Risk-Taker
⚖️ Balanced
🪞 Reflective
📊 Section 7 — Assessment Criteria & Scores
All 4 criteria (A, B, C, D) must be assessed at least twice per year across your 2 projects. Click each criterion to select it, then enter the score for this project.
A
Criterion A
B
Criterion B
C
Criterion C
D
Criterion D
💡 Rubric reminder: 7–8 = Excellent · 5–6 = Substantial · 3–4 = Adequate · 1–2 = Limited · 0 = Not achieved
🪞 Section 7b — Teacher Reflection (complete after teaching)
Persuasive Essay — Climate Action Policy
A
Analysing
8
/ 8 pts
B
Organizing
8
/ 8 pts
C
Producing Text
8
/ 8 pts
D
Using Language
8
/ 8 pts
Task: Students write a 600–800 word persuasive essay arguing for a specific climate action policy. Must include 3 supporting arguments with evidence, address a counter-argument, and demonstrate varied sentence structure and precise vocabulary.
Global Context: Globalization & Sustainability | Key Concept: Communication | SOI: Persuasive communication shapes how communities respond to global challenges.
Rubric: 7–8 Excellent · 5–6 Substantial · 3–4 Adequate · 1–2 Limited · 0 Not achieved
Global Context: Globalization & Sustainability | Key Concept: Communication | SOI: Persuasive communication shapes how communities respond to global challenges.
Rubric: 7–8 Excellent · 5–6 Substantial · 3–4 Adequate · 1–2 Limited · 0 Not achieved
Cultural Greetings Guide — Canva Project
A
Listening
7
/ 8 pts
B
Reading
8
/ 8 pts
C
Speaking
7
/ 8 pts
D
Writing
7
/ 8 pts
Task: Level 1 — Create a visual Canva guide showcasing greetings in Spanish or French and explaining the cultural significance. Present role-play of greeting scenarios.
GRASP: Goal: Cultural awareness guide · Role: Cultural Ambassador · Audience: Classmates & school visitors · Product: Recorded or written guide with role-play.
Key Concept: Culture | Global Context: Identities & Relationships
GRASP: Goal: Cultural awareness guide · Role: Cultural Ambassador · Audience: Classmates & school visitors · Product: Recorded or written guide with role-play.
Key Concept: Culture | Global Context: Identities & Relationships
Scientific Investigation — Osmosis Lab Report
A
Knowing & Understanding
6
/ 8 pts
B
Inquiring & Designing
7
/ 8 pts
C
Processing & Evaluating
6
/ 8 pts
D
Reflecting on Impacts
5
/ 8 pts
Task: Design and conduct an osmosis investigation using potato cells. Write a full lab report following the scientific method. Analyze results and reflect on real-world applications in medicine and food science.
Global Context: Scientific & Technical Innovation | Key Concept: Systems
Global Context: Scientific & Technical Innovation | Key Concept: Systems
➕
Create New Task Card
Click to build a new summative assessment with GRASP format and criteria A–D
✅
Upload Files
6 of 8 uploaded
›
⚙️
Auto-Merge
Processing...
›
📊
Review Grades
Coming next
›
📥
Export Report
IB & District Format
📂 Upload Grade Files
Drop Excel files here
One file per subject · .xlsx format · Max 10MB each
📗Language_Lit_8th.xlsx✓ Done✕
📗Language_Acq_8th.xlsx✓ Done✕
📗Sciences_8th.xlsx✓ Done✕
📗Mathematics_8th.xlsx✓ Done✕
📗IS_8th.xlsx✓ Done✕
📗Design_8th.xlsx✓ Done✕
⚠ Arts & PHE still need upload
🔐 Student ID System
Student identities are protected using a coded ID system. No real names appear in the merged report — only the assigned ID.
6251 - 8 - LA - 26
6251
School number
School number
8
Grade (6, 7, or 8)
Grade (6, 7, or 8)
LA
Subject code (LL, LA, IS, SC, MA, AR, PE, DS)
Subject code (LL, LA, IS, SC, MA, AR, PE, DS)
26
Academic year (2025–26)
Academic year (2025–26)
6th Grade
7th Grade
8th Grade
Merged Grade Report — 8th Grade
| Student ID | Lang. & Lit. | Lang. Acq. | I&S | Sciences | Math | Arts | PHE | Design | IB Total | IB Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6251-8-LL-26 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 7 | — | 6 | 43 | Avg 6.1 |
| 6251-8-LA-26 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 50 | Avg 6.5 |
| 6251-8-MA-26 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 48 | Avg 6.0 |
| 6251-8-SC-26 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | — | — | 5 | 27 | Avg 4.5 |
— = grade not yet uploaded · IDs use format 6251-[Grade]-[SubjectCode]-[Year] · Real names stored securely server-side
🐊 8th Grade · MYP Year 3
Welcome back,
IB Student!
You're doing great. Check your grades, upload portfolio work, track your service hours, and read your school policies — all in one place.
My Student ID
6251-8-LA-26
School · Grade · Subject · Year
🎓
🌱
Your 3-Year Story
🌱 Who Are You Becoming?
Every year. Every project. Every reflection. Every service activity. It all becomes part of your story. Build your MYP Journey — and graduate with a PDF of your entire 3-year growth.
Grade 6
Who Am I?
Grade 7
What Do I Do?
Grade 8
Who Am I Becoming?
IB Average
6.2⭐
Out of 7 · Strong performance!
Service Hours
14⏱️
of 20 required · 6 more to go
Portfolio Items
7🗂️
Works uploaded this year
CP Task
Task 9🌍
Journal Checkpoint due Dec 12
📊 My MYP Report Card — 8th Grade
Scores are based on Criteria A, B, C, D (each 0–8). Click any subject to see the full rubric breakdown.
📖 Language & Literature IB Level 6
A
7
Analysing
B
6
Organizing
C
7
Producing
D
6
Language
Total: 26/32 ptsIB Level 6
🌐 Language Acquisition IB Level 7
A
8
Listening
B
7
Reading
C
8
Speaking
D
7
Writing
Total: 30/32 ptsIB Level 7 ⭐
🌍 Individuals & Societies IB Level 5
A
6
Knowing
B
5
Investigating
C
6
Communicating
D
5
Thinking
Total: 22/32 ptsIB Level 5
🔬 Sciences IB Level 5
A
5
Knowing
B
6
Inquiring
C
5
Processing
D
6
Reflecting
Total: 22/32 ptsIB Level 5
📐 Mathematics IB Level 6
A
7
Knowing
B
6
Patterns
C
7
Communicating
D
7
Applying
Total: 27/32 ptsIB Level 6
💡 Arts, PHE, and Design scores pending teacher upload · MYP Report Cards issued twice per year
📜 HMS IB Policies — Read & Sign Digitally
All students and parents must read and acknowledge these policies. No printing needed — sign right here!
Academic Integrity Policy
Honesty, trust, fairness, respect & responsibility · Revised August 2025
✓ Signed
Assessment Policy
IB criteria, grading, formative & summative · Revised August 2025
✓ Signed
Language Policy
English · Spanish · French · Multilingual support · Revised August 2025
⚠ Sign Now
Inclusion Policy
IEPs, 504s, ELL support, equitable access · Revised August 2025
⚠ Sign Now
Admissions & Access Policy
Conditions for IB MYP participation · Revised August 2025
✓ Signed
💡 IB Frameworks Made Simple
🌐
Global Contexts
Big ideas that show WHY your learning connects to the real world. Every unit has one.
🛠️
ATL Skills
Thinking, Communication, Social, Self-Management, Research — HOW you learn, not just what.
📱
Media Literacy — CRAAP Test
Currency · Relevance · Authority · Accuracy · Purpose
Use this to check if a source is trustworthy!
Use this to check if a source is trustworthy!
Total Works
7📁
Uploaded this year
Best Score
7⭐
Language Acquisition
Subjects Covered
5📚
of 8 subjects
CP Evidence
3🌍
Process journal entries
Persuasive Essay — Climate Action
March 2026
Language & Literature
Score: 6
Cultural Greetings Guide (Canva)
Oct 2025
Language Acquisition
Score: 7
Osmosis Lab Report
Nov 2025
Sciences
Score: 5
Geometry Real-World Project
Dec 2025
Mathematics
Score: 6
CP Process Journal — Entry 1
Sept 2025
Community Project
Evidence
CP Service Photos — Park Cleanup
Oct 2025
Community Project
Evidence
Poetry Analysis — Oral Presentation
Jan 2026
Language & Literature
Score: 7
Upload new work
PDF · DOCX · Images · Video
⚠️
Academic Honesty Reminder
All work uploaded must be your own. You may use AI as a tool to understand or get ideas, but never submit AI-generated work as your own. Include proper citations for all sources. Violations are taken seriously and may result in a zero and parent notification. — HMS Academic Integrity Policy, Aug 2025
6th Grade Requirement
10
hours
Due April 24, 2026
Community service in any setting
7th Grade Requirement
15
hours
Due April 24, 2026
Community service in any setting
8th Grade Requirement ⭐
20
hours
Due April 10, 2026
+ Tied to Community Project
My Hours Progress — 8th Grade
14
of 20
Hours Completed14 / 20 hours (70%)
You need 6 more hours before April 10, 2026. That's plenty of time — keep going! 💪
| Date | Activity | Organization / Location | Hours | Adult Supervisor | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sept 14, 2025 | School cleanup event | Homestead Middle School | 2 | Ms. Gonzalez | ✓ Approved |
| Oct 5, 2025 | Food bank distribution | Homestead Food Bank | 4 | Mr. Coordinator | ✓ Approved |
| Nov 2, 2025 | Library reading assistance | Homestead Public Library | 3 | Mrs. Librarian | ✓ Approved |
| Dec 7, 2025 | Biscayne Bay park cleanup | City of Homestead Parks | 5 | Park Ranger J. Smith | ✓ Approved |
| 6 more hours needed before April 10, 2026 | 6 | — | ⚠ Needed | ||
✅ What Counts
✓ Church / religious community service
✓ Neighborhood or HOA cleanup
✓ Nonprofit organizations
✓ School events (cleanup, food drives, helping teachers)
✓ Animal shelters, libraries, nursing homes
✓ Tutoring younger students
✓ Environmental projects (planting, recycling)
✓ 8th grade: project hours count toward the 20!
✓ Neighborhood or HOA cleanup
✓ Nonprofit organizations
✓ School events (cleanup, food drives, helping teachers)
✓ Animal shelters, libraries, nursing homes
✓ Tutoring younger students
✓ Environmental projects (planting, recycling)
✓ 8th grade: project hours count toward the 20!
❌ What Does NOT Count
✕ Any work you are paid for
✕ Helping only your own family at home
✕ Activities without adult supervision or sign-off
✕ Logging hours you didn't actually complete
✕ School assignments or regular class activities
✕ Helping only your own family at home
✕ Activities without adult supervision or sign-off
✕ Logging hours you didn't actually complete
✕ School assignments or regular class activities
⚠️ Always have an adult sign your hours to confirm your volunteer work. No signature = hours not approved.
🗓️ Upcoming Service Opportunities at HMS
| Date | Activity | Hours Available | Sign Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 18, 2026 | 🥗 School Food Distribution Day | 2–3 hrs | |
| Feb 8, 2026 | 🧹 Campus Beautification Saturday | 3–4 hrs | |
| Mar 7, 2026 | 📚 Help in Media Center | 2 hrs | |
| Mar 22, 2026 | 🌱 Butterfly Garden Project (STEAM) | 3 hrs |
🌍 8th Grade · MYP Year 3 · Community Project
Make a real difference
in your community.
Investigate a need, plan your action, serve your community, and reflect on what you learned. This is your biggest project at HMS — and your chance to prove you are a true IB learner. Presented at the Exposé Night on April 16, 2026!
4
Criteria A–D
32
Max Points
20
Service Hours
15
Milestone Tasks
Apr 16
Exposé Night
📋 Official IB Rubric — Criteria A through D
A
Investigating
Max 8 points
i. Define a goal addressing a community need
ii. Identify prior learning & knowledge
iii. Demonstrate research skills
ii. Identify prior learning & knowledge
iii. Demonstrate research skills
Click for full rubric →
B
Planning
Max 8 points
i. Develop a proposal for action
ii. Plan & record development process
iii. Demonstrate self-management skills
ii. Plan & record development process
iii. Demonstrate self-management skills
Click for full rubric →
C
Taking Action
Max 8 points
i. Demonstrate service as action
ii. Demonstrate thinking skills
iii. Demonstrate communication & social skills
ii. Demonstrate thinking skills
iii. Demonstrate communication & social skills
Click for full rubric →
D
Reflecting
Max 8 points
i. Evaluate service vs. proposal
ii. Reflect on knowledge gained
iii. Reflect on ATL skill development
ii. Reflect on knowledge gained
iii. Reflect on ATL skill development
Click for full rubric →
Total: 32 raw points → IB Level 1–7 · Scoring: 7–8=Excellent · 5–6=Substantial · 3–4=Adequate · 1–2=Limited · 0=Not achieved
⚡ Types of Community Service Action
🤝 Direct Service
Interaction with people, environment, or animals.
Examples: tutoring program, working with senior citizens, teaching dogs behaviors at shelter
Examples: tutoring program, working with senior citizens, teaching dogs behaviors at shelter
🏗️ Indirect Service
Verified community benefit without direct contact.
Examples: redesigning an org's website, fundraising for wheelchairs, writing books to teach language
Examples: redesigning an org's website, fundraising for wheelchairs, writing books to teach language
📢 Advocacy
Speaking on behalf of a cause to promote action.
Examples: hunger awareness campaign, anti-bullying play, petition for crossing guard, sustainability video
Examples: hunger awareness campaign, anti-bullying play, petition for crossing guard, sustainability video
🔬 Research
Collecting data to influence policy or practice.
Examples: environmental surveys, animal migration study, research to show need for speed bumps
Examples: environmental surveys, animal migration study, research to show need for speed bumps
📅 Full Project Timeline — 15 Tasks
Check off each task as you complete it
📍 Criterion A — Investigating
Sept 6–9, 2025
Orientation & Parent Information Letter
Attend CP orientation. Parent letter distributed and returned signed by Sept 17.
Criterion A
Sept 12–18, 2025
Task 1: Define Your Goal
Explore topics of interest. Define a highly challenging, SMART goal for your Community Project. Identify prior learning and subject-specific knowledge relevant to the project.
Criterion A
Sept 12–18, 2025
Task 2: Supervisor Request Form
Submit the form requesting your Community Project supervisor. Supervisors announced Sept 26.
Criterion A
Sept 19 – Oct 28, 2025
Task 3: Gather Research
Background research on your topic, history, possible service opportunities. Explore via websites, emails, phone calls. Supervisor initial meeting — summarize in Process Journal.
Criterion A
Oct 24, 2025
Task 4: Topic Notification & Global Context
Submit official notification of your chosen topic for approval. Identify your Global Context and exploration.
Criterion A
Oct 30, 2025
Task 5: Works Cited Page
Submit a formal bibliography of all sources used for research. Use MLA or APA format. Tools: EasyBib or Citation Machine.
Criterion A
📋 Criterion B — Planning
Nov 4–5, 2025
Task 6: Set Up Your Process Journal
Begin your Process Journal — record intents, processes, accomplishments, resources, ideas, photos, quotations, reflections. This is your living document from start to finish.
Criterion B
Nov 12, 2025
Task 7: Project Proposal
Submit your official Plan of Action — type of project, timeline, resources needed, how you will achieve your SMART goal. Supervisor must review and approve.
Criterion B
Oct 4, 2025
Task 8: Process Journal Checkpoint 1
Submit evidence of all required components to this point. Supervisor reviews and approves checkpoint notes.
Criterion B
⚡ Criterion C — Taking Action
Dec 12, 2025 ← YOU ARE HERE
Task 9: Process Journal Checkpoint 2
Submit evidence showing growth, community interaction, and ongoing service. Continue meeting with supervisor. Continue virtual service hours and document everything.
Criterion B & C
Jan 13, 2026
Task 10: Process Journal Checkpoint 3
Continue documenting service as action. Submit Process Journal with evidence of progress since last checkpoint. All hours should be accumulating.
Criterion C
Feb 10, 2026
Task 11: Process Journal Checkpoint 4
Final journal checkpoint before reflection phase. Demonstrate thinking skills and communication with community partners.
Criterion C
🪞 Criterion D — Reflecting
Feb 24, 2026
Task 12: Begin Your Reflection
Start organizing the reflection component. Evaluate quality of service vs. your original proposal. Reflect on how the project extended your knowledge and ATL skills.
Criterion D
March 12–13, 2026
Task 13: Community Service Documentation Deadline
ALL service documentation MUST be submitted. No late documentation accepted. Adult signatures required on all hours forms.
Criterion D
March 12–13, 2026
Task 14: Final Draft & Academic Honesty Form
Submit final draft to supervisor for feedback. Sign and submit the Academic Honesty Form. Supervisor evaluates and provides final recommendations.
Criterion D
April 10, 2026 ⭐ FINAL DEADLINE
Task 15: Submit Final Copy of Community Project
Submit the complete final copy following all guidelines. All documentation in order. 20 service hours verified. Academic Honesty Form signed.
All Criteria A–D
April 16, 2026 — EVENING EVENT 🎤
🎤 Community Project Exposé — Plan Ahead!
Present your project to the school community at this special evening event. This is a celebration — dress up, be proud, invite your family. Prepare a well-organized presentation of your journey.
Celebration Night
May–June 2026
🏆 MYP Celebration of Excellence
Students who completed the Community Project AND their 20 service hours are recognized at the 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony. A proud moment for you and your family! 🐊
8th Grade Students
~120🎓
Enrolled in Community Project
Projects On Track
89✅
74% completion rate
Hours Verified
67%⏱️
School-wide average
Needs Attention
12⚠️
Students at risk
📋 Project Paperwork Templates
Supervisor Request Form
Students submit to request their preferred supervisor
Topic Notification Form
Official topic approval — due Oct 24
Project Proposal Template
SMART goal, plan of action, timeline — due Nov 12
Process Journal Template
Living document — updated throughout project
Community Service Documentation
Hours log with adult signature — due March 12
Academic Honesty Form
Required with final draft — due March 12
Official Scoring Rubric (A–D)
IB rubric with all level descriptors 0–8
⏱️ Service Hours Overview — All Grades
10
hrs
6th Grade
Due Apr 24
15
hrs
7th Grade
Due Apr 24
20
hrs
8th Grade
Due Apr 10 + CP
6th Grade Progress83%
7th Grade Progress71%
8th Grade Progress67%
⚠️ 12 students at risk of not completing hours by deadline — contact families now.
📣 Announce to All Students
📊 Student Progress Tracker
Student ID
Topic
Hours
Current Task
Supervisor
Status
6251-8-LL-26
Community Garden
14/20
Task 9
Mr. Luciano
On Track
6251-8-LA-26
Digital Literacy for Seniors
18/20
Task 9
Ms. Gonzalez
On Track
6251-8-SC-26
Recycling Awareness
8/20
Task 8
Ms. Magutsa
⚠ Behind
6251-8-MA-26
Anti-Bullying Campaign
20/20
Task 10
Mr. Oria
Ahead ⭐
6251-8-IS-26
Food Bank Support
5/20
Task 7
Ms. Jimenez
⚠ At Risk
Showing 5 of ~120 students · IDs protect student privacy · Real names stored securely
📰 Monthly IB Newsletter Builder
🐊
IB School Hub Newsletter
Homestead Middle School · January 2026 · Volume 3
"Dear HMS IB Community, as we enter the second semester, I am proud of the growth our students and teachers have shown..."
🌟 Learner Profile: Knowledgeable
This month we celebrate students who develop and use conceptual understanding to explore knowledge.
🛠️ ATL: Collaboration
"I can work effectively with others." Look for collaboration in your classroom this month!
📅 Upcoming Deadlines
Jan 13 — Summative scores due
Feb 10 — CP Journal Checkpoint 3
Mar 12 — Service docs & final draft
Apr 10 — CP Final Submission
Apr 16 — Exposé Night 🎤
Feb 10 — CP Journal Checkpoint 3
Mar 12 — Service docs & final draft
Apr 10 — CP Final Submission
Apr 16 — Exposé Night 🎤
🐼
HMS IB AI Guide
Knows IB MYP · HMS policies · Community Project · Diploma Prep · Everything
Online
🐼
Hi! I'm the HMS IB AI Guide 👋🐊
I know everything about the IB Middle Years Programme at Homestead Middle School — unit planners, task cards, the Community Project (all 15 tasks!), scoring, policies, service hours, the 5-Year Review, and the IB Diploma path.
Never heard of IB before? That's totally fine — I'll explain it from scratch, step by step.
What do you need help with today?
I know everything about the IB Middle Years Programme at Homestead Middle School — unit planners, task cards, the Community Project (all 15 tasks!), scoring, policies, service hours, the 5-Year Review, and the IB Diploma path.
Never heard of IB before? That's totally fine — I'll explain it from scratch, step by step.
What do you need help with today?
Quick Questions
Unit/Scores
Community Project
Service Hours
Events
IB Review
April 2026
📋 Full IB Deadline List — 2025–2026
| Date | Event | Who | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sept 6, 2025 | Community Project Orientation | 8th Grade | CP | ✓ Done |
| Sept 17, 2025 | Parent letter signed — CP | 8th Grade | CP | ✓ Done |
| Sept 26, 2025 | Supervisor assignments announced | 8th Grade | CP | ✓ Done |
| Oct 24, 2025 | Topic Notification due | 8th Grade | CP | ✓ Done |
| Oct 30, 2025 | Works Cited Page due | 8th Grade | CP | ✓ Done |
| Nov 12, 2025 | Project Proposal due | 8th Grade | CP | ✓ Done |
| Dec 12, 2025 | Process Journal Checkpoint 2 | 8th Grade | CP | ✓ Done |
| Dec 13, 2025 | 🔵 Unit Planners Due — ALL Teachers | All Teachers | Units | ✓ Done |
| Jan 13, 2026 | 🔵 Summative Scores Due — ALL Teachers | All Teachers | Scores | ✓ Done |
| Feb 10, 2026 | Process Journal Checkpoint 3 | 8th Grade | CP | ✓ Done |
| Feb 24, 2026 | Reflection phase begins | 8th Grade | CP | ✓ Done |
| Mar 12–13, 2026 | Service docs + Final Draft due | 8th Grade | CP | ✓ Done |
| Apr 10, 2026 | ⭐ CP Final Submission + 20 Hours | 8th Grade | FINAL | ⏳ Upcoming |
| Apr 16, 2026 | 🎤 CP Exposé — Evening Event | 8th Grade + Families | Event | ⏳ Upcoming |
| Apr 24, 2026 | Service Hours Due — 6th & 7th Grade | 6th & 7th Grade | Hours | ⏳ Upcoming |
| May–June 2026 | 🏆 MYP Celebration of Excellence | All Grades | Event | ⏳ Upcoming |
IB Programme Evaluation · Self-Study Questionnaire
Homestead Middle School
IB 5-Year Review
School: Mrs. Judith Gerena (Principal) · IB Coordinator: Mrs. Claudia Davis · IB Leader: Mr. K. Luciano · Plan Period: May 7, 2025 – May 30, 2026 · Programme Focus: Unit planning, implementation & assessment.
04889
IB School Code
87%
Unit Completion
Dec 19
Submission Date
MYP
Programme
🎯 Programme Development Focus 2025–2026
Focus Area: Learning & Teaching — Unit Planning, Implementation & Assessment
Although unit completion for 2nd semester 2024–25 was at 87%, the development of unit plans was found to be disconnected from core IB areas. State testing mandates and instructional pacing made it difficult to execute units without compromising conceptual thinking, resulting in learners perceiving content as fragmented.
🎯 Goal
Ensure faithful implementation of integrated units explicitly connecting state standards with IB frameworks, enabling students to clearly articulate alignment between both components.
📊 Evidence
Florida Progress Monitoring 2: ~21% proficiency in Language Arts · ~8% in Mathematics. Data reinforces need for stronger coherence between IB unit planning and state standards.
✅ Next Priorities
Continue teacher training for unit planning · Help students understand IB framework in simple, accessible terms · Strengthen student engagement and ownership of learning.
📋 IB Standards Self-Assessment Results
Standard 0101
Purpose — Sharing an Important Mission
Achievement: Strong emphasis on cultural diversity in Language Acquisition. Cultures celebrated through activities and performances. Challenge: Learner Profile not yet consistently infused across all instructional planning.
Standard 0201
Environment — Leadership & Governance
Achievement: Additional faculty meeting implemented for IB-VILS collaboration. Monthly PD led by Mrs. Davis. VILS Lab integrated with MYP. Challenge: Equitable access to VILS for IB students within curriculum demands.
Standard 0202
Environment — Student Support
Achievement: Gator Zone counseling space · 4,100 physical + 10,000 digital books · Mentoring program · Community Partnership model (university + healthcare) · Academic counselor + magnet fair. Challenge: Physical library collection aging.
Standard 0203
Environment — Teacher Support
Achievement: Annual IB summer training + in-house PD every August + monthly faculty meetings. Structured weekly collaborative planning. Challenge: Frequent teacher turnover requires constant onboarding and support.
Standard 0301
Culture — Policy Implementation
Achievement: All 5 required IB policies in place — Academic Integrity, Assessment, Language, Inclusion, Admissions. Physical copies distributed to all students at year start with parent signatures. Challenge: Parents need better guidance on where to access policies online. (This website solves that! 🎉)
Standard 0401
Learning — Coherent Curriculum
Achievement: Interdisciplinary units (Math+Arts), STEAM Butterfly Garden project. Challenge: Collaboration time inconsistent due to testing demands. Formal monitoring system for inquiry-based teaching not yet in place.
📤 Upload Review Evidence Documents
📜
IB Policies (5)
Academic Integrity · Assessment · Language · Inclusion · Admissions
5/5 uploaded ✓
📋
Unit Plans
All subjects · All grades · Current year
87% uploaded
📸
Supporting Evidence
Photos · Meeting notes · Student work · PD docs
In progress
🎓 Your Future · IB Diploma Programme
From HMS Gator
to IB Diploma → Bright Futures!
If you complete the IB Diploma Programme in high school, you automatically qualify for the Florida Academic Scholars (Bright Futures) scholarship. Your journey starts RIGHT NOW at Homestead Middle School.
6
DP Subject Groups
3
Core Components
45
Max DP Points
108
Countries with IB
🗺️ Your IB Journey — Year by Year
6th Grade — MYP Year 1
🌱 Foundation
- Learn all 8 subject groups
- Discover ATL skills
- 10 community service hours
- Explore Global Contexts
- Start building Learner Profile
7th Grade — MYP Year 2
📈 Growth
- Deepen subject understanding
- 2 projects per subject
- 15 community service hours
- Develop research skills
- Strengthen Learner Profile
8th Grade — MYP Year 3 ⭐
🌍 Community Project
- 20 community service hours
- Full Community Project A–D
- Exposé presentation night
- MYP Certificate eligible
- High school preview visits
9th–10th Grade
🔥 High School MYP
- MYP Years 4–5
- Personal Project (Year 5)
- Build DP subject readiness
- Strengthen Extended Essay skills
- Begin CAS mindset
11th–12th Grade
🏅 IB Diploma Programme
- 6 subject groups (HL + SL)
- Extended Essay (4,000 words)
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
- CAS (18 months)
- → Bright Futures Scholarship!
- → College recognition worldwide
🔑 The 3 DP Core Components — What You're Already Building
📖
Extended Essay (EE)
A 4,000-word independent research paper on a topic of your choice. Think of it as a mini college thesis.
What you're building now at HMS: Every inquiry question, every research skill, every unit planner SOI is preparing you to think like an extended essay writer.
What you're building now at HMS: Every inquiry question, every research skill, every unit planner SOI is preparing you to think like an extended essay writer.
🤔
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
A course that asks: How do we know what we know? It connects all your subjects and challenges you to think about the nature of knowledge itself.
What you're building now: Every debatable question in your unit planners is TOK thinking. Every time you ask WHY — that's TOK.
What you're building now: Every debatable question in your unit planners is TOK thinking. Every time you ask WHY — that's TOK.
🌱
CAS — Creativity, Activity, Service
Run for 18 months in the DP — you already do this at HMS! Your Community Project and service hours are building the exact habits and mindset CAS requires.
Every hour you log today is training your mind and heart for DP CAS.
Every hour you log today is training your mind and heart for DP CAS.
🏆 Bright Futures Scholarship — Florida Academic Scholars
🎓
If you choose the IB Diploma Programme in high school and successfully complete it, you automatically qualify for the Florida Academic Scholars Bright Futures scholarship — one of Florida's most prestigious and valuable scholarships for college.
100%
Tuition at FL public universities
IB
Path → automatic qualifier
NOW
Your journey starts at HMS