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2013 - 2014 Course Selection

2013 - 2014 Course Selection. Future 8 th Grade Students. Materials. Parent L etter Copy of Power Point Course Request Sheet Pre AP Information Course Catalog has been given to your child. Course Request Sheet. Due to your Social Studies teacher by Thursday, February 14, 2013.

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2013 - 2014 Course Selection

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  1. 2013 - 2014 Course Selection • Future 8th Grade Students

  2. Materials • Parent Letter • Copy of Power Point • Course Request Sheet • Pre AP Information • Course Catalog has been given to your child

  3. Course Request Sheet • Due to your Social Studies teacherby Thursday, February 14, 2013. • If you are moving or planning to move, please fill it out anyway. • Parent and student must sign. • Make wise choices!

  4. Welcome to 8th Grade! • Final Preparation for High School: • -Higher expectations • -More independence and self-direction • -Study habits and organization are keys to being successful • Classes: • 45 minutes long, 5 minute passing • TwoElectives: • More Choices than 7th grade

  5. How To Request A Course • All students must sign up for the following: English, Math, Science, Social Studies, PE, twoElectives, and two Alternate Electives • Choose a course by placing a check on the line • You should talk to your child’s teachers about PreAP placement Example: SCIENCE ____J830 Science 8 ____ J832 PREAP Science 8 ____G832 GT Science 8

  6. Choosing Courses • Your child will most likely sign up for similar courses to what he/she had in 7th grade. • Steps to use when considering which format to sign up for: • Past grades in school and the kind of grades they like to make • Motivation and attitude • Standardized test scores • Study habits • Willingness to complete homework • Outside interests and activities • How quickly they catch on to new material • Independence level

  7. PreAP • If you would like for your child to try PreAP for the first time, talk to his/her current teacher. Most teachers teach Academic and PreAP. They know the curriculum, the pace, and they know your child’s work habits. They can make an honest recommendation on whether they feel your child will be successful in a PreAP course.

  8. High School ALGEBRA • Students must meet district criteria to be in Algebra. • Algebra I is the foundation course for ALL higher level math courses. • It’s NOT about intelligence - it’s ALL about “readiness” for taking this course, due to the development of abstract thinking, which occurs between 7th and 10th grade. • Students generally take Algebra I in 9th grade.

  9. High School ALGEBRA • Expect 45 minutes of homework EVERY night • The expectation is for Algebra 1 students to take Calculus in high school because of a high interest in applied math or science-related areas. • A strong work ethic is a MUST • Taking Algebra in 8th grade must be a priority of your time and effort • It must be YOUR decision to commit to this extra challenge and work load in 8th grade. • Do what is best for you - not for your best friend! They won’t be taking your Algebra tests for you. • Your Algebra grade counts toward the GPA and transcript for High School - Colleges will see this grade; it is permanent

  10. Athletics Football Volleyball Basketball Track Tennis Golf Athletics is only for football, volleyball, and basketball No one is in athletics exclusively for the other 3 sports. Remember: UIL “No Pass, No Play” in effect –any grade below 70 on the report card will prevent playing. NOTE: NO student may sign up for Athletics. Coaches will determine placement and notify the counselor’s office. Boys signing up for football may choose PE and write in football next to it.

  11. Possible Required Courses • Math Block – designed to help refine basic math skills and help with preparation for STAAR • Read 180– designed to help improve reading level and help with STAAR skills • Your child will be required to attend one or both of these if he/she does not passthat portion of STAAR. The class will take the place of an elective. • Due to the Texas SSI (Student Success Initiative) students are required to pass STAAR in 8th grade in order to advance to the next grade level.

  12. Electives (Not for High School credit) • Art I-(J750 not for HS credit) a drawing intensive course focusing on the basics of art. Students will explore various exciting 2D and 3D mediums. ALL student will see an improvement in their artistic skills. • Publications (Newspaper/Yearbook) Application Required - Introductory course covering skills from how a printer works to the mechanics of graphic design. Learn how to work as a team and as a staff. Will actually work on publications for the school (newspaper, brochures, personal business cards and yearbook). Basic Photographic and Journalism techniques will be explored. • ***In the event that this class IS NOT implemented, those students who would like to be involved with Publications will take the course during the Advisory period.

  13. Electives (Not for High School credit) • Theatre I- Focus on vocabulary and theatrical terms, build sets, create scripts and perform, create Greek masks, short scenes from published works, and play theater games such as improvisation. • Theatre II – Prerequisite: Theatre I – Extended study of Theatre I; designing sets, costumes, and make-up.

  14. Electives (Not for High School credit) Teen Leadership What will I learn? About yourself – how to develop your strengths Decision making skills that will help you make positive choices Create better relationships with friends/family Becoming an effective listener/communicator How to serve others To work effectively with a group How will I learn? Teen Leadership – Flip Flippen curriculum Service project/fundraising opportunities Class discussion, role plays and team building games Class is open to 7th & 8th grade

  15. Electives (Not for High School credit) • Band – Woodwind, Brass, Percussion • Students are grouped by audition into a performing band. • Auditions will be held at the end of this school year. • Performance opportunities include: • Football games • Pep rallies • Three concerts per year • Contests and festivals throughout the year • Perform a variety of music. • Classical, popular, movie music, jazz • Designed to enhance skills of self-confidence, team work, problem solving, and communication through the art of music performance.

  16. Electives (Not for High School credit) • Choir – Singing, Music Reading, and Concerts • Four concerts per year including pop show • Opportunities for solos and small groups • Perform a variety of music including: classical, movie music, Broadway, folk songs, holiday, pop, and cultural • Designed to enhance a student’s musical ability, knowledge and appreciation of music • Competitions and fun events • Skills and activities learned in choir: • Teamwork, communication, sight-reading, and problem solving, reasoning logically and learning to use symbols, public performing, responsibility, and self-expression

  17. Electives (Not for High School credit) • Orchestra – Stringed instruments, violin, cello, viola and bass • Students are divided into 4 separate orchestras based on ability and experience. • Auditions are held at the end of the previous school year and at the beginning of the current school year for “move in” students.  • Violins and Violas are student owned. Cello and Basses are encouraged to have a “home” rental instrument and use a school instrument during the day ($100 maintenance fee) • Students will learn and practice skills necessary for playing in large and small ensemble performance. Among those skills are teamwork, responsibility and persistence. • Music played is from a wide variety of resources; classical, jazz, fiddling, contemporary, baroque, etc. • Private lessons encouraged but not required.

  18. Electives (Not for High School credit) STUDENT AIDE: • Help in an office setting (attendance, counselor, front office, etc.) – Student is assigned to an office. • Must be highly responsible, enjoy filing, organizing, alphabetizing, and doing repetitive tasks. • Must be reliable, helpful, and able to keep information confidential. • There are very slow times and very busy times!! • Student aides are NOT allowed to roam the halls and socialize. • APPLICATION REQUIRED!!

  19. High School Credit Courses Due to the 26 credits required for graduation, students are encouraged to complete at least one high school credit while in junior high.

  20. Electives for High School Credit • Concepts of Engineering and Technology (formerly known as Technology Systems) – Counts for 1 Elective Credit in High School This course provides an overview of the various fields of science, technology, engineering, and math and their interrelationships. Students will use a variety of computer hardware and software applications to complete assignments and projects. Students will use multiple software applications to prepare and present course assignments along with hands-on projects. • Principles of Human Services (formerly known as Personal & Family Development) – Counts for 1 Elective Credit in High School Students will investigate careers, including counseling and mental health, early childhood development, family and community, and personal care services. The course is designed to address a broad range of knowledge and skills related to personal development and management, promotion of strong families, and preparation for adult roles. • Art I for H.S. Credit - Counts for 1 Fine Arts Credit in High School - No prerequisite required to take course - Focus on 2 and 3 dimensional projects -Exposure to the visual world and its overall unity -Students develop a vocabulary for art and develop skills to graphically express their own ideas

  21. Electives for High School Credit • Foreign languages: (High School Credit) • Spanish 1B – sign up for this if you are currently taking Spanish 1A - One year course taught over 2 years (1A in 7th grade & 1B in 8th grade) 2) Accelerated Spanish • One credit in one year • Prerequisite for this course is to be in Pre-AP/GT Language Arts • Must maintain an average of 85 in Language Arts classes • Student must demonstrate 85th percentile or above on the language arts subsection of the most recent achievement test • Language Arts teacher recommendation required. Student must pick up Teacher Recommendation Form from the counselor’s office. • Would have to continue foreign language by taking Spanish II in 9th grade • Students are responsible for a mid-term and final that counts for one-fourth of semester grade. • Held just as accountable as high school students.

  22. High School Credit Courses • Grades earned (by semester) for any high school credit course will be applied to Grade Point Average (GPA). • A = 4 points • B = 3 points • C = 2 points • D = 1 point • F = 0 points • Class rank and GPA will be recorded to permanent high school transcript, which is used for college admission.

  23. High School Credit Courses • Each semesteris recorded on the student’s high school transcript. • All high school courses attempted (each semester) count towards GPA and class rank. • A 99 and a 90 are both worth 4 points. • What you earn is permanent!

  24. High School Credit Courses • Please consider carefully before signing up. • These courses have as much if not more homework than other academic subjects • Starting credits early can be an advantage only if your child is capable and willing to keep a 3.0 (B) or higher • Same curriculum and requirements as actual high school courses • Taking high school credits are not required in junior high, but are recommended • The final exam counts as 15% of the semester average

  25. Electives • Choose 2 Alternate Electives • A class may be full • A class may not fit into your schedule • A class may not make the final schedule **NOTE: Elective changes will not be made after the 2nd week of school. CHOOSE WISELY!**

  26. A Word About Miller Career Center • Many wonderful opportunities & many new courses being offered for High School students! • MCC counselor will speak to interested students spring of 8thgrade year • Many work/intern and college credit opportunities • Please read the Course Catalog, check out the website or schedule a visit to find out more • Requires planning ahead of time!!

  27. Verification Process • Verification Sheets – given out in early May • A list of courses chosen (not a schedule) • The only time allowed to make any changes and corrections—no changes will be made to courses prior to verification sheets being distributed • Make changes on verification sheet and return • If we do not receive it back, we assume no corrections need to be made to classes • The verification sheet is only a list of courses requested. We are not always able to guarantee electives that are listed on the verification sheet.

  28. Reminders!! • Course Sheet due Thursday, February 14thto your Social Studies teacher • Think carefully about classes and choose wisely • Talk to teachers about PreAP placement • Choose 2 alternate electives • Verification sheet given out in May – ONLY time to make changes to courses

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