Excellence Live It!!! BHMS NORTH COURSE SELECTION GUIDE 6 th, 7 th, and 8 th Grades 2017-2018
Parents and Students: The information in this booklet will assist you in making course selections for middle school, high school, and beyond. Please take time to review the information in this pamphlet before choosing your classes. It is very important that parents and students choose classes carefully as teacher assignments are based on student course requests in the spring. BHMS North reserves the right to cancel any class if a minimum student requirement is not met or if certified staff is not available to teach the course. Please feel free to contact the Campus Counseling Center if there are any questions concerning courses, scheduling, etc. Parents are encouraged to discuss course selections with their student before signing and returning the course selection plan to the counseling office by the date required. The counseling staff will inform, monitor and advise parents and students concerning course requirements and elective choices, but it is ultimately the responsibility of the student along with parental approval to select classes that will best suit their needs. We do not change course selections once the final course verification sheet has been returned.
A PORTRAIT OF MIDDLE SCHOOL EXCELLENCE Middle school students have more personal responsibilities than elementary school students do. Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students must learn to change classes several times a day and could have as many as six different teachers. Students are responsible for memorizing their class schedule, carrying their own school supplies, and maintaining appropriate behavior. The faculty and staff are dedicated to helping students prepare for success in high school and beyond. Below you will find academic and behavioral expectations required of BHMS North students: Organize materials independently Write down all homework assignments independently Complete all classroom assignments Return completed homework and other required paperwork to school within the appropriate timeline Work independently in the classroom Keep up with their belongings Get to classes on time Identify personal goals Develop and maintain positive relationships Work in collaboration with others Demonstrate integrity while taking personal responsibility for one s own actions Students with disabilities may have ARD documented modifications for some of the above expectations. The faculty and staff are required to adhere to all ARD committee decisions.
Parent and Student Information Barbers Hill Middle School North strives to provide the highest quality education while being responsive to students needs. The participation and commitment of parents and students during course selection and scheduling is a major component in reaching this goal. We ask for your help. Master schedules are developed during the spring prior to the upcoming year. Student course selections determine how many teachers and sections will be needed for a course. The process allows administrators the ability to plan and hire for optimum academic strength. When students are permitted to randomly change schedules, classes become unbalanced. Even the most effective planning is compromised. Very seldom does one course change affect only one course. Careful selections benefit everyone. Thank you for being a crucial part of our educational team as we work together for academic excellence. Course Selection Process Students will be guided through course selections by the counseling office staff. The counselor, academic dean, and other BHMS North personnel will assist students in selecting courses. Students who do not submit a course selection form will have a schedule arranged by the counselor according to their academic needs. High School Credit and GPA: Courses taken for high school credit while in middle school will NOT count in the student s high school cumulative grade point average for high school. The new GPA policy was in effect beginning August 1, 2012. High school credit will be awarded. Pre-AP Courses: BHMS North offers students the opportunity to participate in Pre-AP courses so that they may be better prepared for high school and beyond. Pre-AP students are challenged to be more disciplined, structured, and to perform at a higher academic level. Students participating in the Pre-AP Language Arts Program may have to complete summer reading assignments according to a timeline set forth by the Language Arts Department. All Pre-AP students and parents must sign a Pre-AP contract for the advanced class they have signed up for. Pre-AP contacts will be provided and collected the first week of the school year.
Definitions ELECTIVE- An elective is a course that is not an academic or core class. PRE-AP- Pre-Advanced Placement classes are advanced, more in-depth classes within a subject area. Successful completion of a Pre-AP level course prepares students for high school AP classes. Certain criteria might be required before a student can be enrolled in a Pre-AP level course. Please see each course description for prerequisite information. PREQUISITE- A prerequisite is a requirement that must be met in order to take a certain course. REQUIRED COURSE- A required course is one that a student must take and pass in order to promote to the next grade. SEMESTER- A semester is an eighteen week segment of the thirty-six week school year. Two semesters make up the school year for middle school students. TEKS- TEKS are the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills- a statewide curriculum mandated by the Texas State Board of Education.
I. LANGUAGE ARTS CLASSES Language Arts-Grade 6 th, 7 th, and 8 th Students in the 6 th and 7 th grades will take 2 periods of Language Arts per day. In the 8 th grade students will only take 1 period of Language Arts per day. This occurs in PAP and Regular Language Arts Classes. The Language Arts curriculum meets the needs of students using the TEKS and objectives set forth by the Texas Education Agency. Students will be prepared for the high school language arts curriculum and will read a variety of novels. Students will write compositions and begin the process of using multiple resources in order to write research papers Pre-AP Language Arts- Grade 6 th, 7 th, and 8 th The Pre-AP Language Arts curriculum focuses on written composition, grammar components, and the development of advanced thought processes. Students participate in several independent and group projects. The expectations for Pre-AP students are high. They must be able to complete advanced material while working at an optimum pace. Students MUST enjoy reading and be independent learners in order to be successful at this level. ADMITTANCE RECCOMENDATIONS FOR Pre-AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS A final grade of at least an 85 in previous ELA class is recommended Must sign and adhere to the Pre-AP contract Summer reading assignments may be assigned and will be due according to the timeline established by the Language Arts Department
II. MATHEMATICS CLASSES Mathematics-Grade 6 th, 7 th, and 8 th Students in the 6 th and 7 th grades will take 1 period of Mathematics per day. In the 8 th grade students will take 2 periods of Mathematics per day unless they are in Algebra I or Geometry. The mathematics curriculum challenges all students at their current grade level with TEKS and objectives established by the Texas Education Agency. Pre-AP Mathematics-Grade 6th Students must have successfully completed TEKS assigned to the BHISD 5 th grade accelerated program. This class will pick up with where the 5 th grade accelerated program ended and will complete all of the rest of the 6 th grade TEKS and some of the 7th grade level TEKS and objectives established by the Texas Education Agency with added rigor, depth, and global connections, multiple representations (verbal, algebraic, numerical, graphical, and physical) and expectations of sophistication in advanced student work. Students will be prepared take the 6 th STAAR Math Test in 2018. Pre-AP Mathematics- Grade 7th Students must have successfully completed 7 th grade math curriculum. This class will cover the 8 th grade level TEKS and objectives established by the Texas Education Agency with added rigor, depth, and global connections, multiple representations (verbal, algebraic, numerical, graphical, and physical) and expectations of sophistication in advanced student work. Students will take the 8 th STAAR Math Test in 2018. Geometry- (High School Credit) Students must have successfully completed Algebra 1 for admittance into this class. In Geometry students will master foundation concepts for high school mathematics. Students will continue to build on this foundation as they expand their understanding through other mathematical experiences including: Geometric thinking and spatial reasoning; Geometric figures and their properties; The relationship between geometry, other mathematics, and other disciplines; Tools for geometric thinking; Underlying mathematical processes. Algebra 1- (1 High School Credit) Students must have successfully completed 8 th grade math curriculum. In Algebra I students will master foundation concepts for high school mathematics. Students will continue to build on this foundation as they expand their understanding through other mathematical experiences including: Algebraic thinking and symbolic reasoning; Function concepts; Relationship between equations and functions; Tools for algebraic thinking; and underlying mathematical processes. Students will take the STAAR ALGEBRA I EOC.
III. SCIENCE CLASSES Science-Grade 6 th, 7 th, and 8 th The BHMS North science curriculum provides students with the latest and most innovative of technology and laboratory experiments in order to fulfill the TEKS and objectives of the Texas Education Agency. The purpose of the BHMS North 8 th grade science program is to provide students with the skills necessary to be successful in high school science classes. Pre-AP Science-Grades 7 th and 8 th The Pre-AP science curriculum covers the current grade science TEKS while encouraging advanced skills, in-depth discussion, more comprehensive lab work, and increased independent study. Special projects are assigned during the year, which require individual and group research. Some outside projects will be assigned. Pre-AP science is a rigorous course that requires students to be self- motivated, independent learners. ADMITTANCE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR Pre-AP SCIENCE A final grade of at least an 85 in the current regular or advanced science class is recommended Must sign and adhere to the Science Pre-AP course selection sheet
IV. HISTORY CLASSES History-6 th, 7 th, and 8 th Grades The purpose of the BHMS North History curriculum is to prepare students to be independent learners capable of success in future History classes. Students will study History through a variety of techniques and strategies. Pre- AP History-Grades 7 th & 8 th The Pre-AP history curriculum is designed for students who have a genuine interest in history and plan to take advanced classes in high school. Students will be expected to use high level reading and comprehension skills in this fast-paced class. The Pre-AP history curriculum will go beyond regular history studies. Students will be required to do extensive research and prepare visual presentations. A Pre-AP history contract must be read, signed, and adhered to. ADMITTANCE REQUIREMENT FOR Pre-AP SOCIAL STUDIES A final grade of 85 in current grade Social Studies is recommended Must sign and adhere to PAP History Contract.
V. FULL YEAR ELECTIVES ATHLETIC PROGRAM- FULL YEAR SPORTS ELECTIVE- 7 th & 8 th Grade Students MUST be enrolled in Athletics in order to participate in the BHMS North competitive sports program!!! Tennis is the only sport that does not require you to be enrolled in the athletics class. (If you do not wish to play football, basketball, volleyball, or track, please sign up for P.E. instead of Athletics). Boys Athletics: Football, Basketball, Cross Country, and Track Girls Athletics: Volleyball, basketball, Cross Country, and Track This is a competitive athletic program. Tryouts for at least one of the sports mentioned above will be required. A physical is required to participate. Other forms will need to be completed online on RANK ONE. Drug testing must be completed at orientation for all incoming 7 th graders and any students new to the district before they can participate. Students will need to make arrangements for transportation before and after school practice. Parents should check the district website for potential parent meetings and equipment distribution schedules. Boys and Girls will need to provide their own shoes for the sport they are participating in. Once they have made a team, students may be required to purchase other items. Students will not be able to change their schedule if they change their mind or do not make a team.
BAND- FULL YEAR ELECTIVE PROGRAM-6 th, 7 th,and 8 th Grade 7 th and 8 th Grade Band Students will be instructed on embouchure, instrument position, hand position, posture, breathing, and articulation. Students will learn advanced fingering, scales,and vibrato. Individual practice outside of school is expected as well as a few outside rehearsals and performances. Band is a full year course- no getting out in the middle of the year! Students must have taken band the previous year in order to be in the 7 th or 8 th grade band (or see band instructor) The band will perform at pep rallies, one football game, a Christmas Concert, and a Spring Concert. Opportunities for individual competitions such as All-Region and/or Solo and Ensemble. Possible Bands for 7 th and 8 th grade Concert Band or Symphonic Band. Band in 7 th and 8 th grade is divided up based on a number of factors; Ability level Behavior Academic Grades Regardless of ability level, we have a place for every band student to be successful. 6 th Grade Band No Previous music reading or instrument playing is necessary. If you are at all interested in band, sixth grade is your only opportunity for beginning band which is a requirement for 7 th and 8 th grade band. In beginning band, students are placed on an instrument with the guidance of a band director. Students will learn to read and write music in class. Beginning band students will have two required evening performances during the year. A financial commitment is necessary, although there are a few instruments that are supplied by the school such as French horn, baritone and tuba. Band is a full year course- no getting out in the middle of the year.
CHOIR- FULL YEAR ELECTIVE PROGRAM-6 th, 7 th, 8 th Grade 7 th and 8 th Grade Choir Choir has a place for all students who enjoy singing and performing. Students will learn about correct vocal productions, proper stage presence, and music reading. All choirs will perform in concerts. 7 th and 8 th grade choir students will perform in contests. Individual practice outside of school hours is expected, and there will be a few outside choir rehearsals and performances. Students will perform many styles of music. The following choirs are offered for 7 th and 8 th grade students: Tenor/Bass Choir (Boy s Choir)- By placing all 7 th and 8 th grade boys in one choir class period, we are able to specifically address the vocal issues that pertain to boys and their changing voices. Boys will read, sight read and perform music that is targeted to their specific vocal range. The Tenor/Bass Choir will perform in various concerts and is highly encouraged to audition for several vocal competitions throughout the year. Treble Choir- consists of 7 th and 8 th grade girls who are in the second and third year of vocal education. Girls in Treble Choir will perform in various concerts and are highly encouraged to audition for several competitions throughout the year. Advanced Treble Choir- Students who are placed in advanced treble choir have advanced vocal ability, strong sight-reading skills, and display musical leadership. Girls in Advanced Treble Choir will perform in various concerts and are expected to audition for several vocal competitions throughout the year. 7 th and 8 th grade students who have never been in choir and are interested in participating in the choir program must have a parent contact the choir director to discuss what options are available for their child. Late entrance into the choir program is determined on a case by case basis. 6 th Grade Choir Will perform in one concert in the fall and another in the spring. Throughout the year other opportunities inside and outside of school arise for our beginning students to perform.
STEM- FULL YEAR ELECTIVE -7 th & 8 th Grade (Science Technology Engineering and Math) Year long Project based Team oriented Real World Problem Solving Projects are different at each grade level and may include such things as magnetic levitation vehicles, electronics, robotics, dragsters, etc. ART-FULL YEAR ELECTIVE- 6 th, 7 th, 8 th Grade Year long Art- 6 th, 7 th, and 8 th Grade Art is a great choice for the student who has a serious interest in it. You do not have to be great at drawing. You simply have to be serious about wanting to be better at it. We will study the elements and principles of art, the worlds of famous artists, and combine these into fantastic works of art. Art students can participate in UIL competitions such as Rodeo Art and Chambers County Youth Project Show as well as local contests such as the Fall Fest t-shirt contest, Christmas card contest and UIL t-shirt contest. PRINCIPLES OF AV TECHNOLOGY-FULL YEAR ELECTIVE- 8 th Grade Only Careers in Arts, Audio Video Technology and Communications career cluster require, in addition to creative aptitude, a strong background in computer and technology applications, a strong academic foundation, and a proficiency in oral and written communication. Within this context, students will be expected to develop an understanding of the various and multifaceted career opportunities in this cluster and the knowledge, skills, and educational requirements for those opportunities. THEATRE- FULL YEAR ELECTIVE- 7 th and 8 th Grade This full year theatre arts program will provide an opportunity for students to explore and master skills in creative dramatics. Classroom activities include pantomime, improvisation, characterization, role playing, original dialogue, puppetry, costume and set design, and play production. Emphasis will be placed on a variety of in-class performances and presentations. The course will focus on establishing lifelong skills such as a positive work ethic, organizational skills, developing the responsibility that comes with freedom, developing cooperative and supportive teams, and building selfconfidence. Students will have the opportunity, but are not required, to audition for productions and/or participate in tournaments. These events will require additional preparation after school hours.
ADVANCED THEATRE- FULL YEAR ELECTIVE- 8 th GRADE This course is designed for students with a year of experience, and promotes enjoyment and appreciation for all aspects of theatre through opportunities to build significantly on existing skills. Class work focuses on characterization, playwriting, and playwrights contributions to theatre; while improvisation, creative dramatics, and scene work are used to help students challenge and strengthen their acting skills and explore the technical aspect of scene work. Students must have taken Theatre I. PE-FULL YEAR ELECTIVE- 6 th, 7 th, 8 th Grade Boys and Girls Physical Education Program Although our P.E. students do NOT participate in the BHMS North sports program, they are involved in a variety of fun and innovative activities designed to meet the standards of the Texas Education Agency curriculum. Students who have medical, mental, or physical handicaps will be given modifications. A doctor s signature must be provided for those needing medical modifications. Modifications for those who have mental or physical handicaps will be provided through ARD or 504 Documentation. 7 th and 8 th grade students are required to take 2 semesters of P.E. (or Athletics) between two grades. We encourage 7 th graders to consider taking a year of PE because of the 8 th grade elective options. 6 th grade students are required to take a full year of P.E. and must complete a total of 4 semesters for grades 6-8. Weight training Aerobic Conditioning Ping Pong, Bowling, Jump Rope Badminton Tennis Team Games: kickball, softball, volleyball, basketball, etc. Nutrition/Education Lessons Other Physical Activities Fitness Gram Testing Students will need athletic shoes, sweats for cooler weather, and a water bottle if preferred. 7 th grade students who choose to take a full year of P.E. in the 7 th grade will not be required to take P.E. in the 8 th grade. This will open up their schedule in the 8 th grade for other electives.
VI. ONE SEMESTER ELECTIVE CLASSES CAREER INVESTIGATIONS- 7 th and 8 th Grade The goal of this course is to create a foundation for success in high school, future studies, and careers such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; Business and Industry; Public Service; Arts and Humanities; and Multidisciplinary Studies. The students research labor market information, learn job-seeking skills, and create documents required for employment. PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATIONS- (Speech) ½ high school credit- 8 th Grade Only This one semester class will help 8 th grade students obtain half a credit for a high school elective in a middle school environment. Students will learn to identify, analyze, develop, and evaluate communication skills needed for professional and social success in interpersonal situations. Students will be expected to prepare and share presentations as individuals, and in groups, which will be presented in front of their classmates. TOUCH SYSTEMS DATA ENTRY- ½ high school credit- 7 th and 8 th Grade This one semester class will earn a student a half credit of a high school credit. Students will be taught how to apply technical skills to address business applications. This class will help enhance their reading, writing, and computing skills. Students will learn keyboarding skills and technology skills to produce business documents. TEEN LEADERSHIP- 8 th Grade Only Teen Leadership is a one semester class that helps students learn responsibility and helps them to develop a healthy self-image. Students will be taught decision making skills while learning how to express themselves effectively. This class also teaches students how to recognize and resist peer pressure and become a better citizen.
PE-SEMESTER ELECTIVE- 7 th & 8 th Grade Boys and Girls Physical Education Program Although our P.E. students do NOT participate in the BHMS North sports program, they are involved in a variety of fun and innovative activities designed to meet the standards of the Texas Education Agency curriculum. Students who have medical, mental, or physical handicaps will be given modifications. A doctor s signature must be provided for those needing medical modifications. Modifications for those who have mental or physical handicaps will be provided through ARD or 504 Documentation. 7 th and 8 th grade students are required to take 2 semesters of P.E. (or Athletics) between two grades. Weight training Aerobic Conditioning Ping Pong, Bowling, Jump Rope Badminton Tennis Team Games: kickball, softball, volleyball, basketball, etc. Nutrition/Education Lessons Other Physical Activities Fitness Gram Testing Students will need athletic shoes, sweats for cooler weather, and a water bottle if preferred. 7 th grade students who choose to take a full year of P.E. in the 7 th grade will not be required to take P.E. in the 8 th grade. This will open up their schedule in the 8 th grade for other electives. STEM- SEMESTER ELECTIVE-7 th & 8 th Grade (Science Technology Engineering and Math) Semester Project based Team oriented Real World Problem Solving Projects are different at each grade level and may include such things as magnetic levitation vehicles, electronics, robotics, dragsters, etc.
ART-ONE SEMESTER ART CLASS- 7 th and 8 th Grade Only Art is a great choice for the student who has a serious interest in it. You do not have to be great at drawing you simply have to be serious about wanting to be better at it. We will study the elements and principles of art, the worlds of famous artists, and combine these into fantastic works of art. Art students can participate in UIL competitions such as Rodeo Art and Chambers County Youth Project Show as well as local contests such as the Fall Fest t-shirt contest, Christmas card contest and UIL t-shirt contest.