Beckendorff Junior High Course Selection Information 2017-2018 Future 6 th Grade Bears!
Course Selection Materials KISD 2017-2018 Course Catalog Green course selection packet Parent letter Copy of this power point Course request worksheet Pre-AP Parent letter
Welcome to Junior High! School starts at 7:25 and ends at 2:35 Eight periods per day (including advisory) Advisory period for homework and studying Locker to keep supplies Students change classes independently PE every day and students dress out
Welcome to Junior High! Elective class meets every day Open seating at lunch G/T is integrated into the core classes. Students must qualify for GT classes by subject. Pep Rallies More independence and responsibility
A Typical 6 th Grade Day (A Lunch) Period Subject Room # 1 st English 2007 2 nd Reading 2007 3 rd PE Gym 4 th A Lunch Cafeteria Advisory 2021 5 th Math 2024 6 th Trumpet Band Hall 7 th Science 2014 8 th Social Studies 2010 Each class period is about 45 minutes long except Advisory which is 25 minutes.
A Typical 6 th Grade Day (B Lunch) Period Subject Room # 1 st English 2007 2 nd Reading 2007 3 rd PE Gym 4 th Advisory 2011 B Lunch Cafeteria 5 th Math 2024 6 th Choir 1115 7 th Social Studies 2012 8 th Science 2014 Each class period is about 45 minutes long except Advisory which is 25 minutes.
Choosing Courses Three Class Formats: Academic Challenging work on grade level, prepares students for college, gives more class time to review concepts with teacher support Pre-AP Academically advanced work, designed to challenge motivated students, faster paced, more homework, and increased student independence and responsibility GT Requires previous identification and screening in accordance with KISD guidelines
Choosing Courses Students may choose a combination of class formats. For example, a student may request Pre-AP English and Reading, and Academic Math, Science, and Social Studies. Students considering Pre-AP courses should have earned A s and B s in that course in elementary. Class placement should be a decision made by the parent, student, current teachers, and elementary school counselor.
Choosing Courses Things to consider when selecting a course level: 1. Past grades in school and junior high grade expectations 2. Motivation and attitude 3. Standardized test scores 4. Study habits 5. Willingness to complete homework 6. Outside interests and activities 7. Ease at catching on to new material 8. Independence and responsibility level
Math 6 th, 7 th, and 8 th grade math classes are the foundations for high school math classes and should not be rushed. Academic Math On grade level curriculum Students will have math homework every night to practice the concepts Students will learn 6 th grade skills/concepts only Pre-AP Math - Accelerated math class covering all 6 th grade curriculum and about a third of 7 th grade curriculum A new concept is learned almost every day Students will have math homework every night to practice the concepts Pre-AP math focuses on preparing student for High School Algebra I in 8 th grade
Characteristics of a Pre-AP Math student Problem solver in everyday situations Has developed strong learning and study habits Shows perseverance when challenged Displays emotional maturity when frustrated Demonstrates reasoning skills pertaining to mathematical concepts in everyday life Shows confidence in their own math abilities Strong/mastered fast facts skills Willingness to ask questions in class and seek out help Strongly values learning- Loves to learn!!
Language Arts, Science and Social Studies The difference in academic and Pre-AP for language arts, science, and social studies comes in the resources/materials used and performance expectations. Pre-AP is built upon the core academic curriculum and is designed to build student capacity to understand more rigorous content. Pre-AP is designed to help prepare students for advanced courses in high school.
Electives 6 th grade is allowed to choose 1 elective for the year Some electives require after school commitments Have assignments and receive numeric grades Cannot be changed after the second week of school 6 th grade electives are Fine Arts classes: Art, Band, Choir, Orchestra, and Theater Due to the high demand of certain electives, placement in elective courses will be limited based on availability and are not guaranteed.
Choosing an Elective Class Do consider Your interests and what you would like to learn about How much time outside of school is needed to participate/practice in the elective class What do you like to do for fun What outside time constraints do you have? Don t consider Your friend s choice Cool field trips (a field trip is only one day)
Beginning Band Woodwind, Brass, Percussion Band directors will meet with students in the Spring to determine instrument choices No prior experience is necessary Schedule is determined by the instrument that you select Must rent or buy instrument Three concerts per year Get to play all types of GREAT music Some skills you learn in band: self-confidence, teamwork, problem solving, self-discipline, creativity, communication, and many more.
Band Instrument choices: flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, euphonium, tuba, percussion If you choose band on your course selection sheet as your 1 st elective choice, the band director will send you a letter with additional information
Beginning Choir Singing, reading music, and concerts Four concerts per year including Pop Show No prior experience necessary Perform a variety of music including: classical, movie music, Broadway, folk songs, holiday, and pop Competitions and fun events Opportunities for solos and small groups Expand musical ability, knowledge, and appreciation of music Choir will provide skills such as teamwork, communication, sight-reading, problem solving, and logical reasoning. A safe place to be with many friends
Beginning Orchestra Violin, Cello, Viola, Bass Orchestra director will meet with students in the Spring to determine instrument choices Schedule is determined by the instrument that you select Must rent or buy instrument Learn different styles of music (also learn some jazz and fiddling) Four or five concerts per year Important facts about orchestra: Concerts, play at festivals, play classical music, meet new friends, and more Learn teamwork, cooperation, and problem solving
Beginning Art Introduction to art in the areas of drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, textiles, and technology Exciting projects in both 2D and 3D Explore different mediums like colored pencils, acrylic paint, paper mache, and more Develop both artistic and creative skills
Beginning Theater Focus on vocabulary and theatrical terms Building sets, costumes, make-up, and lighting Creating scripts and performing Performing short scenes from published works Playing theater games such as improvisation
Physical Education Students pay a $15 fee at the beginning of the year for their PE uniform, lock for locker and laundry service. Students will dress out daily in their PE uniform. Students will receive a numeric grade for this course. Students will develop a basic level of fitness and wellness along with learning the skill of each sport. Athletics only for 7 th and 8th graders
Possible Required Courses These courses take the place of your elective class. Math Lab designed to refine math concepts and fill in gaps Read 180 designed to improve reading proficiency and comprehension Placement may be mandatory as a result of KISD standards and graduation requirements STAAR results are used to determine placement in the above courses
Advisory Advisory is a time to: 1. Work on homework 2. Study for quizzes and tests 3. Review/complete planner 4. Get organized 5. Read or practice extra work
Course Selection Worksheet Due to your 5 th grade Homeroom Teacher If you are moving or planning to move, you still must turn in a course selection sheet Must be signed by parent/guardian and student
How to Complete the Course Selection Worksheet All students must sign up for: English and Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies, PE, one Elective, and list 2 alternate electives Place a check mark next to the course you are requesting Example: ENGLISH J602 English 6 J604 English 6 Pre-AP G604 English 6 GT*
Verification Process All students will receive a verification sheet in March The verification sheet is not a schedule it is the list of courses you selected No changes will be made to courses prior to verification sheets being distributed Any changes to the student s courses should be made on the verification sheet and returned to the homeroom teacher with a parent signature If we do not receive a verification sheet back, we assume no corrections need to be made to your course selections
Questions? Please click on the link below to ask the counselors any questions you may have. We will provide a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) once all questions have been collected. https://docs.google.com/a/katyisd.org/forms/d/e/1fai pqlsdce_bl5kx0- t37psy6so4wcslhmjid0faia2dbjsanzegpaa/viewform
We can t wait to see you at BDJH!