HARRIS MIDDLE SCHOOL NORTHEAST ISD Course Selection Guide 2018-2019 School Year
Middle School Course Requirements Each student MUST have: 3 years of English (general level or Pre-AP) *Summer English assignment may be requiredmore information to come* 3 years of Reading (general level or Pre-AP) *Summer reading assignment may be required-more information to come* NOTE: If a student selects Pre-AP English, they MUST sign up for Pre-AP Reading. If a student selects regular level English, they must also take regular level Reading. 3 years of Math (general level or Pre-AP) 3 years of Science (Pre-AP available in 8 th Grade) 3 years of History (Pre-AP available in 8 th Grade) 1 Fine Arts course (band, choir, orchestra, art or theater arts) 4 semesters of Physical Education, with at least 1 semester taken each year 1 semester of Health in 6 th grade
Pre-AP vs General Level Classes Pre-AP classes are designed prepare students for the college level work of Advanced Placement (AP) classes in high school. The purpose of AP classes in high school are to gain college credit for courses by taking the Advanced Placement Exam at the end of the course. Pre-AP students are expected to: Use higher level thinking skills Develop successful study skills Comprehend knowledge at a faster pace Commit to a higher rigor and demand in the class Organize time and efforts to successfully complete the course
Courses by Grade 6 th Grade will take: English Reading Math Science Social Studies PE/Health Fine Art Elective 7 th Grade will take: English Reading Math Science Social Studies PE Elective Elective 8 th Grade will take: English Reading Math Science Social Studies PE/Elective Elective Elective
GEAR UP FOR 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR ALL CURRENT 5 th, 6 th and 7th GRADE STUDENTS & PARENTS Date: Monday, January 22th Time: 5:45 PM to 7:30 PM Location: Harris Cafeteria You are invited to an exciting evening visiting with elective teachers and learning more about elective choices for next year. Meet Harris Middle School Administration, Counselors, and Elective Teachers
AIM AIM stands for Academic & Individual Motivation and is available to 7 th grade students. AIM does not count towards the required Fine Arts credit. The focus of AIM is to enhance the curriculum by providing enrichment and or support to the core academic subjects. AIM may also provide students with critical skills such as study habits, note-taking, test taking strategies, organizational skills, time management, goal setting, and character education. If time allows, students may also receive study hall support. Email Lmore@neisd.net with any questions concerning AIM.
Art Art is available to 8 th graders as a full year course and counts as a required Fine Art credit. From a Harris MS Art Teacher: If you re interested in learning about drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking and much more, you should take Art. In Art you will explore the world and develop your creative and artistic skills through art projects, art history, and art competitions. Big companies say they want problem solvers and creative people. Art class develops these skills. Email Tabel@neisd.net with any questions concerning Art classes.
AVID AVID is available to 7 th grade students and does not count towards the Fine Arts requirement. If interested, the AVID teacher/counselors will have applications as a completed application is required for consideration into the AVID program. From the Harris MS AVID teacher: AVID is a program designed for students who are willing to work hard, so they can be taught the skills needed to successfully complete the challenging courses that will prepare them for four-year universities. Students are to take ownership of their own learning and futures, hence the acronym Advancement Via Individual Determination. This program teaches leadership development, organization, critical thinking through cultural and college field trips, teambuilding, tutorials and many other avenues. Please email Lrobin2@neisd.net with any questions about AVID.
Band Band is available to 7 th grade students and does count towards the state required Fine Arts credit. A note from our Band Director, Mrs. White: In band you will learn to play a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument that we will help you choose. You do not need to know how to play an instrument or even know how to read music we will teach you everything that you need to know in your band class during the school day. In band, we have so much fun making music together as a team we are a big band family, join us! Please email Mwhite2@neisd.net with any questions concerning band.
Choir Choir is available to 7 th grade students and does count towards the state required Fine Arts credit. Beginning choir builds on the knowledge, skills and understanding developed in elementary school. Students in this course will experience singing in unison and in parts, with an emphasis placed on proper vocal techniques and sight-reading skills. Please email Arunne@neisd.net with any Choir questions.
Concepts of Arts, A/V & Communication A note from the technology teacher: This course develops a strong background in computer and technology applications and a proficiency in oral and written communication. The student is expected to use numerous software and internet applications to create and edit digital photos, images, audio, and video. Students will learn employability characteristics and professional communication skills. Successful completion of this course will result in a high school credit. Email tengle@neisd.net with any questions concerning classes.
Concepts of Engineering & Technology A note from the teacher: This course provides an overview of the various fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics and their interrelationships. Students will use a variety software and internet applications to complete assignments and projects. Students will participate in virtual engineering design competitions, create technical drawings, and construct projects with partners. Successful completion of this course will result in a high school credit. Email tengle@neisd.net with any questions concerning classes.
Debate A note from the debate teacher: Debate class is designed to teach students the fundamentals of analyzing a given issue from both sides and effectively persuading an audience. Also, students will participate in Competitive Debate and will learn to properly prepare arguments based on certain criteria that consider both sides of controversial topics. Email jyapia@neisd.net with any questions concerning debate classes.
Green Team/Gardening A note from the green team teacher: In this class you will get hands on experience working in a garden. We have a fall and spring garden. You will have the opportunity to try new foods, take fresh vegetables home to your family, learn some business skills, and serve the community. We will also do several community outreach programs. Throughout the year we will work on a Junior Master Garden curriculum. Upon completion, you will be a certified junior master gardener. Be prepared to have fun and get dirty! Email mthurm@neisd.net with any questions concerning green team classes.
Orchestra Available to 7 th grade students and does count towards the state Fine Art requirement. From the Harris MS Orchestra Director: Orchestra is for students who are interested in learning to play the violin, viola, cello or bass. In orchestra, you will read and write music, discuss music history and perform in several concerts throughout the year. We also do several optional competitions, trips and lock-ins that you will have the opportunity to take part in. Please email mturne7@neisd.net with any Orchestra questions.
Physical Education/Athletics NEISD requires 4 semesters of PE, with at least 1 semester taken each year. 7 th Graders are required to take PE or athletics for a full year. If you are interested in athletics you must get a Coach's recommendation to participate. In order to be in athletics you are required to participate in at least two sports. Boys choices are Football, basketball, and track Girls choices are Volleyball, Basketball and track *Soccer, tennis and golf are also available, but not during the athletics class. These sports will practice before or after school.
Principles of Hospitality Principles of Hospitality and Tourism is a fun class that encourages you to find your own interests. We will cover introduction to travel and tourism. Within this class we cover restaurant management and an introduction into Culinary Arts and Nutrition/Cooking. You will experience learning in the lab environment through culinary arts. We cook weekly for nine weeks and at the end you will prepare a celebration for yourself and parents. Second semester, you will spend time learning about travel experiences/destinations and the design of theme parks, cruise liners, and airlines. We will continue to cook as we explore destinations throughout the U.S. It s a fun interactive learning environment!! Email lrodi30@neisd.net classes.. with any questions concerning
Principles of Human Services Principles of Human Services is a fun class that encourages you to find your own interests. We will cover Personal and Career Success, Financial Literacy, and Nutrition/Cooking. You will experience learning in the lab environment through cooking. We cook weekly for nine weeks and at the end you will prepare a celebration for yourself and parents. Second semester, you will spend time learning about child development, family life, and will have firsthand experience in the sewing lab. During the sewing portion of class, you will create and sew projects that you will be able to take home. It s a fun and interactive learning environment!! Email lrodi30@neisd.net with any questions concerning Human Services classes.
Spanish A note from the Spanish teacher: This is a high school Spanish course split into 2 years, 7th and 8th grade. You will learn to speak, read and write in Spanish. Email agauvr@neisd.net with any questions concerning Spanish classes.
Theater Arts Theater Arts is available to 7 th grade students and does count towards the Fine Arts requirement. From the Harris MS Theater teacher: Theatre is a collaborative art that increases children s communication skills, creativity, and empathy for reallife situations. We work together to learn movement, vocal techniques, compete at speech contests, and work together to learn the process of producing a play and short film. Students are encouraged to participate in productions and contests after school, as well as join the Harris Drama Club. Email kkorth@neisd.net with any questions concerning Theater Arts.
Yearbook Production A note from the yearbook teacher: The Journalism/yearbook course has been designed to provide students with journalism skills and the ability to apply those skills to the actual production of the yearbook. Therefore, staffers will learn and practice teamwork, brainstorming, layout/design, reporting, editing, photography, typography, advertising and distribution. Email cstewa6@neisd.net with any questions concerning yearbook classes.
Course Selection Sheets Course Selection Sheets for the 2018-2019 school year MUST be returned by February 2, 2018 to your Math teacher. Failure to return the course selection sheet on time could result in the school selecting classes for you. For additional information and assistance, please contact the Harris Counseling Office at 356-4126, or by e-mail: Jennifer Heisler, 7 th grade counselor at Jheisl@neisd.net.
Upcoming Dates DATE EVENT LOCATION TIME January 22, 2018 Monday Harris Middle School Elective Showcase Parents & students meet elective teacher & learn about different elective options available at Harris MS. Harris Middle School Cafeteria 5:45 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. February 2, 2018 Friday Deadline for Course Selection Sheets to be returned to 6 th Grade Math Teacher Math Teacher 3:30 P.M. August 2018** Harris 7 th Grade Camp Harris Middle School TBA