Seventh and Eighth Grade Course Planning Guide

Seventh and Eighth Grade Course Planning Guide 2011-2012 Required Core Classes General Information All students in 7 th and 8 th grade are required to take the following classes: Language Arts Math Science Social Studies Electives: Students may select from the following electives: Art Athletics Band Career Portals-Engineering/Technology Systems (8 th Grade) Choir Creative Writing (offered at SJMS and FMS only) Drama Exploring Careers/Invention & Innovation (7 th Grade) Journalism PALS/Teen Leadership Physical Education (Required or Athletics) Principles of Arts, Audio Visual Technology & Communications/Principles of Information Technology (8 th Grade) Off-Campus Physical Education Orchestra Spanish I (8 th Grade only) Spanish for Spanish Speakers I and II (8 th Grade Only) Yearbook Online offerings: BIM (Business Information Management) Health After School Activities: *Drill Team *Cheerleading 1 P age 2/11/11

Physical Education Requirement Students are required to have four semesters of physical education during their three years at middle school. Students who attended an MISD middle school in 6 th grade have already completed two semesters. All students must choose either Athletics or PE in 7 th grade. Academic The middle school academic courses provide strong curricula that prepare students for success in future courses in middle school and high school. These courses offer appropriately-paced instruction that covers the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. Students are held to high expectations and are required to exhibit self-discipline and time management skills as important components of the courses. Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) Pre-AP courses are core academic courses that are aligned with the Advanced Placement courses offered at the high school level. Pre-AP courses are designed to challenge motivated students to understand academically rigorous material and are open to all students willing to accept that challenge. Both Pre-AP and Academic courses teach the Texas state curriculum known as the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Students who select Pre-AP are expected to maintain an 80 average in the course. Typically, successful Pre-AP students are self-motivated, maintain A s and high B s in all subject areas, master all TAKS objectives, and are successful in simultaneously managing multiple tasks. Pre-AP Courses offered in Seventh and Eighth Grade: Math Language Arts Science Social Studies Special Education McKinney Independent School District Middle Schools offer a continuum of services for students identified as Special Education through the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) process in accordance with state and federal law. Special Education classes are offered in language arts and math. Students in Special Education will be scheduled according to their Individual Education Plan (IEP). English as a Second Language (ESL) Students whose first language is not English may be included in ESL classes. The emphasis in ESL classes is to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English. The Language Proficiency Assessment Committee, or LPAC, will make course recommendations for students in ESL. 2 P age 2/11/11

GT Program Students who have been identified as Gifted and Talented (GT) through the MISD identification process are served through the GT Program s classes in language arts, math and science. Students will be individually scheduled for the GT courses in which they meet district qualifications. Elective Courses 2011-2012 Art I (7/8) Art I is a full-year course that is based on the TEKS basic strands: perception, creative expression/performance, historical and cultural heritage, and critical evaluation. This art course is designed to expose students to a variety of art media (drawing, design, painting, printmaking, ceramics, and sculpture). Students will develop technical, expressive and creative thinking skills as they produce works of art. Art I is a study and application of the basic fundamentals of visual art. Art II Prerequisite: Students must have successfully completed Art I at either 6 th or 7 th grade level. Art II is a full-year course based on the TEKS basic strands: perception, creative expression/performance, historical and cultural heritage, and critical evaluation. This art course is designed to expose students to a variety of art media (drawing, design, painting, printmaking, ceramics, and sculpture). Art II is a continuation of the study and application of the basic fundamentals of visual arts introduced in Art I. Advanced Art Prerequisite: Instructor recommendation: 6 th grade Art and Art II This course is a rigorous, sequential program for students with a serious interest in pursuing a college level portfolio. The focus on this course will be an advanced curriculum designed to strengthen 2D and 3D studio interests. In addition, this course will focus on the production of multiple images through advanced drawing, painting, and composition skills. Still life, landscape, portraits, value studies and experimental abstractions will serve as the basis for exploration. Students must have teacher recommendation: completed 6 th grade Art and Art II. Portfolio from this course will give the students an opportunity to move into Pre-AP Art I in High School. 3 P age 2/11/11

Athletics Prerequisite: A physical is required for this class. MISD will provide an opportunity to receive a physical at a reduced cost. Athletics is intended for students interested in playing competitive sports. Students must be able to attend practices and games after school and on Saturday. Boys may participate in cross-country, football, tennis, basketball, and track. Girls may participate in cross-country, volleyball, tennis, basketball and track. According to UIL rules a student must maintain a 70 average in all of their classes to remain eligible for competition. Off-Campus PE The purpose of the Off-Campus Physical Education Program is to accommodate students who are making a serious effort to develop high-level capabilities and to allow those students to be involved in a program that provides training exceeding that offered in the school district. Students interested in this program should contact his/her campus counselor for application and guidelines concerning off-campus physical education. One State credit shall be awarded for physical education for appropriate private or commercially sponsored physical activity programs conducted either on or off campus upon approval of district administration. Such approval may be granted under the following conditions: A. Olympic-level participation and/or competition that included a minimum of 15 hours per week of highly intensive professional, supervised training. The training facility, instructors, and the activities involved in the program must be certified by the superintendent to be of exceptional quality. Students qualifying and participating at this level may be dismissed from school for one class period per day. B. Private or commercially-sponsored physical activities that include those certified by the superintendent to be of high quality and well supervised by appropriately trained instructors. Student participation of at least 10 hours per week is required. The student must participate a minimum of four days during the week (Monday through Friday) plus an additional day that may fall either on the weekend or during the week. Participation must always be under the direct supervision of the instructor. No off-campus program will be allowed if located more than 25 miles from the McKinney ISD Administration Building. Application: located on the MISD website under Students http://www.mckinneyisd.net/information/docs/ocpe.pdf 4 P age 2/11/11

AVID AVID is a college preparatory class for 7th and 8th grade students. The program emphasizes strong academic and personal skills necessary for university success. Students eligible to enroll into 7th and 8th grade classes must be nominated by a teacher or parent and go through an application process and participate in an interview. (Some campuses may offer AVID as a 6 th grade course option) The students selected for this class are required to be enrolled in an advanced academics math course, and must have passed the Math and ELAR TAKS. Band Multiple levels exist for 7 th and 8 th grade band. Students will be placed in the appropriate level band based on previous experience and auditions. Students will perform at each of the major band concerts throughout the year. They may also participate in extra-curricular activities such as solo and ensemble contests, clinics, and social events. Depending on the level of band, attendance at extra rehearsals outside of the school day and participation in UIL concert and sight-reading contest is required. Choir Multiple levels exist for 7 th and 8 th grade choir. Students will be placed in the appropriate level choir based on previous experience and auditions. Depending on the level of choir, attendance at extra rehearsals outside of the school day and participation in UIL concert and sight-reading contest is required. Cheerleading Prerequisite: A physical is required for this activity. MISD will provide an opportunity for students to receive physical at a reduced cost. This course is designed for students interested in supporting school activities through cheerleading. There are no tryouts for cheerleading and. Students must attend a skills camp during the summer to be eligible to register for cheerleading. Instruction may consist of tumbling, fitness, dance, 5 P age 2/11/11

cheerleading routines, and leadership. Students are expected to cheer at all home football games and a pre-determined number of basketball games in the evenings. All practices and performances are required and are outside of the school day. There is a financial cost associated with cheerleading. Creative Writing 7 th and 8 th Grade (offered at SJMS and FMS only) Students will learn the introductory basics for writing poetry, short stories, narratives, memoirs, plays, and scripts. Techniques will include directed reading of current models in addition to practice using literary devices, figurative language, and developing voice and style. Students will perfect their critical reading skills through reading, discussion, and writing assignments, and will learn the conventions of critique and collaboration in a workshop setting. Drill Team Prerequisite: A physical is required for this activity. MISD will provide an opportunity for students to receive a physical at a reduced cost. Drill team performs at sporting events and other pre-determined school events. There are no tryouts. Students must attend a skills camp during the summer to register for drill team. Students and parent/guardian must attend a mandatory meeting in the spring semester of the preceding school year. All practices and performances are required and are outside of the school day. There is a financial cost associated with drill team. Drama Drama is a class for students with an interest in and ability for the performing arts. Students will examine scripts, learn basic acting techniques, and explore aspects of technical theater. Students will also prepare for a class production. Drama may require after school practices and evening performances. Advanced Drama This Drama class is designed for students who want to participate in the UIL one-act play. Students will participate with other drama classes in fall and spring plays. Students will examine 6 P age 2/11/11

scripts, learn basic acting techniques, and explore aspects of technical theater. Interested students must apply with the drama teacher. Advanced Drama may require after school practices and evening performances. Journalism Broadcast and Media journalism is the main focus in this class. Students will study all aspects of producing a video including storyboarding, capturing video footage, and digital editing. Students will plan, organize, write, and produce the school newspaper. Orchestra Orchestra meets during the school day and is a part of the daily curriculum, with an emphasis on performing. Students will perform at orchestra concerts throughout the year and have the opportunity to participate in festivals, clinics, and social events. Multiple levels exist for 7 th and 8 th grade orchestra. Students will be placed in the appropriate level based on previous experience, audition, and director discretion. PALS (Peer Assisted Leadership) Participants in PALS are trained in a variety of helping skills which enables them to assist other students in having a more positive and productive school experience. This is a course for students potentially interested in careers in education or other service professionals. PALS uses positive peer influence as a central strategy for addressing areas of concern. In 7 th grade, PALS is paired with Teen Leadership. Students interested in taking this course in the 8the grade must complete an application and be interviewed. Eighth grade students must attend a summer training session for one week prior to the start of school. 7 P age 2/11/11

Physical Education Students will learn a variety of cooperative games and activities to enhance eye-hand/eye-foot coordination, spatial awareness, and cardiovascular fitness. In addition, students will learn the major muscle groups of the body and the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle for a healthier, more productive future. Students take two semesters of PE in 6 th grade and are required to take two more in 7 th grade to meet the state requirement. In 7 th grade this can be done by taking Physical Education or Athletics. There is a required health component that is taught during physical education class. Teen Leadership 7 th Grade Teen Leadership is a character education and leadership development course which includes leadership skills, personal responsibility, principle-based decision-making, social skills, communication skills and goal setting. This course is paired with PALS (Peer Assisted Leadership) in 7 th grade. Exploring Careers/Invention & Innovation 7 th Grade Do you want to be a Crime Scene Investigator, a famous basketball player, or a Marine Biologist? Find out if these are careers that fit your personality, as well as what other careers fit your personality. This course will study various careers, some that you may not have heard of before. This course will let you explore the careers and post secondary opportunities available. Maybe you want to find a training facility for Reiki; you will be given the resources to search for this specialty training. The second portion of this course lets you design your own invention or modification of an existing item. You will also be able create various projects, perhaps a tooth pick bridge, a skate park constructed out of toothpick that a marble skates on, the project vary depending on the students.so what will you create? 8 P age 2/11/11

Principles of Arts, Audio Visual Technology and Communications/Principles of Information Technology Grade Level 8 only Are you going to be the next famous fashion designer or maybe you will design the next video game that kids line up for at midnight the day it is released. Maybe you want to develop the characters for the next 3-D movie or maybe you just like to tear apart computers and put them back together to make them run better. Then this exploratory course is for you. This class will give you an overview of all of the offerings available in these two clusters. Students will be allowed to develop a final project that is related to the field that they are most interested in. This course will count as 1 unit of high school elective credit. Career Portals-Engineering/Technological Systems Grade Level 8 only Do you know what engineering really is? They don t just sit behind a computer all day they are creating new things every day. Some things the public sees, some things never make it to production. An engineer can have a job building robots, designing a flying car, making beauty products like make-up, lotion, hair products or perfume and cologne, or maybe designing the bridge that the future generation will drive on. Students will explore college and career planning within the Engineering cluster. The second part of this course will allow the student to explore the technological systems associated with the engineer industry. You will also be able to develop ways for the systems to work better. You will also be able to participate in various hands on projects. Maybe you will have to find out ways to make your rocket fly higher, maybe you will need to modify your CO2 car so that it goes faster, the project will vary depending on the students.so what will you create?? This course will count as 1 unit of high school elective credit. 9 P age 2/11/11

Yearbook Students plan, organize, write and produce the school yearbook. Enrollment is limited in this class. Spanish I Grade Level 8 only The course seeks to develop language skills and learning techniques and achieve a novice-high level on the ACTFL scale in the four basic communicative skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening. Spanish for Spanish Speakers I This course will count as 1 unit of high school elective credit. Prerequisite: counselor or instructor approval especially in the formal use of the language. This course offers the native Spanish speaker an opportunity to capitalize on strengths and concentrate on specific needs for improvement in the four communicative skills. Spanish for Spanish Speakers II This course will count as 1 unit of high school elective credit. Prerequisite: Spanish for Spanish Speakers I. Students will earn credit for two years of language in one year by completing Spanish for Spanish I and II. BIM High School Credit with successful completion Students implement personal and interpersonal skills to strengthen individual performance in the workplace and in society and make successful transition to the workforce and post secondary education. Students will apply technical skills through word-processing, spreadsheet, database, and electronic presentation software. 10 P age 2/11/11

Grade Level 8 only This course is offered online only and does not appear on a middle school report card or registration card. Information regarding this course can be obtained from your student s counselor. Fee required for each semester. Health High School Credit with successful completion Health is a district required course for high school graduation. Students learn health concepts recommended for comprehensive health instruction. This semester course includes instruction in mental health, family and social health, the life cycle, body systems, personal health and physical fitness, nutrition, medicines and drugs, diseases and disorders, community and environmental health, consumer health and safety and emergency care. Grade Level 8 only This course is offered online only and does not appear on a middle school report card or registration card. Information regarding this course can be obtained from your student s counselor. Fee required for each semester. 11 P age 2/11/11

Registration Instructions 1. Attend one of the parent information meetings. All presentations will be identical and applicable regardless of which middle school your child will be attending. 2. Complete the student information portion of the registration form. Phone numbers are important in case we need to contact you in the summer. 3. Review the course descriptions and determine which subject/course (Academic or Pre-AP) to take. 4. Review the course descriptions aand determine which electives to take. Be sure your choices are clearly marked. (UIL physicals are REQUIRED for athletics, drill team, and cheerleading prior to a student being placed in one of these activities. Physicals must be on or after April 1, 2011, and completed on the official UIL form. Forms will be distributed in PE or Athletics. 5. Mark you choices on the registration form. Both parent and student should sign the form. 6. Students need to return their course selection sheet by March 7 th to their ELAR teacher. 12 P age 2/11/11