welcome eighth grade highlanders of 2013-2014. goals to challenge kids academically to keep children...
TRANSCRIPT
Welcome Eighth Grade Highlanders of
2013-2014
Goals
• To challenge kids academically
• To keep children safe
• To prepare kids for high school
P.T.O. Meeting
• January 24 at 9:30 a.m. • Dr. Chris Hines, Deputy Supt• Expectations of the new STAAR tests and it’s impact
on students• Key aspects parents/guardians need to know
regarding the STAAR End of Course (EOC) exams taken by our students enrolled in high school algebra and geometry
• Important considerations for parents/guardians when choosing high school courses for your child
Dates To Be Determined
Student Orientation
Football Equipment Issue Day
Semester exam dates 2013-2014Hinges on district adoption of calendar
Two calendar drafts for next year on our district website for your review at this time
School Day
• 8:50 a.m. until 3:50 p.m.
• Everything from an operational perspective remains much the same.
Required Courses – 8th grade
• Language Arts• Mathematics• Science• U.S. History• P.E. (1 semester)• Electives – 5 choices• Please note the
difference from 7th grade, which only provided 4 choices.
8th Schedule(No fine arts or athletics)
Period Red Green 1st Math Science 2nd Language Arts Math/Reading 3rd PE Elective Advisory Advisory Advisory 4th Elective History
The P.E. class is one semester in eighth grade and then replaced by an elective the other semester. Students will take five electives total.
8th Schedule(Athletic Schedule)
Period Red Green 1st Elective Science 2nd Math History 3rd Language Arts Math/Reading Advisory Advisory Advisory 4th Elective Athletics
Typically, eighth-grade athletics classes meet in the afternoon. Athletics is a commitment for the entire year. There is no one semester athletic course.
8th Schedule(Band, Choir, Orchestra)
Period Red Green 1st Math Elective 2nd P.E. History 3rd Language Arts Reading/Math Advisory Advisory Advisory 4th Choir Science
The actual time slot for the musical fine-art class will vary based on the specific class assigned.
Elective/Core Course Requests• Elective/Core Course Request Sheets will be
sent home with current seventh graders in the next few weeks.
• The document provides space for elective requests (5).
• The reverse side provides information for core class level requests (language arts, science, and social studies—Pre-AP or regular).
Elective/Core Course Requests• You may chose the level of the core course choice for
language arts, science, and social studies for your child.
• This selection is to be marked on the reverse side of the elective/core course request sheet.
• In math, students will progress automatically to the next appropriate course in the math-learning sequence.
– Seventh-grade math to Pre-Algebra
– Pre-Algebra Pre-AP to HS Algebra Pre-AP
– HS Algebra Pre-AP to HS Geometry Pre-AP
Elective Course Request Sheet
• On request sheet:• Please read all detailed, bulleted information on
the document for specifics.• Year-round classes occupy two slots and should
be listed as the first requests.
The Elective Course Registration Process
• Our administration and our counselors will meet with each incoming eighth grade student to discuss his/her elective requests in math class.
• We will review the sheet shown on the previous slide to ensure accuracy.
• The request will be entered into our system with the student during math class.
• We use these requests to hire qualified teachers.
Notification of Student Elective Requests
• During the spring, we will send home documents indicating the requested elective courses as well as the specific levels of core academic classes they chose.
• Please review these closely and let the Counseling Center know before May 1st if there are any needed changes.
Factors which affect individual student’s schedule formation
• Staffing (based on enrollment)
• Availability of Course
• Core Course Selection
• Course selection by students
• Seniority
Specialty ClassesAthletics
Fine Arts
Algebra
Physical Education
Number of electives20 unique choices
Will take 5
Adventure into Academics
Core Subject Information
Required Courses – 8th grade
• Language Arts• Mathematics• Science• U.S. History• P.E. (1 semester)• Electives – 5 choices• Please note the
difference from 7th grade, which only provided 4 choices.
Science
• Science• Pre-AP Science
Independent Study Science Fair Project
• There is an increased expectation for the level of the project in eighth grade above and beyond what was expected in seventh
• The students focus on technical writing with increased research in eighth grade
• The project requires considerable work conducted outside of the school day
• If you have questions please ask Ms. Fowler after this presentation
History
• U.S. History• Pre-AP U.S. History
– Students need to be able to read and write critically, perceptively, and independently.
Language Arts
• Language Arts• Pre-AP Language
Arts– Students really need
to be self-motivated readers and writers.
Eighth Grade Math Courses
• Pre-Algebra• Algebra (HS)• Geometry (HS)
MathProgression (Regular)
• 7th Grade - 7th Math• 8th Grade - Pre-Algebra• 9th Grade - Algebra• 10th Grade - Geometry• 11th Grade - Algebra II/Pre-Calculus• 12th Grade – Calculus (Optional)
This is also diagrammed in our Course Description Guide.
Math Progression (Advanced 1 year)
• 7th Grade - Pre-Algebra Pre-AP
• 8th Grade – HS Algebra Pre-AP
• 9th Grade – HS Geometry
• 10th Grade - Algebra II
• 11th Grade - Pre-Calculus
• 12th Grade – Calculus (Optional)
Math Progression(Advanced 2 years)
• 7th Grade – HS Algebra Pre-AP
• 8th Grade – HS Geometry Pre-AP
• 9th Grade - Algebra II
• 10th Grade - Pre-Calculus Independent Study
• 11th Grade - Pre-Calculus
• 12th Grade – Calculus (Optional)
Placement Considerations Moving from Seventh to Eighth Grade
• Students, by default, progress initially to 8th grade in the corresponding class from 7th grade.– Examples
• Level Science to Level Science• 7th Pre-AP History to 8th Pre-AP History• 7th Math to Pre-Algebra• Pre-Algebra Pre-AP to HS Algebra Pre-AP• HS Algebra Pre-AP to HS Geometry Pre-AP
Placement Considerations for Eighth Grade
If a student/parent wishes to move to a regular class from a Pre-AP class (excluding math), indicate this on the course request sheet or contact his or her counselor with the request in writing before the May 1st deadline.– Emails and contact information are on our
webpage under Parent Services.
School Course Acceleration Course Option for Seventh Grade Level Math to High School Algebra I
Spring/Summer • I want my child to go directly
from level seventh grade math to high school algebra.
• Take the next course in math sequence- Pre-Algebra.– The student may take a
district class for acceleration
– The student MUST meet C.I.S.D. summer school for acceleration attendance requirements.
School Course Acceleration Course Option for Seventh Grade Level Math to High School Algebra I
Spring/Summer
– This class for acceleration is taught for first-time exposure to Pre-Algebra.
– The course is intensive and students receive full class hours and instruction. This course is for acceleration and is not taught as a remediation class
– It ensures the student does not miss the critical year of Pre-Algebra before being responsible for HS Algebra.
School Course Acceleration Course Option for Seventh Grade Level Math to High School Algebra I
Spring/Summer
– The class is dependent on having enough takers to make
– May occur here at McCullough
– Parent/guardian meeting for course around April 24
– Tentatively starting April 29th and ending on July 19th
– Information coming relatively soon
– Hybrid Course: online and regular instruction
– This is all very tentative
Testing Options for Placement from Regular Seventh Math to High School Algebra
• Seventh grade students will take the CISD Pre-Algebra Placement Exam if they:– Are in regular seventh math
– Currently are enrolled a year ahead in Pre-Algebra Pre-AP and have an overall yearly average below an 80
• 80 is the passing rate on the district Pre-Algebra acceleration exam
• Note: Students in regular seventh math are going to Pre-Algebra in eighth grade– Students take this exam only to see if they qualify to take the
Algebra Readiness Test to potentially bypass a year of math
Testing Options for Placement
• Regular math students who make an 80 on the Pre-Algebra placement exam can choose to take the Algebra Readiness Test
• The Algebra Readiness Test also has an 80 for passing
• Students who qualify to take Algebra based on demonstrating their knowledge through taking and passing both of these exams can have their parents “opt in” to high school algebra in eighth grade• These students would still be bypassing a year of
instruction
If Your Child in Pre-Algebra Pre-AP as a Current Seventh Grader has an Average of Less Than 80 During
Seventh Grade at the End of The Year for the Course
• Seriously need to consider repeating pre-algebra in eighth grade so that your child is successful in future math courses
• Please contact your child’s counselor prior to the May 1 deadline to ensure your child repeat’s this specific course if this is what you would like for him/her to do.
• It is not a problem to do this, we just need to know it is what you want for your child.
Math Note Affecting HS Math Choices
• Four years of math and science are required in high school, beginning with HS algebra.
• As of now, HS math courses (algebra and geometry) taken in junior high count toward those four.
• At least three math courses must be taken at the high school campus.
Math Note Affecting HS Math Choices
Please note that due to new Texas Education Agency regulations, students in junior high taking high school algebra or geometry are required to take the STAAR End of Course (EOC) exams for those classes.
High-School Course Considerations
• As a high-school class, the courses are much more challenging.
• The classes do not figure directly in G.P.A.
• They do not figure in class rank.• The are, however, reflected on high
school transcripts.• It is not necessary to get your student on
the fast track to get all the courses in the four years at TWHS.
Planner
•Provided by the P.T.O.•Idea originated from site-based by parents for parents•Parents view each night•Teaches critical organizational skills•Quizzes•Ad Purchase?
Electives
A Taste of Adventure
Number of Elective Choices for Eighth Graders
• All eighth-grade students have five elective choices– One additional course from the four needed
in the seventh grade since the students are required to have only one semester of P.E.
Eighth Grade Elective Choices
• Art • Band• Choir• Careers• Career Portals: Computer
Applications– May be taken twice
• Career Portals: Technology May be taken twice
• Exploring Languages• High School
Communications• High School Health
Career Portals: Human Services
Music AppreciationOrchestraHS Spanish I Spanish II for Native
Speakers (must qualify)Teen LeadershipTheater Arts
High School Spanish I
• The course lasts an entire school year (2 semesters).• It is similar to taking HS Spanish I at TWHS.• The class is rigorous, fast-moving, and intense.• It is a high-school course and your grade appears on your
high school transcript• For these reasons, if you choose multiple Pre-AP core
courses, please consider this class on a similar level as it is an advanced, high-school course when choosing your child’s overall schedule.
Spanish II for Native Speakers
• This course is for students who have Spanish as their first language and still speak Spanish at home.
• There is a district placement examination to qualify.
• Students must be able to read, listen, speak, and write Spanish fluently.
• Students will receive retroactive credit for HS Spanish I with successful completion of Spanish II.
• If the student needs more information on the course, he/she can speak directly to Mr. Texidor.
HS Health and HS Communications Applications
• These cover high-school topics and state TEKS
• Permission from parent is required to request health
HS Health and HS Communications Applications
• These may free up space in the student's high-school schedule to take alternate and/or more rigorous courses (which could count more on G.P.A. )
• Need as a parent/guardian to be prepared for your child to receive high school level information on health topics
• McCullough common sense• Scheduling-wise for the future, it makes sense to
take both if the student is going to take one.
McCullough Athletics
State Eligibility for Fine Art/ Athletic Participation
• No classes are exempt in junior high from counting for UIL eligibility– Includes Pre-AP courses– Includes High School Courses
• Students must pass all classes to be eligible to participate in games/contests.
• UIL and Progress Report Schedule is posted online at our website under athletics and parent services.
8th Grade Athletics
• Physical dated after April 15, 2013
• Birth Certificate
• Commitment for the year
• Boys– Fourth period green
(tentative)
• Girls– Fourth period red
(tentative)
• Replaces P.E.
8th Grade Athletics
• Minor changes• Need to view Coach Skinner’s online
presentation regarding athletics for 2013-2014 online later in February when posted
• I will email you the link to that presentation when it is posted
Volleyball
• Tryouts are the first week of school.
• If a student makes the team, her schedule will change.
• It meets as a class during the school day
Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball Off-season Class
• Placement and tryout information is coming soon.
• This is for the class, not the team.
• If students make the off-season class, his/her schedule may change.
Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball Teams
• Tryouts for the team are in late October or early November.
• This requires a commitment for the year.
Football
• Practice is after school.
• One year commitment
Cross Country
• The season is in the fall.
• The students remain in off-season throughout the year.
• Most meets are on Friday evening.
Private P.E.
Must be an approved facility for 2013-2014
Individual Olympic event preparationsTeam sports are not a part of the Private P.E.
program for the Texas Education Agency
Fully completed application and required form available online at district website around mid-April
Private P.E.
Completed form will be due by formal deadline on May 1st
Students with approved applications turned in prior to the May 1st deadline will be enrolled in Private P.E. for the entire 2013-2014 school year
Private P.E.
Please make sure as a parent/guardian you are certain you can pick your child up every day at 2:50 p.m. and have a firm transportation plan for the entire year in advance of choosing this option.
Private P.E.
Can change facility only at semester
Must be able to pickup child promptly at dismissal time- exactly 2:50 p.m. each day
Students will be in a fourth period class on campus from 2:26 p.m. until 2:50 p.m.
State allows schools to dismiss students one hour early each day for Private P.E.
Private P.E.
Does not work with activities which have an athletic class.
Student cannot be in athletics and Private P.E.A student in Private P.E can, and is encouraged
to be in one of our club sports.Choosing to be in Private P.E. is a commitment
for the entire yearThis includes both the fall and spring consecutivelyThere is no mid-year joining of Private P.E. Pros and cons
Private P.E.
Students and parents/guardians must be flexible on the schedule as it will change periodically due to pep rallies, STAAR testing, semester exams, etc.
Every three weeks the facility submits a grade and attendance report directly to the Counseling Center.
Private P.E.
15 hours or more per week at approved facility are required.
Students planning to do Private P.E. need to check regular P.E. on Elective Course request sheet initially.
Private P.E.
Students are assigned to a fourth period Private P.E. class from 2:26 p.m. until 2:50 p.m. each day.
Level 2 Private P.E.
Level 2 Private P.E. is for students who attend five hours of physical education activity at an approved facility
These students do not leave early each day.
They receive two additional classroom courses above and beyond
For participation in this program, the student must be in band, choir, or orchestra so that space is available on their schedule for the extra courses to be accommodated
Questions regarding Athletics
• Please contact Lance Skinner.– Girls’ and Boys’ Athletic
Coordinator– [email protected]
• Staff members are available to answer your questions on a wide range of subjects as we conclude.
Questions
• Department Heads– Questions about math, language arts,
history, science
• Counselors– Program questions
• Administrators– General