2017 - 2018 Course
Selection
th
8
Future
Grade
Students
Materials
• Parent letter
• PreAP information
• Course Request Sheet
• Course Catalog
http://tinyurl.com/coursecatalog16-17
Course Request Sheet
• Due to your Social Studies teacher by
Friday, January 27, 2017
• If you are moving or planning to move,
you still need to complete a course
request worksheet
• Parent and student must both sign
How To Request a Course
• All students must sign up for the following:
*English, Math, Science, Social Studies, PE, two
electives, and two Alternate Electives (please number them
1-4 in order of preference)
• Select a course by placing a check on the line
• Before deciding about Pre AP placement, you should talk to your
teacher (see info on back of parent letter)
Example:
SCIENCE
__ J830 Science 8
__ J832 PREAP Science 8
__ G832 GT Science 8
Degrees of Difficulty
Academic
Pre-AP
• For everyone
• On grade level
• More time to review
concepts
• More tutoring provided
• Prepares students for college
as well as other post
secondary education
• Moves at a faster pace
• More academically challenging
• Requires more independent
learning
• Requires more homework than
academic courses
• Recommended 85+ in current core
class
• If you would like to try Pre-AP for
the first time, talk to your current
teacher. They can make an honest
recommendation on whether they
feel you are ready for the challenge
of Pre-AP.
Gifted and Talented Program
• Students who are currently being screened should
not request GT classes. You can only sign up for
the ones for which you have qualified.
– the counselors will get a list of who qualifies and
make those changes. You will not need to request a
change—it will happen.
• If you HAVE qualified for GT classes, you must
sign up for them or you will be exited.
– To get back in later would require another
screening.
English Language Arts
• In Pre-AP ELA, students will be required to read more
novels than in Academic.
• There is also higher rigor, more complex reading, and
higher expectations for writing.
• If you enroll in Pre-AP or G/T ELA you will have a
summer reading assignment.
• Reading and English are a combined class in 8th grade for
all levels.
High School Algebra I
• Students must have completed 7th grade Pre-AP Math with
a 75 or higher in order to sign up for Algebra I.
• Algebra I is the foundation course for ALL higher level
math courses.
• It’s NOT about intelligence - it’s ALL about “readiness” for
taking this course, due to the development of abstract
thinking, which occurs between 7th and 10th grade.
• Students generally take Algebra I in 9th grade.
High School Algebra I
• Expect 45 minutes of homework EVERY night
• Use Seven Lakes High School Math Department grading policyNo late work accepted
• The expectation is for Algebra 1 students to take Calculus in high
school because of a high interest in applied math or science-related
areas.
• A strong work ethic is a MUST
– Taking Algebra in 8th grade must be a priority of your time
and effort
It must be YOUR decision to commit to this extra challenge and work load
in 8th grade.
– Do what is best for you - not for your best friend! They won’t be
taking your Algebra tests for you.
– Your Algebra grade counts toward the GPA and transcript for
High School
– Colleges will see this grade; it is permanent
High School Geometry
• Counselors will place students who took
Algebra I in 7th grade in Geometry.
Possible Required Courses
• Math Lab – designed to help refine basic math skills
and help with preparation for STAAR
• Read 180– designed to help improve reading level and
help with STAAR skills
• You will be required to attend one or both of these if
you do not pass that portion of STAAR. The class will
take the place of an elective.
• Texas SSI (Student Success Initiative) requires
students to pass Reading & Math STAAR in 8th grade
in order to advance to the next grade level.
Athletics
Football
Volleyball
Basketball
Soccer
Track
Tennis
Athletics Cost: $25.00
Athletics is only for football, volleyball, and basketball
No one is exclusively in athletics for the other 3 sports.
Remember: UIL “No Pass, No Play” is in effect – any grade below
70 on the report card will prevent participation.
NOTE: Boys playing football should sign up for Athletics; all other
athletes should sign up for PE and coaches will determine
placement.
Electives
(Not for High School credit)
Teen Leadership
What will I learn?
•
About yourself – how to develop your strengths & overcome personal
constraints
•
Decision making skills that will help you make healthy choices
•
Create better relationships with friends/family/teachers/coaches
•
Become an effective communicator
•
How to serve others
•
To work effectively with a group
How will I learn?
•
Teen Leadership – Flip Flippen curriculum
•
Service project/fundraising opportunities
•
Class discussion, role play and team building games
Class is open to 7th & 8th grade only
Electives
(Not for High School credit)
Teen Leadership 2
• Pre-requisite: Teen Leadership 1
• Students will use curriculum from Rachel’s
Challenge to meet the needs of our school and
community.
• Application and Interview required
Electives
(Not for High School credit)
Junior High Art I, II, III
• a study of art in the areas of drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture,
printmaking, textiles, technology. Students will explore many
exciting projects in both 2D and 3D formats, as well as many
different mediums like colored pencil, acrylic paint, paper mache
and more. All students will have the opportunity to develop both
their artistic and creative skills.
Publications I – Application and interview required
• Students will learn how to work as part of a team as a staff
member in the process of building a yearbook. Basic photography
and journalism techniques will be explored, as well as building
leadership and communication skills.
Electives
(Not for High School credit)
Theater II (7th/8th grade Theater)
• Focus on vocabulary and theatrical terms, building sets,
creating scripts and performing, creating Greek masks,
performing short scenes from published works, and playing
theater games such as improvisation.
Theater III
• Prerequisite: Theatre I
• Extended study of Theatre I; designing sets, costumes, and
make-up.
Technology Applications
(Not for High School Credit)
Technology Applications
• Students in this course learn basic data entry, storage, and
retrieval of information, as well as extended activities in
word processing, database, spreadsheet, graphic design,
multimedia and telecommunications.
Electives
(Not for High School credit)
Independent Study Pre-AP/GT
• This course will explore various topics as students learn strategies
for long-term research. Students will develop research plans,
implement research, and design products to demonstrate their
learning. Students will also focus on communication skills to
successfully and confidently deliver ideas. The year will
culminate with a product showcase where students will showcase
the products they have created.
• Students should be self-motivated, have the ability to set and
accomplish goals, and have time management skills to
accomplish their projects by a deadline.
Electives
(Not for High School credit)
Band – Woodwind, Brass, Percussion
•
•
•
Students are grouped by audition into a performing band.
Auditions will be held at the end of this school year.
Performances and fun social events include:
Football games
Fall Party
Instrument Clubs
Band Socials
Three concerts per year
Contests and festivals throughout the year
• Perform a variety of music.
Classical, pop, movie music, jazz
• Designed to enhance skills of self-confidence, team work,
problem solving, creativity and communication through the art
of music performance.
Electives
(Not for High School credit)
Choir –Vocal Development, Music Literacy, and Performances
•
•
•
•
•
•
Music literacy in preparation for lifelong enjoyment of music
ABC’s of vocal sight-reading and auditory skills
Learning to use the voice appropriately as a musical instrument
Development of necessary skills for musical theater
Use of skills related to language, math, science, history, and social studies
Perform a variety of music including: classical, movie music, Broadway, folk
songs, holiday, pop, and foreign language
• Four concerts per year including pop show
• Opportunities for solos and small groups
• Preparation for participation in high school choir, show choir, and the AllState Process
Electives
(Not for High School credit)
Orchestra – Stringed instruments (violin, cello, viola and bass)
• Students are divided into 4 separate orchestras based on ability and experience.
• Auditions are held at the end of the previous school year and at the beginning of
the current school year for “move in” students.
• Violins and violas are student owned. Students playing the cello and bass are
encouraged to have a “home” rental instrument and use a school instrument
during the day ($100 maintenance fee)
• Students will learn and practice skills necessary for playing in large and small
ensemble performance. Among those skills are teamwork, responsibility, and
persistence.
• Music played is from a wide variety of resources; classical, jazz, fiddling,
contemporary, baroque, etc.
• Private lessons encouraged but not required.
Electives
(Not for High School credit)
Student Aide
• Help in an office setting (attendance, counselor, front
office, etc.) – Student is assigned to an office.
• Must be highly responsible, enjoy filing, organizing,
alphabetizing, and doing repetitive tasks.
• Must be reliable, helpful, and able to keep information
confidential.
• There are very slow times and very busy times
• Student aides are not allowed to roam the halls and
socialize.
• Application Required
High School Credit Courses
• A grade is recorded for each semester on the
student’s high school transcript.
• All high school courses attempted count
toward GPA and class rank.
• What you earn is permanent.
Electives for High School Credit
Foreign Languages/Spanish
1) Spanish 1 Part 2 – (Students must have completed Spanish
1 Part 1 with a passing grade of 70 or higher)
This course is an extension of the material covered in
Spanish 1 Part 1. Students emphasize conversation and
communication skills of listening, speaking, reading and
writing through a variety of tasks as they are introduced
to the Hispanic culture. Students who successfully
complete Spanish 1 Part 1 in 7th grade and Spanish 1
Part 2 in 8th grade are awarded one high school credit
plus grade points in Languages Other than English
based on grade from Spanish 1 Part 2.
Electives for High School Credit
2) Accelerated Spanish
• One credit in one year
• Recommended completion of 7th Grade Language
Arts with a minimum of 85 average
• Must continue foreign language by taking Spanish II
in 9th grade for required 2 consecutive years
• Students are responsible for semester exams that are
weighted as 15% of the semester average.
• This course follows the same curriculum that is
taught at the high school.
Electives for High School Credit
3) Spanish for Spanish Speakers
-This class is designed for native Spanish
speakers. Students who were tested this
year and qualified to take the Spanish for
Spanish Speakers class should enroll in
the junior high Spanish for Spanish Speakers
course, not the Accelerated Spanish course.
Students will earn their two Language Other
than English requirements needed for high
school graduation.
Electives for High School Credit
Art I for High School Credit
• 1 Fine Arts Credit on High School Transcript
• Satisfies the Fine Arts High School graduation requirement
• Prerequisite: Successful completion of at least 1 Junior High Art
course
• This course allows students to develop a greater sensitivity to the
visual world, its formal order and overall unity. Student develop
an art vocabulary as well as skills to graphically express their own
ideas.
Electives for High School Credit
Principles of Applied Engineering
(formerly Concepts of Engineering)
Principles of Human Services
• 1 Elective Credit on High School
Transcript
• Recommended Co-requisite of
Algebra 1
• Principles of Applied Engineering is
an introductory course/credit for a
STEM - CTE endorsement.
• This course provides an overview of
the various fields of science,
technology, engineering, and math and
their interrelationships. Students will
use multiple software applications to
complete assignments and projects.
• 1 Elective Credit on High School
Transcript
• Principles of Human Service is an
introductory course/credit for a Public
Services endorsement.
• Students will gain personal life
management skills as they investigate
careers, including counseling and
mental health, early childhood
development, family and community,
and personal care services. Topics
include nutrition and dietary practices,
food preparation, budgeting and
management of family housing needs.
Alternate Electives
• Choose 2 Alternate Electives
– A class may be full
– A class may not fit into your schedule
– A class may not make the master schedule
Note: Elective changes will not be made after the 2 nd
week of school.
A Word About
Miller Career Center
• Many wonderful opportunities & many new
courses being offered for High School students.
• MCC counselor will speak to interested students
spring of 8th grade year.
• Many work/intern and college credit opportunities
are available.
• Please read the Course Catalog, check out the
website, or schedule a visit to find out more.
• Requires planning ahead of time.
Verification Process
• Verification Sheets – given out February 28, 2017
– No changes will be made to courses prior to verification
sheets being distributed.
– Make changes on verification sheet and return to your
social studies teacher by March 6, 2017.
– If we do not receive it back, we assume no corrections
need to be made to classes.
– The verification sheet is only a list of courses requested.
We are not able to guarantee electives that are listed on
the verification sheet.
Reminders!
• Course Sheet due Friday, January 27, 2017 to
your social studies teacher
• Think carefully about classes and choose wisely
• Talk to teachers about PreAP placement
• Choose 2 alternate electives
• Verification sheet given out February 28, 2017
– this is the only time to make changes to courses
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/1FAIpQLSdcE_BL5Kx0t37Psy6so4WCSlHmJID0FaiA2DBJsAnZE
gpaA/viewform