6th to 7th Grade Course Selection Mrs. Ewing Tamika.ewing@fortbendisd.com

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Info on the course selection sheet You do not need to fill in any information on the sheet – everything we need is already on the sticker 

Scheduling ACADEMIC CLASSES On the course selection work sheet, you will select a choice (on-level or Pre AP) for each core subject: ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies. If you are identified as a GT student, you must select the Pre AP core area courses option for which you have been identified. FBISD has an open enrollment policy on the selection of levels of core classes, so all other students may decide to take On-level courses OR the Pre-AP/GT courses.

PRE-AP PLACEMENT If you sign up for Pre-AP, you can expect: 7th ELA **Summer Reading Requirements and Project 7th Math Pre Ap or (Algebra) **District Screener Test /80% or higher on the CBE assessment 7th Science **Science Fair Project 7th Texas History **Historical Research Project/NHD Project NOTE: If you sign up for Pre-AP courses, the leveling down deadline per district policy is at the 1st 3 WEEK PROGRESS REPORT!

PRE-AP ALGEBRA INFO! Pre-AP Algebra is a very rigorous high school course and will affect your high school GPA and class rank. Qualifications for 7th graders: 80% or higher on the Credit by Exam; current placement in 7th grade PreAP math; Math District Screener (score not yet finalized)

Pre-ap Math 6th grade PreAp 100% of 6th Grade TEKS

Pre-AP Science and Social Studies 7th grade Texas History- Curriculum focuses heavily on the readings of historical and other non-fictional texts, documents, charts, and graphs Analysis of various resources (to break down information for understanding and explanation) Written Historical essays throughout the year Mandatory Historical Research Project 7th grade Science- Mandatory Science Fair Participation

Non academic courses For your PE credit you may select to take: Physical Education or Kickstart (Semester) Kickstart (K1) – This class is for new students to the program Kickstart (K2) – This class is for returning students already in the program ***Course requires parent permission, so you will need to pick up a form and return with your course selection sheet*** Health (semester)

Athletics Can count as your required PE course (7th and 8th grade only). Will require trying out for the team.

The purpose of this course is to teach students the tools and support necessary to resolve conflicts, avoid participation in gangs, choose a drug-free lifestyle, resist negative peer pressure and remain in school using karate. This safe and structured program focuses on the discipline and philosophies of the martial arts while engaging the students in fitness and educating them about self-defense. Parent/guardian permission is required Can count as your required PE course You can expect to earn 2 belts per year Uses Chuck Norris System as curriculum Uniform is required May participate in tournaments For 6th-8th graders, and you can join every year Kickstart

 ELECTIVES  7th graders will have one elective! Number your elective choices in order of preference from 1 to 4. Electives are full year courses; Please make thoughtful choices, NO C HANGES TO ELECTIVES WILL BE MADE If there is a scheduling conflict, students will be placed in their alternate choice; if no alternate listed, counselors will place in what is available

Important elective info! Please choose your elective wisely  As per district policy: Changes to electives will not be made after April 21, 2017

Leadership, responsibility, cooperation, self-discipline, and concentration are stressed Placement is by audition only Orchestra students may be required to purchase the appropriate instrument. (Personal instruments may also be obtained through a rental/purchase agreement.) Larger instruments such as cellos and basses are provided for classroom use. An annual $80 fee is charged for the use of school owned instruments. It may be necessary to purchase some materials for uniformity of dress for performance purposes Daily practice of music with instrument Class includes performances Orchestra

Leadership, responsibility, cooperation, self-discipline, and concentration are stressed Placement is by audition only Orchestra students may be required to purchase the appropriate instrument. (Personal instruments may also be obtained through a rental/purchase agreement.) Larger instruments such as cellos and basses are provided for classroom use. An annual $80 fee is charged for the use of school owned instruments. It may be necessary to purchase some materials for uniformity of dress for performance purposes Daily practice of music with instrument Class includes performances Band

Contest Math For students with high interests in Math competition Prepares students for contests such as Math Counts, UIL Number Sense, and Texas Math League

This course is a leadership class based on M. I This course is a leadership class based on M. I. Flippen’s “Capturing Kids’ Hearts.” The course focuses on leadership skills, conflict resolution, tolerance, and communication skills 7th & 8th grade ONLY Requires speaking in front of the class Teen Leadership

Introduction to Broadcasting This course will produce an in-school video/audio communication program. Students will be introduced to creating, editing and directing videos for school-wide communications Teacher recommendation required 7th and 8th grade ONLY Introduction to Broadcasting

This course provides students the opportunity to learn skills necessary for school newspaper production and/or yearbook production, journalistic writing, editing, illustration, layout, distribution, and sales. A school newspaper and/or yearbook are produced by students in the course. Application, Interview, teacher Recommendation and Meeting Required Journalism

Choral Music I provides the student with basic training in voice production, general musicianship, and vocal performance. Music fundamentals are taught to enable the student to recognize and apply musical signs, symbols, and terms Course includes performances For 6th-8th graders Choir

Students are introduced to a variety of public speaking situations and activities of theatre performance—both as actors and technicians. Students will experiment with expressive use of the body and voice as it relates to stage production and will have the opportunity to participate in speech competitions and one act plays. Course includes performances 6th-8th graders Theater

Career Portals Arts & Humanities Business & Industry Public Services This class explores all the different Endorsements and pathways. So, if you don’t know what you want to do when you grow up, take this class and take a look at all your career options! Public Services STEM: Science, Technonology, Engineering & Math

Spanish Hola Hola! Buenos dias! Spanish I A (7th grade year) is a full year class. Students will earn 1 HS credit after Spanish 1B has been taken in 8th grade). Taking both and passing will give you a whole year of Spanish high school credit. Hola Hola! Buenos dias!

Students explore basic elements of art and principles of design using a variety of media and techniques. Art appreciation and art history are basic to the course. 6th-8th graders Art

Enrichment clubs for Gifted and talented students ELA- Book Club, Poetry Club Math-Math Contest (elective) and Math Club Science-Science and Robotics Club Social Studies-Geograpy Club Leadership- Student Council and National Junior Honor Society

SO WHAT DO WE DO NOW?

SIGN & DATE YOUR COURSE selection SHEET When you have completed your sheet: Please sign the student signature line Have your parent/guardian sign and date on the parent signature line

Yellow COURSE selection workSHEET Go home and discuss course information with you parents THIS WEEKEND! Make sure you make your selections on the sheet. Bring the YELLOW worksheet with you next week because we will meet in the computer lab on February 6, 7, 8 through your PE classes and put your selections into SKYWARD (even if done at home, you are required to pull information up during our class) You will return the YELLOW course selection sheet during lunch before or by February 17, 2017. There will be a return box for your grade level.

Online registration completed Verify that you have 6 Requests and 3 Alternates. Total Courses and Credits should be 6 and Total Alternates should be 3

Important dates February 1, 2, 3- 6th graders receive course sheets February 1 - February 22 Online Course request window for FBISD in SKYWARD Family Access February 17 Completed/signed course sheets returned during lunch March 10- Verification sheets sent to students March 30- Verification sheets returned SMS during lunch March 30- Last day to request any changes via verification form April 12- April 21 – Final course requests will be posted on student access. Students will not be able to view their requests after April 21, 2017. No changes will be made to any courses.

Questions????