7th to 8th Grade Course Selection Instructions Mrs. McCune rachelmccune@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, please check one box 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 course(s) for which you have been identified. FBISD has an open enrollment policy for core classes, so all other students may decide to take the On-level course OR the Pre-AP/GT course.

PRE-AP PLACEMENT If you sign up for Pre-AP, you can expect: ELA **Summer Reading Requirements and Project Math (Algebra/Geometry) **District Screener Test Science **Science Fair Project World History **NHD Project NOTE: If you sign up for Pre-AP courses, the leveling down deadline per district policy is at the 3 WEEK PROGRESS REPORT!

PRE-AP ALGEBRA INFO! Pre-AP Algebra/Pre-AP Geometry are very rigorous high school courses and will affect your high school GPA and class rank. Qualifications for 8th graders: Current placement in Pre- AP Math (for Algebra) or Pre-AP Algebra (for Geometry); Math District Screener (for any student new to Pre-AP course in Math)

Non Academic Courses For your PE credit you may select to take: Physical Education or Kickstart Kickstart (K1) – This class is for new students to the program Kickstart (K2) – This class is for returning students already in the program

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 8th graders will have two electives (Woo-hoo ) Number your elective choices in order of preference from 1 to 4. Electives are full year courses. Please make a thoughtful choice. No elective changes will be made after final verification. If an elective is not offered or there is a scheduling conflict, students may be placed in their alternate choice.

Athletics Can count as your required PE course Will require trying out for the team.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Investigating Careers Arts & Humanities Business & Industry Investigating Careers 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

Principles of Construction Students will learn the fundamentals of the construction and craft skills industry through this hands-on learning course. Students gain knowledge of construction safety, construction mathematics, and the practical application of hand and power tools. This course also develops a student’s interpretation and communication skills of construction drawings. Principles of Construction

Spanish Hola Hola! Buenos dias! If you took Spanish 1a during your 7th grade year you will sign up for Spanish 1b for 8th grade! If you have not taken Spanish yet, you will sign up for SPANISH 1 AD 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-Geography Club Leadership- Student Council and National Junior Honor Society

SO WHAT NOW?

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

Pink COURSE selection SHEET Go home and discuss course information with you parents THIS WEEKEND! Make sure you make your selections on the sheet. Bring the PINK worksheet with you next week because we will meet in the computer lab on February 13 or 14 and put your selections into SKYWARD (even if done at home, you are required to pull information up during class) You will return the PINK course selection sheet during lunch before or by February 17, 2017. There will be a return box for your grade level.

Online Course Selection Instructions Login to family access using student login in and password. Helpful district links are located on the top right. (MS Planning Guide & Course Request Guide) Course Requests for 2017-18 in SMS is located on the left under Schedules. Click the Schedules link to input requests from your pink course sheet.

Online Course Selection Instructions Please see handout titled “ Selecting Courses Steps” for details on how to input courses into Skyward! **All documents presented today, including the handouts you picked up are all on the SMS school counselors website! To access the site, go to the SMS website, click on student support, then click on counseling**

Important dates February 10 - 7th graders receive course sheets February 1 - February 22 - Online Course request window for SMS in Family Access February 17- Completed course sheets returned during lunch March 10 - Verification sheets sent to students March 30 - Verification sheets returned to SMS during lunch 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 .

Questions????