Beckendorff Junior High Course Selection Information 2015-2016 Future 6th Grade Bears!

Get ready for some fun changes! Welcome to Junior High! It’s All About Those BEARS! Get ready for some fun changes!

Course Selection Materials KISD 2015-2016 Course Catalog Green course selection packet Parent letter PreAP information Copy of this power point Course request worksheet

Differences between Elementary and Junior High Eight periods per day (including advisory) with different teachers Advisory period, instead of homeroom, for homework, tutorials and clubs Locker to keep supplies Students change classes independently — no lines! G/T is a class that meets every day instead of only one day a week. Students must qualify for GT classes by subject.

Differences between Elementary and Junior High Expect at least 20 minutes of homework in each subject every night Expect a quiz (minor grade) weekly and a test (major grade) every other week in every subject More organization needed to keep up with supplies, homework, etc. for every subject More independence and responsibility

Differences between Elementary and Junior High Lunch PE Pep rallies Intramurals Class choices Lockers Dismissal

Differences between Elementary and Junior High cont. School Starts -7:30 (1st bell rings at 7:20) School Ends -2:35

(A Lunch with split 4th period) A Typical 6th Grade Day (A Lunch with split 4th period) Period Subject Room # 1st English 2007 2nd Reading 3rd PE Gym 4th Social Studies 2021 A Lunch Cafeteria 5th Math 2024 6th Band Band Hall 7th Science 2012 8th Advisory 2014 Each class period is 45 minutes long except Advisory which is 35 minutes.

A Typical 6th Grade Day (B Lunch) Period Subject Room # 1st English 2007 2nd Reading 3rd PE Gym 4th Science 2021 B Lunch Cafeteria 5th Math 2024 6th Band Band Hall 7th Social Studies 2012 8th Advisory 2014 Each class period is 45 minutes long except Advisory which is 35 minutes.

Choosing Courses Three Class Formats: Academic—Challenging work on grade level, prepares students for college, gives more class time to review concepts with teacher support PreAP—Academically advanced work, designed to challenge motivated students, faster paced, more homework, and increased student independence and responsibility GT–Requires previous identification and screening in accordance with KISD guidelines

Choosing Courses Students may have a combination of class formats. For example, a student may request PreAP English and Reading, and Academic Math, Science, and Social Studies. Factors to consider: student interests, strengths, outside commitments, work ethic, and grade expectations Class placement should be a decision made by the parent, student, current teachers, and school counselor

Choosing Courses Things to consider when selecting a course level: Past grades in school and junior high grade expectations Motivation and attitude Standardized test scores Study habits Willingness to complete homework Outside interests and activities Ease at catching on to new material Independence and responsibility level

Math 6th, 7th, and 8th grade math classes are the foundations for high school math classes and should not be rushed! Academic Math – On grade level curriculum Students will have math homework every night to practice the concepts Pre-AP Math - Accelerated math class covering 6th grade curriculum and almost half of the 7th grade curriculum A new concept is learned almost every day Pre-AP math focuses on preparing student for High School Algebra I in 8th grade All students MUST know multiplication and division facts before entering 6th grade math. Students should have number sense and reasoning skills as well.

Characteristics of a PreAP Math student Problem solver in everyday situations Primarily an independent learner Has developed strong learning/study habits Shows perseverance when challenged Displays emotional maturity when frustrated Demonstrates reasoning skills pertaining to mathematical concepts in everyday life Shows confidence in their own math abilities Strong/mastered fast facts skills Strongly values learning- Loves to learn!!

Language Arts Academic Pre-AP grasp concepts quickly with little to no repetition complete more work independently and on time comprehend above grade level text and material independently enjoys reading and writing across genres receive more time to grasp and review concepts practice skills longer before completing tasks independently receive more guided instruction while reading

Electives 6th grade is allowed to choose 1 elective for the year Meet every day Some electives require after school commitments Have assignments and receive numerical grades Cannot be changed after the second week of school 6th grade electives are Fine Arts classes Art, Band, Choir, Orchestra, and Theater Arts Due to the high demand of certain electives, placement in elective course will be limited based on availability.

Choosing an Elective Class Do consider… Your interests How much time outside of school is needed to participate/practice What you like to do for fun What outside activities are you involved in Don’t consider… Your friend’s choice Cool field trips (a field trip is one day)

Woodwind, Brass, Percussion Beginning Band Woodwind, Brass, Percussion Band directors will meet with students before the end of school to determine instrument choices No prior experience is necessary Schedule is determined by the instrument that you select Must rent or buy instrument Three concerts per year Get to play all types of GREAT music Some skills you learn in band: self-confidence, teamwork, problem solving, self-discipline, creativity, communication, and many more.

Band Instrument choices: flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, euphonium, tuba, percussion If you choose band on your course selection sheet as your 1st elective choice, the band director will send you a letter with additional information

Singing, reading music, and Beginning Choir Singing, reading music, and concerts Four concerts per year including Pop Show No prior experience necessary Perform a variety of music including: classical, movie music, Broadway, folk songs, holiday, and pop Competitions and fun events Opportunities for solos and small groups Expand musical ability, knowledge, and appreciation of music Choir will provide skills such as teamwork, communication, sight-reading, problem solving, and logical reasoning. A safe place to be with many friends

Violin, Cello, Viola, Bass Beginning Orchestra Violin, Cello, Viola, Bass Orchestra director will meet with students in May to determine instrument choices Schedule is determined by the instrument that you select Must rent or buy instrument Learn different styles of music (also learn some jazz and fiddling) Four or five concerts per year Important facts about orchestra: Concerts, play at festivals, play classical music, meet new friends, and more Learn teamwork, cooperation, and problem solving

Beginning Art Introduction to art in the areas of drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, textiles, and technology Exciting projects in both 2D and 3D Explore different mediums like colored pencils, acrylic paint, paper mache, and more Develop both artistic and creative skills

Beginning Theater Focus on vocabulary and theatrical terms Building sets, costume and make-up, lighting Creating scripts and performing Performing short scenes from published works Playing theater games such as improvisation

Possible Required Courses These courses take the place of your elective class. Math Block – designed to refine math concepts and improve STAAR skills Reading Improvement – designed to improve reading proficiency and help with STAAR skills Placement may be mandatory as a result of KISD standards and graduation requirements STAAR results are used to determine this placement

Physical Education Other Opportunities PE – students pay a $15 fee at the beginning of the year for their PE uniform and laundry services— this is the uniform you change into every day Other Opportunities Intramurals – sports competitions held during advisory class Does not count as a grade Optional for all 6th grade students Sports offered: volleyball, basketball, and track Athletics – only for 7th and 8th graders

Advisory Advisory (the last class period of the day) is a time to: Work on homework or read Attend tutorials Review planner Get organized Participate in clubs or intramurals See the counselor *Advisory classes will change during the year due to clubs, tutorial, and teacher recommendations. NOTE: Students are responsible for utilizing this time WISELY!!!

Course Selection Sheet Due to your 5th grade Homeroom Teacher If you are moving or planning to move, you still must turn in a course selection sheet Must be signed by parent/guardian and student

Course Selection Sheet How to Complete the Course Selection Sheet All students must sign up for: English, Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies, PE, one Elective, and 2 alternate electives Place a check mark next to the course you are requesting Example: ENGLISH _____ J602 English 6 _____ J604 English 6 PreAP _____ G604 English 6 GT*

Verification Process All students will receive a verification sheet in May The verification sheet is not a schedule — it is the list of courses you selected No changes will be made to courses prior to verification sheets being distributed Any changes to the student’s courses should be made on the verification sheet and returned to the homeroom teacher with a parent signature If we do not receive a verification sheet back, we assume no corrections need to be made to your course selections

Get Involved! 6th graders have the opportunity to be involved in many aspects of campus life. Clubs currently offered include: Student Council Bear Buddies Theatre Club Pep Squad Destination Imagination Math and Science Team Book Club Art Club Lego Club

Easing The Transition In the Spring, elementary campuses come and eat lunch at BDJH Summer Cub Camp–fun orientation to BDJH! At the Beckendorff Blast (before school starts): pick up schedule and locker assignment and walk your schedule We make an effort to keep 6th graders separate from 7th and 8th graders No “tardies” are counted the first few weeks of school Principals, teachers, and the security guard are in the halls to help with lockers and answer questions Counselors will visit with students early in the year

Communication On-line newsletter: “Bear Tracks” “Phone Master” messages School website Canvas Announcements during advisory Mailings Daily planner “First Day” packets eNEWS: Be sure to sign up!

Grade Notification Progress reports are given out at the 3 week mark during each 6 weeks period Report cards are given out each six weeks The first and last report cards for the year are mailed home Home Access Center for the most up to date grades and attendance record These grades “count” for promotion standards, UIL standing, and extra- curricular activities

We can’t wait to see you at BDJH!