Welcome Class of 2023 7th to 8th Grade Course Selection Meeting

Ford Mustangs 2018-2019 Principal: Matt Russell 7th Grade Assistant Principal: Theresa Taylor 8th Grade Assistant Principal: Chris Koder 7th Grade Counselor: Heather Youngquist 8th Grade Counselor: Debra Day

Purpose for Tonight Learn how to register for 8th grade Discuss changes for 2018-2019 school year

Course Selection for 8th Grade ALL 8th Graders will register on-line at school with assistance from the Counselors during the week of March 5th - 8th Students must have the course selection sheet with parent signature to register. Please get them to math teachers by February 28th.

8th Grade Core Classes * Science This is 4 periods * English * Math * US History * Science This is 4 periods

G/T HUMANITIES Students currently enrolled in G/T Humanities will automatically be enrolled for 8th grade English and History Humanities. G/T Humanities Science class is offered this year, but must be chosen on the course request sheet. GT students do not have to choose it, it is an option. Students enrolled in G/T Humanities and who wish not to be must apply for a furlough through Learner Services. The student can still choose GT Science, even on furlough. Those interested in G/T Humanities program, visit the Gifted and Talented Services tab under Learner Services on the Allen website.

Science, English & U.S. History Students may choose On Level OR Pre-AP/IB classes when selecting Science, English and U.S. History courses for 8th grade. NO prequalifying for these courses!

ALGEBRA 1Pre-AP/IB Student qualifies based on: * Successful completion of Math 7 Pre-AP/IB * Successful completion of summer Math Boot Camp Student will receive 1 high school credit if all requirements are met (grade is not included in high school GPA). Course content and work load are the equivalent of a high school course. High school expectations will be adhered to throughout the year. There are NO Appeals

8th GRADERS SELECT THREE ELECTIVES PER SEMESTER

Business Information Management 1 Students completing all the requirements of this course will receive 1 High School Technology Credit. Full year elective It is recommended that students are able to type at least 25 words per minute. Course content and work load are the equivalent of a high school course. High school expectations will be adhered to throughout the year.

Spanish 1 Pre-AP/IB & French 1 Pre-AP/IB FOREIGN LANGUAGE Spanish 1 Pre-AP/IB & French 1 Pre-AP/IB Students must have an 85% 1st semester average in BOTH English and Math classes in 7th grade to request a foreign language. Students who did not qualify based upon 1st semester averages may request a re-evaluation at the end of 2nd semester by emailing Debra Day by the last day of school to make a request. Students will earn 1 High School Credit if all requirements are met (grade not included in GPA). Course content and workload are the equivalent of a high school course with extensive outside-of-class preparation. High School expectations will be adhered to throughout the school year. Note for Native Speakers if you read and write a little Spanish

Foreign Language Grades 10% Learning Practice 30% Interpersonal (Speaking) 30% Interpretive (Reading and Listening) 30% Presentational (Speaking and Writing) Late Work Policy – All Pre-AP Classes – turned in within 2 days of due date - can earn a maximum of 60%

Principles of Hospitality and Tourism Students completing this course will receive 1 High School Credit. Introductory course for students interested in pursuing Culinary Arts and Hospitality and Tourism classes in high school. Course content and work load are the equivalent of a high school course. High school expectations will be adhered to throughout the year.

Electives One Semester Electives: Investigation Careers in Human Services Investigation Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) Investigation Careers in Communications and Media Arts Science Investigation Careers in Health Science Investigation Careers in Business Investigation Careers in Finance College and Career Readiness Technology Applications in Computer Graphics Introduction to Art Intermediate Art (Prerequisite: Introduction to Art) Advanced Art (Prerequisite: Intermediate Art) Introduction to Theatre Arts Advanced Theatre Arts (Prerequisite: Introduction to Theatre Arts) Leadership Robotics – New – Full Year Elective Course

Fine Arts Electives (Full year) Band Orchestra Choir You must be in Band or Orchestra in 7th grade to be in Band or Orchestra in 8th grade.

Coed PE Students are required to take 2 semesters of PE credit during Middle School. Students who have not completed this requirement, must take PE during the 8th grade. Off Campus PE is an option for a few students – details are at AISD/Athletics website

ATHLETICS Boys’ Athletics include football, basketball and off-season. Girls’ Athletics include volleyball, basketball, track and off-season. You can only sign up for Athletics if you were on the team this year or you get the coaches signature admitting you into Athletics. Boys wanting to play basketball only should enroll in PE Fall & PE Spring, NOT Boys’ Athletics.

Sports Physicals Sports physical paperwork should be given to the student’s coaches. Sports physical forms and information are kept with the athletic department. Forms and information can also be found on the Allen ISD Athletic Department web page. Students should wait until June or summer to get physicals completed.

TRY-OUT SPORTS Cheerleading - Full-year (tryouts start soon) Basketball (boys and girls) - Full-year Volleyball - Full-year Golf – Full-year Tennis – Full-year

WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! ELECTIVES WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! CHOOSE YOUR ELECTIVES WISELY…YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CHANGE THEM!

APPLICATION CLASSES FULL-YEAR HALF-YEAR Yearbook PALS Peer Helper Partners PE Teacher Aide Office Aide Library Aide Peer Helper Partners PE AFTER THE DUE DATE HAS PASSED, APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED! All applications are due by March 9th. Application Classes are NOT a choice on the course selection sheet – your child will drop a class they have chosen if they are selected for one of the above classes.

Course Descriptions Class Information This year the academic planning guide (APG) will be online for students and parents to view. Please go to the Ford Website under Academics/Academic Planning to see the most current APG for middle schools.

Thank you for attending! This presentation will be available on the Counselor website Our goal is to provide a smooth transition from 7th grade to 8th grade for the 2018/19 school year.