Lopez Middle School Preparing for Welcome everyone and thank them for coming. Speak of the school and counselors’ excitement about planning with future students. (Be sure to ask you principal if s/he would like to begin the meeting.)

Assistant Principals: Lopez Administrators Principal: Mr. Eric Wernli Assistant Principals: Ms. Carri Elliott A-K Mr. Hector Perales L-Z Academic Dean: Mrs. Lynn Jordan

Jose M. Lopez M.S. Counseling Office 210-356-5036 Mrs. Rowland – Data Processor Ms. Lassiter– Counseling Clerk Melissa Rangel A-F Counselor Tonyia Fleming G-M Counselor *Kristen Latronico-Limon N-Z Counselor * Lead Counselor

Level Descriptions of Courses Offered Gifted and Talented – Planned for the student identified by NEISD criteria as gifted and talented, GT Courses – Math, English – require testing in 5th grade. Pre-AP– Planned for the student whose record of achievement is consistently above average and who will benefit from a rich, rigorous curriculum and the challenges offered by the Advanced Placement Program. Regular – Planned for the student whose record of achievement is generally average or above average as well as for the student who needs to raise the achievement level. Special Education Programs – Placement in these courses must be made through the ARD process.

Access to Rigorous Courses Pre-Advanced Placement courses in middle school are available to any students willing to take on the academic challenges 6th grade – English, Reading and Math 7th grade – English, Reading and Math 8th grade – English, Reading, Math, Science and History GT Courses – Math, English – require testing in 5th grade Offer an explanation of Pre-AP and AP courses: Pre-AP courses often move at a faster pace and introduce students to learning strategies that promote high order thinking and more complex reasoning. Advanced Placement (AP) courses use a college level curriculum and prepare students to take exams in the spring that could provide for college credit while still in high school. None of these courses require teacher recommendations. More information about these type of courses will be discussed at the small group guidance sessions.

Pre AP Guidelines Average of 90 – 100 in subject area Advanced Performance on STAAR Teacher recommendation It is the Parent’s Choice

6th Grade Course Requirements English (Regular, Pre-AP, or GT) Reading (Regular or Pre-AP) You must take either regular English and Reading together, or English Pre-AP and Reading Pre-AP together as these two courses combine to make up Language Arts Math (Regular, Pre-AP, or GT) Science Social Studies P.E. /Health (one semester each = full year) 1 full year of AIM (Study skills, character education and 30 minutes of study hall) 1 full year Elective of Fine Arts which fulfills requirement

6th Grade Electives Orchestra ( full year) Band (full year) Choir (full year) Theatre Art (full year) Exploring Visual Art (full year) Debate (full year)** ** Does NOT fulfill the fine art requirement for the district For course descriptions go to: http://www.neisd.net/lopez/counseling.html

ACADEMIC INDIVIDUALIZED MOTIVATION WHAT IS AIM AIM ACADEMIC INDIVIDUALIZED MOTIVATION 6th grade students have this for a full year, first 15 minutes may focus on 7 Habits & student skills. Last 30 minutes or more will be for studying and homework The purpose of AIM class is to ensure our 6th grade students experience a successful transition into middle school and have a strong base of both study skills and character education AIM teachers can assist with: organizational strategies, agenda books, study habits, goal-setting and tutoring

Band and Orchestra Students must audition with Mrs. Garza or Mrs. Sorgi; the Band and Orchestra Directors, to determine which instrument they will play kgarza1@neisd.net, msorgi@neisd.net Money involved Students will also have to participate in concerts and contests after school A full year course, joining a winning team, making a commitment

Athletics 7th & 8th Grade BOYS: football, basketball, track GIRLS: volleyball, basketball, track Athletics is a one year commitment and students must participate in at least 2 of these 3 sports You can be in Regular P.E. and take all three sports There is also Tennis and Golf after school only not part of the athletic period.

7th Grade Course Requirements English (Regular, Pre-AP, or GT) Reading (Regular or Pre-AP) You must take regular English and Reading together or Reading Pre-AP and English Pre-AP together as these two courses combine to make up Language Arts Math (Regular, Pre-AP, or GT) Science Social Studies P.E. (one full year) 1 full year Elective

8th Grade Course Requirements English (Regular, Pre-AP, or GT) Reading (Regular or Pre-AP) You must take regular English and Reading together or Reading Pre-AP and English Pre-AP together as these two courses combine to make up Language Arts Math (Regular, Pre-AP, or GT) Science (Regular, Pre-AP Social Studies (Regular, Pre-AP) P.E. (one full year) 1 full year Elective or 2 Semester Electives 1 full year Elective

The Three Year Plan Gives a snapshot of the three year course plan for middle school Assists with tracking preparation for high school (4-Year Plan in high school) Ask parents to look at the copy of the four-year plan in their packet. Explain that in the small group guidance sessions they will receive detailed information about graduation requirements and career pathways. Point out that this paper copy is a worksheet and that a final 3-copy plan will be completed at the small group session and that they will receive a copy of it at that time. Emphasize that the plan can change at anytime pending the State Board of Education decisions in November and the state legislative session beginning in January 2007. 14

Registration Timeline Dates for receiving and returning 5th graders Course Cards will be given by your Elementary School Counselor 5th grade students will turn in their Course Cards to their Elementary School Teachers

What if you want to make changes to your schedule after you have turned in your choice sheet? 5th grader parents can turn in a signed letter requesting a change to their Elementary Counselors Enrollment in Elective Courses is dependent upon Space Availability After June 1st, 2018, no requests for changes will be accepted (The last day of school)

Typical School Day Before school (starts 8:25) –bus, parent drop off, walking, riding bike, breakfast, academic coaching Lockers – textbooks online, backpacks Responsibility –Have notebook, supplies, Homework Organization – agenda book, binder rehab (Mon & Fri Mornings) Eight classes – 4 min., no tardy first week Lunch - 3 lunches, separate from 7&8  PE – dressing out, lockers ($20 uniform) After school (ends 3:40)– bus, parent pick- up, walking, riding bike, KIN

Questions?