Scott Johnson Middle School Parent Presentation March 16, 2015

Administrative Team Principal – Mitchell Curry Assistant Principals – David Warren and Stewart Herrington Counselors – Kathy Hjartberg and Steve Gaffney Library Media Specialist – Barbara Kinast Special Education Lead – Becky Franklin English as a Second Language – Wendy Burt 504 Coordinators – Beth Davis and Nikie Jo

Goals for the Evening Get information for academic decision making. Get information for elective decision making. Prepare for the transition to high school. Answer questions individually at the end.

(Both English and Spanish are available) Materials Review Registration Form 7th Grade 8th Grade Course Description Guide (On Line) http://www.mckinneyisd.net/parents (Both English and Spanish are available) School Health Form (7th Grade only) http://www.mckinneyisd.net/parents

Parent Information E mail Distribution List Web Site: www.sjmstigers.com Teacher web sites (i.e. edmodo, remind101, etc.) Progress Reports (Every 3 weeks) Report Cards (Every 9 weeks) Home Access Center www.McKinneyisd.net/parents

Middle School Philosophy High Academic Standards for All Students Students Introduced to Academic and Extra-Curricular Options Students Begin to Determine Strengths and Preferences Partnership with Students, Families and Community

STAAR Testing at Middle School Sixth Grade Seventh Grade Eighth Grade Reading Writing Math Science Social Studies High School credit courses have moved to End of Course Exams. The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR)

Core and Pre AP Classes McKinney ISD’s curriculum is common at all schools and the rest of the state. Curriculum is based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Aligned with like grade levels and between grade levels. Both Core and Pre-AP courses are College Prep Courses.

Every Student Takes: Core Courses Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) Math Science Social Studies

Target Classes Placement into Target classes will be based upon a students MAP testing data and STAAR test results. This class takes the place of an elective course. Target courses are offered in Math, Science, and ELAR.

Entrance Guidelines for Pre AP Entrance guidelines provide a profile of students who typically experience success in Pre AP courses. What Data Is Used? Map Scores Current Grades Teacher Input

Pre AP Academic Profile Consistently make high A’s in on-level mathematics in the prior grades. Is willing to work hard, complete all assignments on time, and a conscientious student. Is ready to commit to a course sequence leading to AP courses in High School.

Pre AP Academic Profile Seeks help when needed. Is well organized. Teacher recommendation from previous grade. Internal motivation.

Personal Guidelines for Pre AP Reading at or above grade level. Strong study skills. Able to handle a more rapid pace of instruction. Strong work ethic (self discipline to plan, organize, and complete tasks) Personal interest in subject.

Other things to Consider Students can still take an AP course in high school even if they do not take Algebra 1 in middle school. A mathematics course in the 12th grade is crucial for bridging into college without a loss of skills. Students who take Algebra 1 in the 8th grade are strongly encouraged to take a math course in the 12th grade.

Math Curriculum Sequence Grade Core Pre AP 6th 6th Grade TEKS 6th and 7th Grade TEKS 7th 7th Grade TEKS 8th Grade TEKS Students take the MAP Test at the end of 7th grade for recommendation of 8th grade math course placement. 8th Pre AP Math Algebra 1 9th Algebra1 Geometry 10th Algebra 2 11th Pre Calculus 12th Algebra 3 or Statistics Calculus or

Other Levels of Courses ESL: None or Limited English speakers. Special Education: Continuum of services. Gifted and Talented: Identified GT students.

Gifted and Talented If your child is GT, Karen Green will give us a spreadsheet letting us know which GT courses your child will be in. For now, you just check Pre AP. You can contact Mrs. Green at Email kjgreen@mckinneyisd.net

Typical 7th and 8th Grade Day Language Arts: Every day for 1 period. Math: Every day for 1 period. Science: Every day for 1 period. Social Studies: Every day for 1 period. Electives: 3 electives that meet every day.

Physical Education Requirement Every student is required to complete 4 semesters of Physical Education while in Middle School. Every student took a full year in 6th Grade. Athletics does count as their P.E. credit. UIL rules do not allow for a student to be in Athletics and Physical Education at the same time.

Electives All electives meet every day. Electives are for the entire year. Cheerleading and Drill Team are after school activities and students must have a physical. If a student participates in Athletics they must be in the Athletic period.

Elective Choices Art 1 Art 2 Advanced Art Athletics AVID (Application) 7th Grade Athletics in the Morning 8th Grade Athletics in the Afternoon AVID (Application) Band Cheerleading (After School) Choir

Elective Choices Drama Drama Advanced (Audition) Invention & Innovation (7th Grade) Teen Leadership PALS (8th Grade/Application) Partner Leader (Application) Physical Education Orchestra Yearbook (Application)

8th Grade Electives For High School Credit Spanish 1 Spanish for Spanish Speakers 1 Spanish for Spanish Speakers 2 Principles of Arts, Audio Visual Technology & Communications/Principles of Information Technology Concepts of Engineering Health/Professional Communications (on-line only)

AVID/PALS There is a process in place to qualify for these courses. Students fill out the application. An interview is held. The criteria is reviewed by the committee to see if the student qualifies. AVID: Valerie Schraplau vmorrow@mckinneyisd.net PALS: Darla Sessom dsessom@mckinneyisd.net

Need More Information? Band Directors – Paul Stephens and Stephanie Pavlasek Choir Director – Sarah Baez Orchestra Director – Nicole Pennington Drama – Angi Burns Athletic Directors – Robert Jackson and Darla Sessom Cheer – Kalei Brinkerhoff AVID – Valerie Schraplau and LaTisha Johnson

Decisions To Make Which Level of core academic class is most appropriate for my child? Which electives will benefit my child most in middle school and high school and beyond?

MISD Physical Information McKinney Boyd H.S.* McKinney High School McKinney North H.S. April 18, 2015 Registration from 7:30 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. $20 Cash Only April 25, 2015 9 A.M. – 12 P.M. May 27, 2013 2:30 P.M. – 5 P.M. Date of Exam Must be After April 1, 2013 * EKG’s will be available at MHS and North for an additional charge of $15.

We are so glad you are a Scott Johnson Tiger! Due Date: March 20, 2015 Return to Science teacher Registration Form Only Schedule pick up will be August 18, 2015