Principal: Sonya Pitcock Assistant Principal: Anthony Arnold (7 th ) Assistant Principal: Kelly McCollom (8 th )

 Learn how to register for 8 th grade  Discuss course changes for 2015 – 2016 school year  Review Pre-AP and G/T courses Counselors: Roxanne LeCroy 8 th grade Amy Wagoner 7 th grade

 ALL incoming 8 th Graders will register on-line at school with assistance from the counselors.  On-line registration will be in ENGLISH class the week of February 24th.  To register, form must have a parents’ signature.

 Math 8/Algebra 1 Pre-AP (must qualify)  US History/US History Pre-AP (self select)  Science / Science Pre-AP (self select)  English / English Pre-AP (self select)

 These courses are self-select.  Students may choose On Level OR Pre-AP/IB classes when selecting these courses for 8 th grade.  NO prequalifying for these courses!

 All current Math 7 Pre-AP/IB students who successfully complete the course will be eligible for Algebra I Pre-AP/IB (1 high school credit). Grade not included in GPA.  Students will automatically be enrolled in the class if they qualify.  If they do not qualify, they will be enrolled in Math 8.

 Students currently enrolled in G/T Humanities will automatically be enrolled for 8 th grade.  G/T Humanities classes consist of English (1 period) and US History (1 period)  Students enrolled in G/T Humanities who wish not to be must apply for a furlough through Learner Services.

If interested in G/T Humanities program, visit the Gifted and Talented Services under Learner Services on the Allen website. Barbara Myer is the coordinator. When competing the gold registration form, please select the Pre-AP English class and Pre-AP US History class.

Spanish 1 Pre-AP/IB & French 1 Pre-AP/IB  Students must have an 85 semester average in both English 7 and Math 7 for placement.  Students who did not qualify based upon first semester averages may request a re-evaluation to campus counselor's office with final average by the close of school year  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.

Spanish 1 Pre-AP/IB & French 1 Pre-AP/IB  Students may have homework nightly.  For the purposes of qualifying for LOTE, students may add 1 point to their 1 st semester average for each Pre-AP class they are presently enrolled in.

 Students completing all the requirements of this course will receive 1 High School Credit.  Grade not included in GPA.  Full year elective  It is recommended that students are able to type at least 25 words per minute.

 A course whose goal is to help students realize their greatest potential by developing better critical- thinking, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills.

 Students completing this course will receive ½ High School Credit.  Grade not included in GPA.  Introductory course for students interested in pursing Culinary Arts and Hospitality and Tourism classes in high school.

Application and Interview Process Required The PALS program consist of students who are selected and trained to serve as peer helpers with younger students.

Application Required Students excepted into this program are trained in the causes and characteristics of disabilities. Students are paired with special need students to help them succeed in educational settings. One semester

P.E., ATHLETICS, and OTHER SPORTS

Students are required to take 2 semesters of PE credit during Middle School Cheer, Boys/Girls Athletics, Tennis, Golf, Coed PE and Off Campus P. E. are consider Physical Education Credit Courses.

Students who have NOT completed this requirement in the 7 th grade, must take PE during the 8 th grade.

 Boys’ Athletics include football, basketball, and off-season.  Girls’ Athletics include volleyball, basketball, and off-season.  Full Year Elective!  Boys wanting to play basketball only should enroll in PE Fall & PE Spring, NOT Boys’ Athletics.

 Students do not need to be in Athletics or PE to participate in track or cross country  Practices take place before or after school  If student only wants to participate in track or cross country, do not sign up for athletics  Student will not receive PE credit for track or cross country.

 Wrestling practice is after school  Boys and girls may participate  Students do not receive PE credit for wrestling

You must try-out to make these teams:  Boy’s Basketball (full-year)  Girl’s Volleyball (full-year)  Girl’s Basketball (full-year)  Cheerleading (full-year)  Golf (Fall - half-year)**  Tennis (Spring - half-year)**  ** Golf and Tennis may be selected. If you do not make the team, your schedule will be changed to PE if available..

 PE credit can be earned through Off – Campus PE.  Approval process, applications and explanations can be found on the AISD “Athletics” homepage under “Off-Campus PE” or contact Coach Debbie Evans at the Athletic Office.

 Sports physical paperwork should be given to the students’ coach.  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.  Sports Physicals for the upcoming year ( ) may scheduled after May 1 st, All physicals must be completed on a UIL approved form.

One Semester Electives: o Career Portal in Human Services o Career Portal in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) o Career Portal in Communications and Media Arts Science o Career Portal in Health Science o Career Portal in Business o Career Portal in Finance o Exploring Careers o Technology Applications in Computer Graphics o Exploring Speech Communications o Introduction to Art o Intermediate Art o Advanced Art (Prerequisite: Intermediate to Art) o Introduction to Theatre Arts o Advanced Theatre Arts (Prerequisite: Introduction to Theatre Arts) o Leadership

Band Orchestra Choir You must be in Band or Orchestra in 7 th grade to be in Band or Orchestra in 8 th grade.

FULL-YEARHALF-YEAR  Yearbook  PALS  Peer Tutor  Partners in PE  Library Aide  Office Aide THESE COURSES ARE NOT ON THE REGISTRATION FORM. They should not be written on the registration form anywhere.

8 th GRADERS SELECT THREE ELECTIVES PER SEMESTER 3 in the Fall + 3 in the Spring = a total of 6 for the year

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

Complete the gold registration form.  Write full name as on the birth certificate  Select 3 core classes (Pre-AP or on-level)  Select 6 boxes (three in the fall and three in the spring, one semester elective = 1 box, all year class = 2 boxes)  Write 2 alternate classes (do not select one of the marked electives above)  Parent signature is required for registration  Turn into English teacher by February 20 th

 Link to Academic Planning Guide Middle School Academic Planning Guide

This presentation will be available on our COUNSELORS webpage. Please contact via any questions or concerns not addressed. Coffee with the Counselors is February 20th, 8:30 – 10:00 am at CMS Our goal is to provide a smooth transition from 7 th grade to 8 th grade and make it the best experience ever!!