5 TH Grade Middle School Orientation Welcome to Chisholm Trail Middle School

Mrs. Leigh Ann Trice 6 th Grade Counselor Contact Information Phone: Check Website for information: Go to NISD website, select Chisholm Trail school, Select Staff and find my name…..

Factors to consider when choosing classes:  Your child’s academic strengths  Teacher input  Past TAKS performance  Personal goals

6 th Grade Daily Bell Schedule (This is the current 09-10, and is subject to change) 1ST8:50 – 9:35 2ND9:39 – 10:24 3RD10:28 – 11:13 LUNCH….11: :45 4TH 11:49 – 12:34 5TH12:38 – 1:23 6TH1:27 - 2:12 7TH2:16 – 3:11 8TH3:15 – 4:00(4 minute passing periods)

6 th Grade Schedule 8 periods 2 blocked periods for Math 1 Science, 1 Social Studies, and 1 LA 1 P.E. (all 6 th graders take P.E.) 1 elective of a Fine Art (band, choir, or orchestra) 1 other elective which could include a second fine art *** Each class is 45 minutes *** ~ 4 minutes for passing period~

Choices for 6 th Grade Core Classes Math – Pre AP or standard Language Arts – Pre AP, standard, or G/T (for identified GT students) *Summer Reading Required GT and Pre AP Science – Pre AP or standard Social Studies – Pre AP or standard

Fine Arts Electives Students must choose one elective from: - Band, Orchestra, or Choir General Electives The 2 nd elective is chosen from: - Exploratory Wheel Consists of one semester of keyboarding/computers paired with a semester of one of the following: theatre arts; art; puzzlers; or book studies (teacher led curriculum and activities) - General Music, Art, Math Challenge, and Intro to Theatre Arts or - Band, Orchestra, or Choir All 6 th grade students will receive 2 electives chosen from the following:

Questions to Help Determine Pre-AP Readiness Attitude Are they excited about their learning mathematics? Do they try to do things “faster” than the other students? Are they intrigued/not frustrated by problems that cannot be solved right away? Do they show an aptitude for building and drawing? Do they appear strong in science? Aptitude Have they been commended on TAKS in mathematics or reading? Have they a pretty easy time learning mathematics? Do they like to read for pleasure?

??? How many PreAP classes should my child take??? Only you and your child can determine this! What are your child’s strengths? The amount of extracurricular activities should be considered. How important are these classes to your child? What path are you aiming for in High School?

Math Course Sequences

English Course Sequences Language ArtsEnglish IEnglish IIEnglish IIIEnglish IV PreAP Language Arts PreAP English I PreAP English II AP-English III Courses Offered at Level English I (9) English II (10) English III (11) English IV (12) PreAP English I (9) PreAP English II (10) AP English III (11) AP English IV (12) 8 th Grade9 th Grade10 th Grade11 th Grade 12 th Grade AP-English IV Gray boxes indicate courses required for graduation Courses must be taken one at a time, and in order Students are not bound to stay on one track or another (ex. students can move into PreAP with teacher and parent approval.

Sequence of Courses Social Studies Course Sequences

PreAP Biology PreAP Chemistry PreAP Physics Biology 4 th year TBD Physics Chemistry One Credit must come from each area of science listed: Biology, AP Biology, Chemistry, AP Chemistry, or IB Chemistry Physics, AP Physics, or IB Physics And a fourth science credit from a higher level science course approved by the state. AP Biology AP Chemistry AP Physics N IPC N Chemistry N 4 th year TBD Science Course Sequences

The Academy of Medical Professions Byron Nelson High School Opened The Academy of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Northwest High School Opened The Academy of Media Arts and Technology Northwest High School Opened The Academy of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Byron Nelson High School Opening

Success in 6 th grade Use a Planner Keep organized Turn in assignments on time Attend tutorials when needed Form bonds with teachers and staff Ask questions for help when necessary Maintain a well-rounded schedule which includes extra-curricular activities Success in middle school involves much more than just good grades!

6 th Grade can… Attend Pep Rallies Attend school dances, after school sporting events and programs Attend field trips Be nominated for Student Council Join the runner’s club Serve as Ambassadors to incoming 5 th graders Participate in UIL events

UIL Art Calculator Applications Dictionary Skills Impromptu Speaking Listening Skills Mathematics Maps, Graphs, and Charts Number Sense Oral Reading Ready Writing Science I and II Social Studies Spelling

Parent Involvement Watch Dog Volunteer PTA Board or member Volunteer in the classroom Principal’s Coffee (monthly) Access School Website and teacher websites Access to child’s grades online Visit for lunch with your child Parent/Teacher Conference

Last but Not Least… If in doubt….ASK! We are here for your children and we want what is best for them! Get to know the Administration and teachers at the Middle School. Remember your child needs your guidance more than ever during this transition.