WoodCreek Junior High School Course Selection 5 th into 6 th Grade

Course Selection Materials Course Catalog Katy ISD

WCJHWCJH Mascot: TimberWolf Colors: Black and Red Grades: 6 through 8

Elementary to JH Differences School Hours 7:30-2:35 No recess NO MORE STRAIGHT LINES More responsibilities and privileges New friends and interests Open lunch room seating

6 th Grade Schedule 7 classes-45 minutes in length 30 minute lunch 5 minute passing period between classes 5 core classes (English, Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies) 1 elective P.E. 7 classes-45 minutes in length 30 minute lunch 5 minute passing period between classes 5 core classes (English, Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies) 1 elective P.E.

Three Degrees of Difficulty Academic- appropriate for all on grade level (college bound curriculum) Pre-Advanced Placement (PreAP)- prepares for AP classes in high school Gifted & Talented- must already be identified and in Challenge for GT classes

Choosing Courses Three Class Formats: 1.Academic – For everyone, on grade level, more time to review concepts, more tutoring provided, prepares students for college as well as other post secondary education 2.PreAP – More challenging, fast paced, requires independent learning, prepares students for AP classes in high school 3.GT – Must be screened and identified

ACADEMIC COURSES Instruction and learning is at grade level Prepares students for college and post-secondary education Provides more time for repetition

Designed to challenge motivated students Prepares students for AP/college level courses Moves at a faster pace Requires more independent learning and homework * 85 or higher in current subject Pre AP COURSES

Big difference in # of objectives covered 5 th grade – approx. 60 objectives 6 th grade Academic – approx. 64 objectives 6 th grade PreAP – over 90 objectives with some being 7 th grade objectives Pre-AP level of instruction will focus on preparation for taking Algebra I in 8 th grade. Big difference in # of objectives covered 5 th grade – approx. 60 objectives 6 th grade Academic – approx. 64 objectives 6 th grade PreAP – over 90 objectives with some being 7 th grade objectives Pre-AP level of instruction will focus on preparation for taking Algebra I in 8 th grade.

What Students Say About PreAP/GT Math Need to enjoy math a lot and like to learn You will learn something new everyday so you better be used to going fast Better know your basic math facts and know them well Expect homework everyday

More Pre AP Information

Core Curriculum Every student has 5 core classes English * Reading* *(English & Reading blocked together) Math (Pre AP covers 6 th and ½ 7 th curr.) Science Social Studies

Electives All Junior High Students Must Take a Fine Arts Band * Orchestra * ( Band /Orchestra directors will contact you before school is out about an instrument selection) Choir * Theatre * Art * *Supply Fees required

Physical Education Both boys and girls (separate gyms) Graded class/ attend everyday Dress out in uniforms (laundering fee) Lockers in gyms No Athletics (competitive sports) in 6 th Grade

Reading and Math Lab Based on FIRST administration STAAR scores (take the place of PE or Elective)

Example: A Typical 6 th Grade Day PeriodSubject Room # 1English2118 2Reading2118 3Science2117 4Band Band Hall 5Math P.E. (boys or girls) Gym 6a 6aLunchCafeteria 7 Social Studies 2122

Cafeteria Respectful dining room etiquette Open seating Hot tray, Snack Bar/Pizza Bar Must stay seated and keep area clean Secondary lunch prices: $2.25 Secondary breakfast prices: $1.00

Course WorkSheet Legal first and last name Level of core classes (Aca., PreAP, GT) (Reading and English blocked) 1 Elective 2 Alternates Parent & student signature needed Return course selection worksheet to your homeroom teacher by campus deadline

To Help Ease the Transition T-N-T (Timberwolves in Training) -New Student Orientation about a week before school starts (will be announced) Schedule Pick up day- find your classes, pick up pre-purchased supplies Tardies not taken the first week of school T-N-T (Timberwolves in Training) -New Student Orientation about a week before school starts (will be announced) Schedule Pick up day- find your classes, pick up pre-purchased supplies Tardies not taken the first week of school

What Next? Turn in Course Selection Worksheet to your 5 th grade teacher (DUE date on sheet) –You may not get your first choice elective-be sure to put 2 nd and 3 rd choices on your course selection sheet Course Verification Letter will be sent home verifying the course selections – THIS IS NOT A SCHEDULE!!! –Follow instructions on sheet on how to make changes.

Points to Remember… Schedules may change at least once throughout junior high because: Classes need to be leveled/balanced School growth requires the addition of new teachers Please remember to be flexible and open-minded about schedule changes.

Parent Night Program Tuesday January 13, 2015 A-L 5:00-6:00 PM M-Z 6:30-7:30

QUESTIONS ?