1. Future 8th Grade Students
Course Selection
Future 8th Grade Students

2. Materials Parent letter PreAP information Copy of PowerPoint
Course Request Sheet

3. Course Request Sheet
Due to your ELA teacher by Thursday, February 5, 2015
If you are moving or planning to move, please fill out and turn one in anyway
Parent and student must both sign
Make wise choices

4. Welcome to 8th Grade! Final Preparation for High School:
-Higher expectations
-More independence and self-direction
-Good Study habits are the key to being successful
Curriculum is challenging and demanding.
Organization is another key to success.
Two Electives:
More Choices than 7th grade

5. How To Request a Course All students must sign up for the following:
English, Math, Science, Social Studies, PE, two
electives, and two Alternate Electives
Select a course by placing a check on the line
Before deciding about Pre AP placement, you should talk to your teacher (see info on back of parent letter)
Example:
SCIENCE
__ J830 Science 8
__ J832 PREAP Science 8
__ G832 GT Science 8

6. Choosing Courses
You will most likely sign up for courses similar to what you had in 7th grade.
Steps to use when considering which class level to sign up for:
Past grades in school and the kind of grades you like to make
Motivation and attitude
Standardized test scores
Study habits
Willingness to complete homework
Outside interests and activities
How quickly you catch on to new material
Independence level

7. PreAP
If you would like to try PreAP for the first time, talk to your current teacher.
Most teachers teach both Academic and PreAP. They know the curriculum, the pace, and they know your work habits. They can make an honest recommendation on whether they feel you are ready.

8. High School ALGEBRA
Students must meet district criteria to be in Algebra.
Algebra I is the foundation course for ALL higher level math courses.
It’s NOT about intelligence - it’s ALL about “readiness” for taking this course, due to the development of abstract thinking, which occurs between 7th and 10th grade.
Students generally take Algebra I in 9th grade.

9. High School ALGEBRA Expect 45 minutes of homework EVERY night
The expectation is for Algebra 1 students to take Calculus in high school because of a high interest in applied math or science-related areas.
A strong work ethic is a MUST
Taking Algebra in 8th grade must be a priority of your time and effort
It must be YOUR decision to commit to this extra challenge and work load in 8th grade.
Do what is best for you - not for your best friend! They won’t be taking your Algebra tests for you.
Your Algebra grade counts toward the GPA and transcript for
High School - Colleges will see this grade; it is permanent

10. English Language Arts
In Pre-AP ELA, students will be required to read more novels than in Academic.
There is also higher rigor, more complex reading, and higher expectations for writing.
If you enroll in Pre-AP or G/T ELA you will have a summer reading assignment.
Reading and English are a combined class in 8th grade.

11. Gifted and Talented Program
Students who are currently being screened should not request GT classes.  You can only sign up for the ones for which you have qualified.  
the counselors will get a list of who qualifies and make those changes. You will not need to request a change—it will happen.  
If you HAVE qualified for GT classes, you must sign up for them or you will be exited. 
To get back in later would require another screening.

12. Possible Required Courses
Math Lab – designed to help refine basic math skills and help with preparation for STAAR
Read 180– designed to help improve reading level and help with STAAR skills
You will be required to attend one or both of these if you do not pass that portion of STAAR. The class will take the place of an elective.
Texas SSI (Student Success Initiative) requires to pass STAAR in 8th grade in order to advance to the next grade level.

13. Athletics Football Volleyball Basketball Track Tennis
Athletics Cost: $25.00
Athletics is only for football, volleyball, and basketball
No one is exclusively in athletics for the other 2 sports.
Remember: UIL “No Pass, No Play” is in effect – any grade below 70 on the report card will prevent participation.
NOTE: Boys signing up for football may choose Athletics.

14. Electives (Not for High School credit)
Teen Leadership
What will I learn?
       About yourself – how to develop your strengths & overcome personal
constraints
       Decision making skills that will help you make healthy choices
       Create better relationships with friends/family/teachers/coaches
       Become an effective communicator
       How to serve others
       To work effectively with a group
How will I learn?
       Teen Leadership – Flip Flippen curriculum
       Service project/fundraising opportunities
       Class discussion, role plays and team building games
  Class is open to 7th & 8th grade only

15. Electives (Not for High School credit)
Art I – an introduction to art in the areas of drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, textiles, technology. Students will explore many exciting projects in both 2D and 3D formats, as well as many different mediums like colored pencil, acrylic paint, paper mache and more. All students will have the opportunity to develop both their artistic and creative skills.
Publications I – Application and interview required
Students will learn how to work as part of a team as a staff member in the process of building a yearbook. Basic photography and journalism techniques will be explored, as well as building leadership and communication skills.
*In the event that this class is not implemented, those students who would like to be involved with Publications will participate during the Advisory period.

16. Electives (Not for High School credit)
Theater I - Focus on vocabulary and theatrical terms, building sets, creating scripts and performing, creating Greek masks, performing short scenes from published works, and playing theater games such as improvisation.
Theater II – Prerequisite: Theatre I – Extended study of Theatre I; designing sets, costumes, and make-up.

17. Technology Applications (Not for High School Credit)
Technology Applications I
Students in this one semester course learn basic data entry, storage, and retrieval of information. Topics include instruction in the use of computer hardware and software, spreadsheets, word processing, database, multimedia, telecommunications and graphic design.
Technology Applications II
This second semester course offers technologically proficient students extended activity in word processing, database, spreadsheet, graphic design, multimedia and telecommunication.

18. Electives (Not for High School credit)
Career Portals/ Manufacturing Design
This is a hands-on, project based course in the area of manufacturing that develops knowledge and skills needed for product design and production, recognizing appropriate safety and workmanship standards, and the application of knowledge regarding tools, materials, and processes.
This class emphasizes communication, collaboration, creative thinking and problem solving skills.

19. Electives (Not for High School credit)
Independent Study PreAP or
GT Independent Study
– This course is designed for students who wish to pursue an area of interest in greater depth than is possible in the traditional classroom setting. Students utilize research skills to create advanced products in a variety of media to demonstrate their learning in their chosen area of interest.

20. Electives (Not for High School credit)
Band – Woodwind, Brass, Percussion
Students are grouped by audition into a performing band.
Auditions will be held at the end of this school year.
Performances and fun social events include:
Football games
Fall Party
Instrument Clubs
Band Socials
Three concerts per year
Contests and festivals throughout the year
Perform a variety of music.
Classical, pop, movie music, jazz
Designed to enhance skills of self-confidence, team work,
problem solving, creativity and communication through the art
of music performance.

21. Electives (Not for High School credit)
Choir – Vocal Development, Music Literacy, and Performances
Music literacy in preparation for lifelong enjoyment of music
ABC’s of vocal sight-reading and auditory skills
Learning to use the voice appropriately as a musical instrument
Development of necessary skills for musical theater
Use of skills related to language, math, science, history, and social studies
Perform a variety of music including: classical, movie music, Broadway, folk songs, holiday, pop, and foreign language
Four concerts per year including pop show
Opportunities for solos and small groups
Preparation for participation in high school choir, show choir, and the All-State Process

22. Electives (Not for High School credit)
Orchestra – Stringed instruments
(violin, cello, viola and bass)
Students are divided into 4 separate orchestras based on ability and experience.
Auditions are held at the end of the previous school year and at the beginning of the current school year for “move in” students. 
Violins and violas are student owned. Students playing the cello and bass are encouraged to have a “home” rental instrument and use a school instrument during the day ($100 maintenance fee)
Students will learn and practice skills necessary for playing in large and small ensemble performance. Among those skills are teamwork, responsibility, and persistence.
Music played is from a wide variety of resources; classical, jazz, fiddling, contemporary, baroque, etc.
Private lessons encouraged but not required.

23. Electives (Not for High School credit)
STUDENT AIDE:
Help in an office setting (attendance, counselor, front
office, etc.) – Student is assigned to an office.
Must be highly responsible, enjoy filing, organizing,
alphabetizing, and doing repetitive tasks.
Must be reliable, helpful, and able to keep information confidential.
There are very slow times and very busy times!!
Student aides are NOT allowed to roam the halls and socialize.
APPLICATION REQUIRED!!

24. High School Credit Courses
Students are encouraged to complete at least one high school credit course while in junior high.

25. High School Credit Courses
Grades earned (by semester) for any high school credit course will be applied to your GPA (Grade Point Average).
A = 4 points
B = 3 points
C = 2 points
D = 1 point
F = 0 points
Class rank and GPA will be recorded on the high school transcript which is used for college admission

26. High School Credit Courses
Please consider carefully before selecting courses
Starting credits early can be an advantage only if you are capable and willing to keep a 3.0 (B) or higher
Another academic class with as much homework or more than other classes
These classes have the same curriculum and requirements as the actual courses taught in high school
Taking at least one high school credit course in junior high is recommended, but not required

27. High School Credit Courses
Each semester is recorded on the student’s high school transcript.
All high school courses attempted (each semester) count towards GPA and class rank.
A 99 and a 90 are both worth 4 points.
What you earn is permanent!

28. Electives for High School Credit
Foreign languages/Spanish: (High School Credit)
Spanish 1B -
Students currently taking Spanish 1A with an average of 80 or higher
This course is an extension of the material covered in Spanish 1A. Students emphasize conversation and communication skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing through a variety of tasks as they are introduced to the Hispanic culture. Students who successfully complete Spanish 1A in seventh grade and Spanish 1B in eighth grade are awarded one high school credit plus grade points in Languages Other than English.

29. Electives for High School Credit
2) Accelerated Spanish
One credit in one year
Prerequisite: Completion of 7th Grade Pre-AP/GT Language Arts –
Minimum 85 average in Language Arts classes
Student must demonstrate 85th percentile or above on the language arts subsection of the most recent achievement test
Language Arts teacher recommendation required. Student must pick up Teacher Recommendation Form from the counselor’s office.
Would have to continue foreign language by taking Spanish II in 9th grade
Students are responsible for semester exams that are weighted as 15% of the semester average.
This course follows the same curriculum that is taught at the high school.
Held just as accountable as high school students.

30. Electives for High School Credit
3) Spanish for Spanish Speakers -This class is designed for native Spanish speakers. Students who were tested this year and qualified to take the Spanish for Spanish Speakers class should NOT enroll in the junior high Spanish course, you will take the Spanish for Spanish Speakers course in high school.

31. Electives for High School Credit
Concepts of Engineering and Technology (formerly known as Technology Systems) – Counts for 1 Elective Credit in High School
This course provides an overview of the various fields of science, technology, engineering, and math and their interrelationships. Students will use a variety of computer hardware and software applications to complete assignments and projects. Students will use multiple software applications to prepare and present course assignments along with hands-on projects.
Principles of Human Services (formerly known as Personal & Family Development) – Counts for 1 Elective Credit in High School
Students will gain personal life management skills as they investigate careers, including counseling and mental health, early childhood development, family and community, and personal care services. The course is designed to address a broad range of knowledge and skills related to personal development and management, promotion of strong families, and preparation for adult roles.
Art I for H.S. Credit - Counts for 1 Fine Arts Credit in High School
- Prerequisite: Successful completion of a junior high art course
This course allows students to develop a greater sensitivity to the visual world, its formal order and overall unity. Student develop an art vocabulary as well as skills to graphically express their own ideas.

32. NOTE: Elective changes will not be made after the 2nd week of school.
Alternate Electives
Choose 2 Alternate Electives
A class may be full
A class may not fit into your schedule
A class may not make the master schedule
NOTE: Elective changes will not be made after the 2nd week of school.
CHOOSE WISELY!

33. A Word About Miller Career Center
Many wonderful opportunities & many new courses being offered for High School students!
MCC counselor will speak to interested students spring of 8th grade year
Many work/intern and college credit opportunities
Please read the Course Catalog, check out the website or schedule a visit to find out more
Requires planning ahead of time!!

34. Verification Process Verification Sheets – given out in early May
A list of courses chosen (not a schedule)
The only time students can make any changes or corrections - no changes will be made to courses prior to verification sheets being distributed
Make changes on verification sheet and return
If we do not receive it back, we assume no corrections need to be made to classes
The verification sheet is only a list of courses requested. We are not always able to guarantee electives that are listed on the verification sheet.

35. Reminders! Course Sheet due Thursday, February 5th to your ELA teacher
Think carefully about classes and choose wisely
Talk to teachers about PreAP placement
Choose 2 alternate electives
Verification sheet given out in May
this is the ONLY time to make changes to courses