1. Harris Middle School NorthEast ISD
Course Selection Guide
School Year

2. Middle School Course Requirements
Each student MUST have:
3 years of English (general level or Pre-AP) *Summer English assignment may be required- more information to come*
3 years of Reading (general level or Pre-AP) *Summer reading assignment may be required-more information to come*
NOTE: If a student selects Pre-AP English, they MUST sign up for Pre-AP Reading. If a student selects ‘regular’ level English, they must also take ‘regular’ level Reading.
3 years of Math (general level or Pre-AP)
3 years of Science (Pre-AP available in 8th Grade)
3 years of History (Pre-AP available in 8th Grade)
1 Fine Arts course (band, choir, orchestra, art or theater arts)
4 semesters of Physical Education, with at least 1 semester taken each year
1 semester of Health in 6th grade

3. Pre-AP vs General Level Classes
Pre-AP classes are designed prepare students for the college level work of Advanced Placement (AP) classes in high school. The purpose of AP classes in high school are to gain college credit for courses by taking the Advanced Placement Exam at the end of the course.
Pre-AP students are expected to:
Use higher level thinking skills
Develop successful study skills
Comprehend knowledge at a faster pace
Commit to a higher rigor and demand in the class
Organize time and efforts to successfully complete the course

4. Courses by Grade 7th Grade will take: English Reading Math Science
6th Grade will take: English Reading Math Science Social Studies PE Health Elective Fine Art Elective
7th Grade will take:
English
Reading
Math
Science
Social Studies PE
Elective
8th Grade will take:
English
Reading
Math
Science
Social Studies
PE/Elective
Elective

5. HARRIS MIDDLE SCHOOL Course Fair GEAR UP FOR 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR
ALL CURRENT 5th, 6th and 7th GRADE
STUDENTS & PARENTS
Date: Tuesday, January 22nd
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Harris Cafeteria
You are invited to an exciting evening visiting with elective teachers and learning more about elective choices for next year.
Meet Harris Middle School Administration, Counselors, and Elective Teachers

6. 6th Grade Electives Band* Choir* Orchestra* Theater Arts* Art* AVID
In 6th Grade, students will choose one (if taking a full year of PE) or two electives from the choices below.
Band*
Choir*
Orchestra*
Theater Arts*
Art*
AVID
Beginning Piano/AIM
Beginning Guitar/AIM
Technology Explorations/AIM
Broadcast Journalism/AIM
AIM (full year)
* This course will fulfill the state requirement for a fine art credit in middle school.

7. AIM
AIM stands for Academic & Individual Motivation and is available to 6th grade students. AIM does not count towards the required Fine Arts credit.
The focus of AIM is to enhance the curriculum by providing enrichment and or support to the core academic subjects. AIM may also provide students with critical skills such as study habits, note-taking, test taking strategies, organizational skills, time management, goal setting, and character education. If time allows, students may also receive study hall support.
with any
questions concerning AIM.

8. Art
Art is available to 6th graders as a full year course and counts as a required Fine Art credit.
From a Harris MS Art Teacher:
“If you’re interested in learning about drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking and much more, you should take Art. In Art you will explore the world and develop your creative and artistic skills through art projects, art history, and art competitions. Big companies say they want problem solvers and creative people. Art class develops these skills.”
Mr Baldizon with any questions concerning Art classes.

9. AVID
AVID is available to 6th grade students and does not count towards the Fine Arts requirement. If interested, the 5th grade teachers/counselors will have applications as a completed application is required for consideration into the AVID program.
From the Harris MS AVID teacher:
“AVID is a program designed for students who are willing to work hard, so they can be taught the skills needed to successfully complete the challenging courses that will prepare them for four-year universities. Students are to take ownership of their own learning and futures, hence the acronym Advancement Via Individual Determination. This program teaches leadership development, organization, critical thinking through cultural and college field trips, teambuilding, tutorials and many other avenues.”
Please with any questions about AVID.

10. Band
Band is available to 6th grade students and does count towards the state required Fine Arts credit.
A note from our Band Director, Mrs. White:
“In band you will learn to play a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument that we will help you choose. You do not need to know how to play an instrument or even know how to read music – we will teach you everything that you need to know in your band class during the school day. In band, we have so much fun making music together as a team – we are a big “band family,” join us!”  
Instrument ‘try-outs’ will be held on this spring for students interested in 6th Grade band. More information will be sent home with students soon!
Please with any questions concerning band.

11. Choir
Choir is available to 6th grade students and does count towards the state required
Fine Arts credit.
Beginning choir builds on the knowledge, skills and understanding developed in elementary school. Students in this course will experience singing in unison and in parts, with an emphasis placed on proper vocal techniques and sight-reading skills.
Please with any Choir questions.

12. Health
Health is a required course. It includes the study of the physical and mental well-being of a person, nutrition & fitness, substance abuse, abstinence education, disease prevention, social health, and first aid/CPR training.

13. Orchestra
Available to 6th grade students and does count towards the state Fine Art requirement.
From the Harris MS Orchestra Director:
“Orchestra is for students who are interested in learning to play the violin, viola, cello or bass. In orchestra, you will read and write music, discuss music history and perform in several concerts throughout the year. We also do several optional competitions, trips and lock-ins that you will have the opportunity to take part in.”
Please with any Orchestra questions.

14. Theatre Arts
Theatre Arts is available to 6th grade students and does count towards the Fine Arts requirement.
From the Harris MS Theatre teacher:
“Theatre is a collaborative art that increases children’s communication skills, creativity, and empathy for real- life situations. We work together to learn movement, vocal techniques, compete at speech contests, and work together to learn the process of producing a play and short film. Students are encouraged to participate in productions and contests after school, as well as join the Harris Drama Club.”
with any questions concerning Theatre Arts.

15. Other Electives (each offered for a semester and paired with another class)
Broadcast Journalism-Students produce and edit the daily announcements using a green screen and a Apple Mac book.  Students also help with online promotion of all of the wonderful things that go on at Harris.
Guitar- Guitar class is an opportunity for your child to learn how to play the guitar. We start from the very beginning so no previous knowledge is necessary. During the course of the semester, we cover notes on each of the 6 strings, basic chords and reading music. Please plan on providing a few necessary supplies.
Piano-Beginning Piano is for students with little to no previous piano experience. Students will work at their own pace learning to read music and play the piano.
Technology Explorations-Students will utilize the computer lab to explore areas of technology including typing, word processing, spreadsheet creation, presentation creation, 3d modeling, and video game creation.  Some graphics and engineering topics may be briefly introduced as well. 
**None of the courses above count for the required Fine Art credit

16. Physical Education
NEISD requires 4 semesters of PE, with at least 1 semester taken each year while attending Middle School.
6th Graders have a few options:
PE Full year (would now have to take health with another half year elective as health is a required class) OR
PE/Health
***If your student would like to be in Athletics in 7th or 8th grade or plans on playing a UIL sport, it is HIGHLY recommended that they take a FULL year of PE in 6th Grade.***

17. Course Selections
Course Selections for the school year will be done ONLINE through the Skyward Family Access program. Your students elementary school counselor or 5th grade teacher will be discussing details and deadlines with students.
Failure to register for courses online by the designated deadline could result in the school selecting classes for you.
For additional information and assistance, please contact the Harris Counseling Office at , or by Lori More or Jennifer Heisler, counselors, at or

18. Upcoming Dates Tuesday, January 22, 2019 Harris Middle School
EVENT
LOCATION
TIME
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
Harris Middle School
Elective Showcase
Parents & students meet elective teachers & learn about different elective options available at Harris MS.
Harris Middle School Cafeteria
6:00 P.M.
January 23
Steubing Ranch
January 24
Stahl
Northern Hills
Fox Run
Longs Creek
5th Grade Field Trip to tour Harris Middle School.
January 23 and January 24, 2019
August 2019
Harris 6th Grade Camp
TBA