1. Moving On Up! Class of 2024 7th to 8th Grade Course Selection Meeting

2. Welcome to Curtis Principal: Sonya Pitcock
Assistant Principals: Anthony Arnold,
Sara Cooley, & George Lee

3. Loren Clanton (A-G) Roxanne LeCroy (H-0) Amy Smith (P-Z)
Tonight’s Goals
Discuss classes offered in
Learn how to qualify for LOTE
Review PE credits
Demonstrate and learn how to register
Counselors :
Loren Clanton (A-G) Roxanne LeCroy (H-0) Amy Smith (P-Z)

4. State Mandated for 8th graders
CORE CLASSES
State Mandated for 8th graders

5. 8th Grade Core Classes Math 8 OR ^Algebra 1 Pre-AP/IB
US History 8 OR *US History 8 Pre-AP/IB
Science 8 OR *Science 8 Pre-AP/IB OR Science GT/Pre-AP/IB (GT students only)
English 8 OR *English 8 Pre-AP/IB
^ Must qualify * Self Select

6. ALGEBRA 1Pre-AP/IB
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Math 7 Pre-AP
Students will be expected to take four years of math in grades 9-12.
Students earn 1 high school credit (for successful completion)
Grade not included in high school GPA
Course Content and workload are the equivalent of a high school course
Course includes extensive outside-of- class preparation

7. Math Facts if your child is NOT in Pre-AP Math
Beginning in 9th grade, all classes are self-select
In high school, students can choose whether to take math on-level or Pre-AP
Grades will count toward GPA starting in 9th grade
In the 10th grade, your child can take Geometry and Pre-AP Algebra II at the same time which would put them on the same track as if they took Pre-AP math in 7th and 8th grades.

8. G/T HUMANITIES
Humanities 8 GT is a course designed to prepare students for advanced study of listening, speaking, reading, writing and thinking at the high school level, including Pre-AP and Pre-IB courses. Humanities 8 GT is a two-period course offered through the GEMS (Gifted Education Middle School) program for identified Gifted and Talented students designed to meet the social, emotional, and academic needs of the gifted learner.

9. G/T HUMANITIES Qualification based on GT identification
Students currently enrolled in G/T Humanities will automatically be enrolled for 8th grade.
G/T Humanities classes consist of English and US History
G/T students who wish not to be enrolled in G/T Humanities must apply for a furlough through Learner Services.
Those interested in G/T Humanities program, contact Learner Services.

10. G/T SCIENCE Qualification based on GT identification
Course is self-select (only available to students who are identified GT)
If student furloughs GT Humanities (English & History), they may still self-select GT Science
If student furloughed in 7th grade and wants to furlough 8th grade, they will be exited from GT (will not qualify for GT science)

11. Elective Courses for 8th ONLY

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

13. Business Information Management 1 (BIM)
Students completing all the requirements of this course will receive 1 High School Credit. (Not included in GPA)
Full year elective
It is recommended that students are able to type at least 25 words per minute.

14. Principles of Hospitality and Tourism
Students completing this course will receive
1 High School Credit. (Not included in GPA)
Allows students the opportunity to explore various facets of the Hospitality and Tourism Industry encompassing recreation, resorts, restaurants & food beverage services.
This class is a prerequisite course for Introduction to Culinary Arts and Hotel Management offered in 9th grade.

15. QUALIFYING TO TAKE A LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH (LOTE) IN 8TH GRADE

16. FOREIGN LANGUAGE (LOTE)
Spanish 1 Pre-AP/IB & French 1 Pre-AP/IB
Prerequisite: Must have a 7th grade Fall semester grade of at least 85 in BOTH math and English.
Students earn 1 high school credit (for successful completion)
Grade not included in high school GPA
Course Content and workload are equivalent of a high school course
Course includes extensive outside-of-class preparation

17. Languages Other Than English
Students desiring to register for a LOTE class will be required to log-on to Skyward the day of registration to show grade eligibility.
The English and Math grade will be reviewed immediately.
Counselor will initial Course Selection Form if student qualifies.
Students not qualifying will not be allowed to register for a LOTE class at that time.
Students NOT qualifying must your counselor by May 24th to request reevaluation for LOTE.

18. SPANISH FOR NATIVE SPEAKERS
At Lowery, students that are native Spanish speakers can take the “Native Speakers" course. This course is only offered in 9th grade and consists of learning the Spanish I and II curriculum in one year. The objective of this course is to allow students to take four years of Spanish in only two years. These students can take NS 3 Pre-AP and NS AP 4 which offers an opportunity to take the AP Spanish and Culture Exam. If successfully completed, students may earn a college credit.
This information is being shared now so that qualifying / interested students will WAIT until high school to begin their studies in Spanish. Do not sign up for Spanish I pre-AP in 8th grade if interested in Native Speaker course.

19. Other LOTE in high school
German
American Sign
Chinese

20. APPLICATION COURSES FOR 8TH GRADE

21. APPLICATION CLASSES FULL-YEAR HALF-YEAR Yearbook PALS
Partners in P.E. **
Peer Helper **
Office Aide
Library Aide
Teacher Aide
THESE COURSES ARE NOT ON THE REGISTRATION FORM. They should not be written on the Course Selection form anywhere.

22. Yearbook
Application Required
Students will learn to take quality pictures, to design and organize the pages, and to cooperate with fellow classmates
Must be self-disciplined, responsible, and able to meet deadlines
Limited class size
Applications are COUNSELORS webpage Application deadline: March 8th

23. PALS Peer Assistance and Leadership
Application and Interview Process Required
The PALS program consist of students who are selected and trained to serve as peer helpers with younger students. PALS participate in community service, acclimating new students to campus, etc.
Application deadline: February 8th
Interviews coming soon!

24. Application and Interview Process Required
Partners in PE
Application and Interview Process Required
Partners in PE is a success oriented PE program using supervised peer tutors and individualized learning and instruction.
Benefits for Student Partners
Interact with students with disabilities and develop empathy and respect for them
Develop leadership skills
** Application deadline: February 25th .

25. Peer Helpers Application Required
Students accepted 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. (1 semester or Full Year course)
** Application deadline: February 25th

26. Library Aide/Office Aide
Application Required
Work with librarian / office staff
Assist in alphabetizing, organizing, or distributing items
Must be able to work without constant supervision
Must be able to follow directions
Must have a pleasant attitude
Must like to help others, both peers and adults
Good Attendance, Behavior, and Grades required
** Application deadline: February 25th

27. Physical Education Credit
Students are required to take 2 semesters of PE credit during Middle School
Cheer, Boys/Girls Athletics, Tennis, Golf, Coed PE, and Off-Campus PE are all considered Physical Education

28. ATHLETICS
Boys’ Athletics include football, basketball, and off-season.
Girls’ Athletics include volleyball, basketball, and off-season.
Boys wanting to play basketball only should enroll in PE Fall & PE Spring, NOT Boys’ Athletics.

29. ATHLETICS
** If students did not participate in athletics or make a team in 7th grade, they will need an Athletic Coordinator’s approval to enroll into the athletic period for 8th grade and to try out for a team.
** If they are not enrolled in the athletic class period, they still have the opportunity to try out for a team after school.

30. TRY-OUT SPORTS 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 (PE Fall - half-year)**
Tennis (PE Spring - half-year)**
** If you do make the team, your schedule will be changed to Golf or Tennis. .

31. Track and Cross Country
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
Students will not receive PE credit for track or cross country unless they are enrolled in PE or Athletics

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

33. Off-Campus PE (OCPE) PE credit may be earned through Off-Campus PE.
Approval process, applications & explanations can be found ….
AISD Athletics homepage
Off-Campus PE
Jeffrey McCullough
Applications for OCPE for the school year will not be accepted until June.

34. WARNING
Students who have not completed this requirement in the 7th grade must take PE during the 8th grade.

35. Sports Physicals
A complete Physical is required each year for all students entering Athletics.
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. Schedule physicals AFTER May 1, 2019 for upcoming year ( ).

36. Electives One Semester Electives:
Investigating Careers in Human Services
Investigating Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)
Investigating Careers in Communications and Media Arts Science
Investigating Careers in Health Science
Investigating Careers in Business
Investigating Careers in Finance
College and Career Readiness
Technology Applications in Computer Graphics
Introduction to Art
Intermediate Art (Prerequisite: Introduction to Art)
Advanced Art (Prerequisite: Intermediate to Art)
Introduction to Theatre Arts
Advanced Theatre Arts (Prerequisite: Introduction to Theatre Arts)
Leadership
Introduction to Robotics – *New this year
PLEASE CONSULT THE ACADEMIC PLANNING GUIDE FOR A DESCRIPTION OF EACH COURSE

37. Fine Arts Electives (Full year)
Band
Orchestra
Choir
You must be in Band or Orchestra in 7th grade to be in Band or Orchestra in 8th grade.
Students will be placed in the appropriate level of class based on individual audition with the director and a balance of instruments within the ensemble.

38. 8th GRADERS SELECT THREE ELECTIVES PER SEMESTER
3 in the Fall + 3 in the Spring = a total of 6 for the year

39. FILL-IN ALL ALTERNATIVE CHOICES.
Electives Continued
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!
Schedules will not be changed for:
Teacher change
Lunch time change
Elective change if you received your requested elective
“ I don’t like the class.” “It’s not my thing.”
No drops, adds, or schedule changes will be allowed after the fifth instructional day of the semester.
Read the Academic Planning Guide and Course Descriptions very closely when making class selections.
FILL-IN ALL ALTERNATIVE CHOICES.

40. A complete description of Elective and Core Classes can be found in the Academic Planning Guide (link is on the CMS website)

41. HOW TO REGISTER FOR 8TH GRADE COURSES

42. Course Selection for 8th Grade
ALL incoming 8th Graders will register on-line at school with assistance from the counselors.
BLUE course selection forms are due Friday, 2/22/19
On-line registration will be in SCIENCE class March 4th – 7th.
To register, form must have parents’ signature

43. How to register for classes
Complete the BLUE Course Selection form.
Write full name as on the birth certificate
Select 3 core classes (Pre-AP or on-level)
Select 6 boxes
Write 2 alternate classes (do not select one of the six marked for electives above)
Parent signature is required for registration
Turn into Science teacher by Feb. 22nd

44. How to register for classes
Use the back of the registration form as an example
Even if moving from Allen is in your future, complete and turn in the registration form
Go to the Curtis web-page to view the Academic Planning Guide for course description
COUNSELORS webpage - Class of 2024 – Course selection form, applications, & PowerPoint

45. Things to keep in mind…
Next year, 8th graders take the STAAR in English, Math, History and Science.
your counselor by May 24th if requesting
re-evaluation for Spanish 1 Pre-AP or French 1
Pre-AP.
Mid-terms are typically the last week of the Fall semester.
Finals are typically the last week of the Spring semester
Please do not schedule vacations/trips during these days. Teachers are not allowed to give exams early.

46. Coffee with the Counselors
February 22nd 8:30 – 10am
CMS Teacher’s Lounge

47. Thank you for attending!
This presentation will be available on COUNSELORS webpage.
Please contact via any questions or concerns not addressed.
Our goal is to provide a smooth transition from 7th grade to 8th grade and make it the best experience ever!!