2. Course Request 2014-2015 8 th Grade

3.  In order to be promoted to the eighth grade, a couple of things need to occur.  If these things are not in place, you will be required to attend summer school or repeat the seventh grade.  You must have an overall average of 70 or higher in all courses  You must also have an overall average of 70 or higher in three of the four academic courses: math, language arts, social studies, and science.

4. Course Selection Process 1.Course selection presentation in Social Studies classes 2.Take course request sheet home to share with parents- Parents must sign the form! 3.Have teachers initial any choices indicated with an *. 4.Return the signed/initialed course selection sheet to Social Studies teacher by Jan. 31. 5.You will be entering your course selections into the computer before Spring Break.

5. Choosing Classes for 8 th Grade  Choose for 7 periods  Choose English, Math, Social Studies, Science, PE  Pick 2 electives and two alternate electives  CHOOSE CAREFULLY!

6. PREAP CLASSES  In order to be in a PreAP class you must meet the following criteria: 1. Have an “A” in the academic class or have a “B” in the PreAP class 2. Have parent approval  PreAP courses are designed to challenge motivated students and prepare them for success in advanced coursework. These courses: 1.typically move at a faster pace 2.are more academically challenging 3.require more independent learning 4.have more homework than academic courses

7. PREAP Exit Guidelines  May choose to exit during 1 st 6 weeks or at the end of the 1 st semester. Must have teacher and parent approval.  If the 6 weeks average falls below 70, then you will be taken out of the class at the end of the grading period.

8. Athletics for 8 th Grade  You may not sign yourself up for athletics. See your coach if you are interested in playing a sport next year.  The Coaches will give the counselors a list of students to put into the athletic period.

9. Reading Elective and Math Lab  If you do not pass the Reading section of STAAR, then you will be placed in the Reading elective.  If you do not pass the Math section of STAAR, then you will be placed in Math Lab.

10.  High School Credit classes will go on a High School Transcript. A high school transcript will impact the rest of your educational career. GPA (Grade Point Average) Class rank Colleges first snapshot of you  You will take a Mid-term and final exam that will count 15%of your semester average.

11. Algebra (0211)– you must qualify based on screening -1 math credit Spanish IB (6318)- Prerequisite is Spanish IA- 1 Foreign Language credit Accelerated Spanish (6319)-1 Foreign Language credit Art I (7511)-1 Fine Art credit Principles of Human Services -Home Ec (8353)-1 elective credit Concepts of Engineering & Tech (8619) – 1 elective credit

12.  Band J860  Choir J867/J868 Girls or Boys  Orchestra J859  Theater I (J746) Beginning Theater  Theater II (J846)- Must have taken Theater I  Art I (J850) Not for high school credit

13. Teen Leadership J999– learn leadership and personal and business skills. Focus on developing a healthy self- concept, healthy relationships, and personal responsibility through individual and group activities. Woodshop J751– introduction to drafting and woodworking. Includes the design, construction, and finishing of a selected project. Students responsible for providing building materials. Publications (Yearbook) J855 Application Required Technology Applications I & II (Computers) J873/J877 - Not for High School Credit-Spreadsheets, word processing, database, multimedia, telecommunications, & graphic design

14.  Student Aide (Application required) – help in attendance office, front office, library, counselor’s office, and sometimes PE – must be willing to be placed in any of these offices  Must be highly responsible, like filing, organizing, alphabetizing, and doing repetitive tasks.  Must be reliable, helpful and able to keep information confidential  Grades and any office referrals will be considered.  You will be required to fill out an application and write a short answer. You will be notified of the topic and deadline.  Mr. Roberts and Mrs. Partee will HIGHLY scrutinize these essays and the individuals applying for these positions. We will choose the BEST students for these positions.  Not everyone applying will be chosen for an Aide position.

15. Choose two alternate Electives A class may be full A class may not fit into your schedule A class may not make the final schedule Choose Wisely!!

16. Course Sheet due by Jan. 31. Keep Neat and Clean Take Good Care of It! Choose courses carefully Choose 2 alternate electives Teacher Initials when necessary