1. 6TH Grade Middle School Orientation
Welcome to
Chisholm Trail
Middle School

2. CTMS Overview TEA Recognized Rating Title One Campus
Approximately 1050 students
Rapid growth (2005 = 400 students)
Rob: Introduce the campus and give a brief background of the school and the data story. Discuss the demographics and show the data story….three straight years of recognized…

3. CTMS Overview cont.
Recently named one of 11 middle schools named a “Texas School to Watch” by the Texas Middle School Association.
Award given for Academic Excellence over time and Development Responsiveness to the needs of students

4. What has the budget shortfall done to middle school???
CTMS will not be losing any teachers.
Class size should remain in the low 20’s for all core classes. Some electives will be in the high 20’s.
No programs or classes will be cut at this point.
Some teachers will be teaching one extra class period.

5. 6th Grade Schedule 8 periods 1 ½ periods for Math and LA
1 Science, 1 Social Studies
1 P.E. (all 6th graders take P.E.)
1 elective of a Fine Art
(band, choir, or orchestra)
1 other elective which could include a second fine art
*** Each class is 45 minutes ***
~ 4 minutes for passing period~

6. 6th Grade Daily Bell Schedule (This is the current 10-11, and is subject to change)
3RD 10:28 – 11:13
LUNCH….11: :45
4TH 11:49 – 12:34
5TH 12:38 – 1:23
6TH 1:27 - 2:12
7TH 2:16 – 3:11
8TH 3:15 – 4:00 (4 minute passing periods)
*We have a 20 minute “homeroom” period on Tues. and Thurs.

7. Factors to consider when choosing classes:
Academics
Factors to consider when choosing classes:
Your child’s academic strengths
Teacher input
Past TAKS performance
Personal goals

8. Choices for 6th Grade Core Classes
Math – Pre AP or standard
Language Arts – Pre AP, standard, or G/T (for identified GT students)
*Summer Reading Required GT and Pre AP
Science – Pre AP or standard
Social Studies – Pre AP or standard

9. Questions to Help Determine Pre-AP Readiness
Attitude
Are they excited about their learning mathematics?
Do they try to do things “faster” than the other students?
Are they intrigued/not frustrated by problems that cannot be solved right away?
Do they show an aptitude for building and drawing?
Do they appear strong in science?
Aptitude
Have they been commended on TAKS in mathematics or reading?
Have they a pretty easy time learning mathematics?
Do they like to read for pleasure?

10. ??? How many PreAP classes should my child take???
Only you and your child can determine this! We encourage all 6th graders to try at least one.
What are your child’s strengths?
The amount of extracurricular activities should be considered.
How important are these classes to your child?
What path are you aiming for in High School?

11. Math Course Sequences (NISD uses middle school PAP to condense the curriculum and get one year ahead)

12. English Course Sequences
Language Arts
English I
English II
English III
English IV
PreAP
PreAP English I
AP-English III
Courses Offered at Level
English I (9)
English II (10)
English III (11)
English IV (12)
PreAP English I (9)
PreAP English II (10)
AP English III (11)
AP English IV (12)
8th Grade
9th Grade
10th Grade
11th Grade
12th Grade
AP-English IV
Gray boxes indicate courses required for graduation
Courses must be taken one at a time, and in order
Students are not bound to stay on one track or another (ex. students can move into PreAP with teacher and parent approval.

13. Social Studies Course Sequences
Sequence of Courses

14. Science Course Sequences
AP Biology
PreAP Biology
PreAP Chemistry
PreAP Physics
AP Chemistry
AP Physics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
4th year TBD
IPC N
Chemistry N
4th year TBD N
One Credit must come from
each area of science listed:
Biology, AP Biology,
Chemistry, AP Chemistry, or
IB Chemistry
Physics, AP Physics, or
IB Physics
And a fourth science credit from a higher level science course approved by the state.

15. The Academy of Media Arts and Technology Northwest High School
Opened
The Academy of Medical Professions
Byron Nelson High School
Opened
The Academy of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Northwest High School
Opened
The Academy of Culinary Arts and Hospitality
Byron Nelson High School
Opened

16. ELECTIVES Fine Arts Electives General Electives - Exploratory Wheel or
All 6th grade students will receive 2 electives chosen from the following:
Fine Arts Electives
Students must choose one elective from:
- Band, Orchestra, or Choir
General Electives
The 2nd elective is chosen from:
- Exploratory Wheel
Consists of one semester of Intro. To Technology and one semester of enrichment activities.
- Art, Math Challenge, and Intro to Theatre Arts or

17. Band and Orchestra Instrument Drives (no reservations needed; show up to try various instruments for comfort and fit)
BAND
April 7th from 5:30-7:30 at CTMS
ORCHESTRA
April 13th from 5:30-7:30 at CTMS

18. Netbooks for 6th graders???
Each NISD middle school student is issued a netbook at the beginning of the year.
Usage fees are charged and insurance is available.

19. Why do they need netbooks?
NISD Vision:
The best and most sought after school district where every student is future ready:
Ready for college
Ready for the global workplace
Ready for personal success

20. Netbooks…What access do they have?
While at school, students have access to the NISD server and most inappropriate websites and social networking is blocked.
Away from school, netbooks can log on to any wireless access point and would not be protected by the NISD server
Teachers have the ability to monitor all student netbooks from their own computers.

21. Success in middle school involves much more than just good grades!
Success in 6th grade
STUDENTS
Use a Planner and keep organized
Turn in assignments on time
Attend tutorials when needed
Form bonds with teachers and staff
Ask questions for help when necessary
Maintain a well-rounded schedule which includes extra-curricular activities
PARENTS
Check your child’s planner
Check grades and assignments on-line
Work to make sure your child attends tutorials as needed.
Form bonds with teachers and staff.
Ask questions for help when necessary
Make sure your child maintains a well-rounded schedule.
Sign up for updates and weekly reminders

22. 6th Grade Students can… Attend Pep Rallies (Parents too!)
Attend school dances, after school sporting events and programs (Parents too!)
Attend field trips (Parents too!)
Be nominated for Student Council
Join the runner’s club
Serve as Ambassadors to incoming 5th graders
Participate in UIL events

23. UIL Art Calculator Applications Dictionary Skills Impromptu Speaking
Listening Skills
Mathematics
Maps, Graphs, and Charts
Number Sense
Oral Reading
Ready Writing
Science I and II
Social Studies
Spelling

24. Good students get recognized!!!
TOG DOGS
Each student of the A/B Honor roll each six weeks get recognized with a special treat and some “free time” outside of class!
HOMEROOM HEROES
Each six weeks, every homeroom selects a student to be its “Homeroom Hero”. This award is based on citizenship and students receive a special little prize

25. Parent Involvement Watch Dog Volunteer PTA Board or member
Volunteer in the classroom
Principal’s Coffee (monthly)
Access School Website and teacher websites
Access to child’s grades online
Visit for lunch with your child
Parent/Teacher Conference

26. PUP CAMP!!
Students will pick up their schedule, receive a locker, and textbooks the week of August 8th (Exact times and dates will be posted on the campus website during the summer)
6th grade “PUP Camp” will be Saturday, August 20th (morning)

27. Last but Not Least… We are here for your children
and we want what is best for them!
If in doubt….ASK!
Get to know the Administration and teachers at the Middle School.
Remember your child needs your guidance more than ever
during this transition.

28. Important Contacts Principal- Dr. Rob Thornell
Assistant Principal- Chris Jones
Counselor- Leigh Ann Trice

29. Mrs. Leigh Ann Trice 6th Grade Counselor Contact Information
Phone:
Check Website for information:
Go to NISD website, select Chisholm Trail school, Select Staff and find my name…..