1. McDonald Junior High Course Selection 2016-2017

3. Who are we? Students come primarily from 6 different elementary schools –Franz Elementary –Golbow Elementary –King Elementary –McRoberts Elementary –Morton Ranch Elementary –Stephens Elementary Mascot - Panther Colors - Purple & Silver Principal – Dr. Kenneth Cummings Assistant Principals (4) Counselors (3)

4. Administration School Head PrincipalAdministration Staff Dr. Ken Cummings Mr. Farr, Mr. Mclaughlin, Dr. Cummings, Mrs. Daniels Mr. Serna

5. Eight classes per day Advisory Period (homeroom/study hall) PE – every day Go from class to class, restroom, and PE by yourself Challenge/GT- Not one day a week, but every day in certain subjects Pep rallies Class choices Tardies-need to get to class on time No recess More homework than in elementary Test or quiz weekly in all subjects Snack bar Differences

6. Begin day at 7:30am School is out at 2:35 Advisory 8 class periods 30 minute lunch 3-minute passing time between classes Junior High Schedule

7. Typical 6 th Grade Day PeriodSubjectRoom # 1Advisory139 2Math154 3Social Studies157 4BandBand Hall Lunch Cafeteria 5Science155 6PEGym 7English145 8Reading157

8. 6th Grade Required Course of Study Language Arts- English Language Arts- Reading Mathematics Social Studies Science Physical Education Advisory

9. Format for Classes Academic –For everyone –College prep –On level Pre-AP –Academically advanced –College prep –Prep for HS AP classes –Designed to challenge the highly motivated learner –Fast paced –Requires independent learning Pre-AP/GT –Screening required ESL –Recommended by LPAC committee Resource –Recommended by ARD committee

10. Pre-AP: Making a Wise Choice Are you self-motivated, organized, and independent? Do you need daily help with your organizational skills? Are you involved in many activities? Are you interested enough to complete outside extra work? How much sleep do you require to be productive? How well do you handle a demanding academic workload? Are you realistic about your performance expectations?

11. Pre AP Language Arts Faster pace Advanced critical thinking More independent reading Reading and English must be the same level- either Pre AP for both or academic for both

12. Language Arts Vocabulary Academic disturb, instinct, debate, doubtless, furious, justify The magazine will be inexpensive because our costs are low. Flammable is to gasoline as absorbent is to cotton. PreAP affliction, melancholy, paradox, quibble, recompense The public’s indifference to government may be measured in the number of citizens who do not bother to vote.. paradox is to bewilder as mishap is to fluster

13. What Students Say About Pre AP/GT Language Arts Still have spelling but have to define them, too. If you do not like to read and write, then this is definitely not for you. The test are impossible if you don’t study. You have to annotate and that is hard! There are lots of vocabulary words and not words which junior high students normally use.

14. Pre AP Math Large difference in # of objectives covered –5 th grade approximately 60 objectives –6 th grade Academic approximately 64 objectives –6 th grade PreAP over 90 objectives with some being 7 th grade objectives PreAP level of instruction will focus on preparation for taking Algebra 1 in the 8 th grade.

15. What Students Say About Pre AP/GT Math Need to enjoy math a lot and like to learn You will learn something new everyday so you better be used to going fast Better know your basic math facts and know them well Expect homework everyday

16.  You must be able to take good notes.  You have homework in which you have to think.  Test are really difficult if you don’t study a lot.  The instructions you will get will go fast.

17. What Students Say About Pre AP/Gt Social Studies  The test don't have a lot of word banks.  You have to read your book for homework rather than during class time.  You need good geography skills.  You need to listen closely in class and be a good note taker.

18. Physical Education User fee $15.00 per year Encourages students to work toward achieving a basic level of fitness and wellness and a beginning or intermediate level of skill in each sport or activity through daily curriculum. Other Option Off-Campus PE Option Pe waiver is online Has to be approved by the 6 th graders must be in Pep Squad in order to try out for Mascot or Cheerleader

19. Advisory Period Academic time for all students Opportunity to receive individual help from teachers Opportunity to visit library Specialized academic class

20. One Fine Art Elective Choice

21. Fine Art Elective Choice Band Orchestra Choir (Boys, Girls) Theater 1 Art 1 You can only sign up for 1

23. 6 th grade Electives Art Course fee: $10.00 An introduction to the study of visual arts Use a variety of art materials and tools as they employ drawing, painting, three dimensional and mixed media processes. including painting, sculpture and architecture Theater Arts An introduction to and development of expression and acting skills with an emphasis on theatre production and the history and application of theatrical events.

24. Beginning Band, Choir and Orchestra Band Course fee: $50.00 per year, Does NOT include instrument fees, optional entry fees and social events. Band students are required to furnish their own musical instruments or may obtain a Katy ISD provided instrument requiring payment of a minimal yearly usage/maintenance fee. Choir Course fee: $50.00 per year, Does NOT include instrument fees, optional entry fees and social events. Orchestra Course fee: $50.00 per year, Does NOT include instrument fees, optional entry fees and social events Orchestra students are required to furnish their own musical instruments or may obtain a Katy ISD provided instrument requiring payment of a minimal yearly usage/maintenance fee. Please note Band and Orchestra students are required to turn in a weekly practice sheet.

25. Tuba Euphonium Trumpet Trombone Flute Oboe Saxophone Clarinet Band Bassoon

26. Orchestra CelloViola Violin Bass

27. Choir

28. Don’t forget You will need to sign up for Band and Orchestra instrument auditions this year. Do not wait until the first of the school year.

29. Cafeteria Snack bar Hot tray Lots of choices

30. Library

32. Course Selection Sheet

33. All Course Requests Sheets are due back to your teacher February 19 th.

34. Staying in the Loop All teachers have websites that may be accessed via the McDonald Jr. High School web site. www.katyisd.org – click on “Junior Highs”

35. Parent Nightfor incoming 6 th graders February 16 th 7:00 pm MDJH Cafeteria

36. SEE YOU LATER! Cub Camp will be held in August –Time to look around school –Meet new friends