Boerne Middle School South

2015-2016 7

th

Grade Parent Night Pre-Registration Information For incoming 8

th

Grade

INTRODUCTIONS

Susan Cleveland, Principal Sherry Mireles, Assistant Principal Celia Collard, Counselor (A-K) Kim Berny, Counselor (L-Z) Holly Taylor, Registrar

• • •

TIMELINE

• • Completed cards are due no later than Friday, February 27 th to their Texas History teacher.

If your child chooses to take a Pre-AP class, the back of the card MUST be signed by the student and the parent.

• Counselors will visit students in their Texas History classes February 17 and February 18 and distribute course cards.

Parents/students will receive a confirmation letter of course selections in mid-April.

• If any changes must be made, please note it on the confirmation letter and return to the counseling office by April 30 th . Level changes (Pre-AP to regular) will ONLY be considered on an academic need basis between the 4 th and 6 th week of school and at the end of the 1st semester.

No Regular to Pre-AP moves will be accepted after the

first day of school.

No elective changes will be made after June 4, 2015.

REQUIRED COURSES

• • • • • • • English Reading Math Science American History Technology Applications II P.E. (semester) If enrolling in Athletics, Coach Fallon or Coach Taylor’s approval is required on the course card.

Pre-AP vs. On-level

• • If my child is in a Pre-AP class has he/she consistently had a grade of 85 and above? • If my child has been in an on-level class has he/she consistently had a grade of 95 and above?

• Is my child currently in the 7 AP class? (English, Reading, Math 7 P-AP, Science or TX History) th grade level Pre Has my child had difficulty with completing the homework in their Pre-AP class? • How many hours does my child spend on extra curricular activities?

BISD Math Pathways

Grade Level 6 7 8 9 10 11

Math 7: STAAR Math 8: STAAR Algebra I, Algebra I PreAP

or

Algebra I with Lab Algebra I EOC Geometry Math Models with Applications Algebra II

12 Traditional Pathway (60-70% of students)

Math 6: STAAR Algebra II

or

College Preparatory Course Advanced Quantitative Reasoning

or

PreCalculus

or Dual Credit College Algebra or AP Statistics One Year Acceleration (30-40% of students)

PreAP Math 6: STAAR (Course content: all Grade 6 TEKS + approximately ½ Grade 7 TEKS) PreAP Math 7: STAAR (Course content: remaining Grade 7 TEKS + all Grade 8 TEKS) PreAP Algebra I Algebra I EOC PreAP Geometry

Two Year Acceleration (5% of students)

PreAP Math 6: STAAR

and

8 th Math CBE covering remaining Grade 7 TEKS & all Grade 8 TEKS (taken in summer prior to 7 th grade; 80% or higher CBE score) PreAP Algebra I Algebra I EOC PreAP Geometry & 8 th Math STAAR PreAP Algebra II PreAP PreCalculus

or Dual Credit College Algebra AP Statistics or AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC

PreAP Algebra II

Dual Credit College Algebra AP Statistics

PreAP PreCalculus

and/or AP Statistics Dual Credit College Algebra

PreAP PreCalculus

and AP Statistics AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC AP Statistics

PreAP PreCalculus

AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC AP Calculus AB and AP Statistics AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC AP Statistics AP Calculus BC

Communication Applications

*high school credit Communication Applications focuses on public speaking and its fundamentals. Students will prepare various types of speeches, oral interpretations, and some debates. This course requires some research and speaking before audiences. Students receive 0.5 high school elective credit.

Spanish 1

*high school credit Spanish I is the first course of a recommended multi-year sequence designed to develop the fundamental language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The emphasis of Spanish I is the development of oral language. The study of introductory vocabulary, phonetics, and grammar are included. The culture and civilization of the Spanish-speaking world is integrated into all aspects of the course. The rigor and pace of the Spanish I course content are commensurate with the high school level curriculum.

Creative Writing

Students will write pieces in multiple genres and study published works, as well as selected writings of class members. By the end of the course, each student will have a fuller understanding of his/her own relationship as an artist to the characters, voices, and stories he/she creates.

Independent Investigation (I2)

Independent Investigation encourages students to select an area of interest to study by using investigative research skills while preparing students for the complex reading and in-depth analysis of life-long learning. Students will clarify research questions, evaluate and synthesize information using fiction and non-fiction texts, and utilize support from a community mentor and other secondary sources. This reading course encourages choice, independent thinking and the development of comprehensive research skills.

Robotics

Robotics provides students with an opportunity to develop, build, program, and run NXT robotic bricks using Lego® Mindstorms® Education EV3 kits and software. Students learn simple machines concepts while developing an understanding of mechanical principles and related problem-solving skills.

Computer Aided Design (CAD)

Computer-aided Design (CAD) introduces students to the language of CAD, architectural plans and elevations, and graphics used in engineering and technology detail drawings. This course presents basic 3D modeling terminology, concepts, and tools used to create simple building models using SketchUp 3D modeling software. Students will learn how to adapt basic technical drafting techniques to computer-generated drawings found in various drafting disciplines essential in today’s job market. Recommended Prerequisite: STEM I

Keyboarding

Keyboarding is designed for students who needed additional time and practice to master basic typing and keyboarding skills. This course does not fulfill either of the Technology Applications semester course requirements.

GT Independent Study

G/T Independent Study is designed for identified gifted and talented students who wish to pursue an area of interest in greater depth by utilizing research skills to create advanced products in a variety of media to demonstrate their learning in their chosen area of interest. The course is dependent on course requests from G/T students and offered in a multi-age classroom setting.

Newspaper

Campus Newspaper students apply writing skills to campus publications, such as a school electronic newspaper.

Electives

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Personal Focus Consumer Focus Exploring Careers STEM I or II Robotics Keyboarding Computer-Aided Design Technology Applications 2 Spanish Lang. Appreciation Art 1 Tech Theatre Theatre 1 Communication Applications * Newspaper Student Aide ** • • • • • • • • • • Art 2 Band Choir String Orchestra Theatre Arts 2 Creative Writing Spanish I * Spanish I PAP * Spanish for Spanish Speakers 2 PAP * Yearbook ** *High School Credit course ** Application required for Student Aid

Full year electives • • • • • • • • • • Spanish I *high school credit Spanish for Spanish Speakers 2 *high school credit/dual lang. program Art 8- Art 2, 3 (prerequisite of previous level) Theater Arts 8- Theatre Arts 2,3 (prerequisite of previous level) Creative Writing I2 Independent Investigations Campus Yearbook (application required, limited slots) String Orchestra (audition required) Choir Band (must have been in band previously)

Credit by Exam Information

Students can earn credit for • • • Reading Technology Applications 2 Spanish I • • • • • • Technology Applications 2 (May 2, June 9-10) Reading 8 (June 9-10) Spanish I (June 9-10) Must score at least an 80% to receive credit.

Replace with another 8 th Grade elective Still responsible to take and pass the 8 th Grade Reading STAAR.

Summer school option

Students may earn credit for Technology Applications II by attending summer school.

• • • • • Fabra Elementary: June 9-12, 15-19, 22-26, 29-July 2 8:00-11:00 am, Monday-Friday $110/student ; minimum of 20 students Upon successful completion of summer school, students may replace course with another elective Registration information is available in April; Due date May 8

Important Deadline Information

•

Course Cards are due to Texas History teacher February 27 th (sign Pre-AP agreement)

•

Student Aide Applications, I2 and Yearbook Applications are due in the office by 4:00 p.m. February 27 th .

Celia Collard, Counselor (A-K) 357-3307 Kim Berny, Counselor (L-Z) 357-3308 Holly Taylor, Registrar 357-3302 [email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]