HARRIS MIDDLE SCHOOL NORTHEAST ISD Course Selection Guide - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

HARRIS MIDDLE SCHOOL NORTHEAST ISD

Course Selection Guide 2018-2019 School Year

Middle School Course Requirements

Each student MUST have: ■ 3 years of English (general level or Pre-AP) *Summer English assignment may be required-

more information to come*

■ 3 years of Reading (general level or Pre-AP) *Summer reading assignment may be required-more information to come* NOTE: If a student selects Pre-AP English, they MUST sign up for Pre-AP

• Reading. If a student selects ‘regular’ level English, they must also take

‘regular’ level Reading. ■ 3 years of Math (general level or Pre-AP) ■ 3 years of Science (Pre-AP available in 8th Grade) ■ 3 years of History (Pre-AP available in 8th Grade) ■ 1 Fine Arts course (band, choir, orchestra, art or theater arts) ■ 4 semesters of Physical Education, with at least 1 semester taken each year ■ 1 semester of Health in 6th grade

Pre-AP vs General Level Classes

Pre-AP classes are designed prepare students for the college level work of Advanced Placement (AP) classes in high school. The purpose of AP classes in high school are to gain college credit for courses by taking the Advanced Placement Exam at the end of the course. Pre-AP students are expected to: ■ Use higher level thinking skills ■ Develop successful study skills ■ Comprehend knowledge at a faster pace ■ Commit to a higher rigor and demand in the class ■ Organize time and efforts to successfully complete the course

Courses by Grade

6th Grade will take: English Reading Math Science Social Studies PE/Health Fine Art Elective 7th Grade will take: English Reading Math Science Social Studies PE Elective Elective 8th Grade will take: English Reading Math Science Social Studies PE/Elective Elective Elective

GEAR UP FOR 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR

ALL CURRENT 5th, 6th and 7th GRADE STUDENTS & PARENTS Date: Monday, January 22th Time: 5:45 PM to 7:30 PM Location: Harris Cafeteria You are invited to an exciting evening visiting with elective teachers and learning more about elective choices for next year. Meet Harris Middle School Administration, Counselors, and Elective Teachers

AIM

■ AIM stands for Academic & Individual Motivation and is available to 7th grade

• students. AIM does not count towards the required Fine Arts credit.

The focus of AIM is to enhance the curriculum by providing enrichment and or support to the core academic subjects. AIM may also provide students with critical skills such as study habits, note-taking, test taking strategies, organizational skills, time management, goal setting, and character education. If time allows, students may also receive study hall support. Email Lmore@neisd.net with any questions concerning AIM.

Art

■ Art is available to 8th graders as a full year course and counts as a required Fine Art credit. ■ From a Harris MS Art Teacher: “If you’re interested in learning about drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking and much more, you should take Art. In Art you will explore the world and develop your creative and artistic skills through art projects, art history, and art competitions. Big companies say they want problem solvers and creative people. Art class develops these skills.” Email Tabel@neisd.net with any questions concerning Art classes.

AVID

■ AVID is available to 7th grade students and does not count towards the Fine Arts

• requirement. If interested, the AVID teacher/counselors will have applications as a

completed application is required for consideration into the AVID program. From the Harris MS AVID teacher: “AVID is a program designed for students who are willing to work hard, so they can be taught the skills needed to successfully complete the challenging courses that will prepare them for four-year universities. Students are to take ownership of their own learning and futures, hence the acronym Advancement Via Individual Determination. This program teaches leadership development, organization, critical thinking through cultural and college field trips, teambuilding, tutorials and many other avenues.” Please email Lrobin2@neisd.net with any questions about AVID.

Band

A note from our Band Director, Mrs. White: “In band you will learn to play a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument that we will help you choose. You do not need to know how to play an instrument or even know how to read music – we will teach you everything that you need to know in your band class during the school day. In band, we have so much fun making music together as a team – we are a big “band family,” join us!”

■ Band is available to 7th grade students and does count towards the state required Fine Arts credit.

Please email Mwhite2@neisd.net with any questions concerning band.

Choir

Please email Arunne@neisd.net with any Choir questions.

■ Choir is available to 7th grade students and does count towards the state required Fine Arts credit.

■ Beginning choir builds on the knowledge, skills and understanding developed in elementary school. Students in this course will experience singing in unison and in parts, with an emphasis placed on proper vocal techniques and sight-reading skills.

Concepts of Arts, A/V & Communication

A note from the technology teacher:

■ This course develops a strong background in computer and technology applications and a proficiency in oral and written communication. The student is expected to use numerous software and internet applications to create and edit digital photos, images, audio, and video. Students will learn employability characteristics and professional communication skills. Successful completion of this course will result in a high scho hool

• l cre

redit it. Email tengle@neisd.net with any questions concerning classes.

Concepts of Engineering & Technology

A note from the teacher:

■ This course provides an overview of the various fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics and their

• interrelationships. Students will use a

variety software and internet applications to complete assignments and projects. Students will participate in virtual engineering design competitions, create technical drawings, and construct projects with

• partners. Successful completion of this

course will result in a high h schoo hool credit. edit. ■ Email tengle@neisd.net with any questions concerning classes.

Debate

A note from the debate teacher:

■ Debate class is designed to teach students the fundamentals of analyzing a given issue from both sides and effectively persuading an

• audience. Also, students will

participate in Competitive Debate and will learn to properly prepare arguments based on certain criteria that consider both sides of controversial topics.

Email jyapia@neisd.net with any questions concerning debate classes.

Green Team/Gardening

A note from the green team teacher:

■ In this class you will get hands on experience working in a garden. We have a fall and spring garden. You will have the opportunity to try new foods, take fresh vegetables home to your family, learn some business skills, and serve the community. We will also do several community outreach

• programs. Throughout the year we will

work on a Junior Master Garden

• curriculum. Upon completion, you will

be a certified junior master gardener. Be prepared to have fun and get dirty!

Email mthurm@neisd.net with any questions concerning green team classes.

Orchestra

Please email mturne7@neisd.net with any Orchestra questions. ■ Available to 7th grade students and does count towards the state Fine Art requirement.

■ From the Harris MS Orchestra Director: “Orchestra is for students who are interested in learning to play the violin, viola, cello or bass. In

• rchestra, you will read and write

music, discuss music history and perform in several concerts throughout the year. We also do several optional competitions, trips and lock-ins that you will have the

• pportunity to take part in.”

Physical Education/Athletics

■ NEISD requires 4 semesters of PE, with at least 1 semester taken each year. ■ 7th Graders are required to take PE or athletics for a full year. ■ If you are interested in athletics you must get a Coach's recommendation to participate. In order to be in athletics you are required to participate in at least two sports.

Boys ys cho choices ces are re Football tball, , basketball tball, , and nd tra rack ck Girl rls s choi choices ces are re Vol

• lleyball,

yball, Ba Basketball tball and nd tra rack ck

*So Soccer cer, , tenni nis s and d golf are also available, ilable, but t not

• t durin

ring g th the ath thletics tics class.

• s. These

se sports ts will ll practice ctice before

• re or after

r school. l.

Principles of Hospitality

■ “Principles of Hospitality and Tourism is a fun class that encourages you to find your own interests. We will cover introduction to travel and tourism. Within this class we cover restaurant management and an introduction into Culinary Arts and Nutrition/Cooking. You will experience learning in the lab environment through culinary arts. We cook weekly for nine weeks and at the end you will prepare a celebration for yourself and parents. Second semester, you will spend time learning about travel experiences/destinations and the design of theme parks, cruise liners, and airlines. We will continue to cook as we explore destinations throughout the U.S. It’s a fun interactive learning environment!!” Email lrodi30@neisd.net with any questions concerning classes. .

Principles of Human Services

■ “Principles of Human Services is a fun class that encourages you to find your own

• interests. We will cover Personal and

Career Success, Financial Literacy, and Nutrition/Cooking. You will experience learning in the lab environment through

• cooking. We cook weekly for nine weeks

and at the end you will prepare a celebration for yourself and parents. Second semester, you will spend time learning about child development, family life, and will have firsthand experience in the sewing lab. During the sewing portion

• f class, you will create and sew projects

that you will be able to take home. It’s a fun and interactive learning environment!!”

Email lrodi30@neisd.net with any questions concerning Human Services classes.

Spanish

■ A note from the Spanish teacher: This is a high school Spanish course split into 2 years, 7th and 8th grade. You will learn to speak, read and write in Spanish.

Email agauvr@neisd.net with any questions concerning Spanish classes.

Theater Arts

■ Theater Arts is available to 7th grade students and does count towards the Fine Arts requirement. Email kkorth@neisd.net with any questions concerning Theater Arts. From the Harris MS Theater teacher: “Theatre is a collaborative art that increases children’s communication skills, creativity, and empathy for real- life situations. We work together to learn movement, vocal techniques, compete at speech contests, and work together to learn the process of producing a play and short film. Students are encouraged to participate in productions and contests after school, as well as join the Harris Drama Club.”

Yearbook Production

A note from the yearbook teacher:

■ The Journalism/yearbook course has been designed to provide students with journalism skills and the ability to apply those skills to the actual production of the

• yearbook. Therefore, staffers will

learn and practice teamwork, brainstorming, layout/design, reporting, editing, photography, typography, advertising and distribution.

Email cstewa6@neisd.net with any questions concerning yearbook classes.

Course Selection Sheets

■ Course Selection Sheets for the 2018-2019 school year MUST be ret eturned rned by Febru ebruar ary y 2, 2018 18 to your Math teacher. ■ Failure to return the course selection sheet on time could result in the school selecting classes for you.

For additional information and assistance, please contact the Harris Counseling Office at 356-4126, or by e-mail: Jennifer Heisler, 7th grade counselor at Jheisl@neisd.net.

Upcoming Dates

DATE EVENT LOCATION ION TIME

January 22, 2018 Monday Harris Middle School Elective Showcase Parents & students meet elective teacher & learn about different elective options available at Harris MS. Harris Middle School Cafeteria 5:45 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. February 2, 2018 Friday Deadline for Course Selection Sheets to be returned to 6th Grade Math Teacher Math Teacher 3:30 P.M. August 2018** Harris 7th Grade Camp Harris Middle School TBA