Rodger and EllenBeck Junior High School

Course Selection5th into 6th Grade

2014-2015

Course Selection Materials

BJH

• Mascot: Bulldog• Colors: Maroon & White• Grades: 6 through 8

Elementary to JH Differences • School Hours 7:30-2:35• No recess• NO MORE STRAIGHT LINES• More responsibilities and privileges• New friends and interests• Open lunch room seating

6th Grade Schedule

• 7 classes-45 minutes in length• 30 minute lunch• 5 minute passing period between classes• 5 core classes (English, Reading Block,

Math, Science, Social Studies)• 1 elective• P.E. • Advisory

Three Degrees of Difficulty

• Academic- appropriate for all on grade level (college bound curriculum)

• Pre-Advanced Placement (PreAP)- prepares for AP classes in high school

• Gifted & Talented- must already be identified and in Challenge for GT classes

Choosing Courses

Three Class Formats:

1. Academic – For everyone, on grade level, more time to review concepts, more tutoring provided, prepares students for college as well as other post secondary education

2. PreAP – More challenging, fast paced, requires independent learning, prepares students for AP classes in high school

3. GT – Must be screened and identified

ACADEMIC COURSES

• Instruction and learning is at grade level

• Prepares students for college and post-secondary education• Provides more time for repetition

• Designed to challenge motivated students• Prepares students for AP/college

level courses• Moves at a faster pace• Requires more independent learning

and homework

Pre AP COURSES

PreAP Math Big difference in # of

objectives covered

• 5th grade – approx. 60 objectives• 6th grade Academic – approx. 64 objectives• 6th grade PreAP – over 90 objectives with many

being 7th grade objectives

Pre-AP level of instruction will focus on preparation for taking Algebra I in 8th grade.

What Students Say About PreAP/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 wellExpect

homework

everyday

More Pre AP Information

Core CurriculumEvery student has 5 core classes

• English *• Reading**(English & Reading blocked together)• Math (Pre AP covers 6th and ½ 7th curr.)• Science• Social Studies

Electives All Junior High Students Must Take a Fine Arts

•Band•Orchestra

(Band /Orchestra directors will contact you before school is out about an instrument selection)

•Choir•Art

Supply Fees required for all electives

Physical Education• Both boys and girls (separate gyms)• Graded class/ attend everyday• Dress out in uniforms (laundering fee)• Lockers in gyms• No Athletics (competitive sports) in 6th

Grade

Reading Lab and Math Block

• Based on first administration STAAR scores (take the place of PE or Elective)

Advisory• 45 minutes• Announcements• Quiet study hall• Review Daily Planner• Opportunity to ask questions• Library • Computer Lab• Tutorials

Example: A Typical 6th Grade DayPeriod Subject Room #

1 English 2118

2 Reading 2118

3 Science 2117

4 Band Band Hall

Lunch Lunch Cafeteria 5 Math 2120

6 P.E. (boys or girls) Gym

7 Social Studies

2122

8 Advisory 2:05-2:35

Cafeteria

• Respectful dining room etiquette• Open seating• Hot tray, Snack Bar/Pizza Bar• Must stay seated and keep area

clean• Secondary lunch prices: $2.25 • Secondary breakfast prices: $1.00

Course WorkSheet• Legal first and last name• Level of core classes (Aca., PreAP, GT)• (Reading and English blocked)• 1 Elective • 1 Alternate• Parent & student signature needed• Return course selection worksheet to your

Social Studies teacher by campus deadline

To Help Ease the Transition

• Bulldog Pup Camp-New Student Orientation about a week before school starts (will be announced)

• Schedule Pick up day- find your classes, pick up pre-purchased supplies

• Tardies not taken the first week and a half of school

What Next?

• Course Verification Letter will be sent home in May verifying the course selections.....

THIS IS NOT A SCHEDULE!!!You may not get your first choice elective. Be sure to put 2nd choice on your course selection sheet.Follow instructions on sheet on how to make changes.

Home Access Center(Obtain PIN # from Elementary Front Office)

• Home Access Center: Access to your student’s grades, schedule and attendance.

• Campus eNews: Have news and information from your child's campus delivered directly to your inbox.

• Mealpay: Web-based service allows you to access your child's meal account and make meal payments online.

• Katy ISD Update: Receive district-wide news and updates via e-mail.

• Stranger Danger: Receive e-mail alerts regarding suspicious activity in our community.

Points to Remember…

Schedules may change at least once throughout junior high because:

• Classes need to be leveled/balanced• School growth requires the addition of new

teachers

Please remember to be flexible and open-minded about schedule changes.

QUESTIONS?