Seventh and Eighth Grade Course Planning Guide 2013-2014

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Seventh and Eighth Grade Course Planning Guide 2013-2014

General Information

Required Core Classes

All students in 7th

and 8th

grade are required to take the following classes:

Language Arts

Math

Science

Social Studies

Electives:

Students may select from the following electives:

Art

Athletics

AVID

Band

Concepts of Engineering (8th

Grade)

Choir

Creative Writing (SJMS and Cockrill only)

Drama

Health (8th

Grade)

Inventions and Innovations at Work (Exploring Careers) (7th

Grade)

Journalism

PALS/Teen Leadership

Partners PE

Physical Education (Required or Athletics)

Principles of Arts, Audio Video Technology & Communications/Principles of Information

Technology (8th

Grade)

Communications Applications

Off-Campus Physical Education

Orchestra

Spanish I (8th

Grade only)

Spanish for Spanish Speakers I and II (8th

Grade Only)

Yearbook

Online offerings:

BIM (Business Information Management) through CTE

Health

After School Activities:

Drill Team

Cheerleading

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Physical Education Requirement

Students are required to have four semesters of physical education during their three years at

middle school. Students who attended an MISD middle school in 6th

grade have already completed

two semesters. All students must choose either Athletics or PE in 7th

grade.

Academic

The middle school academic courses provide strong curricula that prepare students for success in

future courses in middle school and high school. These courses offer appropriately-paced

instruction that covers the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. Students are held to high

expectations and are required to exhibit self-discipline and time management skills as important

components of the courses.

Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP)

Pre-AP courses are core academic courses that are aligned with the Advanced Placement courses

offered at the high school level. Pre-AP courses are designed to challenge motivated students to

understand academically rigorous material and are open to all students willing to accept that

challenge. Both Pre-AP and Academic courses teach the Texas state curriculum known as the

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Students that select Pre-AP are expected to

maintain an 80 average in the course. Typically, successful Pre-AP students are self-motivated,

maintain A’s and high B’s in all subject areas, master all STAAR objectives, and are successful in

simultaneously managing multiple tasks.

Pre-AP Courses offered in Seventh and Eighth Grade:

Math

Language Arts

Science

Social Studies

Special Education

McKinney Independent School District Middle Schools offer a continuum of services for students

identified as Special Education through the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) process in

accordance with state and federal law. Special Education classes are offered in language arts and

math. Students in Special Education will be scheduled according to their Individual Education

Plan (IEP).

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Students whose first language is not English may be included in ESL classes. The emphasis in ESL

classes is to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English. The Language

Proficiency Assessment Committee, or LPAC, will make course recommendations for students in

ESL.

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GT Program

Students who have been identified as Gifted and Talented (GT) through the MISD identification

process are served through the GT Program’s classes in language arts, math and science. Students

will be individually scheduled for the GT courses in which they meet district qualifications.

Elective Courses

2013-2014

Art I (7/8)

Art I is a full-year course that is based on the TEKS basic strands: perception, creative

expression/performance, historical and cultural heritage, and critical evaluation. This art course is

designed to expose students to a variety of art media (drawing, design, painting, printmaking,

ceramics, and sculpture). Students will develop technical, expressive and creative thinking skills as

they produce works of art. Art I is a study and application of the basic fundamentals of visual art.

Art II

Prerequisite: Students must have successfully completed Art I at either 6th

or 7th

grade level. Art II

is a full-year course based on the TEKS basic strands: perception, creative



ceramics, and sculpture). Art II is a continuation of the study and application of the basic

fundamentals of visual arts introduced in Art I.

Art III

Prerequisite: Students must have successfully completed Art I in 6th

grade and Art II in 7th

grade.

Art III is a full-year course based on the TEKS basic strands: perception, creative



ceramics, and sculpture). Art III is a continuation of the study and application of the basic

fundamentals of visual arts introduced in Art I and Art II.

Advanced Art

Prerequisite: Instructor recommendation: 6th grade Art and Art II

This course is a rigorous, sequential program for students with a serious interest in pursuing a

college level portfolio. The focus on this course will be an advanced curriculum designed to

strengthen 2D and 3D studio interests. In addition, this course will focus on the production of

multiple images through advanced drawing, painting, and composition skills. Still life, landscape,

portraits, value studies and experimental abstractions will serve as the basis for exploration.

Students must have teacher recommendation: completed 6th

grade Art and Art II. Portfolio from

this course will give the students an opportunity to move into Pre-AP Art I in High School.

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Athletics

Athletics is intended for students interested in playing competitive sports. Athletic participation is a

privilege, not a right, and student athletes are held to a higher standard of conduct.

The following sports are available at the middle school level:

Boys – Cross Country, Football, Tennis, Basketball, and Track

Girls – Cross Country, Volleyball, Tennis, Basketball, and Track

Students participating in McKinney ISD athletics are REQUIRED to have a yearly physical and

complete all appropriate paperwork prior to participation in tryouts, practices, and games.

Physicals must be on or after April 1, 2013 for participation in athletics for the 2013-2014 school

year. Physicals must be completed on the official UIL physical form. MISD athletics will provide

three opportunities for students to receive a physical at a reduced cost of $20 in April and May.

Student athletes meeting all of the free or reduced lunch requirements will be given the

opportunity to receive a physical for free.

Athletes must be able to attend practices and games before school, after school, and Saturdays.

Some sports may require tryouts and/or practice sessions prior to the beginning of school in

August. Many athletic programs require prior approval by the coach and/or participate in a tryout.

All students involved in extracurricular activities are required to be involved in the MISD Random

Student Drug Testing Program. Any questions concerning participation should be addressed to

the specific coach or campus athletic coordinator. According to UIL rules student athletes must

maintain a 70 average in all of their classes to remain eligible for competition.

AVID

AVID is a college preparatory class for 6th

, 7th and 8th grade students @ all middle school

campuses. It emphasizes strong academic and personal skills necessary for university success.

Students eligible to enroll into 7th and 8th grade classes must be nominated by a teacher or parent

and go through an application process and participate in an interview.

The students selected for this class are required to be enrolled in an advanced academics course

and must have passed the Math and ELAR STAAR.

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Off-Campus PE

The purpose of the Off-Campus Physical Education Program is to accommodate students who are

making a serious effort to develop high-level capabilities and to allow those students to be involved

in a program that provides training exceeding that offered in the school district. Students interested

in this program should contact his/her campus counselor for application and guidelines concerning

off-campus physical education.

One State credit shall be awarded for physical education for appropriate private or commercially

sponsored physical activity programs conducted either on or off campus upon approval of district

administration.

Such approval may be granted under the following conditions:

A. Olympic-level participation and/or competition that included a minimum of 15 hours per week

of highly intensive professional, supervised training. The training facility, instructors, and the

activities involved in the program must be certified by the superintendent to be of exceptional

quality. Students qualifying and participating at this level may be dismissed from school for one

class period per day.

B. Private or commercially-sponsored physical activities that include those certified by the

superintendent to be of high quality and well supervised by appropriately trained instructors.

Student participation of at least 10 hours per week is required.

The student must participate a minimum of four days during the week (Monday through Friday)

plus an additional day that may fall either on the weekend or during the week. Participation must

always be under the direct supervision of the instructor. No off-campus program will be allowed if

located more than 25 miles from the McKinney ISD Administration Building.

The Off-Campus PE application is located on the MISD website under the Student link.

Band

Multiple levels exist for 7th

and 8th

grade band. Students will be placed in the appropriate level band

based on previous experience and auditions. Students will perform at each of the major band

concerts throughout the year. They may also participate in extra-curricular activities such as solo

and ensemble contests, clinics, and social events. Depending on the level of band, attendance at

extra rehearsals outside of the school day and participation in UIL concert and sight-reading

contest is required.

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Choir

Multiple levels exist for 7th

and 8th

grade choir. Students will be placed in the appropriate level choir

based on previous experience and auditions. Depending on the level of choir, attendance at extra

rehearsals outside of the school day and participation in UIL concert and sight-reading contest is

required.

Cheerleading

Prerequisite: A physical is required for this activity. MISD will provide an opportunity for students

to receive physical at a reduced cost.

This course is designed for students interested in supporting school activities through cheerleading.

There are no tryouts for cheerleading and. Students must attend a skills camp during the summer

to be eligible to register for cheerleading. Instruction may consist of tumbling, fitness, dance,

cheerleading routines, and leadership. Students are expected to cheer at all home football games

and a pre-determined number of basketball games in the evenings. All practices and performances

are required and are outside of the school day. There is a financial cost associated with

cheerleading.

Creative Writing

7th

and 8th

Grade

Students will learn the introductory basics for writing poetry, short stories, narratives, memoirs,

plays, and scripts. Techniques will include directed reading of current models in addition to

practice using literary devices, figurative language, and developing voice and style. Students will

perfect their critical reading skills through reading, discussion, and writing assignments, and will

learn the conventions of critique and collaboration in a workshop setting.

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Drill Team

Prerequisite: A physical is required for this activity. MISD will provide an opportunity for students

to receive a physical at a reduced cost.

Drill team performs at sporting events and other pre-determined school events. There are no try-

outs. Students must attend a skills camp during the summer to register for drill team. Students and

parent/guardian must attend a mandatory meeting in the spring semester of the preceding school

year. All practices and performances are required and are outside of the school day. There is a

financial cost associated with drill team.

Drama

Drama is a class for students with an interest in and ability for the performing arts. Students will

examine scripts, learn basic acting techniques, and explore aspects of technical theater. Students

will also prepare for a class production. Drama may require after school practices and evening

performances.

Advanced Drama

This Drama class is designed for students who want to participate in the UIL one-act play.

Students will participate with other drama classes in fall and spring plays. Students will examine

scripts, learn basic acting techniques, and explore aspects of technical theater. Interested students

must apply with the drama teacher. Advanced Drama may require after school practices and

evening performances.

Journalism

Broadcast and Media journalism is the main focus on this class. Students will study all aspects of

producing a video including storyboarding, capturing video footage, and digital editing. Students

will plan, organize, write, and produce the school newspaper and PTV (Panther TV). (PTV is offered at Evans only.)

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Orchestra

Orchestra meets during the school day and is a part of the daily curriculum, with an emphasis on

performing. Students will perform at Orchestra Concerts throughout the year and have the

opportunity to participate in festivals, clinics, and social events. Multiple levels exist for 7th

and 8th

grade Orchestra. Students will be placed in the appropriate level based on previous experience,

audition, and director discretion.

PALS (Peer Assisted Leadership)

Participants in PALS are trained in a variety of helping skills which enables them to assist other

students in having a more positive and productive school experience. This is a course for students

potentially interested in careers in education or other service professionals. PALS uses positive

peer influence as a central strategy for addressing areas of concern. In 7th

grade, PALS is paired

with Teen Leadership. Students interested in taking this course in the 8th grade must complete an

application and be interviewed. Eighth grade students must attend a summer training session for

one week prior to the start of school.

Physical Education

Students will learn a variety of cooperative games and activities to enhance eye-hand/eye-foot

coordination, spatial awareness, and cardiovascular fitness. In addition, students will learn the

major muscle groups of the body and the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle for a

healthier, more productive future. Students take two semesters of PE in 6th

grade and are required

to take two more in 7th

grade to meet the state requirement. In 7th

grade this can be done by taking

Physical Education or Athletics. There is a required health component that is taught during

physical education class.

Partner PE

Partner PE is a success oriented physical education program featuring supervised peer tutors and

individualized learning and instruction. The course is designed to meet the unique physical

education needs of students with disabilities who cannot meet the TEKS requirements of regular

physical education because of physical, social, emotional, or behavioral limitations.

It is taught by a regular physical education teacher and is established as a regular unit of instruction

in the master schedule. The purpose of the program is to encourage physical activity, increase

knowledge of health and fitness strategies, and to assist in the acquisition of individual lifetime

recreation activities and/or skills associated with team sports. The focus of this course is on

students with disabilities, peer teaching and individualized instruction, expanded curriculum, and

to create a more inclusive school environment.

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Teen Leadership

7th

Grade

Teen Leadership is a character education and leadership development course which includes

leadership skills, personal responsibility, principle-based decision-making, social skills,

communication skills and goal setting.

This course is paired with PALS (Peer Assisted Leadership) in 7th grade.

Inventions and Innovation at Work (Exploring Careers)

7th

Grade

Do you want to be a Crime Scene Investigator, a famous basketball player, or a Marine Biologist?

Find out if these are careers that fit your personality, as well as what other careers fit your

personality. This course will study various careers, some that you may not have heard of before.

This course will let you explore the careers and post secondary opportunities available. Maybe

you want to find a training facility for Reiki; you will be given the resources to search for this

specialty training. The second portion of this course lets you design your own invention or

modification of an existing item. You will also be able create various projects, perhaps a tooth pick

bridge, a skate park constructed out of toothpick that a marble “skates” on, the project vary

depending on the students….so what will you create?

Principles of Arts, Audio Visual Technology .5 unit credit & Communications/Principles of

Information Technology .5 unit credit

Grade Level 8 only

Are you going to be the next famous fashion designer or maybe you will design the next video

game that kids line up for at midnight the day it is released. Maybe you want to develop the

characters for the next 3-D movie or maybe you just like to tear apart computers and put them

back together to make them run better. Then this exploratory course is for you. This class will

give you an overview of all of the offerings available in these two clusters. Students will be allowed

to develop a final project that is related to the field that they are most interested in.

This course will count as 1 unit of high school elective credit.

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Concepts of Engineering & Technology

Grade Level 8 only

Do you know what engineering really is? They don’t just sit behind a computer all day—they are

creating new things every day. Some things the public sees, some things never make it to

production. An engineer can have a job building robots, designing a flying car, making beauty

products like make-up, lotion, hair products or perfume and cologne, or maybe designing the

bridge that the future generation will drive on. Students will explore college and career planning

within the Engineering cluster. The second part of this course will allow the student to explore the

technological systems associated with the engineer industry. You will also be able to develop ways

for the systems to work better. You will also be able to participate in various hands on projects.

Maybe you will have to find out ways to make your rocket fly higher, maybe you will need to

modify your CO2 car so that it goes faster, the project will vary depending on the students….so what

will you create??


Communications Applications

Grade Level 8 only

Communication Application (Speech) is a state required course for high school graduation.

Students identify, analyze, develop and evaluate communication skills needed for professional and

social success in interpersonal, group and professional interactions and presentations.

This course fulfills the high school graduation requirement for ½ unit of speech.

Yearbook

Students plan, organize, write and produce the school yearbook. Enrollment is limited in this class.

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Introduction to Spanish (FMS only)

This is a beginning course in Spanish which emphasizes oral communication in a variety of topics

at a basic level. It covers only the grammar and structure absolutely necessary for developing the

students' speaking ability. By the end of the second semester, the students will create their own

dialogues on specified topics and will be responsible for several basic readings. This course is

intended for students with no previous knowledge of the Spanish language.

Spanish I

Grade Level 8 only

This course is an introduction to modern Spanish and the four basic communicative skills. The

course seeks to develop language skills and learning techniques and achieve a novice-high level on

the ACTFL scale in the four basic communicative skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening.

This course will count as 1 unit of high school foreign language credit.

Spanish for Spanish Speakers I

Grade Level 8 only

Prerequisite: counselor or instructor approval especially in the formal use of the language. This is a fall semester course.

This course offers the native Spanish speaker an opportunity to capitalize on strengths and

concentrate on specific needs for improvement in the four communicative skills.


Spanish for Spanish Speakers II

Grade Level 8 only

Prerequisite: Spanish for Spanish Speakers I. This is a spring semester course only.

This is a continuation of Spanish for Spanish Speakers I. Student will earn credit for two years of

language in one year by completing Spanish for Spanish I and II.


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BIM

Grade Level 8 only

Students implement personal and interpersonal skills to strengthen individual performance in the

workplace and in society and make successful transition to the workforce and post secondary

education. Students will apply technical skills through word-processing, spreadsheet, database, and

electronic presentation software.

This course is offered online only and does not appear on a middle school report card or registration card. Information regarding this course can be obtained from your student’s counselor. Fee required for each semester.


Health

Grade Level 8 only

Health is a district required course for high school graduation. Students learn health concepts in

the classroom recommended for comprehensive health instruction. This semester course includes

instruction in mental health, family and social health, the life cycle, body systems, personal health

and physical fitness, nutrition, medicines and drugs, diseases and disorders, community and

environmental health, consumer health and safety and emergency care.

This course fulfills the high school graduation requirement for ½ unit of Health.

Online Health

Grade Level 8 only

Health is a district required course for high school graduation. Students learn health concepts

recommended for comprehensive health instruction. This semester course includes instruction in

mental health, family and social health, the life cycle, body systems, personal health and physical

fitness, nutrition, medicines and drugs, diseases and disorders, community and environmental

health, consumer health and safety and emergency care.

This course is offered online only and does not appear on a middle school report card or

registration card. Information regarding this course can be obtained from your student’s counselor. Fee required for each semester.

This course fulfills the high school graduation requirement for ½ unit of Health.

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Registration Instructions

1. Attend one of the parent information meetings. All presentations will be identical and applicable

regardless of which middle school your child will be attending.

2. Complete the student information portion of the registration form. Phone numbers are

important in case we need to contact you in the summer.

3. Review the course descriptions and determine which subject/course (Academic or Pre-AP) to

take.

4. Review the course descriptions attached and determine which electives to take. Be sure your

choices are clearly marked. UIL physicals are REQUIRED for athletics, drill team, and

cheerleading prior to a student being placed in one of these courses. Physicals must be on or after

April 1, 2013, and completed on the official UIL form. Forms will be distributed in PE or

Athletics.

5. Mark you choices on the registration form. Both parent and student should sign the form.

6. Students need to return their course selection sheet by Friday, March 1.

Documents

Seventh and Eighth Grade Course Planning Guide 2013-2014