1. Elgin Middle School 7 TH -8 TH GRADE COURSE SELECTIONS 2016-2017

2. Welcome upcoming 7 th & 8 th graders! Sharon Holmes (A-L) Katie Rhea (Grant Counselor) Cory Williams (M-Z)  We are very excited about the upcoming school year!

3. It’s all about YOU!  Our job is to prepare you for college whether you chose to go or not  Challenge yourself!  Get the credit you deserve!  Choose the Pre-AP/AP program!

4. Bonus to being a Pre-AP student  Pre-AP classes are for students who are passionate, curious and committed to academic excellence  Pre-AP students are more likely to solve problems collaboratively and learn to write clearly and persuasively.  Pre-AP courses prepare you for AP classes so that you are more likely to be successful in college.

5. Cost of College *according to Trends in Higher Education College Board  Texas average (in 2012) per year for an in-state public school = $7,166  Average National Tuition and Fees (2015-2016) in state 4 year public college = $9,145  Average National Tuition and Fees (2015-2016) Private 4 year college = $32,405  These costs do not include room, board, etc.

6. Bonus to being a Pre-AP student  A successful grade on an AP exam can earn you college credit which will save you time and money at a university.  Entering college with AP credits will give you time to take the fun upper-level courses in your field of interest,  pursue a double major  or study abroad.

7. AP increases scholarship eligibility  AP classes make candidates for college more attractive  Colleges consider a student’s AP experience when making scholarship decisions  Selective colleges report that a students’ AP experience favorably impact admission decisions

8. Bonus to being a Pre-AP student  Pre-AP classes help you to improve study habits that are vital to college bound students.  AP students are more likely to graduate from college in 4 years. (up to 62% higher) (Hairgrove and Dodd 2007)  The average price of college is $18,000 for each additional year a student takes to finish….graduating on time is important!

9. Required Classes ENGLISH 7th Grade: English 7or English Pre-AP 7 8th Grade: English 8or English Pre-AP 8

10. Required Classes MATH 7 th grade: Math 7 or Pre-Algebra 7 8 th grade: Pre-Algebra 8 or Algebra 1

11. Required Classes SCIENCE & HISTORY 7 th Grade: Science 7 Texas History 7 8 th Grade: Science 8 US History 8

12. Students MUST have 2 years of PE during Middle School Athletics & Dance are considered PE Physical Education (PE)

13. Fine Arts Students MUST have 1 year or 2 semesters during Middle School *Choices include: Band, Choir, Theatre, Art

14. Electives (Electives are assigned according to priority order and availability. If an elective does not make, students will be placed in the next available elective choice.) 7 th Grade Art Band Choir Theatre PE/Athletics Dance Lego-Robotics AVID Journalism Investigating Careers / Writing Reading Workshop 8 th Grade Art Band Choir Theatre PE/Athletics Dance Lego-Robotics AVID Journalism College and Career Readiness/

15. High School Credit Courses  Art I (1.0)  Foundations of Personal Fitness (.5 – 1 credit)  Spanish I (1 credit)  Theatre I (1 credit)  Choir I (1 credit)  Music Theory ( 1 credit)

16. Health Requirements  You must have a physical to be in Athletics  All 7 th Graders immunizations must be up to date

17. Programs & Incentives EMS Offers

18. iPad initiative  EISD has made it a goal to offer students 24/7 accessibility to their learning. The individual use of technology is a way to empower students to maximize their full potential and to prepare them for college and the workplace.  Payments can be made at the end of the year or during registration verification.  E backpack  Think Through Math/AR  Appropriate use/ parental control

19. Need more information? Sandra Negro snegro@elginisd.net snegro@elginisd.net 512-281-3382 x 1551

20. Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)  Full year course  Grade: 7 - 8  Prerequisite: Prior approval required  Student will fill out application and complete an interview with Mrs. Varra  Requirement: Student must be in at least ONE Pre-AP class to participate in AVID

21. AVID prepares students by  Developing them as readers and writers  Developing deep content knowledge  Developing knowledge of content specific strategies for reading, writing, thinking, and speaking  Developing habits, skills, and behaviors to use knowledge and skills

22. AVID- How does it work?  Accelerates under-achieving students, who have potential, into more rigorous courses  Teaches academic and social skills not targeted in other classes  Provides intensive support with in-class tutors and a strong student/teacher relationship  Creates a positive peer group for students  Develops a sense of hope and personal achievement gained through hard work and determination

23. Advisory  Home room  Breakfast in classroom  Current events  Building Academic Vocabulary  Typical Advisory Day  Kids come in have breakfast from 7:45-8:15  From 8:15-8:25 announcements CNN Student news over current events, then homework for rest of the time  Academic vocabulary

24. Strategic Instructional Model (SIM)  Students use content enhancement routines and learning strategies to aid their literacy and learning across each of their classes.

25.  If you have a concern over any grade that your child receives, please contact your child's teacher. If necessary, you can set up an appointment with the teacher.  Go to:  Elgin ISD website  Parent Information  Parent Portal  Create a parent portal account  Request a Portal ID #, which is different from the Student ID#

26. Tutorials  Tutorials are held Tuesday & Thursday -3:45-4:45 p.m. -Transportation provided by EISD -Elective tutorials at teacher’s discretion  Saturday School (as scheduled) (academic only) -9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. -Students Must bring Work -EISD does not provide transportation

27. Teacher Websites Teachers update their websites with information in regards to student assignments and area of study for the six weeks

28. Course Sheets  Please take Course Sheet Requests home to fill out and discuss options with your child.  Please return Course Sheet Requests by February 19, 2016

29. Check out our Facebook page!  Another way to stay connected - check out our page for frequent school updates!check out our page

30. Still have questions? Contact an EMS Counselor @ 512-281-3382  Sharon Holmes (A-L) X 1528 Sharon.holmes@elginisd.net  Cory Williams (M-Z) X1506 Cory.williams@elginisd.net  Katie Rhea (Grant Counselor) X1569 Katharine.rhea@elginisd.net