Course Selection Presentation 7th Grade  8th Grade

Stafford Middle School Admin Team Principal: Ms. Gayle  Asst. Principal:  Mr. Kearns Counselor: Ms. Frazier

7th Grade to 8th Grade Differences Your classes will be more rigorous and there are firm due dates. You will take more tests, quizzes and will have more homework. This all prepares you for high school and college! STAAR does not go away. You will have to take 4 STAAR tests in 8th Grade. They are Math, Reading, Science, and Social Studies. How do you pass the 8th grade? You must pass all of your classes AND pass all of your STAAR tests to get promoted to 9th grade. If you do not pass all of your classes, you must retake them in summer school. YOUR SCHOOL UNIFORM: Light Grey Polo and Khaki or Blue bottoms.

School Map

Course Selection Materials Course Selection Worksheet Front: Course Selection Worksheet Back: Stafford MSD Course Catalog:

The 5 Required Courses ELAR (English and Reading) Math Science PreAP ELAR is one period long Academic ELAR is two periods long (“block”) Math PreAP Algebra 1 is one period long Academic Algebra 1 is two periods long PreAlgebra/ 8th Math is two periods long ONLY for students who are not successful in 7th grade Math (Course or STAAR) Science Social Studies PE (or PE Equivalent) Athletics Karate Dance

Choosing the Right Courses Academic These are your “on grade level” courses These courses prepare students for high school and beyond PreAP/GT These courses are designed to challenge motivated students. They are fast-paced and require more independent learning and homework. These courses prepare students for AP courses in high school and college You should have an 85 in your current class; make sure you are math ready! A teacher’s initials are required to take PreAP classes in Middle School

Exiting a PreAP Course You can ONLY exit out of a PreAP course after the first six weeks of school or after the first semester A grade in the 70s or 80s is NOT a valid reason to get out A parent/teacher conference is required

Elective Courses * = this indicates a one semester course Art 1 (HS credit) Prerequisite: Visual Arts 7 Band Prerequisite: Band in 7th Grade Choir Dance 1 (HS credit) Prerequisite: Dance in 7th Grade Spanish 1 (HS credit) Prerequisite: Intro to Spanish in 7th grade Spanish Heritage 1/Spanish Heritage 2 (2 HS credits) Prerequisite: Native Speaker Principles of Public Law & Safety (HS Credit) Principles of Agriculture (HS Credit) Journalism/ Yearbook Investigating Careers * Investigating Careers STEM* Technical Applications *

A Typical 8th Grade Academic Day PERIOD SUBJECT ROOM # 1 ELAR 8 716 2 3 Science 8 701 4 Band (elective) Band Room Lunch Middle School Cafeteria 5 Dance (PE) Gym 6 Math 8 715 7 8 US History 719

A Typical 8th Grade PreAP Day PERIOD SUBJECT ROOM # 1 Tech Apps 8 (elective) 711 2 PreAP ELAR 8 718 3 Science 8 701 4 Band (elective) Band Room Lunch Middle School Cafeteria 5 PE 7 Gym 6 PreAP Algebra 1 713 7 Spanish 1 (elective) 702 8 PreAP US History 719

Course Selection Worksheet Complete Course Selection Worksheet in PENCIL! Legibly print legal first and last name (no nicknames please!) Every student will pick five classes from the REQUIRED COURSES column ELAR, MATH, SCIENCE, SOCIAL STUDIES, PE If selecting a PreAP course, your current teacher’s initials are required AND the back of the Course Selection Worksheet must be completed and signed

Course Selection Worksheet Rank your 3 elective choices in order of preference in the ELECTIVE COURSES column List 3 alternate elective choices in order of preference in the ALTERNATE COURSES column If left blank, the counselor will pick them for you! Parent and Student signature is needed Return Course Selection Worksheet to your Social Studies teacher no later than Tuesday, January 15th