Katy Junior High School Course Selection for 2014-2015 School Year

Differences between Elementary and Jr. High Seven Academic classes per day with different teachers An Advisory (ISP) period to work on homework, study, see a teacher for extra help A locker with a combination lock is assigned to every student Backpacks are kept in the lockers until the end of the day Students go from class to class, restroom, lunch, and PE by themselves, not escorted by teachers Tardies!- Students must get to class on time every period. There is a 4 minute passing period. Overall, more homework than elementary school

Differences continued… Lunch—You may choose to sit anywhere, with anyone in the cafeteria. There is a SNACK BAR! PE- expected to dress out and participate every day Must have a planner/tracker with you at all times. This is your hall pass to the restroom, locker, counselor’s office, etc. More responsibility on student!

A Typical 6th Grade Day! Period Subject Room# 1 English 153 2 Math 144 Reading 146 4 Social Studies 151 LUNCH Cafeteria 5 PE Gym 6 Art 159 7 ISP & Science 136

School Day Each Class Period is approximately 45-50 minutes long and Lunch is 30 minutes long 4 minutes between classes The school day is 7:30-2:35 Before and After school tutoring is available

Transition Most classes will be close together. Lockers will be near most classes. Principals and teachers will be available in the hallways between classes to help. Counselors will be available to help you during the year.

Course Request Sheet Overview Course sheets are due to Homeroom Teacher by: February 18th. If you are moving or planning to move, you must fill it out anyway. Choose one English, Reading, Math, Social Studies, Science, PE, One elective and one alternate elective. Parent and Student must sign the course sheet.

Choosing Courses Class Formats 1. Academic- Challenging work- for everyone, on grade level, more time to review concepts 2. PreAP- More challenging courses, fast-paced, and more homework 3. GT- Must be screened and identified

Choosing Courses Class placement should be a decision made between you, your parents and your teachers. Think about your interests, your strengths, your outside commitments, and how hard you are willing to work.

Choosing Courses Things to consider when choosing which format to sign up for: 1. Past grades in school and the kind of grades you like to make 2. Motivation and attitude 3. Standardized test scores 4. Study habits 5. Willingness to complete homework 6. Extracurricular activities and time commitments 7. How quickly you catch on to new material

How to Request a Course All students must sign up for the following courses: 1. English 2. Reading 3. Math 4. Social Studies 5. Science 6. PE 7. One Elective and one alternate elective

P.E. P.E. is a graded class Meets every day Must dress out Assigned a locker and a combination lock

PE

Electives Elective- A specialty class in various areas of interest Whatever you choose, you will be in for the entire year! You will attend daily and be graded! DO- consider carefully and choose the one that is of most interest to you. DON’T- Let your friends influence your choice!

Electives Band- Woodwind, Brass, Percussion- Band directors will meet with the student to determine the best instrument. Plan to practice 30 min. a day outside of the regular classroom. Must rent or buy an instrument. There will be two or three concerts per year. Orchestra- Stringed instruments, violin, cello, viola and bass. Plan to practice 30 min. per day outside of the regular classroom. Choir- Singing, Music Reading, and Concerts. There will be three or four performances per year.

Electives Art – painting, drawing, mixing colors to create contrast, drawing from imagination, art vocabulary and art history, ceramics Theater- introduction and development of expression, acting skills, and theater production Choose an alternate elective. CHOOSE WISELY!

Art

Theater

Other Courses Math Block - designed to help refine and review math skills in preparation for the STAAR test Reading Elective - designed to help improve reading level and basic reading skills in preparation for the STAAR test You will be required to take these classes if you do not pass the Math or Reading section of the 5th grade STAAR test on the first administration. This class will replace your elective.

REMEMBER! Course Sheet due February 18th. Keep it neat and clean. Take good care of it! Choose courses wisely-think carefully about choices Talk to teachers about PreAP placement Choose alternate elective Sign and return the course sheet on time!