Rodger and Ellen Beck Junior High School Course Selection 5 th into 6 th Grade

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

6 th 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 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

Big difference in # of objectives covered 5 th grade – approx. 60 objectives 6 th grade Academic – approx. 64 objectives 6 th grade PreAP – over 90 objectives with many being 7 th grade objectives Pre-AP level of instruction will focus on preparation for taking Algebra I in 8 th grade. Big difference in # of objectives covered 5 th grade – approx. 60 objectives 6 th grade Academic – approx. 64 objectives 6 th grade PreAP – over 90 objectives with many being 7 th grade objectives Pre-AP level of instruction will focus on preparation for taking Algebra I in 8 th 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 well Expect homework everyday

More Pre AP Information

Core Curriculum Every student has 5 core classes English * Reading* *(English & Reading blocked together) Math (Pre AP covers 6 th and ½ 7 th 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 6 th 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 Review Daily Planner Opportunity to ask questions Opportunity to ask questions Library Library Computer Lab Computer Lab Tutorials Tutorials

Example: A Typical 6 th Grade Day PeriodSubject Room # 1English2118 2Reading2118 3Science2117 4Band Band Hall Lunch LunchLunchCafeteria 5Math P.E. (boys or girls) Gym 7 Social Studies Advisory2:05-2:35

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 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 2 nd 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 . Stranger Danger: Receive 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.

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