1. Incoming 7th & 8th Grade Registration
Parent Informational Meeting
Spring 2017

2. Introductions: Richard Manuel, Principal
Dan Kanzler, 6th Grade and Hillcat Assistant Principal
Julie Lewis, 6th Grade and Hillcat Counselor
Jennifer King, Rockhound and 8th Grade Assistant Principal
Michelle Ott, Rockhound and 8th Grade Counselor

3. Registration Card & Course Guide…Go
WILDCATS!
7th grade schedule request card is BLUE
8th grade schedule request card is GREEN
Wester has gone green: You will find the Course Selection Guides on the Wester Frisco ISD Website under the Resources Tab.

4. Required Classes – 7th grade
All students are required to take the following classes…
Texas History
Science or Pre-AP Science (Science Fair Project)
ILA or Pre-AP ILA
Math 7 or Pre-AP Math 7
Science Fair Project Required

5. Required Classes – 8th grade
All students are required to take the following classes…
US History
Science 8 or Pre-AP Science 8
ILA 8 or Pre-AP ILA 8
Math 8, PAP Math 8, or PAP Algebra I **
(Science Fair Project Required)
Science Fair Project Required

6. Pre-AP Algebra Requirements
Students Enrolled in Pre-AP 7th Grade Mathematics
Students who enroll in Algebra in 8th grade will have until the end of the 1st six weeks to drop the class if they wish to no longer remain in Algebra.
After the 1st six weeks, students will not be allowed to drop the class and will remain in the class and the grade will go toward their high school GPA.

7. High School Credit… Health Pre-AP Algebra I Pre-AP Geometry Spanish 1
Classes taken for high school credit will be calculated in the student’s high school GPA. Students will have only until the 1st six weeks to drop a high school level class.

8. Credit by Exam (CBE)
Students who want credit for courses that they have not had any prior instruction in can take a CBE to try and earn credit and/or accelerate
Native speakers of a language other than English can gain high school credit after their 8th grade year
Pathway to accelerate in math (Geometry in 8th grade)
Application deadline is May 2nd.

9. Recommended Pre-AP Entrance Criteria
Students who meet the criteria below are encouraged to register for Pre-AP classes:
90% of answers correct on STAAR in area of application (previous school year)
Cumulative classroom average of 90 or higher in the area of interest (current school year)
Willingness to work hard and be challenged

10. Benefits of Taking Pre-AP…
Prepares students for taking the AP classes in high school
AP classes can earn students college credit; saves you money!
Challenges students and better prepares them for college

11. Electives – 7th grade Each student chooses 2 electives in 7th grade
Your child needs to rank the electives, with 1 being your first choice and 4 being your last choice.

12. P.E. – 7th grade
Each student chooses 1 Physical Education class in 7th grade. This is a required class.
Soccer, Cross Country and Track are before/after school practices. You will sign up for a PE class if you want to do one of these sports.
____ Boys Athletics (Football and/or Basketball) **
____ Girls Athletics (Volleyball and/or Basketball) **
____ Strength and Conditioning (Track, Cross Country, Soccer)
____ PE
____ Tennis (Beginning or Advanced pending Coach’s approval)
**If you are only participating in Soccer or Cross Country/Track, you will need to sign up for Strength and Conditioning, PE or Tennis rather than Athletics. If you are trying out for Football, Basketball, or Volleyball you must sign up for athletics

13. Anyone can join orchestra and play a string instrument!
4 levels: Beginner, Concert, Philharmonic, and Symphonic.  ANY grade level can enter beginner orchestra!
VIOLIN VIOLA CELLO BASS

14. BAND
Beginner Band (ANY grade level can sign up for beginner band!!) Three Performing Bands: Symphonic Band, Concert 1, and Concert 2
See the band website for info:

15. Wester Choir is on Fire! Be a part of the big picture! Join Choir!
Have fun! Make new friends! Find your voice!

16. Introduction to Spanish
Students will learn basic vocabulary, geography and culture of the Spanish speaking world.
It’s not a required course for Spanish 1.
This class is open to 7th and 8th graders wanting to learn more about the culture of Spanish speaking countries and to explore the basics of the language.
Students should expect to write, read, listen, and speak in Spanish as well as conduct research on certain countries and their traditions.

17. What do students do in Skills for Independent Living?
There is a strong emphasis on preparing for a career and learning the 16 different career clusters.
Students will cook- nutrition and cooking unit.
Students will sew- clothing construction unit.
Students will learn about children- flour baby unit.
Students will learn how to pick out appropriate clothing for different occasions and how to take care of their clothing- laundry unit.
Students will learn about family relationships, decision making, and effective communication skills.
Students will learn about money and budgeting.
There will be LOTS of different units and skills students will learn and explore for everyday life.

18. Art 7th/8th Grade
Art is not about being perfect it is about learning how to be creative and trying your best.
Students will try their hand at various techniques such as: shading, sculpture, clay, weaving, sewing, printmaking, and drawing in 3-D.
Learn about famous artists, art history, and take field trips.
Students will use their creativity to create many fun and new projects!
Art 1: Introductory course covering the basics of art.
Art 2: (Prerequisite: Art 1) Students will refine previous art knowledge and have more choices and freedom when creating artworks.
Art 3: (Prerequisite Art 1 & Art 2) Students work independently surrounding themes, technical skills, and ideas to develop and create artworks.

19. Wester Theatre Course Description Breakdown:
Theatre I: Introductory covering the very basics of performing work from vocal support to group ensemble to on stage work.
Theatre II: Continues on to the next level with more in-depth projects and performances.
Theatre III: Continues on to the next level with more in-depth projects and performances.
Theatre Productions: Audition, Application, Teacher Reference, and Teacher Approval production class where students hone their skills from previously levels.
Tech Theater Learn the magic and skills of the working backstage to support productions. Areas covered: Costuming, lights, sound, set design, make-up, props
– for more information

20. Robotics (7th OR 8th Grade)
LEGO Mindstorm Kits and programming software
Design & Construct Real World Devices such as dragsters, robots and bridges thus developing:
Mechanical Engineering Principles
Program Logic Flow
Creative Design
Problem Solving Skills
Science & Math concept reinforcement such as simple machines, circumference and distance traveled
100% Partner Building = Employing real life cooperative strategies on deadline

21. Digital Graphics and Animation (7th OR 8th Grade)
Daily Sketch work
History of Animation
Animators Project
Flip Book
Alice
Original Characters
3-D Modeling
Animation Master software- Create 3-D animated story line sequences

22. Multi-Media I/Video Production I (7th OR 8th Grade)
Create and edit digital art
-Wester Handbook Cover, Creative Creatures , Caricatures, Magazine Covers, Advanced Text
Mac Lab
Adobe Photoshop
Photography & Composition
Animated GIFS
Advertising – billboard or magazine ad
Create and edit movies
- Public Service Announcement, Movie Trailer
Journalism Techniques:
Pitch, Script , Shot Types, Storyboard, Edit, and Premiere
Mac Lab
Final Cut Express
Garageband

23. Yearbook Deadline: February 10th to Mrs. Cohn by 4:00!
We create the yearbook! (7th or 8th grade)
We learn journalism, photography, graphic design, marketing, advertising, and a host of other skills!
Admission by application, teacher recommendations and acceptance. We recruit Wester’s elite essentially to run a business.
Requires consistent outside of class availability for filming and production work on and off campus
Pick up an application from Mrs. Cohn (Rm. 520)
Deadline: February 10th to Mrs. Cohn by 4:00!

24. 2. Electives – 8th grade
Each student chooses 3 electives in 8th grade.
Each student needs to rank the electives, with 1 being your first choice and 5 being your last choice.

25. Spanish Level 1 (8th Grade students only)
Spanish 1 develops students' ability to read, write and speak the Spanish language
It is an academically rigorous class that is fast-paced
Students will be earning high school credit and it counts toward your high school GPA
Students ready for advanced coursework are encourage to enroll
Students that struggle academically are encouraged to wait an take foreign language in high school
Successful Spanish 1 students...
...are self motivated.
...are organized.
...are seldom absent.
…are able to memorize and retain
a large quantity of information.

26. Multi-Media II/Video Production II (8th Grade) Prerequisite = MMI/VPI
Create advanced digital art
CD Cover, Movie Poster, Cartoon Image, Video Game Box, Comic Book Image, Pop Art
Mac Lab
Adobe Photoshop
3D Sketch Up
Photography
Google Docs
Advertising and Marketing – Research & Projects
Create and edit movies with advanced video techniques
Stop Motion, Monster Movie
Journalism Techniques:
Pitch, Script, Shot Types, Storyboard, Edit, and Premiere
Mac Lab
Final Cut Express
Live Type
Garageband
Green Screen

27. Broadcast – KATZ LIVE! (8th grade by application; Prerequisite = MMI/VPI)
Campus news broadcast for students, staff & community
On-air Live Production Execution:
Anchors, Sound Boards, Switchers, Cameras, Lights, Director & Producer
Advanced Video Editing:
Final Cut Express, LiveType, Adobe Photoshop & Garage Band
Journalism Techniques:
Interviewing, Camera Presence, Scriptwriting, Storyboarding, Teleprompter
Employing real life cooperative strategies on deadline
Requires consistent outside of class availability for filming and production work on and off campus

28. Health: A high school credit class offered in 8th grade
Why is health an important class? What do students learn in health?
Personal health and fitness; Personal safety
Nutrition; Diseases
Alcohol, drugs, tobacco
Relationships and communication skills
Growth and development
Environmental health
Parenting and Paternity Awareness

29. Wester Teen Leadership
Teen Leadership is a semester course
Other activities Teen Leadership has been involved in:
-Recycling for Wester
-Creating Posters for our Anti-Bullying program
-Organizing events for Pep Rallies
-Giving Speeches In Front of Groups
-Leading Groups for our “Day of Service”
Mission:
To produce quality leaders with a strong sense of who they are and where they are going.
Some of the lessons that are taught in Teen Leadership:
Self-Concept -Self-Control/Empathy -Accepting Responsibility
First Impressions/Job Interviewing skills -Social & Interpersonal Skills -Thoughts/Attitude/Actions
Self-Confidence -Self-Motivation -Choices have Consequences
Persistence/Optimism -True Leadership -Values/Standards/Principles
Self-Awareness -Public speaking skills -Personal Mission Statement

30. Student Aide (8th Grade Only)
Office Aide-Applications are in the front office with Mrs. Childers. They are due on Friday, Feb. 10th.
Band, Orchestra and Library—Please check with the teacher before signing up.

31. Wester Athletics Boys Athletics: Football Basketball Cross Country
Track
Soccer
Girls Athletics:
Volleyball
Basketball
Cross Country
Track
Soccer
There will be an informational parent meeting in May for incoming 7th grade athletes and there will also be a meeting for all incoming athletic students and parents in the summer.

32. GT & SPED
Students in the Gifted & Talented Program may sign up for the GT Pre-AP ILA course
See Mrs. Harris or Mrs. Robinson with any questions
Students receiving Special Education services should sign up using the registration card but all courses will be verified with the ARD paperwork. If a student’s IEP designates that the student receives a modified curriculum, we will automatically place him/her in that class.
See Mrs. Bergin with any questions

33. STAAR Information STAAR 6th grade reading and math
STAAR 7th grade reading, writing, math
STAAR 8th grade reading, math, science, & US history
End of Course STAAR exams for PAP Algebra I
Students take the test that correlates to the TEKS (curriculum) that was taught during the year- Algebra students will take Algebra EOC only and not 8th grade STAAR.
Changes by the Texas Education Agency can be made at any time.

34. Math Lab / Reading Lab…
Students who do not meet the recommended standard for the STAAR Math and/or Reading test(s) will be required to take a lab class in place of their elective for portions of the STAAR they did not master.
During the year, if a student who is not already in a lab class is found to be struggling in reading and/or math, he/she may be placed into the corresponding lab class.
This will take the place of one of their electives.

35. Schedule Changes…
Please encourage your student to take his/her time when selecting classes.
We will accept requests for schedule changes through the first week of school. However, class sizes and personnel will determine if a change is possible.

36. 3. Parent & Student Information
Please make sure you have included appropriate phone numbers and an address in case we have any questions and need to contact you or your child this summer.
A parent(s) needs to sign the front and back of the card before turning it in…

37. Back of Schedule Card…
Please read and sign the back of your child’s schedule card. Your signature indicates that you have read and understand the implications of each statement.

38. 4. Turn in card to teacher/box
ALL registration cards are due to your child’s Counselor no later than Tuesday, February 7th.
Any cards turned in after the deadline will be processed last.

39. To revisit this presentation, go to:
Questions…
To revisit this presentation, go to:
Go to the WMS website:
Click on the Tab to Enter the Wester Website
Click on the Resources Tab
The Power point and the schedule cards for each grade level will be listed under the resources tab on the Wester Website.