1. Partnering Through the Middle School Years March 2018 Incoming 8th Grade Presentation

2. Our Mission
The mission of Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent School District is to foster a culture of excellence that instills a passion for a lifetime of continuous achievement in every student.

3. Refer to Middle School Course Description Handbook pgs. 4-6
Advanced Academics
What are Advanced and Pre-Advanced Placement Courses?
How do I know if I should enroll in these level courses?
Which Pre-AP courses can I take in MS? Pre-AP courses are offered in Grades 6-8 in ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies
Are any Advanced Placement courses offered in MS? Yes; AP Spanish III (for Native Spanish Speakers)
Refer to Middle School Course Description Handbook pgs. 4-6
Pre-AP Courses are courses that lead to Advanced Placement (AP) courses. AP classes are college level classes taken in high school which can lead to college credit upon passing AP exams) . Pre-AP courses are available to all students 6th-11th grades. These courses cover the curriculum in greater depth and complexity. Students must develop good study habits and time management skills to be successful in PAP coursework. Consult with your current teachers, parent, and counselor regarding your desire to take PAP level courses. They can guide you in choosing your courses. AP Spanish III is available for 8th grade native Spanish speakers.

4. PAP Algebra I Qualification
EMS-ISD Math Department will score each student based on the following criteria.
Algebra readiness benchmark
Algebra screeners that are administered online 3 times per year
STAAR scores
Teacher recommendation
7th grade report card grades
Students score points for each category if they meet recommended minimum they will be placed in Algebra.

5. 8th Grade Courses All 8th graders will enroll in 8 courses:
English Language Arts Reading (Only one course)
Math
American History
Science
Huddle
3 electives
8th grade students do not have to enroll in PE/Athletics. If they choose to enroll in a sport/athletics this will take the place of one of their electives.
MAPS/Health is not a course at Wayside. It is integrated into Huddle class.
Fill in the campus information that describes advisory at your own campus

6. 8th Grade Electives
Each 8th grade student will choose three electives:
Band
Choir
Journalism/Yearbook (application required)
Theater Arts
AVID (application required)
Office Assistant (application required)

7. 8th Grade Electives continued
The following are High School Credit Courses
These courses are taught with High School expectations and rigor.
Spanish 1
Principals of Applied Engineering
Principles of Human Services
Art 1
AP Spanish (Native Speakers Only, screening required)
No MAPS/Health

8. Physical Education Course
8th grade students are not required to take a physical education course
All courses are yearlong courses
Soccer Class
Gymnastics (Boswell High School)
Tennis (No previous experience required)
Golf (No previous experience required)
Girls Athletics (volleyball, basketball & track)
Boys Athletics ( football, basketball & track)
Dance (Boswell High School)
Refer to Middle School Course Description Handbook pgs. 22 & 30

9. Please feel free to contact your child’s Counselor.
Questions?
Please feel free to contact your child’s Counselor.

10. Refer to Middle School Course Description Handbook pgs. 23 & 31
AVID
Submit an application
Geared toward college-bound students
Course embeds tutoring, study skills, college trips, and critical thinking activities method
To help AVID students prepare for the rigors of college courses, at least one Pre-Advanced Placement course must be taken.
Please refer to the MS Course Description Handbook for further details. Questions? Confer with your Counselor.
Refer to Middle School Course Description Handbook pgs. 23 & 31