1. Parent Information Night 2014
Robinson Junior High
Parent Information Night
2014

2. Administrative team Principal—David Wrzesinski
Assistant Principal—Jody Flowers
Counselor—Brianna Mink
Office Staff—Jennifer Sanchez, Ravon Morgan, Angela Bettinger, and Shelley Welch

3. Goals for Tonight Get information for academic decision making
Get information for elective decision making
Discuss the transition to middle school

4. Academic Classes 6th graders: 7th graders: 8th graders:
English (or Honors English)
Reading
Math (or Algebra I)
Math (or Accelerated Math)
Earth Science
American History
Science
Life Science
Technology Applications & Career Explorations (1 semester each)
Social Studies
Texas History

5. Accelerated math More rigorous in content and pace
Students will be responsible for a heavier workload
Curriculum and instruction for accelerated math courses will be compacted.
Grade 6 students receive instruction in grade 6 & the majority of grade 7 standards.
Grade 7 students receive instruction in the remaining grade 7 standards as well as all grade 8 standards.
Grade 8 students receive instruction in Algebra I. Students earn high school credit for this course. If they pass the course, they may not re-take the course in high school since they will have already earned credit for the course on his/her high school transcript.

6. Math Curriculum Sequence
Grade
Core
Advanced
6th
6th Grade TEKS
6th and 7th Grade TEKS
7th
7th Grade TEKS
7th and 8th Grade TEKS
8th
8th Grade TEKS
Algebra I
9th
Algebra I or
Honors Algebra I
Geometry or
Honors Geometry
10th
Algebra II or
Honors Algebra II
11th
Algebra II,
Honors Algebra II, or Math Models
Pre-Calculus
12th
Pre-Calculus or Algebra II
Dual Credit Calculus,
Advanced Quantitative Reasoning, or
Engineering Math

7. Advanced math criteria
At least 3 of the 4 following criteria:
1. MSTAR (Middle School Students in Texas Algebra Ready)-The content of the MSTAR Universal Screener is based on algebra-readiness skills.
Recommended score of 300 or higher
2. Current overall average in math for the school year
Recommended: average of 90% for grade 5 or 6; average of 85% for current accelerated math students in grade 7
3. STAAR 2014 Math – Level III Advanced
4. Teacher Recommendation – We highly recommend that you contact your child’s math teacher regarding the appropriate placement for your child.

8. New math standards 2014-2015—new math TEKS (standards)
The number of standards moving from grade to grade including Algebra I standards to 8th grade math are already more rigorous.
More than 56 standards moved to new grade levels in 6-8 as well as many completely new learning standards.
Please make a careful decision when choosing for your child to accelerate through math content.
Grade 6-8 math is foundational for future success in high school math courses.

9. Honors English
Task oriented, proficient readers, able to prioritize their time and have parental support.
Content immersion, a fast pace, and performance assessed at the analysis and syntheses levels.
Honors students are expected to maintain a minimum average of 80 each 6 weeks.

10. Accelerated Math / honors English Responsibility Profile
Willing to work hard
High degree of self-discipline
Strong motivation to learn
Completes assignments on time
Conscientious
Well organized
Seeks help when needed
Eagerly accepts a challenge

11. STAAR* Testing at Junior high
Sixth Grade
Seventh Grade
Eighth Grade
Reading
Math
Writing
Science
Social Studies
*Alg I students only: Alg I EOC
*State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness

12. electives
6th:
1 elective: Art, Band, Choir, or Technology Applications
1 PE: Wellness PE or Competition PE
7th:
1 elective: Agriculture, Art, Band, Cabinetry & Millwork, Choir, Technology Applications
1 PE: Athletics, Wellness PE, Tennis, Outdoor Recreation, or Dance
8th:
2 electives: Agriculture, Art, Band, Cabinetry & Millwork, Choir, Athletics, Dance, Outdoor Recreation, or Tennis

13. 3rd period (40 minutes)
Plus period built into the day for Enrichment or STAAR Intervention
Enrichment
6th: Study Skills & Technology
7th & 8th:
Gifted & Talented
Robotics
Applied Band
Journalism
Study Hall
Advanced Dance
Mock Trial
Theatre
Archery
Photography
Video Announcements
Battle of the Books Creative Writing
Problem Solvers Programming
Yearbook

14. Gifted & talented
To nominate your child for GT, packets are available from your school counselor
GT students will be clustered with 4-5 other GT students for core class
3rd period Enrichment: GT students will be in a pull out GT class
6 weeks projects including:
Philosophy
Forensic Science
Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
DAR Essay Contest

15. Typical 6th Grade Day School Day: 8:00 am – 3:30 pm
English Language Arts—50 minutes
Reading—50 minutes
Math – 50 minutes
Science – 50 minutes per day
Social Studies – 50 minutes per day
3rd Period—Team & Enrichment—40 minutes per day
Physical Education – 50 minutes per day
Lunch – 30 minutes per day
Elective – 50 minutes per day

16. What’s New For Students?
Lockers
Changing classes
Four minute passing periods
Cafeteria – Can choose where they sit
Pep Rallies

17. Course choice sheets 5th grade students received forms on 3/4
Forms are due to students’ home room teachers on Friday, March 21st
Parent & student signature is required on form
Carefully consider your choices
6th & 7th grade students will receive their sheets next week: 3/25 & 3/27
8th graders must have a parent, student, counselor meeting: Tues 3/25 & Thurs 3/27 5:30-7:30pm and Wed. 3/26 7:30-4:00

18. Parent Information Web Site: www.risdweb.org
6 week newsletter – sent with report card
Progress Reports (3 weeks) and Report cards (6 weeks)
Student Planners
Parent Portal
Schoology
Remind 101

19. Preparing for the First Day of School
Meet the Teach Night before school:
Pickup schedules
Meet their teachers
Learn the building
Meet the front office staff, counselor, principals, etc.
Ask questions!
Final date will be posted on the school website, and advertised on the school marquee.

20. Please let me know if you have any questions!
THANK YOU FOR COMING!
Please let me know if you have any questions! or