1. Course Selection Parent Information

2. What does it take to get to the next grade? First and second semester averages must be 70 or above in 4 of the 5 core classes Attendance MUST be acceptable

3. How are the grades alike? All grades have teams 6-1 or 6-2, 7-1 or 7-2, 8-1 or 8-2 They are required to take the five core subjects Reading (or EXPO) English Math Science History (Contemporary World Societies, Texas History, US History) –They will have extracurricular opportunities

4. How are the grades different? 7 th and 8 th graders will pick two electives, 6 th graders will have one elective 7 th and 8 th graders have the opportunity to take advanced course work if eligible 7 th and 8 th graders have the opportunity to take classes that may receive high school credit 7 th and 8 th graders are only required to take one semester of Physical Education, 6 th graders must take a full year 7 th and 8 th graders have the opportunity to participate in the RCMS Athletics program

5. Full Year Elective Choices…. (7 th and 8 th ) Spanish Band Orchestra Choir Athletics Theater Arts (cannot be in athletics)

6. ½ Year (semester) Elective Choices… (7 th and 8 th ) Art Career Portal Tech Ed Desktop Communications Family & Community Services (HS) Theatre Arts Principles of Hospitality and Tourism (HS)- 8 th only Principles of Information Technology (HS) Touch Systems Data Entry (HS) Exploring Careers- 7 th only

7. 6 th Grade Elective Choices: Band Choir Orchestra CTE Wheel (keyboarding, exploring careers, Spanish) - paired with: –Art –Theater Arts * Students are required to have a semester of fine arts in middle school.

8. Touch Systems Data Entry (formerly keyboarding) A high school course that prepares the student for advanced computer level courses and college and career readiness. Students will do business applications by learning keyboarding, word processing, and important communication skills. A technology based field trip will also be included in the DFW Metroplex during the semester. Students that earn a passing grade will receive.5 High School elective credits towards high school graduation. Earning High School Credit

9. Principles of Information Technology (formerly BCIS) A high school course that allows students to learn about computers and software skills and information technology which prepares for college and career readiness. Students will learn word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, develop internet skills, learn web design, exploration of IT careers, and learn about emerging technology. A technology based field trip will also be included in the DFW Metroplex during the semester. Students that earn a passing grade will receive.5 high school elective credits towards graduation. High School Credit Cont.

10. Family & Community Services (formerly Skills for Living) This high school credit course provides students with the opportunity to focus on personal growth through participation in a community service project which prepares for college and career readiness. Students will choose an area of need in the community and develop a project to help those in need. Special sessions focus on relationships, peer pressure, leadership skills, teamwork, child development, basic cooking skills, sewing, and community service. Students that earn a passing grade will receive.5 high school elective credits towards graduation. High School Credit Cont.

11. Principles of Hospitality and Tourism This high school credit course introduces students to careers available in the Hospitality Management career cluster which prepares for college and career readiness. Students will learn the skills needed to manage or work in a hotel or restaurant, work in an amusement park, or become a chef. Areas studied include: customer service skills and importance, self- responsibility, leadership and teamwork skills, and time management. Students that earn a passing grade will receive.5 high school elective credits towards graduation.

12. High School Credit Cont. Exploring Careers This class introduces students to the process of career investigation and prepares for college & career readiness. Students will explore careers from each of the 16 career clusters through a variety of group-oriented hands-on projects. Students will investigate personal areas of interest and develop a pathway to future career goals. Areas studied also include: college requirements, job interviews, resumes, personal banking, entrepreneurship, and budgeting.

13. Spanish Elective Guidelines Requires a two year commitment Emphasizes speaking, listening, reading, and writing Successful completion of BOTH years (grade 7 and grade 8) earns ONE high school credit Still must take two additional years of Spanish in high school, or three for the Distinguished Achievement Program

14. Orchestra and Band Elective Guidelines You must have been in Orchestra in the prior grade to participate in 7 th or 8 th grade You may sign up for beginning band in the 7 th grade even if you have never played an instrument before, but you must have been in band in 7 th grade to participate in the 8 th grade You must make a year long commitment to participate in Orchestra or Band

15. Athletics Guidelines For those who wish to participate in competitive volleyball, football, basketball, and/or track/cross country 7:00 am practice is REQUIRED for 7 th graders, and after- school practice until 5:00 pm is REQUIRED for 8 th graders; transportation is the responsibility of the parents Requires a year long commitment except for Girls’ Volleyball. When you are not in season you will do off- season workouts A physical exam is required to be in athletics You must pass or remain academically eligible in all your classes to participate in the team sports

16. Tennis Guidelines Participation is through 8 th period Athletics class for 8 th graders, and 7 th period for 7 th graders. There are not any elective choices during 7 th period, so 7 th graders will have a full year of tennis 8 th graders may only participate one semester per year unless they have approval from the coach to continue all year

17. Enhanced Subjects will require more time than a regular class workload will be increased more intensive reading, more projects, and challenging on a higher thinking level will require regular reading assignments, essay writing, in-class discussions, and working with primary source materials will require projects and research that are more intensive than the regular class the ability to take and organize notes is essential to enhanced classes.

18. Pre-AP Subjects taught using advanced materials and strategies intense; the pace and academic rigor will be above grade level to prepare students for high school Pre-AP and Advanced Placement courses College Board Advanced Placement Courses provide college level studies for high school students who desire and are ready to do college level work these students have a strong curiosity about the subject, a willingness to work hard, and are task-oriented, proficient readers who are able to organize their time and who have parental/guardian support students who are already overextended with academics or extracurricular activities should seriously consider whether they have the time to devote to AP/Pre-AP classes. Outside study time is at least one to two times the amount of time spent in class per week.

19. Enhanced and Pre-AP Subjects A student may transfer from an Enhanced or Pre-AP class at the end of the first grading period of school or at the semester. Transfers beyond the first grading period window may be granted with administrative approval. To transfer out of an Enhanced or Pre-AP course, the Enhanced/ Pre- AP course withdrawal form must be filled out. A meeting with parent/guardian, teacher, counselor and administrator and the student must take place and will determine on a case-by-case basis whether a course change is in the best interest of the student. In the event of a transfer, it is possible that a schedule change may affect numerous courses.

20. Advanced Math The student must take a placement test to be considered for Pre-Algebra or Algebra The placement test will be administered near the end of the school year The student must maintain an acceptable average to remain in the class Algebra cannot be re-taken in high school- they must move on to Geometry

21. Mega Math Guidelines Students WILL be placed in Mega Math if they do not pass or score low on the Math portion of the state assessment test Mega Math is during the elective period, so the student will only have the opportunity to take one elective Mega Math is taught in a rotation by different teachers that focus on certain objectives

22. UIL Academics Several areas of competition: –Maps, charts, & graphs –Dictionary & Listening –Spelling –Mathematics, Number Sense & Calculator Applications –Reading Writing –Social Studies –Science I & II (7 th /8 th grade only) Allows students to compete academically using skills learned in class

23. Course Request Form Please remember….these are REQUESTS! There are no guarantees that all requests will be granted There are times that a student’s requests will not work in the schedule

24. Enhanced English It is important to know: - basic grammar rules - elements of story - traits of writing Units covered: -Fiction -Poetry/ Personal Narrative -Expository writing/ Informative text -Writing in response to text from various cultures -Writing Persuasive Text creating a multi-media presentation