1. Grapevine Middle School “Encouraging Students to Realize Their Potential”

2. What is different about 8 th grade? You will be You will be the oldest students on campus!!!

3. What else is different about 8 th grade? YOU will have more elective choices because: Language Arts only meets for one class period each day. If you passed both 6 th & 7 th grades Physical Activity, you are not required to take Physical Activity in 8 th grade. Therefore, you get two additional elective choices!!!

4. Middle School Physical Activity Requirement All Texas middle school students are required to successfully complete (pass by receiving a 70 or above) 2 years of Physical Activity prior to going to high school.

5. Another requirement…………… All Middle School students in Texas are required to take at least 1 year of Fine Arts. Our Fine Art classes are: 1. Art 2. Band 3. Choir 4. Theatre Arts If you haven’t successfully completed a Fine Art in middle school you MUST take one in 8 th grade.

6. And you can take classes for High School Credit!!! Accelerated PAP Algebra I- 1 Credit Accelerated Science 8- 1 Credit (Integrated Physics & Chemistry) (Integrated Physics & Chemistry) Reading I- 0.5 Credit per semester Advanced Reading- 0.5 Credit Spanish I or French I or German I or Latin I- 0.5 Credit per semester German I or Latin I- 0.5 Credit per semester Touch Systems Data Entry- 0.5 Credit Principles of Human Services- 0.5 Credit Concepts of Engineering and Technology- 0.5 Credit

7. There are many courses you get to choose from. Make notes as needed in your copy of the “Program of Studies” 8 th grade pages.

8. 8 th Grade Athletics for Girls All Girls in Fall Athletics Play Volleyball. BasketballTrack Cross Country Tennis

9. 8 th Grade Athletics for Boys All Boys in Fall Athletics Play Football. Play Football.BasketballTrack Cross Country Tennis

10. Tell me more about 8 th grade Athletics: Physical Activity class is optional in 8 th grade. You can sign up for one semester OR for an entire year. Students must participate in a minimum of one sport per semester. one sport per semester. Tryouts may be necessary You MUST HAVE a physical exam by your doctor, insurance and your parent’s permission. This year practice was every afternoon after school. Those athletes whose sports are not in season participate in an intensive off-season conditioning program. and…………… and……………

11. 8 th grade Athletics information continued: No Pass-No Play No Pass-No Play A lack of game and practice attendance can result in dismissal from the team. Poor sportsmanship can result in dismissal from the team. Athletics involves lots of travel to different schools.

12. ATHLETICS QUESTIONS??? Talk with one or more of our AWESOME GMS Coaches!!!

13. Art- A Full Year Course Students study a variety of art media and methods: –Drawing and painting –Graphic design –Printing –Ceramics and Sculpture –Fibers –Art history Students typically love this class!!!

14. Electronic Media Art- A Full Year Course Learn to use a computer Learn to use a computer to create art. to create art. Teacher approval required. See Art teacher, Ms. Ledbetter, for more details!

15. GRAPEVINE MIDDLE SCHOOL A Full Year Course Director of Bands: Mrs. Owens Assistant Director of Bands: Mrs. Fisher Mrs. Fisher

16. Band- A Full Year Course See Mrs. Fisher or Mrs. Owens if you are interested in Band. Outside of the school day performances are required. Daily practice on your instrument is required to pass this class. Prepares students to participate in Band in high school….and that is FUN!!!!!!!!!

17. Choir- A Full Year Course Choir (Boys or Girls) –No audition required –Outside of class time practices and performances –Plenty of field trips and competitions Acapella –By audition only –Outside of class time practices and performances –Plenty of field trips and competitions See Mrs. Patti Adams if you are interested in Choir.

19. Theatre Arts- A Full Year Course Theatre History PantomimeImprovisation Acting in front of others Audience behavior Evaluation techniques See Mrs. Tami Adams for more information.

20. Concepts of Engineering and Technology 0.5 Technical High School Credit A one semester class Computer software is used to prepare and present assignments You learn about various fields of science, technology, engineering and math. Students work on a “design team” to develop a system or product. See Mr. Berghauser in D109 for more details.

21. Yearbook- A Full Year Course Application and teacher approval is required. Produce school yearbook Responsibility and maturity are a MUST! Time outside of the school day is required! See Mrs. Dizzine if you are interested in this.

22. Yearbook deadlines can be VERY stressful!!!

23. 4 Languages other than English- Full Year Course Students need an 85 average in Language Arts to enroll in a language other than English High school credit possible Available languages: –Spanish –French- Daily transport to high school needed –Latin- Daily transport to high school needed –German- Daily transport to high school needed

24. PALS- A Full Year Course Peer Assistance / Leadership Skills Application, interview and teacher approval is required. PALS receive 6 weeks training in interpersonal relations, self-awareness, group dynamics, conflict resolution and mediation. PALS work with peer and elementary students as positive role models. PALS help introduce new students to GMS.

25. Peer Tutor- A Full Year Course A Peer Tutor is an 8 th grade student who is assigned to work with another student, usually a 6 th grader, during one of the 6 th grader’s academic classes. Application and teacher approval required.

26. Reading I For students interested in improving reading skills Silent reading time is provided This course counts for high school credit (0.5 Credit per semester)

27. Advanced Reading- A One Semester Course For fluent readers and global thinkers Plenty of class discussions, self-selected novels, short stories and informational reading High school credit (0.5) is awarded for this class

28. Touch Systems Data Entry 0.5 Technical Credit Touch Systems Data Entry 0.5 Technical Credit One semester Teaches the skill of keyboarding by touch This course counts for high school credit. If you cannot “touch type” properly, you need to take this.

29. Office or Library Aide A One Semester Course Application and approval is required. Must be passing and have satisfactory conduct in all classes Aide positions include –Office: Go up and down the stairs frequently –Library: Return many books to their shelves

30. Principles of Human Services One semester only High school credit (0.5) Students will investigate careers related to human services such as: –Counseling –Mental Health –Early Childhood Development –Family and Community –Personal Care

31. Exploring Careers One semester only Students explore 15 occupational career clusters Also included: –Communication –Goal setting –High school planning –Job applications

32. Teen Leadership One semester only Students develop leadership skills for conflict resolution. Students develop a healthy self-concept, healthy relationships, and learn to understand the concept of personal responsibility. Students develop skills in public speaking and communication and an understanding of personal image.

33. Let’s Talk About Advanced Classes! Advanced classes in middle school prepare students to get college credit in high school. Advanced classes in middle school prepare students to have the most choices after high school graduation. Students are encouraged to request a variety of challenging classes……not just easy classes.

34. What else is there??? Pre-Advanced Placement (PAP) classes to challenge you and help prepare you to get into the college of your choice and earn college credit in high school. PAP CLASSES ARE OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS!!! Accelerated Math and Science classes for those wanting to move very fast in Math and Science- successful completion of the accelerated class in in 7 th grade or summer school is required. Gifted and Talented Language Arts and History for qualified students with an academic gift in the humanities. The classes listed above are specially designed to prepare you to graduate near the top of your class in high school.

35. Remember……. PAP classes are open to ALL STUDENTS! If you are not already in advanced academic classes, make 2012-2013 the year, you try one or add another one to your course load!!! All students can perform at rigorous academic levels!

36. Now is the time to pick up an application for Gifted and Talented classes.

37. How do I apply for GT classes??? It’s very simple! Come to the Front Office or The Counseling Office to pick up an application. Then, follow the directions on the front page.

38. Important Reminder: These courses require paperwork. Athletics Library or Office Aide YearbookPALS Peer Tutor

39. Important Reminder: These courses require a recommendation from the teacher: Important Reminder: These courses require a recommendation from the teacher: Advanced Art and Electronic Media Art Ms. Ledbetter, Art Room

40. Choose your elective choices very, very carefully! Teachers are hired based on your selections! Changes are possible in May! All elective choices are FINAL on June 1st !

41. You can get high school credit with these classes Advanced Reading- 0.5 Elective Credit Accelerated Science 8 (IPC)- 0.5 Elective or Science Credit Concepts of Engineering and Technology- 0.5 Technical Credit French- 1 Foreign Language Credit German- 1 Foreign Language Credit Latin- 1 Foreign Language Credit PAP Algebra I (Accelerated Math 8)- 1 Math Credit Principles of Human Services- 1 Elective Credit Spanish- 1 Foreign Language Credit Reading I- 0.5 Elective Credit per Semester Touch Systems Data Entry- 0.5 Technical Credit You will need 26 credits to graduate from high school.

42. Pick up paperwork from Mrs. Scott in the front office. Turn completed paperwork in to Mrs. Scott in the GMS Front Office by April 3 rd.

43. Hints for Course Selection Choose classes that will challenge you. Talk with your teachers for advice on course selection. They know you and course requirements. Map out a schedule for classes, homework, time requirements for extracurricular activities, family time and time with friends.

44. Urgent Message!!! Turn Course Selection Sheets to your Language Arts Teacher by April 3 rd. and Paperwork for “Instructor Approval” electives to Mrs. Scott in the Front Office by April 3 rd. Athletics Eason, McIntire or Smith. Athletics Eason, McIntire or Smith. Same deadline: April 3 rd.

45. What about on-line Course Selection? YELLOW Course Selection Sheet YELLOW Course Selection Sheet With parent signature is still required!!! March 19 th – March 30 th – On-Line course selection Parents can pick up Log-In from Mrs. Ziegler with a picture ID. with a picture ID. Students can also get their Log-In from Mrs. Ziegler.

46. What next? Talk to your teachers about what classes are best for you. Talk to your family about what classes are best for you. Choose your classes on the yellow Course Selection Form. Sign the yellow Course Selection Form. Have your parent/guardian sign the yellow Course Selection Form “Parent/Guardian Signature”. Select courses using Skyward Family and Student Access before March 30 th. Bring yellow Course Selection Sheet to your Language Arts (Reading/English) teacher by April 3 rd.