Elementary to Middle School Transition Get Acquainted Night Elementary Visits this week Tuesday — Castle Hills, Larkspur, Oak Meadow Wednesday — Colonial Hills and Dellview Course requests mailed in May Due back to Jackson June 7th “ Cub Camp ” during summer 2018 ***Please keep phone numbers and address updated with your home school.
What is a Choice Sheet? A PINK piece of paper that tells us at Jackson what classes YOU are requesting to be placed in for 6 th grade. On your choice sheet, you will tell us what class you want for the 5 academic subjects as well as which electives you want to have. Once you turn in your choice sheet, your selections will be put into the computer and your schedule will be made. Make sure that the classes you select on the choice sheet are the ones that you REALLY want to have. Changes will not be made after the school year has begun.
Academic choices Math Reading Science Social Studies English
Reading and English For Reading and English there are 2 choices… Regular reading/Regular English -On grade level -Not advanced Pre-AP English and Reading -Reading level above grade level -Commitment to work on projects at home -Desire and love for writing -Independent, self motivated thinker -Ability to make oral presentations in front of class -Gets work/projects completed and turned in on time -Teacher recommendation
Math For Math there are 2 choices… Regular Math -On grade level -Not advanced Pre-Ap Math -Level III achievement on STAAR -Good work ethic — self motivated -Commitment to complete class work and homework on a daily basis -Solves math problems in various ways at a level above peers -Committed to work on projects that are self-directed -Teacher recommendation
The Sixth Grade Decision is a “Biggie” • By the end of the fifth grade year, students will need to be thinking about what their high school graduation goals are. • They should consider these goals when deciding upon the course path for math they will begin in middle school. • Students selecting the Pre-Ap Math Course Path should do so upon entering the 6 th grade.
Why is it so important to decide on Math before the beginning of 6 th grade?
Students entering 6 th Grade should choose either the Regular or Pre-AP Math Course Path. Parents, Counselors and Teachers are encouraged to help students make this significant decision.
Science In 6 th grade there is only one option for science and social studies. Science and social studies Pre-Ap options will be available to students in 8 th grade. Social Studies
PE & Health requirements Students are required to complete 4 semesters of PE and 1 semester of health during the 3 years of middle school. 6 th grade students are required to take 2 semesters of PE. One semester of health is required for 6 th grade students.
Fine Arts requirement • All students are required to complete two semesters of Fine Arts while in middle school. At least one semester of Fine Arts must be done in 6 th grade. • Courses that are considered fine arts are the following: • Band • Choir • Strings • Art • Theater Arts (semester only)
• Provides a study of the art elements and principles through experiences with a variety of art media and tools. • Explores design, drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, and electronic media-generated art. • Identifies and compares artwork across time and culture; and evaluates artwork through discussion and critique. • Either a semester OR a year course
Band • Beginning Band classes are offered in the 6th grade • No experience is necessary! • Learn the fundamentals of reading music and playing instruments such as flute, clarinet, trumpet, and percussion. • Helps develop critical thinking, team-building, and life skills • Beginning Band performs throughout the year in campus, community, and city-wide events • Largest elective at Jackson • Full year elective
Choir • Explores the fundamentals of sight-reading music and vocal production • Song selection includes folk music, pop music, multi-cultural, and light classical. • Students will have the opportunity to participate in Solo and Ensemble contest. • Students will also perform in two concerts per semester. • Can be taken as a semester or for a full year.
Strings • Students learn the fundamentals of reading music and playing instruments such as violin, viola, cello and bass. • For beginners as well as experienced students. • Beginning students will be matched to an instrument. • Students will participate in a recital concert, ensemble performance, and field trips during the school year. • Some instruments are provided by or through the school district. • Full year course
Theater Arts • Teaches fundamental Theater Arts principles and acting techniques • Enhances the self-confidence, social interaction, and communication skills of the student. • Covers pantomime, voice, diction, volume, gesture, facial expression, group improvisation, dramatic origin, and public speaking. • One Semester course
AIM Academic Individual Motivation • This course is designed to aide in the transition to middle school. • Assists with organizational and time management skills • Provides structured study time under the supervision of a team teacher. • Can be taken as a semester or for a full year.
Debate • Introduces students to the fundamentals of Debate. • The format will be Lincoln-Douglas style or one- on-one debating. • Students are assigned one topic for the semester, and will learn to analyze and prepare arguments for both sides of the topic. • The class will prepare debate briefs and cases, learn cross-examination techniques, and practice to improve speech presentations. • One Semester course
Robotics • For beginner, intermediate students who want to explore how to build and program Lego EV3 robots • Project based class where students will be challenged to create, document and collaborate. • Designed to enhance math, reading, writing and problem solving skills. • Semester course
Sample Choice Sheet
Final Reminders… Choice Sheets are due to your elementary school counselors no later than February 16 th . (all elementary counselors are setting their own due dates) A reminder of what you selected will be mailed to your house in May. If you want to make any changes you must have those into the counseling office at Jackson before June 7 th . ALL elective placement is dependent upon successful completion of 5 th grade STAAR tests.
Questions … Parents may call the Jackson Counselors or Academic Dean with any questions… Mrs. Claudia Miri — Counselor Mrs. Shelly Skarovsky — Counselor Ms. Tai Shan Jackson — Academic Dean
We look forward to seeing YOU as a Jackson Jaguar!
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