HARRIS MIDDLE SCHOOL NORTHEAST ISD Course Selection Guide 2018-2019 School Year
Middle School Course Requirements Each student MUST have: ■ 3 years of English (general level or Pre-AP) * Summer English assignment may be required- more information to come* ■ 3 years of Reading (general level or Pre-AP) *Summer reading assignment may be required-more information to come* NOTE: If a student selects Pre-AP English, they MUST sign up for Pre-AP Reading. If a student selects ‘regular’ level English, they must also take ‘regular’ level Reading. ■ 3 years of Math (general level or Pre-AP) 3 years of Science (Pre-AP available in 8 th Grade) ■ 3 years of History (Pre-AP available in 8 th Grade) ■ ■ 1 Fine Arts course (band, choir, orchestra, art or theater arts) ■ 4 semesters of Physical Education, with at least 1 semester taken each year 1 semester of Health in 6 th grade ■
Pre-AP vs General Level Classes Pre-AP classes are designed prepare students for the college level work of Advanced Placement (AP) classes in high school. The purpose of AP classes in high school are to gain college credit for courses by taking the Advanced Placement Exam at the end of the course. Pre-AP students are expected to: ■ Use higher level thinking skills ■ Develop successful study skills ■ Comprehend knowledge at a faster pace ■ Commit to a higher rigor and demand in the class ■ Organize time and efforts to successfully complete the course
Courses by Grade 6 th Grade will take: 7 th Grade will take: 8 th Grade will take: English English English Reading Reading Reading Math Math Math Science Science Science Social Studies Social Studies Social Studies PE/Health PE PE/Elective Fine Art Elective Elective Elective Elective Elective
GEAR UP FOR 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR ALL CURRENT 5 th , 6 th and 7th GRADE STUDENTS & PARENTS Date: Monday, January 22th Time: 5:45 PM to 7:30 PM Location: Harris Cafeteria You are invited to an exciting evening visiting with elective teachers and learning more about elective choices for next year. Meet Harris Middle School Administration, Counselors, and Elective Teachers
AIM AIM stands for Academic & Individual Motivation and is available to 7 th grade ■ students. AIM does not count towards the required Fine Arts credit. The focus of AIM is to enhance the curriculum by providing enrichment and or support to the core academic subjects. AIM may also provide students with critical skills such as study habits, note-taking, test taking strategies, organizational skills, time management, goal setting, and character education. If time allows, students may also receive study hall support. Email Lmore@neisd.net with any questions concerning AIM.
Art Art is available to 8 th graders as a full year course and counts as a required Fine Art ■ credit . ■ From a Harris MS Art Teacher: “If you’re interested in learning about drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking and much more, you should take Art. In Art you will explore the world and develop your creative and artistic skills through art projects, art history, and art competitions. Big companies say they want problem solvers and creative people. Art class develops these skills.” Email Tabel@neisd.net with any questions concerning Art classes.
AVID ■ AVID is available to 7 th grade students and does not count towards the Fine Arts requirement. If interested, the AVID teacher/counselors will have applications as a completed application is required for consideration into the AVID program. From the Harris MS AVID teacher: “AVID is a program designed for students who are willing to work hard, so they can be taught the skills needed to successfully complete the challenging courses that will prepare them for four-year universities. Students are to take ownership of their own learning and futures, hence the acronym Advancement Via Individual Determination. This program teaches leadership development, organization, critical thinking through cultural and college field trips, teambuilding, tutorials and many other avenues .” Please email Lrobin2@neisd.net with any questions about AVID.
Band ■ Band is available to 7 th grade students and does count towards the state required Fine Arts credit. A note from our Band Director, Mrs. White: “In band you will learn to play a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument that we will help you choose. You do not need to know how to play an instrument or even know how to read music – we will teach you everything that you need to know in your band class during the school day. In band, we have so much fun making music together as a team – we are a big “band family,” join us!” Please email Mwhite2@neisd.net with any questions concerning band.
Choir ■ Choir is available to 7 th grade students and does count towards the state required Fine Arts credit. ■ Beginning choir builds on the knowledge, skills and understanding developed in elementary school. Students in this course will experience singing in unison and in parts, with an emphasis placed on proper vocal techniques and sight-reading skills. Please email Arunne@neisd.net with any Choir questions.
Concepts of Arts, A/V & Communication A note from the technology teacher: ■ This course develops a strong background in computer and technology applications and a proficiency in oral and written communication. The student is expected to use numerous software and internet applications to create and edit digital photos, images, audio, and video. Students will learn employability characteristics and professional communication skills. Successful completion of this course will result in a high scho hool ol cre redit it. Email tengle@neisd.net with any questions concerning classes.
Concepts of Engineering & Technology A note from the teacher: ■ This course provides an overview of the various fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics and their interrelationships. Students will use a variety software and internet applications to complete assignments and projects. Students will participate in virtual engineering design competitions, create technical drawings, and construct projects with partners. Successful completion of this course will result in a high h schoo hool credit. edit. ■ Email tengle@neisd.net with any questions concerning classes.
Debate A note from the debate teacher: ■ Debate class is designed to teach students the fundamentals of analyzing a given issue from both sides and effectively persuading an audience. Also, students will participate in Competitive Debate and will learn to properly prepare arguments based on certain criteria that consider both sides of controversial topics. Email jyapia@neisd.net with any questions concerning debate classes.
Green Team/Gardening A note from the green team teacher: ■ In this class you will get hands on experience working in a garden. We have a fall and spring garden. You will have the opportunity to try new foods, take fresh vegetables home to your family, learn some business skills, and serve the community. We will also do several community outreach programs. Throughout the year we will work on a Junior Master Garden curriculum. Upon completion, you will be a certified junior master gardener. Be prepared to have fun and get dirty! Email mthurm@neisd.net with any questions concerning green team classes.
Orchestra Available to 7 th grade students and does count towards the state Fine Art ■ requirement . ■ From the Harris MS Orchestra Director: “Orchestra is for students who are interested in learning to play the violin, viola, cello or bass. In orchestra, you will read and write music, discuss music history and perform in several concerts throughout the year. We also do several optional competitions, trips and lock-ins that you will have the opportunity to take part in.” Please email mturne7@neisd.net with any Orchestra questions.
Physical Education/Athletics ■ NEISD requires 4 semesters of PE, with at least 1 semester taken each year. 7 th Graders are required to take PE or athletics for a full year. ■ ■ If you are interested in athletics you must get a Coach's recommendation to participate. In order to be in athletics you are required to participate in at least two sports. Boys ys cho choices ces are re Football tball, , basketball tball, , and nd tra rack ck Girl rls s choi choices ces are re Vol olleyball, yball, Ba Basketball tball and nd tra rack ck *So Soccer cer, , tenni nis s and d golf are also available, ilable, but t not ot durin ring g th the ath thletics tics class. s. These se sports ts will ll practice ctice before ore or after r school. l.
Recommend
More recommend
