5 TH Grade Middle School Orientation

1. 5TH GradeMiddle School Orientation Welcome to Chisholm Trail Middle School

2. Mrs. Leigh Ann Trice 6th Grade Counselor Contact Information • Email: ltrice@nisdtx.org • Phone: 817-698-1642 • Check Website for information: Go to NISD website, select Chisholm Trail school, Select Staff and find my name…..

3. Academics Factors to consider when choosing classes: • Your child’s academic strengths • Teacher input • Past TAKS performance • Personal goals

4. 6th Grade Daily Bell Schedule(This is the current 09-10, and is subject to change) • 1ST 8:50 – 9:35 • 2ND 9:39 – 10:24 • 3RD 10:28 – 11:13 • LUNCH….11:15 - 11:45 • 4TH 11:49 – 12:34 • 5TH 12:38 – 1:23 • 6TH 1:27 - 2:12 • 7TH 2:16 – 3:11 • 8TH 3:15 – 4:00 (4 minute passing periods)

5. 6th Grade Schedule 8 periods • 2 blocked periods for Math • 1Science, 1Social Studies, and 1LA • 1 P.E. (all 6th graders take P.E.) • 1elective of a Fine Art (band, choir, or orchestra) • 1 other elective which could include a second fine art *** Each class is 45 minutes *** ~ 4 minutes for passing period~

6. Choices for 6th Grade Core Classes • Math – Pre AP or standard • Language Arts – Pre AP, standard, or G/T (for identified GT students) *Summer Reading Required GT and Pre AP • Science – Pre AP or standard • Social Studies – Pre AP or standard

7. ELECTIVES All 6th grade students will receive 2 electives chosen from the following: Fine Arts Electives Students must choose one elective from: - Band, Orchestra, or Choir General Electives The 2nd elective is chosen from: - Exploratory Wheel Consists of one semester of keyboarding/computers paired with a semester of one of the following: theatre arts; art; puzzlers; or book studies (teacher led curriculum and activities) - General Music, Art, Math Challenge, and Intro to Theatre Arts or - Band, Orchestra, or Choir

8. Questions to Help Determine Pre-AP Readiness Attitude • Are they excited about their learning mathematics? • Do they try to do things “faster” than the other students? • Are they intrigued/not frustrated by problems that cannot be solved right away? • Do they show an aptitude for building and drawing? • Do they appear strong in science? Aptitude • Have they been commended on TAKS in mathematics or reading? • Have they a pretty easy time learning mathematics? • Do they like to read for pleasure?

9. ??? How many PreAP classes should my child take??? Only you and your child can determine this! • What are your child’s strengths? • The amount of extracurricular activities should be considered. • How important are these classes to your child? • What path are you aiming for in High School?

10. Math Course Sequences

11. 8th Grade 9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade PreAP Language Arts PreAP English I PreAP English II AP-English III AP-English IV Language Arts English I English II English III English IV Courses Offered at Level English I (9) English II (10) English III (11) English IV (12) PreAP English I (9) PreAP English II (10) AP English III (11) AP English IV (12) English Course Sequences Gray boxes indicate courses required for graduation Courses must be taken one at a time, and in order Students are not bound to stay on one track or another (ex. students can move into PreAP with teacher and parent approval.

12. Social Studies Course Sequences Sequence of Courses

13. Science Course Sequences AP Biology PreAP Biology PreAP Chemistry PreAP Physics AP Chemistry AP Physics Biology Chemistry Physics 4th year TBD N IPC N Chemistry N 4th year TBD One Credit must come from each area of science listed: Biology, AP Biology, Chemistry, AP Chemistry, or IB Chemistry Physics, AP Physics, or IB Physics And a fourth science credit from a higher level science course approved by the state.

14. The Academy of Media Arts and Technology Northwest High School Opened 2009-2010 The Academy of Medical Professions Byron Nelson High School Opened 2009-2010 The Academy of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Northwest High School Opened 2009-2010 The Academy of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Byron Nelson High School Opening 2010-2011

15. Success in 6th grade Success in middle school involves much more than just good grades! • Use a Planner • Keep organized • Turn in assignments on time • Attend tutorials when needed • Form bonds with teachers and staff • Ask questions for help when necessary • Maintain a well-rounded schedule which includes extra-curricular activities

16. 6th Grade can… • Attend Pep Rallies • Attend school dances, after school sporting events and programs • Attend field trips • Be nominated for Student Council • Join the runner’s club • Serve as Ambassadors to incoming 5th graders • Participate in UIL events

17. UIL • Art • Calculator Applications • Dictionary Skills • Impromptu Speaking • Listening Skills • Mathematics • Maps, Graphs, and Charts • Number Sense • Oral Reading • Ready Writing • Science I and II • Social Studies • Spelling

18. Parent Involvement • Watch Dog Volunteer • PTA Board or member • Volunteer in the classroom • Principal’s Coffee (monthly) • Access School Website and teacher websites • Access to child’s grades online • Visit for lunch with your child • Parent/Teacher Conference

19. Last but Not Least… • If in doubt….ASK! We are here for your children and we want what is best for them! • Get to know the Administration and teachers at the Middle School. • Remember your child needs your guidance more than ever during this transition.