Harris Middle School NorthEast ISD

1. Harris Middle SchoolNorthEast ISD Course Selection Guide 2019-2020 School Year

2. 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 8th Grade) • 3 years of History(Pre-AP available in 8th 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 6th grade

3. 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

4. Courses by Grade 7th Grade will take: English Reading Math Science Social Studies PE Elective Elective 8th Grade will take: English Reading Math Science Social Studies PE/Elective Elective Elective 6th Grade will take: English Reading Math Science Social Studies PE/Health Fine Art Elective

5. AIM • AIM stands for Academic & Individual Motivation and is available to 8th 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.

6. Art • Art is available to 8th 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.

7. AVID • AVID is available to 8th 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.

8. Band 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!” • Band is available to 8th grade students and does count towards the state required Fine Arts credit. Please email Mwhite2@neisd.netwith any questions concerning band.

9. Choir Please email Arunne@neisd.net with any Choir questions. 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. • Choir is available to 8th grade students and does count towards the state required Fine Arts credit.

10. 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 school credit. Email tengle@neisd.netwith any questions concerning classes.

11. 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.

12. 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.netwith any questions concerning green team classes.

13. JR.PALS A note from the PALS teacher: • The PALS program is a class where students are challenged to service their community and school. We work hand in hand with the ALE students, as well as 6th grade PALEES. We complete two student-led service projects a year. • Application required • Teacher recommendation Email Tgreen4@neisd.net with any questions concerning Jr.PALS class

14. Office Aide, Counseling Aide, Nurse Aide, Library Aide What does an aide do? • Are you responsible, flexible and personable?? Do you like to help people? Do you like to be on the move?? Aides help the school run effectively and efficiently. You will run errands, deliver schedules, and help organize. • Teacher recommendation • Application required Email Lmore@neisd.net with any questions about being a student aide.

15. Orchestra Please email mturne7@neisd.net with any Orchestra questions. 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.” • Available to 8th grade students and does count towards the state Fine Art requirement.

16. Physical Education/Athletics • NEISD requires 4 semesters of PE, with at least 1 semester taken each year. • 8thGraders are required to take ½ year of PE or athletics for a full year. Athletics: • 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 of the sports below. • Boys athletic choices are football, basketball, and track • Girls athletic choices are volleyball, basketball and track *Soccer, tennis and golf are also available, but not during the athletics class. These sports will practice before or after school. Contact Bbogga@neisd.net (boys) or Pmoral2@neisd.net (girls) with any questions.

17. Principles of Applied Engineering 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 school credit. • Email tengle@neisd.net with any questions concerning classes.

18. Principles of Hospitality and Tourism • “Principles of Hospitality and Tourism is a fun class that encourages you to find your own interests. We will cover introduction to travel and tourism. Within this class we cover restaurant management and an introduction into Culinary Arts and Nutrition/Cooking. You will experience learning in the lab environment through culinary arts. We cook weekly for nine weeks and at the end you will prepare a celebration for yourself and parents. Second semester, you will spend time learning about travel experiences/destinations and the design of theme parks, cruise liners, and airlines. We will continue to cook as we explore destinations throughout the U.S. It’s a fun interactive learning environment!!” Email lrodi30@neisd.netwith any questions concerning this class. .

19. Principles of Human Services • “Principles of Human Services is a fun class that encourages you to find your own interests. We will cover Personal and Career Success, Financial Literacy, and Nutrition/Cooking. You will experience learning in the lab environment through cooking. We cook weekly for nine weeks and at the end you will prepare a celebration for yourself and parents. Second semester, you will spend time learning about child development, family life, and will have firsthand experience in the sewing lab. During the sewing portion of class, you will create and sew projects that you will be able to take home. It’s a fun and interactive learning environment!!” Email lrodi30@neisd.netwith any questions concerning Human Services classes.

20. Spanish IB and Spanish I • A note from the Spanish teacher: Spanish I B is the 2nd class needed to get Spanish I credit. Students would have needed to have taken Spanish I A in 7th grade to be enrolled in this. You will learn to speak, read and write in Spanish. Students can also take one full year of Spanish in 8th grade. This is a very fast paced course with an accelerated curriculum. Email agauvr@neisd.netwith any questions concerning Spanish classes.

21. Theatre Arts Email kkorth@neisd.net with any questions concerning Theatre Arts. From the Harris MS Theatre teacher: “Theatre is a collaborative art that increases children’s communication skills, creativity, and empathy for real-life situations. We work together to learn movement, vocal techniques, compete at speech contests, and work together to learn the process of producing a play and short film. Students are encouraged to participate in productions and contests after school, as well as join the Harris Drama Club.” • Theatre Arts is available to 8th grade students and does count towards the Fine Arts requirement.

22. Yearbook Production A note from the yearbook teacher: • The Journalism/yearbook course has been designed to provide students with journalism skills and the ability to apply those skills to the actual production of the yearbook. Therefore, staffers will learn and practice teamwork, brainstorming, layout/design, reporting, editing, photography, typography, advertising and distribution. Email cstewa6@neisd.netwith any questions concerning yearbook classes.

23. Other Elective Options (Each are offered for ½ year or 1 Semester) Broadcast Journalism- Students produce and edit the daily announcements using a green screen and a Apple Mac book.  Students also help with online promotion of all of the wonderful things that go on at Harris.Guitar- Guitar class is an opportunity for your child to learn how to play the guitar. We start from the very beginning so no previous knowledge is necessary. During the course of the semester, we cover notes on each of the 6 strings, basic chords and reading music. Please plan on providing a few necessary supplies.Piano- Beginning Piano is for students with little to no previous piano experience. Students will work at their own pace learning to read music and play the piano.Health- Health is a required course designed to be taken in the first years of high school. It includes the study of the human body and the functions of the systems, drug abuse, first aid, CPR, diseases, pollution and its effects, nutrition, exercise, health agencies and sex education.

24. Course Selection Sheets • Course Selection Sheets for the 2019-2020 school year MUST be returned to your Social Studies teacher and entered Online by February 15th. You will not be able to change anything in Skyward after Feb 15, 2019. • Failure to enter your classes in online in time could result in the school selecting classes for you. For additional information and assistance, please contact the Harris Counseling Office at 356-4126, or by e-mail: Lmore@neisd.net or Jheisl@neisd.net - Counselors