Sharyland ISD Junior High Program

1. COURSE DESCRIPTION AND REGISTRATION MANUAL 2013-2014 Sharyland ISDJunior High Program

2. Board of Trustees • Dr. Noe Oliveira President • Mr. Fernando Ramirez Vice President • Dr. Noel Garza Secretary • Mr. Ricky Longoria Asst. Secretary • Mr. Eddie Montalvo Member • Mr. Rolando Pena Member • Mr. Juan F. Zuniga Member District Administration • Dr. Virginia N. Richter Superintendent • Mr. Jesse Muniz Asst. Superintendent for Finance • Dr. Nereida Cantu Asst. Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction • Mrs. Tina Ramos Elementary Curriculum Coordinator • Mrs. Carolyn MendiolaMiddle School Curriculum Coordinator • Ms. Yasmina Nye Asst. Superintendent for Human Resources • Mrs. Debra Alaniz-Roque Sp. Education/504 Director • Mrs. Teresa Gonzalez Director of Federal Programs Sharyland North Junior High Administration • Mrs. Leticia Leal Principal • Mr. Hector Limas Asst. Principal • Ms. Veronica Rodriguez Asst. Principal • Mrs. Christina Maldonado Counselor • Mrs. Norma Salazar Counselor B. L. Gray Junior High Administration • Mr. James Heath Principal • Mrs. Lori A. Garza Asst. Principal • Mrs. Patricia De Anda Asst. Principal • Mrs. Carol Santiago Counselor • Mrs. Hilda Gonzalez Counselor Sharyland I.S.D

3. Dear Students and Parents, Sharyland Junior High Schools offer a variety of courses to meet the diverse needs of our students. All students who register at a Junior High Campus must meet both the state and local district requirements for promotion. The pre-registration process provides our counselors the first opportunity to help your student meet his or her individual needs. With the help of the parents, the process will be more informative and more personalized. This is a very important and serious step in establishing the foundation for a good education in junior high. The decisions made by the student at this age will effect their future education in high school. It is our hope that the selection of courses will help guide your students successfully through the next two years of his/her junior high school education. The pre-registration process will occur in the Spring Semester of the school year. Our counselors will visit with the students at their home school and they will assist parents through Parent Night Meetings. The Junior High Staff has worked closely in developing the pre-registration material for you and your student; it will prove to be very useful in this major event of your child’s life. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to call our counselors or administrators. Sincerely, Leticia Leal Sharyland North Junior High Principal James Heath B. L. Gray Junior High Principal

4. 7th Grade Required Courses Please select a program: Regular or Pre-AP *Indicates a 2 period class or 104 minute block RegularPre-AP *Language Arts *Language Arts *7th Math Course 2 *7th Math Pre AP/Course 2 Pre AP *Pre Alg./Course 3 TX Studies TX Studies Science Science Course Offering

5. Students may select one or two electives from the following: • Athletics (Boys/Girls) • Physical Education • Band (Band Director Recommendation) • Choir A course that includes physical activity is required for one year in junior high. 7th graders may fulfill this requirement by enrolling in Athletics or P.E. Band will also provide students with ½ year of physical activity. 7th Grade Elective Courses: *Full Year*

6. Students may select up to four choices from the following • If you select one full year elective from above, you can only choose two electives from the following list. • Theatre Arts I • Art I • Health • Computer Applications I • Keyboarding • Teen Leadership • Piano Semester Elective Courses

7. REQUIRED PROGRAM This is the program of study for the student who wishes knowledge in all areas of instruction. This course of study addresses all requirements of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and includes the use of technology. These are the skills necessary for learning and graduating in the state of Texas. PRE-AP PROGRAM The Pre-AP/(early High School credit) program is a challenging course of study for students who desire an educational experience beyond the required curriculum. The focus of the program is to provide students increased opportunities to engage in active questioning, analysis, and communication. Pre-Advanced Placement classes offer students rigorous instruction while requiring students to meet a higher level of responsibility. All Pre-AP students and parents are required to read and sign a Pre-AP agreement form to ensure they understand their responsibilities. Program Description

8. (Open Enrollment) • The Pre-AP/(early High School credit) program is a challenging course of study for students who desire an educational experience beyond the required curriculum. The focus of the program is to provide students increased opportunities to engage in active questioning, analysis, and communication. Pre-Advanced Placement classes offer students rigorous instruction while requiring students to meet a higher level of responsibility. All Pre-AP students and parents are required to read and sign the following agreement to ensure they understand their responsibilities. The student is expected to: • * Complete all class assignments which are planned to increase student understanding. • * Budget time effectively and efficiently. • * Seek help when needed by meeting with teachers or attending tutorial sessions. • * Have good attendance. Entrance Criteria for Pre AP Courses

9. Pre-AP and High School Credit Courses The following criteria are in effect: • If a student earns an ”F” for any class during any six weeks grading period, he/she will be placed on academic probation automatically for three weeks. The student must pass all subsequent six weeks grading periods, or the student will be transferred to a regular program course. • Any two “F’s” during the academic year or a semester average below 65 will result in an automatic transfer to a regular program course. Exit Criteria

10. LANGUAGE ARTS (English/Literature) (104 minute block) REGULAR This course is designed to develop language, writing and reading skills. An emphasis will be placed on the study of standard grammar and usage to communicate clearly and effectively in writing. Students will further develop writing fluency by writing for a variety of audiences and purposes with strong attention to elaboration and revision techniques in the writing process. Students will study a variety of genres and develop an extensive vocabulary. Students will read silently with increasing ease. Attention will be given to analyzing literature.

11. PRE-AP This course is designed to enrich and accelerate the required curriculum for the motivated students. In addition to the content of required classes, there will be an emphasis on further development of critical reading comprehension skills and strategies. Students will focus on writing fluency, form and correctness for a variety of audiences and purposes. Strong attention will be given to writing as a recursive process, sophisticated elaboration, and revision techniques. Focus will include SAT vocabulary development, and critical reading skills. Strong attention will be given to analyzing literary elements and sophisticated devices in a variety of genre. (English/Literature)

12. MATH (102 minute block) 7TH MATH/ COURSE 2 This course is recommended prior to taking Pre-Algebra . The students shall use skills associated with understanding numbers, basic problem solving with whole numbers, fractions and decimals, proportions, probability, and area of two-dimensional geometric figures. Students are introduced to percents and algebraic equations. This course is considered a 7th grade on level course or advanced placement for 6th grade students.

13. This course is recommended prior to taking Pre-Algebra . The students shall use skills associated with understanding numbers, basic problem solving with whole numbers, fractions and decimals, proportions, probability, and area of two-dimensional geometric figures. Students are introduced to percents and algebraic equations. This course is offered to any student who does not meet all 3 criteria for acceleration. 7TH MATH PRE-AP COURSE 2 Pre-AP

14. This course is a pre-requisite for taking Algebra I. The students shall use skills associated with understanding numbers, proportions, probability, percents, equations, geometric figures, and graphing. This course is considered to be grade level 8th grade or advanced placement for 7th grade students. Students that are not currently enrolled in Math 87 (Course 2) may qualify for this course if they meet ALL of the following criteria: (1) Commended Performance on TAKS Math in the 6th grade, (2) An “A” average for their current math class up until the 5th 6 weeks, and (3) Score an 84 or higher on the district approved Math Placement Exam. Pre-Algebra (7TH GRADE) Course 3

15. 7TH GRADE TEXAS STUDIES Texas Studies provides a comprehensive course in Texas geography, government and economics, and history from prehistoric cultures in Texas to Twentieth Century Texas. Utilizing primary and secondary sources to analyze, organize and interpret information, students will work toward the goals stated in the “Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Social Studies.” Students will be introduced to significant individuals, significant events and important dates in Texas History. The Texas Constitution and the structure of Texas government, the cultural heritage of Texas, and the urbanization of Texas are among those topics covered. 7TH GRADE TEXAS STUDIES PRE-AP Pre-AP Texas Studies is offered for those students who want to prepare for high school AP (Advanced Placement) classes. Students choosing Pre-AP classes should be strong writers and readers. These classes emphasize the development of advanced skills and encourage students to strive for academic excellence. Pre-AP strategies will include introducing skills necessary to prepare students for success in high school AP classes. These strategies may include researching and completing independent projects, concentration on extensive vocabulary development, interviewing skills, higher level thinking skills, interpreting historical documents, oral presentations, use of the internet for research purposes etc. SOCIAL STUDIES

16. 7th GRADE INTEGRATED SCIENCE- REGULAR The study of science in the 7th grade includes the following objectives. The students will be able to recognize the changing and increasing body of knowledge in science. The students will conduct field and laboratory investigations using scientific methods as well as critical thinking and problem solving techniques. The students will identify gravity and phases of the moon as components of the solar system and explore the effects of events such as hurricanes on the Earth. The students will also use various methods to understand the relationship between force and motion. The students will able to distinguish between kinetic and potential energy. The student will also identify the process of photosynthesis. They will able to investigate the natural world and all of its wonders. The students will able to relate the concept of the process in the human organism such as the movement of blood. INTEGRATED SCIENCE

17. In addition to the above, Pre-AP students will be given opportunities to further analyze, explore and question scientific theories. They will be expected to give presentations, research projects (cell model, DNA model, rocket racer cars, paper rockets), and write essays and other activities of a higher cognitive level beyond that expected of students in Junior High. 7TH GRADE PRE-AP INTEGRATED SCIENCE

18. FULL YEAR COURSES

19. This course is designed to utilize the development of athletic skills needed for competitive UIL Volleyball, Basketball, Cross Country and Track. Students selected from this class form the teams that will compete against other schools in UIL Volleyball, Basketball, Cross Country and Track. Those not selected will be in an off-season training program for another sport. Students in this class will be required to practice before and/or after school, pass all classes with a minimum grade of 70, maintain good conduct grades and have a desire to participate in high school athletics. (Soccer, Swimming, Golf are offered after school) GIRLS ATHLETICS

20. This course is designed to develop the skills needed for competitive Football, Basketball, Cross Country, Tennis and Track. Students in athletics will tryout for teams that will compete against other schools. Those not selected will participate in an off-season training program for another sport. Students in this class will be required to practice before and after school, pass all classes with a minimum grade of 70, maintain good conduct grades and have a desire to participate in high school athletics. (Soccer, Swimming, Golf are offered after school, only.) BOYS ATHLETICs

21. BOYSGIRLS 8th/7th Red Football (no limit) 8th/7th Red Volleyball (15 players) 8th/7th White Football (no limit) 8th/7th White Volleyball (20 players) 8th/7th Red Basketball (15 players) 8th/7th Red Basketball (15 players) 8th/7th White Basketball (20 players) 8th/7th White Basketball (20 players) 8th/7th Track and Field (35/35 runners) 8th/7th Track and Field (35/35 rnrs) 8th/7th Soccer (25 players)* 8th/7th Soccer (25 players)* 8th/7th Cross Country (20/20 runners) 8th/7th Cross Country (20/20 rnrs.) 8th/7th Tennis**8th/7th Tennis** 8th/7th Swimming* 8th/7th Swimming* 8th/7th Golf* 8th/7th Golf* (*) Denotes after-school only and does not require an Athletic period. (**) Students wishing to try out for the tennis team will register for Athletics. If they are selected for the tennis team, they will be added to a tennis course. Athletic Sports

22. Band – Cadet, Concert, Symphonic, Honors The Sharyland Junior High School Band program is designed to promote and encourage students with a desire to learn and enjoy music. This is done through a quality instructional and extracurricular experience. The “Band Experience” enriches students’ lives in many ways, and often for years to come after high school graduation. Their self-discipline, social and communication skills, self-concepts, cooperative talents and creative minds will all be nurtured through their study of music. **Students will be placed in the appropriate class as per band staff recommendation. ELECTIVES

23. Choir class is a performance based class. Students spend much of the class time preparing for performances. Students will perform throughout the school year at evening concerts, pep rallies, local businesses, elementary schools, and other special events. Students will learn many types of music in choir class, along with basic music theory and sight-reading skills. There are also several competitive events during the school year including Solo & Ensemble in the fall and Region Choir in the spring. Choir students will learn how to work as part of a team by being committed to achieving common goals. CHOIR – 7THgrade

24. This Course will fulfill the physical activity requirement for junior high. In this course, each 6 weeks a different sport will be covered. Students are taught proper technique and form. Emphasis is placed on lifetime sports that will encourage students to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. Students will be graded on participation as well as behavior and uniform. PHYSICAL EDUCATION

25. SEMESTER COURSES

26. This class will provide opportunities for students to get to know themselves with others, take safe risks, actively participate in activities and projects, all of which will help them to respond to the world around them with increased energy and sensitivity. The student will develop team spirit and ensemble skills through class activities. The students will learn to have respect for themselves and others. Activities will promote learning in the areas of basic acting, artistic discipline, imagination, voice control, theatre etiquette, memory, listening, terminology, history of theatre, theatre appreciation, and interpretation of literature. The skills learned in this class can be applied to other experiences and situations in daily life. Theatre Arts

27. The students will develop an awareness and sensitivity to natural and man-made environments, work with inventive and imaginative expression through art materials and tools. Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of self and others through art culture and heritage. ART I

28. The Health class is designed to present a comprehensive view of health as it relates to physical, mental, emotional, and social well being. This program’s goal is to teach students the necessary knowledge to make healthy lifestyle decisions. Health

29. Computer Applications I (Computer Literacy) –Beginner • Recommended for grade 7, one semester • No prerequisite • Basic computer literacy and keyboarding, basic introduction to word processing, paint and draw, spreadsheets, databases, desktop publishing, electronic presentation, e-mail, the Internet, web pages, computer history and societal impact. *Basic computer operations: Some experience creating, opening, editing and saving documents in a graphical user interface (Windows) environment. Some experience in navigating the Internet using a web browser. Basic knowledge of one of the common operating systems, such as MS Windows. .

30. This comprehensive course provides opportunities for students to grow in character and vision. It will prepare them for challenges of leadership such as personal, relational, and leadership skills. This course prepares students in making first impressions, presenting ideas, thinking independently, working with difficult people, and pursuing personal excellence to face adversity. Teen Leadership

31. PIANO Students will learn the fundamentals of playing piano. They will learn how to play different styles of music such as: contemporary, rock, jazz, classical, etc. In addition, they will learn how to read music notation and play with other students as a class. Students will learn about piano composers, how to read chords, and how to improvise.