Elgin Middle School 7 TH -8 TH GRADE COURSE SELECTIONS Welcome upcoming 7 th & 8 th graders! Sharon Holmes (A-L) Katie Rhea (Grant Counselor) Cory Williams (M-Z) We are very excited about the upcoming school year! Its all about YOU! Our job is to prepare you for college whether you chose to go or not Challenge yourself! Get the credit you deserve! Choose the Pre-AP/AP program! Bonus to being a Pre-AP student Pre-AP classes are for students who are passionate, curious and committed to academic excellence Pre-AP students are more likely to solve problems collaboratively and learn to write clearly and persuasively. Pre-AP courses prepare you for AP classes so that you are more likely to be successful in college. Cost of College *according to Trends in Higher Education College Board Texas average (in 2012) per year for an in-state public school = $7,166 Average National Tuition and Fees ( ) in state 4 year public college = $9,145 Average National Tuition and Fees ( ) Private 4 year college = $32,405 These costs do not include room, board, etc. Bonus to being a Pre-AP student A successful grade on an AP exam can earn you college credit which will save you time and money at a university. Entering college with AP credits will give you time to take the fun upper-level courses in your field of interest, pursue a double major or study abroad. AP increases scholarship eligibility AP classes make candidates for college more attractive Colleges consider a students AP experience when making scholarship decisions Selective colleges report that a students AP experience favorably impact admission decisions Bonus to being a Pre-AP student Pre-AP classes help you to improve study habits that are vital to college bound students. AP students are more likely to graduate from college in 4 years. (up to 62% higher) (Hairgrove and Dodd 2007) The average price of college is $18,000 for each additional year a student takes to finish.graduating on time is important! Required Classes ENGLISH 7th Grade: English 7or English Pre-AP 7 8th Grade: English 8or English Pre-AP 8 Required Classes MATH 7 th grade: Math 7 or Pre-Algebra 7 8 th grade: Pre-Algebra 8 or Algebra 1 Required Classes SCIENCE & HISTORY 7 th Grade: Science 7 Texas History 7 8 th Grade: Science 8 US History 8 Students MUST have 2 years of PE during Middle School Athletics & Dance are considered PE Physical Education (PE) Fine Arts Students MUST have 1 year or 2 semesters during Middle School *Choices include: Band, Choir, Theatre, Art Electives (Electives are assigned according to priority order and availability. If an elective does not make, students will be placed in the next available elective choice.) 7 th Grade Art Band Choir Theatre PE/Athletics Dance Lego-Robotics AVID Journalism Investigating Careers / Writing Reading Workshop 8 th Grade Art Band Choir Theatre PE/Athletics Dance Lego-Robotics AVID Journalism College and Career Readiness/ High School Credit Courses Art I (1.0) Foundations of Personal Fitness (.5 1 credit) Spanish I (1 credit) Theatre I (1 credit) Choir I (1 credit) Music Theory ( 1 credit) Health Requirements You must have a physical to be in Athletics All 7 th Graders immunizations must be up to date Programs & Incentives EMS Offers iPad initiative EISD has made it a goal to offer students 24/7 accessibility to their learning. The individual use of technology is a way to empower students to maximize their full potential and to prepare them for college and the workplace. Payments can be made at the end of the year or during registration verification. E backpack Think Through Math/AR Appropriate use/ parental control Need more information? Sandra Negro x 1551 Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Full year course Grade: Prerequisite: Prior approval required Student will fill out application and complete an interview with Mrs. Varra Requirement: Student must be in at least ONE Pre-AP class to participate in AVID AVID prepares students by Developing them as readers and writers Developing deep content knowledge Developing knowledge of content specific strategies for reading, writing, thinking, and speaking Developing habits, skills, and behaviors to use knowledge and skills AVID- How does it work? Accelerates under-achieving students, who have potential, into more rigorous courses Teaches academic and social skills not targeted in other classes Provides intensive support with in-class tutors and a strong student/teacher relationship Creates a positive peer group for students Develops a sense of hope and personal achievement gained through hard work and determination Advisory Home room Breakfast in classroom Current events Building Academic Vocabulary Typical Advisory Day Kids come in have breakfast from 7:45-8:15 From 8:15-8:25 announcements CNN Student news over current events, then homework for rest of the time Academic vocabulary Strategic Instructional Model (SIM) Students use content enhancement routines and learning strategies to aid their literacy and learning across each of their classes. If you have a concern over any grade that your child receives, please contact your child's teacher. If necessary, you can set up an appointment with the teacher. Go to: Elgin ISD website Parent Information Parent Portal Create a parent portal account Request a Portal ID #, which is different from the Student ID# Tutorials Tutorials are held Tuesday & Thursday -3:45-4:45 p.m. -Transportation provided by EISD -Elective tutorials at teachers discretion Saturday School (as scheduled) (academic only) -9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. -Students Must bring Work -EISD does not provide transportation Teacher Websites Teachers update their websites with information in regards to student assignments and area of study for the six weeks Course Sheets Please take Course Sheet Requests home to fill out and discuss options with your child. Please return Course Sheet Requests by February 19, 2016 Check out our Facebook page! Another way to stay connected - check out our page for frequent school updates!check out our page Still have questions? Contact an EMS Sharon Holmes (A-L) X 1528 Cory Williams (M-Z) X1506 Katie Rhea (Grant Counselor) X1569