Steps Toward Your Future s1

2017 - 2018 Course Description Guide

Sunnyvale Middle School

Middle School Page 1 Preparing to be “Future Ready”

Steps Toward Your Future

Seventh Grade-Fall  Look at possibilities for taking courses for high school credit.

Eighth Grade-Fall  Understand yourself. Recognize your strengths and interests. Choose your high school courses with these strengths and interests in mind.

Eighth Grade-Spring  Analyze high school courses available. Don’t forget to look at Dual Credit courses where you can earn high school and college credit, and tech prep courses.  Create your four-year plan Personal Graduation Plan and Endorsements for high school, college, technical training and/or work using the district graduation program and anticipated college requirements as guides. As you plan for high school courses look for prerequisites to the courses you choose.  Access information related to college requirements and opportunities by using web sites such as College For Texans. (www.CollegeForTexans.com) or Naviance.

Freshman Year-Fall  Focus on the importance of high school and make good academic decisions.  Become familiar with careers that relate to your abilities and interests.  Get involved in extracurricular activities sponsored by your school and/or community service. (Colleges and sources of employment take note of your involvement, participation, teamwork, and leadership).  Begin to develop a student resume portfolio that lists all of your activities, awards, and honors.  Be responsible for your education. Make sure your academic grades reflect your true ability and efforts. Take courses at the most challenging level you can handle.  Talk with your parents about planning for college expenses.  Get to know your counselor and visit the counseling office. Become familiar with the college and career resources available on your campus.

Freshman Year-Spring  Investigate summer enrichment programs.  Evaluate your course selections for your sophomore year and adjust your four-year graduation plan if necessary. Investigate Pre-AP/Honors and Dual Credit classes.  Access information related to college requirements and opportunities by using web sites such as College For Texans. (www.CollegeForTexans.com) or Naviance.

Sophomore Year-Fall  Continue to focus on the importance of high school and make good academic decisions.  Write to all colleges of interest and request catalogues and information about their programs.  Do your best on the PSAT in October. The test is given at school during the school day. Your counselor will provide more information.  Be responsible for your education. Make sure your academic grades reflect your true ability and efforts. Take courses at the most challenging level you can handle.  Get involved in activities outside the classroom. Work toward leadership positions in activities you like best.  Become involved in community service and other volunteer activities.  Get to know your counselor and visit the counseling office. Become familiar with the college and career resources available on your campus.

Sophomore Year-Spring

Middle School Page 2  Continue to monitor college/work and/or technical training entrance requirements for changes. Modify your four-year graduation plan if changes in the entrance requirements and/or changes in interests warrant it. Be flexible and proactive! Investigate Pre-AP/Honors and Dual Credit classes.  Analyze all careers of interest. Research education/training needed for these careers.  Investigate scholarship and financial aid options. Conference with your counselor.  Consult your counselor regarding the Texas Success Initiative (TSI).  Access information related to college requirements and opportunities by using web sites such as College For Texans. (www.CollegeForTexans.com) or Naviance.

Junior Year-Fall  Do your best on PSAT in October. This is the qualifying test for National Merit Semifinalists. The test is given during the school day at your high school. Your counselor will provide more information.  Begin to visit college/technical institute campuses of interest to you. Check the district policy on absences related to these visits.  Narrow down the features that are important to you in a post-secondary institution.  Speak to college representatives.  Continue to focus on the importance of high school and make good academic decisions.  Learn about alternatives that are available after graduation. Continue to explore career interests.  Be responsible for your education. Make sure your academic grades reflect your true ability and efforts. Take courses at the most challenging level you can handle.  Research all financial aid, scholarships, loans, and grants that are available from the college/technical institute of your interest or available through the school and/or public/private agencies, churches, and organizations.  Collect information about college application procedures, entrance requirements, tuition and fees, room and board costs, student activities, course offerings, faculty composition, accreditation, and financial aid.  Get to know your counselor and visit the counseling office. Become familiar with the college and career resources available on your campus.

Junior Year-Spring  Continue to conference with your counselor about your future and to make sure you are on track for graduation.  Take the SAT or ACT or achievement tests in the spring or early summer.  Review your four-year plan and course work; increase challenge if necessary. Investigate Pre-AP/Honors and Dual Credit classes.  Check your class rank. It’s never too late to improve. Colleges like to see an upward trend.  Continue to add to your resume.  Develop, write, and perfect college essays.  Stay involved with your extracurricular activities.  Visit college campuses and begin to fill out applications.

Senior Year-Fall  Be responsible for your education. Make sure your academic grades reflect your true ability and efforts. Take courses at the most challenging level you can handle.  Take SAT or ACT again if necessary.  Narrow down choices for colleges/universities or technical institutes. Keep in mind cost, admission requirements, and academic offerings.  Observe deadlines for admissions, housing, and financial aid.  Order and send transcripts by deadline.  Continue to apply for scholarships announced on your high school campus.  Continue to visit college campuses and technical institutes of interest. Include a visit to the Financial Aid Office for information.  Meet with college representatives.  Perfect and update college essays.  Ask your counselor and teachers for recommendation letters early in the year.  Turn in all college applications at least 2 weeks prior to the stated deadline.

Middle School Page 3  Investigate and apply for scholarships. Meet deadlines.  Make a calendar showing application deadlines for admission, financial aid, and scholarships.

Senior Year-Spring  Order and send transcripts by deadline.  Investigate and apply for scholarships. Meet deadlines.  Observe deadlines for admissions, housing, and financial aid.  Apply for FAFSA.  Continue to apply for scholarships announced on the high school campus.  Continue to participate in extracurricular and volunteer activities.

This is intended to encourage you to think about your future. Always seek information from parents, teachers, counselors, and college personnel. Ask questions!

The Middle School Program Course of Study Information

This course catalog has been developed to assist you in planning your middle school course of study. It provides a description of required courses, criteria for special programs and a brief description of electives offered. The prime intent of the instructional program at middle school is to reinforce and expand basic skills. There are opportunities for students to explore and develop interests through the elective courses offered. Listing of a course description in this catalog does not guarantee that the course will be taught during the 2017-2018 school year. If you have questions about course offerings, contact the counselor or administrators at the middle school.

COURSE OF STUDY: 5th Grade English Language Arts Reading Social Studies Science and Health Mathematics Physical Education Fine Arts

COURSE OF STUDY: 6th Grade Language Arts-(English and Reading) Social Studies (Contemporary World Cultures) Science Mathematics Physical Education Two Electives

COURSE OF STUDY: 7th Grade Language Arts-(English and Reading) Social Studies (Texas History) Science Mathematics Physical Education or Athletics Two Electives

COURSE OF STUDY: 8th Grade Language Arts-(English) Social Studies (US History) Science Mathematics Three Electives*

Middle School Page 4 State Assessment Program

The STARR State Assessments of Academic Readiness program will assess grades 3-8. Grades 3, 6, 7 will be assessed in Reading and Math. Grades 4 and 7 will be assessed in Reading, Math and Writing. Grade 5 will be assessed in Math, Reading and Science. Grade 8 will be assessed in Reading, Math, Science and Social Studies. Grade 8 students taking Algebra I will take the HS Algebra I EOC assessment. At the high school, the 5 end-of-course (EOC) assessments will be: Algebra I, English I, English II, Biology, and U.S. History. Student Success Initiative (SSI) re-test opportunities for STAAR grades 5 and 8 reading and mathematics will be offered in May and June of 2018.

Course Designations

Courses are designated in various ways to meet the skills and interests of students. Many courses are offered as academic and Honors courses. A student’s course of study may be a combination of courses with different designations. The student, parent, and school will work together to determine the best combination for each learner.

Academic Courses These core courses and electives prepare students for college and postsecondary instruction using a variety of teaching strategies, student activities, and assessments. The curriculum requires students to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills as well as master core content.

Honors Courses Honors courses are designed to challenge motivated students and prepare them for success in college-level coursework taken during high school and college. These courses typically move at a faster pace, are more academically challenging, and require more independent learning and homework than academic courses.

Entrance Guidelines for Honors The school can provide powerful input through teacher recommendations, communication with parents regarding the challenges of the Honors curriculum, and information about indicators of student success. Honors courses are offered in Language Arts (English/Reading), Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science. The Honors entrance guidelines provide information that should guide course selection decisions in a manner that will facilitate student success in core courses. The Honors entrance guidelines are:

1. Prerequisite coursework is successfully completed. 2. Current or previous performance in related content area course: A semester average of a 90 -100 in an academic course OR A semester average of an 80 or better in an Honors course.

Teacher recommendation is valuable and will be considered when making Honors placement decision.

Questions about Honors course placement should be directed to the student’s counselor.

NOTE: Due to the curricular differences between academic courses and Honors and for the benefit of students, entry into an Honors course from an academic course is limited to the beginning of each school year.

Middle School Page 5 High School Courses In Eighth C. Spanish 1 This course serves as an introduction to the Spanish language Grade and culture. basic listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing and sharing skills are developed. Communication skills are the The District may offer courses designated for grades 9-12 in primary focus of this course. grade 8 and shall verify that students who take these courses Spanish 1 is a one-year course for which students can earn one have satisfactorily completed the prerequisite grade 8 Texas high school credit as a Language Other Than English. Students Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) essential elements. The may exit the course at the academic achievement record shall reflect that students have end of the semester if failing. satisfactorily completed the courses in grade 8, and have been awarded state graduation credit. The State Board of Education’s rules provide that students The high school courses offered for credit at the middle school completing level one of a language at middle school shall are: receive state graduation credit which is placed on the academic Algebra I, Art I, Spanish I and World History achievement record. This credit counts toward satisfying the units of Language Other than English required for the Algebra I and World History-Honors will count towards Recommended High School Graduation (RHSP) program. their high school grade point average (GPA) and high school class rank. D. World History-Honors

This course offers students an overview of the entire history of Required Criteria For Placement In High School Courses: humankind. The major emphasis is on the study of significant people, A. Algebra I events, and issues from the earliest time to the present. Traditional historical points of reference in world history are Algebra I is offered in eighth grade for students who met identified as students analyze important events and issues in designated criteria on the district’s placement matrix. One western civilizations and in other parts of the world. high school credit and grade points are awarded upon *This course includes all requirements of the corresponding successful completion of Algebra I. academic level class plus substantial enrichment experiences. In the Honors class, students are expected to achieve a greater depth of understanding through thoughtful discussion and B. Art Studio reading. The level of instruction/curriculum will focus on preparing the student for Dual Credit Social Studies courses. Art Studio is offered in eighth grade for students who meet One high school credit and grade points are awarded upon designated successful completion of World History. criteria. Students will receive an Art I high school credit upon completion of the required portfolio.

Middle School Page 6 Catalog of Courses: Middle School Language Arts students edit their writing based on their Emphasis on further developing 2151 Reading-Grade 5 knowledge of grammar usage, spelling, critical reading comprehension In grade 5, students will continue to apply and punctuation. Students produce final skills/strategies will be an ongoing earlier standards with greater depth in error-free pieces of written composition on component of the program. Students a regular basis. Seventh grade students increasingly more complex texts as they will review language and grammar become self-directed, critical readers. read widely in classic and contemporary selections and informational texts. skills, with an emphasis on usage. Students use a flexible range of meta- Students will focus on writing fluency, cognitive reading skills in both assigned Students use Greek and Latin roots, and independent reading to understand an prefixes, and suffixes in reading. In the form and correctness for a variety of author’s message in a wide selection of seventh grade, students recognize how audiences and purposes. Strong genres. Strong attention will be given to style, tone, and mood contribute to the attention will be given to writing as a increasing the ability as well as the desire effect of the text. recursive process, using sophisticated to read. elaboration techniques in revision in paragraph and multi-paragraph 2150 English Language Arts- 2121 English Language Arts writing as well as editing. Focus will Grade 5 include vocabulary development and Students use elements of the writing and Reading – Grade 7 Honors a variety of research skills and Seventh grade Honors Language Arts is an process to compose texts. Emphasis on techniques using informational text to intensive study of grammar, writing, and capitalization, punctuation, and spelling develop higher level thinking skills. will be ongoing. Students will develop vocabulary. Students learn to identify and The level of instruction/curriculum will their research skills by asking open-ended use the complex grammatical structures research questions and develop a plan for necessary in developing their writing and focus on preparing the student for answering them. They will determine, literary analysis skills. Writing emphasis is dual credit courses. locate, and explore the full range of placed on developing well elaborated relevant sources addressing research multi-paragraph expository compositions. questions and systematically record the Vocabulary acquisition is stressed to build information they gather. Students will the language assessment skills needed for organize and present their ideas and effective textual analysis and well-written, information according to the purpose of concise compositions. The student will the research and their audience. become a skilled reader of a variety of literary forms. The student will develop 2110 English Language Arts analysis skills to interpret different styles of fiction and nonfiction writing. Through and Reading – Grade 6 the use of vocabulary study and the study In grade 6, students master previously of the literary elements, the student will learned skills. Along with developing be able to understand the social and research and language skills, sixth grade historical significance of the reading students are able to select and use selections. The student will respond to different forms of writing. Students vary the literature presented during the course sentence structure and use more complex of study in a variety of writing forms. punctuation such as hyphens, semicolons, and possessives. In sixth grade, students 2130 English Language Arts Mathematics edit their writing based on their knowledge of grammar and usage, spelling, and and Reading – Grade 8 punctuation. Students produce final error- In grade 8, students refine and master previously learned skills. They continue to 2250 Math Grade 5 free pieces of written composition on a The primary focus of grade 5 math is regular basis. Emphasis on vocabulary, read widely in classic and contemporary listening skills, reading rate and the texts. Eighth grade students edit their to build fluency and a conceptual reading/writing connection will be an writing based on their knowledge of understanding of numbers and ongoing part of the program. Strong grammar and usage, spelling and operations that involve whole attention will be given to increasing the punctuation and apply these skills to numbers, decimals, and fractions. ability as well as the desire to read. various forms of writing. Students produce Students will develop their algebraic final, error-free pieces of written Students study fiction, nonfiction, poetry thinking, and will work with and apply and drama. composition on a regular basis. Eighth grade students present oral and written math to real-life situations that include: data tables and graphs, 2120 English Language Arts reports, including presentations strengthened by visuals and media. In geometry and measurement. and Reading – Grade 7 addition, there is a continuation of literary In grade 7, students master previously analysis, vocabulary development, 2210 Math Grade 6 learned skills. Along with developing research skills, and expansion of The primary focus at grade 6 is using research and language skills, seventh knowledge of common literary terms. grade students are able to select and use ratios to describe proportional relationships involving geometry, different forms of writing. Students vary 2131 English Language Arts sentence structure and appropriately use measurement, and probability. verb tenses such as present, past, future, and Reading – Grade 8 Honors Emphasis is placed on decimal and and progressive. In seventh grade, fraction operations. Middle School Page 7 2220 Math 7 2221 Math 7 - Honors 2211 Math 6 - Honors The primary focus at grade 7 is using This course focuses on elements of This course focuses on elements of proportional relationships in eighth mathematics in order to sixth grade and a portion of seventh geometry, measurement and accelerate student preparation for grade mathematics in order to probability. Students will solve Algebra 1 in the eighth grade. accelerate student preparation for problems with decimals, fractions, Algebra 1 in the eighth grade. and integers. Statistical measures will be used to describe data.

2230 Math 8 the physical sciences. The curriculum 2330 Science - Grade 8 In grade 8, students are using the covers a broad range of topics with Eighth grade science includes strands basic principles of Algebra to analyze the first six weeks beginning with a in the field and laboratory and represent linear relationships and unit on process skills. The curriculum investigations, scientific inquiry, functions. Geometry topics such as continues with topics covering problem solving, technology measurement of two and three chemistry, physics, life science applications, force and motion, dimensional figures are taught to (biomes), earth science (plate systems and properties, interaction in incorporate geometric reasoning. tectonics), natural resources, weather matter and energy as explored and space. Students will experience through solar, weather, and ocean the work of real science in applying systems, energy and the 2231 Algebra I - Honors data-handling skills, analyzing environment, structure and function, Prerequisite: See criteria for information, evaluating results, and geologic processes, and earth admission on learning to communicate their systems. Students will experience the page 3. understanding to others. The course work of real science in applying data- High School Credit: One is designed to give students a handling skills, analyzing information, Algebra I is offered in eighth grade for preview of future courses and evaluating results, and learning to students who met designated criteria develop basic concepts. communicate their understanding to in the 6th grade. When advanced 6th others. grade students are accelerated to Pre-Algebra in their 7th grade year 2331 Science Honors - Grade they must continue to Algebra I for 8th 2320 Science - Grade 7 8 grade. One high school credit and Seventh grade science includes Honors eighth grade science concepts grade points are awarded upon strands in the field and laboratory include those covered in eighth grade successful completion of Algebra I. investigations, scientific inquiry, science; however, concepts are problem solving, technology covered in greater depth. The level of applications, force and motion, instruction/curriculum will focus on systems and properties, matter and preparing the student for advanced Science energy, energy and the environment, placement courses. Students will structure and function, genetics, experience the work of real science in 2350 Science/Health- Grade 5 response to stimuli, solar system and applying data-handling skills, In 5th grade Science the students will earth systems. Students will analyzing information, evaluating be learning about the natural world. experience the work of real science in results, and learning to communicate Students will understand that certain applying data-handling skills, their understanding to others. types of questions can be answered analyzing information, evaluating by investigation and the methods, results, and learning to communicate models, and conclusions built from their understanding to others. these investigations change as new observations are made. Our studies 2321 Science Honors - Grade will include planning and safely 7 implementing classroom and outdoor Honors seventh grade science investigations using scientific focuses on elements of seventh grade processes, analyzing information, science; however, concepts are making informed decisions, and using covered in greater depth. The level of tools to collect and record instruction/curriculum will focus on Social Studies information, while addressing the preparing the student for advanced major concepts and vocabulary, in the placement courses. Students will 2450 Social Studies- Grade 5 context of physical, earth, and life experience the work of real science in Fifth grade Social Studies focuses on sciences. applying data-handling skills, the history of the United States from analyzing information, evaluating colonization to the 20th century. The results, and learning to emphasis is on the political, social, 2310 Science - Grade 6 communicate their understanding to cultural and economic events that Sixth grade science is a general others. shaped the present country. Some of science course with an emphasis on the events covered are the American

Middle School Page 8 Revolution, Constitution, Civil War, Tennis (before/after school) Reconstruction, World War I and World War II, and current events. The course also includes the development of the government of the United **All Male athletes States and the importance of 2431 Social Studies Honors - enrolled in Athletics citizenship. Grade 8 This course focuses on the history of MUST participate in 2410 Social Studies - Grade 6 the United States from colonization to football in the fall. This course enables students to 1877. The emphasis on the social, develop an understanding of selected political and economic events that Tryouts will be held contemporary world cultures and shaped the present country is for basketball. significant people and events that enriched by advanced readings and have shaped them. The cultures activities which develop critical studied represent different thinking. This course also includes the continents, different levels of development of the government and development, different political the Constitution. Students are structures and economic systems and expected to achieve a greater depth a variety of ethnicities. Students of understanding through thoughtful Physical apply geographic, historical, discussion and reading. The level of economic, political and technological instruction/curriculum will focus on Education concepts with current events as an preparing the student for advanced important theme. placement courses. 2750 Physical Education 5 (Boys and Girls) 2420 Social Studies - Grade 7 Seventh grade social studies students 2711 Physical Education 6 survey major events in the history of Texas with an emphasis on the Athletics (Boys and Girls) development of Texas as a republic and a state. Important themes Students enrolled in middle school 2713 Physical Education 7&8 include the unique heritage of Texas athletics during the school day will (Boys and Girls) and its environment and geography. receive physical education credit for Economic development and the successful participation and 2714 Physical Education 7&8 governmental structure of the completion in any sport activity Athletics (Girls) modern state are studied. during that semester. All sports conducted in the Sunnyvale ISD will 2715 Physical Education 7&8 2421 Social Studies Honors - be conducted under the guidelines of the UIL Constitution and Contest Athletics (Boys) Grade 7 The objective in these courses is to This course includes the study of the Rules. Each participant must be in compliance with all UIL guidelines develop an interest in physical history of Texas prior to European fitness, as well as an appreciation of colonization to modern day statehood throughout the entire school year and/or sports season. the skills, knowledge, technique and by using geographic, economic, sportsmanship involving lifetime and historical and political concepts. Instruction in all sports will be designed to provide each participant, individual sports as a participant and Students will study the eras of Texas as a spectator. The daily curriculum and its people in depth through regardless of size or skill level, an opportunity to learn the fundamental will encourage students to work advanced readings and enrichment toward achieving a basic level of activities that develop critical and advanced skills essential to successful participation in a fitness and wellness and a beginning thinking. The level of or intermediate level of skill in each instruction/curriculum will focus on competitive sport activity. These instructional techniques will stress sport or activity. Knowledge that preparing the student for advanced supports lifetime fitness and wellness placement courses. individual and team performance- related activities that are coordinated is the primary goal in each course. 2430 Social Studies - Grade 8 with each of the high school This course focuses on the history of programs. the United States from colonization to Sport programs offered at 1877. The emphasis is on the Sunnyvale Middle School are as political, social and economic events follows: Electives that shaped the present country. The **Football course includes the development of Volleyball the government of the United States Basketball 2822 Math Lab - Grade 6, 7, 8 and the Constitution as well as Track and Field (after school) This course is designed to help build a citizenship. Cross Country (after school) stronger foundation in mathematics

Middle School Page 9 through the continuous process of and music symbols. Concerts and memorized performances. Basic building math skills, checking music contests are a part of the choir theatrical knowledge of the design comprehension, and applying these program. and tech process will be taught. The skills to problem-solving situations. primary objective is to develop the This course will focus on building student’s creativity and self- each students confidence and 2879 Destination Imagination expression. There is opportunity to be competency in mathematics. Destination Imagination will provide involved in extra-curricular activities students with 21st century skills such as One Act play. The entire class allowing them to work together, to is involved in a Class play in the solve problems and experience the spring. All rehearsals will take place in creative process. Through class. Destination Imagination, students are This course will include an Sixth Grade encouraged to take risks, work with introduction to and development of others and to identify each expression, acting skills, theatre 2840 Art I individual’s personal strengths. production and the application of This course will include an Teams are working in-depth on theatrical events. introduction to design, drawing, challenges in the areas of STEM, arts painting, art history, printing, and and service-learning. DI is #### Ukelele other art forms. The course includes researched based and is in over 3,000 Students in this class will learn how to an orientation in the use of a variety schools worldwide. Teams will play the ukulele. The focus points will of media and the basic skills essential compete in an area tournament be strumming and rhythms, reading in the use of each. during the spring semester. music, improvising and beginning *Preferential placement will be given songwriting. Students will be charged to GT students. a $50 fee which will go toward the purchase of a ukulele for each 2850 Band, 6th Grade #### MakerSpace student. In Band, 6th Grade, the emphasis is on Students in MakerSpace will be developing fundamentals of introduced to a wide variety of instrumental music across the three activities. Students will code their different types of instrumental own video games using Scratch and families. Students would choose control them with a Makey Makey. Woodwinds, Brass, or Percussion. The Students will also create useable course is designed to prepare solutions to problems with cardboard Seventh Grade students for participation in a and duct tape. Publishing podcasts is performing group. Students receive also on the agenda in our 2841 Art I small group MakerSpace. We will learn how to This course will include an instruction organized by the create videos using green screen introduction to design, drawing, instruments which they play. There technology. Students will learn to use painting, art history, printing, and are generally two or three concerts hand tools and get to explore the other art forms. The course includes during the year for Band. A student insides of various appliances. an orientation in the use of a variety in band may be required to rent Creative thinking is norm in of media and the basic skills essential or purchase an instrument or pay MakerSpace. in the use of each. a maintenance fee for using a 2870 STEM LEGO Robotics, Grade school owned instrument. In 6 addition to their instrument there Students will engage in robotic 2843 Art II are books, accessories, and modeling and programming utilizing This course is designed to study the supplies that will be needed. the LEGO NXT platform. Class will visual arts of painting, sculpture and NOTE: Practice is required every promote creativity in design. It will architecture. Related problems in week outside also enable students to explore the drawing and design allow creative the school day for band students. world of engineering by building application and extension of art The band directors will assist in the complex control systems. materials and tools. Participation in selection of proper instruments. *Preferential placement will be given regional and local exhibitions is part to GT students. of the visual experience of the program. 2860 Choir, 6th Grade (Girls and Boys) 2831 Theatre, Grade 6 2851 Band, 7th Grade The choral program for sixth grade This course is designed as an Band, 7th Grade is a performing group serves as an introduction to the introduction to the many performing with emphasis placed on performance of choral music. Proper and technical aspects of theater. development of music fundamentals. vocal technique is stressed. Basic Students focus on acting is introduced Usual performances include pep elements of music reading are through individual and group rallies and winter and spring concerts. introduced including rhythm, pitch exercises in improvisational and Music fundamentals are expanded

Middle School Page 10 and refined through preparation for these performances. The music 2871 STEM/Body Systems played is varied and ranges from A student favorite (Body classical to popular. There will be Systems/Robotics) has been changed additional rehearsals outside of class. 2874 Destination Imagination in a big way. We will engage in body A student in band may be system exploration for the first Destination Imagination will provide required to rent or purchase an semester including dissection and students with 21st century skills instrument or pay a maintenance gross anatomy. Second semester will allowing them to work together, to fee for using a school owned be reserved for the next level of solve problems and experience the instrument. In addition to their robotic engineering. Students will creative process. Through instrument there are books, learn to program autonomous robots Destination Imagination, students are accessories, and supplies that using C++ computer language to encouraged to take risks, work with will be needed. solve tasks and complete everyday others and to identify each NOTE: Practice is required every challenges. individual’s personal strengths. week outside the school day for band Teams are working in-depth on *Preferential placement will be given students. The band directors will challenges in the areas of STEM, arts to GT students. assist in the selection of proper and service-learning. instruments. DI is researched based and is in over 3,000 schools worldwide. Teams will 2832 Theatre I compete in an area tournament Students will focus on vocal production, ensemble work, theatre history, theatre during the spring semester. th performance, and plot development. 2864 Choir, 7 Grade (Girls) * Preferential placement will be given th Students will read a variety of scripts and 2861 Choir, 7 Grade (Boys) to GT students. apply techniques they learn to scenes, Choir is a performing group which monologues, and other performances. provides the opportunity for students #### Outdoor Adventures There is opportunity to be involved in to develop their vocal ability as This course will focus on teamwork, extra-curricular activities such as One Act individuals and advance their skills survival skills, problem solving and play. The entire class is involved in a Class and knowledge of basic music play in the spring. All rehearsals will take leadership. A variety of adventurous place in class. fundamentals. Sight singing challenges and outdoor activities will techniques are emphasized and used be provided to students throughout to help prepare music for the year. Topics may include but are performance, as well as to prepare for not limited to camping, hunting, Eighth Grade this display of skill at the UIL Contest. fishing, archery, hiking and boating. A The choir may compete in UIL $25 fee will be charged for student 2842 Art I contests. Choir members are given materials. This course will include an the opportunity to participate in introduction to design, drawing, Honor Choir, Region Choir, and Solo #### Snapshots painting, art history, printing, and Contest. Choral music varies from Students will get a glimpse into the other art forms. The course includes classical to contemporary style. jobs of the future. Interest inventories an orientation in the use of a variety Several concerts are presented will be utilized to discover students’ of media and the basic skills essential throughout the year. career interests and aptitudes. in the use of each. Students will learn what high school and college courses they should take 2844 Art II to prepare for future goals. Personal This course is designed to study the finance and budgeting will be visual arts of painting, sculpture and 2835 Design Theatre I embedded in each unit. Creativity architecture. Related problems in Students will focus on the design and collaboration will be fostered in drawing and design allow creative elements of theatre, such as publicity, this course and curiosity will be application and extension of art set, costume, makeup, lights and encouraged so that students can materials and tools. Participation in sound design. Students will read a learn about the career pathways that regional and local exhibitions is part variety of scripts and be a part of the interest them the most. of the visual experience of the design process for each production program. the department produces. There is #### STEAM opportunity to be involved in STEAM is the integration of Science, 2845 Art III extracurricular activities such as One Technology, Engineering, the Arts, Prerequisite: Art II Act play. The entire class is involved and Math. TEKS from these areas will This course is designed to broaden in a Design Expo in the spring. be reinforced through a variety of and specialize individual interest in hands-on projects and challenges. art techniques. Application of art Students will also practice soft skills principles to specific problems is such as creativity, independence, stressed. leadership, teamwork, organization, and time management. Middle School Page 11 2846 Art Studio Eighth grade choirs are performing *Preferential placement will be given Prerequisite: Art I and meet teacher groups seeking to develop their vocal to GT students. approval ability as individuals and advance This is an advanced class, for their skills and knowledge of basic students who have taken at least Art music fundamentals. Sight singing #### Outdoor Adventures I, have a high interest in art, and have techniques are emphasized and used This course will focus on teamwork, teacher approval. Students are to help prepare music for survival skills, problem solving and encouraged from the start to develop performance. The choirs compete in leadership. A variety of adventurous their own UIL contests and members are given challenges and outdoor activities will work and that of others in formal art the opportunity to participate in be provided to students throughout terms: citing the elements of art and Honor Choir, Region Choir and Solo the year. Topics may include but are principles of design and their feelings. Contest. Choral music varies from not limited to camping, hunting, Artwork will be focused on individual classical to contemporary style. fishing, archery, hiking and boating. A work however; there will be some Several concerts are presented $25 fee will be charged for student group projects. The class might throughout the year. materials. contain research on the internet and in books and magazines and hands- on work in pencil, charcoal, pastels, 2835 Design Theatre I #### Snapshots watercolor, acrylic, oil pastels, Students will focus on the design Students will get a glimpse into the markers, donated house paint and elements of theatre, such as publicity, jobs of the future. Interest inventories any other materials needed. Student set, costume, makeup, lights and will be utilized to discover students’ will be responsible to bring their own sound design. Students will read a career interests and aptitudes. materials for their projects. Students variety of scripts and be a part of the Students will learn what high school will create a body of work that design process for each production and college courses they should take demonstrates knowledge of a wide the department produces. There is to prepare for future goals. Personal variety of techniques and concepts opportunity to be involved in finance and budgeting will be for a Portfolio to continue and take to extracurricular activities such as One embedded in each unit. Creativity high school. Act play. The entire class is involved and collaboration will be fostered in *High School Credit upon completion in a Design Expo in the spring. this course and curiosity will be of Portfolio and teacher’s approval. encouraged so that students can 2836 Design Theatre II learn about the career pathways that (Pre Requisite Design Theatre I) interest them the most. 2852 Band, 8th Grade Students will dive deeper and expand Band, 8th Grade is a performing group on their knowledge of technical with emphasis placed on aspects of theatre, such as publicity, development of music fundamentals. set, costume, makeup, lights and Usual performances include pep sound design. Students will read a 2910 Spanish I (High School rallies and winter and spring concerts. variety of scripts and be a part of the Credit) Music fundamentals are expanded design process for each production High School Credit: One and refined through preparation for the department produces. There is This course serves as an introduction these performances. The music opportunity to be involved in to the Spanish language and culture. played is varied and ranges from extracurricular activities such as One Basic listening, speaking, reading, classical to popular. There will be Act play. The entire class is involved writing, viewing and sharing skills are additional rehearsals outside of class. in a Design Expo in the spring. developed. Communication skills are A student in band may be the primary focus of this course. At required to rent or purchase an 2874 Destination Imagination the end of Level I, students will be instrument or pay a maintenance Destination Imagination will provide able to express themselves and fee for using a school owned students with 21st century skills engage in simple conversation in instrument. In addition to their allowing them to work together, to Spanish within the limits of their instrument there are books, solve problems and experience the knowledge of vocabulary and accessories, and supplies that creative process. Through structure. will be needed. Destination Imagination, students are NOTE: Practice is required every encouraged to take risks, work with week outside the school day for band others and to identify each students. The band directors will individual’s personal strengths. assist in the selection of proper Teams are working in-depth on instruments. challenges in the areas of STEM, arts and service-learning. DI is 2871 STEM/Body Systems researched based and is in over 3,000 th A student favorite (Body 2866 Choir, 8 Grade (Boys) schools worldwide. Teams will Systems/Robotics) has been changed th 2862 Choir, 8 Grade (Girls) compete in an area tournament in a big way. We will engage in body during the spring semester. system exploration for the first Middle School Page 12 semester including dissection and Act play and a Class play in the theatre arts curriculum. There is gross anatomy. Second semester will spring. opportunity to be involved in be reserved for the next level of extracurricular activities such as One robotic engineering. Students will Act play. The entire class is involved learn to program autonomous robots in multiple productions throughout using C++ computer language to 2834 Theatre II the year and a Class play in the solve tasks and complete everyday (Pre-Requisite Theatre I) spring. All rehearsals will take place challenges. Students will focus on an advanced in class. *Preferential placement will be given level of vocal production, ensemble to GT students. work, theatre history, theatre performance, and plot development. World History-Honors Students will read a variety of scripts High School Credit: One 2876 Student Aide-Office and apply techniques they learn to This course offers students an 2877 Library/Media Aide scenes, monologues, and other overview of the entire history of 2975 Technology Aide performances. On an advanced level humankind. This school service opportunity is one they will experience play writing and The major emphasis is on the study of in which students work in school directing. There is opportunity to be significant people, events, and issues offices/classrooms. Students who involved in extra-curricular activities from the earliest time to the present. have an interest and who receive such as One Act play. The entire class Traditional historical points of teacher recommendation will be is involved in a Class play in the reference in world history are placed as aides on an as-needed spring. All rehearsals will take place in identified as students analyze basis. Counselors will provide class. important events and issues in information during the course western civilizations and in other selection process about student parts of the world. assistant opportunities. *This course includes all requirements of the corresponding academic level class plus substantial enrichment experiences. In the Honors class, students are expected to achieve a 2833 Theatre I greater depth of understanding Students will focus on vocal Advanced Theatre/Theatre III through thoughtful discussion and production, ensemble work, theatre and Design Theatre III reading. The level of history, theatre performance, and plot (Pre-Requisite Theatre I and Teacher instruction/curriculum will focus on development. Students will read a Approval) preparing the student for Dual Credit variety of scripts and apply This advanced course is for eighth- Social Studies courses. techniques they learn to scenes, grade students who have a desire to One high school credit and grade monologues, and other performances. be involved with play productions and points are awarded upon successful There is opportunity to be involved in wish to strengthen their skills as completion of World History. extra-curricular activities such as One actors and designers. This course is a continuation and progression of the

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