TRANSITIONING TO MIDDLE SCHOOL

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TRANSITIONING TO MIDDLE SCHOOL
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Driscoll Administrators

Mr. Michael Torres Assistant Principal 6th Grade
Ms. Debra Aceves Principal
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Driscoll Counselors

• Mrs. Edie Ritchey
• 6th grade Counselor and 7th grade with last
  names K-Z

Mrs. Lorraine Young 8th grade Counselor and 7th
grade with last names A-J
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Purpose

• To provide general information about planning for
  middle school
• To begin the planning process for students and
  their families
• To explain some of the changes that will affect
  students in the future

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Driscoll Schedule

• 820 a.m. 325 p.m.
• Lunch is 30 minutes.

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Typical CLASS SCHEDULE
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Success In The Future Requires Planning

• Preparation for future success and rigor requires
  students to
• take rigorous middle school courses
• develop meaningful goals
• learn and utilize strong study skills

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Pre AP Courses

• Grade 6 Pre-AP English
• Pre-AP Math
• Adv. Contemporary Literacy
• Grade 7 Pre-AP English
• Pre-AP Pre-Algebra
• Adv. Contemporary Literacy
• Grade 8 Pre-AP English
• Pre-AP Algebra I
• Adv. Contemporary Literacy
• Pre-AP Science
• Pre-AP U. S. History
• GT classes are offered in English and Math
  must test and qualify for the program.
• Students who sign up for Pre-AP/GT English are
  required to take ACL.

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Pre-AP Courses

• Pre-AP English, Adv. Cont. Lit and Pre-AP Math
  are offered in 6th grade.( Pre-AP English and ACL
  must be taken together.)

• Any student may enroll in these classes, but it
  is strongly advised that you use your teachers
  recommendations.

• Think carefully Courses have a faster pace and
  may require more in depth preparation.
• Signed contract is required.

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DRISCOLL
THREE YEAR PLAN 2012-13
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The Three-Year Plan

• Is a working document that can change
• Is to be reviewed annually revised as needed
• Assists with tracking preparation for high school
  
• Assists in planning for college career choices

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6th Grade Course Requirements

• Science
• Social Studies
• A.I.M./ Health
• P.E.
• Elective

• English
• (Regular or Pre-AP)
• Reading
• (Regular or ACL)
• Math
• (Regular or Pre-AP)
• Pre-AP English and ACL must be
• taken together.

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ELECTIVES
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Electives

• In 6th grade you have one elective.
• You may choose one of the following Band
  Art
• Orchestra Theatre Arts
• Choir Technology Applications
• Debate
• Choose your elective with care. Due to
  Staffing, Elective Choices will not be changed.

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Schedule Changes

• Schedule changes will be considered only in the
  event of inappropriate placement, movement
  between regular and Pre-AP classes, lack of
  prerequisites, an error in enrollment, state
  assessment results, or a scheduling conflict.
• Since there are no single-semester courses in 6th
  grade, no mid-year schedule changes will be
  approved.
• All schedule change requests are initiated
  through the counselors office and require parent
  signature.
• Principal approves all schedule changes.
• Requests for elective changes will not be
  honored.

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BAND

• Students must audition with band directors to
  determine which instrument the student will play.
  Costs include the rental or buying of an
  instrument and uniform cleaning.
• Students will also have to participate in
  concerts and contests after school.

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Orchestra
Students will learn to play stringed instruments
such as violin, cello, viola and string base.
Performance based (students must attend concerts).
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CHOIR
Students will sing, learn to sight-read and learn
proper vocal techniques. Performance based
(students must attend concerts).
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Debate
This class focuses on the fundamentals of debate
resolution analysis, argumentation techniques
for affirmative and negative sides, preparing
cases and briefs, cross-examination. This is a
research based class. Must be comfortable
speaking in front of the class and at contest.
Writing intensive class.
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Art
Expectations for each student are for them to
think creatively in addition to experiencing the
cultural, historical, perceptive, critical,
technical and mechanical facets of "art".
Projects Topics for assignments will vary and
include brainstorming, creative thinking,
drawing, art techniques and art history. Class
Materials A standard pencil will be required
each day.
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Theatre Arts
In 6th grade Theatre Arts students will be
expected to participate in the many aspects of
producing a play including acting, lighting,
sound, stage crew, costuming and properties. 
Line memorization and being on stage is a
requirement.
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Technology Applications
This class will introduce students to basic
computer functions, file management, Microsoft
Office projects and keyboarding skills.
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Physical Education / Health

• All 6th graders are required to take a full year
  of P.E.
• All 6th graders are required to take a semester
  of AIM along with a semester of Health.

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7th Grade Course Requirements

• English
• (Regular or Pre-AP)
• Reading
• (Regular or ACL)
• Math
• (Regular or Pre-AP)
• Pre-AP English and ACL must be
• taken together

• Science
• Texas History
• PE / Athletics
• Elective
• Elective

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Athletics 7th 8th Grade
BOYS football, basketball, track GIRLS
volleyball, basketball, track Athletics is a
one year commitment.
P.E. Teacher recommendation required.
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8th Grade Course Requirements

• U.S. History
• (Regular or Pre-AP)
• P.E./Athletics
• Elective
• Elective

• English
• (Regular or Pre-AP)
• Reading
• (Regular or ACL)
• Math
• (Regular or Pre-AP)
• Science
• (Regular or Pre-AP)
• Pre-AP English and ACL must be
• taken together.

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__________________________________________________
___________________________________
___________

(Print) Last

First
Middle
Current Grade NORTH
EAST ISD DRISCOLL MIDDLE SCHOOL THREE-YEAR
PLAN Feeder School __________________________
______________Elementary school
Students are encouraged to take the most
rigorous course of study possible (including
Pre-Advanced placement courses) in order to
prepare them for high school and post-secondary
studies.
\ One semester of Health must be taken. Four
(4) semesters of PE or athletics must be taken
over the three years of middle school. Two (2)
semesters of fine arts must be taken (art, band,
choir, orchestra or theater arts) The Three-Year
Plan is to be reviewed and revised annually. The
counselor and student should initial after each
review. 6th on __________________Student
________________________ Counselor
_____________________________ 6th on
__________________ Student ______________________
_ Counselor ____________________________ _____
_____________________________________
_________________________________

________________________________________
Students Signature
Date
Parents Signature .
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PROMOTION POLICY

• To pass the 6th grade you must
• Pass Language Arts (Reading English)
• Pass Math
• Pass Science
• Pass Social Studies
• Overall Average70

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STAAR

• Students who have not passed a portion of the
  STAAR test will be assigned to an additional math
  and/or reading class.
• Passing the STAAR test in eighth grade is
  required to be promoted to high school.
• Passing the EOC (End of Course) tests in high
  school is required to graduate.

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Defender Bash and Prep Day

• Defender Bash (in August 2012)
• Tour of Driscoll
• Team Building Activities
• Meet some of the 6 Grade Teachers
• Defender Prep Day
• (in August 2012)
• Lockers
• Textbooks
• School supplies
• Opportunity to purchase Driscoll shirts, agendas
  and P.E. uniform.
• Join PTA

Students will have an opportunity to visit
Driscoll during the month of May. (District
Dates May 15th 18th)
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Questions?
We look forward to seeing you