Seventh Grade Information Night Notes

1
Seventh Grade Information Night Notes

• Please use this information from Incoming Seventh
  Grade Information Night to supplement the
  C.I.S.D. Program of Studies and the McCullough
  Junior High Course Guide Supplement.
• Both of these documents are available for
  download from the front page of our website.
• Pictures from the presentation have been removed
  for quick and easy downloading.

2
This Presentation

• From the perspective that you have never had a
  child in secondary school
• Will answer almost any question you could have
  and I believe you will feel better when you
  depart
• All information is in the C.I.S.D. Program of
  Studies and the McCullough supplement online at
  our website

3
Welcome

• Looking forward to a new year
• New challenges for students in secondary
  education
• New responsibilities
• New opportunities

4
Snapshot Of Our School

• Composed of young people from around the country,
  and the globe
• Wonderful students
• Supportive parents
• Tremendous staff
• All have high expectations

5
Snapshot of our school

• TEA Gold Performance in
• Writing
• Science
• Reading
• Social Studies
• Math

6
Personal Vision

• To be the best secondary school in Texas

7
Special Recognition for McCullough Students

• Texas Monthly Magazine
• Outstanding Secondary School

8
Snapshot of our school

• T.E.A. Exemplary Campus

9
At McCullough

• We do things for a reason (We have kids here
  too!)
• Kid-friendly and prepare for the future
• Grading
• Projects
• Discipline
• Testing
• Procedurally

10
Goal 1

• Academic Preparation
• Paradigm Shift

11
Goal 1A Safety

• Visitors sign-in and sign-out
• Visible administrators and police
• All classroom doors locked
• Building opens at 800 a.m.
• All outside doors are locked at 850 a.m. when
  school starts
• Video surveillance system
• Safety letters home

12
Goal 2 Preparing Students for High School

• 352 working days over two years to prepare
  students for high school
• Students are in high school day they walk in the
  door if they take algebra Pre-AP in seventh grade
• Procedures are age-appropriate and have a reason

13
7th Grade Student Orientation

• Tentatively scheduled for August 11
• Will publicize through Tartan Tribune
• Dependent on the C.I.S.D. School Calendar once
  adopted for 2011-2012
• Need volunteers to make it happen
• Social event of the summer
• Attendance is not required but is beneficial

14
First Day of School

• Report to Alpha Homerooms until 1000 a.m.
• Obtain final schedules
• Car line longer first two days
• Buses a little later due to fact we are the third
  run and kindergarten parents are still working
  out the bus situation
• We will get everyone where they need to go

15
A Typical Day

• Students can enter building at 800 a.m.
• Students wait in Commons until 835 a.m.
• Students report to classes at 835 a.m.
• Backpacks placed in lockers
• School begins 850 a.m.

16
A Typical Day

• Lunch/3rd Period
• 1145 a.m.
• Students encouraged to eat breakfast
• Which lunch you eat, depends on the subject of
  the class you are in during third block
• Lunch time can be different on red or green days
• Advisory 155 p.m. 219 p.m.
• School Ends 350 p.m.
• Pick-up
• Car
• Buses depart at 403 p.m.

17
Transition to Secondary School

• Kids transition quickly
• Tardies
• 3 free each quarter
• 7 minutes between classes
• Resets each nine weeks
• First two weeks amnesty

18
Discipline

• Follow student handbook
• Use good common sense
• Our administrators are proactive and visible in
  building
• All discipline incidents, including tardies, are
  online at Parent Access Center

19
Discipline

• Expectation meeting with students through LA
  classes first week of school
• High classroom expectations-SSI
• Bullying- Let the childs AP know
• Make A Difference Week
• Ongoing Interventions
• Full information available for you at Student
  Access Center

20
Preventative Discipline Helpful Thoughts

• Bullying Prevention- contact your childs
  assistant principal listed on our website if your
  child is recipient of bullying on campus
• Facebook and social networking dangers
• Remember web browsers are present on phones,
  Playstation 3s, Nintendo DS devices, Wii
  consoles, PSPs, and more!
• Please consider whether your childs phone has
  internet access and can send/receive
  pictures/video
• Do they really need this ability on their phone?

21
Advisory

• Meets each day (155 p.m. 219 p.m.)
• Distribute information
• Work on homework
• Tutoring
• SPARKS
• Announcements

22
Information to Help

• A Guide to Success

23
Free Academic Assistance

• Daily Tutoring- Most days of the week with your
  academic teachers- no substitute for this,
  especially in math
• PAWS Homework Help
• Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Room D109
• McCullough teacher
• TWHS Interact students
• Free late bus at 500 p.m.
• SPARKS
• Advisory
• Elite eighth grade students
• Ms. Donna Meyer

24
Communication

• E-Mail Easiest, quickest, preferred
• Please give us a day or so as we are with
  students as opposed to in front of a computer
• Teacher e-mail addresses are listed on parent
  services page of our website

25
Communication

• McCullough Webpage
• www.conroeisd.net
• Links to teacher webpages
• Important spring registration documents
• Athletic schedules
• Parent View-It
• Tartan Tribune online

26
Communication

• Conferences
• Most at 805 a.m.
• We attempt to do a good job of communicating and
  prevent the need so that you do not have to come
  in and our staff can continue their primary
  function at 800 a.m. which is tutoring children
• Important to have your child present
• Most center around a young person not turning in
  assignments

27
Communication

• Parent Newsletter The Tartan Tribune
• Sent home through students
• Online 24 hours a day at our Parent Services Page
• Available in multiple languages with Google
  Translate
• No promises on accuracy of translation

28
SchoolMessenger

• System that calls or emails your home
• Phone calls are limited to really important items
• Email weekly or when breaking news happens
• Please have the correct phone number and email
  address in our database system

29
PTA

• Volunteer
• Appreciate the help!
• PTA
• Front Desk
• Student Orientation
• Socials
• Library
• Copy Room

30
Planner

• Provided by the P.T.A.
• Idea originated from site-based meetings by
  parents for parents
• Parents view each night
• Teaches critical organizational skills
• Quizzes
• Ads

31
Daily Announcements Online
32
Common Assessments (Tests)

• Tests are high quality and developed over time to
  choose the most accurate/fair questions
• Are now Common Assessments in the district
• 60 percent of grade for marking period

33
Common Assessments (Tests)

• Exams, and exam questions, are utilized as common
  assessment exams among teachers in the school
  within departments
• These specific exams are used not only among
  different teachers in same discipline but also
  other CISD junior highs

34
Common Assessments (Tests)

• View at school with instructor
• Stumble Sheets in class to learn from mistakes

35
Common Assessments (Tests)

• Exams are utilized extensively among all CISD
  campuses to supplement benchmark testing
  throughout the district and inserted into
  Eduphoria program to optimize individual academic
  support
• As the exams are utilized on our campus and the
  district throughout the years, they do not go
  home

36
Semester Exams

• Last four days of each semester
• Week prior to exams students will complete review
  packet and prepare in the classroom
• Modified schedule in exams
• 10 to 20 of the semester grade
• Synthesize learning and practice taking major
  exams
• Schedules will be posted online early this summer

37
Student Success Initiative (SSI)

• Students must pass Reading and Math TAKS in
  eighth grade to advance to high school

38
Tardies

• The system sends an email notification to your
  Parent Access Center Account
• Normally email arrives the same day to your email
  address in our database
• Being in class for the first five to ten minutes
  of instruction/review/plan for the day is
  critical to academic success

39
Parent Access CenterStudent Access Center

• Free opportunity to view grades, attendance,
  discipline, TAKS, etc.
• Supplements planner
• Places you on a school e-mail list to receive
  breaking news and routine e-mail communication
• Exists to supplement, not replace, student
  accountability for grades and assignments

40
Dress Code

• Critical
• Worth the battle if you are a parent
• Strictly enforced
• The way a student dresses affects the way he/she
  feels about education and success
• One of the first steps to caring in any area of
  life is to dress like you care
• Always feel free to drop in with food at lunch to
  see what they are actually wearing four hours
  later

41
How Parents Make the Difference!

• Talk to your student
• Know where they are in the evenings and on
  weekends, and why
• When you have a question, go to the source and
  e-mail the teacher

42
How Parents Make the Difference!

• Check the P.T.A. Planner nightly and make sure
  all homework is complete
• Hold students responsible for their actions
  (behaviorally and academically)
• Give your child a chance to work out some
  problems on their own

43
Easy Things to do to Help your Child be
Successful at McCullough

• Encourage students to eat breakfast
• Monitor the amount of sleep they really get
• Is the TV, gaming system, and/or computer in
  their bedroom?
• Is their cell phone in their room at night?
• Hold students accountable for a planner
• Positives and Negatives
• Encourage students to be involved in school
  organizations
• Attend his/her activities at McCullough

44
Top 2 Indicators forStudent Success

• Attendance at school
• Involvement in a school activity

45
School Supplies

• Basic school supply list posted in The Tartan
  Tribune this summer
• P.T.A. will sell basic minimal set again online
  this year (optional)
• Look for information coming soon in the Tartan
  Tribune

46
Elective Information Night

• February 8th
• McCullough Commons
• 630 p.m. until 730 p.m.
• Athletic Presentation
• Boys 635 p.m.
• Girls 705 p.m.
• In Bock Auditorium
• A lot of people here
• Very optional

47
Elective Information Night

• Very casual come and go
• Students are welcome
• Seventh grade elective teachers will be present
  to answer your questions
• Eighth grade elective teachers representing high
  school electives will be present
• Some activities which are not elective classes
  such as Cheerleading, Winter Guard, and Highland
  Girls may have a booth with information

48
The Registration Process

• Final deadline to make any change, elective
  request or core level change, is April 29th at
  400 p.m.
• Teachers are hired with specific teaching
  certifications (NCLB Act) based on requests of
  parents on this date
• No changes will be made after this time

49
State Economic Situation

• Unsure of funding to districts
• Will be resolved in coming weeks or months
• No wiggle room to change schedules once
  parents/guardians and kids have selected what
  they want
• The deadline is April 29th

50
The Registration Process

• Master schedule is constructed based on
  parent/guardian course requests on April 29th
• Early decisions earlier help us hire better staff
  for your child
• We will contact you repeatedly via
  SchoolMessenger with information
• Students receive tentative schedules at Student
  Orientation in August or on the first day of
  school if they cannot attend Orientation.

51
Factors Which Affect Individual Students
Schedule Formation

• Staffing (based on enrollment)
• Availability of Course
• Students Core Course Selection
• Elective course requests by students
• Seniority

• Specialty Classes
• Athletics
• Fine Arts
• Algebra
• Number of electives
• 11 unique choices in seventh grade
• 23 unique choices in eighth grade
• Will take 4 in 7th grade
• Will take 5 in 8th grade

52
High School Information

• Mr. McCord, why are we talking about high
  school?

53
Looking ahead to high school

• What is the Advanced Placement (AP) Program?

54
What is the Advanced Placement Program?

• College level courses taught in high school
• 29 nationwide courses in 19 subject areas (TWHS
  offers 26)
• Examinations scores can lead to college credit
  and which validate program success
• An opportunity for students to think, read, and
  write critically and analytically.

55
What AP Courses Does TWHS Offer?

• Environmental Science
• German Language
• French Language
• Music Theory
• Statistics
• Art History
• European History
• Studio Art
• Physics C, E, M
• World History
• Psychology
• Art Drawing
• Art 2D
• Art 3D

• English Language
• English Literature
• Computer Science A
• Spanish Language
• Calculus AB, BC
• US History
• Chemistry
• Government and Politics
• Macroeconomics
• Human Geography
• Chinese
• Japanese
• Biology

56
Why AP?

• Challenges students
• Consistent teaching strategies
• Prepares them for college

57
Why AP?

• Provides opportunities for our young people to
  compete post high school
• Opportunities to earn college credit in high
  school (up to 45 hours)
• Saves parents

58
So How Well Do TWHS Students Perform on the
APTests?
Fact In 2008, TWHS administered 1806 tests to
915 students Fact The mean score was 3.41 The
mean state score was 2.52 The mean national
score was 2.85
59
So How Well Do TWHS Students Perform on the
APTests?

• Fact 78 of the students passed with a 3 or
  higher
• Fact 50 of the students passed with a 4 or
  higher
• Fact TWHS consistently ranks in the top schools
  in the world in the number of tests given

60
Who Should Take PreAP or AP Courses?

• The most successful AP students are willing to
  work hard. More than ability, the students (not
  just the parent) willingness to invest the time
  and energy to be successful is most important.
• The earlier the preparation, the easier the
  transition.

61
Grades in Secondary Schools

• Everyone wants As
• Grades in Pre-AP courses of a B or high C may
  very well indicate tremendous learning and hard
  work by the student

62
Grades in Secondary Schools

• In secondary school it takes effort to make an A
• It also takes effort to fail
• Rigor

63
Adventure into Academics

• Core Subject Information

64
State Required Courses 7th grade

• Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Science
• Texas History
• Physical Education
• Can Substitute
• Athletics
• Cheer
• Highland Girls
• Private P.E.
• Electives 4 choices

65
Science

• Science
• Pre-AP Science
• Strongly encourage any student be enrolled in
  pre-algebra
• Math Skills
• Science Fair Project
• Time
• Independent
• Requires significant work outside of class

66
Pre-AP Science Fair Project Helpful Information

• Runs September through February
• One of the best things we do
• Idea Development- 3 hours
• Background research- 4 hours
• Research plan-2 hours
• Experimenting- 10 hours
• Final Paper- 10 hours
• Board- 6 hours
• Hours are just averages- can be more or less
• Have checkpoints along the way
• Fair takes place during a weekend in late
  February at Lone Star College Montgomery

67
Pre-AP Science Fair Project Helpful Information

• Ms. Fowler will have some example science fair
  boards available in the foyer when you leave
• Please note the boards are not the project, just
  the visible manifestations of the project

68
Pre-AP Science

• Need to make sure you understand the real rigor
  and expectations of the science fair prior to
  making the year-long commitment to Pre-AP Science

69
Texas History

• History
• Texas History
• Pre-AP Texas History
• Strong reading comprehension and writing skills
  are a plus

70
Language Arts

• Language Arts
• Pre-AP Language Arts
• Need to be self-motivated reader and writer
• Grade differential
• Everything starts with reading

71
Class Placement of Your Child in LA, Social
Studies, and Science in C.I.S.D.

• Incoming seventh graders will automatically
  roll, by default, to the next appropriate grade
  level sequence
• 6th grade regular history to 7th regular Texas
  history
• 6th GT language arts to 7th Pre-AP language arts
• Etc.

72
Class Placement of Your Child in LA, Social
Studies, and Science in C.I.S.D.

• Sixth grade students identified as GT will
  automatically roll initially to Pre-AP in the
  area of their GT identification for language
  arts, social studies, or science
• Initial placement in these areas will be
  indicated on the form your child brings home
• You can move your child from Pre-AP to level
  classes by indicating your choice on the document
  sent home

73
Class Placement of Your Child in LA, Social
Studies, and Science in C.I.S.D.

• Ultimately, you can place your child in any level
  of class you want in language arts, social
  studies, or science
• Encourage you to closely read Course Description
  Guide and understand rigor and expectations of
  Pre-AP courses
• Recommend considering taking no more than two
  Pre-AP courses
• Please understand that an A in secondary Texas
  education is not the same as an A in elementary
  education

74
Class Placement of Your Child in LA, Social
Studies, and Science in C.I.S.D.

• Please ask yourself how much homework time
  outside of school will it take for my child to
  achieve the grade I would like for him/her to
  achieve in the advanced course.

75
Core Placement Sheet Sent Home
On this sheet you choose your childs level you
want for LA, SS, and Science.
76
Where Will I Finish in Math?

• To make good choices for placement in seventh
  grade, it is critical to know where you as a
  parent, as well as your child, want to finish
  his/her senior year
• Applies most directly to math due to its linear
  nature

77
Where Will I Finish in Math?

• Unlike the other disciplines, hard work alone in
  math may not always ensure success
• Involves math knowledge and mental math maturity

78
State Math Courses for Seventh Grade

• Seventh grade math
• Pre-algebra Pre-AP (one year ahead)
• High school algebra Pre-AP (high school course,
  two years ahead)

79
District Math ProgressionMajority of Students

• 6th Grade level math
• 7th Grade - 7th math
• 8th Grade - pre-algebra
• 9th Grade - algebra
• 10th Grade - geometry
• 11th Grade - algebra II/pre-calculus
• 12th Grade calculus
• This is also diagrammed in our Course Description
  Guide

80
District Math Sequence(Advanced 1 year) Some
Students

• 6th Grade GT math (7th grade math)
• 7th Grade pre-algebra Pre-AP
• 8th Grade algebra Pre-AP (High School)
• 9th Grade - geometry
• 10th Grade - algebra II
• 11th Grade - pre-calculus
• 12th Grade calculus

81
District Math Sequence(Advanced 2 years) Very
Few Students

• 7th Grade algebra Pre-AP (high School)
• 8th Grade geometry Pre-AP (high School)
• 9th Grade - algebra II
• 10th Grade Pre-AP pre-calculus/AP statistics I
• 11th Grade Pre-AP pre-calculus/AP statistics II
  
• 12th Grade calculus

82
District Math Assignments for Incoming Seventh
Graders

• Students will be initially rolled to the next
  appropriate level of class in the progression of
  their math development
• See Course Description Guide for exact progression

83
District Math Assignments for Incoming Seventh
Graders

• Students currently in GT/Advanced sixth grade
  math are completing the seventh grade junior high
  math course and the State of Texas Essential
  Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for this level of
  instruction at this current time in sixth grade

84
Upcoming District MathPlacement Exams

• Credit by Exam for entrance into pre-algebra
  Pre-AP
• Taken February 1-11 at home intermediate campus
• Algebra Readiness Exam
• Taken February 14th through February 25th at home
  intermediate campus if a student in advanced
  sixth grade math scores an 80 percent or higher
  on the Credit by Exam for entrance into
  pre-algebra Pre-AP

85
District Math Placement Testing Details

• Spring district math placement exams will occur
  in February at the home intermediate campus.

86
District Math Placement Testing Details

• Sixth grade students currently in regular math
  will take the C.I.S.D. Credit by Exam for
  entrance in pre-algebra Pre-AP during the
  February 1-11 window if they have an 80 average
  or better for the current year in sixth grade
  level math.
• This is to see if they qualify to be place in
  pre-algebra Pre-AP in seventh grade
• 80 percent is the passing score

87
District Math Placement Testing Details

• All students who are currently enrolled in the
  GT/Advanced sixth grade math class will take the
  C.I.S.D. Pre-Algebra Credit by Exam.
• Advanced sixth grade math students take this exam
  only to see if they have the skills to qualify to
  take the Algebra Readiness Test
• All of these advanced students will be in
  pre-algebra Pre-AP in seventh grade

88
District Math Placement Testing Details

• Students in the GT/Advanced sixth grade math
  class who successfully pass the C.IS.D.
  Pre-Algebra Credit by Exam will then later take
  the C.I.S.D. Algebra Readiness Exam to see if
  they qualify for high school algebra Pre-AP. This
  window is February 14th through February 25th.

89
District Math Placement Testing Details

• Both placement tests are designed to be
  administered in February based on TEKS covered
  during that time
• Intermediate campuses will attempt to makeup test
  any student who misses on the day of testing at
  his/her campus in February
• There is no later testing or additional retake
  of the tests
• Important for students to do his/her best

90
District Math Assignments for Incoming Seventh
Graders

• CISD students in regular sixth grade math will be
  initially enrolled in regular on level seventh
  grade math
• Majority of our students
• Students will receive the appropriate next level
  of math instruction in proper sequence necessary,
  as we all received, for the student to be
  successful in all following math courses at
  McCullough, the high school, and beyond

91
2011-2012 District Math Placement Standards for
Incoming Seventh Graders

• For a student to accelerate from level sixth
  grade math to pre-algebra Pre-AP, students must
  meet all of the following criteria
• 80 average in 6th grade math
• Commended on 6th grade math TAKS
• Minimum score of 80 on the C.I.S.D.
  Pre-Algebra Credit by Exam or
• 90 on the Texas Tech Credit by Exam

Note Student moving from level sixth grade math
to Pre-Algebra Pre-AP will be bypassing seventh
grade math instruction and the TEKS included in
this course
92
2011-2012 District Math Placement Standards for
Incoming Seventh Graders

• Most students in GT/Advanced sixth grade math are
  going to Pre-Algebra Pre-AP for their math class
  in seventh grade

93
2011-2012 District Math Placement Standards for
Incoming Seventh Graders

• For a student to move from sixth grade
  GT/Advanced math to algebra 1 (HS), students must
  meet all of the following criteria
• 80 average in sixth grade Gifted and
• Talented/Advanced Math
• Commended on sixth grade math
• TAKS test
• Minimum of 80 on the C.I.S.D. Pre- Algebra
  Credit by Exam
• Minimum score of 80 on the C.I.S.D.
  Algebra Readiness Exam

94
What if My Child Qualifies for High School
Algebra Pre-AP?

• If your child qualifies for high-school algebra
  Pre-AP, we will contact you via phone and/or
  email before placing them into this math class
  which is operating two years ahead of grade level
• Student would be bypassing TEKS and math
  instruction presented in pre-algebra
• You will need to opt your child in to the high
  school algebra class if they qualify

95
District Math Assignments for Incoming Seventh
Graders

• A C.I.S.D. sixth grade GT/Advanced math student
  who successfully passes the C.I.S.D. Pre-Algebra
  Credit by Exam but does not pass the Algebra
  Readiness Test will be placed in pre-algebra
  Pre-AP
• Working one year ahead

96
Course Request Sheet

• The elective and core course request sheet does
  not have a blank or option for math selection.

97

• What if I want my child to go from sixth grade
  regular math to pre-algebra Pre-AP in seventh
  grade in CISD and he/she did not successfully
  pass the placement examinations?

98
Option I

• Enroll and successfully complete with a grade of
  85 or higher the C.I.S.D. summer school offering
  of seventh grade math for first time takers
• Details will be available when the summer school
  information packet is published in April or May
  at the district website
• Meet summer school attendance requirements
• Far and away the best option if you did not
  qualify and this is the path you would like for
  your child to take

99
Option II

• Enroll and complete both parts of the seventh
  grade math course through the Texas Tech Credit
  by Exam program (information available on our
  website). Obtain a score of 90 or better on parts
  A and B
• Deadline for sign-up- see district website

100
Advantages and Disadvantages of taking
Pre-Algebra Pre-AP or High School Algebra Pre-AP
in Seventh Grade

• More flexibility in choice of level of science
  class in high school
• Much more rigorous

101
Advantages and Disadvantages of taking Pre-AP
Pre-Algebra or Pre-AP Algebra in Seventh Grade

• First few weeks of Pre-Algebra Pre-AP are review
  of seventh grade math
• Around November the course takes off with
  rigorous state expectations

102
Advantages and Disadvantages of taking
Pre-Algebra Pre-AP or Algebra Pre-AP in Seventh
Grade

• Students are generally not successful in
  subsequent math courses if they skip a major core
  building block course of math knowledge by
  missing the seventh grade math class
• This missing information, in the form of the
  missing course, usually manifests itself in
  eighth grade in high school algebra around
  November 1st, and beyond

103
Advantages and Disadvantages of taking Pre-AP
Pre-Algebra or Pre-AP Algebra in Seventh Grade

• In short, missing the seventh grade math course
  and the State of Texas Essential Knowledge and
  Skills it covers is like credit card debt
• U.I.L. Eligibility is subject to all courses,
  including advanced math classes

104
High School Math Notes

• Students are now required to take four years of
  math and science in high school
• For math, four high school courses can include
  high school math courses taken in junior high
  school
• Three math courses must be taken on the high
  school campus

105
Considerations for High School G.P.A.

• If accelerating by taking high school courses in
  junior high, your grade point average in high
  school will be based on more difficult classes at
  TWHS
• The flip side is taking accelerated math courses
  in junior high will also allow you to have more
  opportunities to take rigorous classes in high
  school which are weighted higher for G.P.A.

106
Pre-AP Class Considerations

• No guarantee it will be easy
• No guarantee your child will make an A or B
• Not a guarantee he/she will pass
• U.I.L. Eligibility
• Class the parent/guardian has chosen on the April
  29th deadline will be the course the student is
  in for the year

107
Student Success in Pre-AP

• Need to be a doer, and a thinker
• Just as in real-life

108
Homework Considerations

• Time varies widely among students
• Effective study habits developed
• Consider projects included in each class

109
Homework Considerations

• How much time is it going to take for your child
  to complete work outside of school for him/her to
  achieve the grade you want them to achieve in the
  course
• Consider activities outside of school
• Dance
• Gymnastics
• Baseball
• Equestrian
• Swimming
• Etc.

110
Homework

• Relevant
• Can finish much at end of class and in Advisory
  if they choose to do so
• There is homework in our regular classes, albeit
  considerably less than Pre-AP classes
• Will increase greatly in high school and college

111
Organizational Skills

• Leading cause of parent conferences
• If students do not turn in their work, it is
  difficult to help them
• Reward system

112
Organizational Skills

• Parents/guardians assisting your son/daughter in
  developing organizational skills would be one of
  the best gifts you could ever give them
• Better gift than an X Box 360 or Wii
• Planners
• Free
• Check nightly
• Designed to help

113
Organizational Skills

• If you come to school each day, pay attention
  in class, and turn your homework in school, and
  the world, will be your playground.

114
High School Course Considerations for Seventh
Graders

• High school algebra
• Semester and final exams count 20 percent

115
Planner

• Provided by the P.T.A.
• Idea originated from site-based meetings by
  parents for parents
• Parents view each night
• Teaches critical organizational skills
• Quizzes
• Ads

116
High School Course Considerations

• Once you enter into these classes students are on
  an established track
• As a high school class, they are much more
  challenging
• It is not necessary to get your student on the
  fast track to get all the courses in the four
  years at TWHS

117
High School Course Considerations in Junior High

• Grades achieved do not figure in high school
  class rank or G.P.A.

118
Junior High Course Considerations

• All general ed classes, level and Pre-AP, are
  college preparatory
• Most students taking Pre-AP courses just take two
  at the most
• House purchase analogy

119
Choices

• I would not advise letting grades from
  intermediate school be a large determining factor
  in my decision

120
Choices

• Please make your decisions based on what is right
  for your child, not your friends child from
  Bunco
• The ultimate choice on which core course you wish
  your child to be in lies with you, as long as it
  is made before the final deadline on April 29th

121
Parent Guardian Help Session

• April 19th
• Small gymnasium
• 800 a.m. until 330 p.m.
• Casual come and go
• Administrators, counselors, and department heads
  will be available to answer your questions

122
Physical Education Requirements

• The State of Texas requires all students take
  P.E. for one year (2 semesters) in seventh grade
• Not considered one of a seventh grade students
  four elective choices as this course is required

123
Physical Education Requirements

• Athletics may substitute for P.E.
• Athletics substitutions include
• Girls or Boys Basketball
• Girls Volleyball
• Girls or Boys Cross Country
• Football
• Cheerleading
• Highland Girls drill team

124
Electives

• A Taste of Adventure

125
Very Important Documents Coming Home

• Course Request Sheets for Elective Classes
• Coming home through students at intermediate
  campuses
• Extras are at intermediate Campuses
• Please read the asterisks, bullets, etc.

126
Elective Request Sheet

• Please try to make the sheet as accurate as
  possible

127
Elective Course Request Sheet

• Need to request four electives in seventh grade
• Two electives in the fall
• Two potentially different electives in the spring
• All available seventh grade options as electives
  are listed on the Elective Course Request Sheet

128
Elective Course Request Sheet

• Two semester (all year) courses occupy two blanks
• Fine Arts classes (band, choir, or orchestra)
  should be listed first if taken and should not be
  listed as an alternate selection as they are a
  serious commitment which last all year

129
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130
Elective Request Sheet

• Deadline April 29th
• Making your request sheet as accurate as possible
  at the initial turn in time would help us out
• Recruiting teachers
• Job fairs
• Etc

131
Elective Course Request Sheet

• Need to choose a P.E class (two semesters
  required in seventh grade)
• Choose initially on Elective Course Request Sheet
  either P.E., football, or cross country
• Other athletic endeavors which have tryouts would
  replace the initial P.E. selection should the
  student make the squad
• Classes will change from initial August schedule
  for most students if they are moved into an
  Athletics class

132
(No Transcript)
133
Elective Course Request SheetPrivate P.E.

• Private P.E. will be an option around mid-April
  when the district publishes the 2011-2012 list of
  approved Private P.E facilities
• Private P.E Application forms for students will
  then, in mid-April, be online at our district
  website
• One does not sign up for Private P.E. on the
  Elective Course Request Sheet
• Potential Private P.E. students should initially
  sign up for regular P.E.

134
The Elective Course Registration Process

• Our administration and counselors will sit down
  individually at the intermediate campuses with
  each incoming seventh grade student to discuss
  his/her elective requests

135
The Elective Course Registration Process

• We will review the Elective Request Sheet with
  the child for accuracy
• Additionally, we will answer any questions the
  student may have

136
The Elective Course Registration Process

• The request will be entered into our MIS system
  with the student at each intermediate campus

137
McCullough Informational Meetings with Students

• Mitchell January 24
• Coulson Tough February 2
• Deretchin February 1
• Wilkerson January 31
• All dates are tentative

138
Information Coming Home Later in the spring

• Please check the request sheet very closely to
  confirm these are the elective courses you wanted
  your child to request for next year
• This sheet will also indicate core courses which
  your child has been initially placed in based on
  testing

139
The Elective Course Registration Entry Process
with Students

• Deretchin February 18
• Wilkerson February 17
• Coulson Tough February 22
• Mitchell February 24
• All dates tentative
• We will be on these campuses on the dates listed
  above to meet with students. If a student is
  absent, we will enter his/her requests based on
  sheets turned in to his/her intermediate teacher.

140
Elective Choices (7th Grade)

• Orchestra (counts as 2 choices)
• Teen leadership
• Theater arts

• Art I
• Band (counts as 2 choices)
• Exploring career connections
• Career portals computer applications
• Career Portals Human Services
• Career portals technology
• Choir (counts as 2 choices)
• Exploring languages

141
High School Elective Choices Available in Eighth
Grade for CISD

• High school health
• High school communications
• High school Spanish I (taught over two semesters
  in eighth grade)
• High school Spanish II for Native Speakers (must
  qualify)
• Plus all the electives listed on the previous
  slide

142
Private P.E.

• Must be an approved facility for 2011-2012
• Individual Olympic event preparations
• Fully completed application and required form
  available online at district website around
  mid-April

143
Private P.E.

• Completed form will be due by formal deadline on
  April 29th
• Students with approved applications will not be
  in a P.E class at McCullough

144
Private P.E.

• Can change facility only at semester
• Must be able to pickup child promptly at
  dismissal time- exactly 250 p.m. each day
• Students will be in a fourth period class on
  campus from 226 p.m. until 250 p.m.
• State allows us to dismiss one hour early each
  day

145
Private P.E.

• Parents must be flexible on the schedule as it
  will change due to pep rallies, TAKS, semester
  exams, etc.
• Every three weeks the facility submits a grade
  and attendance report directly to the Counseling
  Center

146
Private P.E.

• 15 hours or more per week at approved facility
  are required
• Students planning to do Private P.E. need to
  check regular P.E. on Elective Course request
  sheet initially

147
Private P.E.

• Students are assigned to a fourth period Private
  P.E. class from 226 p.m. until 250 p.m. each
  day
• Commitment for the entire year

148
Number of Elective Requests for Seventh Graders

• All seventh grade students will take four
  electives

149
Number of Elective Requests for Seventh Graders

• Band, choir, or orchestra, each take up two
  elective slots (class lasts entire year)
• Two blanks on elective course request sheet
• Fine Arts

150
Number of Elective Requests for Seventh Graders

• Example A Student takes choir (2 choices),
  careers, and exploring technology 4 classes

151
Number of Elective Requests for Seventh Graders

• Example B A student takes choir (2 choices) and
  band (2 choices) 4 classes
• Students can take two fine arts classes

152
Number of Elective Requests for Seventh Graders

• Example C Student takes athletics (does not
  count since it replaces P.E.), exploring
  technology, careers, exploring computer
  applications, and exploring languages 4 classes

153
Number of Elective Requests for Seventh Graders

• Example D Student takes athletics (replaces
  P.E.), band (2 classes), teen leadership, and
  exploring computer applications

154
Number of Elective Requests for Seventh Graders

• Example E Student takes athletics , band (2
  choices), and orchestra (2 choices)

155
Elective Requests

• Please note that during the spring, you will
  receive information on elective choices for your
  child
• Please note that these sheets will indicate your
  childs request, not an assignment to that class
• Eighth-grade student requests will be filled
  first

156
Elective Requests

• Students will include regular and alternate
  requests
• It is possible a student may receive an elective
  in seventh grade he/she did not request in order
  to complete his/her schedule
• By the time a student completes eighth grade at
  McCullough, it is highly likely your student will
  have been enrolled in any particular elective
  class he/she would like to take

157
The Schedule(No fine arts or athletics)
P.E. is included in schedule, not counting as an
elective choice since a full year is required in
seventh grade.
158
The Schedule(Athletic Schedule)
Athletics simply replaces required P.E.
159
The Schedule(Band, Choir, or Orchestra)
Please note Fine Arts electives last all year,
and thus count as two selections each.
160
The Schedule(Student taking Choir and Orch)
Many students take more than one fine arts course
and they are encouraged to do so.
161
The Schedule(Student in Athletics and Band)
Many students have this schedule. There are very
few conflicts, and we work hard to resolve them
when they do occur. If a student is unsure about
which activity to participate in during high
school, I encourage doing both.
162
Fine Arts and Athletics

• Can be involved in both
• Many are involved in a fine art and athletics
• Many are involved in two fine arts
• Encourage you to do more than one
• Very few, if any conflicts

163
Fine Arts and Athletics

• Fall under the C.I.S.D. secondary code of conduct
• Expectations are greater as students represent
  the organization
• Teachers will visit with fine arts/athletic
  sponsors regarding encouragement, academic
  concerns, discipline issues, and ways to help
  your child

164
Fine Arts and Athletics

• Learn invaluable life lessons which are difficult
  to teach anywhere else
• Not about the sport
• About the
• Teamwork
• Fellowship
• Friends
• Stories you embellish twenty years later

165
Schoolwork

• All fine arts students, athletes, and any other
  student involved in a school organization is
  responsible for schoolwork, homework, and tests
  the day after an event

166
State Eligibility for Participation

• No classes are exempt in junior high from U.I.L.
  Eligibility
• Pre-AP and high school courses all count for
  eligibility to participate
• Consider this when choosing your childs schedule

167
Signing up for Band, Choir, or Orchestra

• Unlike other electives, if a student signs up for
  a fine art elective they are automatically in
• Tryouts are held for placement which then
  determines your exact class period
• Schedule would be built around this time block
• Placements announced on schedule in August
• Occupies two slots on request sheet as it runs
  all year

168
Signing up for Band, Choir, or Orchestra

• Encouraged to do multiple fine arts if you are
  interested
• Step up in commitment from intermediate campus
• Prepares students for participation in these
  activities at TWHS

169
Bands

• Beginner
• Concert III
• Concert II
• Concert I
• Symphonic
• Wind Ensemble
• Commitment for the year

170
Band

• Practices both before and after school
• Big step up from the opportunity and
  responsibility aspects of elementary band
  programs
• Sectionals
• Competitions
• Honor Band

171
Band

• Football games
• McCullough
• High School
• Playoffs
• Concerts
• Pep Rallies
• Spring contests
• Over 400 students

172
Percussion Class

• Meets during the fall first semester (one
  semester)
• Students must have participated in percussion
  class at their intermediate school

173
For more information on band contact

• Susan Meyer
• sbmeyer_at_conroeisd.net

174
For more information on band contact

• Penny Liebst
• pliebst_at_conroeisd.net

175
For more information on band contact

• Andrea Maher
• amaher_at_conroeisd.net

176
Band

• Over 300 students are in band and a combination
  of
• Boys and girls athletics
• Choir
• Theatre
• Cheer
• Drill Team
• Other

400 students total in band
177
Orchestra

• All students can participate in orchestra
• Five orchestras including Beginner, Philharmonic,
  Symphony, Concert, and Chamber

178
Orchestra

• Concert and Chamber orchestras have before and/or
  after school practices
• Need to purchase tuxedo shirts
• Commitment for the year

179
For more information on Orchestra contact

• Michelle Reinhardt
• mreinhardt_at_conroeisd.net

180
Choir

• All students can participate in choir
• Performs 4-5 concerts a year
• Good to double with another fine art or athletics
  as choir has far less outside of the regular
  school day requirements
• Most practices are during the school day
• Some specialized activities such as region choir
  and preparation for solo contests occur before or
  after school

181
Choir

• Girls have treble, concert, advanced girls,
  acappella, and chamber choirs
• Boys have the boys choir
• Mixed choir
• Composed of Boys and Chamber Choirs

182
Choir

• Students can audition for solo and ensemble
  contests, region choir, UIL contests, Spring
  Choral Festival, and the spring pop concert
• Purchase of a uniform is required
• Commitment for the year

183
For more information on choir contact

• Keith Brumfield
• kbrumfield_at_conroeisd.net

184
For more information on choir contact

• Connie Horton
• chorton_at_conroeisd.net

185
Cheerleading

• Meets during the school day
• Replaces P.E. credit
• Practice does also occur outside of school
• Not an elective class (do not sign up on sheet)

186
Cheerleading

• This programs entails a large commitment of time
  outside of school during the spring of this year,
  summer, and the regular school year
• Video at the information meeting will give you an
  idea of what athletic skills are involved in
  cheerleading.

187
Cheerleading

• Purchase of clothing
• Tryout process
• Need to be completely committed to the McCullough
  team if you plan to tryout

188
Cheerleader Spring Tryout Information

• February 1- Tryout Info Meeting _at_ 600 p.m. in
  the Bock Auditorium (packets will be available
  for pick up at the meeting only)
• February 15 - Packets due to McCullough office
  by 350 p.m.
• March 8 - Tryout Clinic begins 430 p.m.-630
  p.m.

189
Cheerleader Spring Tryout Information

• March 11- Tryouts approximately _at_ 430 p.m.
• March 12 - Results posted
• March 28 - New member info meeting _at_ 600 p.m. in
  the Commons LGI
• All dates and times are subject to change.

190
Cheerleader Responsibilities

• Summer Camp
• Spring Practice after tryouts
• After school practices during the year
• Student Orientation
• Competitions

191
Cheerleader Responsibilities

• Commitment to the team and your teammates
• Cheer
• Games
• Pep Rallies
• Parades
• Open House
• Others as needed

192
For more information on cheerleading contact

• Wendi Spears
• wspears_at_conroeisd.net

193
For more information on cheerleading contact

• Lindsay Nichols
• lnichols_at_conroeisd.net

194
Winter Guard

• Preparation for TWHS Color Guard and Winter Guard
• Most practices are inside
• Occasionally practices are outside
• Tryouts- try to keep
  everyone competitive

195
Winter Guard

• Megan Kelley
• makelley_at_conroeisd.net

196
Winter Guard

• Limited practices through the end of football
  season
• Ramp up practices beginning in December for
  performance season in January
• Performance season is from January until
  April

197
Highland Girls

• Requires significant time outside of school and
  on some weekends
• Meets as a class during the school day
• Do not sign up for on elective request sheet
• Receive P.E. credit

198
Highland Girls

• Runs all year
• Practice times do vary
• Serious dance troop
• Preparation for TWHS Highsteppers
• Discipline
• Need to be able to take direction and enjoy being
  part of a team

199
Highland Girls

• Highland Girl Spring Tryout Information
• 3/22 - Tryout information meeting
• 3/29 - Tryout clinic begins
• 4/9 - Team tryouts
• 4/9 - Officer tryouts
• 4/10 - Results posted
• All dates and times are subject to change.

200
Highland Girl Commitments Include

• Practice
• Performances
• Parades
• Football Games
• Playoff Games
• Basketball Games
• Pep Rallies
• Competitions

201
For more information on Highland Girls contact

• Kelli Williams
• kjwilliams_at_conroeisd.net

202
For more information on Highland Girls contact

• Claire Talley
• ctalley_at_conroeisd.net

203
7th Grade Athletics

• Birth Certificate
• Commitment for the year
• Boys
• First period red
• Girls
• First period green
• Replaces P.E.

204
7th Grade Athletics Off-SeasonBoys and Girls

• All students assigned to athletics will be in
  off-season conditioning when their sport is not
  actively in interschool competition
• This involves much more rigorous training than in
  a regular physical education course

205
7th Grade Athletics Off-SeasonBoys and Girls

• Strength and speed training are the primary focus
• Also work to increase specific sports skills for
  each particular sport
• In other words, students choosing athletics
  remain in athletics all year to take the place of
  required physical education

206
Great News!

• Good news in that many of you are getting much of
  your life back as your children complete much of
  their athletic practice at school during the day

207
Elective Night Presentations in the Bock
Auditorium February 8th

• Boys Presentation 635 p.m.
• Girls Presentation 705 p.m.
• Presentation notes will be placed online
  following the meetings

208
Athletics

• Competitive interschool UIL State of Texas
  competition
• Play to win
• Has been very successful

209
Cross-Country

• Season is in the fall
• Student remains in off-season throughout the year
• Most meets are on Friday evening

210
Physicals

• Has to be dated after April 15, 2011 or later to
  be good for next year
• Please note that doctors do not have many slots
  open in the summer for physicals

211
Cross-Country

• Athletic Class
• Replaces P.E.
• Sign up for class on elective request sheet

212
Cross-Country

• Everyone (who wants to be) is on the team
  provided they will complete the work in practice
• Popular class with runners and soccer players
• Serious running and commitment is required

213
Coach Collins
Girls Cross Country Contact at kcollins_at_conroeisd.
net
214
Coach Cantu
Boys Cross Country Contact at ecantu_at_conroeisd.net
215
Cross-Country

• 15-30 miles a week
• Competitive
• Boys are state champs
• 259 kids this year

216
Cross-Country

• Fantastic place for students who want to be
  involved in athletics, but may not feel led to be
  in the other sports
• Will remain in athletics class and practice
  throughout the year after the season has
  concluded

217
Cross-Country

• Commitment for the year
• Would not join just because your friend is in
  the class

218
Volleyball

• Tryouts are the first week of school
• If a student makes the team, his/her schedule may
  change
• Meets as an athletics class during the school day

219
Volleyball

• After volleyball is over, athletes will remain in
  off-season volleyball class or go on to another
  sport throughout the year to receive P.E. credit

220
Girls and Boys Basketball Off-Season Class

• Replaces physical education
• Students try out for class in August
• Girls and boys tryout for the off-season class in
  August
• If students make the off-season class, they
  remain in off-season throughout the year
• If they do not make the basketball team, students
  move to the regular off-season athletics class
• Many basketball players play a combination of
  basketball, volleyball, football, track, and
  other sports

221
Girls and Boys Basketball Off-Season Class

• Students will tryout for the basketball team in
  November
• A student who does not make the team will be in
  off-season athletics with football (boys and
  girls) or regular girls off-season if they do not
  make the team

222
Boys and Girls Football

• Equipment handed out in August
• If a student cannot attend on this date,