HARRIS MIDDLE SCHOOL
NORTHEAST ISD
Course Selection Guide
2016-2017 School Year
Middle School Course Requirements
Each student MUST have:
■ 3 years of English (general level or Pre-AP) *Summer English assignment may be requiredmore information to come*
■ 3 years of Reading (general level or Pre-AP) *Summer reading assignment may be
required-more information to come*
NOTE: If a student selects Pre-AP English, they MUST sign up for Pre-AP
Reading. If a student selects ‘regular’ level English, they must also take
‘regular’ level Reading.
■ 3 years of Math (general level or Pre-AP)
■ 3 years of Science (Pre-AP available in 8th Grade)
■ 3 years of History (Pre-AP available in 8th Grade)
■ 1 Fine Arts course (band, choir, orchestra, art or theater arts)
■ 4 semesters of Physical Education, with at least 1 semester taken each year
■ 1 semester of Health in 6th grade
Pre-AP vs General Level Classes
Pre-AP classes are designed prepare students for the college level work of Advanced
Placement (AP) classes in high school. The purpose of AP classes in high school are to
gain college credit for courses by taking the Advanced Placement Exam at the end of
the course.
Pre-AP students are expected to:
■ Use higher level thinking skills
■ Develop successful study skills
■ Comprehend knowledge at a faster pace
■ Commit to a higher rigor and demand in the class
■ Organize time and efforts to successfully complete the course
Courses by Grade
6th Grade will take:
7th Grade will take:
8th Grade will take:
English
English
English
Reading
Reading
Reading
Math
Math
Math
Science
Science
Science
Social Studies
Social Studies
Social Studies
PE/Health
PE
PE/Elective
Fine Art
Elective
Elective
Elective
Elective
Elective
GEAR UP FOR 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR
ALL CURRENT 5th, 6th and 7th GRADE
STUDENTS & PARENTS
Date: Tuesday, January 26th
Time: 5:45 PM to 7:30 PM
Location: Harris Cafeteria
You are invited to an exciting evening visiting with elective
teachers and learning more about elective choices for next
year.
Meet Harris Middle School Administration, Counselors, and
Elective Teachers

Overview Presentation in Cafeteria 5:45pm-6:05pm
 Visit Elective Classrooms 6:10pm-7:30pm
AIM
■ AIM stands for Academic & Individual Motivation and is available to 8th grade
students. AIM does not count towards the required Fine Arts credit.
The focus of AIM is to enhance the curriculum by providing enrichment and or support
to the core academic subjects. AIM may also provide students with critical skills such as
study habits, note-taking, test taking strategies, organizational skills, time management,
goal setting, and character education. If time allows, students may also receive study
hall support.
Email Ckalis@neisd.net with any
questions concerning AIM.
Art
■ Art is available to 8th graders as a full year course and counts as a required Fine Art
credit.
■ From a Harris MS Art Teacher:
“If you’re interested in learning about drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking and
much more, you should take Art. In Art you will explore the world and develop your
creative and artistic skills through art projects, art history, and art competitions. Big
companies say they want problem solvers and creative people. Art class develops these
skills.”
Email Kfox@neisd.net with any questions concerning Art classes.
AVID
■ AVID is available to 8th grade students and does not count towards the Fine Arts
requirement. If interested, the AVID teacher/counselors will have applications as a
completed application is required for consideration into the AVID program.
From the Harris MS AVID teacher:
“AVID is a program designed for students who are willing to work hard, so they can be
taught the skills needed to successfully complete the challenging courses that will
prepare them for four-year universities. Students are to take ownership of their own
learning and futures, hence the acronym Advancement Via Individual Determination.
This program teaches leadership development, organization, critical thinking through
cultural and college field trips, teambuilding, tutorials and many other avenues.”
Please email Lrobin2@neisd.net with any questions about AVID.
Band
■ Band is available to 8th grade students and does count towards the state
required Fine Arts credit.
A note from our Band Director, Mrs. White:
“In band you will learn to play a brass,
woodwind, or percussion instrument that we
will help you choose. You do not need to
know how to play an instrument or even
know how to read music – we will teach you
everything that you need to know in your
band class during the school day. In band,
we have so much fun making music
together as a team – we are a big “band
family,” join us!”
Please email Mwhite2@neisd.net or Nboeni@neisd.net with any questions concerning band.
Choir
■ Choir is available to 8th grade students and does count towards the state required
Fine Arts credit.
■ Beginning choir builds on the
knowledge, skills and
understanding developed in
elementary school. Students in
this course will experience
singing in unison and in parts,
with an emphasis placed on
proper vocal techniques and
sight-reading skills.
Please email Econtre@neisd.net or Jsalda@neisd.net with any Choir questions.
Concepts of Arts, A/V & Communication
A note from the technology teacher:
■
This course develops a strong
background in computer and technology
applications and a proficiency in oral
and written communication. The
student is expected to use numerous
software and internet applications to
create and edit digital photos, images,
audio, and video. Students will learn
employability characteristics and
professional communication skills.
Successful completion of this course
will result in a high school credit.
Email tengle@neisd.net with any questions concerning
classes.
Concepts of Engineering & Technology
A note from the teacher:
■
This course provides an overview of the
various fields of science, technology,
engineering and mathematics and their
interrelationships. Students will use a
variety software and internet
applications to complete assignments
and projects. Students will participate in
virtual engineering design competitions,
create technical drawings, and
construct projects with partners.
Successful completion of this course
will result in a high school credit.
Email tengle@neisd.net with any questions concerning
classes.
Debate
A note from the debate
teacher:
■ Debate class is designed to teach
students the fundamentals of
analyzing a given issue from both
sides and effectively persuading an
audience. Also, students will
participate in Competitive Debate and
will learn to properly prepare
arguments based on certain criteria
that consider both sides of
controversial topics.
Email vcraig@neisd.net with any questions concerning
debate classes.
Green Team/Gardening
A note from the green
team teacher:
■ In this class you will get hands on
experience working in a garden. We
have a fall and spring garden. You will
have the opportunity to try new foods,
take fresh vegetables home to your
family, learn some business skills,
and serve the community. We will also
do several community outreach
programs. Throughout the year we will
work on a Junior Master Garden
curriculum. Upon completion, you will
be a certified junior master gardener.
Be prepared to have fun and get dirty!
Email awiggi@neisd.net with any questions concerning
green team classes.
JR.PALS
A note from the PALS
teacher:
■ The PALS program is a class where
students are challenged to service
their community and school. We work
hand in hand with the ALE students,
as well as 6th grade PALEES. We
complete two student-led service
projects a year.
■ Application required-pick up in
counseling office
■ Teacher recommendation
Email hgafke@neisd.net with any questions concerning
jr.PALS class
Office Aide, Counseling Aide, Nurse
Aide, Library Aide
What does an aide do?
■ Are you responsible, flexible and
personable?? Do you like to help
people? Do you like to be on the
move? Student Aides help the school
run effectively and efficiently. You will
run errands, deliver schedules, and
help organize.
■ Teacher recommendation
■ Application required-pick up in
counseling office
Email ckalis@neisd.net with any questions concerning
being an aide.
Online Journalism
A note from the journalism
teacher:
■ Online journalism focuses on
creating publicity for the school. We
work on computers and use iMovie
to create our videos and then post
them on the website. The students
have to be mature enough to be
able work on their own occasionally,
however, need to be flexible enough
to work in groups.
Email jduder@neisd.net with any questions concerning
journalism classes.
Orchestra
■ Available to 8th grade students and does count towards the state Fine Art
requirement.
■ From the Harris MS Orchestra
Director:
“Orchestra is for students who are
interested in learning to play the
violin, viola, cello or bass. In
orchestra, you will read and write
music, discuss music history and
perform in several concerts
throughout the year. We also do
several optional competitions, trips
and lock-ins that you will have the
opportunity to take part in.”
Please email mturne7@neisd.net
with any Orchestra questions.
Physical Education/Athletics
■ NEISD requires 4 semesters of PE, with at least 1 semester taken each year.
■ 8th Graders are required to take at least one semester of PE or athletics for a
full year.
■ If you are interested in athletics you must get a Coach's recommendation to
participate. In order to be in athletics you are required to participate in at least
two sports.
Boys choices are Football, basketball, and
track
Girls choices are Volleyball, Basketball
and track
Principles of Hospitality
■
■
“Principles of Hospitality and Tourism is a fun
class that encourages you to find your own
interests. We will cover introduction to travel
and tourism. Within this class we cover
restaurant management and an introduction
into Culinary Arts and Nutrition/Cooking. You
will experience learning in the lab
environment through culinary arts. We cook
weekly for nine weeks and at the end you will
prepare a celebration for yourself and
parents. Second semester, you will spend
time learning about travel
experiences/destinations and the design of
theme parks, cruise liners, and airlines. We
will continue to cook as we explore
destinations throughout the U.S. It’s a fun
interactive learning environment!!”
Email lrodi30@neisd.net with any questions concerning
classes.
.
Principles of Human Services
■
“Principles of Human Services is a fun
class that encourages you to find your own
interests. We will cover Personal and
Career Success, Financial Literacy, and
Nutrition/Cooking. You will experience
learning in the lab environment through
cooking. We cook weekly for nine weeks
and at the end you will prepare a
celebration for yourself and parents.
Second semester, you will spend time
learning about child development, family
life, and will have firsthand experience in
the sewing lab. During the sewing portion
of class, you will create and sew projects
that you will be able to take home. It’s a
fun and interactive learning
environment!!”
Email lrodi30@neisd.net with any questions concerning
Human Services classes.
Spanish IB and Spanish I
■ A note from the Spanish teacher:
This is a high school
Spanish course split into 2
years, 7th and 8th grade.
You will learn to speak,
read and write in Spanish.
Students can also take
one full year in 8th grade
titled Spanish I.
Email agauvr@neisd.net with any questions concerning
Spanish classes.
Theater Arts
■ Theater Arts is available to 8th grade students and does count towards the Fine Arts
requirement.
From the Harris MS Theater teacher:
“Theatre is a collaborative art that
increases children’s communication
skills, creativity, and empathy for reallife situations. We work together to
learn movement, vocal techniques,
compete at speech contests, and work
together to learn the process of
producing a play and short film.
Students are encouraged to participate
in productions and contests after
school, as well as join the Harris Drama
Club.”
Email kkorth@neisd.net with any questions concerning Theater Arts.
Yearbook Production
A note from the yearbook
teacher:
■ The Journalism/yearbook course
has been designed to provide
students with journalism skills and
the ability to apply those skills to
the actual production of the
yearbook. Therefore, staffers will
learn and practice teamwork,
brainstorming, layout/design,
reporting, editing, photography,
typography, advertising and
distribution.
Email cstewa6@neisd.net with any questions concerning
yearbook classes.
Course Selection Sheets
■ Course Selection Sheets for the 2016-2017 school year will be distributed by your
social studies teachers and MUST be returned by February 5, 2016 to your teacher.
■ The counselor will be discussing the Course Selection Sheet with students during
the school day in January during your social studies class.
■ Failure to return the course selection sheet on time could result in the school
selecting classes for you.
For additional information and assistance, please contact the Harris Counseling Office
at 356-4126, or by e-mail: Lori More, 8th grade counselor at lmore@neisd.net.
Upcoming Dates
DATE
January 26, 2016
Tuesday
EVENT
Harris Middle School
Elective Showcase
Parents & students meet elective teacher & learn
about different elective options available at Harris
MS.
LOCATION
Harris Middle School
Cafeteria
TIME
5:45 P.M. to
7:30 P.M.
February 5, 2016
Friday
Deadline for Course Selection Sheets to be
returned to 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Social studies Teacher
3:30 P.M.
August 2016**
Harris 8th Grade Camp
Harris Middle School
TBA