ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
Mr. David Pillar, Principal
3980 South Sare Rd. Bloomington, IN 47401
P: (812) 330-2451
F: (812) 330-2457 http://www.mccsc.edu/jackson creek
Mrs. Kristin Poage, Assistant Principal
Mr. Greg Weimer, Assistant Principal/AD
Mr. David Terwilliger, Guidance Counselor
Mr. Matthew Stanley, Guidance Counselor
Ms. Deidra Larche, Social Worker
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ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
Mr. David Pillar, Principal
Mrs. Jessica Willis, Assistant Principal
3980 South Sare Rd. Bloomington, IN 47401
Mr. Greg Weimer, Assistant Principal/AD
P: (812) 330-2451
Mr. David Terwilliger, Guidance Counselor
F: (812) 330-2457
Mr. Matthew Stanley, Guidance Counselor http://www.mccsc.edu/jackson creek
Ms. Deidra Larche, Social Worker
January 4, 2016
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Welcome to Jackson Creek Middle School! It is the purpose of this letter and the packet that follows to help you understand important information concerning academic planning for your child at JCMS. Your child has received this packet to help you decide what courses to enroll him/her in next year.
Your child will be enrolling in seven (7) courses. Five (5) of the courses are required by the State of Indiana, and two of the courses are elective courses.
Students may not skip levels of World Languages. Students must begin with Level 1 for any World Language.
The five (5) required courses are as follows: (See Course Descriptions for more information.)
1.
Language Arts
2.
Science
3.
Social Studies
4.
Mathematics
5.
Grade 7 Exploratory
Grade 7 – 1 semester Physical Education (PE) and Health, one semester Preparing for College and Careers
You will be selecting the elective courses. Every attempt will be made to place your child in their choices. However, scheduling conflicts, lack of space and teacher changes may prevent a choice from being fulfilled.
Placement in a mathematics course is determined by middle school teachers based on test results and prior teacher recommendation. Your child will be taking a placement test in the late spring of 2016. The levels of mathematics are as follows:
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Standard Mathematics Grade 7
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Advanced Math Grade 7
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Accelerated Learning Program - Algebra 1-2 Grades 7/8
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Accelerated Learning Program - Geometry Grades 7/8
There are multiple sections of Standard Mathematics Grade 7Advanced Mathematics Grade 7 and Advanced Math Grade
8 offered because of the number of students enrolled in those courses. All advanced middle school math placements must be coordinated and approved through the MCCSC High Ability Office.
Online courses for credit or placement cannot be accepted. Mathematics courses are sequential. Students will not be permitted to skip Algebra and move directly into Geometry Honors.
The MCCSC’s automated scheduling program will try to place your child in a section that does not conflict with the elective choice.
OVER >>

Courses in Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies are teamed in a block and offered at two levels of placement. The levels are as follows:
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Accelerated Learning Program – Grade 7 Humanities (Language Arts & Social Studies) & Advanced Science
All Accelerated Learning Program placements are determined by acceptance into the ALPs program through the formal application program. Please direct all questions regarding ALPs placement to Mrs. Kim Williams at (812)
330-7700
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Standard Grade 7 Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies
The automated computer program randomly places all of the students in a team that is composed of Language Arts,
Science, and Social Studies classes. The only students who are hand-scheduled to teams are as follows:
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Special Education & ELL (English Language Learners) students who are following an Individualized Education Plan as per federal and state law.
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Qualified ALPs students who are accepted in the district’s gifted and talented program.
Most 7 th graders eat lunch with their peers every day. They will have time to be with their friends during this time. Please keep in mind that the sizes of the 2016-2017 Grade 7 classes are going to be approximately 280 students. This new 7 th
Grade class is notably larger than the 6 th Grade class they are leaving. Please keep in mind that there are so many sections of courses that it makes it impossible to hand-schedule students with their friends and/or specific teachers. Thank you in advance for your understanding of this situation.
The JCMS staff is looking forward to having your child successfully enter Jaguar country. Please contact a JCMS
Guidance Counselor at 330-2451 with any questions and/or concerns you might have. Thank you!
Sincerely,
David Pillar
Mr. David Pillar
Principal

Jackson Creek Middle School Courses
PHYSICAL EDUCATION COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Physical Education / Health
Grade 7 - 8
One semester
This is a required course which will continue to involve students in activities which emphasize the importance of physical conditioning, physical fitness, and lifelong leisure skills. Students will learn the rules, basic skills, game strategies, sportsmanship, proper etiquette, and teamwork while participating in each unit of study. No matter what the student ability level is at the beginning of a unit, the students are encouraged to do their best to achieve continuous improvement. The health component will include units such as wellness and the body systems; alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse; communicable and noncommunicable diseases; and safety and first aid.
Advanced Physical Education:
Grade 7
One semester
This elective semester long course promotes lifetime sport and recreational activities and includes: team sports; dual sports activities; individual physical activities; outdoor pursuits. It includes principles of sport and exercise as well as opportunities to develop or refine skills and attitudes that promote lifelong fitness. Ongoing assessment includes both written and performance-based skill evaluation. Individual assessments may be modified for individuals with disabilities, in addition to those with IEP’s and 504 plans.
BUSINESS AND PRACTICAL ARTS
Business and Information Technology: Project Business
Grade 7
One Semester
This semester-long elective is a project-based course in which students build their own business from the ground up using a hands-on approach. This fun computer and technology focused course will show you all the excitement the world of business has to offer! Students create a business plan, which includes designing a business card, brochure, logo, advertisement, and a web page (time permitting). Along the way, students experience the world of entrepreneurship, teamwork, and communication. When completed, students will have a plan they could use to start their own business!
Preparing for College and Careers
Grade 7
One semester
This required course addresses knowledge, skills, and behaviors all students need to be prepared for success in college, career, and life. The focus of the course is the impact of today’s choices on tomorrow’s possibilities. Topics to be addressed include twenty-first century life and career skills; higher order thinking, communication, leadership, and management processes; exploration of personal aptitudes, interests, values, and goals; examining multiple life roles and responsibilities as individuals and family members; planning and building employability skills; transferring school skills to life and work; and managing personal resources.
LANGUAGE ARTS COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Language Arts
Grade 7
Two semesters
This required course will expose students to the various components of language arts. The primary focus will be on major skills such as speech, composition, spelling, vocabulary, and the various genres of literature. Major emphasis will be placed on grammar with respect to usage and mechanics, and developing compositions utilizing the writing process.
Humanities (ALPS)
Grade 7
T wo semesters
Prerequisite: Placement in this course is based on the selection process of the Accelerated Learning Program.
This interdisciplinary course replaces the standard required language arts course, and the Language Arts Humanities students will be enrolled in the Social Studies Humanities course also. The course will expose students to the various components of language arts. Emphasis will be placed on grammar with respect to usage and mechanics, developing writing skills, information skills, public speaking skills, and literature this relates to the social studies component of Humanities. Emphasis is placed on student-directed learning, presentations, and projects
SOCIAL STUDIES COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Social Studies
Grade 7
Two semesters
This required course is a survey course which focuses on several disciplines: anthropology, cultural studies, current affairs, economics, geography, history, political science, and sociology. This course is taught in a topical rather than area studies fashion, but emphasis is placed on the non-western world, particularly Africa and Asia. Students will be exposed to the traditional social studies skills along with the expansion of student expertise in the utilization of research and presentation skills.
Humanities (ALPS)
Grade 7
Two semesters
Prerequisite: Placement in this course is based on the selection process of the Accelerated Learning Program.
This interdisciplinary course replaces the standard required social studies course, and the Social Studies Humanities students will be enrolled in the Language Arts Humanities course also. This course is a topical course which includes ethics, history, literature, economics, political science, sociology, environmental studies, and future studies.
This course emphasizes student directed learning, participatory activities, critical and creative thinking skills, independent reading, and creative writing.
SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Science
Grade 7
Two semesters
This required course covers Earth Science (Soil, Rocks & Minerals, and
Plate Tectonics), Life Science (Cell Biology & Disease) and Physical
Science (Force & Motion). Hands-on activities help students learn to be good citizens through understanding the impact of science in their lives and the impact of their choices on the environment.
Science (ALPS)
Grade 7
Two semesters
Prerequisite: Placement in this course is based on the selection process of the Accelerated Learning Program.
This required course covers Earth Science (Soil, Rocks & Minerals, and Plate Tectonics), Life Science (Cell Biology & Disease) and
Physical Science (Force & Motion). Hands-on activities help students learn to be good citizens through understanding the impact of science in their lives and the impact of their choices on the environment. Each term students will complete a My Own Science Project, an independently designed investigation in any area of science.
MATHEMATICS COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
All advanced middle school math placements must be coordinated and approved through the MCCSC High Ability Office. Online courses for credit or placement cannot be accepted. Mathematics courses are sequential. Students will not be permitted to skip Algebra and move directly into Geometry Honors.
Standard Mathematics 7
Grade 7
Two semesters
This required course is designed to reinforce and expand upon concepts and skills introduced in the 6 th grade. The curriculum spans a wide range of proficiencies which include translating, reasoning, connecting,

estimating, place-value, operations with rational numbers, evaluating expressions, solving simple equations, measurement, perimeter, area and volume formulas, ratios, proportions, percents, appropriate use of calculators, probability, statistics, data collection, graphing, and data analysis.
Advanced Math 7
Grade 7
Two semesters
Prerequisite: Prognostic test scores and or teacher recommendation will determine placement in this course.
This course replaces the standard required mathematics course. This course introduces and explores topics that provide a foundation for taking either Pre-Algebra or Algebra I in the 8 th grade. Students will be exposed to abstract applications with rational numbers, variable expressions, equations, inequalities, ratios, proportions, percentages, number theory, graphing in a coordinate plane, geometry and its applications, square roots and right triangles, irrational numbers, polynomials, probability, and statistics.
Algebra I
Grade 7 - 8
Two semesters
Prerequisite: Prognostic test scores, teacher recommendation, or a combination of both.
This course replaces the standard required mathematics course. Topics in this course include operations with exponents, radicals, and variable expressions; solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities; relations and functions; pairs of linear equations and inequalities; factoring polynomials; algebraic fractions; quadratic, cubic, and radical equations; and mathematical reasoning and problem solving. Students taking this course may choose to obtain high school credit for it. This course may be organized in a 6 th /7 th /8 th grade combination format.
Geometry
Grade 7 – 8
Two semesters
Prerequisite: Placement in this course is based on the selection process of the Accelerated Learning Program.
This course replaces the standard required mathematics course. This rigorous course is for students who successfully completed Algebra I in the 7 th grade. This course consists of a study of the undefined terms, the axioms, and the theorems of Euclidean geometry. Emphasis is placed on understanding the deductive processes involved in proofs, numerical and algebraic exercises and geometric constructions. The topics covered include inductive and deductive reasoning, triangles, perpendicular and parallel lines, constructions, area, the Pythagorean Theorem, circles and area, loci, and similar and regular polygons. Students taking this course have the option of choosing to obtain high school credit for it. This course is organized in a 7 th /8 th grade combination format.
FINE ARTS DESCRIPTIONS
Exploring Music
Grade 7 – 8
One semester
This elective course helps to fulfill the State of Indiana’s fine arts curriculum requirement. This course explores the connection between music and video technology including MIDI basics, computers and digital sampling, synthesis, the physics of sound, multi-track recording, sound system basics, and piano keyboard skills. A major outcome of this course will be each student’s creation of a 60 minute CD using music technology.
Exploring Music II
Grade 7-8
One semester (repeatable)
Prerequisite: Exploring Music I
This elective course helps to fulfill the State of Indiana fine arts curriculum requirement. This course expands the knowledge of music technology learned in Exploring Music I. Multi-track music recording software is used to record live instruments and voice. Students learn to use electronic music software extensively. Students repeating the course will learn live and studio music production more extensively and will produce and record live music events at school.
Band
Grade 7 – 8
Two semesters
Prerequisite: Placement determined by instructor.
Elective Band is explored through the study of performance fundamentals on a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument as a soloist, in small ensembles, and with the full band. Placement in a specific band class will be determined by a student’s musical background and ability. Beginners and experienced musicians are welcome. Regular at-home practice is encouraged. Each class performs
2-4 concerts per year with the possibility of performing at annual
ISSMA Festivals. Instruments, books, and supplies may be obtained through local music stores. Instruments, not available through the local music stores, may be rented through the school’s music department.
Full or partial scholarships for instrument rental are available on a limited basis. Students are required to enroll in Band, Choir or
Orchestra to participate in the extra-curricular Jazz Band or Rock
Band.
Band – designed for students who want to start playing a band instrument and for those with some experience. No experience necessary.
Concert Band – designed for students who excel in playing their band instruments, read music well and have significant experience playing in ensembles, large and small.
Choir – Beginning / Advanced
Grades 7-8
Two Semesters
Prerequisite: Placement determined by instructor.
In this elective students develop musicianship and specific performance skills through ensemble and solo singing in a mixed choir. Instruction is designed so that students are enabled to integrate music study into other subject areas. Classes provide instruction in creating, performing, conducting, listening to, and analyzing, in addition to focusing on the specific subject matter. Students develop the ability to understand and convey the composer’s intent in order to connect the performer with the audience. A limited amount of time, outside the school day, may be scheduled for dress rehearsal and viewing of performances by professionals. Students must participate in performance opportunities, outside of the school day, that support and extend learning in the classroom. A fee of $20.00 will be collected for purchase of part of a costume and shoes. Part of the costume will be provided. We do a fundraiser to purchase music, props, pay for outfits, choreography, and computer software/hardware. As a part of the curriculum assignments will be written every semester.
Orchestra
Grade 7 – 8
Two semesters
Elective Orchestra is explored through the study of the fundamentals of performance on an orchestral stringed instrument - the violin, the viola, the cello, or the bass - as a soloist, in small ensembles and with the full string orchestra. Regular at-home practice is encouraged. Each class performs at least 4-6 concerts per year with the possibility of performing at the annual ISSMA Festivals.
Instruments and supplies may be obtained through local music stores. Cellos and basses may be rented through the school’s music department.
Arts and Artists
Grade 7 – 8
One semester (repeatable)
In these elective courses students will be assessed by a rubric measuring: Elements & Principles of Art, Content Connection, Tool
Competency, Care & Craftsmanship, and Class Citizenship. In any project, I look to see your “personal voice”—I want to see your personality shine in your artwork.
Students will be responsible for one independent sketchbook entry every other week. These sketchbooks build technical skill and creative thinking throughout the semester.

Art and Artist I
This elective course will focus on giving experience with a variety of materials and processes. We will look at art movements and genres throughout the world, past and present. By doing so, we will learn about historical eras, cultures, careers, and even ourselves!
Projects will alternate between short (1-3 day) projects and long (8-10 day) projects.
By the end of this semester, you will have technical art skills, know artists names and their contributions to societies, and begin to develop a personal artistic style.
Art and Artists II
Prerequisite: Art and Artist I
This elective course will focus on giving experience with a variety of materials and processes, with opportunities to use media of choice to fulfill assignments. We will continue to look at art movements and genres throughout the world, past and present. By doing so, we will draw inspiration for personal artwork from historical eras and cultures.
Projects will focus more on artistic rigor and will alternate between short (4-7 day) projects and long (8-15 day) projects.
By the end of this semester, you will have technical art skills, know artists names and their contributions to societies, and begin to develop a personal artistic style.
Digital Design
Grade 7-8
One semester (repeatable)
In these elective courses students will look at art movements and art genres to evaluate the impact fine arts have on digital design and marketing. By doing so, we will learn about eras, cultures, careers, and even ourselves. You will be assessed by a rubric measuring: Elements and Principles of Art, Content Connection, Tool Competency,
Effort/Craftsmanship and Class Citizenship. The class will alternate between short projects and long projects. The short projects are to build skill and familiarity with computer tools; the long projects are to show off your innovation and creativity. In any project, I look to see your
“personal voice”—I want to see your personality shine in your artwork!
Digital Design I
Digital Design I is held in the JCMS Digital Arts & Design Computer
Lab. This course will focus on giving students experience largely with
GIMP, an image creation and photo editing program. Digital Design 1 is designed with beginners in mind but projects will challenge students of all skills.
By the end of this semester, students will have technical art and design skills, know artists names and marketing strategies, and developed your personal artistic style.
Digital Design II
Prerequisite: Digital Design I
This elective course is held in the JCMS Digital Arts & Design
Computer Lab. This course will focus on giving students more experience GIMP and will introduce programs FOTOR, Blender and
Synfig. Digital Design 2 is designed with intermediate and advanced students in mind.
By the end of this semester, students will have technical art and design skills, know designers and animators’ names as well as marketing strategies. We will further develop your personal artistic style and push the concept of originality in image generation.
WORLD LANGUAGE – COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Students will have the option to receive one year (2 credits) of high school World Language credits upon earning a B or better for each of the two semesters. If the student opts to receive high school credits, the level of course and grade that is completed will be recorded on the high school transcript.
French I
Grade 7 – 8
Two semesters
This elective world language course is the first year of study in a rigorous middle school program. Successful completion in this particular middle school world language course is the equivalent of completing Level I in the high school program. Students will be expected to cover the same material as a high school French language student. This course stresses the four basic skill areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the French language.
Spanish I
Grade 7 - 8
Two semesters
This elective world language course is the first year of study in a rigorous middle school program designed to prepare students to enter
Level II of the Spanish language program. Successful completion in this particular middle school foreign language course is the equivalent of completing Level I in the high school program. Students will be expected to cover the same material as a high school Spanish student.
This course stresses the four basic skill areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. in the Spanish language. Students will be required to interact in the target language, using dialogues, skits, and presentations. This is a course that will require daily practice and study.
Chinese I
Grade 7-8
Two semesters
This elective world language course is the first year of study in a rigorous middle school program designed to prepare students to enter the Chinese Language program at Level II. This course will introduce students to effective strategies for beginning Chinese language learning. This course encourages interpersonal communication through speaking, writing, to make and respond to basic requests and questions, understand and use appropriate greetings and forms of address. Students will participate in brief guided conversations, write simple sentences using characters and develop reading and listening comprehension skills. Students will examine the practices, products and perspectives of Chinese-speaking culture. This course further emphasizes making connections across content areas.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS – COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
English as a New Language
Grade 7 – 8
Two semesters
Prerequisite: Students attending schools in the United States for less than 3 years or referral by counselor.
This course provides students with instructions in English that will improve their proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Emphasis is placed on helping students learn to independently function in an English speaking school.
Skill Development I/II (Academic Lab)
Grade 7 – 8
One semester
This semester long elective is intended to provide students an opportunity to accomplish assignments during the school day. Students in good standing may be offered the opportunity to become Office or
Library Aids. No grades are recorded.
Skill Development (Academic Lab Leap)
Grade 7 – 8
Two semesters
Prerequisite: Students placed on student need, ISTEP results or
Annual Case Review recommendations.
This year long required course is intended to provide the opportunity for
JCMS Academic Interventionists to work with individuals and small groups on academic areas of weakness identified utilizing standardized tests, classroom work or Individual Education Plans (IEP) as determined by the Annual Case Review. No grades are recorded.

JACKSON CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOL
7 TH GRADE
ELECTIVE COURSE ENROLLMENT SHEET (2016-17)
1.
Using the course descriptions as your guide:
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Please circle 4 elective choices from the list below
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If you have a strong preferences please rate them #1 - #4 to the right of your circle.
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Preferences cannot be guaranteed.
Band Art and Artist I
Choir
Orchestra
Spanish I
French I
Chinese I
English as a New Language
Advanced PE
Project Business
EXAMPLE #1
Art and Artist II
Digital Design I
Digital Design II
Exploring Music I
Exploring Music II
Academic Lab * I
Academic Lab* II
2.
Please provide us with 2 additional classes for alternates .
* Some students may be required to take an Academic Lab to receive academic assistance or remediation if they failed sections of the ISTEP or if determined by special education case conference committee.
Note: Students may not enroll in two performance based music courses (Band, Choir, or Orchestra) or two World Language courses (Spanish, French, Chinese)
Note: Students will be placed in the appropriate level of band (beginning or concert) depending upon experience and ability.
Student Name (Print): Student Signature:
Parent Name (Print): Parent’s Signature:
Home Phone: Cell Phone: Work Phone:
Home
Address:
Current School:
Please sign this sheet and return it to your teacher by Friday, January 15, 2016. Your teachers will return the sheets to JCMS
Guidance office. After this deadline, this sheet is due as soon as possible to the JCMS Guidance Office. Elective requests not returned will be completed by the JCMS Guidance Department. For clarification contact David Terwilliger (8 th ) or Matt Stanley
(7 th ) at 330-2451.

Music at Jackson Creek Middle School is a great way to develop that hidden talent, express your creativity, make new friends, and have fun doing it! Band, Mixed Choir, and Strings meet five days a week during the school day for the entire year.
Can I join Band, Mixed Choir, or Strings if I have never played an instrument or sung in a choir before?
Yes!
The instructors will teach you everything you need to know.
Can I participate in sports, cheerleading, etc., and still be in band, mixed choir, or strings?
Yes! The schedules for these activities do not conflict.
Please return this sheet with your 2016-17 Course Enrollment Sheet.
Student’s Name (Birth Name):
(last name) (first name)
Present School:
Parent’s Name:
Home Phone:
(last name)
Work Phone:
(first name/s)
Please indicate the student’s music choice below. See the Course Description Guide for help in choosing the appropriate course.
Band
Choir
Orchestra