Rodger and Ellen
Beck Junior
High School
Course Selection
5th into 6th Grade
2015-2016
Course Selection Materials
BJH
• Mascot: Bulldog
• Colors: Maroon & White
• Grades: 6 through 8
Elementary to JH Differences
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School Hours 7:30-2:35
No recess
NO MORE STRAIGHT LINES
More responsibilities and privileges
New friends and interests
Open lunch room seating
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6
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Grade Schedule
7 classes-45 minutes in length
30 minute lunch
5 minute passing period between classes
5 core classes (English, Reading Block,
Math, Science, Social Studies)
• 1 elective
• P.E.
• Advisory
Three Degrees of Difficulty
• Academic- appropriate for all on grade level
(college bound curriculum)
• Pre-Advanced Placement (PreAP)- prepares for
AP classes in high school
• Gifted & Talented- must already be identified
and in Challenge for GT classes
Choosing Courses
Three Class Formats:
1. Academic – For everyone, on grade level, more time
to review concepts, more tutoring provided, prepares
students for college as well as other post secondary
education
2. PreAP – More challenging, fast paced, requires
independent learning, prepares students for AP
classes in high school
3. GT – Must be screened and identified
ACADEMIC COURSES
• Instruction and learning is at grade
level
• Prepares students for college and
post-secondary education
• Provides more time for repetition
Pre AP COURSES
• Designed to challenge motivated
students
• Prepares students for AP/college
level courses
• Moves at a faster pace
• Requires more independent learning
and homework
Big difference in # of
objectives covered
• 5th grade – approx. 60 objectives
• 6th grade Academic – approx. 64 objectives
• 6th grade PreAP – over 90 objectives with many
being 7th grade objectives
Pre-AP level of instruction will focus on
preparation for taking Algebra I in 8th
grade.
What Students Say About PreAP/GT Math
Need to enjoy math a lot
and like to learn
More Pre AP Information
Core Curriculum
Every student has 5 core classes
• English *
• Reading*
*(English & Reading blocked together)
• Math (Pre AP covers 6th and ½ 7th curr.)
• Science
• Social Studies
Electives
All Junior High Students Must Take a Fine Arts
• Band
• Orchestra
(Band /Orchestra directors will contact you
before school is out about an instrument
selection)
• Choir
• Art
Supply Fees required for all electives
Physical Education
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Both boys and girls (separate gyms)
Graded class/ attend everyday
Dress out in uniforms (laundering fee)
Lockers in gyms
No Athletics (competitive sports) in 6th
Grade
Reading Lab and Math Lab
• Based on first administration STAAR scores
(take the place of PE or Elective)
Advisory
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45 minutes
Announcements
Quiet study hall
Review Daily Planner
Opportunity to ask questions
Library
Computer Lab
Tutorials
Example: A Typical 6th Grade Day
Period
1
2
3
4
Lunch
5
6
7
8
Subject
English
Reading
Science
Band
Lunch
Math
P.E. (boys or girls)
Advisory
Social Studies
Room #
2118
2118
2117
Band Hall
Cafeteria
2120
Gym
2:05-2:35
2155
Cafeteria
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Respectful dining room etiquette
Open seating
Hot tray, Snack Bar/Pizza Bar
Must stay seated and keep area
clean
• Secondary lunch prices: $2.25
• Secondary breakfast prices: $1.00
Course WorkSheet
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Legal first and last name
Level of core classes (Aca., PreAP, GT)
(Reading and English blocked)
1 Elective
1 Alternate
Parent & student signature needed
Return course selection worksheet to your
Social Studies teacher by campus deadline
To Help Ease the Transition
• Bulldog Pup Camp-New Student Orientation
August 11, 2015 9:00am-11:30AM
• Schedule Pick up day- find your classes, pick
up pre-purchased supplies
• Tardies not taken the first week and a half of
school
What Next?
• Course Verification Letter will be sent home in
May verifying the course selections.....
THIS IS NOT A SCHEDULE!!!
You may not get your first choice elective. Be
sure to put 2nd choice on your course selection
sheet.
Follow instructions on sheet on how to make
changes.
Home Access Center
(Obtain PIN # from Elementary Front Office)
• Home Access Center: Access to your student’s grades,
schedule and attendance.
• Campus eNews: Have news and information from your
child's campus delivered directly to your inbox.
• Mealpay: Web-based service allows you to access your
child's meal account and make meal payments online.
• Katy ISD Update: Receive district-wide news and
updates via e-mail.
• Stranger Danger: Receive e-mail alerts regarding
suspicious activity in our community.
Points to Remember…
Schedules may change at least once throughout
junior high because:
• Classes need to be leveled/balanced
• School growth requires the addition of new
teachers
Please remember to be flexible and
open-minded about schedule changes.
QUESTIONS?