North Ridge Middle School

Required CoursesWhat do I have to take?English/ReadingMathSocial StudiesScience

PEElectives classes

Core

Classes

On-Level v. Pre-Advanced Placement Classes

Pre-Advanced Placement Classes Also called PAP Classes: (All Core Classes Offered )

Courses are more challengingTakes more timeIncreased reading loadSophisticated writing assignments and projects

Qualifications for PAP ClassesOverview of Qualifications for PAP Classes*Teachers have to recommend students for all PAP Classes based on two criteria:1. Readiness to Learn - Students ability to learn the required content and academic preparation.

2. Task Commitment – Students desire to participate and complete tasks which might require perseverance.(If the student receives a NO in either category from a teacher, the student is switched over to an on level class)

BLOCKED MATH CLASSStudents who choose on level math will have

a blocked math class. This means that you will have on level math for 2 class periods instead of one class period.

Students who choose PAP math will have one class period of math.

Students have to qualify for PAP Math

Sample Schedule for a Student with

PAP Math

1st – PAP Math 2nd – English

3rd – Reading 4th – Science 5th – Social Studies 6th – PE 7th – Elective 8th – Elective

Can be an on

level or PAP class

Sample Schedule for a Student with

On Level Math

1st – Math 2nd – Math 3rd – English 4th – Reading 5th – Science 6th – Social Studies 7th – PE 8th – Elective

Can be an on

level or PAP class

BLOCKED ENGLISH/READING CLASSEnglish and Reading are blocked in 6th grade. This

means that you will have the same teacher for English and Reading and stay in the same classroom for 2 class periods.

Students have to qualify

for PAP English Language

Arts This is new for the 2017-2018 School

Year

Entrance into 6th grade PAP math and English Language Arts will be determined by a combination of 3 data points:

*May STAR Universal Screener *Final grade in current math course

*Raw score on STAAR test

Universal Grade In STAAR

Screener Course Score

758 90% or higher At least 23

758 80%-89% At least 25

758 70%-79% At least 30

Universal Grade In STAAR

Screener Course Score

630 90% or higher At least 25

630 80%-89% At least 29

630 70%-79% At least 33

ELECTIVES

ELECTIVES – YEAR LONGBeginners Band Class

Beginning fundamentals of playing will be taught on each of the woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. These instruments include flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, cornet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, mallet instruments, snare and bass drum. The fundamentals taught include embouchure formation, tone production, rhythmic concepts, maintenance of instruments, and note recognition.

Prerequisites: No previous band experience necessary but band director recommendation required.

BAND INSTRUMENT FAIRTo Be Announced

Band teachers will be coming to your school on a future date to select band instruments

ELECTIVES – YEAR LONG

ChoirStudents learn proper fundamental vocal

technique, music theory, musicianship, and teamwork skills. Students learn to read and write unison and two-part music and perform many different styles of music. Minimal cost for choir tee-shirt($). Private lessons are encouraged ($), but not required. Some extracurricular time is required outside the school day for concerts. No prior musical experience is necessary.

ELECTIVES – YEAR LONG

Physical Education – Physical Education Classes within the school day. You are required to suit out for PE each day. There is a cost for PE uniform.

THIS IS A REQUIRED CLASS

ELECTIVES – YEAR LONG OR SEMESTER

ART– Students combine creative talents with instruction in a variety of media. Supplies required ($).

ELECTIVES – YEAR LONG OR SEMESTER

THEATRE – Students will get a basic understanding of several theatre techniques including: acting, directing, playwriting, improvisation, pantomime, and performance.

ELECTIVES – SEMESTER

TOUCH DATA ENTRY (Computer Class)- Learn basic computer skills such as typing, Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.

Semester ClassesSEMESTER CLASSES ARE:*Offered in the fall or spring semester*Class is 18 weeks long*Taught the same class period but different semesterFor Example:A student might take art the fall semester and theatre the spring semester the same class period.

REMEMBER ELECTIVES ARE…*Not guaranteed – they are requests

*Based on class size*might not fit into your schedule

BIRDVILLE ISD COURSE SELECTION CARD 2017-2018 School Year

Name: __________________________________________ Gender: Last First Middle Boy Girl REQUIRED COURSES: Students must choose ONE from each of the following courses.

CIRCLE YOUR CHOICE FOR EACH SUBJECT

1. Language Arts/Reading OR *PAP Language Arts/PAP Reading

2. Math OR *PAP Math

3. Science OR PAP Science

4. Social Studies OR PAP Social Studies

5. Physical Education – Every student takes PE in 6th grade. *PAP Mathematics and English Language Arts Students can only take PAP Mathematics in middle school if they start with PAP Mathematics in sixth grade. Entrance into 6th grade PAP Mathematics and PAP English Language Arts will be determined by a combination of 3 data points: May STAR universal screener, final grade in current math & English language arts class, and raw score on STAAR test. Pre-Advanced Placement Classes (PAP) The benefits of Pre-AP courses are numerous! Students and parents should expect courses to be more challenging, take more time, and require a different type of work than regular courses. Students of these courses should expect teachers to require an increased reading load, sophisticated writing assignments and projects, and complex problem solving. Students involved in extra-curricular activities should especially keep this in mind when designing their schedule. Pre-AP courses require energetic, involved and motivated students. Teacher recommendation will also be used to determine entrance into all PAP classes. Schedule change requests from Pre-AP to on level after school starts will require the following: parent/teacher conference and a note signed by the parent. Students who withdraw from the course at semester will not receive the weighted calculation for that semester. In order to receive the weighted calculation for rank and GPA purposes, the student must remain in the course for the entire year. Students must understand that tutorials may be required in order to be successful in the course. Students should generally expect homework in each course every day. Up to ½ -1 hour per course per day may be required. Some assignments may take more time for some students.

6th Grade North Ridge Middle School

Continue on Back

When are these forms due back?Return your registration form back to your school

counselor – DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED

Be sure that you and one of your parents have signed the form.

If you don’t return it -

Heather PenryStudent Assistance Counselor

817-547-5224

Trenia MillerTrenia MillerGuidance CounselorGuidance Counselor

817-547-5222817-547-5222