Dowell Middle School

PARENT PRESENTATION

Incoming 6th Grade

February 23, 2017

Administrative Team

• Principal – Holly Rogers

• Assistant Principals – Jesse Abel and Aretha Jackson

• Counselors – Jennifer Morse and Rayshana Adams

• Library Media Specialist – Jamie Morris

• Special Education Lead – Lori Wilson

• English as a Second Language – Laurea Myers and

Irma Garcia

• 504 Coordinator – Christie Thompson

Goals for Tonight

• Get information for academic decision

making.

• Get information for elective decision making.

• Alleviate fears about the transition to

middle school.

• Questions well be answered individually

at the end.

Materials Review

• Course Selection Sheet

• Course Descriptions are online

Middle School Philosophy

• High Academic Standards for All Students.

• Students Introduced to Academic and

Extra-Curricular Options.

• Students Begin to Determine Strengths

and Preferences.

• Partnership with Students, Families,

& Community.

STAAR Testing at Middle School

Sixth Grade Seventh Grade Eighth Grade

Reading Reading Reading

Writing

Math Math Math

Science

Social Studies

• The State of Texas Assessments of

Academic Readiness.

• (STAAR) High School credit courses are

End Of Course Exams.

Core Classes

• McKinney ISD’s curriculum is common at all schools and aligned with the rest of the state.

• Core Curriculum is based on the Texas

Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

• Core Curriculum is a college prep.

• Aligned with like grade levels and between

grade levels.

Core Courses

• Language Arts and Reading (ELAR)

• Math Core or Pre-AP

• History

• Science

Every Student Takes:

Pre AP Academic Profile

• Consistently makes 3’s in elementary school.

• Are willing to work hard, complete all

assignments on time, and are conscientious

students.

• Are ready to commit to a course sequence

leading to AP Calculus in high school.

• Is well organized.

• Seeks help when needed.

Pre–AP Math Classes

• These classes are intended to prepare

students for AP Calculus or AP Statistics.

• 6th Grade students in the Pre-AP program

learn 2 years of math content in one year’stime.

• Students are expected to complete more

intense assignments on their own at home

and to review their class notes each day in

preparation for the next class.

Math Curriculum Sequence

Grade Core Pre – AP

6th 6th Grade TEKS 6th & 7th Grade TEKS

7th 7th Grade TEKS8th Grade TEKS

(Pre Algebra)

8th8th Grade TEKS

(Pre Algebra) Algebra I

9th Algebra I Geometry

10th Geometry Algebra II

11th Algebra II Pre-Calculus

12th Statistics Calculus or Statistics

Other Levels of Courses

• ESL: Non or limited English speakers.

• Special Education: Continuum of services.

• Gifted and Talented: Identified GT students.

Gifted and Talented

• If your child is in GT, Karen Green will provide us

with the information for placement of classes.

• For now, you just check Pre AP math.

• If you have questions about GT,

• Email: kjgreen@mckinneyisd.net

Typical 6th Grade Day

• Language Arts: Every day for 52 minutes.

• Math: Every day for 104 minutes.

• Science: Every day for 52 minutes.

• History: Every day for 52 minutes.

• Physical Education: Every day for 52 minutes.

• Elective: Each day for about 52 minutes.

Physical Education Requirement

• Every student is required to complete 4 semesters

of Physical Education while in the Middle School.

• In 6th Grade every student takes Physical

Education every day for the year.

• This completes 2 semesters of the Physical

Education Requirement.

• There is a health component that is taught in the

Physical Education class.

Electives Choices

• Art - Limited Spots Available

• Band

• Choir

• Orchestra

• AVID

*All electives are full year electives.

What’s New For Students?

• Lockers

• Backpacks

• Changing Classes

• Lunch (Lots of Choices)

• Getting Involved

• Extra curricular activities

• Clubs

Decisions To Make

• Which level of academic class in Math is most

appropriate for your child?

• Which elective (Art, Band, Choir or Orchestra)

is most appropriate for your child?

Registration

• Students will register at their home elementary

campus.

• Forms are due to students elementary home

room teacher on February 27th.

• Any changes after February 27th need to be

handled through the Middle School.

Parent Information

• Communication

• Email Distribution List

• Web Site

http://legacy.mckinneyisd.net/Campuses/school_

websites/dowell/

• Progress Reports & Report Cards

• Student Planners

• Home Access Center

Welcome To Dowell!

• Due Date: February 27, 2017.

• Return Registration Form to homeroom teacher.

• Schedule pick up/Meet the Teacher will be

August 22, 2017.

• Lion Pride Camp on Friday, June 2nd from 9-11.

Welcome to

DOWELL MIDDLE SCHOOL

2017 - 2018