SHARYLAND NORTH JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

1. SHARYLAND NORTH JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL COURSE DESCRIPTION AND REGISTRATION MANUAL 2014 – 2015

2. Board of Trustees Dr. Noe Oliveira President Mr. Fernando Ramirez Vice President Dr. Noel Garza Secretary Mr. Ricky Longoria Asst. Secretary Mr. Eddie Montalvo Member Mr. Rolando Pena Member Mr. Juan F. Zuniga Member District Administration Dr. Virginia N. Richter Superintendent Mr. Jesse Muniz Asst. Superintendent for Finance Dr. Nereida Cantu Asst. Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Mrs. Pamela MontalvoElementary Curriculum Coordinator Mrs. Carolyn Mendiola Middle School Curriculum Coordinator Ms. Yasmina Nye Asst. Superintendent for Human Resources Mrs. Debra Alaniz-Roque Sp. Education/504 Director Mrs. Teresa Gonzalez Director of Federal Programs Sharyland North Junior High Administration Mrs. Leticia Leal Principal Mr. Hector Limas Asst. Principal Ms. Veronica Rodriguez Asst. Principal Mrs. Christina Maldonado Counselor Mrs. Norma Salazar Counselor B. L. Gray Junior High Administration Mrs. Lori A. Garza Principal Mr. Jose Segura Asst. Principal Mrs. Asst. Principal Mrs. Carol Santiago Counselor Mrs. Hilda Gonzalez Counselor

3. SHARYLAND NORTH JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL WELCOMES YOU TO THE 2013-2014 SCHOOL YEAR Dear Students and Parents, Sharyland North Jr. High School offers a variety of courses to meet the diverse needs of our students. All students who register at Sharyland North Junior High School must meet both the state and local district requirements for promotion. The pre-registration process provides our counselors the first opportunity to help your student meet his or her individual needs. With the help of the parents, the process will be more informative and more personalized. This is a very important and serious step in establishing the foundation for a good education in middle school. The decisions made by the student at this age will affect their future education in high school. It is our hope that the selection of courses will help guide your students successfully through the next two years of his/her middle school education. The pre-registration process will occur in the Spring Semester of the school year. Our counselors will visit with the students at their home school and they will assist parents through Parent Night Meetings. The Junior High Staff has worked closely in developing the pre-registration material for you and the student; it will prove to be very useful in this major event of your child’s life. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to call our counselors or administrators. Sincerely, Administrative Staff Sharyland North Junior High

4. Program Description REQUIRED PROGRAM This is the program of study for the student who wishes knowledge in all areas of instruction. This course of study addresses all requirements of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and includes the use of technology. These are the skills necessary for learning and graduating in the state of Texas. PRE-AP PROGRAM The Pre-AP/(early High School credit) program is a challenging course of study for students who desire an educational experience beyond the required curriculum. The focus of the program is to provide students increased opportunities to engage in active questioning, analysis, and communication. Pre-Advanced Placement classes offer students rigorous instruction while requiring students to meet a higher level of responsibility. All Pre-AP students and parents are required to read and sign the following agreement to ensure they understand their responsibilities.

5. Entrance Criteria for Pre AP Courses (Open Enrollment) • The Pre-AP/(early High School credit) program is a challenging course of study for students who desire an educational experience beyond the required curriculum. The focus of the program is to provide students increased opportunities to engage in active questioning, analysis, and communication. Pre-Advanced Placement classes offer students rigorous instruction while requiring students to meet a higher level of responsibility. All Pre-AP students and parents are required to read and sign the following agreement to ensure they understand their responsibilities. The student is expected to: • * Complete all class assignments which are planned to increase student understanding. • * Budget time effectively and efficiently. • * Seek help when needed by meeting with teachers or attending tutorial sessions. • * Have good attendance.

6. Exit Criteria Pre-AP and High School Credit Courses The following criteria are in effect: • If a student earns an ”F” for any class during any six weeks grading period, he/she will be placed on academic probation automatically for three weeks. The student must pass all subsequent six weeks grading periods, or the student will be transferred to a regular program course. The parent will be notified at the progress report period (3 weeks) of the students’ status. • Any two “F’s” during the academic year or a semester average below 65 will result in an automatic transfer to a regular program course.

7. LANGUAGE ARTS(English/Literature)(90 minute block) REGULAR This course is designed to further develop language, reading comprehension and writing skills and strategies. Through a variety of genre, emphasis on vocabulary development and the writing process will be an ongoing component of the program. Students will develop research skills and techniques. Strong attention will be given to literacy appreciation by analyzing literary elements and devices in all types of prose and poetry. Students will further develop writing fluency by writing for a variety of audiences and purposes with strong attention to elaboration and revision techniques in the writing process. PRE-AP This course is designed to enrich and accelerate the required curriculum for the motivated students. In addition to the content of required classes, there will be an emphasis on further development of critical reading comprehension skills and strategies. Students will focus on writing fluency, form and correctness for a variety of audiences and purposes. Strong attention will be given to writing as a recursive process, sophisticated elaboration, and revision techniques. Focus will include SAT vocabulary development, research skills, and critical reading skills. Strong attention will be given to analyzing literary elements and sophisticated devices in a variety of genre. • All English/Language Arts teachers are ESL certified/endorsed. ESL students are mainstreamed into regular classes. • All Pre-AP teachers meet TEA/Gifted and Talented training requirements. G/T students are mainstreamed into Pre-AP classes.

8. MATH (90 minute block) PRE-ALGEBRA (7TH & 8TH GRADE) This course is a pre-requisite for taking Algebra I. The students shall use skills associated with understanding numbers, proportions, probability, percents, equations, geometric figures, and graphing. This course is considered to be grade level 8th grade or advanced placement for 7th grade students. PRE-ALGEBRA PRE-AP This course is a pre-requisite for taking Algebra I. The students shall use skills associated with understanding numbers, proportions, probability, percents, equations, geometric figures, and graphing. ALGEBRA I (8th GRADE) This course is designed for the student who has successfully completed Algebra ½. The student shall use skills involving measurements, two and three dimensional geometric figures, area, surface area and volume, similarity and congruence, geometric constructions with compass and straight edge, right triangle, proportionality, percents, probability, linear functions, and operating a graphing calculator. This course is offered as advanced placement for 8th grade students. Students earn high school credit toward graduation. The state of Texas End-Of Course Exam for Algebra I is administered in May. GEOMETRY PRE-AP (8TH GRADE) The subject content in this course will emphasize geometric thinking and spatial reasoning; geometric figures and their properties; the relationship between geometry, other mathematics, and other disciplines; tools for geometric thinking; and underlying mathematical processes. Emphasis will be placed on area and volume as well as on identification and recognition of two and three-dimensional geometric figures and their properties. SOCIAL STUDIES 8TH GRADE UNITED STATES HISTORY History of the United States from Beginnings to 1877 provides a comprehensive course focusing on the political, economic, and social issues, which have challenged our nation from its early Colonial stage through the Reconstruction Era. The use of a variety of primary and secondary source materials will enable students to analyze, organize, and evaluate the impact of key issues, events, and individuals on the development of the United States, as stated in “Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Social Studies”. In meeting this goal students will be introduced to the cultural diversity of our country and its democratic heritage. This, in turn, will foster an understanding of their individual identity as Americans emphasizing the importance of basic democratic values leading them to become civically, responsible citizens. 8TH GRADE UNITED STATES HISTORY PRE-AP Pre-AP United States History is offered for those students who want to prepare for high school AP (Advanced Placement) classes. Students choosing Pre-AP classes should be strong writers and readers. These classes emphasize the development of advanced skills and encourage students to strive for academic excellence. Pre-AP strategies include introducing skills necessary to prepare students for success in high school AP classes. These strategies include researching and completing independent projects, concentration on extensive vocabulary development, interviewing skills, interpreting historical documents, oral presentations, use of internet for research purposes, engaging in debates which explore conflicting historical interpretations, etc. These activities will enhance critical thinking skills.

9. INTEGRATED SCIENCE 8TH GRADE INTEGRATED SCIENCE REGULAR In Grade 8, the study of science includes planning and conducting field and laboratory investigations using scientific methods, analyzing data, critical thinking, scientific problem-solving, and using tools such as telescopes to collect and analyze information. The students will also able to recognize the changing and increasing body of knowledge in science. The students will examine information on the periodic table to recognize that elements are grouped into families. The students will able to predict possible outcomes that result from different genetic combinations and explore the extinction of some species. The students will investigate to learn about the natural world and able to identify the roles of both human activities and natural events in altering Earth systems. 8TH GRADE PRE-AP INTEGRATED SCIENCE In addition to the above, Pre-AP will be given opportunities to further analyze, explore and question scientific theories. They will be expected to give presentations, research project (rockets, solar system, rock cycle, tornado model, metric system, water cycle, constellation, frog dissection, atom model), and write essays and other activities of a higher cognitive level. INTERATED PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY (IPC) – H.S. Credit General Requirements: Students shall be awarded one high school credit for successful completion of this course. Prerequisites: Algebra 1. This course integrates the disciplines of physics and chemistry in the following topics: motion, waves, energy transformations, properties of matter, changes in matter and solution chemistry. The students will conduct field and laboratory investigations using safe environmentally appropriate, and ethical practices for at least 40% of instructional time. The students will able to recognized that all systems have basic properties that can be described in terms of space, time energy and matter. A comprehensive study of elements, bonding, periodic table, chemical reactions, and brief introduction to organic chemistry will be done. The students will explore the Newton’s Law of motions, electricity, Kinematics, Levers, and simple machines. This course is math based and students need to have strong math background to be successful in completion of this course. The students will be expected to do oral and PowerPoint presentations; research projects (rockets, battery operated toys, video taping, and Cartesian divers) and writes essays and other activities (Physics Olympics) of a higher cognitive level. ***IPC is only for 8th graders and is offered for H.S. credit.***

10. FULL YEAR COURSES

11. ATHLETICS GIRL’S ATHLETICS – 7TH GRADE & 8th GRADE This course is designed to utilize the development of athletic skills needed for competitive UIL volleyball, basketball, and track. Students selected from this class form the teams that will compete against other schools in UIL volleyball, basketball, and track. Those not selected will be in an off-season training for another sport. Students in this class will be required to practice before and/or after school, pass all classes with a minimum grade of 70, maintain good conduct grades and have a desire to participate in high school athletics. (Soccer and Cross Country) BOY’S ATHLETICS – 7TH GRADE & 8TH GRADE This course is designed to develop the skills needed for competitive football, basketball and track. Students selected from this class form the teams that will compete against other schools in UIL football, basketball, and track. Those not selected will participate in an off-season training program for another sport. Students in this class will be required to practice before and after school, pass all classes with a minimum grade of 70, maintain good conduct grades and progress a desire to participate in high school athletics. (Soccer and Cross Country) TENNIS – 7TH GRADE & 8th Grade Male and female students practice basic tennis skills, compete and prepare for the high school tennis team. Approval of coach is required. Tryouts will be required. Athletic Sports in 7th and 8th grade BOYSGIRLS 8th/7th Red Football (no limit) 8th/7th Red Volleyball (15 players) 8th/7th White Football (no limit) 8th/7th White Volleyball (20 players) 8th/7th Red Basketball (15 players) 8th/7th Red Basketball (15 players) 8th/7th White Basketball (20 players) 8th/7th White Basketball (20 players) 8th/7th Track and Field (35/35 runners) 8th/7th Track and Field (35/35 runners) 8th/7th Soccer (25/25 players) 8th/7th Soccer (25/25 players) 8th/7th Cross Country (20/20 runners) 8th/7th Cross Country (20/20 runners)

12. PHYSICAL EDUCATION PHYSICAL EDUCATION The Physical Education Department follows a curriculum that consists of three weeks of physical education and three weeks of health. Each six weeks has a different theme that is integrated from the physical education class into the health class. For example, this six weeks our theme is risk factors and personal fitness, and for P.E. we are concentrating on basketball and tetherball, two lifetime sports that can be played at any age. We make sure that all students stretch out well before any physical activity to avoid injury. After they are taught the proper technique and form of the class period. Students are graded on participation as well as behavior and uniform. The health class covers three weeks and consists of a chapter related to the sports or activities we are performing in P.E. Health classes also consist of audio and video aids as well as guest speakers and even a field trip. Grades for health include assignments, projects and tests.

13. Fine Arts Junior High Bands – Cadet, Concert, Symphonic, Honors The Sharyland North Junior High School Band program is designed to promote and encourage students with a desire to learn and enjoy music. This is done through a quality instructional and extracurricular experience. The “Band Experience” enriches students’ lives in many ways, and often for years to come after high school graduations. Their self-discipline, social and communication skills, self-concepts, cooperative talents and creative minds will all be nurtured through their study of music. Students need to be placed in the appropriate class as per band staff recommendation. CHOIR – 7TH & 8TH Grade (Girls/Boys) Basic music theory and basic sight-reading skills are taught. Also, much time is spent preparing for musical concepts. Competitions are available in October (solo/ensemble), March (concert/sight reading)and April (all-district choir).

14. Film Production Film Production will introduce students to the pre-production, production, & post-production phases of the filmmaking process. Students will receive a "hands-on" experience with all three phases via the weekly production of The Diamondback News (which airs on the school website), as well as by creating music videos and short films. Media Production/Photography Photography and Video Production is a course that focuses on visual media arts. Major topics to be covered in the photography section include basic and advanced operation of a digital camera, composition techniques, flash photography, and photo editing. Major topics to be covered in the video production section include the basic skills of camera recording, researching and writing scripts, production of a film using a variety of software and tools which also include use of animations, music editing, and capturing pre-recorded video.

15. Foreign Language Spanish I for Spanish Speaker (for High School credit) The Spanish I course for Spanish speaking students will concentrate on the essential grammar elements of the Spanish language. Additionally, it will focus on the uses of irregular verbs that have stem changes, as well as the uses of both present and past tense verbs. It will also stress reflexive, direct object, demonstrative, and possessive pronouns. Finally, it will cover comparative, adverbs, and absolute superlative. This course will also include important cultural aspects of the language such as traditions, food, celebrations, and music. The course will follow the TEKS established by the state of Texas. 1. Communications 2. Cultures 3. Connections 4. Comparisons 5. Communities This course is open to 8th grade students. Spanish I for Non Spanish Speakers (for High School credit) The Spanish I course for Non Spanish Speaking, will introduce students to the basic fundamentals to the Spanish language. The course will focus on relevant items such as verbs, noun, adjectives, and basic grammar rules. In addition, the course will also make students aware of the strong cultural influence of Mexico and Spain on the Spanish language. Some of the course units will included the study of important and famous places such as Montebello, California, San Juan, Puerto Rico, San Antonio, Texas, and Mexico’s, District Federal. All of these will be done through the use of: 1. Readings 2. Dialogues 3. Presentations 4. Projects 5. Educational videos

16. SPANISH AP • The AP Spanish Language course should help prepare students to demonstrate their level of Spanish proficiency across three communicative modes: Interpersonal [interactive communication], Interpretive [receptive communication], and Presentational [productive communication]), and the five goal areas outlined in the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century1 (Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities). The course is meant to be comparable to third year (fifth or sixth semester) college and university courses that focus on speaking and writing in the target language at an advanced level 1. • Students must pass an exam to be in the AP class. • Students will receive High School and College Credit

17. ART II The students will continue to develop the skills learned in Art I. In addition, they will recognize each principle of design in the natural environment and in works of art. They will add the principles to the accumulated knowledge of elements. YEARBOOK As a member of the yearbook staff, students are given the opportunity to plan and design pages using a layout, work cooperatively with peers and participate in planning and engaging marketing strategies. Students will also learn how to use digital, SLR and point-n-shoot cameras, computers and scanners to help in the development of their yearbook.

18. Business Information Management In this course, students apply technical skills to address business applications of emerging technologies, create word-processing documents, develop a spreadsheet, formulate a database, and make an electronic presentation using appropriate software. **This course is for 1 high school credit.**

19. SEMESTER COURSES

20. THEATRE ARTS I AND SPEECH There is a Production Theatre class offered to students who participate in the One Act Play tryout competition and are chosen to perform in the following year’s production. Theatre Arts IThis class will provide opportunities for students to get to know themselves with others, to take safe risks, actively participate in activities and projects, all of which will help them to respond to the world around them with increased energy and sensitivity. The student will develop team spirit and ensemble skills through class competitions. The student will learn to have respect for themselves and others. Activities will promote learning in the areas of basic acting, artistic discipline, imagination, voice control, theatre etiquette, memory, listening, terminology, history of theatre, theatre appreciation, and interpretation of literature. The skills learned in this class can be applied to other experiences and situations in daily life.Speech Communication (For H.S. Credit) Communication is the process of sending and receiving messages to achieve understanding; in other words, the progress of creating understanding through the exchange of messages. Communication is an ongoing activity. It involves a sender, a message, a receiver and a response. It can take place with those around us or within ourselves. This class is designed to help students develop the skills necessary to become an effective communicator. It is designed to promote students’ participation and involvement. Student should realize that learning to speak effectively would prove to be a positive asset to their everyday lives. This class will provide activities that promote learning in the areas of organizations skills, writing skills, critical thinking skills, research skills, listening skills and self confidence. It is not a simple process but by taking this class, the student will begin to break the process down into parts. They will be able to understand how those parts relate to each other and how the process, as a whole, functions. Students will learn that the communication process takes place daily. Something that you must use daily requires some level of understanding. Practicing this process will raise the students’ awareness of its importance. Speech Communication is a course designed to be a full year elective open only to the 8th grade students. This course can serve as a high school credit, therefore is taught on an advanced level.

21. ART I The students will develop an awareness and sensitivity to natural and man-made environments, work with inventive and imaginative expression through art materials and tools, develop an understanding and appreciation of self and others through art culture and heritage.

22. Technology Computer I (Computer Literacy) *BEGINNER No prerequisite Basic computer literacy and keyboarding, basic introduction to word processing, paint and draw, spreadsheets, databases, desktop publishing, electronic presentation, e-mail, the Internet, web pages, computer history and societal impact. Some experience creating, opening, editing and saving documents in a graphical user interface (Windows) environment. Some experience in navigating the Internet using a web browser. Basic knowledge of one of the common operating systems, such as MS Windows 95/98, XP, etc. ______________________________________________________________ Keyboarding Keyboarding is a one-semester course designed to help students develop speed and accuracy by learning the touch operation of alphanumeric/keyboard characters . Emphasis is placed on the following: mastery of the keyboard with desirable keyboarding techniques; development of speed and accuracy; and proper care of the equipment. Keyboarding is foundation for developing entry-level skills for business careers. ______________________________________________________________

23. Teen Leadership This course teaches students to take responsibility, express themselves, and handle problems and decisions when they arise. Students will discover their own self-worth and will approach life prepared to achieve. The course builds personal responsibility and leadership skills through role plays, group activities, speeches and projects. This course counts as an elective credit. Teen Leadership is a program for all students, from the at-risk student to the class valedictorian.

24. Career Exploration The student will choose an educational path or training or a job which fits their interests, skills and abilities. They will be using a career program that will guide them through different career paths that will help them in the future.