EISENHOWER MIDDLE SCHOOL
PLANNING FOR EIGHTH GRADE
LOOKING AHEAD
Eighth grade is an important part of your education. It is the year in which you must really begin to think seriously about high school. You will have the opportunity to strengthen your academic foundations and to gain new skills that you will need for the courses and activities in high school.
You should try to participate in extracurricular activities and have fun but dont lose sight of your future goals. To participate in any extracurricular activity you must be passing all classes with a 70 or above average. The courses taken and the grades earned in eighth grade will be a major factor in determining what you take in high school. Regular attendance, participation and a cooperative attitude are as important on your school records as good grades.
REQUIRED COURSES
As an eighth grade student, you will be required to take the following courses:
English ............All Year
Reading ............All Year
Math .............All Year
Science .............All Year
American History .........................All Year
**Physical Education/Athletics.......All Year
*Elective ..................Two semester electives or one all year elective
*Students who do not pass the reading or math portion of the TAKS will take an enrichment class in lieu of an elective.
**Students currently enrolled in an all year fine art (band, choir, orchestra, or theatre arts) and Spanish 1A may waive their PE requirement in grade eight in order to continue their fine art and Spanish 1B.
SELECTION OF AN ELECTIVE
You should choose
your elective carefully. Once this is
done changes will not be permitted.
All year electives require a
full year commitment. Therefore, it is
recommended that you:
1. Consider your interests and your abilities.
2. Study the descriptions of the electives.
3. Discuss your choice with your parents.
4. Ask your teachers or the counselor for assistance if you need additional information.
Some elective courses may be taken only with teacher
recommendation. Students are encouraged
to take advantage of the opportunity to investigate different electives.
ELECTIVE PURPOSE STATEMENT
The purpose of elective classes in middle school is to explore a variety of interests and they are designed to meet the State TEKS as well as the North East Standards. Although electives can be considered fun to attend they require commitment: homework, tests, outside activities, projects, and performances. Grades earned will be used to determine eligibility for extra-curricular activities. Elective grades are also used in computing overall averages required for promotion.
IN ORDER TO BE
ENROLLED IN THE PRE-AP CLASSES, THE STUDENT WILL BE REQUIRED TO RETURN A
COMMITMENT FORM SIGNED BY BOTH THE PARENT AND THE STUDENT.
PRE-AP CLASSES
Pre-AP is a concerted effort to fulfill the College Board mission to champion educational excellence for all students. Pre-AP teaches and reinforces crucial academic skills in the greatest possible number of students, beginning in the middle school years. Pre-AP is a set of content-specific strategies to:
ENGLIGH 8 PRE-AP- This is a rigorous college preparatory course
based on a set of content-specific strategies designed to introduce skills,
concepts, and assessment methods that prepare students for success when they
take Advanced Placement and other challenging courses in high school. Added to this specialized curriculum
(Advanced Course of Study) are advanced grammar and logic, including-but not
limited to inference and generalization; literature of various genres,
periods, and cultures; multi-paragraph essays for a variety of purposes and
audiences; oral presentations and listening skills; study skills; and research
involving documentation. A key
component of the course is the Junior Great Books Program, which promotes
Shared Inquiry discussions of both literature and nonfiction with multiple
levels of meaning. English 8 Pre-AP is
designed for students interested in developing advanced language arts skills.
We also have extended learning classes (gifted/talented). If you are interested in ELP please contact the school counselor
ALGEBRA I PRE-AP (HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT) - The course is designed for the mathematics student who intends to take Calculus in high school. Topics include algebraic thinking and symbolic reasoning, function concepts, the relationship between functions and equations, and the underlying mathematical processes. Relevant problem solving is interwoven into all topics. The use of graphing calculators and computers is integrated throughout the curriculum. To be successful in this course, a student must have a strong foundation in all the pre-algebra skills.
SCIENCE PRE-AP- The eighth grade Science Pre-AP course will include the regular eighth grade Science TEKS with an emphasis on extending the Physics and Chemistry strands to align with the Integrated Physics and Chemistry TEKS. The course will challenge the student to use critical thinking skills and problem solving techniques that will require the use of higher-level math skills. There will be extensive use of technology for analysis, extrapolation and communication of data. Students will be required to do a competition quality Science Project (i.e. Science Fair). Pre-AP teaching strategies will be incorporated throughout the course.
U.S. HISTORY PRE-AP- The eighth grade U.S. History is a rigorous college preparatory course based on a set of content-specific strategies designed to introduce skills, concepts, and assessment methods that prepare students for success when they take Advanced Placement and other challenging courses in high school. The course will include the regular 8th grade U.S. History TEKS, with an emphasis on learning and writing skills using appropriate topics within U.S. History.
ART - 7TH GRADE
SEMESTER
This class is designed to introduce students to the basics of art.
Seventh grade art compares and contrasts the art elements and principles through experiences with a variety of art media and tools in design, drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, fiber art, photographic imagery, and electronic media-generated art; analyzes historical and cultural influences on artwork; and evaluates art through discussion and critique.
ART - 8TH
GRADE - SEMESTER
Eighth grade art defines a variety of concepts directly related to the art elements and principles through experiences with media and tools in design, drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, fiber art, photographic imagery, and electronic media-generated art: analyzes technological, historical and cultural influences on art work; and evaluates artworks through discussion and critique.
IF A STUDENT TAKES THIS COURSE IN THE SEVENTH GRADE, THEY CANNOT TAKE THIS CLASS IN THE EIGHTH GRADE.
IN THIS 7TH AND 8TH GRADE SEMESTER CLASS, TYPES OF EXPERIENCES COULD INCLUDE HANDS ON, VIDEOS, LECTURES, ETC. DISPLAYS AND COMPETITIONS ARE ENCOURAGED DURING THIS CLASS. STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO FURNISH SOME OF THEIR OWN SUPPLIES.
ART - 8TH
GRADE - (FULL YEAR) - TEACHER APPROVAL
This all year class builds on the skills acquired in seventh grade art. Eighth grade art defines a variety of
concepts directly related to the art elements and principles through experiences with media and tools in design, drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, fiber art, photographic imagery, and electronic
media-generated art; analyzes technological, historical and cultural influences on artwork; and evaluates
artworks through discussion and critique.
TYPES OF EXPERIENCES COULD INCLUDE HANDS ON, VIDEOS, LECTURES. DISPLAYS AND
COMPETITIONS ARE ENCOURAGED DURING THIS ALL YEAR CLASS. STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO FURNISH SOME OF THEIR OWN SUPPLIES.
THEATER ARTS - 7TH AND 8TH SEMESTER
Basic emphasis will be placed on the expressive use of body and voice. Students will work on the process
of acting. They will learn about technology of theater, multi-cultural diversity in theater and the
basic knowledge of radio and TV. This is an introduction into the performing art of theater.
THEATER ARTS - 7TH
AND 8TH - SEMESTER - TEACHER APPROVAL WITH PREREQUISITIE OR THEATER ARTS TRAINING.
This is an extension of the curriculum which starts to teach the product of acting. This is taught as a competition class to incorporate the speech and drama tournaments. This course requires each student to participate in outside competitions scheduled in advance. Students take on a great deal of individual responsibility and are required to have strong organizational skills. The Texas Knowledge and Skills are incorporated into the performance-based study of the events that they prepare.
THEATER ARTS - 7TH
AND 8TH - ALL YEAR - TEACHER APPROVAL WITH PREREQUISITE
OR THEATER ARTS
TRAINING.
The theater arts curriculum continues and expands upon previous basic speech and/or drama classes. Special emphasis is placed on the following areas: tournament events, script writing, acting, play production techniques, theater appreciation, and independent study. Students for this class are selected on
the basis of ability, maturity, responsibility level, and desire to continue in speech/theater arts past the middle school level. Guest speakers and elective planning for high school are included in this class only.
Field trips and activities outside the classroom are also stressed. This course requires a student to participate in a One-Act theater production, talent show and several competition events.
EXPLORING MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY 7TH OR 8TH GRADE - ONE SEMESTER
An exploratory course designed for students to investigate the types of activities performed in the manufacturing industry. Laboratory experiences allow students to explore the skills and technologies of the manufacturing industries. The content includes the application of technology; the design of products and services; emerging and innovative technologies; safety and maintenance of technology; codes, laws and standards; marketing; and technology-related career explorations. Activities in this course may include designing and drafting, manufacturing parts, using tools and machines, and planning a manufacturing project.
EXPLORING ENERGY,
POWER AND TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGY - 7TH OR 8TH GRADE -
ONE SEMESTER
An exploratory course designed for students to investigate the types of activities performed in the energy, power, and transportation industry. Laboratory experiences allow students to explore the skills and technologies of the energy, power, and transportation industries. The content includes the application of technology; the design of products and services; emerging and innovative technologies; safety and maintenance of technology; codes, laws and standards; marketing; and technology-related career explorations. Activities in this course may include building solar collectors; designing, making, and testing land and space vehicles; using pneumatic and electrical devices; and research on alternative energy sources.
EXPLORING CONSTRUCTION
TECHNOLOGY - 7TH OR 8TH GRADE - ONE SEMESTER
An exploratory course designed for students to investigate the types of activities performed in the construction industry. Laboratory experiences allow students to explore the skills and technologies of the construction industry. The content includes the application of technology; the design of products and services; emerging and innovative technologies; safety and maintenance of technology; codes, laws and standards; marketing; and technology-related career explorations. Activities in this course may include building models of buildings, using construction tools and machines, and designing and building simple structures.
SPANISH 1-A - 7TH GRADE - ALL YEAR
Spanish 1-A is the approximate equivalent of the first half of Spanish I at the high school level. It is for the student who wants to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills over a variety of topics. It allows the student to obtain a solid foundation in Spanish at a more leisurely pace than at the high school level. It is recommended that the student interested in Spanish 1-A have at least an 80 average in English. Spanish 1-A does not give high school credit unless Spanish 1-B is also taken.
SPANISH 1-B - 8TH GRADE - ALL YEAR
Spanish 1-B is a continuation of seventh grade Spanish 1-A. It is the approximate equivalent of the second half of Spanish 1 at the high school level. Students who successfully complete Spanish 1-A are eligible for this class. Successful completion of both Spanish 1-A and 1-B will allow the student to move into Spanish II or Spanish II (Honors) at the high school level. One unit of high school credit is given upon successful completion of both Spanish 1-A and Spanish 1-B.
BEGINNING GIRLS CHOIR
- 7TH AND 8TH GRADE GIRLS - ALL YEAR
This class is open to all 7th and 8th grade girls with no previous choral experience. Emphasis will be placed on strengthening the fundamentals of singing, rhythmic and melodic accuracy, and sight singing. Students
will have the opportunity to perform in solo and ensemble contest, Region Choir auditions, UIL Concert/Sight-reading Contest, a Spring Choral Festival and numerous concerts throughout the school year. There will be a required uniform and a number of required performances.
GIRLS CHORALE - 7TH
AND 8TH GRADE GIRLS - ALL YEAR (AUDITIONS REQUIRED)
Membership in this choir is open to 7th and 8th grade girls with previous choral experience. Emphasis will be placed on strengthening the fundamentals of singing, rhythmic and melodic accuracy, and sight singing.
Students will have the opportunity to perform in solo and ensemble contest, Region Choir auditions, UIL Concert/Sight-reading Contest, a Spring Choral Festival and numerous concerts throughout the school
year. There will be a required uniform and a number of required performances.
BOYS CHORUS - 7TH AND 8TH GRADE BOYS - ALL YEAR
This choir is open to all 7th and 8th grade boys that would like to learn to sing. No previous choir experience is necessary. While learning the basic of music, special attention will be paid to the changing adolescent male voice. Styles to be sung will range from sea chanteys to pop to barbershop. Students will have the opportunity to participate in various concerts and contests. There will be required uniform and a number of required performances.
SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA -
7TH AND 8TH GRADE-ALL-TEACHER APPROVAL
This class is open to all 7th and 8th grade students with previous orchestra experience. To be selected for
this class, a recommendation from the orchestra director is required. Students study advanced techniques
on violin, viola, cello, or string bass. Students will be encouraged to perform in the solo and ensemble
contest, participate in Region orchestra auditions and participate in the UIL String Contest. Performance
possibilities will be broad, including: elementary schools, assembly programs, special programs and contests. There will be a required uniform and a number of required performances.
SINFONETTA
ORCHESTRA - 7TH AND 8TH
GRADE - ALL YEAR - TEACHER APPROVAL
Seventh and eighth grade students who have successfully completed beginning orchestra or 6th grade intermediate orchestra are selected for this group. Students audition for Region Orchestra, District Honors orchestra, Solo and Ensemble, UIL, and music festivals throughout the year. There will be a required uniform and a number of required performances.
BEGINNING BAND - 7TH
AND 8TH GRADE - ALL YEAR
Basic music and playing instruction for wind and percussion instruments are the two major goals of this class. No previous music training or band experience is necessary. Students will participate in concerts, elementary school programs, and solo and ensemble contest. Students and parents must meet with the band directors to determine which instrument the student will play and to receive information about renting or purchasing an instrument. Students will be placed in separate classes for each instrument to facilitate specialized instruction. Enrollment is limited for particular instruments in accordance with typical band instrumentation. Beginning percussion will not be offered for seventh and eighth grade.
CONCERT I BAND - 7TH
AND 8TH GRADE - ALL YEAR - TEACHER APPROVAL
Placement is determined by audition. This is a performing band with an emphasis on individual and group performance and continuation of development of the basic and advanced fundamentals of instrumental playing (tone production, embouchure, music history, style, and music theory). Students will be required to perform in several concerts, UIL contest, and solo and ensemble contest. They will also have the opportunity to participate in district auditions, elementary school performances, and other events.
CONCERT II BAND - 7TH
AND 8TH GRADE - ALL YEAR - TEACHER APPROVAL
Placement is determined by audition. This is a performing band with an emphasis on the continuation of development of basic fundamentals of instrumental playing (tone production, embouchure, music history, and music theory). Students will perform on several concerts and will have the opportunity to participate in solo and ensemble contest, full band contests, and other events.
SYMPHONIC BAND - 7TH
AND 8TH GRADE - ALL YEAR - TEACHER APPROVAL
Placement is determined by audition. This is the highest level of performing band
at Eisenhower, with emphasis on both individual and group performance, and the
continuation of advanced fundamentals of instrumental playing (tone production,
style, music theory, musicianship, and music history.) Students will be required to perform in
several concerts, UIL contest, solo and ensemble contest, district band
auditions and to represent Eisenhower at school and other events. Membership in this organization will be
strictly limited and is by audition only.
Members must have a sincere desire to excel and work for outstanding
performance results, not only for the band, but also for themselves.
SKILLS FOR LIVING - 8TH
GRADE - SEMESTER (FOODS)
This one semester course allows students to explore and develop skills in the areas of personal
and career effectiveness, family relationships, child care practices, peer relationships and effective communication. Personal management skills include decision-making, effective consumer practices, good nutrition and health practices, good grooming practices and goal setting. This course includes many hands-on activities, such as cooking labs.
FAMILY AND CONSUMER
SCIENCE - 8TH GRADE - SEMESTER
(CLOTHING)
This one semester course is an introduction to the techniques of clothing construction. Students will learn the elements of fashion and how to select and care for clothing. Other units of study include child care and development, personal grooming and an introduction to home furnishings.
*Students will supply
materials for personal sewing project.
PEER ASSISTANCE
LEADERSHIP 8TH GRADE- ALL YEAR- INTERVIEWS/APPLICATIONS/
AND TEACHER APPROVAL
Organizational Description: Peer Assistance and Leadership provides an opportunity for other students to interact with these selected eighth grade role models. PALs learn to be mentors to younger students and
even with peers their own age. They also learn to be mediators to help with conflict resolution among students. Throughout the year, PALs interact with the special education students and students during their lunch time once a week. Furthermore, PALs host a tutoring session once a week to help those in need of academic guidance. PALs participate in community service and educational teaching presentations at various times throughout the year. These life skills and leadership activities help to equip students to be well-rounded, responsible adolescents. It is an honor to be chosen as a PAL and to be a school-wide representative and role model. There will be two separate classes of PALS and the responsibilities noted above will vary based on your assigned class period.
JOURNALISM/YEARBOOK - ALL YEAR 8TH GRADE
This class is for the student who enjoys writing. Students will work in the areas of news and feature writing and proofreading. This course includes studies in journalistic writing and characteristics of newspaper pages, newspaper layout, basic photography, and yearbook production. Students in this class will have the responsibility of working on the school yearbook.
OFFICE AIDE - 8TH GRADE - SEMESTER
This is a course for students who want to be of service to their school.
STUDENT AIDE INFORMATION
The following criteria has been established for Student Aide applications:
*No record of serious disciplinary problems and no U in conduct in
the seventh grade.
*Good attendance record.
*No semester grade below a 70 in the seventh grade.
*Presentable personal appearance.
*Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
The administrative staff will determine the final selection, assignment, and approval of students for student aide positions. Students must be willing to be a student aide where the administrative staff places them. NO EXCEPTIONS MADE.