Fairfield Junior High School Course Catalogue

Transcription

1 Fairfield Junior High School Course Catalogue The following course descriptions represent the scope of courses offered by Fairfield Junior High School. This school operates an eight period academic day plus lunch. This schedule allows students to take the required courses as well as some electives. Hopefully, this catalogue will provide students and parents useful information as they make scheduling decisions. For more details and/or information, please call the principal, Bryan Gawryszewski, or the counselors Lindy Neill or Pam Chavers at Language Arts and Reading Language Arts, Grade 5 In this course, students are able to select and use different forms of writing for specific purposes such as to inform, persuade, or entertain. Students vary sentence structure and use conjunctions to connect ideas. Fifth graders edit their writing based on their knowledge of grammar and usage, spelling, punctuation, and other conventions of written language. Students produce rough drafts and final written compositions on a regular basis. Students study standard grammar and usage to communicate clearly and effectively. Language Arts, Grade 6 Sixth grade students are able to select and use different forms of writing for specific purposes. Students vary sentence structure and use more complex punctuation such as hyphens, semicolons, and possessives. The students edit their writing based on their knowledge of grammar and usage, spelling, punctuation, and other conventions of written language. Students, again, study grammar and usage to communicate clearly and effectively. Students produce final written compositions on a regular basis for a variety of audiences and purposes and in a variety of forms. English, Grade 7 In this course, students refine and master previously learned knowledge and skills in complex presentations, reading selections, and written compositions. Students will analyze a speaker s persuasive techniques and credibility. Students read widely in classic and contemporary selections and information texts. Students use knowledge of roots, prefixes, and suffixes in reading. Students recognize how style, tone, and mood contribute to the effect of the text. Students use different forms of writing for specific purposes and they vary sentence structure and use verb tenses appropriately. Students will edit their writing and study proper language usage to communicate clearly and

2 effectively. Students produce final written compositions for various audiences and purposes in a variety of forms. At this grade level, writing is tested in the middle school. Honors English, Grade 7 This course includes the same basic content as English, Grade 7. In addition these students will have more extensive writing assignments and enriched reading assignments. Prerequisites for this course are a 90 or higher for the end of the year grade in sixth grade language arts and in reading, and state academic recognition on the reading portion of the TAKS test with the principal s approval. At this grade level, writing is tested in the middle school. Students must maintain a 75 average or above throughout the school year to remain in the Honors Course. Five points will be added to the students six weeks average for Honor Roll purposes only. English, Grade 8 Students refine and master previously learned knowledge and skills in increasingly complex presentations, reading selections, and writing. Students read widely in classic and contemporary selections and informational texts. Students are able to identify characteristics of various literary forms. Students are also able to select and use different forms of writing for specific purposes. Students produce multi-paragraph compositions with varied sentence structure. Students edit their writing based on their knowledge of grammar and usage, spelling, punctuation, and other conventions of written language. Students produce final compositions, and present oral and written reports strengthened by technology. Beginning in , students are required to pass the Grade 8 Reading TAKS to be promoted to Grade 9. Honors English, Grade 8 This course includes the same basic content as English, Grade 8. In addition these students will have more extensive writing assignments and enriched reading assignments. Prerequisites for this course are a 90 or higher for the end of the year grade in English, Grade 7, or an 80 or higher in Honors English, Grade 7, and state academic recognition in the reading portion of the TAKS test and the principal s approval. Students must maintain a 75 average or above throughout the school year to remain in the Honors Course. Five points will be added to the students six weeks average for Honor Roll purposes only. Beginning in , students are required to pass the Grade 8 Reading TAKS to be promoted to Grade 9. Reading, Grade 5 In fifth grade reading, students read from classic and contemporary selections and informational texts. Students can identify a speaker s persuasive technique such as promises, dares, and flattery in presentations. Students are able to judge the internal consistency or logic of stories and texts. Students also recognize the way an author organizes information and engage in more sophisticated analysis of characters, plots, and

3 settings. Students will use a variety of word identification strategies and will read with fluency and understanding in texts at appropriate reading levels. Beginning in , students are required to pass the Grade 5 Reading TAKS to be promoted to Grade 6. Reading, Grade 6 In this course, students also read from classic and contemporary selections and informational texts. Students are able to understand idioms, multi-meaning words, and analogies in text. Students learn denotative and connotative meanings of words, and they recognize literary devices such as flashback, foreshadowing, and symbolism. Students read widely for different purposes in varied sources and acquire an extensive vocabulary. Students analyze the characteristics of various genres and they read to increase knowledge of the elements of various cultures. Reading, Grades 7 8 This course is for students who have performed less than satisfactory in reading and/or who have not mastered the reading portion of the TAKS test. Students work to acquire basic foundations in spelling, phonics, word recognition, comprehension and communication skills. Students should increase their vocabulary and comprehension through reading a variety of different genres and informational texts. A computer based reading program will be used to enhance the efforts to help students achieve mastery of reading skills and to reach their reading grade level. Beginning in , students are required to pass the Grade 8 Reading TAKS to be promoted to Grade 9. Social Studies Social Studies, Grade 5 In this course students learn about the history of the United States from its early beginnings to the present with a focus on colonial times through the 20 th century. Historical content includes the colonial and revolutionary periods, the establishment of the United States, and issues that lead to the Civil War. Students also study the major events and significant individuals of the late 19 th century and the 20 th century, the free enterprise system, the democratic form of government, and the important ideas in the Declaration of Independence and the U. S. Constitution. Social Studies, Grade 6 In grade 6, students study people and places of the contemporary world. Societies selected for study are from these regions: Europe, Russia and the Eurasian republics, North America, Middle America, South America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Students describe the influence of individuals and groups on historical and contemporary events in

4 those societies. The concepts of limited and unlimited government are introduced, and students describe the nature of citizenship in various societies. Texas History, Grade 7 Students study the history of Texas from early times to the present. Content is presented with more depth than in Grade 4. Students examine the full scope of Texas history, including the cultures of Native Americans in Texas, European exploration and the eras of mission building, colonization, revolution, republic, and statehood. The focus in each era is on key individuals, events, and issues and their impact. Students also study the regions of Texas and the distribution of population, and the change from an agrarian to an urban society. United States History, Grade 8 In this course, students study the history of the United States from the early colonial period through Reconstruction. The content builds upon that from Grade 5. The content focuses on the political, economic, and social events and issues related to the colonial and revolutionary eras, the creation and ratification of the U. S. Constitution, challenges of the early Republic, westward expansion, sectionalism, Civil War, and Reconstruction. Students also examine the American beliefs and principles, including limited government, checks and balances, federalism, separation of powers, and individual rights. History skills are tested on the TAKS in middle schools at Grade 8 for the first time. Mathematics Mathematics, Grade 5 The focus in this course is comparing and contrasting lengths, area, and volume of geometric shapes and solids; representing and interpreting data in graphs, charts, and tables; and applying whole number operations in a variety of contexts. Students use formal language to describe their reasoning as they identify, compare, and classify shapes and solids; and they use numbers, standard units, and measurement tools to describe and compare objects, make estimates, and solve application problems. Beginning in , students are required to pass the Grade 5 Math TAKS to be promoted to Grade 6. Mathematics, Grade 6 This course stresses using ratios to describe proportional relationships involving number, geometry, measurement, and probability and adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimals and fractions. Students build a foundation of basic understandings in number, operation, and quantitative reasoning; patterns, relationships, and algebraic thinking; geometry and spatial reasoning; measurement; and probability and statistics.

5 Mathematics, Grade 7 The primary focal points in this course are using proportional relationships in number, geometry, measurement, and probability; applying addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of decimals, fractions, and integers; and using statistical measures to describe data. Students use concepts, algorithms, and properties of rational numbers to explore relationships and to describe increasingly complex situations. Honors Mathematics, Grade 7 Within this course the major points are using basic principles of algebra to analyze and represent proportional and non-proportional relationships and using probability to describe data and make predictions. Students use geometric properties and relationships, as well as, spatial reasoning, to model and analyze situations and solve problems. Students communicate information about objects or situations by quantifying attributes, generalize procedures from measurement experiences, and use the procedures to solve problems. Prerequisites for seventh graders to take this course are a 90 or higher for the end of the year grade in sixth grade math, state academic recognition on the math portion of the TAKS test, and the principal s approval. Students must also maintain a 75 average or higher throughout the school year in order to remain in the Honors course. Five points will be added to the six week grade for honor roll purposes only. Mathematics, Grade 8 Within this two hour course the major points are using basic principles of algebra to analyze and represent proportional and non-proportional relationships and using probability to describe data and make predictions. Students use geometric properties and relationships, as well as, spatial reasoning, to model and analyze situations and solve problems. Students communicate information about objects or situations by quantifying attributes, generalize procedures from measurement experiences, and use the procedures to solve problems. Beginning in , students are required to pass the Grade 8 Math TAKS to be promoted to Grade 9. Honors Mathematics, Grade 8 This course offers foundation concepts for high school mathematics. The basic understandings of number, operation, and quantitative reasoning; patterns, relationships, and algebraic thinking; geometry; measurement; and probability and statistics are essential foundations for all work in high school mathematics. Students will continue to build on this foundation as they expand their understanding through other mathematical experiences. Other main components of this course are these: algebraic thinking and

6 symbolic reasoning, function concepts, relationships between equations and functions, tools for algebraic thinking, and underlying mathematical processes. Honors Math in seventh grade is a prerequisite for taking this course and the principal s approval. Students must also maintain a 75 average or higher throughout the school year in order to remain in the Honors course. Five points will be added to the six week grade for honor roll purposes only. Beginning in , students are required to pass the Grade 8 Math TAKS to be promoted to Grade 9. Algebra I, Grade 8 This course is designed to provide a firm foundation for future mathematics courses. Among the topics studied are real number operations, rational and polynomial concepts, linear equations and equalities in one or two variables, graphing, square roots, and quadratic functions. Technology will be emphasized with all students learning to efficiently operate a graphing calculator. Prerequisites for this course are: maintaining a 75 or higher average in 7 th Grade Honors Math and earning Commended Performance on the 7 th Grade Math TAKS test. Beginning in , students are required to pass the Grade 8 Math TAKS to be promoted to Grade 9. Basic Math, Grades 7 This math course is for students who may be below grade level in their math skills and/or students who did not master the math portion of the TAKS test. The course involves using whole numbers, mixed numbers, decimals, and fractions in problem solving situations using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Students use appropriate language and organizational structures such as tables and charts to represent and communicate relationships, make predictions, and solve problems. Beginning in , students are required to pass the Grade 8 Math TAKS to be promoted to Grade 9. Science Science, Grade 5 This science study includes planning and implementing field and laboratory investigations using scientific methods, analyzing information, making informed decisions, and using technology tools to support scientific investigations. This course also includes the study of the structures and functions of Earth systems, magnetism, physical states of matter, and different forms of energy. Science skills are tested for the first time with TAKS at this grade level. Science, Grade 6 This course includes conducting field and laboratory investigations using scientific methods, analyzing data, making informed decisions, and using tools such as beakers, test

7 tubes, and spring scales to collect, analyze, and record information as well as using information technology to support investigations. Students also identify components of the solar system, classify substances by their chemical properties, identify life processes and the relationships between structure and function of organisms. Science, Grade 7 This study of science incorporates scientific investigations using technology, critical thinking, problem solving, and using tools such as weather instruments and calculators to collect and analyze information to explain a phenomenon. This course also stresses the chemical and physical properties of substances, placing elements on the periodic table, kinetic and potential energy, and asexual and sexual reproduction in organisms. Science, Grade 8 This course includes scientific investigations using technology, analyzing data, critical thinking, and using tools such as telescopes to collect and analyze information. Students identify the roles of both human activities and natural events in altering Earth systems; students also learn that stars and galaxies are part of the universe, identify light years as a way to describe distance, and learn about cycles within Earth systems. Students examine information on the periodic table and explore the solar, weather, and ocean systems. Students predict possible outcomes that result from different genetic combinations and explore the extinction of some species. Foreign Language Basic Spanish, Grades 5-8 (not offered every year) This course offers students basic conversational skills in Spanish. At the conclusion of this course, students should be able to discuss the weather, make introductions and be comfortable in meeting people in Spanish speaking situations. Students should acquire the ability to understand very basic spoken and written Spanish. Information regarding the cultures of Spanish speaking countries will also be studied. Spanish I, Grade 8 This course offers students basic conversation skills. At the conclusion of this course, students should be able to discuss the weather, make introductions and be comfortable in meeting people in Spanish speaking situations. Students should acquire the ability to understand very basic spoken and written Spanish. Information regarding the cultures of Spanish speaking countries will also be studied. Students may receive high school credit for Spanish I, but the grade is not used in determining a grade point average at F.H.S.

8 Fine Arts Art, Grades 5 8 Four basic strands: perception, creative expression / performance, historical and cultural heritage, and critical evaluation all provide broad, unifying structures for organizing the knowledge and skills students are expected to acquire in art. Students rely on their perceptions of the environment, developed through increasing visual awareness and sensitivity to surroundings, memory, imagination, and life experiences, as a source for creating artworks. They express their thoughts and ideas creatively, while challenging their imagination. Students will also demonstrate an understanding of art history and culture as records of human achievement. Music/Band, Grades 5 8 The band program prepares students to develop individually in the areas of reading music, playing an instrument, music memorization, marching, physical conditioning, and critical listening. A music class is offered for 5 th grade students to introduce the students to reading music, learning basic musical terminology and notes and develop the basics of playing an instrument. Students work to recognize quality of sound, pitch, style, tempo, rhythm, blend, balance, phrasing, dynamics, and articulation. Students are required to know and use note values and rests, keys, scales, musical terms, and proper care of instruments in order to express themselves in the performance experience. Sixth grade band is the initial course that students take to begin their musical experience. There is a beginner band program for seventh and eighth grades for students who did not decide to begin in sixth grade or if they are new to the district and the band opportunity was not presented to them earlier. Sometimes students are placed back in the beginner band if they are changing musical instruments or if they need additional instruction. Physical Education required of all students at FJH Students below sixth grade are required to participate in moderate or vigorous daily physical activity for at least 30 minutes daily, throughout the school year as part of the district s physical education curriculum or through structured activity during recess. Beginning with the school year, students in grades six through eight will be required to participate in daily physical activity for at least 30 minutes for at least four semesters during those grade levels. Health/Physical Education, Grades 5 8 In physical education, students acquire the knowledge and skills for movement that provide the foundation for enjoyment, continued social development through physical activity, and access to a physically active lifestyle. The students should learn the relationship between physical activity and health throughout the life span. Students will participate in moderate to vigorous physical activities on a regular basis and learn lifetime sports and exercise skills. Health is taught in grades 5-6 as part of the physical education curriculum. In health, students study about the functions of different body

9 systems, adolescent growth and development, good nutrition, personal health care, communicable diseases, facts about illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco, and safety and first aid skills. Athletics, Grades 7 8 In these courses students should also acquire the knowledge and skills for movement that provide the foundation for enjoyment, continued social development through physical activity, and access to a physically active lifestyle. Students will participate in particular sports such as volleyball, basketball, football, and track. In these sports students should learn to coordinate movements with teammates to achieve team goals, demonstrate appropriate speed, demonstrate critical elements in specialized skills, and combine skills competently to participate successfully. Students are required to do after-school workouts and games. Misc. Courses and Special Programs Academic Enhancement Program Designed to help struggling students, Academic Enhancement classes are for students who have not mastered the TAKS test and/or may be struggling academically. The Academic Enhancement class is a structured study hall which will allow students to work on assignments under direct supervision and give the students the ability to complete most of their assignments at school. ACE Math/Reading, Grade 5-6 This class is to assist fifth and sixth grade students with their reading skills or math skills; it compliments the objectives that are being taught in fifth grade reading and math courses stressing the TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) objectives. Students may take this class regardless if they have mastered the TAKS test or not; its purpose is to strengthen those skills that students have obtained or assist students who may be lacking in some areas. Computer Applications This class is required of all students prior to leaving junior high school. It teaches students computer literacy and keyboarding as well as computer applications such as MS Office tools, videoconferencing, hardware tools, etc. This class is available in all four grade levels as an elective. Dyslexia Reading Program This is a comprehensive program for students identified as having dyslexic characteristics. The program is a component of the Scottish Rite Hospital and is

10 implemented by a trained paraprofessional with a certified teacher as the director of the program. The program focuses on handwriting techniques, skywriting, letter sounds, phonics skills, and reading skills. Students may spend two and a half years in the program; enrollment decisions are based on an individual basis after proper testing has been administered. Referrals are done as parent or teacher requests through the office. English as a Second Language (ESL) Students with a language survey other than just English, who are below grade level in reading and who are not able to pass an oral language proficiency test, qualify for ESL. For these students, English is not the primary language of the home and parental permission is required for participation. A certified ESL teacher directs the program and the main focus is for these students to acquire the ability to communicate in written and spoken English. Students who gain appropriate grade level reading and pass the reading portion of the TAKS test exit the program with parent permission. Gifted and Talented Program, Grades 5-8 Students in grades 5 and 6, who participate in the pullout Gifted and Talented Program known as AIM, will demonstrate skills in self-directed learning, thinking, research, and communication as evidenced by the development of innovative products and performances that are advanced in relation to students of similar age, experience, or environment and reflect individuality and creativity. Students who have been referred and meet the qualifying standards are admitted into this program. Parents, students, community members and staff may refer a student at any time; testing is done in April of each year. Students in grades 7-8 are served through the Honors Math or Honors English in order to remain identified as gifted and talented at FISD. Life Management Skills (LMS) FJH Life Management Skills is a course in which special education students learn how to set goals, make decisions, manage money, create nutritious meals, and make smart shopping choices. LSM also helps students with family, marriage, and parenthood. Students grow in adult roles as productive, responsible members of society by learning about different choices. Office or Library Aides, Grade 8 Students may apply at the end of their seventh grade year to be an aide in the eighth grade. A class schedule form is given to each seventh grader on which they can designate if they wish to work in the school office or library. Students are selected who have good citizenship and if their course requirements will permit a period as an aide. Office aides deliver messages to students and staff, assist new students in locating their classrooms and lockers, put up and take down the U.S. flag and the Texas flag, keep the paper supply in the teacher workroom stocked, and various other duties as needed by the

11 secretary, PEIMS clerk, counselor, assistant principal, and principal. Library aides help students find books, shelve books, and other duties assigned by the librarian. Special Education Program Students who have been screened and qualify as needing special services may be in this program. To enhance the education of the qualifying students, different types of assistance may be offered such as Resource Mainstream, Resource Pullout for math, reading, or English/language arts, Resource Self Contained / Life Skills, and Content Mastery. This program is based on each student s area of disability and IEP requirements. These students receive assistance for learning disabilities, emotional problems, and/or physical handicapping conditions. The main goal of special education instruction is to mainstream the students back into the regular classroom and at the appropriate grade level as soon as possible. For more information, call the Bi-County Special Education Coop at Various Extracurricular Activities: U.I.L. Academic Contests, grades 5 8 Cheerleading, grades, 7 8 U.I.L. Athletic Contests, grades 7 8 Class Officers, grades, 7 8 Twirlers (Band), grades 7 8 Drum Major, grade 8 Do Something League, grades 5 8 School Library: The school library contains over 6500 books including many reference materials in addition to periodicals and audio/visual materials. The library also houses technological equipment that teachers may use. The library is equipped with twelve computers; six of those are used for research and six are used for card catalog selections. Students normally come to the library from their language arts or reading classes to check out materials; students may also come to the library in the mornings from 7:30 until 8:00. Attention: It is the policy of the Fairfield I.S.D. not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or handicap in its vocational programs, services, or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Eligible students with disabilities shall enjoy the right to a free appropriate public education, which may include instruction in the regular classroom, instruction through special teaching, or instruction through approved contracts. Instruction shall be supplemented by the provision of related services when appropriate. Fairfield ISD will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs. For more information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX Coordinator, and the Section 504 Coordinator, Tony Price, Superintendent, at 615 Post Oak Road, Fairfield, Texas, 75840, or phone

12 Lists of Courses: Students may select courses from the following lists for each grade level. Students are required to take certain courses, while others are optional. Students may wish to write a possible schedule for each grade level in the spaces provided. Students take eight courses at each grade level. Students are required to take such courses as language arts, math, science, social studies, and physical education at all grade levels. Reading is required in the fifth and sixth grades. Dyslexia, ESL, Gifted and Talented and Special Education are through a qualifying process only. Students in grades 7-8 are served through the Honors Math or Honors Reading in order to remain identified as gifted and talented at FISD.

13 Fifth Grade: Language Arts (Special Education or Regular Education) Math (Special Education or Regular Education) Science Social Studies Reading (Special Education or Regular Education) Physical Education ACE Math ACE Reading Academic Enhancement Art Computer Applications Dyslexia English as a Second Language Gifted and Talented (AIM) Music Basic Spanish Fifth Grade Schedule:

14 Sixth Grade: Language Arts (Special Education or Regular Education) Math (Special Education or Regular Education) Science Social Studies Reading (Special Education or Regular Education) Physical Education (need 4 of 6 semesters in grades 6-8) ACE Math ACE Reading Academic Enhancement Art Band Computer Applications Dyslexia English as a Second Language Gifted and Talented (AIM) Basic Spanish Sixth Grade Schedule:

15 Seventh Grade: English (Special Education or Regular Education or Honors) Math (Special Education or Regular Education or Honors) Science Texas History Physical Education or Athletics (need 4 of 6 semesters in grades 6-8) Academic Enhancement Art Band Basic Math Basic Reading Computer Applications English as a Second Language Basic Spanish Seventh Grade Schedule:

16 Eighth Grade: English (Special Education or Regular Education or Honors) Math (Special Education or Regular Education or Honors) Science United States History Physical Education or Athletics (need 4 of 6 semesters in grades 6-8) Academic Enhancement Art Band Basic Math Basic Reading Computer Applications English as a Second Language Spanish I Basic Spanish Library/Office Aide Peer Helper Eighth Grade Schedule: