Counselor's Chronicle
Monthly Newsletter
Decisions, Decisions!
You can find the 7th and 8th grade planning guides below. Please have a discussion with your child about what courses would be appropriate for them, whether it's making a decision to take an advanced class or stepping up to take a high school credit course. If you have a question about any course, please check out the course catalog. Registration will end on March 1st and you will have until June 1st to make any changes to your child's course selections.
Important Dates
National School Counseling Week-February 5th-9th
Interim Testing/Early Release-February 14th 💟
Kindness Week-February 12-16
Spring Book Fair-February 12-16
President's Day-Student Holiday-February 19th
Guidance Greatness
This month's guidance lesson will focus on helping students choose classes for next year so that we are able to help them register in HAC for next year. HAC registration will take place next week, February 5th and 9th.
Seventh Grade:
This month's guidance lesson will focus on helping students choose classes for next year so that we are able to help them register in HAC for next year. HAC registration will take place February 6th and 7th .
Eighth Grade:
We will be visiting our 8th grade students again at the end of February into early March to talk about coping skills and self-regulation.
ADVANCED COURSES
Students in advanced courses will not be removed from those courses. Taking advanced classes requires a commitment and students will be expected to attend tutoring if they are struggling in these courses.
Accelerated Math 7
Students can sign up for Accelerated Math 7 if they are CURRENTLY in Accelerated Math 6.
Other Options for Getting into Acc. Math 7
- If your child is in Regular Math, they must take a placement test at the district office and make above 85% (this test is 7th grade Math).
- Math Bridge- Students can take math bridge which is a two period class and would take the place of one elective. They would be eligible for Algebra as an 8th grader if they pass the course.
- Summer Bridge-This class takes place from April-June and after completing the course students could take Accelerated Math 7.
(Placement will not take place until after testing results are returned)
Advanced MS Algebra 1
Other Options for Getting into Advanced Algebra 1
- If in Regular Math, must take a placement test at the district office and make above 85%
(this test is 8th grade Math)
Pathways to Algebra Program during from April to June
Explore the Electives!
Art
Beginner Art-no experience required. Students will learn basic art skills such as drawing, painting, printmaking, and three dimensional art forms.
Intermediate Art-Prerequisite: Beginner Art; Students continue to build on their skills but begin to develop artistic originality and creativity.
Studio Art-designed for the middle school student who has completed Beginner Art MS 1 and Intermediate Art MS 2 and wishes to continue the study of art at a rigorous level; gives fine art credit for high school credit
Art 1 High School-this course fulfills the fine art credit; no prerequisite
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination)
What is AVID?
AVID is an academic elective course that prepares students for college and career readiness and success! AVID is a family environment that provides a positive, nurturing environment in which students can thrive socially and academically. AVID students collaborate and solve problems though inquiry. AVID students take focused notes, review and study, and academic success is supported with in-class tutorials twice a week.
All students must complete the application and interview process to be enrolled in AVID. If you are interested in AVID, please scan the QR code to complete the information form.
Who is an AVID student?
Advanced Academic Requirements
AVID Standards
Band
No prior music experience or knowledge is required for beginner band. Students have the opportunity to move from beginner band after their first year to intermediate or advanced band depending on the director's decision.
Choir
After their first full year of choir, students can move into intermediate choir and then advanced choir.
CTE COURSES
CTE in education stands for Career and Technical Education.
The Texas Education Agency created a lot of classes that are based on real world jobs.
These classes expose you to knowledge and skills that can prepare you for employment after graduation.
We offer four CTE classes in middle school, STEM Future Lab, PBS Future Lab, Principles of Applied Engineering, and Principles of Human Services. Only 8th grade students can take Principles of Applied Engineering and Principles of Human Services. Both courses offer high school credit.
Dance
Journalism
Orchestra
After their first year, students can move up a level to either intermediate or advanced orchestra depending on how well they play. The orchestra teacher will determine the level.
Spanish 1 and Spanish 2
Students are exposed to basic reading and writing skills, and they will be introduced to the people, their customs, and other aspects of the culture. Students have the opportunity to work in pairs and small groups to role play real-life situations using the target language.
Theater
Students have the opportunity to build on their skills throughout middle school. After their first year, students will go into Intermediate Theater 2 and in their 8th grade year, they can take Advanced Theater.
If you have any questions, please reach out to the counseling department.
Parent Pointers: Strength Amid the Stress: Nurturing Yourself and Your Spouse
According to Clarity Child Guidance Center, when family stress is high, communication between spouses is difficult, and their relationship has an impact on their children. Stress can really play a factor if there has been a tragedy or a serious illness in the family. Parents can learn to work through challenges and come out on top if they learn habits that will help their family become stronger and more resilient. Check out this podcast on how to nurture yourself and your spouse.
Strength Amid the Stress: Nurturing Yourself and Your Spouse
Self-Care Corner
Self-Care helps to reduce anxiety and depression, reduce stress, and frustration. In addition, it also increases energy and happiness and improves overall mental health. Below are some ideas for including self-care in your daily life that won't take much time to implement.
If you broke your leg or came down with the flu, would you try to brush it off and deny yourself treatment? Of course not! Most of us would go to the doctor or treat minor injuries as they happen. Emotional and mental health, as well as everyday physical health practices, are just as important. Self-care is a great way for parents to make sure their own needs are being met. You can't care for others if you don't take care of yourself!
Leigh Davis-Head Counselor
210-398-2578
Heather Callihan
210-398-2576
Amber Haby
210-398-2577