All Things Registration
24-25 School Year
Welcome Letter
Dear Highlander Family,
Welcome to our All Things Registration Newsletter for rising 7th and 8th graders at McCullough Junior High.
The staff at McCullough has put together a wealth of information for you to use to make decisions for the 2024-25 academic year. We have used the newsletter format to organize and link everything in one place. This newsletter will be continually updated as more information is available.
The online registration window will be open February 5 through February 19. Individual conferences have been scheduled for 6th grade students at their intermediate school. Conferences with current seventh graders will occur beginning the week of February 20 through their math classes. There is also an optional parent help session scheduled for March 7 at McCullough. The final deadline to make changes to your child's course selection is April 1. We are looking forward to working with your child during the course registration process throughout the spring semester. We are dedicated to making this a smooth and successful transition.
General Information
Counselors (2024-25 Assignments)
- Jesenya Garcia, 7th grade students with last names A-K.
- Jana Goforth, 7th grade students with last names L-Z.
- Jenny Wheeler, 8th grade students with last names, A-K.
- Alex Schultz, 8th grade students with last names L-Z.
Assistant Principals (2024-25 Assignments)
- Crystal Kocian, 7th grade students with last names A-K
- Christian Lloyd, 7th grade students with last names A-K
- Farrin Ormes, 8th grade students with last names L-Z
- Delvin Sims, 8th grade students with last names A-K
Intermediate Student Presentations
- Jan. 19 - Wilkerson
- Jan. 26 - Tough
- Jan. 29 - Deretchin
- Jan. 30 - Mitchell
Core Courses
Shoud I Take Honors Courses?
All general education classes, level and honors, are college preparatory. The ultimate choice on which core course, level or honors, you wish your child to be in lies with you as long as it is made before the final deadline of April 1st.
- Honors courses taught at McCullough, TWHS 9, and TWHS prepare students to be successful in Advanced Placement, Dual Credit courses, and beyond.
- Higher expectation of students
- May move at a quicker pace than regular courses
- Be wise in making course choices for your child based on his/her unique characteristics
- Changes from honors to level and vice versa will not be accommodated after the April 1st deadline.
Required Courses - 7th Grade
- Language Arts - (2 Semesters)
- Writing Strategies 7 - (1 Semester)
- Mathematics - (2 Semesters)
- Investigations in Math - (1 Semester)
- Science - (2 Semesters)
- Texas History - (2 Semesters)
- Physical Education - (2 Semesters)
- Electives - 4 (2 each Semester)*
*A two-semester elective may be substituted for two one-semester choices.
Required Courses - 8th Grade
- Language Arts - (2 Semesters)
- Writing Strategies 8 - (1 Semester)
- Mathematics - (2 Semesters)
- Science - (2 Semesters)
- U.S. History - (2 Semesters)
- Physical Education - (1 Semester)
- Electives - 6 - (3 each semester)*
*A two-semester elective may be substituted for two one-semester choices.
Math - 7th Grade
Math Courses meet every other day for 90 minutes all year long
Seventh Grade Math
Pre-Algebra Level (Seventh & Eighth Grade Math combined, one year ahead)
Pre-Algebra Honors (Eighth Grade Math, one year ahead)
Algebra I Honors* (High School Course, two years ahead)
Investigations in Mathematics course required for all 7th graders meets every other day for 90 minutes for one semester
Answers the question, "When will we ever use this?"
Finance component
Art and Patterns
Statistics and Logic
Careers
*High School Course credit is recorded on HS transcript, but is not included in the calculation of HS grade point average.
Math - 8th Grade
Math Courses meet every other day for 90 minutes all year long
Eighth Grade Math - Pre-Algebra
Algebra I Honors* (9th grade math, one year ahead)
Geometry Honors* (10th grade math, two years ahead)
*High School Course credit is recorded on HS transcript, but is not included in the calculation of HS grade point average.
English Language Arts - 7th & 8th Grade
Honors vs. Level
- Honors classes are going to move at a quicker pace and rely on students to read and work more independently through in-depth material.
- Level classes will move at a more structured pace with a heavier emphasis on teacher guidance.
- Both classes will tackle the same skills throughout the course of the school year but with novels and other texts that vary in complexity.
- Writing strategies is a semester-long class that students will take in both 7th and 8th grade.
- This course will explore different writing styles and craft techniques with an emphasis on student choice.
- While students will be tasked with writing analytically in their core language arts class, writing strategies allows them to explore their own voices creatively.
Science - 7th & 8th Grade
Science
Honors Science
Concurrent enrollment in 7th pre-algebra or higher recommended for 7th grade honors science
Concurrent enrollment in 8th Algebra I or higher recommended if taking honors science
Independent Study Project is required: Students have three options
One of the best things we do at McCullough
Science Fair Project (traditional testable hypothesis)
C3 - Conroe Coding Competition (partner required, build and code robot for challenges on a course)
Sci Stories (research, video documentary creation, website design and creation)
All options are research based endeavors
Time commitment outside of school is approximately 38 hours of preparation
Science Fair is traditionally on a school day in late January
C3 is a campus based competition with only top 4 advancing to District
Sci Stories is a campus based competition with only 10 advancing to regionals
Texas History - 7th Grade
Texas History
Honors Texas History
This course is designed to prepare students for subsequent Honors and Advanced Placement courses in Social Studies.
The curriculum focuses on critical thinking, application of concepts, and strategies for analyzing primary sources.
Development of writing skills is emphasized to promote success on Free Response Questions and Document Based Questions in AP Social Studies courses.
US History - 8th Grade
US History
Honors US History
This course is designed to prepare students for subsequent Honors and Advanced Placement courses in Social Studies.
The curriculum focuses on critical thinking, application of concepts, and strategies for analyzing primary sources.
Development of writing skills is emphasized to promote success on Free Response Questions and Document Based Questions in AP Social Studies courses.
Special Populations Success and Concern
- All means All
- Our staff works diligently to know, encourage, and understand all of our student populations
- We have students in special populations in all levels of academic classes
- Intermediate campuses deliver all sixth grade student records to McCullough at end of year
- McCullough teachers receive accommodations for students in Special Education, Section 504, and English as a Second Language
Homework at McCullough
- Time varies widely among students to complete assignments.
- Effectiveness of your child’s study strategies
- How much time is it going to take for your child to complete work outside of school for him/her to achieve the grade you want them to achieve in the course?
- Consider activities outside of school such as Dance, Gymnastics, Baseball, Equestrian, Swimming, etc.
- There is homework in our regular classes albeit less than in Honors classes
- Homework demands increase greatly in high school and college
- Students at McCullough report an average of 30-45 minutes per night spent on homework.
Athletics, PE, Cheer, Highland Girls, and Colorguard
Physical Education Requirements
- Students take PE for one year (two semesters) in seventh grade.
- Students take PE for 1 semester in eighth grade.
- Physical education is not considered one of a seventh grade student’s four elective choices as this course is a requirement.
- Active and Fun
- PE Uniforms are required. Parents can click on the link below to purchase them. Current prices range from $8- $12 depending on size and material.
- Specialty PE Courses
- PE- Soccer (not competitive)
- PE- Strength and Conditioning
- Athletics may substitute for PE
- Football
- Girls or Boys Basketball
- Girls Volleyball
- Girls or Boys Cross Country
- Cheerleading
- Highland Girls Drill Team
- Principles of Dance (non-competition)
- Highland Girls Drill Team
- Color Guard
- Principles of Color Guard (non-competition)
- Color Guard (Competition)
- Off Campus PE (Private PE)
Off Campus Physical Education also known as Private PE
Examples of activities that facilities may provide for off campus PE are: dance, diving (JH only), equestrian, fencing, gymnastics, figure skating, golf (JH only), martial arts, rowing, swimming (JH only), tennis (JH only), and other individual sports.
- Mar. 11 - Off Campus/Private PE Applications open online. All applications due to CISD Physical Education Department are due May 13th.
- April 1 - Last day for Off Campus/Private PE requests at McCullough
- May 15 - Last day for Off Campus/Private PE Applications with Conroe ISD
- Off Campus Private PE is a one year requirement for both 7th and 8th grades.
For more information please click on the following links:
**Please note, students who are trying out for an athletic team and would like the option for off campus PE must make sure they have completed the Private PE online application by May 15, 2024. Off Campus PE cannot be added after the May 15th Deadline if the application is not submitted.
Off Campus Private PE Program Guidelines
https://www.conroeisd.net/department/athletics/physical-education-health/
McCullough Cheer Important Dates
The 2024-25 McCullough Cheerleader Tryout dates have been set as follows:
- Feb. 6 - McCullough Cheerleader Information Meeting, 6:00pm in the Nancy Bock Auditorium at McCullough
- Mar. 4, 6 - McCullough Cheerleader Clinic
- Mar. 7 - McCullough Cheerleader Tryout
- Mar. 8 - Posting of McCullough Cheerleader results at 6:00 p.m. after all results have been verified.
Highland Girls
The 2024-25 McCullough Highland Girls Drill Team Tryout dates have been set as follows:
- Mar. 7 – Highland Girl Applications available at home campuses
- Mar. 26 – Mandatory Highlander Girl Tryout Meeting, McCullough Large Gym at 6:00 p.m.
- Mar. 27 – Application Deadline – turn in to home campus by end of school day
- Apr. 2-5, 8-12 – Highland Girl Tryout Clinic
- Apr. 13 Highland Girl Tryouts
- April 14 - Posting of Highland Girls results at 4:00 p.m. after all results have been verified
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Tara Gourley, tgourley@conroeisd.net
https://mccullough.conroeisd.net/athletics-1/highland-girls/
Principles of Dance
Principles of Dance is designed to help students for drill team tryouts for the McCullough Highland Girls and The Woodlands High School Highsteppers. The class has a strong focus on stretching technique, kick technique, as well as the unique style of dance that the Highland Girls and Highsteppers perform. This is a year-long course for 7th graders and a 1 semester or 2 semester option for 8th graders. This course would replace the required PE credit.
Priority is given to girls who tryout for Highland Girls and do not make the team.
For more information contact Tara Gourley, tgourley@conroeisd.net
Color Guard
The 2024-25 McCullough Color Guard Tryout dates have been set as follows:
- April 15th - Mandatory Audition Informational Meeting at 6:30 - 7:30 PM in Nancy Bock Auditorium at McCullough Junior High.
- Parent/Guardian and student attendance required.
- April 29, April 30, May 1 - Mandatory Color Guard Audition Clinic:McCullough Gyms A & B , 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
- May 2 - Mandatory Color Guard AUDITIONSMcCullough Gyms A & B, 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- May 3 - Audition results sent to parent/guardian email by 5:00 p.m.
If you have any questions, please email mniemeyer@conroeisd.net.
Principles of Color Guard Class
Preparation for McCullough Competition Team and TWHS World Class Color Guard
Learn dance and flag fundamentals to support growth as the performer prepares for the competition color guard team in the future
Class replaces PE credit
Great alternative to Competition Color Guard for those who want a lower cost and lower level of time commitment- this class allows you to join as many other things at McCullough as you can!
2-3 performances a year
Winter Showcase (December)
Winter Guard Showcase (March)
Spring Showcase (May)
- Students must audition for Color Guard. This course is for students who do not make the Competition Team.
- Students should register for PE for course selection and will be moved into the appropriate Color Guard class after auditions.
If you have any questions, please email mniemeyer@conroeisd.net.
Electives
Elective Choices - 7th Grade
Art B
Band*
Choir*
Exploring Languages
Orchestra*
Leadworthy/Teen Leadership
Theater Arts I
Theater Arts II
Theater Production
- Yearbook I
College and Career Exploration (CCE) (1 semester electives)
The following courses are designed to guide students through the process of investigating and developing a college and career exploration plan. Students use this information to explore a variety of career paths, especially those in demand, and begin mapping their anticipated secondary coursework and potential postsecondary experiences that are in alignment with their goals.
CCE 2: Manufacturing, IT & STEM - Robotics/Technology
CCE 3: Arts, A/V Technology, & Communications and Business Marketing and Finance - Computer Applications
CCE 4: Education and Training, Human Services, Hospitality and Tourism and Law Enforcement & Health Science - Human Services
Elective Choices - 8th Grade
Eighth Graders may take all electives that are available to seventh graders. The following elective choices are only available to our eighth graders.
- Office Aide/Peer Tutor/Buddy Application
- Ceramics (Art A is pre-requisite, application required)
- Yearbook II Application
High School Credit Electives - Career Technical Education (CTE) courses are only available to rising 8th graders. These courses are for the full year and are bolded below. Rising Eighth graders may choose to sign up for one of these courses. More information will be available at McCullough Athletic and Elective Night on Feb. 13, 6:00 p.m.
- *Art I (full year)
- Communications (1 semester)
- Health (1 semester)
- *Spanish I (full year)
- **Principles of Agriculture (full year)
- **Medical Terminology (full year)
- **Principles of Business, Marketing, and Finance (full year)
- **Principles of Arts/Audio Visual (full year)
*A Year long elective counts as two choices
**Students may sign up for only one of these courses
Athletic and Elective Night - Feb. 13
McCullough's Athletic and Elective Night is scheduled for Feb. 13, 2024. Students will have the opportunity to explore elective offerings as well as attend athletic presentations in the Bock Auditorium.
- 5:45 p.m. Doors open to Bock Auditorium
- 6:00 - 6:30 p.m. Girls Athletics Presentation in Bock Auditorium
- 6:00 - 6:20 p.m. 8th Grade HS CTE Courses
- 6:00 - 7:15 p.m. - Come and Go Events
- Elective Fair in Commons, E104, E106
- Band Directors in Band Hall D100
- Orchestra Director in Orchestra Hall D101
- Choir Directors in Choir Room D102
- 6:30 - 6:50 p.m. 8th Grade HS CTE Courses
- 6:45 - 7:15 p.m. Boys Athletics Presentation in Bock Auditorium
- 7:00 - 7:20 p.m. 8th Grade HS CTE Courses
Course Request Process
Factors Impacting Course Requests
Staffing
Availability of Course
Student’s Core Course Selection
Elective Course Requests by Students
Seniority
Number of Electives
7th Graders will take 4
8th Graders will take 6
Specialty Classes
Athletics
Fine Arts
Algebra
Course Request Process - Feb. 5 - Feb. 19
- Online scheduling portal opens for all incoming 7th and 8th graders Feb. 5 through Feb. 19.
- Instructions for making course requests will be available Feb. 5.
- Deadline for course request changes is April 1, 2024
Parent Help Session - Mar. 7
Parent Help Session will take place on March 7, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at McCullough Junior High School. The help session is for rising 7th and 8th grade parents who may have specific questions about course selection pertaining to their child. Please note that staff will meet individually with all students prior to this date to verify for accuracy of course selections.
Individual Student Conferencing Sessions
Counselors will meet individually with each student after the online request window closes on the following dates (dates are tentative).
- McCullough Current 7th graders beginning Feb. 20 through their math classes
- Feb. 21 - Coulson Tough
- Feb. 23 - Mitchell
- Feb. 26 - Wilkerson
- Mar. 4 - Deretchin
Registration Final Deadline - April 1st
- Final deadline to make any change, elective request, or core level change is April 1, 2024.
- Teachers are hired with specific teaching certifications based on requests of parents on this date.
- Master schedule is constructed based on parent/guardian course requests