6TH GradeMiddle School

Parent MeetingWelcome to

Chisholm Trail Middle School

CTMS Overview

TEA Recognized Rating Title One Campus Approximately 880 students

CTMS Overview Named as a “Texas

School to Watch” by the Texas Middle School Association.

Pearson National Model School

Award given for Academic Excellence over time and Development Responsiveness to the needs of students

STAAR Testing

Higher level assessment

4 hour time limit End of Course

Exams

6th Grade:– Reading & Math

7th Grade– Reading, Math, Writing

8th Grade– Reading, Math, Science

and Social Studies– (Algebra 1 EOC)

6th Grade Schedule

8 periods 1 ½ periods for Math and LA 1 Science, 1 Social Studies 1 P.E. (all 6th graders take P.E.) 1 elective of a Fine Art

(band, choir, or orchestra) 1 other elective which could include a

second fine art

*** Each class is 45 minutes ***~ 4 minutes for passing period~

6th Grade Daily Bell Schedule

1ST 9:20 – 10:04 2ND 10:08 – 10:52 3RD 10:56 – 11:40

LUNCH….11:40 - 12:10 (three lines to choose from)

4TH 12:14 – 12:58 5TH 1:02 – 1:46 6TH 1:50 – 2:34 7TH 2:38 – 3:42 8TH 3:46 – 4:30 (4 minute passing periods)

*We have a 20 minute “homeroom” period: 7th Period. (Character Lessons, DEAR, and announcements.)

Factors to consider when choosing classes:

Your child’s academic strengths

Teacher inputPast STAAR performancePersonal goals

Choices for 6th Grade Core Classes

Pre-Advanced Placement Regular (On-grade level)

Pre-AP Language Arts (GT version also)

Language Arts

Pre-AP Math Math

Pre-AP Science Science

Pre AP World Cultures and Geography

World Cultures and Geography

Questions to Help Determine Pre-AP Readiness

Attitude Are they excited about their learning mathematics? Do they try to do things “faster” than the other students? Are they intrigued/not frustrated by problems that cannot be

solved right away? Do they show an aptitude for building and drawing? Do they appear strong in science?

Aptitude Have they done well on standardized tests? Do they have an easy time learning mathematics? Do they like to read for pleasure?

??? How many PreAP classes

should my child take???Only you and your child can determine this! We

encourage all 6th graders to try at least one. What are your child’s strengths? The amount of extracurricular activities

should be considered. How important are these classes to your

child? What path are you aiming for in High School?

Over 50 % of CTMS Classes are Pre AP Classes

60% of CTMS students take at least one Pre AP class.

We encourage all students to take at least one Pre AP class to challenge themselves.

40% of students take all four Pre AP classes.

Math Course Sequences (NISD uses middle school PAP to condense the

curriculum and get one year ahead)

3yrs in 2yrs.

Regular Math

Pre AP Math

Fine Arts ElectivesStudents must choose one elective from:

- Band, Orchestra, or Choir

General ElectivesThe 2nd elective is chosen from:

- Exploratory Wheel (technology class )

or

- Intro to Theatre or

- Band, Orchestra, or Choir

All 6th grade students will receive 2 electives chosen from the following:

Elective Choices: 9 possible combinations

Band & Wheel Band & Theater Band & Orchestra Band & Choir Choir & Orchestra

Choir & Wheel Choir &Theater Orchestra and

Wheel Orchestra and

Theater

Band and Orchestra Instrument Drives

(no reservations needed; show up to try various instruments for comfort and fit)

BAND

April 7th

5:00 - 7:00 at CTMS

April 21st

5:00 - 7:00 at CTMS

ORCHESTRA April 28 @ Wilson MS from

6:00-8:00pm May 6 @ Pike MS from

6:00-8:00pm May 8 @ Chisholm Trail MS

from 6:00-8:00pm

All 6th graders take PE.

45 minute class. PE outfit - $15. Athletics starts in 7th grade. (football,

volleyball, basketball, track, tennis, cross-country running, soccer & cheerleading.)

Runners Club: open to all grades (afterschool)

New Dell Tablets for 6th graders

Each NISD middle school student will be issued a tablet at the beginning of the year.

Insurance is available (highly encouraged.)

Tablet = textbooks and are used as instructional tools.

Why do they need Tablets?

NISD Vision:

The best and most sought after school district

where every student is future ready:

Ready for college

Ready for the global workplace

Ready for personal success

Tablets…What access do they have?

While at school, students have access to the NISD server and most inappropriate websites and social networking is blocked.

Away from school, netbooks can log on to any wireless access point and would not be protected by the NISD server.

Teachers have the ability to monitor all student netbooks from their own computers.

Tablets…What access do they have? (Cont.)

All students have email access but can only send and receive from ‘_____@nisdtx.org’

Student have live access to their grades online.

Almost all school work is downloaded & uploaded to netschool.

Success in 6th gradeSTUDENTS

Use your Netbook for organization.

Turn in assignments on time Attend tutorials when needed. Form bonds with teachers and

staff Ask questions for help when

necessary. Maintain a well-rounded

schedule which includes extra-curricular activities.

PARENTS Check your child’s Netschool

and Netbook. Check grades and

assignments on-line. Work to make sure your child

attends tutorials as needed. Form bonds with teachers

and staff. Ask questions for help when

necessary. Make sure your child

maintains a well-rounded schedule.

Sign up for e-mail updates and weekly reminders.

Success in middle school involves much more than just good grades!

Communication is the Key!

All school employees have email.– Principal newsletter (weekly)– Teacher websites

Campus website. SchoolMessenger (Email and Phone blast) Opportunities to volunteer. (Mentor –

Watchdog)

6th Grade Students can… Attend Pep Rallies (Parents too!) Attend school dances, after school sporting

events and programs (Parents too!) Attend field trips (Parents too!) Be nominated for Student Council Join the runner’s club & drama club Participate in UIL events

UIL Art Calculator Applications Dictionary Skills Impromptu Speaking Listening Skills Mathematics Maps, Graphs, and Charts Number Sense Oral Reading Ready Writing Science I and II Social Studies Spelling

Students get recognized!!!

TOP DOGS

Each student of the A/B Honor roll each six weeks get recognized with a special treat and some “free time” outside of class or go to lunch early!

Parent Involvement Watch Dog Volunteer PTA Board or member Volunteer in the classroom Principal’s Coffee (monthly) Access School Website and

teacher websites Access to child’s grades

online Visit for lunch with your child Parent/Teacher Conference Thanksgiving/Veterans’ Day Field Day

LOCKERS Every student will

be assigned their own locker.

Lockers have assigned combinations.

You will have MANY opportunities to practice your combination BEFORE school starts next year.

You WILL have trouble with your locker! DON’T WORRY… We will help you!

Less is More.

Use a string/sling bag – small back pack. Have a book you are reading. Small binder – w paper Pencils / pens. Netbook. Student ID- (Library – lunch – everything)

That’s all you need: Daily.

PUP CAMP!!

At pup camp students will meet new friends, meet their teachers and do fun activities to help get ready for middle school.

Exact times and dates will be posted on the campus website during the summer. Be on the lookout for more information on this exciting event!

(Morning of Saturday, Aug 23Aug 23thth)

Last but Not Least…

If in doubt….ASK!Get to know the Administration

and teachers at the Middle School.Remember your child needs your

guidance more than ever during this transition.

Important Contacts

Principal - Mr. Todd Rogers

817.215.0602 trogers@nisdtx.org

Assistant Principal – Matrice Raven

817.698.1645 mraven@nisdtx.org

Assistant Principal – Amy Wagner

817.215.0645 awagner@nisdtx.org

CounselorsContact Information

Steve Bates (A-L) sbates@nisdtx.org 817-215-0608

Barbara Hardy (M-Z) bhardy@nisdtx.org 817-215-0604