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Welcome Highlanders
This Presentation• Comprehensive• Honest• Transparent• Helpful
This Presentation• This presentation is given
from the perspective that this will be your first child in secondary education.
• The presentation will answer almost any question you could have and I believe you will feel better when you depart.
• All information from this presentation will be located on our website and in the district Program of Studies and the McCullough supplement.
Break Points in This Presentation
• At various points in this presentation I will let you know what remains so that you can view the aspects of this presentation most pertinent to your child’s interests.
• Translation- I will let you know when I am going to cover parts that do not apply to your child in case you need to go.
I Will Share With You in This Presentation My Perspective
• That of a(n):– Principal of McCullough for 19 years– Administrator for TWHS feeder for 22 years– Educator in three different school districts over 29
years– Parent of two children who attended school in
TWHS feeder K-12, including McCullough– Father of a college sophomore and recent
university graduate who have gone through the entire process of starting in The Woodlands as a kindergartener all the way through present day
This PresentationAvailable Online Soon
• I will post these notes online soon without pictures in PDF format, if you would like to review.
• Please feel no pressure to take notes during this meeting.
• I will send you the direct link to this entire presentation through email for printing, reference, and/or bookmarking in the coming days.
Optional Individual Sit Down One On One Parent/Guardian Help Session
• March 7th 9:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. • Small gym• Please enter and exit through the main
west (football field side) patio doors.• No appointment is necessary.• Very casual and low-key• Counselors and department heads will
be available for any questions you have.
Optional Individual Sit Down One On One Parent/Guardian Help Session
• You can speak directly to the specific department head or your child’s counselor.
• Placement of your child in language arts, social studies, and science is ultimately your decision.
• Students must qualify according to state law to enter high school algebra.
Documents Available Either Now or Coming to our Website
• Conroe I.S.D. Program of Studies• McCullough Supplement to the District
Program of Studies• Private P.E. online application link (around
March 18th)• Summer School flyer (April)
P.T.O Meeting - January 17Everyone is Welcome
• The next P.T.O. meeting is on January 17th in the Nancy Bock Auditorium. We will begin at 9:30 a.m. and entry is through the main brown patio doors on the west (football field) side of campus. All parents/guardians are welcome.
• Speaker will be Denise Cipolla, C.I.S.D. Coordinator of Guidance and Counseling and Kelly Locke, C.I.S.D. Mental Health Specialist
• The focus will be:– Our children have everything in their face with social media
that they can get anxious about feeling that they’re missing out on something. Mrs. Cipolla and Mrs. Locke will help parents/guardians with strategies to guide their children with this nation-wide issue. In addition, they will touch on letting kids fly and make their own decisions which will help prepare them to become successful adults in today's society.
Student Orientation
• Final date will be announced this spring– Will publicize through Tartan Tribune – Dependent on the C.I.S.D. School Calendar
once adopted for 2019-2020– Need volunteers to make it happen– Social event of the summer– Attendance is not required, but is
enormously beneficial
Welcome
• Looking forward to a new year
• New challenges for students in secondary education
• New responsibilities • Many new
opportunities
At McCullough
• We do things for a reason(We have had kids here too!)– Kid-friendly and
preparing for the future– Grading– Projects– Homework– Discipline– Testing– Procedures
At McCullough
• We hire caring people• Do what is right and do it for a reason• Are transparent• Do our best to keep you updated and give
you information to help your child do the best he/she can in both the short and long term
Contacting TeachersStraight to the Source
Helping Your Child Have the Tools to be Successful in the Future Based on Current Research
• If your child has an issue, the best long-term solution for your child is for them to learn to advocate for themselves and speak to the instructor– JH and HS vs College (colleges will not and cannot legally talk to
parents/guardians so students need to start developing their own personal advocacy skills now)
– Our teachers go to extraordinary lengths to help kids• Encourage you to email the instructor as needed, preferably after
your child has inquired about the issue– Realize we are with kids and cannot always instantly email you
back– All the facts…. vs omitted details– Canvas has almost everything you may need
SafetyTop Priority
• Visitors sign-in and sign-out.– Photo I.D. is required to enter the building or
check out your child
• Door buzzer lockdown system• Full time officer on our campus• HD cameras• Secure storefront• All doors locked throughout the day
– Perimeter– Classroom
Safety
• Visibility of administrators and police • Building opens at 8:00 a.m.
– Please do not drop off your child prior to this time
• Video surveillance system• Drug dogs routinely check all lockers
Safety Investigations, Consequences, and FERPA
• All offenses are taken seriously and investigated.• Understand in advance, due to FERPA and common
sense, we cannot discuss consequences given to students, criminal or administrative, with anyone other than the individual child’s parent or guardian.
• In other words, just as I cannot discuss consequences given to your child with another parent/guardian, I cannot discuss the consequences of an individual kid with you, the media, or anyone else.
Safety…The Most Important Thing
• The most important thing!• We have great kids who keep us
informed and we work hard to earn and maintain their trust.
• We work hard to establish relationships where kids trust us, know we care, and instantly let us know if there is a concern of any type.
• This is where the real information comes from.
Law Enforcement PresenceWest Parking Lot
• Local sheriff's department has a prominent presence in our west parking lot.
• We often have officers from the Sheriff's Department in our west main parking lot throughout the day.
• The Texas Department of Public Safety is in our building often.
• For the safety of the children and for the positive effects on your wallet, please realize they actively run patrol of speeding in the school zone and talking on the phone (against Texas law) in the zone and in the parking lot.
Car Line Safety
• We are lucky to have two independent car drop-off and pick-up locations.
• Please make sure your child only enters and exits the car on the curb (right) side of the car.
• If you are picking your child up at the main area on the northwest side (by the football field), please make sure you come all the way to the sidewalk intersection.
• Cell phone use prohibited by law in both the school zone and within our parking lot boundaries.
• The posted parking lot speed limit is 5 mph.
Bus Dismissal• Around 35 buses will roll out on
Panther Creek headed west around4:13 p.m. ish each day.
• If you are picking up your child in the front horseshoe car line, it is appreciated if you will work with us in leaving space for the buses to take the kids home at departure time.
• I will be in the road with a fashionable yellow vest.
Goal 2: Preparing Students for High School
• We have 356 working days over two years to prepare students for high school once they enter our doors for the first time
• Students are in high school the day they walk in the door if they take Algebra Pre-AP in seventh grade.
• Our procedures are age-appropriate and have a reason behind them.
Personal Vision
• Is that we will be the best secondary school in Texas
Special Recognition for McCullough Students
• Texas Monthly Magazine• Outstanding Secondary School
Texas Honors Circle Campus
• Recognized recently as a campus that does the most with fiscal management, while at the same time maintaining top academic progress for students
What Parents/Guardians Need to Know
• We care about your child and hire people who do the same.
• Students are being prepared to play at the speed of life.– This is what our community expects and our nation
requires now to be competitive in the world these children will face.
– Our staff moves and operates at this velocity.– Classes move quickly
• STAAR TEKS requirements
Success For Your Child
• Many schools prepare students to qualify for admittance to a college or university.
• We are preparing students to be successful when they arrive at college and to have the tools to stay there.
A Typical DayTimes Subject to Change
• Students can enter building at 8:00 a.m. – Please do not drop your child off prior to 8:00 a.m. – Breakfast available for purchase
• Students report to tutoring, if needed, at 8:05 a.m. • Students wait in Commons until 8:32 a.m. • Go to classes at 8:32 a.m.• Backpacks are placed in lockers at 8:34 a.m. • School begins – 8:50 a.m.
A Typical DayTimes Subject to Change
• Lunch/3rd Period– 11:48 a.m.
• Students encouraged to eat lunch.• Which lunch you eat depends on the
subject of the class you are in during third block on that day.
• Lunch time can be different on red or green days depending on your class.
• Advisory 2:05 p.m. – 2:26 p.m.• School Ends – 4:00 p.m.• Pick-up
– Car/Bus
Advisory • Meets each day (2:05 p.m. – 2:26 p.m.)• Distribute information• Announcements• Pledges• Drills• Moment of silence
Examples of Advisory Activities
• Work on homework• Tutoring in all subjects• STAAR remediation interventions• SPARKS Homework Help• Make A Difference Anti-Bullying Campaign
monthly activities• Red Ribbon Week• Generation Texas college readiness and career
activities
Free Academic AssistanceBefore School
• Tutoring - Most days of the week with your classroom teachers (most important)
• 8:05 a.m. until 8:32 a.m.
Free Academic AssistanceDuring School
• Occurs during Advisory with your classroom teacher
• SPARKS -– Occurs each day during Advisory in the
library– Elite eighth grade students assist those in
need– Ms. Donna Meyer – LA Teacher– Ms. Sherry Allen- Math Teacher
Free Academic AssistanceAfter School
• PAWS Homework Help -– Monday through Thursday– 4:05 p.m. until 4:50 p.m. – Pick-up in front horseshoe by office– Located in downstairs library– McCullough teacher oversees– TWHS Interact students here to assist
students
Academic Assistance and Grades
• We have a huge group of staff working to assist your child in being successful.
• Encourage you to take advantage of all the free available help
• Takes effort to make an A in secondary schools
• It also takes an incredible lack of effort to fail with so many people working to help each and every student.
Information to Help
A Guide to Success
Make A Difference Activities
• Most months• 30 minutes in length• Proactively address bullying prevention, bullying
awareness, understating cultural differences, and proper ways to notify someone if a student has a concern.
• Different lesson each month conducted through an extended third block class period
• Parents/guardians are contacted periodically about events
Ongoing Make A Difference Monthly Anti-Bullying Program
• Bullying on campus? - Let your child’s assistant principal know– Email addresses for all administrators are at our website– Make A Difference monthly program– Administrative meetings– Ongoing intervention activities through Advisory– 1-888-KIDCHAT and Anonymous Alerts App– Have your child simply tell an administrator the information. This is
most helpful. • Full discipline information is available for you on your child 24 hours a
day at Parent Access Center
Ongoing Make A Difference Monthly Anti-Bullying Program
• I personally meet with kids through language arts classes the first week in the Bock Auditorium to address issues, prevention, and consequences revolving around critical topics including, but not limited to:– Bullying prevention– Drug awareness– Social media and texting pitfalls, laws, and best
practices– Threats
Smartphones and Off Campus Cyberbullying
• A major problem U.S. schools face on campus is inappropriate use of smartphones “off-campus”–Not our domain and we do not have
legal jurisdiction, but we try to help
Communication with Staff
• Email is the easiest, quickest, and preferred way to communicate between teachers and parents.
• Please give teachers a day or so to respond as we are with students, as opposed to in front of a computer.
• Teacher e-mail addresses are provided as a link on our website.
PTO
• Volunteers needed• Easy and free ways to
give funds back to our kids
• Campus Enhancement• PTO
– Front Desk– Student Orientation– Library– Copy Room
Common Assessments (Formerly Known as Tests)
• Common assessments are developed over time by groups of teachers to provide the most accurate questions.
• Questions are aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)
• Major grades account for 60 percent of the grade for each marking period
• Most common assessments stay at schools now.• Varies by department• Parents/guardians can always view on campus
Testing Retake PolicyMath, SS, Science, and Electives
See McCullough Supplement to the C.I.S.D. Program of Studies for Details
• At a minimum, students will be given the opportunity to retake one test each nine weeks in a level class or one each semester in a Pre-AP class.
• The maximum retake grade that students can earn is a 75.• Teachers may choose to take the higher of the two grades (the
original test or the retake). If a teacher automatically takes the retake grade, instead of the higher of the two, then the student has the option of writing VOID on the retake before they turn it in if they feel they did poorly. In that case, the student's original score stands. That does, however, count as the 9-week/semester retake.
• The policy is subject to change or modification at any time.
Testing Retake PolicyMath, SS, Science, and Electives
See McCullough Supplement to the C.I.S.D. Program of Studies for Details
• For the retest, teachers have the option of giving the same test or creating a new assessment.
• Due to the nature of some assignments and lab practicals, teachers can limit which tests can be offered for retakes.
• It is up to the teacher as to when the retakes will be offered (immediately following a test or at the end of the grading period), but it is expected that retakes will take place before or after the school day.
• Teachers may choose to require tutorials or additional review work prior to the retake.
• There are no retakes on semester or final exams. • Students cannot retake exams on which they cheated.• Language arts may allow retakes on vocabulary tests.
Semester Exams
• Last week of each semester– So that your child can do his/her best, please do not
plan vacations during this time.• Prior week students will complete review
materials and prepare in the classroom
Semester Exams
• Modified schedule during exams• Grading percentages
– Junior high finals - 10 percent– High school finals - 15 percent
• Synthesize learning and practice taking major exams as they will in the future
• We will help kids prepare!• Your help in guiding your child through the
process and helping relieve anxiety is appreciated!
Dress Code
• Critical• Worth the battle if
you are a parent• We have to and will
enforce • Impacts the way a
student feels about education and success.
Dress Code• One of the first steps to caring in any area of life is to
dress like you care.• Always feel free to drop in with food at lunch to see
what they are actually wearing four hours later after leaving your house.
• We are a junior high, not a nightclub.• Additionally, we are not Crossfit or Villasport.• At the end of the day we are a junior high of mostly
12-14 year old children.• For the most part, a non-issue with our students and
parents/guardians.
Transition to Secondary School
• Kids transition quickly– Tardies
• 4 free each quarter• 7 minutes between classes (most around)• Resets each nine weeks• First two weeks amnesty
– We understand and will ensure everyone knows where to go
– No reason for kids to stress- we get it and will take care of everyone
– Please emphasize this to your child
Tardies• Email notification is delivered to your
Parent Access account when the tardy is processed by the administrator.
• Normally the tardy notification email comes to you the same day.
• Being in class for the first five to ten minutes of instruction/review/plan for the day is critical to academic success.
– Plans for the day– How it is to be done– What is on the exam– When is the review
Top 2 Predictors forStudent Success According to Research
• Attendance at school• Involvement in a school activity
– These are areas as a parent/guardian you can encourage and help your child be his/her best
– You cannot control everything, you have influence for the top two predictors
Questions I Really Get # 1What is The Policy on Phones?
– Students can have phones– Electronics, including phones, must be OFF from 8:50 a.m. to
4:00 p.m. with the exception of students’ 30 minute lunch – Vibrate is not off– Outside of the school day, call or text away– Students use smartphones to access the Canvas Learning
Management System which is where class information resides– Having a smartphone is obviously not a requirement and a
parent/guardian decision– Please do not call and/or text your child in school (except during their
lunch period which is fine and largely why students use phones during this time)
• We constantly deliver messages to kids• PTO can assist you by calling or visiting the front office
Questions I Really Get # 2 Did You Find My Phone?
– Probably, maybe, perhaps– Theft of electronic devices - What usually
(but not always) really happens that your child does not tell you is:
• Kids leave their locker open and/or rigged• Phone is left on the floor, cafeteria table, or
bench• Rarely, if ever, is a phone actually stolen
– Name on items is invaluable• We have enough lost Vera Bradley lunch kits to
start our own store.
Questions I Really Get #3Where is Lost and Found?
The Commons (Cafeteria)
Questions I Really Get # 4Can I Wear Makeup?
Yes
Questions I Really Get # 5Can I Wear Flip-Flops?
Yes
Questions I Really Get # 6Where Are the Bathrooms?
• At the ends of the hallways and in the cafeteria
• Relatively new Buc-ee’s style bathrooms are in the cafeteria
Elective Information NightJanuary 29 from 6:00 p.m
until 7:05 p.m.• January 29• McCullough Commons• 6:00 p.m. until 7:05 p.m.• Designed for students• Convention-style setup
in the cafeteria (Commons)
• Students and parents/guardians can meet and speak to the seventh grade electiveteaching staff.
Elective Information NightJanuary 29 from 6:00 p.m.
until 7:05 p.m.• Special presentations this evening
– Girls athletics 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium– Boys athletics 6:35 p.m. in the auditorium– These groups will alternate by visiting the
elective teachers in The Commons when they are not in the athletics meeting
Elective Information NightJanuary 29 from 6:00 p.m.
until 7:05 p.m.• Very casual come and go• Students are welcome- it is for them• Seventh grade elective teachers will be
present to answer your questions.• Be aware in advance there will be a lot
of people here.
Elective Information NightJanuary 29 from 6:00 p.m.
until 7:05 p.m.
• Eighth grade elective teachers representing high school electives may also be present.
• Speaking to them would be helpful for the year after next.
Registration Final Deadline –April 5, 2019 at 5:00 p.m.
• Final deadline to make any change, elective request or core level change, is April 5th, 2019 at 5:00 p.m.
• Teachers are hired with specific teaching certifications based on requests of parents on this date.
• No changes will be made after this time.
Registration Final Deadline –April 5, 2019 at 5:00 p.m.
• Master schedule is constructed based on parent/guardian course requests on April 5th.
The Registration Process• We will contact you repeatedly
throughout the spring via Blackboard with information and reminders you need to know.
• Students receive tentative schedules at Student Orientation in August or on the first day of school if they cannot attend Orientation.
Immunization Requirements to Start School on the First Day of School for the Texas Education
Agency• Incoming Seventh Grade Required Immunizations• Parents of current sixth graders: Please make sure
your student is prepared for seventh grade by ensuring his/her immunizations are current. All seventh graders are required to have :
• TDAP• MCV
If your child has already received the vaccines, please have the nurse on your current campus update the record. These are required BEFORE the first day of school in Texas.
Factors Which Impact an Individual Student’s Schedule Formation
• Staffing (based on enrollment)
• Availability of Course• Student’s Core Course
Selection• Elective course requests
by students• Seniority
• Specialty Classes– Athletics– Fine Arts– Algebra
• Number of electives– 11 unique choices in
seventh grade– 23 unique choices in eighth
grade– Will take 4 in 7th grade– Will take 5 in 8th grade
A Word on Special PopulationsSuccess For Your Child
• Our staff works diligently to help ensure all students are successful.
• Yes, we have a lot of students, but we work to know all of them and know them by name.
• We work to improve students in academics and social/emotional learning.
• Many special population students participate in athletics, club sports, Off-Campus Physical Education, and P.E.
• We have students in special populations in all levels of academic classes.
• Our campus personnel and me work to know, constantly encourage, and understand all of our student populations.
• Over the years we have routinely seen remarkable growth for students of all types, including special populations.
A Word to Parents/Guardians of Children Within Special Populations
• Transition to Secondary School• Intermediate campuses deliver all sixth
grade student records to McCullough at the end of the year.
• McCullough teachers receive accommodations for students in Special Education, Section 504, and English as a Second Language.
High School Information
“Mr. McCord, why are we talking about high
school?”
Looking Ahead to High School Courses So That You Can Make
the Best Decisions for Your Child…Now
What is the Advanced Placement (AP)
Program?
What is the Advanced Placement (AP) Program?
• College level courses taught in high school
• 34 nationwide courses in 19 subject areas (TWHS offers 30)
• An opportunity for students to think, read, and write critically and analytically
What AP Courses Does TWHS Currently Offer?• English Language• English Literature• Computer Science A • Computer Science Principals• Spanish Language• Calculus AB, BC• US History• Chemistry• Government and Politics• Macroeconomics• Human Geography• Chinese• Japanese• Biology
• Environmental Science• German Language• French Language• Music Theory• Statistics• Art History• European History• Studio Art• AP Physics 2• AP Physics C• World History• Psychology• Art Drawing• Art 2D• Art 3D
Why AP?
• Provides opportunities for our young people to compete post high school
• Opportunities to earn college credit in high school (up to 45 hours)
• Saves parents $$$$
So How Well Did TWHS Students Perform on the AP
Tests?
Fact:: In 2016-2017, TWHS administered 2866 tests to 1371 students
Fact: TWHS mean score was 3.42The mean state score was 2.51The mean global score was 2.86
So How Well Do TWHS Students Perform on the AP
Tests in 2016?Fact: 80.0% of the students passed with a 3 or higher
Fact: 48% of the students passed with a 4 or higher
Fact: TWHS consistently ranks in the top schools in the world in the number of tests given568 AP Scholars
Who Should Take PreAP or AP Courses?
• The most successful AP students are willing to work hard.
• More than ability, whether the student (not just the parent) is willing to invest the time and energy to be successful is most important.
• The earlier the preparation, the easier the transition.
What I Learned from My Own Children’s AP Experience When They Went to College
• It saved me a lot of money• My son graduated early and my
daughter is on track to potentially graduate a year early
• Entering a university with AP hours allows your child to not be potentially as overloaded with semester hours as their peers.
Let’s Slow Down for a Minute
The important story behind the story of what really matters.
What is the end goal?
College Acceptance and How it Relates to Junior High Courses• Importance of meeting the “cut score”
on the SAT for the college or university your child wishes to attend
• Top 7-10 percent musing (class rank)• High school G.P.A.• Importance of volunteer work in college
acceptance today• Writing sample• Have you had a job?
Student Anxiety and How YouCan Help Your Child
• When we were our kids’ age we had little or no anxiety because there were minimal reasons to be anxious.
• The world, nation, and academic expectations have changed dramatically over the last ten years.
• Students that care have a lot more anxiety than those that don’t care as much.
• You cared enough to be here today; therefore there is an even better chance your child cares.
Student Anxiety and How YouCan Help Your Child
• Almost all students handle 2019 expectations easily.
• A few do not.• Be wise in making
course choices for your child based on his/her unique characteristics.
• 2016 events
Considerations for Long-TermSuccess of Your Child
• Grit… Does your child have GRIT and are you helping or hurting in your child acquiring this essential trait for lifetime success?
• Sleep- A resilient child is not sleep-deprived– Are they really asleep?
• Helicoptering versus your child advocating for himself/herself?
• Trophies- Are we preparing our children for the world that really waits for them?
Adventure into AcademicsCore Subject Information
State Required Courses – 7th grade
• Language Arts• Mathematics• Science• Texas History• Physical Education
– Can Substitute• Athletics• Cheer• Highland Girls• Private P.E.
• Electives – 4 choices
Science
• Science• Pre-AP Science
– Strongly encourage any student be enrolled in pre-algebra Pre-AP or higher if taking this course
• Math Skills– Science Fair Project– Time– Independent
Independent Study Science Fair Project
• Runs November through February
• All students in Pre-AP Science will complete the Independent Study Science Fair Project
• This is a research-based endeavor
Independent Study Science Fair Project- Approximate Hours
October Through January
• One of the best things we do– Protocols- 4 hours– Introduction- 5 hours– Materials and Methods- 3 hours– Experimenting- 10 hours– Final Paper- 10 hours– Board- 6 hours– Hours are just averages- can be more or less– Have checkpoints along the way– Fair is over a weekend in February at Lone Star
Convention Center
Pre-AP Science
• Need to make sure your child understands the real rigor and expectations of the independent study science fair project prior to making the year-long commitment to Pre-AP science
Pre-AP Science
• Can your child, and you, handle and grow from having a question answered with a question as they proceed through science fair?
• Encourage you to ask a friend or neighbor who has a child who completed science fair.
Texas History
• Texas History• Pre-AP Texas
History– Strong reading
comprehension and writing skills are a plus
Language Arts
• All students will have a summer reading requirement
• Language Arts• Pre-AP
Summer Reading
• All district students have summer reading.
• All grades• We will send you information in the
spring and post it prominently at our website for your convenience.
Class Placement of Your Child in LA, Social Studies, and Science in C.I.S.D.• Ultimately, you can place your regular
education child in any level of class you want in LA, Social Studies, or Science.– Encourage you to closely read the C.I.S.D.
Program of Studies and the McCullough supplement in order to fully understand the rigor and expectations of Pre-AP courses.
– Recommend considering taking no more than twoPre-AP courses (but you can take more).
– Please understand in advance that an A in secondary Texas education is not the same as an A in elementary education.
Math Begin With the End In Mind
• To make good choices for placement in seventh grade, it is critical to know where you as a parent, as well as your child, want to finish his/her senior year.
• Applies most directly to math due to its linear nature
Where Will I Finish in Math?
• Unlike the other disciplines, hard work alone in math may not always ensure success.
• Involves math knowledge and mental math maturity
State Math Courses for Seventh Grade
• Seventh Grade Math • Pre-Algebra Pre-AP (eighth grade math, one
year ahead)• Algebra 1 Pre-AP (high school course, two
years ahead)
Typical MathProgression (Regular)
Most Students• 7th Grade - 7th Math• 8th Grade - Pre-Algebra• 9th Grade - Algebra• 10th Grade - Geometry• 11th Grade - Algebra II• 12th Grade - Pre-Calculus
Typical Math Progression (Advanced 1 year)
Some Students• 7th Grade - Pre-Algebra Pre-AP• 8th Grade - HS Algebra Pre-AP• 9th Grade - HS Geometry Pre-AP• 10th Grade - Algebra II Pre-AP• 11th Grade - Pre-Calculus Pre-AP• 12th Grade - AP Calculus
Typical Math Progression(Advanced 2 years)
Few Students• 7th Grade - HS Algebra Pre-AP• 8th Grade - HS Geometry Pre-AP• 9th Grade - Algebra II Pre-AP• 10th Grade - Pre-Calculus Pre-AP• 11th Grade - AP Calculus• 12th Grade - AP Statistics
Math Sequence
• Students are not allowed to bypass and skip two years of math instruction.
• For example, students cannot go from regular math in sixth grade to high school algebra in seventh grade.
Math Course Selection for Incoming Seventh Graders
– Seventh Grade Math• Open enrollment• Is the default course for students currently enrolled in regular sixth
grade math– Pre-Algebra Pre-AP
• Eighth grade math• Students are working ONE year ahead in math• Open enrollment• Is the default course for students currently in sixth grade advanced
math– High School Algebra
• Special restricted enrollment with state law pre-requisites • We will discuss over the next few slides• Students in high school algebra within seventh grade are working
TWO years ahead in math
State Law Requirements for Texas Students to Advance to High School Algebra I
• Per state law, for a Texas student to advance to high school Algebra I, regardless of grade, they must meet at least one of these criteria:• Pass an APPROVED pre-algebra course offered
in school• Pass the APPROVED state-required pre-algebra
(eighth grade math) credit by exam (CBE) • Take and successfully pass the C.I.S.D. pre-algebra
for acceleration course offered April-July. • Registration will be around April 2nd-16th (dates subject to
change).
What EXACTLY Do I Need to Know If I Want My Sixth Grade Child Currently in Sixth Grade Advanced/GT
Math to Attempt the Pre-Algebra Credit by Examination in Order to Advance to High School Algebra
• The pre-algebra (eighth grade math) credit by exam (CBE) will be administered on the intermediate home campuses between February 19th and February 25th.
• The University of Texas is the administrator of the state CBE and will notify you of your child’s score. We have no control over the time frame of which UT will return your child’s score.
• The state exam is timed and Texas students have three hours to complete this test.
• We will pay for the credit by exam provided the child/parent/guardian properly turns in all the required hardcopy information to the intermediate campus by the required deadline of Monday, January 28thth.
• No late registrations will be accepted.
What EXACTLY Do I Need to Know If I Want My Sixth Grade Child Currently in Sixth Grade Advanced/GT
Math to Attempt the Pre-Algebra Credit by Examination in Order to Advance to High School Algebra
• Students need an approved graphing calculator, pencil, scratch paper, and the supplied formula chart. If a child does not have an approved calculator, one will be provided to him/her. Please refer to the McCullough math department webpage for a complete listing of approved calculators.
• The exam contains around 65 multiple-choice questions covering seven objectives.
• An 80 percent or higher is considered passing on the state exam and is the absolute required non-negotiable state score for passing
• Information regarding the objectives and sample questions can be found at the link https://utexas.app.box.com/v/uths-eighth-math.
• If you encourage your child currently in sixth grade advanced/GT math to take this entirely optional state exam, please encourage them to do their best while at the same time ensuring everyone in the house keeps in perspective that the child is taking a state exam for acceleration for a course he/she has never taken.
What EXACTLY Do I Need to Do If I Want My Sixth Grade Child Currently in Sixth Grade Advanced/GT Math to Attempt the FREEPre-Algebra Credit by Examination (CBE) in Order to Advance to
High School Algebra in Seventh Grade
• You must register with your home intermediate campus your child to take this free and optional exam. To make this happen:• An eighth grade math (pre-algebra) CBE application must be
submitted and approved for each student.• The deadline for the properly completed document to be
turned in to the appropriate intermediate home campus is 4:00 p.m. on Monday, January 28, 2019. No late registrations will be accepted.
• All needed documents for students/parents/guardians to fill out in hardcopy form are available for viewing/printing at the McCullough website. Please look for the red “quick link” button located at mccullough.conroeisd.net. The button is titled “2019-2020 Math Placement Information.”
What if My Child Qualifies for Algebra 1 by Passing the State Credit by Examination (HS)?
• Both the parent/guardian and school will receive copies of your child’s credit by exam score from The University of Texas.
• You will need to opt your child “in” to the advanced class of high school Algebra I Pre-AP once your child qualifies by emailing your child’s McCullough JH counselor by the April 5th deadline.
• Otherwise, students will remain in Pre-Algebra Pre-AP.
2018-2019 Passing Rates for the Pre-Algebra CBE
• McCullough and our feeder campuses- 15%• District- 8%• The average district score in 2018 was a 53.2%• 80% is the passing score for Texas
What EXACTLY Do I Need to Do If I Want My Sixth Grade Child to Take High School Algebra in Seventh Grade and He/She Did Not
Take Or Did Not Pass the State Credit by Examination (CBE) Required by Texas to Advance to High School Algebra
• Your child can enroll in the Conroe I.S.D. Eighth Grade Pre-Algebra Course for Acceleration. Please note the following tentative details of this course:• Students in this course receive the full instruction of the TEKS for pre-
algebra.• The course normally runs from late April to mid-July. • Look for information on this course at the district website. Registration
will be April 2nd-16th (dates subject to change). • A fee is associated with the accelerated class for first time instruction.• Instruction is hybrid in format involving online and in-person
instruction.• Attendance requirements are enforced for this first-time offering and
need to be reviewed PRIOR to enrolling in the course.• Registration (when it opens) occurs through the student’s home
intermediate campus counselor. • A required parent/guardian meeting occurs before the class begins.
Considerations if Taking Pre-Algebra Pre-AP or High School Algebra Pre-AP in
Seventh Grade• May allow more
flexibility in choice of level of science class in high school
• More rigorous
STAAR Testing Requirements Texas Parents/Guardians Need to Know Now
• Texas 7th Graders in Pre-Algebra Pre-AP are responsible for taking the 8th grade math STAAR examination because they are enrolled in 8th grade curriculum.
• 7th graders in high school Algebra I are responsible for the STAAR Algebra 1 end of course exam (EOC) for that high school subject area because they are taking the Algebra I curriculum.
High School Math Notes
• Students are required to take four years of math and science in high school.
• For math, four high school courses can include high school math courses taken in junior high school.
• Three math courses must be taken on the high school campus.
• It is highly recommended to take math each year.
Calculator Information to Know
Please Refer to This in On Our Website• FYI Regarding Calculator Use:• 7th Level Math: Calculators are not used in this course.• 7th Pre-Algebra, 8th Pre-Algebra, Algebra, and
Geometry: Graphing calculators are used throughout these courses. The TI-84 Plus is the recommended calculator, and all calculators in the TI-83 and TI-84 series are compatible. Students are not required to purchase a graphing calculator as calculators are available for student use at school. Owning a graphing calculator can be helpful for completing some assignments outside of class. Students who do not own a graphing calculator are welcome to use the school calculators during Advisory and before-school tutorials in order to complete the assignments which incorporate calculator use.
– Translation- If your child is in Pre-Algebra, Algebra, or Geometry they need a proper graphing calculator
• This device will likely take them all the way through the end of college
Considerations for High School G.P.A.
• If accelerating by taking high school courses in junior high, the grade point average in high school will be based on more difficult classes at TWHS.
• CISD has a weighted GPA.• Please see the District Program of Studies for
Details.
Considerations for High School G.P.A.
• The flip side is taking accelerated math courses in junior high will also allow for more opportunities in the schedule to take rigorous classes in high school which are weighted higher for G.P.A.
• Consider reviewing the district G.P.A. information for high school in the C.I.S.D. Program of Studies available at our website.
Pre-AP Class Considerations
• No guarantee it will be easy.• No guarantee your child will make an A or B.• Not a guarantee they will pass.• The class the parent/guardian has chosen on
the deadline will be the course the student is in for the year.
Qualifying Students for Pre-AP
• Can choose to opt out of some or all before April 5th deadline at 5:00 p.m.– May want to pick and choose among
strengths and interest– Normal recommendation is a maximum of
two Pre-AP courses
Student Success in Pre-AP
• Need to be a doer and a thinker
• Just as in real-life• Just as in the workplace
Considerations When Choosing Level of LA, Social Studies, and Science class
• Where do you want your child to be at the finish line (12th grade)?
• Choosing a level course in seventh grade does not prevent a student from choosing and being successful in a Pre-AP course in eighth grade.
• Math, however, is sequential.
Homework Considerations• Time varies widely among students to
complete assignments.– Think about your workplace and how much range
occurs for your coworkers to complete the sametask.
• Effectiveness of your child’s study strategies• Where the student completes homework
matters most– Kitchen– Study– Away from electronics
Homework Considerations
• Any type of media or technology distraction makes a difference in delaying the time for successful student homework completion.– TV– Phone or tablet
• Consider projects included in each class– We try to limit the number of projects and 8:45 p.m.
emergency trips to the craft store you must make (I have been there and done that also).
Homework Considerations
• How much time is it going to take for yourchild 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– Dance– Gymnastics– Baseball– Equestrian– Swimming– Etc.
Homework
• Relevant• A limited amount of
homework can be finished in Advisory
Homework
• There is homework in our regular classes, albeit less than Pre-AP classes.
• Homework demands increase greatly in high school and college.
• We constantly poll and visit with kids regarding homework time.
• Consistently ranges, on average, between 30-45 minutes per night for students
Homework Scenarios We See and What You Can Do to Help Your Child
– Students who get it done– Students who struggle to physically get the
assignment from home to the classroom but did actually do the work at some point
– Student who obsesses and needs to know when to say when and go to bed
• Where the parent/guardian has to jump in and have the child go to bed
Major Homework Point for Junior High and Beyond
– Our society evaluates students, and us, on what we demonstrate that we know.
• Just like your job place• That is why schools still give grades, and we are evaluated
in the workplace
– Turning in and completing work has to be a toppriority for students in junior high and into regular life, even if the assignment is not perfect
• As a side note to this, the student will do well on his/her grades and actually learn the material if he/she does the work and turns it in
Organizational Skills• Assisting your
son/daughter in developing organizational skills would be one of the bestgifts you could ever give them– Better gift than a
PlayStation 4, iPhone, Smartwatch, or Dr. Dre Beats headphones
Organizational Skills
• Leading cause of parent conferences
• If students do not turn in their work, it is difficult to help them
• Reward system at home is a positive
CanvasLearning Management System• Available for both students as well as parents/guardians• Access at www.conroeisd.net• App is also available at both iTunes and the Google Play Store. • Your parent/guardian login is the same as your Parent Access
login– Note Canvas is case-sensitive and Parent Access Center is not– Parents/Guardians can see everything their child submits and
when they submitted the assignment• Student login is first five letters of your last name and the first
three of your first name– i.e. mccordchr– Password is stu and then the last five digits of your SS#
CanvasLearning Management System• Students can:
– view, keep up with, and/or download assignments– see due dates– note upcoming events– take online quizzes– follow all course activities– view textbooks in some instances– participate in class discussions– setup notifications to their phone and/or email
notifying them of class announcements
CanvasLearning Management System• Parents/Guardians can:
– follow class activities– view the class calendar– email teachers
Use the CISD Login to Access Canvas, not Google
High School Course Considerations in Junior High
• Grades achieved in junior high do not figure in high school class rank or G.P.A.
Junior High Course Considerations
• All general ed classes, Level and Pre-AP, are college preparatory.
• Most students taking Pre-AP courses just take two at the most.
Choices• Please make
your decisions based on what is right for your child, not your friend’s child from Bunco, NCL, or down the street.
Choices
• The ultimate choice on which core course you wish your child to be in lies with you, as long as it is made before the final deadline on April 5th.
Physical Education Requirements
• Students take P.E. for one year (2 semesters) in seventh grade.
• Physical education is not considered one of a seventh grade student’s four elective choices as this course is a requirement.
• Active• Fun
Physical Education Requirements
• Athletics may substitute for P.E. – Athletics substitutions include:
• Girls or Boys Basketball• Girls Volleyball• Girls or Boys Cross Country• Girls/Boys Football• Cheerleading• Highland Girls Drill Team
Course Request Process for 2019-2020
All Course Requests Are Submitted Online
• All course requests will be made by parents/guardians/students online at Parent Access Center or Student Access Center.
• Ideally, the course selection process is a collaborative effort of parent and child.
• We will repeatedly send directions on how to complete the process.
All Course Requests Are Submitted Online
• The system is set up to ensure your child can make the correct choices based on the prerequisite courses they have completed.
• Tentatively, the online window for course requests will occur January 30th through February 24th
• The final deadline through the process to request courses is April 5th at 5:00 p.m.
Helpful Instructional Video for Completing the Course Request Sheet
• An email will be coming in February giving step by step video and audio help for completing the online course registration process at Parent Access Center or Student Access Center.
Available In Late January
• C.I.S.D. Program of Studies• McCullough Supplement
Course Request General Reminders
• Have until the April 5th deadline to change– Any changes after the February 24th online
Parent Access Center window closes can be done via emailing the Counseling Center
• Accuracy early in selections would really help us out– Recruiting teachers– Job fairs– Etc
Course Request General Reminders
• Student needs to request four electives in seventh grade.– Two electives in the fall– Two potentially different electives in the
spring– All available seventh grade options for
electives are listed online and are also available in the C.I.S.D. Program of Studies (available soon)
Course Request General Reminders
• Two semester courses occupy two time slots as they last all year.
• Examples include:– Choir– Orchestra– Band
Course Request Physical Education Requirements
• Every student entering seventh grade needs to choose a P.E class (two semesters required in seventh grade)– P.E., Basketball, Cross Country, Off-Campus
Physical Education, or Football– Other athletic endeavors which have tryouts would
replace the P.E. selection should the student make the squad.
• Classes will change from initial August schedule for most students if they are moved into an athletics class.
Specific Details for Students Requesting Off Campus Physical Education (Private
P.E.) Through the Online Portal– Students who want to take Off Campus Physical Education
can make their initial selection at the online course request database
• Students will not be in Private P.E. until they have successfully completed and submitted all required online forms by the April 5th deadline.
– Private P.E Application forms for students will then, around March 18, be online at our district website.
– The specific deadline for completing the advanced facility detail forms for CISD will not be until May 1st for Off Campus Physical Education students.
– We will link to the Off Campus Physical Education list of facilities and the application form on the front page of our website.
– Details of Off Campus Physical Education are at the end of this presentation!
Course Request General Reminders
• Our administration and counselors will sit down individually at the intermediate campuses with each incoming seventh grade student to discuss his/her course requests.
Course Request General Reminders
• We will review the requests with the child for accuracy.
• Answer any questions the student may have
McCullough Initial General Informational Meetings with Students
– Mitchell January 28– Deretchin January 29– Wilkerson January 30– Coulson Tough January 31
– All dates are tentative
Face to Face with Counselor Sit Down Help Session with Students After the Online Request
Window Closes
– Wilkerson February 27– Coulson Tough February 27– Mitchell February 28– Deretchin March 4
– All dates tentative
• What Does the Parent Access Center Request Portal Look
Like?
Key Tips to Know for Successful Completion of Course Requests at Parent
Access Center• The process automatically saves your
requests (you do not have to hit save or submit).
• There is no save or submit button.• If you put in an incorrect request, click
on the red X and it will remove the request for you.
• Must access via the full pc-based version to request courses
ElectivesA Taste of Adventure
Elective Choices (7th Grade)Year-long Classes in Green (Need to Occupy First Two
Blanks on Course Request Sheet)
• Art I• Art II• Band (counts as 2 choices)• Exploring Career
Connections• Computer Applications• Human Services• Technology• Choir (counts as 2 choices)• Exploring Languages
• Orchestra (counts as 2 choices)• Robotics• Teen Leadership• Theater Arts I• Theater Arts II• Yearbook I
High School Elective Choices Available in Eighth Grade for CISD
• High School Health• High School Communications• High School Spanish I (taught over two
semesters in eighth grade)– Plus all the electives listed on the previous slide– High school courses taken in junior high do not
count directly toward G.P.A. or class rank
Number of Elective Requests for Seventh Graders
• All seventh grade students will fill four elective time slots!
Number of Elective Requests for Seventh Graders
• Band, Choir, or Orchestra each take up two elective slots (class lasts entire year).
• Two blanks on elective course request sheet
• Fine Arts
Number of Elective Requests for Seventh Graders
• Example A: Student takes Choir (2 choices), Careers, and Exploring Technology = 4 classes
Number of Elective Requests for Seventh Graders
• Example B: Student takes Choir (2 choices) and Band (2 choices) = 4 classes
• Yes, you can take two fine arts classes.
Number of Elective Requests for Seventh Graders
• Example C: Student takes Athletics (does not count since it replaces P.E.), Exploring Technology, Careers, Exploring Computer Applications, and Exploring Languages = 4 classes
Number of Elective Requests for Seventh Graders
• Example D: Student takes Athletics (replaces P.E.), Band (2 classes), Teen Leadership, and Exploring Computer Applications
Number of Elective Requests for Seventh Graders
• Example E: Student takes Athletics , Band (2 choices), and Orchestra (2 choices)
Elective Requests
• Please note during the spring you will request courses for your child.
• Please note these are requests and not guarantees the child will be in those courses.
• Eighth grade student requests will be filled first.
• When your child picks up his/her tentative schedule in August at Student Orientation remember it will not show the OTHER elective courses he/she will receive in the spring.
Elective Requests• Students will include regular
and alternate requests.• It is possible a student may
receive an elective in seventh grade he/she did not request to complete his/her schedule.
• By the time a student completes eighth grade at McCullough, it is highly likely your child will have been enrolled in any particular elective class he/she would like to take.
The Schedule(No fine arts or athletics)
Period Red Day Green Day 1st Math Science 2nd Language Arts Math/Writing 3rd PE Elective Advisory Advisory Advisory 4th Elective History
P.E. is included in schedule, not counting as an elective choice since a full year is required in seventh grade.
The Schedule(Athletic Schedule)
Period Red Day Green Day 1st Athletics Science 2nd Math History 3rd Language Arts Math/Writing Advisory Advisory Advisory 4th Elective Elective
Athletics simply replaces required P.E.
The Schedule(Band, Choir, or Orchestra)
Period Red Day Green Day 1st Math Elective 2nd PE History 3rd Language Arts Writing/Math Advisory Advisory Advisory 4th Choir Science
Please note Fine Arts electives last all year, and thus count as two selections each.
The Schedule(Student taking Choir and Orch)
Period Red Day Green Day 1st Math Orchestra 2nd PE History 3rd Language Arts Writing/Math Advisory Advisory Advisory 4th Choir Science
Many students take more than one fine arts course, and they are encouraged to do so.
The Schedule(Student in Athletics and Band)Period Red Day Green Day 1st Athletics Science 2nd Math History 3rd Language Arts Math/Writing Advisory Advisory Advisory 4th Elective Band
Many students have this schedule. There are very few conflicts, and we work hard to resolve them when they do occur. If a student is unsure about which activity to participate in during high school, I encourage doing both.
The Remainder of This Presentation CoversWe Understand if You Need to Go
– Musical fine arts– Color Guard– Drill team– Cheerleading– Athletics– Off Campus
Physical Education (a.k.a. Private P.E.)
Fine Arts and Athletics
• Many students are involved in a fine art and athletics
• Many are involved in two fine arts
• Encourage you to do more than one
Fine Arts and Athletics
• Expectations are greater of the students as they represent the organization.– Be wise about allowing your child to use social
networking sites, smartphones, or the internet as it may result in them being removed from organizations.
• Understand in advance that classroom teachers will visit with sponsors/coaches regarding encouragement, concerns, and ways to help the child.
Fine Arts and Athletics
• Learn invaluable life lessons which are difficult to teach anywhere else.
• Not about the sport– About the:
• Teamwork• Fellowship• Friends• Stories you embellish
twenty years later
Signing up for Band, Choir, or Orchestra
• Unlike other electives, if you sign up for a musical fine art elective you are automatically enrolled.
• Auditions are held for placement which then determines your exact class period and level of musical fine art organization.– Students need to remember they are auditioning
not just with students at their current home intermediate campus, but also the other three intermediate campuses which feed our school.
– Schedule would be built around this time block– Students will be placed in an organization based on
the child’s skill set. – Placements announced on schedule in August.– Occupies two slots on request sheet as it runs all
year
Signing up for Band, Choir, or Orchestra
• Encouraged to do multiple musical fine arts if you are interested
• Step up in commitment from intermediate campus
• There are class fees associated with these organizations.
• Prepares students for participation in these activities at TWHS
Band Percussion Class Details
• Fall semester class on percussion skills• These students will have percussion
class only the first semester and band class the second semester
• The percussion class is taught by TWHS percussion instructor.
Band Percussion Class Prerequisite
• Students must have played and participated in school percussion/band class at their intermediate campus.
Band Details• There are six levels of band which are
grouped by ability level by audition.• Previous band class experience is necessary.• All bands practice one hour per week either
before or after school.• Band is a commitment for the entire year.• Currently we have 300+ band members.
Band Activities
• Concerts• Sectionals• Individual and full band
competitions• Region Band• Solo and Ensemble• Pep rallies• UIL Concert and
Sightreading Competition
Band Activities
• Football games– McCullough– High School events
• Concerts• Spring trip• Social events• Spring contests
Band Details• Over 300 students are
in band and a combination of:– Athletics– Pre-AP courses– Choir– Highland Girls– Color Guard– Cheerleading– Theatre– Drill Team– Other
McCullough Band Awards
• The McCullough Band was named 2nd Runner Up in the state Honor Band Competition for 2017 by the Texas Music Educators Association
• Consistent Sweepstakes ratings for all bands at UIL competitions
• The McCullough band program consistently places the most students in both district and region honor bands.
• In 2018 the McCullough band earned 255 superior medals at solo and ensemble contests.
Orchestra Details
• All students with at least one year of experience can participate
• Over 250 students currently in orchestra• Five orchestras including:
– Chamber– Concert– Symphony– Philharmonic– Sinfonietta
Orchestra Details
• Students can participate in/audition for:
– Solo and ensemble contests– Region IX orchestra– Orchestra student council– Optional activities may require rehearsal
outside of the regular class.
Orchestra Details• Concert and Chamber
orchestras have before and/or after school practices.
• Chamber students are required to audition for Region IX Orchestra.
• Need to purchase uniform• Anywhere from 2-9
performances depending upon placement
• Commitment for the year
Orchestra Activities• Concerts• Individual and group competitions including
solo/ensemble as well as region orchestra. Concert and Chamber will participate in UIL during the Spring semester.
• Early Music Festival at Texas RenFest• Community performances• Spring trip• Halloween “Orch-toberfest” Party/Social• Other social events
Choir Details
• Most, but not all, practices are during the school day.
• No previous choir experience is necessary.
• Some specialized activities such as region choir and preparation for solo contests occur before or after school.
Choir Details
• All students can participate in choir• Only 2-3 rehearsals after school• Performs 4-5 concerts a year• Good musical fine art to double with
another Fine Art or Athletics as choir has far less outside of the regular school day requirements
• Over 280 members
Choir Details• There is a minimal cost
for uniform items– We provide their formal
attire• Treble: Treble, Concert,
Advanced Girls, Acappella, and Chamber Choirs
• Tenor-Bass: Tartan and Highlander
• Mixed Choir– Composed of Boys and
Girls Mixed Choirs
Choir Details
• Students can participate in Solo and Ensemble Contests and audition for Region Choir, Coffee House and solo performance in the spring Pop Concert.
• Optional activities may require outside of school day rehearsals.
• Commitment for the year
Choir Awards• The McCullough Chamber Choir was chosen to perform at the Texas
Music Educations Association Convention in February as the premiere junior high choir in Texas for 2014-2015 and again in 2018-2019
• Consistent superior ratings at Concert and Sight Reading Evaluations for all choirs.
• Large number of McCullough Choir members selected for Region Choir.• An invited choir to the American Choral Directors Association Cambiata
Institute for MS/JH Choir directors at UNT in 2014 and 2018• 2016 national winner and commended winner of the Mark of Excellence in
Choral Music (Chamber and Mixed)
Choir Activities
• Concerts• Individual and group competitions including
solo/ensemble and region choir• Team building events• McCullough coffee house benefit concert• Community performances• Pep rallies (Mixed Choir)• UIL Evaluations• Choral Festival and Spring Trip• Pop Show• Social Events
Fine Arts Commitment• Band, choir, and orchestra commitments in junior
high far exceed the expectations of elementary school organizations in these areas.
• Make sure everyone in the family is aware of what is expected for the year in band, choir, or orchestra before signing up on April 5th.
• The commitment made for these organizations is firm for the entire 2019-2020 school year.– Websites give a good indication of expectations.– A student who requests these courses for2019-2020 will have
his/her schedule built around this course.– Final class assignment announced at Student Orientation in
August.
Required State PhysicalsAthletics, Cheer, Dance, Color Guard
• Has to be dated after April 15, 2019 or later to be good for next year
• The official required form will be online in the spring
• Please note that doctors do not have many slots open in the summer for physicals
• TWHS normally has an optional physical night in May or June
Cheerleading
• Meets during the school day• Replaces P.E. credit• Practice may also occur after school
Cheerleading Requirements
• Purchase of clothing
• Tryout process• Need to be
completelycommitted to the McCullough team if you plan to tryout
Cheerleading
• This program entails a large commitment of time outside of school during the spring of this year, summer, and the regular school year.
Cheerleader Spring Tryout InformationTentative Dates
• February 7- Tryout Info Meeting @ 6:00 p.m. in the Bock Auditorium (packets will be available for pick up at the meeting only)– Candidates are required to attend– One parent or guardian must attend (both
are recommended to be present if applicable)• February 15- Packets due to McCullough office
by 5:00 p.m. • March 4-6 - Tryout Clinic begins runs from
4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at McCullough.
Cheerleader Spring Tryout InformationTentative Dates
• March 7 - Tryouts approximately @ 4:30 p.m.
• March 8 - Results posted by 6:00 p.m.• March 19 - New member info meeting @
6:00 p.m. in the Commons LGI• March 21- Uniform fitting @ 4:00 p.m.• All dates and times are subject to change.
Required Cheerleader Responsibilities
• Summer Camp (normally end of July or August)• Spring Practice after tryouts• After school practices during the spring of 2019
(this year)• Student Orientation• Parades• Pep rallies• School events• Games• Open House• Community Service Events
Cheerleader Responsibilities
• Commitment to the team and your teammates
• Cheer– Games– Pep Rallies– Parades– Open Houses– Others as needed
Color Guard
• Preparation for TWHS Color Guard and Winter Guard
• Most practices are inside• Occasionally practices are outside• Tryouts- try to keep everyone• Everyone is generally starting from the same
place- the beginning• Competitive
Color Guard
• Limited practices through the end of football season
• Ramp up practices beginning in December for performance season in January
• Performance season is from January until April
• Spring exhibition with TWHS• Around 78 members this year
Highland Girls
– Requires significant time before and after school
– Practice times are subject to change– Practice on a Saturday could occur (rare)– Competitions are on weekends– Meets as a class during the school day and
practices also outside of the regular day– Do not sign up for on elective request sheet– Receive P.E. credit
Highland Girls
– Runs all year– Practice times do vary– Serious dance troop– Preparation for
TWHS Highsteppers– Discipline
• Need to be able to take direction and enjoy being part of a team
Highland Girls
• Highland Girl Spring Tryout Information tentative dates:
• 3/26 - Tryout information meeting• 4/5- Tryout packets due• 4/15-4/18 and 4/23-4/26 Tryout clinic • 4/27 - Team tryouts • 4/28 - Results posted• All dates and times are subject to change.
Highland Girl Commitments Include
• Practice• Performances• Parades• Football Games• Playoff Games• Basketball Games• Pep Rallies• Competitions
Athletics
All remaining slides pertain to information on athletics and Off Campus Physical Education (a.ka. Private P.E.)
Athletic Competition District Details
• Composed of teams from 12 junior highs from Spring I.S.D. and Conroe I.S.D.
• The athletic district fields schedules of A and B teams in girls and boys basketball as well as girls volleyball.
• Girls and boys cross country, girls’ and boys’ track, and football operate differently and keep larger squads due to the fact space is not a limiting factor for practice.
• The C.I.S.D. schools also offer C teams in boys/girls football since space is not a limiting factor. Our C teams generally play only other C.I.S.D. schools or ourselves.
• We play all the opponents that are available to play within rules of the University Interscholastic League at the A, B, and C levels (where applicable).
Athletic Competition District Details
• Competitiveness greatly varies by school• Prepares our students for high school and the
competition they will face going forward while participating in the University Interscholastic League (UIL)
Proactive ClarificationBaseball is Not Played at the Junior High Level
in Texas• Baseball and softball are not played at
the junior high level in Texas, including here.
• We have one of the nicest high school baseball stadiums on our campus as this building originally was the high school for The Woodlands area.
• TWHS baseball still plays on our campus at Scotland Yard.
Club Sports We Do Offer Extra That Are Not Part of the Texas University Interscholastic League (U.I.L.) at the Seventh and Eighth
Grade Level and Usually Not Played in Texas Junior Highs
• Girls and Boys Golf• Girls and Boys Tennis• Girls and Boys Soccer
– Students do not have to be in athletics to participate in these events
– Seasons are brief– I would not plan my year around these
non-UIL sports
Fine Art/Athletic Schoolwork Responsibilities
• All fine arts students, athletes, and any other student involved in a school organization is responsible for schoolwork, homework, and tests the day after an event
State Eligibility for Participation in Fine Arts, Athletics, and Organizations
• No classes are exempt in junior high from U.I.L. Eligibility
• Pre-AP and high school courses all count for eligibility to participate– Consider this when
choosing your child’s schedule before the April 5th deadline
Athletic Physical Requirements and Details
• Students in Texas must have a completed athletic physical signed by a doctor to tryout or participate in athletics
• The signature date needs to be April 15, 2019 or later• Parents/guardians are highly encouraged to make a
copy of the athletic physical for your records as these are often used for camps or other personal use
• To ensure your child’s athletic physical is not lost, do NOT email the athletic physical to Coach Skinner or drop it off at the front desk --- athletic physicals are turned in on the first day of tryouts to the appropriate coach
Athletic Physical Requirements and Details
• Traditionally TWHS hosts an optional athletic physical night in late May where potential athletes can obtain their physical at low cost
• This event occurs on the TWHS campus• The official form required to complete an authorized
U.I.L. athletic physical will be available on our website and the district site around mid-April
7th Grade Athletics
• Commitment for the year• Replaces P.E. requirement• U.I.L. sports generally have the athlete stay in
the class all year to receive his/her physical education requirement.
• Generally athletes only come in early for practice during the active season for the sport.
• During off-season athletes train, lift, and practice skills for their sport.
How Do Seventh Grade Practices Work in General?
• Doors open for athletes at 6:30 a.m. in the morning during the season.
• Athletes must be dressed and on the court/ field/track at 7:00 a.m. during the season.
Elective Night Presentations On Athletics in the Bock Auditorium January 29th
• Girls’ Presentation 6:00 p.m. • Boys’ Presentation 6:35 p.m.• Presentations are designed for both the
child and parent/guardian.
Athletics
• Competitiveinterschool UIL State of Texas competition
• Play to win, develop athletes, and have fun
• Have been very successful
What Sports Can I Play?• Fall Sports
– Girls Cross Country– Boys Cross Country– Boys/Girls Football– Volleyball
• Winter Sports– Girls Basketball– Boys Basketball
• Early spring– Boys Club Track– Girls Club Track
• Late spring– Club Soccer– Club Tennis– Club Golf
One season of sports ends before the next group of seasons begins
A student’s initialschedule could change if trying out for a sport
What Sports Can I Play?• Fall Sports
– Girls Cross Country– Boys Cross Country– Boys/Girls Football– Volleyball
• Winter Sports– Girls Basketball– Boys Basketball
• Early spring– Boys Club Track– Girls Club Track
• Late spring– Club Soccer– Club Tennis– Club Golf
For example:
• Many athletes who play basketball also play volleyball, cross country, or football
• Please consider allowing your child to try out for more than one sport
– In example not just playing volleyball or just basketball
If Students Enjoy Athletics They Are Encouraged to Participate in More Than One
Sport at McCullough• Why?
– Seasons are generally shorter than high school– Injuries can potentially remove a student from
participating in one activity if they are out for an extended time (for example miss the entire basketball season due to a broken leg)
– Medical research is showing more and more the dangers to the young human developing body of playing only one sport- highly encouraged to do more than one activity
– There are no guarantees of making any squad that has a tryout process.
Fall Heat and Texas AthleticsWhat to Know Up Front Now
• Texas athletes of all ages in the fall practice and compete outside in the humid and hot Texas heat.
• Our outside fall sports go through an acclimatization process for safety.
• Bringing water to school to stay hydrate is actively encouraged.
• Realize and know in advance, Texas athletes in all secondary schools, including us, are going outside every day in the fall– You can really help your child by having them participate in
clubs, camps, and generally having them “get outside” in the summer so they can acclimatize as early as possible.
Cross Country
• Season is in the fall
• Student remains in cross country throughout the year
• Most meets (6) are on Friday evening
Cross Country
• P.E. Substitute • If a student wants to
be in Cross Country they sign up online for the class but need to realize there will still be a cut time to make the first week of school to be in the class.
Cross Country
• Serious running and commitment is required
• Athletes will be in the best shape of their lives
Cross Country
• Summer preparation is critical– Most all cross country runners train and
prepare for tryouts and the season with a local running club.
– Is not necessary or required, but incredibly helpful from the training and heat acclimatization aspect.
• Is not training for The Biggest Loser TV show– I only say this because I often get this
question about cross country.
Cross Country
• Athletes normally run 15-30 miles a week with the class.
• These athletes may run more outside of the school day on their own.
Cross Country• Competitive• High school boys
are state champs in 2015, 2016, and 2017 and 2018
• TWHS boys have won 21 Texas state titles.
Cross Country
• It is critical that the student, and not justmom/dad/guardian, wants to take on this endeavor
Cross Country Time Trials for Entrance into the Athletic Class
• To be in the classroom portion of Cross Country a:– female student needs to be able to run the time trial of two
miles in 18 minutes or less– male student needs to be able to run two miles in 18 minutes
or less
• Why is there a tryout for cross country– Limited Daylight to get all the races started and over
– Meets start races approximately every 20 minutes due to a limited amount of daylight and the course is cleared
– Training is off campus and for safety and security athletes have to stay reasonably together
Cross Country Frequently Asked Questions Answered
• For perspective, the winning boys time is generally around 11 minutes for twomiles and the girls slightly under 12 minutes for two miles.
• Students optimally need to train rigorously in the summer and become acclimated to the heat and humidity prior to school beginning.– Numerous running clubs exist in our area
for this type of training
Volleyball
• Tryouts are early in the year.• Athletes show up at tryouts
with a properly completed physical.
• TWHS is the 2013 and 2014 state champion and number one high school volleyball team in the U.S.A. for 2013
• If students make the team, their schedule will change.
Volleyball• Must attend all days of tryouts• Normally around 110 athletes tryout.• As this is a tryout course, students do not
request this course online– initially signup for regular physical education
Girls and Boys Off-seasonBasketball
• Replaces physical education and students will be in athletics throughout the school year if they make the off-season class
Girls and Boys Off-seasonBasketball
• Tryouts are during the school day for the off-season basketball class which begins in August
• If a student wants to be in “just” basketball he/she should sign up for the class and try out
• Note if athletes are playing football they should signup for football and they will transition seamlessly into basketball if they make the basketball team
• A student who does not make the off-season basketball class will be in a physical education class which occurs at the same time.
Girls and Boys Off-seasonBasketball
• Students will try out for the basketball “team” in November at the conclusion of the volleyball/football seasons.
• Students can tryout for the basketball team whether they made the basketball off-season class or not.
• Must be present for all days of tryouts• Note that many of the basketball players are in
cross country, volleyball, or football during the fall sports season.
Girls and Boys Basketball Teams
• Normally around 110 boys tryout• Normally around 60 girls tryout• Students can request to be in the
basketball offseason class at the online portal.
Boys and Girls Football
• Equipment handed out in August at Equipment Issue Day
• If a student cannot attend on this date, he/she will receive equipment the first week of school.
Boys and Girls Football
• Hard Work• 455 to 575 players most
years• 12 teams if numbers
allow• Houston hot and humid• Some year almost a
quarter of campus population plays football
• August
Boys and Girls Football
• Boy/Girl needs to want to play, not just the parent/guardian
• Sign up for football at the online portal– Replaces physical
education
Boys and Girls Football• Once games have begun,
seventh grade athletes normally do not come in early on Mondays (day of most games) and Tuesdays (morning after most games)
• Order clothes online– We will send you the link
Boys and Girls FootballThings to Note/Remember
• A lot of work, especially the first two weeks of school
• Becomes much easier for everyone once the games begin and athletes come in early only three days a week
• Need to remind your child of this once practices begin in August
• Child and parent need to understand this in advance
Club Sports
• Fun opportunities we provide • Do not replace physical education credit• These activities supplement other
organizations of which your child may be involved outside of school.
• Do fall under U.I.L. eligibility guidelines for participation
• Do not have an athletic period and do not meet during the school day
Club Sports• Students who choose to be in Off-Campus
Physical Education can and are encouraged to participate in club sports.
• Please do not plan your child’s entire year around club sports as they have brief and abbreviated seasons with reduced practice schedules.
• Students do not sign up for club sports at the online portal (they meet outside of the school day).– Just show up to tryout
Boys and Girls Club Track• Begins in January• Everyone makes the
team• Tryouts occur within
the team each week for the opportunity to participate in the meets
• Practice– Boys- morning– Girls- afternoon
Boys and Girls Club Track
• No tryouts or online course sign up are needed.
• Try to take as many to meets as we can.
• We are limited by rules on how many athletes we can take to each meet per event.
• Student does not need to be in athletics class to participate in track and field.
• Practice does not occur during an athletics class.
Boys and Girls Club Golf
• Spring sport• Tryouts• No tryouts or online
course signup are needed• No formal team practice• For more information
contact Coach Lilley at [email protected]
Boys and Girls Club Tennis
• Spring sport• Tryouts• No tryouts or online course
signup are needed.• Practices before or after
school• Play home matches at
McCullough/Creekwood Park, or at TWHS
• For more information contact Coach Michalski at [email protected].
Boys and Girls Club Soccer• Club sport we offer after track is
over• Not necessary to sign up online• Most soccer players participate
in track and field and/or cross country.
• Complete information is available at our website.
• Coach Baird -Boys• Coach Meyer - Girls
General Questions Regarding Athletics
• Please contact Lance Skinner– Girls and Boys Athletic
Coordinator– [email protected]
People Who Can Help if You Have Questions Today/Tonight and/or Throughout the Spring
• The following slides contain pictures of:– Counselors– Administrators– Department Heads
• These individuals will be located in the foyer on your way out if you have questions.
• Assignments are always subject to change• Email addresses for each staff member are
available at our website.
Craig Harbin
• Assistant Principal 2019-2020 Seventh Grade A-K
• Located in A100• Administrative
Duties • Textbooks
Michael Null
• Assistant Principal 2019-2020 Sevnth Grade L-Z
• Located in A100• Attendance• Scheduling
Steve Skidmore
• Assistant Principal 2019-2020 Eighth Grade A-K
• Located in A102 • Grades
Beatriz English• Assistant Principal 2019-
2020 Eighth Grade L-Z• Located in A102• 504• RTI
Tentative 2019-2020 Counseling
Assignments
Marti Meerscheidt• 2019-2020 seventh grade A-K• [email protected]
Alex Schultz• 2019-2020 sevnth grade L-Z• [email protected]
Tentative 2019-2020 Core Department Head
Assignments
Lara Jordan• Math Department Head• [email protected]• Please see at the conclusion of our
presentation if you have questions regarding math
Tanya Gorka• Math Department Head• [email protected]• Please see at the conclusion of our
presentation if you have questions regarding math
Megan Kelley
• Language Arts Department Head• Please see at the conclusion of our
presentation if you have questions regarding language arts
Tyler Baird
• Language Arts Department Head• Please see at the conclusion of our
presentation if you have questions regarding language arts
Michelle Beineman• Science Department Head• [email protected]• Please see at the conclusion of our presentation
if you have questions regarding science• Will have some example science fair boards
April Phillips• Social Studies
Department Head• [email protected]• Please see at the
conclusion of our presentation if you have questions regarding social studies
Lynne Archer
• Special Education Department Head• [email protected]• Please see at the conclusion of our
presentation if you have questions regarding special education.
Charles Roberts
• Special Education Department Head• [email protected]• Please see at the conclusion of our
presentation if you have questions regarding special education
Off Campus Private Physical EducationPrivate P.E. and Questions
• Anyone remotely interested in Off Campus Physical Education (Private P.E.) should stay!
• We will begin the last section in 60 seconds.
• Department Heads– Questions about Math, LA,
Texas History, Science• Counselors
– Program questions• Administrators
– General
Terminology
• Off Campus Physical Education and Private P.E.
• The same thing• Off Campus Physical Education is the
most appropriate term• All following dates are subject to
change• Please see The Tartan Tribune for the
most updated information
Off Campus Physical Education (Private P.E.)
• Option for students engaged in 15 or more hours of individual Olympic-type athletic instruction outside of the school day– Team sports, such as baseball, are not a part of Off
Campus Physical Education for the Texas Education Agency.
– Most of our students do golf, swimming, tennis, and equestrian
Off Campus Physical Education (Private P.E.)
• Option for students engaged in 15 or more hours of individual Olympic-type athletic instruction outside of the school day– Replaces regular physical education on the schedule– Leave at 3:00 p.m. on both red AND green days– The student does actually have to do the 15 hours per
week of approved activity to receive replacement physical education credit from the state.
Off Campus Physical Education (Private P.E.)
• The facility you wish for your child to attend must be an approved facility for 2019-2020.– If you plan for your child to do Off Campus
Physical Education., it is worth your time now to speak to your facility to find out if they plan to apply for the program.
– The facility must apply, or reapply, for membership within the sign up window.
Off Campus Physical Education (Private P.E.) Vendor Requirement
• Vendors/facilities have an opportunity to apply to Conroe I.S.D. between January 9th and March 7th to be a part of the program for 2019-2020.
• If you would like your child to be a participant in this program, please make sure your facilityattended the January 9th “Vendor Meeting.”
Off Campus Physical Education (Private P.E.)
• Off Campus physical education is a year-long commitment. There are no one-semester versions of this program. Students participating in Off Campus Physical Education are committed to both the fall and spring semesters consecutively and their class schedules are developed accordingly.
Off Campus Physical Education (Private P.E.)
• All online Private P.E. information must be completed and properly submittedonline by the parent/guardian no later than April 5th at 4:00 p.m.
• Applications and all needed paperwork will be online at the district and McCullough website around March 18th.
Off Campus Physical Education (Private P.E.)
• Please make sure as a parent/guardian you are certain you can pick your child up every day at 3:00 p.m. and have a firm transportation plan for the entireyear prior to requesting Off Campus Physical Education for your child.
Off Campus Physical Education (Private P.E.)
• Approved students can change a facilityonly at semester.
• Private P.E. is a commitment for boththe fall and spring semesters.– Schedules are created over the entire year
• Make sure you will like your facility and instructor for the long haul prior to submitting the application.
Off Campus Physical Education (Private P.E.)
• Students who are not picked up daily at the designated time (3:00 p.m.) will be removed and placed into a physical education class.
• Students will be in a fourth period class on campus from 2:33 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.
• The Texas Education Agency allows us to dismiss approved Private P.E. students one hour early each day (3:00 p.m).
Off Campus Physical Education (Private P.E.)
• Cannot legally work with sports which have an athletic period such as cross country, volleyball, basketball, drill team, cheerleading, and football
• Texas students are not allowed by law to have two athletic or physical education classes within their schedules.– Translation- Texas students cannot participate in
off-campus physical education and a UIL sport that has a class which meets during the day
• Students in Private P.E. can participate in school sports which are a club activity such as golf, tennis, track, and soccer which do not meet as an athletic class during the school day.
Off Campus Physical Education (Private P.E.)
• If choosing this option, parents/guardians must be flexible on the pick up schedule as it will change periodically due to STAAR testing, semester exams, etc.
• We will try to inform you of schedule changes as well as make announcements for students, but parents/guardians need to stay informed of special schedules.
• Every three weeks the facility submits a grade and attendance report directly to the Counseling Center.
Off Campus Physical Education (Private P.E.)
• If a student plans on taking Off Campus physical education and has never participated in that sport before, the student and parent are required by the district to visit the facility and speak to the instructor/owner.
• Why does the District require this?– Many times we find both the student and
parent/guardian are unaware of the cost and expectations required for that sport
– This is extremely common with those choosing Off Campus Physical Education, but especially those choosing rowing and gymnastics
Off Campus Physical Education (Private P.E.)
• A seventh grade student in Private P.E. will still receive two elective choices (one class per semester).
• Student needs to request at Parent Access Center.
Level 2 Off Campus Physical Education
• Level 2 Private P.E. is for students who attend five hours or more weekly of physical education activity at an approved facility.
• These students do not leave early each day and would not be in regular physical education.
Level 2 Off Campus Physical Education
• Off Campus Private Physical Education Level 2 students receive two additional classroom courses above and beyond other students.
• For participation in this program, the student MUST be in band, choir, or orchestra so that space is available for the extra classes to be accommodated in the student schedule in lieu of them being in the physical education classroom.
Off Campus Physical Education (Private P.E.) Education Pros
• Student has time to engage in their state-approved Olympic-type activity and have time to do homework.
• May help student/parent/guardian with their time
Off Campus Physical Education (Private P.E.) Cons
• Student is not as involved and associated with the campus and various school organizations
• Lose elective choices based on the time he/she is off campus and not here fourth block both days
• The parent/guardian has to pick the child up each day at 3:00 p.m.
• Commitment for the entire school year
What Do I Really Need to Do if I Want My Child to Participate in Off Campus Physical Education?
1. Choose Off Campus Physical Education at the Parent Access Center online request portal.2. Ensure your facility attended the district-required facility sign up meeting.3. Make certain your facility signs up before the their deadline.4. Ensure you like your facility and instructor well enough to be committed to them for the entire 2019-2020 school year!5. Wait until you receive the instructional email on how to sign up online electronically beginning around March 18th.6. Properly complete and submit all documents.7. Ensure this is all done properly and prior to the April 5th at midnight deadline.8. Make certain you have arrangements in place now so that you can pick up your child at 3:00 p.m. sharp each school day.
