All Things Registration
Incoming Seventh and Eighth Graders at McCullough 2021-22
Dear Highlander Family,
We are looking forward to working with your child throughout the spring semester course registration process. We are dedicated to making this a smooth and successful transition.
Should you have any questions, please reach out to us via email at contactmccullough@conroeisd.net, or email your child's counselor directly. Below are the 2021-22 Counselor assignments and contact information.
- Marti Meerscheidt, mmeerscheidt@conroeisd.net, 7th grade students with last names A-K.
- Alex Schultz, aschultz@conroeisd.net, 7th grade students with last names L-Z.
- Jesenya Garcia, jesgarcia@conroeisd.net, 8th grade students with last names A-K.
- Jana Goforth, jgoforth@conroeisd.net, 8th grade students with last names L-Z.
Sincerely,
Jill Malpass Houser
Principal
GENERAL INFORMATION
Meet our Counselors and Assistant Principals
Counselors (2021-22 Assignments)
- Marti Meerscheidt, 7th grade students with last names A-K
- Alex Schultz, 7th grade students with last names L-Z
- Jesenya Garcia, 8th grade students with last names A-K
- Jana Goforth, 8th grade students with last names L-Z
Assistant Principals (2021-22 Assignments)
- Craig Harbin, 7th grade students with last names A-K
- Crystal Scott, 7th grade students with last names L-Z
- Steve Skidmore, 8th grade students with last names A-K
- Delvin Sims, 8th grade students with last names L-Z
Intermediate Student Presentations
- Jan. 25 - Mitchell
- Jan. 25 - Wilkerson
- Jan. 26 - Deretchin
- Jan. 27 - Coulson Tough
CORE COURSES
Should I Take Honors Courses?
All general education classes, level and honors, are college preparatory. The ultimate choice on which core course, level or honors, you wish your child to be in lies with you as long as it is made before the final deadline of April 2nd.
- Honors courses taught at McCullough, TWHS 9, and TWHS prepare students to be successful in Advanced Placement, Dual Credit courses, and beyond.
- Higher expectation of students
- May move at a quicker pace than regular courses
- Be wise in making course choices for your child based on his/her unique characteristics
- Changes from honors to level and vice versa will not be accommodated after the April 2nd deadline.
Required Courses - 7th Grade
- Language Arts - (2 Semesters)
- Writing Strategies 7 - (1 Semester)
- Mathematics - (2 Semesters)
- Special Investigations in Math - (1 Semester)
- Science - (2 Semesters)
- Texas History - (2 Semesters)
- Physical Education - (2 Semesters)
- Electives - 4 (2 each Semester)*
*A two-semester elective may be substituted for two one-semester choices.
Required Courses - 8th Grade
- Language Arts - (2 Semesters)
- Writing Strategies 8 - (1 Semester)
- Mathematics - (2 Semesters)
- Science - (2 Semesters)
- U.S. History - (2 Semesters)
- Physical Education - (1 Semester)
- Electives - 6 - (3 each semester)*
*A two-semester elective may be substituted for two one-semester choices.
Math - 7th Grade
Math Courses meet every other day for 90 minutes all year long
Seventh Grade Math
Pre-Algebra Honors (Eighth Grade Math, one year ahead)
Algebra I Honors* (High School Course, two years ahead)
Special Investigations in Mathematics Course required for all 7th graders meets every other day for 90 minutes for one semester
Answers the question, "When will we ever use this?"
Finance component
Art and Patterns
Statistics and Logic
Careers
*High School Course credit is recorded on HS transcript, but is not included in the calculation of HS grade point average.
Math - 8th Grade
Math Courses meet every other day for 90 minutes all year long
Eighth Grade Math - Pre-Algebra
Algebra I Honors* (9th grade math, one year ahead)
Geometry Honors* (10th grade math, two years ahead)
*High School Course credit is recorded on HS transcript, but is not included in the calculation of HS grade point average.
English Language Arts - 7th & 8th Grade
All students have a summer reading requirement
Language Arts meets 90 minutes every other day all year
Honors Language Arts will have more in-depth material with an expectation of a quick pace through independent work.
Writing Strategies Course meets 90 minutes every other day for one semester
Science - 7th & 8th Grade
Science
Honors Science
Concurrent enrollment in 7th pre-algebra or higher recommended for 7th grade honors science
Concurrent enrollment in 8th Algebra I or higher if taking honors science
Independent Study Project is required: Students have three options
One of the best things we do at McCullough
Science Fair Project (traditional testable hypothesis)
Engineering Design Competition (partner required, design, build drivable robot)
Sci Stories (research, video documentary creation, website design and creation)
All options are research based endeavors
Time commitment outside of school is approximately 38 hours of preparation
Science Fair is traditionally on a Friday in Jan/Feb
EDC is traditionally on a Saturday in February
Sci Stories is a campus based competition with only 10 advancing to regionals
Texas History - 7th Grade
Texas History
Honors Texas History
This course is designed to prepare students for subsequent Honors and Advanced Placement courses in Social Studies.
The curriculum focuses on critical thinking, application of concepts, and strategies for analyzing primary sources.
Development of writing skills is emphasized to promote success on Free Response Questions and Document Based Questions in AP Social Studies courses.
US History - 8th Grade
US History
Honors US History
This course is designed to prepare students for subsequent Honors and Advanced Placement courses in Social Studies.
The curriculum focuses on critical thinking, application of concepts, and strategies for analyzing primary sources.
Development of writing skills is emphasized to promote success on Free Response Questions and Document Based Questions in AP Social Studies courses.
Special Populations Success and Concern
- All means All
- Our staff works diligently to know, encourage, and understand all of our student populations
- We have students in special populations in all levels of academic classes
- Intermediate campuses deliver all sixth grade student records to McCullough at end of year
- McCullough teachers receive accommodations for students in Special Education, Section 504, and English as a Second Language
Homework at McCullough
- Time varies widely among students to complete assignments.
- Effectiveness of your child’s study strategies
- How much time is it going to take for your child to complete work outside of school for him/her to achieve the grade you want them to achieve in the course?
- Consider activities outside of school such as Dance, Gymnastics, Baseball, Equestrian, Swimming, etc.
- There is homework in our regular classes albeit less than in Honors classes
- Homework demands increase greatly in high school and college
- Students at McCullough report an average of 30-45 minutes per night spent on homework.
ATHLETICS, PE, CHEER, HIGHLAND GIRLS, AND COLOR GUARD
Message From Coach Lance Skinner, McCullough Athletic Coordinator
Physical Education Requirements
Students take PE for one year (two semesters) in seventh grade.
Students take PE for 1 semester in eighth grade.
Physical education is not considered one of a seventh grade student’s four elective choices as this course is a requirement.
Active
Fun
Athletics may substitute for PE
Girls or Boys Basketball
Girls Volleyball
Girls or Boys Cross Country
Cheerleading
Highland Girls Drill Team
Color Guard
Private PE
Off Campus Physical Education also known as Private PE
- Jan. 20 - Off Campus PE/Private PE Vendor Meeting
- Mar. 15 - Off Campus/Private PE Applications open online. All applications are due May 1st.
- April 2 - Last day for Off Campus/Private PE requests at McCullough
For more information please click on the following link:
https://www.conroeisd.net/department/athletics/physical-education-health/
McCullough Cheerleader Important Dates
- Feb. 11 - Tryout Informational Meeting – Fill out the following Google Form by February 11th to receive the informational video and tryout packet that will be sent via email on February 12th . https://forms.gle/DnChRyGkxHVciN7S9
- Feb. 12 - McCullough Cheerleader Information Meeting video and tryout packet sent to those who have completed the google form above.
- Feb. 19 McCullough Cheerleader Packets due to the McCullough Front Desk by 4:30 p.m.
- Mar. 8-10 McCullough Cheerleader Clinic
- Mar. 11 McCullough Cheerleader Tryout
- Mar. 12 Posting of McCullough Cheerleader results at 6:00 p.m. after all results have been verified.
McCullough Highland Girls Important Dates - Updated 3/12/21
The 2021-2022 McCullough Highland Girls Drill Team Tryout dates have been set as follows:
- March 29th - Deadline to request form for tryout meeting information - link is below
- March 30th - Tryout information meeting sent out
- April 9th - Tryout Applications Due by 4:30 p.m., submitted online
- April 14th - 16th, 19th-23th, Mandatory tryout clinic in McC Gym Time TBA
- April 24th - Mandatory Team Tryouts Time TBA
- April 25th - Results posted by 4:00 p.m.
- April 29th - Mandatory New Member Meeting in McC LGI/Cafeteria Time TBA
To receive the Tryout Information Meeting Presentation, Packet and Application links, complete the following form by March 29th at 11:59pm: LINK HERE
On March 30th, the Tryout Information Meeting Presentation and Application will be sent out to candidates that have completed the form.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Directors Sammie Gilmore (slgilmore@conroeisd.net) and Rachel Purgason (rpurgason@conroeisd.net).
McCullough Color Guard Important Dates - Updated 4/1/21
There will be no in-person Color Guard Parent Meeting as previously indicated. All materials will be sent via email to parents of interested students.
In Person auditions will take place at McCullough Junior High from April 27th through April 30th. Information about auditions is available on the McCullough Color Guard Website. Please fill out the Audition Interest Form linked below by Thursday, April 8th at 11:59 PM to receive an email containing audition paperwork and information.
- Audition paperwork is due by April 23rd, 4:30 p.m.
- Audition clinic is April 27 through April 29, 2021, in the McCullough Gym, 4:30-6:00 p.m.
- Audition day is April 30th, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
- Audition results are posted after 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 1, 2021.
If you have any questions, please email apajestka@conroeisd.net.
Link to Color Guard Website: https://mccullough.conroeisd.net/clubs-organizations-1/colorguard/
Link to Audition Interest Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScR_ARuARED9ZcfoQIr67zfC6jQw8KYm1DnXOiiezkGj7iyLA/viewform?usp=sf_link
ELECTIVES
Elective Choices - 7th Grade
Art I
Art II
Band*
Exploring Career Connections
Computer Applications
Human Services
Technology
Choir*
Exploring Languages
Orchestra*
Robotics
Teen Leadership
Theater Arts I
Theater Arts II
Theater Production
Wildlife Management
- Yearbook I
*Year long electives count as two choices
Elective Choices - 8th Grade
- All electives available to 7th graders
- Art III, Yearbook II
- High School Credit Electives: Communications, Health, *Spanish I,
COURSE REQUEST PROCESS
Factors Impacting Course Requests
Staffing
Availability of Course
Student’s Core Course Selection
Elective Course Requests by Students
Seniority
Number of Electives
7th Graders will take 4
8th Graders will take 6
Specialty Classes
Athletics
Fine Arts
Algebra
Course Request Process
- Online scheduling portal opens for all incoming 7th and 8th graders Feb. 1 through Feb. 15.
- Instructions on how to make course requests is posted below.
- Deadline for course request changes is April 2, 2021.
Virtual Parent Help Session - Mar. 4
A virtual Parent Help Session will take place on March 4, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The help session is for rising 7th and 8th grade parents who may have specific questions about course selection pertaining to their child. Please note that staff will meet individually with all students prior to this date to verify for accuracy of course selections. You may sign up to meet with any counselor. Times will be limited to no more than 10 minutes per parent/guardian. The sign-up genius link is listed below:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508044FADAC2CA4F85-parent
Below are the zoom meeting links for each counselor:
Jesenya Garcia – Incoming 8th grade students A-K https://conroeisd.zoom.us/j/84345829991?pwd=T1QxbE1ZUEtsM0pOMDNodXF1Z2N0Zz09
Meeting ID: 843 4582 9991
Passcode: 129726
Jana Goforth- Incoming 8th grade students L-Z https://conroeisd.zoom.us/j/88460351812?pwd=R3Y5MmRyQXBxOVBOandtbUc5UWdGdz09
Meeting ID: 884 6035 1812
Passcode: 855644
Marti Meerscheidt - Incoming 7th grade students A - K https://conroeisd.zoom.us/j/85959704477?pwd=bE4rL1dKckE4cFVxRXFMVExna1IxUT09
Meeting ID: 859 5970 4477
Passcode: 131230
Alex Schultz – Incoming 7th grade students L-Z https://conroeisd.zoom.us/j/82341382071?pwd=elJQTWptM3ZSN0lubm1wWjl0cmZxQT09
Meeting ID: 823 4138 2071
Passcode: 294499
Individual Student Conferencing Sessions
Counselors will meet individually with each student after the online request window closes on the following dates (dates are tentative)
- McCullough Current 7th graders - Feb. 16 through 19 during math classes
- Coulson Tough - Feb. 23
- Wilkerson - Feb. 26
- Deretchin - March 1
- Mitchell - March 2
Registration Final Deadline
- Final deadline to make any change, elective request, or core level change is April 2, 2021.
- Teachers are hired with specific teaching certifications based on requests of parents on this date.
- Master schedule is constructed based on parent/guardian course requests
Tentative McCullough JHS Important Dates 2021-22
January 25 - McCullough staff visits with students via zoom at Mitchell (9:00 a.m.)
January 25 - McCullough staff visits with students via zoom at Wilkerson (10:15 a.m.)
January 26 - McCullough staff visits with students via zoom at Deretchin (11:35 a.m.)
January 27 - McCullough staff visits with students via zoomat Coulson Tough (8:15 a.m.)
January 28 - Elective Information made available for incoming 7th graders in a virtual format
February 11 - Cheerleader information meeting (6:00 p.m. Bock Auditorium)
February 1 - Online scheduling portal opens for all incoming 7th and 8th McCJH students of 2021-22 (tentative)
February 15 at 4:30 p.m - Cheerleader packets due to McCullough by 4:30 p.m. .
February 16 - Online scheduling portal closes for incoming 7th and 8th McCJH students
February 23 - Student course requests individual help conferences at Coulson Tough (8:15 a.m.)
February 26 - Student course requests individual help conferences at Wilkerson (9:00 a.m.)
February 27 - McC Band Audition Day for all 6th Grade Band Students (8:00 am to 4:30 om)
March 1 - Student course requests individual help conferences at Deretchin (8:00 a.m.)
March 2 - Student course requests individual help conferences at Mitchell (9:00 a.m.)
March 8-10 - McCullough Cheerleader Clinic (required)**
March 11 - McCullough Cheerleader Try-outs for 7th and 8th Grade (required)**
March 4 - Parent information help session day via Sign up Genius from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
March 12 - Posting of cheerleaders results at 6:00 p.m. after all results have been verified.
March 30 - Highland Girls Information Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
April 2 - Final deadline to request Off Campus Physical Education (Private P.E.)
April 2 - Final 2020-21 deadline for all course requests including core and elective classes
April 8 - Color Guard Sign up to receive paperwork due
April 9 - Highland Girls tryout packets due to McCullough front desk by 4:30 p.m.
April 14-16, 19-23 - Highland Girls Tryout clinic
April 23 - Color Guard Audition paperwork due by 4:30 p.m.
April 24 - Highland Girls tryouts (required)**
April 25 - Posting of Highland Girls results at 4:00 p.m. after all results have been verified
April 27-29 - Color Guard Audition Clinic
April 30 - Color Guard audition day
May 1 - Color Guard auditions results posted after 5:00 p.m.
TBD - Tentative date for 8th grade Student Orientation (lockers and schedules)
TBD - Tentative date for 7th grade Student Orientation (lockers and schedules)
TBA - Football equipment pickup
First week of school - Boys and Girls Basketball off-season class try-outs, Volleyball Team try-outs 7 **
Second day of school - Football Practice starts**
First week of school - Cross-country starts**
TBA - Boys and Girls basketball team try-outs**
TBA - Track begins
· Please note that all dates and times are tentative. Please have your student collect any information about events from his/her intermediate campus when they are available. We will advertise and announce all events at the intermediate schools as well as in The Tartan Tribune. The dates advertised and announced will be followed unless special circumstances occur.
McCullough JHS Contact Information
24-hour Attendance Line...............832.592.5111
McCullough Fax.............................832.592.5116
Clinic...............................................832.592.5122
Clinic Fax........................................832.592.5127
Counselor's Office..........................832.592.5194
Registrar..........................................832.592.5114
Email: contactmccullough@conroesid.net
Website: mccullough.conroeisd.net
Location: 3800 South Panther Creek Drive, The Woodlands, TX, USA
Phone: 832.592.5100
Facebook: facebook.com/McCulloughCISD
Twitter: @mcculloughcisd