Folks Middle School 8th Grade Guide

7th graders will enroll in each of the following content areas for their 8th-grade year:

1. ELA or *Advanced ELA
2. Pre-Algebra or Advanced MS Algebra 1 (Must have completed 6th & 7th grade Accelerated Math courses or have taken Math Bridge I)
3. U.S. History or Advanced U.S. History
4. Science or Advanced Science
5. PE or Dance 1 PE or **Dance 2 PE or ***Dance 3 PE or ****Athletics
6. MAPS/Communication Applications or *****AVID I or ******GT Innovative Thinkers 3
7. Elective Course
8. Elective Course

*Students who select Advanced ELA must complete a summer reading project. (Summer Reading Project Info Attached Below)

**Students must have already taken Dance 1 in order to be in Dance 2.

***Students must have already taken Dance 2 in order to be in Dance 3.

****Students must have a coach's approval in order to be in Athletics.

Please contact the Girls or Boys Head Coach for questions regarding Athletics eligibility:

Girl's Coach: desirae.villa@nisd.net

Boy's Coach: hank.hennig@nisd.net

The following two high school credit courses (MAPS & Comm Apps) are each semester classes combined to make a one year course.

*****MAPS: This course supports a successful transition into high school by developing the skills necessary for a successful academic career. Students will develop the specific strategies to achieve personal and professional goals. Based on individual learning styles and interests, students will develop critical time management, organization, and study skills, with a focus on character education and leadership. ******Note: This course satisfies an elective requirement for high school graduation.

*****Communication Applications: Students will identify, analyze, develop, and evaluate communication skills needed for professional and social success in interpersonal situations, group interactions, and formal and informal professional presentations. ******Note: This course satisfies the NISD Speech requirement for high school graduation.

Northside offers many Advanced courses to middle school students. Participation in advanced academic courses is a foundation of college readiness. Students who participate in advanced coursework are more likely to complete a bachelor’s degree in college and typically have higher grades in college.

Northside ISD recognizes the value of student participation in rigorous academic coursework and encourages students to graduate from high school with at least one advanced academic course credit such as Advanced Placement. Our collective purpose is to ensure

student success in middle school Advanced courses and provide opportunities for higher levels of learning in future grades.

Advanced courses are intended to develop students’ literacy, problem-solving skills, and analysis. These middle school classes are designed to challenge students through rigorous instruction and complex learning tasks in order to prepare them for success in future Advanced classes, AP classes, and college courses.

***If you would like for your student to earn high school Advanced MS Algebra 1 credit in 8th grade, your student must have already been following the sequence below:

AVID 1 is an academic elective course that prepares students for college readiness and success. Each week, students receive instruction utilizing a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, tutor-facilitated study groups, motivational activities and academic success skills. In AVID, students participate in activities that incorporate strategies focused on writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading to support their academic growth. Students in AVID 1 must take at least one advanced course.

An application must be filled out. ***Application deadline - February 25, 2022

~Note: This course serves as a substitute for Methodology for Academic and Personal Success (MAPS) and Communication Applications. Students who successfully complete AVID 1 will fulfill the NISD Speech requirement for high school graduation.

Please contact veronica.herrera@nisd.net for AVID inquires.

8th grade GT students will take Innovative Thinkers 3 instead of MAPS/ Communication Applications or AVID.

In addition to Innovative Thinkers 3, students may also select Advanced MS Algebra I, Advanced Science, Advanced ELA and Advanced History in which both enrichment and acceleration opportunities are available.

For more information on this new & redesigned GT course or to request for your child to be tested for GT, please contact our middle school GT Specialists:

margaret.totah@nisd.net

carolyn.dennis@nisd.net

8th graders will have two elective classes and will be in these classes for the entire school year. Due to class sizes and teacher assignments, Folks cannot guarantee a student's first choice. Students will select two alternate courses for this reason.

8th Grade Elective Options:

• Beginner Band or Intermediate Band or Advanced Band
• Beginner Orchestra or Intermediate Orchestra or Advanced Orchestra
• Beginner Choir or Intermediate Choir or Advanced Choir
• Beginner Theatre or Intermediate Theatre or Advanced Theatre
• Dance 1 or Dance 2 or Dance 3 (must not be enrolled in Dance for P.E. credit)
• Beginner Art 1 or Intermediate Art 2 or *Studio Art HS (Advanced / HS Credit) or *Art 1 HS (HS Credit)
• PBS Future Lab 8 (Cannot currently be in PBS Future Lab 7)
• *Principles of Human Services (HS Credit)
• STEM Future Lab 8 (Cannot currently be in STEM Future Lab 7)
• *Principals of Applied Engineering (HS Credit)
• Journalism (Yearbook) (Application Required--deadline February 25,2022)
• Robotics (Application required--deadline February 25, 2022)
• *Spanish 1 (HS Credit) or *Spanish 2 (HS Credit) or *Spanish 2 Advanced (HS Credit)
• Study Hall
• Office Assistant (Application required--deadline February 25, 2022) -- Office Assistants will be selected from students who successfully submit an application and meet all the necessary requirements. If you are selected to be an office assistant your 2nd elective will be dropped and replaced with Office Assistant.

*Courses in bold with an asterisk (*) in front of the course name are for high school credit.

Band Beginner Level is designed to teach students how to play a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. No prior music experience or knowledge is required. Students will learn to read music, produce good tone quality, learn rhythm skills, and perform music. Students can develop skills at their own pace. Band concerts allow students to experience live performance. Students earn awards for individual outstanding skill mastery.

Instructor: Carolyn Ireland -- carolyn.ireland@nisd.net

Band Intermediate Level is designed for students to continue developing music fundamentals on woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments introduced in the beginner level class. Students build skills at their own pace. Band literature is more advanced and promotes increased teamwork, kinesthetic development, expression, leadership, and problem solving skills. Band concerts include music of all styles. Students earn awards for individual and ensemble mastery of skills.

***Prerequisite: Beginner Band

Instructor: Carolyn Ireland -- carolyn.ireland@nisd.net

Band Advanced Level is designed for students to apply sound music fundamentals on woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments to music of all styles. Students build skills at their own pace. Band literature is advanced and promotes extensive collaboration, expression, creativity, and problem-solving techniques. Students engage in multiple concerts. Students earn awards for individual and ensemble mastery of skills.

*Placement is determined by directors.

Instructor: Carolyn Ireland -- carolyn.ireland@nisd.net

Orchestra Beginner Level is designed to teach students how to play a violin, viola, cello, or string bass instrument. No prior music experience or knowledge is required. Students will learn to read music, produce good tone quality, learn rhythm skills, and perform music. Students can develop skills at their own pace. Orchestra concerts allow students to experience live performance. Students earn awards for individual outstanding skill mastery.

Instructor: Amber Kober -- amber.kober@nisd.net

Orchestra Intermediate Level is designed for students to continue developing music fundamentals on violin, viola, cello, and string bass instruments introduced in

the beginner level class. Orchestra literature is more advanced and promotes increased teamwork, kinesthetic development, expression, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Orchestra concerts include music of all styles. Students earn awards for individual and ensemble mastery of skills.

***Prerequisite: Beginner Orchestra

Instructor: Amber Kober -- amber.kober@nisd.net

Orchestra Advanced Level is designed for students to apply strong music fundamentals on violin, viola, cello, and string bass instruments to music of all styles. Students build skills at their own pace. Orchestra literature is advanced and promotes extensive collaboration, expression, creativity, and problemsolving techniques. Orchestra concerts are extensive. Students earn awards for individual and ensemble mastery of skills.

***Prerequisite: Intermediate Orchestra

Instructor: Amber Kober -- amber.kober@nisd.net

This course is designed to teach students how to sing properly. No prior music experience or knowledge is required. Girls are assigned to the Treble Choir and boys are assigned to the Tenor Bass Choir. Students learn to read music, produce good tone quality, learn rhythm skills, and perform. Students can develop skills at their own pace. Choir concerts allow students to experience live performance. Students earn awards for individual outstanding skill mastery.

Instructor: Greg Garcia -- greg.garcia@nisd.net

This course is designed for students to continue developing music fundamentals and singing skills introduced in the beginner level class. Students build skills at their own pace. Choral literature is more advanced and promotes increased teamwork, development of vocal tone quality and range, expression, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Choir concerts include music of all styles. Students earn awards for individual and ensemble mastery of skills.

***Prerequisite: Beginner Treble Choir or Beginner Tenor/Bass Choir

Instructor: Greg Garcia -- greg.garcia@nisd.net

This course is designed for students to apply strong music fundamentals developed in beginner and intermediate level courses. Students build skills at their own pace. Choir literature is advanced and promotes extensive collaboration, expression, creativity, and problem-solving techniques. Students engage in multiple concerts. Students earn awards for individual and ensemble mastery of skills.

***Prerequisite: Intermediate Treble Choir

Instructor: Greg Garcia -- greg.garcia@nisd.net

Beginning Theatre is an introductory theatre course designed for the student to experience the basic elements of drama. No previous theatre or drama experience is required. Beginning acting and technical theatre techniques will be explored along with the basic skills needed to create a theatrical performance.

Instructor: Sarah Ford -- sarah.ford@nisd.net

Intermediate Theatre is a more in-depth study of theatre where students continue to build upon skills learned in Theatre 1. Students are introduced to additional skills that are necessary to become a theatre artist. Dramatic structure, acting, and technical elements are expanded in both production and scene studies.

***Prerequisite: Beginner Theatre

Instructor: Sarah Ford -- sarah.ford@nisd.net

Advanced Theatre is an advanced theatre class that requires students to enhance skills learned in Beginning and Intermediate through analyzation of theatrical concepts and practices. Students engage in research, creative thinking, problem solving, and improvisation that is transferred to collaborative production.

***Prerequisite: Intermediate Theatre

Instructor: Sarah Ford -- sarah.ford@nisd.net

The first dance course in middle school is designed to give students the opportunity to develop and execute beginner skills in ballet, jazz, tap, modern dance, musical theatre dance, and world dance forms. Various dance genres and styles will be explored while improving students’ technique, self-confidence, creative ability, and concept of wellness. Dance students will have ensemble performance opportunities. No prior dance experience is required.

*Middle School Dance may be taken as an elective, or as a fulfillment of the PE requirement. Students who wish to use MS Dance to fulfill the PE requirement should NOT enroll in this course, but should rather enroll in Dance MS 1 PE (#5091)

Instructor: Brittany Valdez --brittany.valdez@nisd.net

The second of three sequential dance courses, Dance MS 2 is designed to give students the opportunity to develop and execute intermediate skills in ballet, jazz, tap, modern dance, musical theatre dance, and world dance forms. Various dance genres and styles will be explored while improving their technique, selfconfidence, creative ability, and concept of wellness. Dance students will have ensemble performance opportunities.

***Prerequisite: Dance MS 1

*Middle School Dance may be taken as an elective, or as a fulfillment of the PE requirement. Students who wish to use MS Dance to fulfill the PE requirement should NOT enroll in this course, but should rather enroll in Dance MS 2 PE (#5092)

Instructor: Brittany Valdez --brittany.valdez@nisd.net

The third of three sequential dance courses, Dance MS 3 is designed to give students the opportunity to develop and execute advance skills in ballet, jazz, tap, modern dance, musical theatre dance, and world dance forms. Various dance genres and styles will be explored while improving their technique, self-confidence, creative ability ,and concept of wellness. Dance students will have ensemble performance opportunities.

***Prerequisite: Dance MS 2

*Middle School Dance may be taken as an elective, or as a fulfillment of the PE requirement. Students who wish to use MS Dance to fulfill the PE requirement should NOT enroll in this course, but should rather enroll in Dance MS 3 PE (#5093)

Instructor: Brittany Valdez --brittany.valdez@nisd.net

Beginner Art MS 1 is concept-based. Curriculum units include drawing, painting, printmaking, three-dimensional art forms, fiber, and digital art. Content will include student originality and creativity.

Instructors:

Christina Cardenas- -christina.cardernas@nisd.net

Katherine Brannan --katherine.brannan@nisd.net

Intermediate Art MS 2 is concept-based and curriculum units build student skills developed in Beginner Art 1. Curriculum includes drawing, painting, printmaking, fiber art, three-dimensional art forms, and digital art. Development of artistic originality, creativity, and study of artists and art periods is incorporated.

***Prerequisite: Beginner Art MS 1

Instructor: Katherine Brannan--katherine.brannan@nisd.net

This high school credit course is designed for the middle school student who has completed Beginner Art MS 1 and Intermediate Art MS 2 and wishes to continue the study of art at a rigorous level. Students investigate and apply techniques in drawing, painting, printmaking, 3-D art forms, fiber, digital art and compositions of mixed media. Students work toward mastery level in originality and creativity. Students personalize their learning and design their curriculum to enrich peaked interest in mastery of art skills. The course is designed for students with high interest in rich art experiences.

***Prerequisite: Intermediate Art MS 2

Students who successfully complete this course will earn 1.0 high school credit.

Instructor: Clayton Kilduff--clayton.kilduff@nisd.net

High School Art I is concept-based and is an exploratory introduction to high school art. Curriculum includes all art media to allow students to acquire a general understanding of the elements of art, principles of design and expressive qualities. Content will include problem-solving, originality, creativity, and the study of artists and art periods.

***Prerequisite: None

Students who successfully complete this course will earn 1.0 high school credit.

Instructor: Clayton Kilduff --clayton.kilduff@nisd.net

This is the same course as PBS Future Lab 7. This is a lab- and project-based course in which students will participate in experiences that model real -world industries. The goal of this course is to create a foundation for success in high school, future studies, and careers in Business, Industry, and Public Service. Career and Technical Education clusters addressed include Agriculture, Business/Finance, Culinary, Education, Fashion, Health Science, and Marketing. Students will research labor market information, learn job-seeking skills, and practice professional communication skills. Career and Technical Education instruction provides content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills for students to further their education and succeed in current or emerging professions.

***Prerequisite: None

Instructor: Priscilla Prather -- priscilla.prather@nisd.net

Students will assess the relationship between health and wellness and personal and professional achievement. Students will evaluate the effects of crises, stress, and domestic violence on individuals and the family and recognize appropriate responses and management strategies. Students will identify the basic needs of children as well as caregiver guidelines that promote safe and healthy child development. Students will create meals according to dietary guidelines. Students will create written and electronic records of client services for cosmetology, fashion design, and interior design.

***Prerequisite: None

Students who successfully complete this course will earn 1.0 high school credit.

Instructor: Priscilla Prather --priscilla.prather@nisd.net

STEM Future Lab 8 (#8810) (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Related Careers) This the same course as STEM Future Lab 7. This is a lab- and project-based course in which students will participate in experiences that model real -world industries. The goal of this course is to create a foundation for success in high school, future studies, and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Career and Technical Education clusters addressed include Architecture, Arts & Audio Video, Construction, Engineering, Information Technology (Cyber), Law (Forensics), Manufacturing, and Transportation (Automotive). Students will research labor market information, learn job-seeking skills, and practice professional communication skills. Career and Technical Education instruction provides content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills for students to further their education and succeed in current or emerging professions

***Prerequisite: None

Instructor: Andy Vasquez -- andy.vasquez@nisd.net

This course provides an overview of the various fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and their interrelationships. Working on design teams, students will use multiple computer hardware and software applications to conduct research, design and create projects, and present ideas related to biotechnology, electronics, robotics, and automation. Students will use appropriate tools and demonstrate safe work habits.

***Prerequisite: None

Students who successfully complete this course will earn 1.0 high school credit.

Instructor: Andy Vasquez -- andy.vasquez@nisd.net

This course provides the study of current print and digital trends in yearbook design, layout, and publishing in order to develop and produce the school yearbook. Coursework includes gathering and analyzing information, photography, and specialized writing.

Students interested in Yearbook will need to have the following:

1. At least 1 Recommendation from their ELA teacher or AVID teacher

2. Students should not have infractions such as ISS or Suspension

3. Students should have GOOD attendance

4. Students should have ALL passing grades (80 and above preferred)

*Application Required--Pick up application in Room# A207

***Application deadline - February 25, 2022

Instructor: Kasey Thompson -- kasey.thompson@nisd.net

Folks Middle School is proud to offer our First Lego League Robotics Competition Team as an elective class! We are an award-winning team of motivated students who design, build, and program LEGO robots, and we work on team-building and leadership skills while collaborating to find innovative solutions to world-wide problems.

Do you like to solve puzzles? Do you like to work with your peers? Are you looking for a challenge? If you have experience with your school's FLL Robotics after school activity, that's a plus.

***Application required ***(deadline February 25, 2022)

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeqXm2cnzgg2qTZH9qbx-GrJI2KCe3mk6ggkiCEhORcoZqx-g/viewform

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXTjUBroDncnmjcdL0LFsiutNOt4tt7sBraQLWcuTz5dUG6A/viewform

Instructor: Wendy Mueller -- wendy.mueller@nisd.net

This course is for non native speakers. This course focuses on developing speaking and listening comprehension skills. Students are exposed to basic reading and writing skills. Students are introduced to the people, their customs, and other aspects of their culture. Students have the opportunity to work in pairs and small groups to role play real-life situations using the target language.

***Prerequisite: None

Students who successfully complete this course will earn 1.0 high school credit.

This course continues to focus on opportunities for students to expand their speaking and listening comprehension skills in addition to developing their reading comprehension and writing skills. Students continue to study the culture, the people, and their customs. Students will continue to role play and perform dialogues and skits in a variety of everyday situations and topics using the target language.

***Prerequisite: 70 or higher in Spanish 1, or 80 or higher on the Credit-by-Exam.

Students who successfully complete this course will earn 1.0 high school credit.

This course is for non native speakers. This course exceeds the level 2 requirements by including many independent activities requiring performances in the target language. The students will continue to refine the four modes of communication by being exposed to an enriched and accelerated curriculum.

***Prerequisite: Recommended 90 or higher in Spanish 1, or 90 or higher on the Credit-by-Exam.

Students who successfully complete this course will earn 1.0 high school credit.

Study Hall is a designated class period during the school day that provides a structured time for students to work on homework, research, projects, or other assignments.

***Prerequisite: None

Students assist school personnel in the front office, counseling office, attendance office, library, and vice principal’s office. Selection is based on communication skills, grades, citizenship, and attendance.

Must fill out application by February 25, 2022

*Office Assistants will be selected from students who successfully submit an application and meet all the necessary requirements. Students 2nd elective choice will be replaced with Office Assistant.

Principal

Shawn McKenzie

shawn.mckenzie@nisd.net

(210) 398-1600

Academic Dean

Ann Devlin

ann.devlin@nisd.net

(210) 398-1600

Associate Principal

Yvette Lopez

yvette.lopez@nisd.net

(210) 398-1600

Assistant Principal

Kim Young

kimberly-a.young@nisd.net

(210) 398-1600

Reach out to your student's counselor for any questions or concerns!

At Folks, students are assigned to counselors based on their last name:

Pilar Rincones, Counselor (A-E)

pilar.rincones@nisd.net

(210) 398-1626

Angie Perez, Head Counselor (F-J)

angelica.perez@nisd.net

(210) 398-1627

Michael Geraci, Counselor (K-Q)

michael.geraci@nisd.net

(210) 398-1625

Diana Hernandez, Counselor (R-Z)

diana.hernandez@nisd.net

(210) 398-1628

Norma Esparza, Counseling & Grade Reporting Secretary

norma.esparza@nisd.net

(210) 398-1632

Special Education Department Coordinator

Javonne Collier

javonne.collier@nisd.net

(210) 398-1656

Licensed School Psychologist

Veronica Medina

veronica.medina@nisd.net

(210) 398-1611

Student Service Facilitator (504 Services, High School Credit Courses)

Keli Hall

keli.hall@nisd.net

(210) 398-1618

English Second Language Specialist

Lizeth Sampayo

lizeth.sampayo@nisd.net

(210) 398-3223

Attendance Secretary

Terry Precie

terry.precie@nisd.net

(210) 398-1608

School Nurse

Mandy Moore

mandy.moore@nisd.net

(210) 398-1609