White Oak Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or disability in providing education or providing access to benefits of education services, activities, and programs, including vocational programs in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended: Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and Title II of the American Disabilities Act.

General Information

White Oak Middle School serves students in grades 6-8. WOISD provides middle school students a well-balanced, rigorous curriculum that meets and exceeds the requirements set forth by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

A key focus of the White Oak Middle School academic program is to make certain all students are prepared for the high school curriculum by providing meaningful and relevant learning experiences that emphasize critical thinking, problem solving and application skills, while also meeting their social and emotional needs.

In addition to certain required courses, students have the opportunity to choose elective courses such as Technology, PE, Athletics, Study Hall, Choir, Outdoor Adventures, Band, Journalism, and others depending on student interests and staff availability.

Choosing Classes

Current 6th and 7th grade students and parents will have the opportunity to choose classes in the spring by completing a Google Document shared on our website http://woms.wonecks.net/. Current 8th grade students will tour the WOHS campus in the spring for Career and Technical Education day to view possible Programs of Study and Endorsement pathways. The High School counselors will then meet with our 8th-grade students and their parent(s) to select possible course options and develop a 4-year-plan to be signed and turned in.

Class Schedules

White Oak Middle School’s class schedule consists of 8, 45 minute classes. These classes include 5 Core courses (Reading, Writing, Science, Math, Social Studies), and up to 3 elective courses. The day also includes a 40 minute Enrichment class to allow students the ability to participate in Student Council, practice for UIL competition, and receive tutorials or study.

Grading

White Oak ISD operates on a nine week grading period. Report cards will be available on Skyward at the end of each nine weeks. Progress reports will be available at each three week mark. Parents and students are encouraged to look at grades on a regular basis by accessing Skyward.

Promotion

To earn credit in a course, a student must receive a grade of at least 70 based on course-level or grade-level standards.

STAAR

STAAR is an assessment program designed to measure the extent to which students have learned and are able to apply the knowledge and skills defined in the state-mandated curriculum standards, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

6th Grade- Reading, Math

7th Grade- Reading, Math or 8th Math

8th Grade- Reading, Math or Algebra EOC, Science, Social Studies

HB 1416 provides additional learning support for students who do not meet standards on the STAAR exam. Texas State Law requires students who do not reach “Approaching” on each tested subject receive an additional 30 hours of small group instruction. This instruction will take place in Summer School and/or during the school year.

Special Education

If a child is experiencing learning difficulties, the parent may contact our counselor at veldej@woisd.net to learn about the district’s overall general education referral or screening system for support services. This system links students to a variety of support options, including referral for a special education evaluation. Students having difficulty in the regular classroom should be considered for tutorial, compensatory, and other academic or behavior support services that are available to all students including a process based on Response to Intervention (RtI). The implementation of RtI has the potential to have a positive impact on the ability of school districts to meet the needs of all struggling students.

504 A child determined to have physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, as defined by law, and who does not otherwise qualify for special education services, may qualify for protection under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Section 504 is a federal law designed to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities. When an evaluation is requested, a committee will be formed to determine if the child is in need of services and supports under Section 504 to receive free appropriate public education (FAPE), as it is defined in federal law. Please contact Mr. Hoskins at hoskinsd@woisd.net if you have any questions.

Gifted and Talented

The philosophy of White Oak Independent School District reflects an understanding of the uniqueness of individual students. Because the learning characteristics of gifted and talented students dictate learning experiences that differentiate from those provided for them in the regular school program, the district recognizes that special provisions must be made for these students in order to stimulate and maximize their achievement.

White Oak Independent School District recognizes that gifted and talented students are found in all cultures, socio economic groups, geographic locales, and environments. White Oak ISD will serve the needs of those students who demonstrate above average achievement through multiple and specific criteria. Identification and selection for the gifted and talented program will be determined through a three-step process: Nomination, Screening, and Selection. Nominations of students will be accepted through the completion of the referral form by parent, guardian, grandparent, peer, district personnel, self, or other community member anytime during the school year. Screening will be once a year in the second semester. Contact the counselor for more information.

Course Description

Courses in this guide may not be available every year. Other than required courses, elective courses are based on student interest or staff availability.

6th Grade Core Courses

6th Grade Reading

Prerequisite: None

Sixth grade students refine and master previously learned knowledge and skills in increasingly complex situations. Students read a variety of classic and contemporary selections (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama). Students deepen reading comprehension through literary and informational analysis, vocabulary study, and class discussions. Although Reading and Writing are two separate classes, they are integrated between each other.

6th Grade Writing

Prerequisite: None

Sixth grade students refine and master previously learned knowledge and skills in increasingly complex situations. Students use the writing process to compose multiple texts that are legible and use appropriate conventions. Process oriented writing is modeled, along with editing and grammar instruction to provide a well-rounded curriculum. Although Reading and Writing are two separate classes, they are integrated between each other.

6th Grade Advanced Reading and Writing

Requirement: final grade of 85 or above in 5th grade, Mastery on STAAR or equivalent assessment

These advanced courses provide challenging coursework that emphasizes key literacy and analysis skills. Students will have opportunities to strengthen skills in evidence-based writing, close observation and analysis, higher-order questioning, and academic conversation in preparation for advanced courses in High School. The class will cover all essential knowledge and skills for 6th grade Language Arts, and emphasis is placed on developing critical and creative thinking, as well as analysis of author’s purpose and writer’s craft through required reading, discussions, essays, and exams. Students must maintain a nine week average of 80 in each class to remain in the courses.

6th Grade Math

Prerequisite: None

The primary focal areas in Grade 6 are number and operations; proportionality; expressions, equations, and relationships; and measurement and data. Students use concepts, algorithms, and properties of rational numbers to explore mathematical relationships and to describe increasingly complex situations. Students use concepts of proportionality to explore, develop, and communicate mathematical relationships. Students use algebraic thinking to describe how a change in one quantity in a relationship results in a change in the other. Students connect verbal, numeric, graphic, and symbolic representations of relationships, including equations and inequalities. Students use geometric properties and relationships, as well as spatial reasoning, to model and analyze situations and solve problems. Students communicate information about geometric figures or situations by quantifying attributes, generalize procedures from measurement experiences, and use the procedures to solve problems. Students use appropriate statistics, representations of data, and reasoning to draw conclusions, evaluate arguments, and make recommendations.

6th Grade Advanced Math

Requirement: final grade of 90 or above in 5th grade, Mastery on STAAR or equivalent assessment

This course is designed to cover all 6th Grade Mathematics essential knowledge and skills,while also compacting and incorporating 7th grade curriculum, in order to prepare students for high school Algebra I in 8th grade. Advanced Mathematics provides challenging coursework that emphasizes connecting among multiple representations, authenticity of applications and modeling, and engagement in mathematical argumentation. Students will have opportunities to strengthen skills in evidence-based writing,close observation and analysis, higher-order questioning, and academic conversation to prepare students for advanced courses in High School. Students must maintain a nine week average of 80 or better to remain the course.

6th Grade Science

Prerequisite: None

This course is designed for all students that utilizes specific instructional strategies designed to enhance the development of critical thinking and scientific problem solving skills. Concepts covered are interdisciplinary in nature with a focus on physical science. Topics of study include elements,compounds and mixtures, energy resources, potential and kinetic energy, energy transformations, force and motion,solar system and space exploration, taxonomic classifications and levels of organization in ecosystems. S

6th Grade Social Studies (World Cultures)

Prerequisite: None

The focus of 6th grade Social Studies is contemporary world cultures, studying the people, places, and regions of the world. The concepts of history, geography, government, economics, culture, citizenship, and science and technology are applied to contemporary societies. Students will practice critical thinking skills by analyzing societies, comparing culture regions, organizing and interpreting information, and making predictions.

7th Grade Core Courses

7th Grade Reading

Prerequisite: None

Seventh grade students refine and master previously learned knowledge and skills in increasingly complex situations. Students read a variety of classic and contemporary selections (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama). Students deepen reading comprehension through literary and informational analysis, vocabulary study, and class discussions.

7th Grade Writing

Prerequisite: None

Seventh grade students refine and master previously learned knowledge and skills in increasingly complex situations. Students select appropriate forms of writing to

communicate ideas and information to specific audiences for specific purposes. Students revise and edit writing for clarity and correct use of conventions to produce final, error- free pieces on a regular basis. Punctuation, capitalization and spelling rules are stressed through frequent practice and application.

7th Grade Advanced Reading and Writing

Prerequisite: None

This Advanced course provides challenging coursework that emphasizes key literacy and analysis skills. Students will have opportunities to strengthen skills in evidence-based writing,close observation and analysis, higher-order questioning, and academic conversation in preparation for the advanced courses in High School. The class will cover all essential knowledge and skills for 7th grade Language Arts, and emphasis is placed on developing critical and creative thinking, as well as analysis of author’s purpose and writer’s craft through required reading, discussions, essays, and exams. Summer work will be mandatory. Students must maintain a nine week average of 85 or better to remain in the course.

7th Grade Math

Prerequisite: None

The primary focal points of seventh grade math are all mathematical operations with positive and negative rational numbers; solving multi-step equations and inequalities; bridging two- and three- dimensional geometry; representation and application of proportionality; probability; statistical analysis; and personal financial literacy. Students explore and apply these concepts using problem solving models, tools and technology, multiple representation, communication and justification of ideas.

7th Grade Pre-Algebra

Prerequisite: 6th Grade Adv. Math

This course is designed to cover all 7th Grade Mathematics essential knowledge and skills,while also compacting and incorporating 8th Grade Mathematics curriculum, in order to prepare students for high school Algebra I in 8th grade. This Advanced course provides challenging coursework that emphasizes connecting among multiple representations, authenticity of applications and modeling, and engagement in mathematical argumentation. Students will have opportunities to strengthen skills in evidence-based writing, close observation and analysis, higher-order questioning, and academic conversation to prepare students for advanced courses in High School. This course reviews arithmetic procedures and begins a student’s investigation of algebraic concepts. Students will use linear equations to represent real-world situations and develop an understanding of slope as rate of change. They will increase fluency in number, operation and quantitative reasoning; analyze 2- and 3-dimensional space and uses of statistical data; and develop and describe geometric and mathematical patterns all leading to sustainable algebraic thinking.

7th Grade Science

Prerequisite: None

Concepts covered in this course are interdisciplinary in nature with a focus on organisms and the environment. Topics of study include the flow and conservation of energy through living systems, force,motion, and energy observed in living systems and the environment, Earth and space phenomena, relationships between living organisms and their environment, genetics, plant and animal cell structures, and human body systems. Students will be engaged in relevant and rigorous hands-on laboratory investigations that emphasize process skills,such as experimental design, and use tools and technology to collect, record, and analyze data.

7th Grade Social Studies (Texas History)

Prerequisite: None

Students will study the history of Texas from early times to the present. Areas of study will include Natural Texas and its People; Age of Contact; Spanish Colonial; Mexican National; Revolution and Republic; Early Statehood; Texas in the Civil War and Reconstruction; Cotton, Cattle and Railroads; Age of Oil; Texas in the Great Depression and World War II; Civil Rights and Conservatism; and Contemporary Texas eras. Students identify the regions of Texas and describe the structure and functions of government. Students will examine the rights and responsibilities of Texas citizens, identify different ethnic groups who contributed to Texas culture, and analyze the impact of science and technology on the development of Texas in various industries. A wide variety of primary and secondary source material is used to teach the strands of knowledge and skills.

8th Grade Core Courses

8th Grade Reading

Prerequisite: None

Eighth grade students refine and master previously learned knowledge and skills in increasingly complex situations. Students read a variety of classic and contemporary selections (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama). Students deepen reading comprehension through literary and informational analysis, vocabulary study, and class discussions.

8th Grade Writing

Prerequisite: None

Students will continue to apply earlier standards with greater depth to increasingly complex texts in multiple genres as they become self-directed, critical learners who work collaboratively while continuously using metacognitive skills. Students select appropriate forms of writing to

8th Grade Advanced Reading and Writing (2 Classes)

Prerequisite: None

These Advanced courses provide challenging coursework that emphasizes key literacy and analysis skills. Students will have opportunities to strengthen skills in evidence-based writing, close observation and analysis, higher-order questioning, and academic conversation in preparation for the advanced courses in High School. The class will cover all essential knowledge and skills for 8th grade Language Arts, and emphasis is placed on developing critical and creative thinking, as well as analysis of author’s purpose and writer’s craft through required reading, discussions, essays, and exams. Summer work will be mandatory. Must maintain a nine week average of 85 or better to remain in the courses.

8th Grade Math

Prerequisite: None

The primary focal points of eighth grade math are rational and irrational numbers; equations and inequalities with variables on both sides; applications of surface area and volume; attributes of linear relationships; transformational geometry; statistical procedures to describe data; and personal financial literacy. Students explore and apply these concepts using problem solving models, tools and technology, multiple representation, communication and justification of ideas.

8th Grade Algebra (High School Credit)

Prerequisite: 7th Grade Pre-Algebra

In Algebra I Advanced students use symbols in a variety of ways to study relationships among quantities. Students use functions to represent and model problem situations and to analyze and interpret relationships. Equations arise as a way of asking and answering questions involving functional relationships. Students work in many situations to set up equations and use a variety of methods to solve these equations. Techniques for working with functions and equations are essential in understanding underlying relationships. Students use a variety of representations (concrete, numerical, algorithmic, graphical), tools, and technology (including but not limited to handheld calculators with graphing capabilities), and model mathematical situations to solve meaningful problems.

8th Grade Science

Prerequisite: None

The primary focus in the course is physical science. Content includes chemical and physical properties of matter, the effects of cyclical movements of the sun, earth, and moon, characteristics of the universe, natural events’ impact on earth systems, climatic interactions among earth, ocean, and weather systems, and interdependence among living systems, the environment, and human activities.

8th Grade Social Studies (US History)

Prerequisite: None

The focus of 8th grade Social Studies is U.S. History to 1877, studying the history of the United States from the early colonial period through Reconstruction. Historical content focuses on the political, economic, and social events of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Students will expand their knowledge of historical events by analyzing and evaluating documents relating to the geographic, economic, governmental, cultural, and technological factors influencing the growth and development of the United States.

Elective Courses

Students will have the opportunity to choose up to 3 elective courses with one of them being PE or Athletics. As students advance to each grade level, they receive more choice in the electives they would like to take. I encourage you to read each course description carefully before choosing as schedules will not be changed after the first full week of school. Please contact our Counselor, Mrs. Velde, at veldej@woisd.net if you have any questions.

Note: Electives will be offered subject to minimum enrollment and teacher availability

6th Grade

7th Grade

8th Grade

-Band (mandatory)

-Choir (mandatory 9 weeks)

-PE (mandatory)

-Study Hall

-Outdoor Adventures

-Math/Science Team

-Power Math (if needed)

-Power ELA (if needed)

-LLI (if needed)

-GT

-Band

-Choir

-Study Hall

-Tech/Art

-Outdoor Adventures

-Student Aide (Library or office)

-PE or Athletics (mandatory)

-Math/Science Team

-Power Math (if needed)

-Power ELA (if needed)

-LLI (if needed)

-GT

-Band

-Choir

-Study Hall (if other elective not available)

-Tech/Art

-PE or Athletics (mandatory)

-Math/Science Team

-GT

-Power Math (if needed)

-Power ELA (if needed)

-LLI (if needed)

-Journalism (HS Credit)

-Principles of Agriculture (HS

credit)

-Principles of Business (HS credit)

-Principles of AV (HS credit)

-Fundamentals of Computer Science (HS credit)

Fine Arts

6th Grade Band (Mandatory)

Prerequisite: None

The Middle School Band Directors will travel to the intermediate school each Spring to visit with and test all 5th grade students to assign a band instrument. All band instruments are provided to students at no cost. Each band class consists of Percussion/Flutes, Brass, or Woodwinds. Students will develop basic musical literacy skills while learning to play their instruments in preparation for a sequential experience in a full band setting in subsequent years.

7th Grade Band

Prerequisite: 6th Band

The 7th grade band has class all together. Students will compete in the Concert and Sight Reading Contest, the Canton Music Festival, perform during Pep Rallies and home football games, and perform at least 2 concerts for the community.

8th Grade Band

Prerequisite: 7th Band

The 8th grade band has class all together. Students will compete in the Concert and Sight Reading Contest, perform during Pep Rallies and home football games, try out for All- Region Band, and perform at least 2 concerts for the community. Music and theory become more difficult in order to prepare students for high school band.

6th Grade Choir (Mandatory for 9 weeks)

Students will rotate into Choir for a nine week grading period. Once the grading period is complete, students have the opportunity to continue in the course if they choose. Students will learn choral reading techniques, ear training,vocal production, basic theory, and perform for the parents.

7th/8th Grade Choir

Prerequisite: None

Available to take 2 years

Students participate in various UIL choir contests and numerous community programs, and are encouraged to participate in solo and ensemble competitions as well as All-Region Choir auditions. Attendance is required for all rehearsals and performances. A fee to purchase attire may be assessed. In order for students to compete in UIL contests, nine week grades must be 70 or better. Students will develop skills in musicianship, ear training/listening schools, individual/ensemble singing,vocal production,music reading, performance skills, and basic music theory.

Physical Education and Athletics

6th Grade PE (Mandatory)

Boys and Girls

This course is designed to teach students the values of a healthy lifestyle. Students are exposed to a variety of team and individual sports as well as different health topics. The class will help students learn the value of goal setting and the importance of good sportsmanship. Emphasis in this course will be placed on learning both individual and team sports that the students will be able to enjoy and participate in for their entire lives. The boys practice in the Old Middle School Gym, and the girls report to the New Middle School Gym.

7th/8th Grade PE

Boys and Girls

This course is designed for students who do not wish to participate in Athletics. This course provides students the opportunity to understand and experience better personal health and fitness through daily physical activity. Emphasis in this course will be placed on learning both individual and team sports that the students will be able to enjoy and participate in for their entire lives.

7th/8th Boys Athletics

Physical Required

This course requires students to compete in football, basketball, and/or track against other school districts. In order for students to compete in UIL, nine week grades must remain at 70 or better. These students also participate in strength and conditioning activities during off-season to enhance their opportunities for success in seasonal competition. Attendance at all practices and competitions is required. Students must have a physical examination by a medical doctor to participate in competitive athletics.

7th/8th Girls Athletics

Physical Required

This course requires students to compete in volleyball, basketball, and/or track against other school districts. In order for students to compete in UIL, nine week grades must remain at 70 or better. These students also participate in strength and conditioning activities during off-season to enhance their opportunities for success in seasonal competition. Attendance at all practices and competitions is required. Students must have a physical examination by a medical doctor to participate in competitive athletics.

High School Credit

8th Grade Principals of Agriculture

Prerequisite: None

This course prepares students for careers in the broad field of agriculture, food and natural resources. Students will develop knowledge and skills regarding career opportunities, personal development, globalization, entry requirements and industry details, practices and expectations.

8th Grade Principles of Audio Video Technology and Communications (AV)

Prerequisite: None

Students will learn how to design, produce, exhibit, perform, write, and public multimedia content including visual performing arts and design, journalism, and entertainment services.

8th Grade Principles of Business

Prerequisite: None

In Principles of Business, Marketing, and Finance, students gain knowledge and skills in economies and private enterprise systems, the impact of global business, marketing of goods and services, advertising, and product pricing. Students analyze the sales process and financial management principles. This course allows students to reinforce, apply, and transfer academic knowledge and skills to a variety of interesting and relevant activities, problems and settings in business, marketing, and finance.

8th Grade Fundamentals of Computer Science

Prerequisite: None

Fundamentals of Computer Science is intended as a first course for those students just beginning the study of computer science. Students will learn about the computing tools that are used every day. Students will foster their creativity and innovation through opportunities to design, implement, and present solutions to real-world problems. Students will collaborate and use computer science concepts to access, analyze, and evaluate information needed to solve problems. Students will learn the problem-solving and reasoning skills that are the foundation of computer science. By using computer science knowledge and skills that support the work of individuals and groups in solving problems, students will select the technology appropriate for the task, synthesize knowledge, create solutions, and evaluate the results. Students will learn digital citizenship by researching current laws and regulations and by practicing integrity and respect. Students will gain an understanding of the principles of computer science through the study of technology operations and concepts

8th Grade Journalism

Prerequisite: None

Students enrolled in this course are expected to plan, draft, and complete written compositions on a regular basis, carefully examining their papers for clarity, engaging language, and the correct use of the conventions and mechanics of written English. In Journalism, students are expected to write in a variety of forms and for a variety of audiences and purposes. Students will become analytical consumers of media and technology to enhance their communication skills. Published work of professional journalists, technology, and visual and electronic media are used as tools for learning as students create, clarify, critique, write, and produce effective communications. Students enrolled in Journalism will learn journalistic traditions, research self-selected topics, write journalistic texts, and learn the principles of publishing. Students will have the opportunity to be published in the yearbook and newspaper. This is a writing intensive course.

Support Electives

Power ELAR

Grades 6-8

Nine Weeks

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

This course is designed to help students master foundational skills in order to be successful in the ELAR classroom. Instructional strategies are based on grade level TEKS that are difficult for students. Students who maintain a grade of 75 or below in ELAR the previous year, current year, and/or scores below “Approaches” on STAAR will be considered for this course. Teachers will evaluate student progress throughout the grading period for dismissal. This class replaces an elective.

6th-8th Power Math

Grades 6-8

Nine Weeks

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

This course is designed to help students master foundational skills in order to be successful in the Math classroom. Instructional strategies are based on grade level TEKS that are difficult for students. Students who maintain a grade of 75 or below in Math the previous year, current, and/or scores below “Approaches” on STAAR will be considered for this course. Teachers will evaluate student progress throughout the grading period for dismissal. This class replaces an elective.

6th-8th Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI)

Grades 6-8

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

This course is designed to provide intensive, small group instruction to students who struggle in Reading and Writing. Instruction is precisely to provide gradually increasing text complexity to build reading fluency.

6th Grade Gifted and Talented (GT)

Prerequisite: Committee Recommendation

This course is designed to meet specific needs of identified Gifted and Talented students. Emphasis is on intellectual exploration and the development of critical thinking and problem solving through an appreciation of cultures. An enrichment curriculum integrates core content areas and explores the process of problem solving through both independent and team-based development of advanced projects such as Model UN and Robotics.

7th-8th Grade Gifted and Talented (GT)

Prerequisite: Committee Recommendation

6th-8th Grade Math/Science Team

Prerequisite: None

This course is designed to allow students to prepare and practice for UIL and TMSEA competitions in the following categories (Calculator, Number Sense, Math, and Science). The UIL competition takes place in late fall, while TMSCA competitions take place throughout the year. Students who compete on a regular basis will have the opportunity to qualify for state competition held in San Antonio each Spring.

Other Electives

6th/7th Outdoor Adventures

Students are taught life-long skills by using an integrated curriculum of science, math, writing, critical thinking skills, and computer technology. The focus is on outdoor activities including: Fishing, Archery, Boater Education, Orienteering, Hiking, Camping, Outdoor Cooking, Hunter Education, ATV Safety, First Aid/CPR, and Wildlife Conservation and Qual Conservation. Please note: This course is available to take both 7th and 8th grades, but it is not mandatory.

7th-8th Tech/Art

Prerequisite: None

This course introduces the elements and principles of art and technology to provide experiences that will enable students to express creative ideas through a variety of mediums: design, drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. The focus is basic art making skills and the art making process

6th-8th Study Hall

Prerequisite: None

Students have the opportunity to spend this time completing homework, assignments, projects, and studying.

7th Student Aide

Prerequisite: Staff Recommendation

Student aides assist staff members in various tasks and projects in the front office or library. Students must conduct themselves in a positive and appropriate manner at all times. Students must complete and submit an application in order to be considered for a student aide position.