Course Selection Information 2024-2025
Welcome, LAMS & MVMS Parents!
Mrs. Gonzales | Principal |
Mr. Williams | Assistant Principal (A-L) |
Ms. Bippert | Assistant Principal (M-Z) |
Mrs. Chadwell | Academic Dean |
Mr. Peña | Counselor (A-L) |
Mrs. Brewer | Lead Counselor (M-Z) |
Our Goal
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Provide course information 6th-8th grade courses & available electives in the 2024-25 school year.
Provide information for those interested in entering into the MAP-Math Accelerated Program.
Provide dates and information for course selections
Elective Showcase in the Practice Gym
LAMS Bell Schedule
9 Periods Each Day
Lunches are a separate period for each grade level
Sample Schedule
Middle School Requirements
6th Grade
7th Grade
8th Grade
*Math
*English/Language Arts
Science
Social Studies
Physical Education
Fine Arts Elective (1)
Math
English/Language Arts
Science
American History
**HS Health/Enrichment
MS Career & College Exploration
Electives (2)
*Math
*English/Language Arts
Science
Texas History
Physical Education
Elective (1)
*Two periods of Math & ELAR
Honors VS Regular
How to Choose What is Best For Your Child
What to Expect in Honors Classes
Honors Classes
Regular Classes
Students may select honors classes in all core classes or in subjects that are their strength.
Math Pathways
Math Accelerated Program (MAP)
Criteria for Qualifying:
MAP-Accelerated Program
7th Grade:
7th & 8th Grade Curriculum
6th Grade:
6th & 7th Grade Curriculum
8th Grade:
HS Algebra
Senate Bill 2124 has been passed, which mandates that any sixth-grade student who has performed in the top 40 percent of the state on STAAR will automatically be enrolled in an advanced mathematics course by their school district or open-enrollment charter school. However, parents or guardians of such students can choose to opt their child out of the accelerated pathway. As of now, TEA has not released any additional guidelines or rules, but we will keep parents informed as more information becomes available.
General Information
Gifted & Talented
Special Programs
Electives
Elective Classes
Band - Adv. & Beginner
Art & Advanced Art
Theater & Advanced Thtr.
Choir
Journalism
HS Spanish I
*HS Fundamentals of Computer Science
*HS Drone Robotics
Band- Adv. & Beginner
Art & Advanced Art
Theater & Advanced Thtr.
Choir
Journalism
HS Principles of Human Services
HS Spanish I
*HS Fundamentals of Computer Science
*HS Drone Robotics
Athletics
Office Aide (application required)
ELA & Math Academy- Assigned based on STAAR results)
Band
Art
Theater
Choir
6th Grade
7th Grade
8th Grade
***Availability based on requests***
Beginner Band at Loma Alta!!
We learn to read & play music!
Beginners are placed in like instrument classes where we learn to read music & play songs. We focus on rhythm counting, tone, proper technique & learning as many notes as possible!
We PERFORM!!
We TRAVEL!!
The beginner band will have a field trip to ZDT's amusement park and perform at the Texas Lutheran University Band Festival!
The beginner band typically has between 2-3 concerts their first year. We have our winter concert, spring concert and festival/contest concert! Sometimes we travel and perform for the community or other schools in our district.
More questions? Email a director!
Frequently Asked Questions about Band
Q: Can I be in Band and play sports?
A: Yes! We work with coaches so you can participate in many activities; all the way through High School Band!!
Q: How do I choose an instrument?
A: All you need to do is choose BAND as your #1 elective
A: We will set up a time to meet with you so you can try all the different instruments with us guiding you. Then you get to select the one you did best on and liked the most!
Q: What if I don’t know anything about music?
A: That’s okay! We will teach you step by step how to: assemble and care for your instrument, read notes and rhythms and guide you through! All that is needed is enthusiasm and practice!
Q: What are the costs?
A: Cost depends on which instrument you choose. Most instruments are rented from a music store while others are rented from the school.
If finances are a concern, please email us so we can help!
Q: How do I join the Band?
6th Grade Art
What we will do:
You will also have the opportunity to compete in art contests
Advanced Art
Frequently Asked Questions...
THEATRE ARTS
THEATRE I
ADVANCED THEATRE
Frequently Asked Questions About Theatre
Q: I’m shy. Can I still take Theatre?
A: Of course. I grade based on effort. Try your best and you will do just fine!
Q: Do I have to act?
A: Eventually, but acting is only one of the many aspects of Theatre. We spend time creating a safe, learning environment where you will feel comfortable performing in front of your peers.
Q: Can I take Theatre all 3 years?
A: Yes, of course!
Q: What are the prerequisites for Advanced Theatre?
A: The only requirement for taking Advanced Theatre is taking a Theatre Arts 1, either at Loma or another middle school.
Q: Can I retake Theatre 1?
A: No, if you decide to take Theatre again, you must be in the Advanced Theatre class.
Want to know more? Email Ms. Mendez 😁
ariana.mendez@mvisd.org
Want to learn how to sing ?
Learn the basics of vocal techniques and skills including good posture, tone quality and breath support. No experience required!
Learn to read music and sing a wide range of musical styles ranging from classical to pop and sing in foreign languages.
Students will gain self-confidence and have a sense of belonging while working as a team!
Choir
Beginner Choir Available for all students who have not had a prior year of Choir. Classes will be arranged by grade based on interest shown.
Intermediate and Advanced Choir Available for 7th and 8th graders who have already taken one year of Beginner Choir
Q: Do I need any prior musical experience?
A: No, we welcome all creative students who are excited to express themselves through their voice!
Q:What supplies do I need?
A: We just need you! You are the instrument!
Q:What if I don’t think I can sing?
A: Choir is about singing as a group and creating a unique blended sounded! You will learn many new techniques that will help you develop your voice and help you to become a great musician.
Q: Can I play sports and be in Choir?
A: Yes! Many of our current students are involved in both. We work with the coaches to make sure you have an equal opportunity at both courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Choir
What do we create in Journalism?
What do we learn?
Who can take the class?
How can Journalism help me?
P.E. Pre-Athletics & Athletics
Boys & Girls
Joshua Guarnero - Boys Coordinator
Jessica Burrell - Girls Coordinator
6th Grade
Options
7th Grade
Options
8th Grade
Optional
P.E.
PRE-ATHLETICS
P.E.
ATHLETICS
ATHLETICS
No uniform required - No physical required.
No uniform required - No physical required.
No physical required - No Competitive sports offered Uniform is REQUIRED
Frequently Asked Questions
YES - Unless it is approved by administration due to an academic scheduling conflict.
What is Pre-Athletics?
When is a physical needed?
Does 6th Grade have any team sports?
Do I need to be in Pre-Athletics to get into Athletics?
What sports are offered?
Do I need to be in Athletics to participate or try out for a sport?
7th & 8th Grade Sports for Boys & Girls
Principles of Human Services
This course is a year long course and is worth 1 High School Credit
Explore careers, learn to make decisions, resolve conflicts, and manage family crisis
Explore employment and entrepreneurial opportunities and how to achieve them.
Family and Community topics will be taught throughout the course.
Learn communication skills, appropriate professional attire, goal setting, personal wellness and family well-being
Students will learn skills they will be able to use for life.
High School Credit
Employability skills
Career Exploration
Family and Community
Personal Success and Effort
Life Skills
Principles of Human Services
Students are only responsible for acquiring supplies for sewing projects
All supplies will be provided for cooking labs
Supplies
Sewing
Cooking
Learn to make your own lanyard and other useful things.
Important Dates
Campus Visits
January 24th
Course selection forms due back: Feb. 2nd
January 25th
Course selection forms due back: Feb. 2nd
January 25th
Course selection forms due back: Feb. 2nd
Ladera
Potranco
Luckey Ranch
LAMS Current 6th & 7th Graders
Jan. 29th-Feb. 2nd
Course selection forms due back:
Feb. 9th
Course Selection Form
Parent Signature Needed
One check mark needed for each core class
Rank elective choices 1-4. One being first choice. (based on availability)
Form is returned to homeroom teacher.
**6th & 7th** grade-Social Studies teachers.)
In Closing…..
Counselor Contact Information:
John Pena (A-L) juan.pena@mvisd.org
Wendy Brewer (M-Z) wendy.brewer@mvisd.org