7th to 8th Grade Transition Guide

Counselors will be meeting with our students through their ELA class to help them make course selections for next year. A copy of their planning guide with courses students selected will be coming home for parent review. Please check those backpacks, parents!

🎓All 7th graders will enroll in eight courses for their 8th-grade year, selecting options from the following categories:

Note on Credit: Only *Advanced MS Algebra 1 earns high school credit among the core courses.

MAPS Course: Focuses on high school transition skills (time management, organization, study strategies, and leadership). This course satisfies the NISD Speech requirement for high school graduation.

Athletics Contact: For eligibility questions, contact:

Girl's Coach: desirae.villa@nisd.net
Boy's Coach: hank.hennig@nisd.net

🎓AVID 8 is an academic elective course designed to prepare students for college readiness and success.

Focus: The curriculum focuses on developing academic success skills using strategies in Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading.
Weekly Activities: Students participate in rigorous, college-preparatory instruction, tutor-facilitated study groups, motivational activities, and academic skill-building.

Requirements

Prerequisites: Enrollment requires a successful application and interview process.
Advanced Course Requirement: Students must be enrolled in at least one advanced academic course from the following list:
- Advanced ELA
- Advanced MS Algebra
- Advanced Science
- Advanced Texas History
- Advanced Spanish 2

Application Information

The student AVID application is now available. Students MUST use their NISD email address to complete the application. The application deadline is 3/6/2026.

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

Please contact ashley.purtell@nisd.net for inquires.

8th grade GT students will take Innovative Thinkers 3 instead of MAPS 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 course or to request for your child to be tested for GT, please contact our middle school GT Specialists: carolyn.dennis@nisd.net

New to Northside GT Transfer Referral: Summer online parent referral link closed at this time

Online Parent Referral deadline: July 25, 2025

GT link to the referral page: PARENT REFERRAL LINK

Gifted & Talented

District Summer Reading Site

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Northside Middle School students have access to various Advanced academic courses. Advanced courses are crucial for college, career, military readiness. Students who take these rigorous classes are more likely to earn a bachelor's degree and often achieve higher grades in college. Northside ISD values this path and encourages students to graduate high school with at least one Advanced Placement (AP) credit.

These courses are designed to challenge students and build essential skills:

Literacy
Problem-solving
Analysis

Through complex learning tasks and rigorous instruction, these middle school classes prepare students for success in future Advanced, AP, and college-level coursework.

🎭 8th Grade Elective Selection

Enrollment and Selection Process

8th graders enroll in two full-year elective periods:
1. One required Elective Course.
2. One Intervention or additional Elective Course (selection determined by STAAR results).
Guarantees and Electives: Due to class size and staffing constraints, students are not guaranteed their first elective choice. Students must select two alternate electives. All elective choices are subject to availability.
Special Electives: Several electives require a separate application (Journalism, Office Assistant). If selected for Office Assistant, it will replace the second elective choice.

Elective Course Options:

Note on Credit: Courses marked with an asterisk (*) 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

Instructor: John Hernandez -- john.hernandez@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

Instructor: John Hernandez -- john.hernandez@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

Instructor: John Hernandez -- john.hernandez@nisd.net

The Beginning Orchestra course is designed to teach students how to play violin, viola, cello, or bass. No prior musical experience required. Students learn correct posture and bow hold, how to read music, good tone quality, and rhythmic skills. Students build skills at their own pace. Students explore a variety of musical genres and styles. 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: Sydney Castillo -- sydney.castillo@nisd.net

The Intermediate Orchestra course is designed to continue developing fundamental musical skills and string techniques introduced in the beginning class, as well as new skills on violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students build skills at their own pace. Orchestra literature is more advanced, promoting 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.

*6th graders may enroll in Intermediate Orchestra if they are currently enrolled in 5th grade strings.

Prerequisite: Beginner Orchestra

Instructor: Sydney Castillo -- sydney.castillo@nisd.net

The Advanced Orchestra course is designed for students to apply sound music fundamentals and string technique on violin, viola, cello, and bass to music of all styles. Students build skills at their own pace. Orchestra 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.

*Class Placement is determined by the director.

Instructor: Sydney Castillo -- sydney.castillo@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 -- gregory-1.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 -- gregory-1.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 -- gregory-1.garcia@nisd.net

Beginner 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: Hallie Borden -- hallie.borden@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: Hallie Borden -- hallie.borden@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: Hallie Borden -- hallie.borden@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 Mapel --brittany.mapel@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 Mapel --brittany.mapel@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 Mapel --brittany.mapel@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:

Mikayla Mauricio -- mikayla.mauricio@nisd.net

Jennifer Recio -- jennifer.recio@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: Jennifer Recio -- jennifer.recio@nisd.net

Instructor: Mikayla Mauricio -- mikayla.mauricio@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 and Art 2 teacher approval required

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: If you took STEM PBS Lab in 7th grade you cannot take this course again in 8th grade.

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 is 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: If you took STEM Future Lab in 7th grade you cannot take this course again in 8th grade.

Instructor: Heather Brown -- heather.brown@nisd.net

Instructor: Bryan Patterson (dual campus pm) -- bryan.patterson@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: Heather Brown -- heather.brown@nisd.net

This course is designed to introduce students to mass media, advertising, marketing, and photography. Students study the basic features of journalism and newspaper and/or yearbook production, freedom and responsibility of the press, career opportunities in mass communications, and specialized writing.

***Prerequisite: Application with Teacher Recommendation

*Application Required--For inquiries contact Mr. Saenz in room A222

***Application deadline - March 6, 2026

Instructor: Seth Saenz -- seth.saenz@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.

*Application Required--for inquiries contact Mrs. Bailey in room A253

*Application Link-- https://docs.google.com/document/d/1F3WVJmfDIbCfmq_sxqK5YCEBlFnNn7K68Syj1yE1B_M/edit?usp=sharing

***Application deadline - February 27, 2026

Instructor: Michele Bailey -- michelebailey@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.

Instructors:

Maria Ayala - maria.ayala@nisd.net

Karla Campos - karla.campos@nisd.net

Humberto Garcia - humberto.garcia@nisd.net

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.

Instructors:

Humberto Garcia - humberto.garcia@nisd.net

Mariana Monarrez - mariana.monarrez@nisd.net

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 and Spanish 2 teacher approval required

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

Instructor: Karla Campos - karla.campos@nisd.net

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.

*Office Assistants will be selected from students who successfully submit an application and meet all the necessary requirements (good grades, behavior & attendance). Students who are chosen for an office aide will have their 2nd elective choice listed on their planning guide replaced with Office Assistant.

**Application Required--

***Application deadline - February 20, 2026