Middle school is an exciting time in a student’s life, full of new experiences, growth, and opportunities. Our goal is to support both students and parents during this important time by offering guidance on course selection, study habits, and goal setting. We’re here to help students navigate the challenges of middle school while preparing for the transition to high school. Whether you're looking for advice on balancing academics, exploring new interests, or preparing for the future, we are committed to helping every student succeed and make the most of their middle school years.
What are some of the privileges and responsibilities that will come with 6th grade?
Summer Reading
Technology (including personal devices like phones and watches)
Transitions between classes
Interacting with a variety of students, including clubs
Course Selection Basics
What are these new words?
Advisory (vs homeroom)
Electives (vs specials)
Core (vs reading block)
Daily PE (vs recess)
Honors and On Level
What if I change my mind about the elective I want?
Am I guaranteed to get my choices?
Dual Language Program
My child is in the Dual Language Program. Can he/she take accelerated levels of Spanish?
The NISD Spanish Language program pathway is as follows:
PK-5th: Dual Language
6th-7th: Elective
8th: Spanish I PreAp
9th: Spanish II PreAP
10th: Spanish III PreAP
11th: Spanish IV AP / Language and Culture
12th: Spanish V / Literature and Culture
Testing opportunities for language acceleration are available to native speakers of Spanish in the spring of 7th and 8th grade for placement in higher levels of language in high school.
Dyslexia
My child will be enrolled in a dyslexia class. Will it count as his/her elective?
Yes, the dyslexia class will replace the elective.
Fees / Uniforms
Do some classes need extra items (uniforms, lessons, art supplies, etc.)
Are resources or scholarships available?
Will Free and Reduced Lunch continue for 2021-2022?
Fine Arts
Am I required to take a musical performing art?
May I take more than one Fine Art?
What if I already know how to play an instrument?
Are there additional requirements outside of the school day?
Gifted and Talented (GT)
My child is Gifted and Talented (GT). Does my child have to take the GT class for English Language Arts (ELA) and Math?
This is a parent decision; however, a GT student must take at least one of the GT designated classes (ELA or Math) to continue to receive GT services.
Homework
In how many classes will I have homework for each day?
What do I need to do to be organized (HAC, Moodle, email, etc.)?
How involved do the adults in my life need to be to help me in 6th grade (HAC, Moodle, email, etc.)?
Honors Classes
What is the difference between on-level and honors
How do you decide?
What if I sign up for a class and it’s too much for me?
Mathematics
My child is accelerated in math and is taking 6/7 Compacted Advanced Math this year. The next math, Advanced Pre-Algebra, is not on the registration form. What do we do?
Select a math option that is on the form. The elementary counselor will provide the middle school counselor with a list of students who are eligible for Advanced Pre-Algebra. The middle school counselor will input the correct math class. The correct math class will be on your student’s Course Verification form that you will receive via e-mail at the end of April.
My child is currently taking 6/7 Compacted Advanced Math and will be taking Advanced Pre-Algebra next year. Is Advanced Pre-Algebra double-blocked?
No, Advanced Pre-Algebra will only be one class period.
My child is currently taking 6/7 Compacted Advanced Math and will be taking Advanced Pre-Algebra next year. Since Advanced Pre-Algebra will only be one period, does my child take an extra elective?
Yes, students enrolled in Advanced Pre-Algebra will have two elective classes in addition to the fine art course. The second elective will come from the alternate electives that are entered on their course registration form.
Summer Reading
Is there required reading over the summer for 6th grade English Language Arts (ELA)?
Yes, all students will have required summer reading regardless of enrolling in standard or Pre-AP ELA. The required reading list can be found here: NISD Secondary Summer Reading Lists
Support for Students
What about classes like MTA or ESL? Do those impact my choices of electives?
What if I may need a little extra support in math or reading? Do math labs and literacy labs impact choices of electives?
