Message from the Principal:
It is the goal of Greenspun Junior High School to provide all of its students with an environment conducive to learning, and assist them in developing into competent, contributing, and capable members of society.  As educators, we cannot assure that every student will choose to be successful, but we can assure that each student will have the opportunity to succeed. Together, we will work to create meaningful experiences for your child!

Purpose of Planning Guide:
It is time to begin planning for the 2007-2008 school year.  The most crucial aspect of this pre-planning is the selection of classes for next year.  This guide was prepared to familiarize you with our academic programs and your choices.  Please read it carefully.  We believe excellence is achieved by having high expectations for all students and then helping students meet those expectations in every way we can. 

If you have any questions regarding specific courses or opportunities, please call the Counseling Office at 799-0920.

CCSD Guidance & Counseling Website

The Guidance and Counseling Web site is designed to provide students and parents with information on counseling services provided by the school district. It also serves as a support reference for preparing students for their future educational decisions regarding Post-Secondary Planning. Starting with elementary school, parents and students are able to review a checklist of activities on “How to Support your Child’s Education”.  These activities will assist with school success and will also prepare your children for college, apprenticeships, trade and technical schools, military opportunities, or to go directly to work.  For details visit:  www.ccsd.net/cpd, select Guidance and Counseling from the menu for the information.

The Clark County School District does not knowingly discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment or participation in its programs and activities.

Guidance and Counseling Program
“Unlocking the Doors to Academic Success!”

Our school offers a comprehensive guidance and counseling program that is fully integrated with the middle school curriculum. Counselors are professionally trained in the social, emotional and educational development of junior high age students.

Junior high school guidance counselors will assist students with:

• Educational planning
• Interpretation of test scores
• Career information
• Social/emotional growth
• High school and post secondary option

Classroom guidance activities and small group settings are provided in areas such as:

• Problem-solving                              
• Decision-making
• Goal setting
• Conflict resolution

Individual counseling which focuses on a student's school success.

• Junior High school guidance counselors are a resource for parents and teachers:
  Provide information, such as community referrals, parenting programs
• Facilitate communication between home and school

Students at Greenspun Junior High School are assigned to a school counselor by grade.  The school counselors, however, support a team approach when dealing with the junior high school student's needs and the rules and responsibilities of home and school.  If the need arises, parents are encouraged to contact the school to meet with their child's counselor.

Counselors prescribe courses for students based on the student’s ability level, previous academic performance, and teachers’ recommendations.  Students and parents are encouraged to take advantage of the expertise of the counselors regarding course recommendations.  Students will not be allowed to select courses below their skill level.  Since advanced planning and guidance are provided for each student prior to registration, schedule changes will only be considered in the areas of minimum competency, preparation, promotion requirements, and misplacement in an academic course.  Furthermore, a student, parent, teacher, and counselor conference MUST be held before a schedule change will be considered.

Please do not hesitate to contact the counseling office at 799-0920 with specific concerns or needs.

The Millennium Scholarship

The State of Nevada's Millennium Scholarship Program provides financial support to Nevada's high school graduates who plan to attend an eligible Nevada community college, state college, or university.  You may receive up to a maximum award of $10,000 for under graduate coursework during the six years following your high school graduation.  There is no application form to complete, but you must have been a resident of Nevada for at least two years, received a diploma from a Nevada public or private high school, and earned a GPA of 3.25 or higher.  If you meet all Millennium Scholarship requirements upon high school graduation, the district will submit your name at the end of June to the Office of the State Treasurer.  You will receive an award notification in July.  Policy guidelines and requirements for eligibility can be obtained by calling 1-888-477-2667 or at NevadaTreasurer.gov.  Please note that this information is subject to any changes in state law, policies adopted by the NSHE Board of Regents, availability of funding, and any other related matters.

Promotion/Retention Regulations

 STATE OF NEVADA & CLARK COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT PROMOTION/RETENTION POLICY

A student in grade 6 must complete one semester with a passing grade in mathematics and English or reading for promotion to the seventh grade. No student may be retained more than once in the sixth grade.

A student in grade 7 must complete one semester with a passing grade in mathematics and English or reading for promotion to the eighth grade. No student may be retained more than once in the seventh grade.

A student in grade 8 must complete three semesters with a passing grade in mathematics and English or reading during the seventh and eighth grade years for promotion to high school. An eighth grade student who does not meet promotion requirements will not be promoted to high school and will be retained in the eighth grade for the following school year. An eighth grade student may be retained for more than one year.

We encourage you to continue to monitor your child’s attendance and performance at school while exploring options to fulfill requirements for promotion to high school.   If you have any questions regarding the promotion policy or options available to help your child meet the requirements for promotion to the ninth grade, please call your child’s counselor.

 

High School Course Requirements
21st  Century Course of Study

(recently passed by the Clark County School Board of Trustees)

SUBJECT	CREDITS
English	4
Mathematics (Includes Algebra II)	4
Science (Includes Biology)	3
World History	1
U.S. History	1
U.S. Government	1
Physical Education	2
Health Education	½
Use of Computers	½
Electives	5 ½
Total Credits	22 ½

All high school students will be expected to meet the requirements of the 21st Century Course of Study.  Students must be prepared for the following post-secondary opportunities:

• University/Four-Year College
• Community/Two-Year College
• Trade/Technical School
• Workforce

This course of study will provide the following for students:

• Opens Doors to Workforce and Post-Secondary Educational Opportunities
• Meets Nevada System of Higher Education Core Requirements for Admission
• Prepares Students for the New Nevada State Millennium Scholarship Core Requirements

 

High School Graduation Requirements
STANDARD DIPLOMA

For students who enroll in 9th grade during or after 2003-04 School Year –
Starting with the Class of 2007 and beyond

The following subjects are needed to meet graduation requirements:

STANDARD DIPLOMA
Required/Elective Areas of Study	Units
U.S. Government	1
U.S. History	1
World History	1
English	4
Health Education	½
*Mathematics	3
**Physical Education	2
Science	2
***Use of Computers	½
Electives	7½
TOTAL	22½

*Mathematics course units must include at least Algebra I or Algebra I H, or above.

**A maximum of ONE credit for Physical Education II will be granted if a student participates outside of the school day in interscholastic athletics or on a drill team, marching band, dance group, or cheerleading squad.

***One half (½) credit can be earned in middle school if the student has successfully completed a semester computer literacy course with a passing grade.

To receive a diploma from a Nevada high school, students must pass the Nevada High School Proficiency Examination in addition to meeting course requirements.  Students in the Class of 2006 through 2009 must pass reading, writing, and math.  Students in the Class of 2010 and beyond must pass reading, writing, math, and science.  Any student who completes course requirements but does not pass the Nevada High School Proficiency Examinations will receive a Certificate of Attendance rather than a diploma.

High School Graduation Requirements
ADVANCED DIPLOMA

For students who enroll in 9th grade during or after 2003-04 School Year –
Starting with the Class of 2007 and beyond

The following subjects are needed to meet graduation requirements:

ADVANCED DIPLOMA
Required/Elective Areas of Study	Units
U.S. Government	1
U.S. History	1
World History	1
Arts/Humanities/      Occupational Education	1
English	4
Health Education	½
*Mathematics	3
**Physical Education	2
Science	3
***Use of Computers	½
Electives	7
TOTAL	24
Student must achieve a minimum 3.00 unweighted GPA.

*Mathematics course units must include at least Algebra I or Algebra I H, or above.

** A maximum of ONE credit for Physical Education II will be granted if a student participates outside of the school day in interscholastic athletics or on a drill team, marching band, dance group, or cheerleading squad.

***One half (½) credit can be earned in middle school if the student has successfully completed a semester computer literacy course with a passing grade.

To receive a diploma from a Nevada high school, students must pass the Nevada High School Proficiency Examination in addition to meeting course requirements.  Students in the Class of 2006 through 2009 must pass reading, writing, and math.  Students in the Class of 2010 and beyond must pass reading, writing, math, and science.  Any student who completes course requirements but does not pass the Nevada High School Proficiency Examinations will receive a Certificate of Attendance rather than a diploma.

HONORS DIPLOMA

Students planning to apply to universities with competitive admission requirements may pursue the CCSD Honors Diploma.  The course work in Honors, Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes is more intensive and challenging than in an average class.  To qualify for the Honors Diploma, a student must complete the following twelve minimum requirements in honors/AP/IB classes:

Minimum Required Area of Academic Study
Required/Elective Areas of Study	Units
English Honors	3
Mathematics Honors	2
Science Honors	2
Social Studies Honors	2
*Foreign Language Honors	1
Elective Honors	2
TOTAL Honors Units	12

* First year foreign language classes, fifth year classes, and external credit options (correspondence courses, credit-by-exam, community service, educational travel, and music equivalent) will not receive Honors credit.

Students must accumulate a minimum weighted GPA of 3.500 to qualify for an Honors Diploma.  Students enrolled in weighted Honors/AP/IB courses through this program may have a grade point average greater than 4.00. 

Weighted Honors Course

For students who enroll in the 9th grade during or after the 2003-2004 school year, a weighted grade point factor for successful completion of Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses will be added as follows:
                Honors                                                                  .025
                Advanced Placement (AP)                                       .050
                International Baccalaureate (IB)                              .050

The weighted GPA cap for the Honors Program for students who enroll in 9th grade during or after 2003-04 school year will be added as follows:

• Weighted GPA cap is limited to no more than twenty-eight semesters of Honors/AP/IB courses.
• A weighted GPA factor of .050 may be earned for up to four semesters of AP and/or IB courses and a .025 weighted GPA factor for twenty-four semesters of Honors courses.
• If only Honors level courses are taken, a weighted GPA factor of .025 is earned for twenty-eight semesters of Honors courses.
• The highest possible GPA under this system is 4.80.

Advantages of the Honors Program

• Most competitive colleges and universities consider not only students’ grades, but also their academic background evidenced by courses listed on the transcript, letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors, and SAT I or ACT scores.
• Enrollment in the Honors Program will assist students in their preparation for college entrance exams.
• The weighted GPA is used when determining ranking in class.

Students may take Honors courses even if they have not chosen to complete the requirements for the Honors Diploma.              

SIXTH GRADE REQUIRED COURSES

All sixth grade students enrolled at Greenspun Junior High School for the
2007-2008 school year are required to enroll in the following courses:

• English
• Mathematics
• Reading
• Physical Education/Computers
• Science
• Elective

Elective Choices
Elective choices for sixth grade students are listed below.  These courses are for one year and
students choose one course for the year.

• Band
• Chorus
• Orchestra
• Explorations

*The administration may add or delete elective choices because of staff

Courses and programs requiring specific admission criteria such as Special Education and Adapted Physical Education will be addressed through Individual Education Plans developed and updated on an ongoing basis by parents and teachers of students who qualify for these services.  Students with exceptional needs will be addressed through a conference with the appropriate grade level counselor.  English Language Learners program placement will be determined through testing and teacher/parent recommendation.

When indicating an elective choice on the Course Request Sheet, please be sure to carefully select your first and second choices for classes.  These choices will be taken into consideration in class assignments and MAY NOT BE CHANGED after May 1, 2007.  If you have any questions regarding specific courses or opportunities, please call your child’s grade level counselor, Mrs. Jude Greco, at 799-0920, ext. 4303.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
GRADE 6

ENGLISH

Required Full Year Course

ENGLISH 6:
This course is designed to expand students' writing abilities and strengthen critical thinking skills.  All lessons will relate to the process of writing.   Grammar and mechanics will be taught as essential elements of writing as a process.  Literature will be used to generate and model writing and critical thinking skills.  The scope of this syllabus encompasses the Essential Language Arts Understandings and Experiences as outlined in the CCSD Core Curriculum Overview.

ENGLISH 6 ACCELERATED: 
This course is designed to expand the writing and critical thinking skills of the advanced learner.  All lessons will relate to the process of writing.   Grammar and mechanics will be taught as essential elements of writing as a process.  Literature will be used to generate and model writing and critical thinking skills.  The scope of this syllabus encompasses the Essential Language Arts Understandings and Experiences as outlined in the CCSD Core Curriculum Overview.  Higher-order thinking skills and advanced extension activities will serve as the basis for this course.  Recommendations for placement in this course are based on test scores, student stanines (7, 8, or 9), classroom performance, and teacher recommendation.

ENGLISH 6 RESOURCE: 
This course is designed to expand students' writing abilities and strengthen critical thinking skills.  All lessons will relate to the process of writing.   Grammar and mechanics will be taught as essential elements of writing as a process.  Literature will be used to generate and model writing and critical thinking skills.  The scope of this syllabus encompasses the Essential Language Arts Understandings and Experiences as outlined in the CCSD Core Curriculum Overview. Students who qualify for special education services will have individual goals and objectives stated in their IEP.

ENGLISH 6 ELL: 
Students who qualify for English Language Learner services may qualify for placement in a second language acquisition class.

MATH

Required Full Year Course

MATHEMATICS 6:
This course is designed to build on previously introduced mathematical concepts.  Students will approach problem solving by learning to use logical, visual, and critical mathematical techniques.  To develop mathematical competence, the use of technology, such as calculators and manipulatives, will be incorporated.

MATHEMATICS 6 ACCELERATED:
This course is designed to build on previously introduced mathematical concepts with the advanced learners, utilizing increased higher-order thinking skills, problem solving and encouraging individual exploration of math ideas.  Students will approach problem solving by learning to use logical, visual, and critical mathematical techniques.  To develop mathematical competence, the use of technology such as calculators and manipulatives will be incorporated.  Recommendations for placement in this course are based on test scores, student stanines (7, 8, or 9), classroom performance, and teacher recommendation.

MATHEMATICS 6 RESOURCE: 
This course is designed to build on previously introduced mathematical concepts.  Students will approach problem solving by learning to use logical, visual, and critical mathematical techniques.  To develop mathematical competence, the use of technology, such as calculators and manipulatives, will be incorporated. Students who qualify for special education services will have individual goals and objectives stated in their IEP.

READING

Required Full Year Course

READING 6:
The primary objective, while improving comprehension skills, and increasing vocabulary and reference skills, is to instill within the student a positive attitude toward their own reading and learning capabilities as shown by their continued success.  This course is designed to emphasize basic skills and to further the student's proficiency in the area of reading.  Additional help will be provided for those students whose progress and development warrant it.

READING 6 ACCELERATED: 
The primary objective, while improving comprehension skills, and increasing vocabulary and reference skills, is to instill within the student a positive attitude toward their own reading and learning capabilities as shown by their continued success.  This course is   designed to enrich the student’s reading skills and implement advanced activities to further their literary understandings and appreciation.  Recommendations for placement in this course are based on test scores, student stanines (7, 8, or 9), classroom performance, and teacher recommendation. 

READING 6 RESOURCE: 
The primary objective, while improving comprehension skills, and increasing vocabulary and reference skills, is to instill within the student a positive attitude toward their own reading and learning capabilities as shown by their continued success.  This course is designed to emphasize basic skills and to further the student's proficiency in the area of reading.  Additional help will be provided for those students whose progress and development warrant it.  Students who qualify for special education services will have individual goals and objectives stated in their IEP.

READING 6 ELL: 
Students who qualify for English Language Learner services may qualify for placement in a second language acquisition class.

Reading 6/READ 180: 
This one-year course will expand the students' reading abilities and strengthen their reading skills through a combination of direct reading instruction and the use of the Read 180 computer program. Grammar and mechanics will be taught as essential elements of writing as a process.  Critical thinking skills will be developed through the use of reading and writing. 
*Students with reading stanine scores of 1 - 2 - 3 will be reviewed for placement in this course.

SCIENCE

Required Full Year Course

SCIENCE 6:
This course will provide each student with the basic knowledge of life science concepts and issues as related to themselves and their environment.  The class is designed to assist students in developing an appreciation of all living things and their value.  Students will learn through the processes of measuring, interpreting, predicting, classifying, identifying, and comparing factors in the living environments by using basic lab skills.  Scientific inquiry skills will be introduced and developed.

SCIENCE 6 ACCELERATED: 
This course will provide each student with a deeper understanding of life science concepts and issues as related to themselves and their environment.  The class is designed to assist students in developing an appreciation of all living things and their value.  Students will learn through the processes of measuring, interpreting, predicting, classifying, identifying, and comparing factors in the living environments by using basic lab skills.  Additional focus will be placed on inquiry based critical thinking, problem solving, application of the scientific process skills and technology. Recommendations for placement in this course are based on test scores, student stanines (7, 8, or 9), classroom performance, and teacher recommendation. 

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION/COMPUTERS

Required Semester Courses

PHYSICAL EDUCATION:
Physical education provides for muscular development of students and provides opportunities for improved physical fitness through appropriate exercises, individual sports, and team sports. The program promotes physical fitness, sportsmanship, and lifetime recreational activities. 
*This is a one-semester course that will alternate with Computer Literacy 6.  Students will be responsible for uniform fees.

ADAPTED PHYSICAL EDUCATION:  
Students who qualify for adapted physical education will have individual goals and objectives stated in their IEP. Students will be responsible for uniform fees.

COMPUTER LITERACY:  
This course is designed to familiarize sixth grade students with the use of computers as a tool for word processing and data base management.  Recent computer development, computer use, and computer misuses will also be explored and discussed.  The vocabulary, components, and structure of computers will be examined.  Students who successfully complete all requirements of the Computer Literacy 6 course will receive a P (Pass) on their report card and will have met the ½ credit computer requirement necessary to graduate from a Nevada high school.  Students who have not successfully passed all requirements of the Computer Literacy 6 course will receive an NM (No Mark) on their report card, and will need to fulfill the state-regulated ½ credit computer graduation requirement prior to high school graduation.
*This is a one-semester course that will alternate with Physical Education

ELECTIVES
FULL YEAR COURSES

Each 6th grade student selects ONE elective course.  This course will either be a year-long course or a series of courses that rotate every 9 weeks.

BEGINNING BAND:
Beginning band is a one-year course offered to sixth graders who want to learn a wind or percussion instrument.  No previous musical experience is required.  The course involves applying the basic fundamentals of music reading to the particular technique of the instrument being studied. We recommend that you provide your own instrument, as there are a limited number of school instruments available.  When filling out the registration form, please make two instrument choices in case the first choice class has been filled. 

                        Woodwind                      Brass                      Other
                        Flute                                     Trumpet             Percussion
                        Clarinet                                 French Horn
                        Alto Saxophone                     Trombone
                        Tenor Saxophone                   Baritone
                        Oboe                                     Tuba

Students will have the opportunity to perform throughout the school year. Uniform dress will be required for performances and a fee will be charged.

BEGINNING ORCHESTRA:  
This one-year course is offered for students who have had little or no previous musical training and is designed to teach the basic fundamentals of music.  It will assist students in developing the basic skills necessary for independence as a violin, viola, cello, or bass player. Emphasis is placed on ensemble experience, music reading, development of playing skills, study of theory, and musical interpretation. Students will be required to furnish their own instrument or rent an instrument from the school (if available.) There will be required performances outside of the school day. Uniform dress will be required for performances and a fee will be charged. Students with previous training may be placed in an advanced class with teacher approval.  

BEGINNING CHORUS:
This one-year course is available to all students with an interest in singing in a choral group.  Basic musicianship and various vocal techniques will be presented.  Students will learn choral skills and music fundamentals and will be provided opportunities to sing for personal enjoyment and perform a variety of choral literature.  There will be required performances outside of the school day. Uniform dress will be required for performances and a fee will be charged.  

EXPLORATIONS 6:
The explorations elective is designed to help beginning junior high school students become involved in a variety of interesting and informative classes.  The courses MAY include, but are not limited to , technology, art, music, fitness, conflict resolution, and/or other courses specific to providing students with the skills necessary for having a successful and meaningful junior high school experience.  Specific course content will be determined based on the number of students registering for Explorations, staffing, and curriculum requirements. A fee may be charged.

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GRADE 6 ACADEMY:
Grade 6 students who are performing significantly below grade level may be considered for this 4 period blocked intervention program.  The Academy will consist of a 2-period block for math and a 2-period block for language arts (reading and English).
*Placement in this program will be determined by academic performance, proficiency scores, and teacher recommendations from Grade 5.
*Students enrolled in this program will not be enrolled in an elective class.

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Courses and programs requiring specific admission criteria such as Special Education and Adapted Physical Education will be address through Individual Education Plans developed and updated on an ongoing basis by parents and teachers of students who qualify for services.  GATE students’ programs will be developed through a conference with the appropriate grade level counselor. English Language Learners program placement will be determined by testing and teacher/parent recommendation.

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When indicating an elective choice on the course request sheet, please be sure to carefully select your first and second choice for classes.  These choices will be taken into consideration in class assignments and MAY NOT BE CHANGED after May 1, 2008. If you have any questions regarding specific courses or opportunities, please call your child’s counselor, Mrs. Jude Greco, at 799-0920, ext.4303.