Course Selection Information

National Archery in the Schools Program promotes international-style target archery as part of the in-school curriculum to improve educational performance and participation in shooting  sports among students in grades 4-12. The NASP Archery curriculum must be taught by a NASP-BAI-  trained instructor and use NASP-certified equipment.

• This course requires equipment, shirts, and tournament fees to be paid.
• This course requires parent-provided travel to and from mandatory tournaments that typically take place on the weekend. No more than 6 mandatory tournaments per year (not including State or Nationals).

Art I is an introduction to the visual arts and working with drawing, painting, and three dimensional techniques. Students will experiment with a wide variety of art materials. Emphasis will be on the four strands of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for the visual arts: observation and perception, creative expression, historical and cultural relevance, and critical evaluation and response. Grades  will be based on completion of art projects, effort in class,  as well as written components. Throughout the year, students will learn about and utilize the 7 elements of art and 7 principles of design. The district will provide most art materials, but students will need additional supplies, including an unlined sketchbook, pencils, erasers, glue, scissors, and a smock or large tshirt to stop clothes from getting messy.. Students will be expected to participate in art contests and exhibitions. Art I is a prerequisite.

Intermediate Art I builds on the skills and experiences in Art I. Students will develop their personal expression as they explore painting, clay, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media. Emphasis will be on the four strands of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for the visual arts (see Art I). The district will provide most art materials. Students will be expected to participate in art contests and exhibitions.

Advanced Art III builds on the skills and experiences in Art II. Students will develop a portfolio of original artwork based on their experiments with drawing and painting material, clay, sculpture, and mixed media. Emphasis will be on the four strands of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for the visual arts (see Art I). The district will provide most art materials. Students will be expected to participate in art contests and exhibitions.

AVID places students on the college track, requiring them to enroll in Pre-AP and AP courses. The AVID program helps students develop organizational and study skills, critical thinking, and the ability to ask probing questions. It provides opportunities to receive academic help from peers and college tutors and participate in enrichment and motivational activities to make their college dreams reality.

Beginner Band is made up of primarily 6th graders, although 7th graders are also welcomed into Beginner Band. Beginner Band is designed for students who are interested in starting one of the following instruments: flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, and percussion. The primary focus for this class is basic instrumental skill development and music reading. The Goal of the class is to develop the student so that they can enter either  Concert or  Symphonic Band. Students are split into instrument families of brass, woodwind, and percussion. Instrument and contest fees are paid for by the school district. This is a performance-based class: students and parents can expect several evening and/or Saturday performances during the school year.

Concert Band is an ensemble that provides students with learning and performance opportunities on wind and percussion instruments. The primary focus is on the development, continuation, and expansion of basic skills begun the previous year that are necessary for effective instrumental music performance. In addition to large group ensembles, individual growth and achievement are encouraged through participation in adjudicated solo and ensemble contests, festivals, and private lessons. Instrument and contest fees are paid for by the school district. This is a performance-based class; students and parents can expect several evening and/or Saturday performances during the school year.

Symphonic Band is the school’s most advanced performing ensemble for wind and percussion instrumentalists. This year long course introduces comprehensive musicianship through music performance of challenging and varied literature. Skills and concepts from the previous year are developed and expanded upon. In addition to continued refinement of individual performance skills, great emphasis is placed on ensemble performance skills. Students will continue to develop their knowledge of music theory, begin to analyze, and evaluate music, and use critical-thinking skills to make refinements in their performance. Individual and ensemble performance skills will be expanded through musical expression and technical accuracy. In addition to large-group ensembles, individual growth and achievement are encouraged through participation in adjudicated solo and ensemble contests, festivals, and private lessons. Instrument and contest fees are paid for by the school district. This is a performance-based class; students and parents can expect several evening and/or Saturday performances during the school year.

This choir is made up of only  6th grade boys.  This choir will learn the basics of reading music, sight reading, tone production and correct breathing for choral singing.  This choir sings at all Reagan Choir Concerts, participates in at least one individual performance/competition, GPISD 6th Grade UIL Concert and Sight Reading Evaluations and Epic Music Festival.

This choir is made up of mostly 6th -7th grade girls.  This choir will learn the basics of reading music, sight reading, tone production and correct breathing for choral singing.  This choir sings at all Reagan Choir Concerts, participates in at least one individual performance/competition, GPISD 6th Grade UIL Concert and Sight Reading Evaluations and Epic Music Festival.

This choir is made up of 7th and 8th grade boys whose voices are changing. There are some 7th and 8th grade beginners in this class.  Any boy in 7th or 8th grade can be in this choir.  This choir is an intermediate level middle school choir.  They sing and perform intermediate level music and intermediate level sight reading.  They will learn intermediate level skills in tone production, breathing for choral singing.  This choir sings at all Reagan Choir Concerts, participates in at least one individual performance/competition, and Epic Music Festival.  We will work towards the goal of possibly participating in Pre UIL Concert and Sight Reading and UIL Concert and Sight Reading Evaluations

This choir is made up of 7th and 8th grade girls. There are some 7th and 8th grade beginners in this class.  Any girl in 7th or 8th grade can be in this choir.  This choir is an intermediate level middle school choir.  They sing and perform intermediate level music and intermediate level sight reading.  They will learn intermediate level skills in tone production, breathing for choral singing.  This choir sings at all Reagan Choir Concerts, participates in at least one individual performance/competition, and Epic Music Festival.  We will work towards the goal of possibly participating in Pre UIL-Concert and Sight Reading and UIL Concert and Sight Reading Evaluations

This choir is made up of 7th and 8th grade boys.  Membership in this choir is by preapproval only from Ms Foster.  This is the advanced boys’ choir and members of this choir sing and perform advanced middle school level music and sight reading.  This group will sing at all Reagan Choir Concerts, SGP Cluster Concert, Veteran’s Day Program, Elementary Christmas Tour, Pre-UIL Concert and Sight Reading, UIL Concert and Sight Reading as well as participating in both solo and ensemble and All-Region auditions and Epic Music Festival.  This choir can possibly be called upon by the school or district to perform at other functions/events throughout the year.  Because this choir travels and represents Reagan Middle School so much throughout the year, expectations for behavior, attitude and work ethic are very high.  Students in the choir are expected to meet or exceed those expectations consistently throughout the year.

This choir is made up of 7th and 8th grade girls.  Membership in this choir is by preapproval only from Ms Foster.  This is the advanced girls’ choir and members of this choir sing and perform advanced middle school level music and sight reading.  This group will sing at all Reagan Choir Concerts, SGP Cluster Concert, Veteran’s Day Program, Elementary Christmas Tour, Pre-UIL Concert and Sight Reading, UIL Concert and Sight Reading as well as participating in both solo and ensemble and All-Region auditions and Epic Music Festival.  This choir can possibly be called upon by the school or district to perform at other functions/events throughout the year.  Because this choir travels and represents Reagan Middle School so much throughout the year, expectations for behavior, attitude and work ethic are very high.  Students in the choir are expected to meet or exceed those expectations consistently throughout the year.

 This is a volunteer choir made up of any student enrolled in choir at Reagan.  This choir will sing and move (dance) pop/broadway/jazz styles of music at all Reagan Choir Concerts, Epic Waters Music Festival and various other events throughout the school year.  The Maroon Fusion Parent/Student Contract details all other requirements for this fun choir.  This choir meets before school on T/W/TH from 8-8:45 AM. 

Beginner Orchestra is made up of primarily 6th graders, although 7th graders are also welcomed into Beginner Orchestra. The primary focus for this class is on basic instrumental skill development and music reading. The goal of the class is to develop the student so that he or she can enter either Concert, Philharmonic, or  Symphonic Orchestra. Instrument and contest fees are paid for by the school district. This is a performance-based class; students and parents can expect several evening and/or Saturday performances during the school year.

Concert Orchestra is an ensemble that provides students with learning and performance opportunities. The primary focus is on the development, continuation, and expansion of basic skills begun the previous year that are necessary for effective instrumental music performance. In addition to large-group ensembles, individual growth and achievement are encouraged through participation in adjudicated solo and ensemble contests, festivals, and private lessons. Instrument and contest fees are paid for by the school district. This is a performance-based class; students and parents can expect several evening and/or Saturday performances during the school year.

The students in this orchestra show excellent proficiency regarding posture, intonation, articulation and bowing technique. Participation in this ensemble prepares each student for the Symphony Orchestra. Intermediate and advanced repertoire is selected from the standard orchestral literature. This is a performance-based ensemble. Students and parents can expect evening and weekend performances during the school year.

Symphonic Orchestra is the school’s most advanced performing ensemble. This yearlong course introduces comprehensive musicianship through music performance of challenging and varied literature. Skills and concepts from the previous year are developed and expanded upon. In addition to continued refinement of individual performance skills, great emphasis is placed on ensemble performance skills. Students will continue to develop their knowledge of music theory, begin to analyze, and evaluate music, and use critical-thinking skills to make refinements in their performance. Individual and ensemble performance skills will be expanded through musical expression and technical accuracy. In addition to large group ensembles, individual growth and achievement are encouraged through participation in adjudicated solo and ensemble contests, festivals, and private lessons. Instrument and contest fees are paid for by the school district. This is a performance-based class; students and parents can expect several evening and/or Saturday performances during the school year.

Dance I is an introductory level course. You do not need to have any dance experience to take this class. In this class you will learn the fundamentals of various dance genres including ballet, tap, jazz, and hip. Students will not only learn dance steps, but they will learn about dance history as well. In this course, students will have movement assignments, choreography projects, and written assignments.

Dance II  is an intermediate level course. Dance I is a prerequisite to this course, so you will need to have some prior dance experience already. Dance II builds upon the skills learned in Dance I.  In this class you will learn the fundamentals of various dance genres including ballet, tap, jazz, and hip. Students will not only learn dance steps, but they will learn about dance history as well. In this course, students will have movement assignments, choreography projects, and written assignments.

Dance III  is a more advanced  level course. Dance I and Dance II are  prerequisites to this course, so you will need to have  prior dance experience already. Dance III builds upon the skills learned in Dance I and Dance II.  In this class you will learn the fundamentals of various dance genres including ballet, tap, jazz, and hip. Students will not only learn dance steps, but they will learn about dance history as well. In this course, students will have movement assignments, choreography projects, and written assignments.

RDC is the performance/competitive dance team. You must audition to be on the team and will be required to complete a yearly physical if accepted. Members of RDC must be available to attend after school rehearsals, occasional Saturday rehearsals, summer camps, competitions, and other various performances. Members of RDC are held to a high standard. You must be passing all of your classes and have no discipline issues. Either of these may result in dismissal from the team.

*This course requires dancers to pay for dance attire such as jazz shoes and practice attire*

This class helps students develop organizational and study skills, critical thinking, and the ability to ask probing questions. (It provides opportunities to receive academic help from peers and participate in enrichment and motivational activities to make their school success reality.

In grades 6-8, students understand in greater detail the function of the body, learn to measure their own performance more accurately, and develop plans for improvement. They learn to use technology such as heart rate monitors to assist in measuring and monitoring their own performance. Identifying the types of activities that provide them with enjoyment and challenge and that will encourage them to be physically active throughout life is reinforced during instruction in these grades.

The Lifetime Fitness and Wellness Pursuits course offers current approaches for the foundation of personal fitness, physical literacy, lifetime wellness, and healthy living. Students in Lifetime Fitness and Wellness Pursuits will apply the knowledge and skills to demonstrate mastery of the concepts needed to achieve lifetime wellness. Students will participate in a variety of physical activities for attaining personal fitness and lifetime wellness.
* High School Credit

• Regular PE class taught by a PE teacher where the activities and lessons are modified for students with special needs who are unable to attend a regular PE class.
• As a Peer Partner, you will help students with special needs participate in modified activities and lessons.
  • Special Education staff are there as well to assist if a student needs extra help.
• As a Peer Partner, you will be able to go off campus to help with Special Olympics during different times of the year.
• Helps Peers develop leadership skills
• Peer Partners and students with special needs develop social skills and friendships
  • Peers are role models
  • Students with special needs have similar interests in music, movies, sports, etc

Outdoor Adventures K-12 is a fun and exciting co-ed physical education course, local elective, or Ag.  Science Wildlife Management class. 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, Orienteering, Survival Skills, First Aid/CPR, Trip Planning, Tackle Crafts, Hiking, Backpacking, Camping, Outdoor Cooking, Hunter Education, Sling Shots, and  Wildlife Conservation.

8th graders receive a HS credit

Students develop skills that will make them health-literate adults. Students gain a deeper understanding of the knowledge and behaviors they use to safeguard their health, particularly pertaining to health risks. Students are taught how to access accurate information that they can use to promote health for themselves and others. Students use problem-solving, research, goal setting, and communication skills to protect their health and that of the community.
*.5 High School Credit

Students will focus on learning technology skills with the use of computers and other electronic tools.

Our main focus throughout the year will be: terminology, acceptable use, societal impact, basic operations, keyboarding, and networking, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, multimedia & graphics, information acquisition, and communication. The contents from the above topics will be introduced, reinforced, and mastered during the semester based on the applicable TEKS.

Throughout the year, students will be given opportunities to demonstrate their learning through individual and group assignments, projects, and testing. The primary goal of the class is to prepare students well so that they may be technology savvy.

Digital Art and Animation consists of computer images and animations created with digital imaging software. Digital Art and Animation has applications in many careers, including graphic design, advertising, web design, animation, corporate communications, illustration, character development, script writing, storyboarding, directing, producing, inking, project management, editing, and the magazine, television, film, and game industries. Students in this course will produce various real-world projects and animations. The six strands include creativity and innovation; communication and collaboration; research and information fluency; critical thinking; problem solving, and decision making; digital citizenship; and technology operations and concepts.
*High School Credit

The goal of this course is that the student understands arts, audio/video technology, and communications systems. Within this context, students will be expected to develop an understanding of the various and multifaceted career opportunities in this cluster and the knowledge, skills, and educational requirements for those opportunities.
*High School Credit

In Principles of Information Technology, students will develop computer literacy skills to adapt to emerging technologies used in the global marketplace. Students will implement personal and interpersonal skills to prepare for a rapidly evolving workplace environment. Students will enhance reading, writing, computing, communication, and reasoning skills and apply them to the information technology environment.
*High School Credit

This class is for students who have not previously taken Theatre in middle school! Some of the basic things we will learn are introduction to stagecraft and technical theatre skills, puppetry and pantomime, intro to Theatre History, and All students will perform and participate in acting activities, scenes, and performances. Students will also learn problem solving skills and challenge creativity through all sorts of games and activities.

Theatre II consists of intermediate to advanced acting techniques, the roles of all jobs/roles involved in a play production, interpreting dramatic literature, performing, and participating in acting activities, scenes, performances, and productions. Students will be taught aspects of writing and construction as well. Students will participate in plays or performances in front of a live audience. Some after-school and extracurricular time may be required.

Middle School Theatre Team: For first-year competition theatre students, regardless of grade level, Competition Theatre is a course that is intended for students interested in pursuing theatre at the high school level and beyond. Students will focus on advanced acting techniques, interpreting dramatic literature, prose, and poetry. Students will be required to perform and participate in a wide variety of competitive theatre and oral interpretation competitions, performances, and festivals. This course requires after-school rehearsals and performances, many times on Saturdays. All students in this course are required to participate in all after-school productions, performances, and events for the Theatre Department.

This course is for second-year competition theatre students. Competitive theatre is a course that is intended for students interested in pursuing theatre at the high school level and beyond. Students will focus on advanced acting techniques, interpreting dramatic literature, prose, and poetry. Students will be required to perform and participate in a wide variety of competitive theatre and oral interpretation competitions, performances, and festivals. This course requires after-school rehearsals and performances, many times on Saturdays. All students in this course are required to participate in all after-school productions, performances and events for the Theatre Department.

Level 1 introduces students to Spanish vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, dialogues, and sentence patterns. Audio-lingual materials will be used to aid in the development of communication skills. Through various classroom activities, students observe and experience Spanish culture. Skills and concepts in listening, speaking, reading, and writing are stressed; however, major emphasis is given to oral communication.
*High School Credit

Acquiring another language incorporates communication skills such as listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and showing. Students develop these communication skills by using knowledge of the language, including grammar, and culture, communication and learning strategies, technology, and content from other subject areas to socialize, to acquire and provide information, to express feelings and opinions, and to get others to adopt a course of action. While knowledge of other cultures, connections to other disciplines, comparisons between languages and cultures, and community interaction all contribute to and enhance the communicative language learning experience, communication skills are the primary focus of language acquisition.
*High School Credit

Controversial issues arise in aspects of personal, social, public, and professional life in modern society. Debate and argumentation are widely used to make decisions and reduce conflict. Students who develop skills in argumentation and debate become interested in current issues, develop sound critical thinking, and sharpen communication skills. They acquire life-long skills for intelligently approaching controversial issues.
*.5 High School Credit

In Yearbook students will be offered an introduction to the basic elements of visual communication and the print world. Students will learn the fundamentals of photography as they document important events from the school year. Students will develop their pre-collegiate communication skills via reporting, writing, class discussions, presentations, and publications. Students will create the yearbook and a variety of narrative projects that show how photography and the written word combine to inform society.