School Transition Guide

PE is no longer co-ed at the middle school level.  Physical Education classes are divided into male and female courses to allow physical education teachers an opportunity to build athletic skills for 7th and 8th grade team sports. Once a student completes 6th grade then they can remain in physical education or they can move into athletics courses such as football, volleyball, track, tennis, or cross country.

Middle School students are given 4 minutes to transition from one class to another, and the schools do their best to keep same grade level courses in common areas so that students do not have to travel far to their next course.

There may be costs involved with courses such as band, orchestra, or choir.  These costs could include renting instruments, purchasing music books, and group t-shirts.

SAISD believes that communication between teachers, students and parents is integral in student success. Although middle school does not typically have weekly communication folders, they utilize other modes of communication such as email, text, and Remind.

The best way to support your child when they transition to middle school is to keep lines of communication open with your child and his/her teacher.  Maintain the daily routines such as eating a good breakfast, getting enough rest, and balancing school and extracurricular activities.  If you feel your child is struggling with the adjustment to middle school life, the middle school counselors are ready and available to visit with you about what can be done to help.

Students in 8th grade complete a graduation plan for high school in which they choose their program of study and endorsement for high school graduation.  Also, students will map out their courses for their 4 years of high school during this time.  This is not set in stone, but does help students have a better understanding of what will be expected of them during their high school years. 

An endorsement consists of a sequence of courses that are grouped together by interest or occupational skill.  They provide students with in-depth knowledge of a subject area or a high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand occupation. Every Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program of Study or Academic Pathway leads to an endorsement.

Programs of study are course sequences that prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in their chosen career. These sequences embed relevant, real world experiences and can culminate in a postsecondary credential.

Within the programs of study, there may be several pathways for students to choose from.  For example, in our Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Program of Study, students can choose from 3 pathways: Agricultural Engineering, Animal Science, or Plant Science. 

Yes, but we encourage students to  choose a Program of Study in 8th grade as a part of their 4-year plan to prepare for their transition to high school and continue in that Program of Study throughout high school.

 In high school, students will take 7 elective courses. The other courses are determined by the state of Texas as a part of their graduation requirements. 

Graduation plans and requirements are explained in detail in our Educational Planning Guide.