Welcome to Sixth Grade Orientation

Rafael Cantu Junior High2014-2015Home of the Cavaliers!

Mr. Rafael Cantu

Our school was named after former teacher, principal, and superintendent of MCISD. He was a hard-working and dedicated educator to our students. We are very proud to have our school named after Mr. Rafael Cantu.

What is a Cavalier?

In former times, a cavalier was a mounted soldier or knight who fought on horseback. Cavaliers were known as gallant and chivalrous men.

Rafael Cantu Cavaliers are committed to bravery and loyalty. We respect others; always showing thoughtfulness, politeness, and graciousness. Our bravery and loyalty is revealed in our commitment to our educational success. Although we face obstacles such as peer pressure and fear of failure, we rise up and conquer. When speaking and interacting with others, it is our duty as Cavaliers to model appropriate behavior. If we see an injustice act occurring, we must stand up for those being mistreated to keep our Cavalier commitment of thoughtfulness, politeness and graciousness. Acts of righteousness and commitment to bravery against all obstacles lead to what we call Cavalier Pride.

Purpose

The purposes of this morning’s Orientation: 1. to become familiar with Rafael Cantu Jr. High2. to assist you in the transition from elementary  school to 6th Grade3. to familiarize you with core classes and electives

The transition to Jr. High can be an exciting yet stressful experience for some students.

Our Sixth Grade Class is made up of students from three different Elementary Schools.

The three are:1. Alton Elementary School2. Midkiff Elementary School 3. Salinas Elementary School Although 3 schools make up our 6th grade class, here you become ONE 6th grade class.

Mr. Jose Luis Rios Principal

Mrs. Gina Alvarez Mrs. Sandra Estrada-Claflin Assistant Principal Assistant Principal

Rafael Cantu Jr. High Counselors

Mrs. Melva Hicela Perez Mr. Ruben Magallan

Mrs. Jessica de la Garza

STAFF MEMBERS YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Librarian• Nurse• Security Guard• Police Officer• Instruction and Assessment Strategist

ExpectationsWe expect our students to…

 • represent R. Cantu Jr. High well in the community and/or in

any competition that they may be involved in -- being athletics or UIL.

 • have self –respect for themselves, respect each other, and

respect our teachers and staff.

• do well academically – keeping up with their work inside the classroom as well as doing their work at home.

 • practice and use their social skills and manners that have been

taught either at home or school. 

Expectations (cont.)

We Expect our Students to ……..

• be responsible individuals and take full responsibility for their actions and words.

 • understand that their actions and words have

consequences.

 • Continue having success here at Rafael Cantu Jr. High,

as you have had in elementary.

On the Move

Single-file

Keep to the Right

Remember to Dress for Success!

YES NO

Breakfast in the Classroom

If you are hungry, please eat

breakfast to ensure optimum brain

function!

8:00 a.m.- 8:15 a.m.

Breakfast in the classroom

CAMPUS RULES

1. Talk, while you walk on the right hand side

2. Wear shirts tucked in, IDs, and jeans with a belt above the hips

3. No horseplay or foul language

4. All electronics should be off and not visible

Consequences:

5. Stop, go back and do it right

6. Stop, tuck in shirt and lift pants

7. Demonstrate desired behavior

8. Electronics will be confiscated if visible

Class RulesRules:1. Come prepared to class with required materials2. Raise your hand to participate3. Listen & follow directions the 1st time given and be attentive4. Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself

Consequences:1st offense --------- Verbal warning2nd offense ---------Student/Teacher Conference3rd offense ---------Parent contact/conference resulting in detention4th offense ---------Disciplinary action referral

Restroom Info

10 Minute Rule- No leaving the classroom within the first and last 10 minutes of class

Be prompt- others may be waiting and instruction is important

Campus Security

-Doors around campus are kept locked

-Cameras are positioned in every hallway, as well as near restroom entrances

-All visitors are required to enter and check-in at the front office

-Campus lock-down procedures will be discussed and practiced once school starts

• First Bell rings at 7:55 a.m.

• The tardy bell rings at 8:00 a.m.

• Absences should only be due to illness or death

of a loved one

• Schedule trips and appointments after school

Remember- When you miss school, you miss out!

Attendance is Key!

Grading Scale

90-100---------------------------------A

80-89-----------------------------------B

75-79-----------------------------------C

70-74-----------------------------------D

69-below-------------------------------F

Campus Life

Junior High Life

Making memories at Rafael Cantu Junior High School

Clubs and Organizations• Band / Competitions• Choir / Competitions• Student Council• UIL / Competitions• Pep Squad• Science Club• Chess Club

Academic Teaming All students at RCJH are placed in academic

teams representing a college/university.

Each team consists of the five required core classes.

* Reading * Language Arts * Math * Science * World History

All classes including electives are 51 minutes long.

T

Team 61-Baylor University “Bears”

Team 62 – University of Texas “Longhorns”

Pre-Advanced (Pre-AP) Program*MCISD strongly encourages all students to set

high academic expectations.

*Pre-AP classes are offered in Language Arts, Math, Reading, World History and Science.

*These courses typically move at a faster pace, are more academically challenging and require more independent learning and homework.

*A parent/student contract is signed as a commitment to maintain the quality of work expected.

*Criteria requiring 80% correct answers on Both Math and Reading STAAR

Electives

Elective Class Choices(Full Year)

Beginners Band

Choir

Intro. to Spanish

Required Elective: All 6th graders are

required to take PE for the full year.

Students are required to dress up in gym clothes.

BEGINNER

S BAND

Students will learn to read and study music while learning to play an instrument. Students perform at several concerts including a fall, Christmas, open house and spring concert. Band students also participate in All-Valley Band, solo and ensemble contests, and UIL.

Choir

Choir is offered to 6th – 8th grade boys and girls who like to sing. The choir students present at least three concerts every year (fall, Christmas, and spring). Students have the opportunity to participate in solo and ensemble competition in the fall and the All-Region choir contest in the spring. All students are welcome to join.

Students will be introduced to the Spanish language with emphasis on the four basic skills of : Listening, Speaking, Reading and WritingThe learner will apply these skills to research a variety of cultural aspects of the language and its people.

ElectivesSemester Courses Theatre Arts

Art I

Speech/Video Productions Exploring Careers

Technology Applications

Teen Leadership

Technology Application

s*This course focuses on the integrated use of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

* Also, the use of drawing and painting tools is integrated in the finished documents.Scanner and digital camera input is edited and inserted into projects.

Teen Leadership

Teen Leadership prepares students for continued success by helping them develop a sense of personal responsibility, healthy self-concepts, self-awareness, self-motivation, public speaking and communication skills, decision-making, personal responsibility, and goal-setting, while enabling students to recognize and resist peer pressure.

Students learn essential theatre vocabulary and process of theatre in theatre arts. They will be involved in acting experiences which focus on developing and exploring concepts of self, body, voice, improvisations, acting techniques, and reading/writing related to theatre.

Students will be introduced to the basic elements of art. Students will produce works combining line, shape, form, color, value, texture, and space. They also learn about the history of art and major artists throughout the ages.

Speech/Video ProductionThis class is designed to give students a better understanding of video production, and offers students the opportunity to become familiar with various UIL speaking and acting activities.

Exploring Careers

Students will be given the opportunity to learn and explore different careers. This course is designed to guide students through the process of college

and career achievement plan.

Exit PolicyAt the end of the first six weeks, the student may drop/change his/her class selection.

After the first six weeks, no other change in class selection will be made until the end of the semester pending approval by the campus principal.

To Ensure Your Success…• Read Daily

• Complete all Assignments and do Your Best

• Keep Good Sleeping Habits and Good Hygiene

• Maintain a Positive Attitude

• Attend School Daily and Arrive on Time

• Discuss Your Day with Your Parents/Guardians

Rafael Cantu Jr. High2014-2015