Welcome Rising 6th Grade Families!

Welcome to Dr. General Marshall Middle School!

This is an exciting time for all of us! Not only do we get to create a school community filled with the things we love and value, YOU also get to choose fun new classes that help prepare you for the future you want for yourself.

It's important to plan carefully and talk through these choices with our families and teachers. Please take the time to read through the information shared in this s'more and make your selections on our choice sheet form.

You will find the following information below:

• Video directions for the choice sheet form.
• Core Course Requirements for Middle School
• Math Pathways for GMMS
• Other Requirements (PE and Fine Arts)
• Electives (AVID and CTE Courses)
• Dual Language
• Transition ARDs
• Resources (Full Program Overview, Course Descriptions, FAQs, etc)
• How to get help using our help form.
• BONUS- complete the choice form to share your suggestions for mascot and colors!!!!! 😊

This is a lot of exciting news. Sometimes that can make people feel overwhelmed. Do not worry. I am available to help you with your choice sheet and answer any questions you may have about Marshall Middle School. Do not hesitate to email or submit the help form, and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Be well,

Jordan Benson

Principal

Dr. General Marshall Middle School

Austin ISD

1. Review the information in the s'more below regarding the programming (courses/classes) available to your child next year.
2. Have your child sit with you and discuss their options.
3. Get a piece of paper to write down your choices.
4. When you understand your choices, enter your choices in this choice sheet form
5. If you need help, please request help using the HELP form.

All Middle School students take the four core classes every year:

1. English Language Arts
2. Science
3. Social Studies
4. Math

For families looking for advanced math options for their student, we have two accelerated paths available:

1. 6th grade Accelerated Math - Algebra Path: Four years of math instruction are compacted into three years with students completing high school Algebra I in their eighth-grade year.
2. 6th grade Accelerated Math - Summer Bridge Prep for Algebra + Algebra I + Geometry Path: Select students will be able to qualify to accelerate to 7th grade algebra. Students will be identified in the 6th grade Accelerated Math course.

• All 6th graders will be required to take PE or Dance.
• Students must also choose a Fine Arts course to explore.

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is an academic elective course that prepares students for college and career readiness and life success, and it is scheduled during the regular school day as a year-long course. Each week students receive instruction utilizing a rigorous college preparatory curriculum provided by AVID Center, tutor-facilitated study groups, motivational activities and academic success skills. In AVID students participate in activities that incorporate strategies focused on writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization and reading to support their academic growth.

Student grow in their ability to: prioritize and organize their work, think critically, collaborate with others, and set/achieve goals.

Students will be able to choose from three incredible Career and Technology pathways. These pathways are aligned with industry need and are geared to lay the foundation for access to a career post high school. All three pathways are aligned with academic and PTECH programs at our vertical team high schools: LBJ and Northeast.

Three CTE Pathways:

1. Engineering
2. Biomedical Sciences
3. Computer Science/Cybersecurity

The goals of our Dual Language program are as follows:

1. Bilingualism/Biliteracy
2. High Academic Achievement through two languages
3. The advancement of sociocultural competence

Students who qualify for the Marshall Dual Language Program:

• Students who have completed an AISD K-5 Dual Language Program
• Students with Spanish Language Proficiency

NOTE: If you have Spanish Language Proficiency and would like to be considered for the program, please email jordan.benson@austinisd.org

We are working with our elementary partners to ensure we have information about your child's ARD. If we have been left out, please don't hesitate to reach out to us directly.

SUBMIT A QUESTION: Please complete the form below and submit your question with your contact information.

IMPORTANT: Please indicate in what language you would like for us to respond. Thank you!

• 2/24/23 Commitment Forms due
• 3/3/23 Decisions for magnets in eMAP
• 3/4/23 Begin reviewing course selection information and submitting choice sheet forms
• 3/10/23 Complete Choice Sheet Form or Request Support via Help Form
• 3/17/23 Deadline for completed choice sheet forms

• Classes and programs that interest them!
• Clubs or sports they may want to join!
• If they have any ideas for school colors !
• If they have any ideas for the school mascot!
• If they have any friends at the 8 elementary schools that haven't decided about their middle school choice...if so, please share my info with their families.

More information to come!

We are here to answer any questions and support. Please contact us!

Email: jordan.benson@austinisd.org
Website: https://www.austinisd.org/schools/marshall
Location: 4401 Tilley Street, Austin, TX, USA
Twitter: @GMMS_AISD