Al C
enthusiast
Posts: 5920
Loc: McKinney/Allen, TX
Reg: 02-16-01
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02-15-13 10:02 AM - Post#159275
Hey, neighbors. As the cost of living continues to increase, I'm left with the possibility of looking into the public schools instead of continuing in the private schools.
First of all, my choice to send the kids to private has nothing to do with the fine AISD schools ... I know how good they are. That's why we moved here in the first place and my kids started school here. It was a faith decision for us.
That said, if we decide to come back to the AISD, my oldest will be attending Curtis this fall as a 7th grader. Since it's been years since she's been in the public system, she's going to be short on friends. I know middle school can be a trying time for kids ... not the education part, but the social part of it. So I guess I'm looking for information on the atmosphere at Curtis ... what's great about it, what to watch out for, anyone with kids interested in making a new friend, etc. Any advice on this would be extremely helpful.
My other one will be in 6th grade next year and would be in Lindsey. No problem there as she would be in our neighborhood.
Thanks, neighbors. I appreciate any feedback.
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shiraz
enthusiast
Posts: 594
Loc: allen, tx, usa
Reg: 05-23-02
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02-15-13 11:01 AM - Post#159277
In response to Al C
My kids did not attend Curtis, but my advice is to encourage your daughter to investigate all the extra-curricular clubs and activities at Curtis and find something that interests her. That's where my middle-schoolers made all their best friends. Good luck!
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vrs
enthusiast
Posts: 2845
Loc: Allen, Texas
Reg: 04-20-00
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02-15-13 01:04 PM - Post#159279
In response to Al C
Band, choir, orchestra, and sports are the big four if she has talent/inclination in any of those areas - otherwise check out the clubs.
Get her into JYM this spring if she is not already in it and she'll have friends from there to help her bridge in.
Good luck!!
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starrlac
enthusiast
Posts: 792
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 11-03-00
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02-15-13 02:10 PM - Post#159283
In response to Al C
My daughter is in 7th grade this year at Curtis and has made most of her new friends in choir. She also has made several friends at JYM at church and them finds out they go to Curtis and has made new friends that way as well. This is my third child at Curtis, although the first was way back when and she was there as a ninth grader, and we have been very happy with the school. Have her look at the Curtis website under activities to get an idea of what things are available. I'm sure she'll find a place to fit in!
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acs815
enthusiast
Posts: 248
Reg: 06-08-07
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02-15-13 02:46 PM - Post#159284
In response to starrlac
My daughter is also in the 7th grade at Curtis this year and the friends she is now hanging out with are not the same group of girls she ran around with in elementary. Things seemed to change very fast. Most of it seemed to have to do with what lunch you have and obviously what clubs/sports/activities you are a part of.
Also, some of the friends she reconnected with were kids she played with in ASA sports, that may be a good option if your daughter plays sports, they all went to different elementary schools and seemed to kind of find each other again.
I was worried about the middle school drama also, but there has been little to none for us. We've been very pleased.
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Al C
enthusiast
Posts: 5920
Loc: McKinney/Allen, TX
Reg: 02-16-01
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02-15-13 05:36 PM - Post#159289
In response to vrs
Band, choir, orchestra, and sports are the big four if she has talent/inclination in any of those areas - otherwise check out the clubs.
Get her into JYM this spring if she is not already in it and she'll have friends from there to help her bridge in.
Good luck!!
Will definitely put the oldest in JYM. And I may even be a catechist for that.
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starrlac
enthusiast
Posts: 792
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 11-03-00
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02-15-13 06:28 PM - Post#159291
In response to Al C
There will be a Wednesday night in late April or Early May for the current 6th graders to visit JYM. Watch for it in the bulletin or call the youth office to find out when it will be.
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Al C
enthusiast
Posts: 5920
Loc: McKinney/Allen, TX
Reg: 02-16-01
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02-15-13 06:51 PM - Post#159292
In response to starrlac
Will do ... thanks.
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Al C
enthusiast
Posts: 5920
Loc: McKinney/Allen, TX
Reg: 02-16-01
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02-15-13 09:21 PM - Post#159293
In response to vrs
Looks like band is out of the question. Apparently kids have to have been in band in 6th grade in order to be in middle school band? 
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scrapmom
member
Posts: 72
Reg: 05-05-10
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02-16-13 10:30 AM - Post#159300
In response to Al C
Did the band department tell you she couldn't be in band? I have known others to start band in 7th grade. As far as, starting in 7th grade it's a great time to start. Everyone is new and in the same boat. She will do fine.
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starrlac
enthusiast
Posts: 792
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 11-03-00
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02-16-13 03:00 PM - Post#159303
In response to Al C
I would call and speak to Mr. Rohr or email him. I know the course selection catalog says that they have to be in 6th grade band, but I also know that kids switch instruments and are basically "starting over" all the time. Explain that she will just be entering AISD. I wouldn't think that it would be a problem.
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chickypez
enthusiast
Posts: 506
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 02-13-07
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02-16-13 03:16 PM - Post#159304
In response to starrlac
Yes, I would definitely contact the band people if she would like to go that route. They may ask that she take private lessons on the instrument she chooses over the Summer to get the basics down in order to join.
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Al C
enthusiast
Posts: 5920
Loc: McKinney/Allen, TX
Reg: 02-16-01
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02-16-13 06:56 PM - Post#159306
In response to scrapmom
Did the band department tell you she couldn't be in band? I have known others to start band in 7th grade. As far as, starting in 7th grade it's a great time to start. Everyone is new and in the same boat. She will do fine.
That's good to hear ... no, the department didn't tell us that. It's information we found digging around on the school web site. Will definitely talk to Mr. Rohr to see if there's a way.
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Anonymous
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02-16-13 09:41 PM - Post#159311
In response to Al C
My daughter attended Curtis and was part of the orchestra. Contact Mrs. Pennington if you child decides to go that way. She is an amazing teacher and truly the reason my daughter plays a violin today. I am sure Dallas Strings can assist my some summer lessons to get your child started. Again another great local business!
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Al C
enthusiast
Posts: 5920
Loc: McKinney/Allen, TX
Reg: 02-16-01
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02-17-13 10:19 AM - Post#159315
In response to Abby
Not sure if she's interested in orchestra ... I'll check with her. Thanks for the idea.
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vrs
enthusiast
Posts: 2845
Loc: Allen, Texas
Reg: 04-20-00
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02-18-13 04:36 PM - Post#159317
In response to Al C
Band is an option. Orchestra is an option. Choir is an option. 6th grade is too young for a child's artistic future to be cast in stone - the schools know that.
My number 2 kiddo started in Orchestra on the violin. Hands to big and fine motor skills too few so he switched to cello. Then switched to percussion between 7th and 8th and found his home. Students do change programs or change instruments within programs.
Talent and willingness to practice are key.
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Al C
enthusiast
Posts: 5920
Loc: McKinney/Allen, TX
Reg: 02-16-01
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02-27-13 04:03 PM - Post#159446
In response to vrs
Well, we've decided to go ahead and make the jump. My oldest will be in 7th at Curtis and my youngest will put in a year at the new Lindsay Elementary before going to Curtis the following year. Oldest decided on choir, and youngest is going to play trumpet ... just like her dear old dad. 
I'm sure they'll find other things to get involved in as well. Lots to pick from.
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chf
enthusiast
Posts: 574
Loc: NW Allen
Reg: 12-22-07
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02-27-13 09:55 PM - Post#159449
In response to Al C
Just wait until they start registering for high school. The choices available almost made me want to do high school again. Almost.
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ladymavs95
newbie
Posts: 11
Reg: 09-05-13
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09-05-13 01:51 PM - Post#163269
In response to starrlac
We are looking at starting @ Curtis this next school year as our current district starts middle school in 6th and we would prefer to make that jump next fall. I see JYM referenced many times in this forum. Can someone provide more information?
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Mrs. Tex
enthusiast
Posts: 351
Loc: Allen
Reg: 11-01-07
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09-05-13 02:01 PM - Post#163271
In response to ladymavs95
JYM is the middle school Youth Group @ St Jude's Catholic Church, great place for your youth to meet friends & classmates...Best of Luck & Welcome to your child!
contact:
Brenda Farmer
Director of Youth Ministries
St. Jude Catholic Church
972-727-1177, ext.2228
www.stjudeparish.com
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Al C
enthusiast
Posts: 5920
Loc: McKinney/Allen, TX
Reg: 02-16-01
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09-06-13 09:10 AM - Post#163298
In response to Mrs. Tex
Yep ... we're both involved with JYM. My oldest will begin the program this year and I will be volunteering. Looking forward to it.
Ladymavs ... JYM (Jude Youth Ministry) is preparation classes for confirmation for Catholic kids. While it does have some social elements, it is not just a social club. But if your family is Catholic, definitely get your kid involved.
BTW ... my kids are doing fine!  Making friends and doing quite well in their classes.
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ladymavs95
newbie
Posts: 11
Reg: 09-05-13
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10-20-13 10:03 PM - Post#164078
In response to Al C
Is JYM strictly for Catholic students? We will definitely start looking at various programs to plug into this upcoming spring as we will look to start in AISD in fall 2014.
Also, we are looking at homes in both Curtis and Ereckson zones. Is there one school that outperforms the other greatly? We want a school with strong academics and a great music program. Also, an environment that is most inviting and friendly. Any feedback is appreciated.
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ReadingRainbow
enthusiast
Posts: 773
Loc: Allen
Reg: 10-19-07
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10-20-13 11:33 PM - Post#164079
In response to ladymavs95
My girl is in ereckson and is doing really well there. The teachers are awesome (thumbs up to science teachers Mr. Gadd and Mrs. Merrick) and unlike elementary school, my daughter is doing much better. Mostly because she likes her teachers and they understand how to deal with her emotional difficulties.
They have a ton of afterschool programs but I would wager that Curtis is the same. Allen is awesome and so therefore it stands to reason that all the schools are going to be equally awesome with not a huge difference between them individually.
We were rezoned where she would have gone to Curtis but she liked Ereckson so much she opted to stay. It's a hassle since she can't ride the bus anymore but it's worth it to keep her happy.
As for the music program my only experience is their orchestra playing at concerts last year. They sounded AMAZING for 7th and 8th graders.
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Al C
enthusiast
Posts: 5920
Loc: McKinney/Allen, TX
Reg: 02-16-01
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10-21-13 08:40 AM - Post#164082
In response to ladymavs95
Is JYM strictly for Catholic students? We will definitely start looking at various programs to plug into this upcoming spring as we will look to start in AISD in fall 2014.
Yes, JYM is confirmation training for Catholic teens.
Also, we are looking at homes in both Curtis and Ereckson zones. Is there one school that outperforms the other greatly? We want a school with strong academics and a great music program. Also, an environment that is most inviting and friendly. Any feedback is appreciated.
All middles schools are performing similarly. I think you'd be hard pressed to find a difference between the three of them.
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vrs
enthusiast
Posts: 2845
Loc: Allen, Texas
Reg: 04-20-00
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10-21-13 06:18 PM - Post#164100
In response to ladymavs95
Is JYM strictly for Catholic students? We will definitely start looking at various programs to plug into this upcoming spring as we will look to start in AISD in fall 2014.
I checked with the Church to be sure about JYM. It is as I thought. Any young person is totally welcome to join JYM as a Christian youth group. The parent would still need to fill out the paperwork (permissions, emergency contact info, etc.) and should understand that the religious formation part of the program is based on Catholic doctrine.
(For clarity, Catholics ARE Christian. LOL)
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Edited by vrs on 10-21-13 06:20 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Al C
enthusiast
Posts: 5920
Loc: McKinney/Allen, TX
Reg: 02-16-01
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10-22-13 09:20 AM - Post#164108
In response to vrs
Is JYM strictly for Catholic students? We will definitely start looking at various programs to plug into this upcoming spring as we will look to start in AISD in fall 2014.
I checked with the Church to be sure about JYM. It is as I thought. Any young person is totally welcome to join JYM as a Christian youth group. The parent would still need to fill out the paperwork (permissions, emergency contact info, etc.) and should understand that the religious formation part of the program is based on Catholic doctrine.
(For clarity, Catholics ARE Christian. LOL)
Absolutely all are welcome. But it is still confirmation preparation for Catholic youth.
Edited by Al C on 10-22-13 06:51 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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ladymavs95
newbie
Posts: 11
Reg: 09-05-13
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10-22-13 11:35 PM - Post#164150
In response to ReadingRainbow
Do you know if the student enrollment and the student demographics are pretty comparable at both Ereckson and Curtis? We are looking at an area near Star Creek zoned for Curtis, but the few folks we know are in E attendance zone and that too is all they know. However, It sounds like they are fairly comparable.
Thanks for the input.
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ladymavs95
newbie
Posts: 11
Reg: 09-05-13
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10-22-13 11:36 PM - Post#164151
In response to ladymavs95
Also, does anyone have any information or feedback on Young Life programs in Allen (or Wyldlife for middle school)?
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Al C
enthusiast
Posts: 5920
Loc: McKinney/Allen, TX
Reg: 02-16-01
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10-23-13 09:38 AM - Post#164165
In response to ladymavs95
Do you know if the student enrollment and the student demographics are pretty comparable at both Ereckson and Curtis? We are looking at an area near Star Creek zoned for Curtis, but the few folks we know are in E attendance zone and that too is all they know. However, It sounds like they are fairly comparable.
Thanks for the input.
We're not far from the location you're looking into and are also zoned for Curtis. I don't know about demographics but I think enrollment is comparable. But I do know that so far, my 7th grader loves it there.
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ladymavs95
newbie
Posts: 11
Reg: 09-05-13
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11-03-13 10:05 PM - Post#164380
In response to Al C
I am still researching any major differences between Curtis and Ereckson. We are leaning towards a home on the west side that will feed to Curtis, but we know several families that go to Ereckson. How difficult is it to apply for transfer to a school outside your boundary? I know its based primarily on enrollment in Grapevine ISD.
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vrs
enthusiast
Posts: 2845
Loc: Allen, Texas
Reg: 04-20-00
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11-04-13 01:29 AM - Post#164384
In response to ladymavs95
The policy you are looking for is FDB(local). You can find the Board Policy manual online from the BOT page on the AISD website.
Basically it says that the transfer MAY be granted after you apply in writing. I am not sure of all the criteria but certainly space available would be the first threshold. The district will not provide transportation to the transfer campus. Also note that transfers are granted for one year only and you would have to reapply for the second year - and may or may not get the spot.
Editing this morning to add - these are both terrific schools. I know staff at both, parents at both, and students at both. Really, honestly, truly - there is no wrong choice here. But I know parents will worry anyway - because we love our kids. 
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