Fifth to Sixth Grade Transition May 2014

GREENE MIDDLE SCHOOLPARENT

ORIENTATION

WELCOME TO MIDDLE SCHOOL

“Where Learning is the Experience for a

Lifetime”

Fun and Facts about Middle School

Middle School Philosophy and Concept How is Middle School Different From Elementary

School? Courses of Study State Tests Graduation Requirements Middle School Activities/Athletics Academic Status Electronics Communication Helping Your Child Succeed in Middle School

Middle School Philosophy and Mission

Greene Middle School Mission Statement In an environment that builds respect for self and others through a team approach, Greene Middle School, in partnership with the community, will strive to meet the unique developmental needs of students in transition, from children to young adults and from dependent to independent learners.

How is the Middle School Different From Elementary

School?

Students work with a team of teachers who all teach different subject areas (core academics and life skills courses).

Students travel from classroom to classroom every 40 minutes (4 minutes between classes).

Students eat in the cafeteria. Students have book lockers and gym

lockers (locks provided by the school).

How is the Middle School Different From Elementary

School?

Students have a greater amount of freedom…..BUT….more is expected of them.

“9th period”: The school day ends at 3:05 p.m. unless students have permission to leave at 2:21PM because all of their work is satisfactorily completed and their behavior is good.

Middle School Requirements

English, Math, Social Studies, Science-all 3 years Reading-1 year (6th grade) Foreign Language-1 year (8th grade) Technology-1 year (7th grade) Health- ½ year (7th grade) Family and Consumer Science-3/4 of a year Art- ½ year Music- ½ year Library studies (integrated into curriculum) Physical Education-every other day all 3 years OPTIONAL COURSES: Band/Chorus

6th Grade Courses Core Academics

ELA, Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies—every day for 40 minutes each

Life Skills Courses Family and Consumer Science (FACS), Music, Art,

Computer Literacy—quarterly courses Physical Education—every other day

Additional Courses AIS Support (ELA or Math Lab)—every other day Academic Resource Band/Chorus

A Typical 6th Grade Day

FIRST HALF Arrive at school by 7:45

(warning bell for first period) 1st: ELA Homeroom 2nd: Math 3rd: study hall/ band/

chorus/lab/resource 4th: Science 5th: LUNCH (and lunch rec)

SECOND HALF 6a: Reading 6b: physical education /study

hall/lab/resource 7th: Social Studies 8th: quarterly Life Skills

(FACS, Music, Art, Computer Lit)

9th: (2:30-3:05 Tuesday-Thursday)Homework help, detention,

clubs, etc.

Testing Requirements and Academic Intervention

Services

6th, 7th, 8th grades: NYS Test in ELA and Math8th grade: NYS Test in Science (Performance & Written)Academic Intervention Service (AIS): Students who score a 2 or 1 on a NYS exam

are provided with tiered services which may include progress monitoring or an ELA/Math lab

Graduation Requirements(for students entering Grade 9 in 2001 and thereafter)

Regents Diploma

Test Requirements (Grade of 65 or higher):English Regents 1Math Regents1Global Studies 1US History 1Science Regents 1Second Language Proficiency Exam ( or 1 credit in

second language)*

Course Requirements:Core Credits (18.5)

English 4Social Studies4Math 3Science 3Health ½Phys. Ed. 2Art/Tech/Music 1Second Language 1

Completed 22 Credits

Advanced Designation Regents Diploma

Test Requirements:English Regents 1Math Regents3Global Studies 1US History 1Science Regents 2Sec. Lang Regents 1**

Course Requirements:Core Credits (20.5)

English 4Social Studies4Math 3Science 3Health ½Phys. Ed. 2Art/Tech/Music 1Second Language 3

Completed 22 Credits

* 1 Unit in Second Language may be earned by passing a proficiency examination or by passing a high school course.

** Students acquiring 5 units in occupational studies or arts may be exempted from the 3 unit requirement in second language. Those students must have I unit in a second language which may be earned either through a proficiency exam or by a course.

And Now for the “Fun Stuff”

Whole School Events: Spirit Days Spring Fling/Spirit Week Winter Carnival Dances (generally one a

month) OLWEUS Bully

Prevention class meetings—monthly

Clubs and Activities: Odyssey of the Mind Ski Club Student Council Yearbook Chess Club Girls on Track Footlights National Junior Honor

Society

More Fun: Athletics

Soccer-boys and girls Field hockey Football Swimming-girls and

boys Softball Bowling

Basketball-boys and girls

Wrestling Track-girls and boys Baseball Volleyball

Available for students in 7th and 8th grades

Academic Status

Eligibility plan to ensure that students are succeeding academically before taking part in extra curricular activities.

Extra Curricular Activities include all activities requiring a parent signature or the Greene Middle School Parent Consent form and the Athletic Participation Permission Form. (e.g. art club, Odyssey of the Mind, school sports, dances, Footlights).

Eligibility Plan

Phase I: Student is failing 1 subject and MAY participate in extra-curricular activities (including dances).

Phase II: Student is failing 2 subjects. The student CAN practice for extra-curricular activities but MAY NOT participate in games, footlight productions, dances, ski trips, competitions, pep rallies, etc.

Phase III: Student is failing 3 or more subjects. The student CANNOT practice for extra-curricular activities or participate in games, footlight productions, dances, ski trips, competitions, pep rallies, etc.

***For all full year courses, ninth period remediation for the subjects failed will be available. Attendance will be taken by the teacher.

How Do Students Change their Eligibility Level?

Students should speak with their teachers and discuss what action needs to be taken (9th period, turning in homework, etc.)

Phase II and III students can request to be re-evaluated on a weekly basis and status may be changed.

Students can pick up an Academic Release Form on THURSDAYS in the middle school office. This form should be returned to the middle school office by 2:30 on Thursday. The earliest day to participate in activities is Friday.

Communication: How, With Whom, When??

Ask your child Check the student handbook Contact teacher/Team Leader Check your child’s progress on Home Access Homework Hotline after 4:00 Scheduling and student issues-School

Counselor (Mrs. Worsnopp) Behavior issues-Principal (Mr. Calice)

What We Do to Help Your Child Transition to Middle

School Before September:

Mrs. Worsnopp meets with all 5th grade classes 5th graders visit the Middle School in June Summer Orientation in August School is open during the summer for more tours

During the School Year: First day of school: Orientation/Tour with 6th

grade teachers DEAR weekly Agenda use Parent/Teacher contact (individually or with

the entire team of teachers)

Tips for Helping Your Child Succeed in Middle School

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!! Ask your child how her day was, what homework assignments

she has, and if she is being treated well at school. Know your child’s teachers, counselor, and principal, and

contact them (or the Team Leader) to set up a meeting if you are concerned.

Be Proactive with Homework/Study Skills Set up a schedule with your child so that he has a routine for

homework completion every night. Use resources—homework hotline, Home Access, email/call

teachers to help keep your child on track. Help your child learn to use her agenda effectively and make

sure that she knows where to seek help if she is struggling. Plan ahead.

Study with your child. Visit the Middle School!!!

We hope you have learned a lot and we look forward to working with you in the

fall!

ANY QUESTIONS???

The End!!