GPS Navigation for

6th GradeA compilation of advice from middle school

teachers

The First Day of SchoolNew school, new teachers, new friends, new lockers, new freedom...the

first

day of school can be a very stressful day for incoming sixth graders. Have

no fear! The sixth grade staff is well versed in making your child's first day

at CMS as smooth as possible.

• The first week of school can be a very overwhelming experience for sixth grades, and to manage that we have an excellent support system in place.

• On the first day of school, the entire sixth grade participates in transition activities that help the students become accustomed to their new school. Throughout the day, we discuss the rotating schedule, lockers, the best routines to follow when switching classes, organization tips, lunchroom procedures, and answer any questions the students may have.

• Starting the second day of school, the students will be introduced to their core subject areas, the expectations from each of their teachers and supplies needed for each class. Teachers will continue to work with students’ lockers and schedules as they become accustomed to the CMS daily routine.

Rotating ScheduleAny questions about the rotating schedule, how it

works, or what day it is, can be accessed in your students’ agenda as well as on the school homepage. We will spend the first few days of school going over the schedule with the students. There are also reminders of the schedule rotation posted around the school and in classrooms.

Organization of MaterialsOrganization can and will change depending on the child and the

system that works best for them. It is best to think of organization as a work in progress. Sixth grade teachers provide much guidance on the subject of organization and offer a variety of strategies for students to try/implement.

Examples:o One accordion folder for all papers and one notebook per class.o One binder with folders and extra paper and a notebook per class.o Small binders for each class, with a folder per subject in each.o One “Case It” binder that has an accordion folder and 3 ring

binder combined, along with a zipper edge to keep everything contained (very popular among 6th graders)

Organization is a highly personal choice. Students have to find the system that works for them. Keep an open mind as

you explore different options with your child.

Helpful ResourcesThe below site is a great resource to help students develop study

skills that are appropriate to their specific needs. Please explore the site with your child for all sorts of helpful tools and tips. If you click on the link and go to the heading that says "Studying" and then click on "Effective study habits" you will find a series of 10 questions that will analyze current habits. This site will tailor study skills that address your child's weaknesses and maximize their strengths.

http://www.studygs.net/

Other Great sites for study skills and organization:• http://www.greatschools.org/students/homework-help/322-

study-skills-for-middle-school-and-beyond.gs• http://www.how-to-study.com/index.asp• http://www.howtostudy.org/• http://www.studytips.org/

SuppliesDon’t go out and buy everything before school

starts! Wait until the first couple of days have passed

because your child’s teacher will instruct them on what they need. Things change from year to year and supplies vary by teacher, so having one master list can be difficult. On the first day of school, students should just bring a folder for loose papers and something to write with.

Locker Trips Under the umbrella of organization comes the locker situation.

Every

student has their own locker and locker combination. Students need

to learn to organize their locker in addition to organizing their

time in order to get their supplies and arrive to class on time.

It is impossible to go to your locker between EVERY class and still arrive on time, so students need to find natural breaks in their schedule (i.e. when their next class is right next to their locker, before lunch, after lunch, etc) to get their books for the next series of classes.

Some teachers even allow students to drop off their books in the morning before homeroom and designate places in their rooms for books.

This will be a work in progress and it takes a few tries to find the right combination of locker visits.

Gym Lockers

UPPER GYM (Ullmeyer/Mazurkiewicz)

These students are each assigned their own PE locker

during the first few days of school. Boys are given a

combination and as of now, girls are required to bring in

their own combination lock. (This may be change with the

addition of new lockers.) The PE teachers will record locker

combinations, but students are responsible for writing the

combos in their agenda and remembering it. Students who do not lock

their lockers during PE assume all responsibility for lost items.

Gym Lockers

LOWER GYM (Bray/Cicarelli)

All lockers have a built in lock so there is no need to

purchase a gym lock. The students and their buddy

will receive their combination when the locker is assigned to

them. It is expected that the students write their combination in

their agenda book and bring the agenda with them to class every

day. It is also expected that students LOCK their lockers during

and after every class in order to prevent stolen items.

Gym ClothingClothing: (No Substitutions Please)

• Sneakers* - Laced or Velcro (no slip ons, sandals, boots, or large soles)

• White or Light Gray T-Shirt

• Mesh/Gym Shorts (Must follow new school dress code)

• Sweat Clothes (Optional: Sweatshirt/Sweatpants)

• Deodorant is highly recommended for all students (No Spray Allowed)

-Clothing should be LABELED with students' first and last name. All students

are required to change for every class. (In other words, clothing worn to

school cannot be used for PE class.)

-All jewelry should be taken off before the beginning of class, with the

exception of medical or religious jewelry.

*Sneakers should be securely fastened to decrease the chances of injury.*

Fluctuating Grades

The transition from LAF to CMS can be challenging and it is

important to remember that with more freedom comes

more responsibility. The skill sets in middle school are

different than in elementary school. There is an increase in

work load and more of a focus on application based

learning. Many times students are responsible for

generating their own study guides, taking notes, and

managing handouts and textbooks. Teachers guide

students through various strategies and make many

recommendations for study skills, however it is up to the

student to utilize these strategies and manage their time

with their extra-curricular activities.

Early Morning Extra Help

Teachers are available for extra-help or to clarify questions on an as-

needed basis by appointment only. Students are allowed into the building at 7:30AM with a pass for a SPECIFIC teacher.

• Students must bring specific questions or concerns to the teacher. Circling confusing problems or writing the specific questions out is helpful so that the teacher can make better use of the time, especially with other students who are also in for extra help.

• Try to have your student narrow down the concern away from “I don’t get it.” Assist your child in developing a SPECIFIC question to help heighten their own awareness of content. A great technique is using post-it notes to attach to an assignment with a question. This acts as a ‘red flag’ reminder during class time, for the teacher and the student.

• Coming in for extra help is not a time to socialize with friends.

Absences

It is the student's responsibility to catch up on missing work when absent. All students should have a class buddy for each class in order to have someone to contact in case of an absence. If a student knows of an extended absence, please tell them to inform their teacher ahead of time so the teacher has ample time to compile work. This will help students to be proactive instead of reactive. If students are absent, it is helpful if they can come in early to meet with teachers instead of waiting until the start of class the day they return.

Tutoring–It doesn’t replace studying independently!

It is the responsibility of the student and the parent to ensure that studyingtakes place at home. Although a tutor can be a good resource for students, tutors cannot make up for the amount of nightly review

and studying that should take place. If a student has a

tutor, it is the parent’s responsibility to communicate

concerns from the tutor to the teacher or vice-versa. The

teacher is not allowed contact with a third-party; it is a school policy.

CafeteriaThere are no assigned seats during lunch at the middle school.

It is

expected that students follow a few simple rules:

• 4 people per bench, 8 to a side, and 16 to a whole table. If students over-sit their table, a teacher or administrator will adjust the seating.

• Students are expected to clean up their garbage and table before leaving. They will not be dismissed from the cafeteria to go outside or their next class until their table is clean.

• Students can either buy their lunch or bring it from home. Students that buy lunch can use their school account and ID # or cash.

• Students that forget their lunch and have one dropped off for them can pick it up in the main office. It is their responsibility to check the main office if something was dropped off for them.

Parent Portal

You will receive a letter that contains your log-in information.

On the parent portal, you will find assignments and grades

entered by the teachers for your child. In an effort to go paperless,

report cards and progress reports are available ONLINE.

A power-point will be posted on the CMS homepage that can

help with additional portal questions. If you have trouble

logging on, please contact Pete Trebour.

Counselors

There are three counselors @ CMS (1 per Team). Each

counselor does a meet and greet with each student in

the fall, and thereafter as needed during cycle, PE,

elective and lunch periods. They also attend team

meetings for updates on student progress and

consultation. In addition, the school counselors are the

contact and support person for students and parents

throughout the year. Please see the resources and

contact information on the Counseling section of the

homepage.

Study Halls• All 6th grade study halls are SILENT work times. Students can

work on homework or studying as needed.

• Many students use this time to free read as well. They have access to computers or the library if needed, however, there are times when the library is closed and the computers are occupied.

• Because there are times when study hall is interrupted by assemblies, fire drills, or is the dropped block for that day, students should avoid leaving homework due that day for study hall.

• Students may also use study hall to seek out teachers for work missed when absent or for making up tests. Because teachers have other duties during this period, this is not always possible.

• Even though your child may claim to have completed his/her homework in study hall, verifying that it is done should still be part of the at-home routine.

Teacher Websites

You may find helpful websites and resources on your teachers’ websites, however the amount of material available (handouts, homework, class calendar) varies by teacher. Your childis your first resource. Their agenda should be the primary source of information along with their

notebooks and folders. Check them first, then if there are still questions, we encourage students to contact their

peers, and/or send your child in early to get some answers.

Communication between Teachers

Teachers meet regularly to discuss concerns and develop

plans to aide students. Many times, we handle situations IN

school with the student before calling or e-mailing home.

This is done to promote independence and responsibility. Of

course there are exceptions and the team will always alert

parents of concerns or issues. Teams meet twice a week

and once with the school counselor to discuss current

issues. If you have concerns about your child at home or

with their school work, they should contact the Team Leader

or Team Counselor.

Social-Emotional Transition

The Middle School environment allows for more independence and

increased responsibility. Many students worry about getting lost

in the hallways, having several different teachers, an increased

work load, and shifts in friendships. These worries coupled with

the natural changes that come with adolescence can be a source

of anxiety for some kids. Parents are encouraged to take a

proactive approach and anticipate these fears by having

conversations with their child to form realistic expectations of

what middle school life will be like. Your child’s fears and worries

can be managed by establishing routines before school starts, by

reviewing together all information received from the school, and

by becoming acquainted with school resources.

Social-Emotional Transition

It is important that parents remain calm and remind

themselves that their child’s concerns are not unusual. It is

important to not over empathize with your child but

instead address these new challenges as opportunities to

teach valuable social and self-advocacy skills. Encourage

your child to meet with teachers and their counselor to

express their concerns or to ask any questions they may

have. A positive approach to the transition into middle

school is the first step in fostering a successful experience.

With an effective partnership, we can help your child rise

to the occasion.