Parent ProgramChatham Middle School

Class of 2023

Philosophy of Chatham Middle SchoolStudent Perspective Great Things About CMS Hurdles of a Sixth GraderCMS StructureStudent SupportSchedulingClubs/ActivitiesCommunication/Contact

GOALS FOR TODAY

At Chatham Middle School, it is our goal that students will develop the skills to:

To explore different learning styles and find their own.

-To grow academically.

-To develop socially and emotionally.

-To accept their mistakes as learning opportunities.

-To recognize that they are in charge of their own success.

-To learn to advocate for themselves.

-To help them realize that with freedom comes responsibility.

Our Philosophy

Sixth GradeSurvey Results

-Many teachers, many styles

-Lockers/Birthdays

-Freedom and independence

-A year of growth

-Clubs and after school activities

-Seeing friends at lunch

Great Things About 6th Grade

-Organization

-Distractions/Procrastination

-Knowing when to ask for help

-Using the Agenda

Hurdles of 6th Grade

❖ Three Houses: House A, House B, House C❖ Houses are randomly assigned by computer.❖ Each house has a counselor, an ELA, a Math, a Social

Studies, a Science and a Special Education teacher.❖ WL, Cycles, PE and Electives are not housed.❖ Most students stay with their houses for all three years.❖ Some students are cross-housed based on their

program.❖ Teams of teachers meet to discuss students.❖ Team meeting time is also designed for parent-team

conferences.

CMS Structure

School CounselorBeginning of the School Year:

❖ Meet & Greet our grades – within first marking period❖ Meet & Greet new students and families

Services throughout the year: ❖Team Meetings , Administrative Meetings, Parent Conferences❖I&RS – Intervention and Referral Services❖Individual Counseling❖ Small Group Counseling❖ Consultations with Parents

Student Assistance Coordinator, Alexandra Mandala❖ Individual Counseling❖ Group Counseling❖ District wide resource

Student Support

1. Phys. Ed. Cycles: Electives:

2. Social Studies **Creative Problem Solving Chorus (Full year)

3. Elective Robotic Design Studio Orchestra (Full year)

4. Language Arts Music Tech Band (Full year)

5. Math Graphic Novels Studio Art ( 1 semester)

Lunch Argument/Debate Study Hall/MAP/EXCEL

6. Cycle CMS Top Chef Theater Arts (1 semester)

7. World Language Exploring the Elements of Art MAP (Full year)

8. Science Learning Skills (Full year)

Cycles last a marking period. Students are required to take Creative Problem Solving and at least one ELA-based cycle (Graphic Novels or Argument and Debate). They can then choose two other cycles from the remaining choices.

CMS Scheduling

❖ January 6-26: Portal opened for WL selection❖ March 13: CMS Counselors present cycles/electives to

5th grade students❖ March 18: Letters sent to 5th grade parents whose

students are recommended for EXCEL or MAP❖ March 30-April 16: Portal opens for selection of cycles

and electives❖ May 8-18: Portal opens for course request review❖ May 20: 5th grade parent orientation @ CMS❖ June 1: 5th grade student visit to CMS❖ August 12: Portal opens for viewing of schedules❖ August 13th and 19th: CMS Open Houses

Scheduling timeline…..

Debate Club

-Builders Club

-Student Council

-Games Club

-Battle of the Books

-Science Club

-Nothing but Nets

-All School Production

-WAAG

-Acceptance Alliance Late Bus!

-PTO- After School Enrichment

Don’t Hang Along…..Join a Club!!

-Open Gym

-Celebrations

-Assemblies

-Talent Show

-Field Trips: Fairview Lakes Camp

-Halloween Happening

-Fun in the Sun

-School Spirit Days

Other School Activities

-CMS in the AM

- Morning & Afternoon Appointments

-E-Mail to teachers

-Grade Level Leaders: Mr. Fowler

- Counselors

- Supervisors (curriculum)

Communication

Sixth Grade One Liners…….

September……

- “I can’t fit all my stuff in my locker!”

- “It is impossible to get to class on time.”

-“There is no time to write down homework.”

-“I have too much homework.”

- “The teacher never told me that.”

October……- “I’ve organized my books for morning and afternoon classes.

- “I drop my books off in Mr. Fowler’s class before lunch.”

- “I don’t need to use my agenda!”

-“I don’t need to study for the test.

- “It’s not due until Friday.”

May………..- “Sure middle school is a big step but CMS isn’t a bad big step, it’s a good one.”

-“If you’re worried about getting to class on time, set a timer at home to see how much you can do in 3 minutes.”

-“Let me tell you, it’s perfectly fine to be nervous and once you are here for a little while, everything will be easier and normal.”

-“Showers are good to help you wake up.”

-“…and most important, ASK QUESTIONS!

-“The more questions you ask, the more it makes sense here.”

Jill Gihorski, Principal Anthony Giaconia, Assistant PrincipalPeter Trebour, Assistant PrincipalFrank Benimeo, Guidance CounselorGail Weinroth, Guidance CounselorStephanie Montefinese, Guidance CounselorAlex Emr, Student Assistant Counselor

Any Questions?