JAGUAR PRIDE Welcome to the Rising 6 th Grade Parent Orientation RODNEY THOMPSON MIDDLE SCHOOL 1

And now a few words from our PTO President Nicole Albertson 2

THE MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT Major changes from 6 th to 8 th grade Egocentric Finding identity Importance of peer groups and acceptance Push limits and boundaries Assert independence 3

WHAT WE CAN DO TO HELP Greatest opportunity to have a significant impact Provide a safe, nurturing environment Recognize their needs and let go…a little Establish and maintain clear boundaries Help them to understand and accept consequences of actions Work together – partners with parents 4

SAMPLE 6 TH GRADE SCHEDULE 5 MONDAYTUESDAYWEDNESDAYTHURSDAYFRIDAYMONDAYTUESDAYWEDNESDAYTHURSDAYFRIDAY XYXYXYXYXY 1 English ACT 2Science Social Studies Science Social Studies Science Social Studies Science Social Studies Science Social Studies 3Math 4 Elective Health/PE

6 TH GRADE BELL SCHEDULE MONDAY TUESDAY-FRIDAY 1 8:20 – 9:51 1 8:20 – 9:40 ACT 9:44 – 10:14 2 9:55 – 11: :18 – 12:03 Lunch 10:41 – 11:06 A Lunch 11:06 – 11:31 B 3 11:29 – 1:19 11:29- 11:54 A 11:54 – 12:19 B 3 12:07 – 1:27 4 1:23 – 2:50 4 1:31 – 2:50 6

6 TH GRADE ELECTIVE ROTATION 7 X DayY Day FPA 45 minutes PHYSICAL 45 minutes EDUCATION WHEEL 45 minutes CLASS (changes every 9 weeks) Fine and Performing Arts (FPA) Wheel Classes BandFamily & Consumer Science ChorusTechnology OrchestraComputers Drama/ArtHealth

8 MATH PLACEMENT

DESCRIPTION OF SIXTH GRADE COURSES Math 6 : A one year course that includes all of Virginia’s Sixth Grade Standards of Learning for Mathematics. Students enrolled in this course will take the Grade 6 mathematics Standards of Learning test. 6 Extended Math : A one-year course that includes all of Virginia’s Sixth Grade Standards of Learning and part of the Seventh Grade Standards of Learning for Mathematics. Students enrolled in this course will take the Grade 6 mathematics Standards of Learning test. (Placement test required.) 7 Extended Math : A one-year course that includes all of Virginia’s 7 th Grade Standards of Learning and a majority of the Eighth Grade Standards of Learning for Mathematics. Students enrolled in this course will take the Grade 7 mathematics Standards of Learning test. Note: Sixth grade math content is not a part of this course. (Placement test required.)

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACCELERATION First Part of the School Year for 6 th & 7 th Graders Summer Bridge for Rising 7 th and 8 th Graders

WHAT MAY BE NEW FOR A RISING 6 TH GRADER? Multiple teachers Switching classes Lockers ACT- Jaguar Jumpstart 12 Communication is key! ParentVue Agenda

BINDER/ORGANIZATION: *Help your child organize at home by checking to see that the papers are in correct sections. *Make sure your child is utilizing his/her agenda. *Do NOT throw anything away!!! 13

HOMEWORK HINTS DO Check your child’s agenda every night. Check your child’s homework for completion. Watch your child place homework in his/her binder/bag. Help your child review several days before a quiz or test. 14

15 ATHLETIC OPTIONS AT RTMS Football Wrestling Basketball Track & Field Field Hockey Softball Volleyball

16 ACTIVITIES AT RTMS *INTRAMURALS* *SeaPERCH* *SCA* *Jag Jam* *Performances*

17 ELECTIVE OPTIONS AT RTMS PE/Health (required) Family & Consumer Science Computer Solutions Drama Chorus, Band, Orchestra Art Intro. to Tech.

SCHOOL COUNSELING SERVICES AT RTMS SCHOOL COUNSELING SERVICES AT RTMS Support and guide students when experiencing a problem. Promote student self-advocacy, conflict resolution, self-management, and problem-solving. Collaborate with families, teachers, and community agencies to ensure students have what they need. Work with students individually and in small groups. Help students plan for a positive future: Scheduling Academic Planning Academic Skill Development Counselor looping: Increases familiarity Promotes productive collaboration

SCHOOL CLIMATE POSITIVE STUDENT RECOGNITION 19 STRIVE Program: School climate, decision-making R. O. A. R. S. = Responsible, Organized/prepared, Accepting, Respectful, Safe/orderly) P. A. W. S. = Positively Achieving, Well-behaved Students Leadership Opportunities Honor Rolls: A/B, All A

20 The Program of Studies is a helpful resource is a helpful resource where you can find course names & descriptions.

21 ELECTIVEOPTIONSELECTIVEOPTIONS

22 It is recommended that students come and try out the instruments to aid in successful placement. The options are as follows: Monday, May 23 rd and Tuesday, May 24 th from 4-6pm Other dates/times by appointment.

Scott Trotta Gifted and Accelerated Program: Focus

Goal: Provide a challenging and enriching educational experience that meets the unique needs of exceptional learners! RTMS FOCUS PROGRAM

Collaborate regularly with classroom teachers ; Provide enrichment resources and materials to classroom teachers; Plan and co-teach lessons in the classroom that extend and accelerate the curriculum; Plan and co-teach ACT enrichment courses; Design and oversee independent studies for students who want to participate in 2 events at once. Collaborate regularly with classroom teachers ; Provide enrichment resources and materials to classroom teachers; Plan and co-teach lessons in the classroom that extend and accelerate the curriculum; Plan and co-teach ACT enrichment courses; Design and oversee independent studies for students who want to participate in 2 events at once. WHAT I DO…

SST/SUPPORT Use agenda, organizational tools, and communication with teachers to help with managing organization. Communicate with teachers on missing assignments and other behaviors. Schedule a meeting with the teacher if concerns arise through guidance. After meeting, if concerns still exist, contact Ms. Root to schedule a student support team meeting, also known as an SST, to implement more structured interventions.

NANCY DAYLEY, RN, BSN SCHOOL NURSE RTMS Going to the Nurse Please update contact and health information Students with Special Needs Students with Allergies New Medication Orders – Every Year T-dap No T-dap – Religious/Medical Exemption

THANK YOU FOR COMING Please share any questions you may have tonight or over the next week by using the link below. We will respond over the next week.