HELLO 6TH GRADERS! Welcome to MAHOPAC MIDDLE SCHOOL

What are your questions about MMS and 6th grade? What is a team? The team you are on will have the same English, Social Studies, Math and Science teachers. The other students on your team will have the same teachers as you, but may not have them during the same period. What if I get lost? There are lots of people to help you, just ask. Other students, the Principal and Assistant Principal’s, School Counselors, teachers, Custodians and secretaries. There is always someone in the Guidance office or main office to help you find your way. What happens if I am late to class? The teachers know that you are new to the Middle School and will understand if you are finding your way and are a little bit late to class at the beginning of the school year. Late in September vs. Late in May. How much homework will I have? Each teacher and team are different and they will explain their homework policies during the first few days of school. Is the work more challenging in 6th grade? Can I sit with my friends at lunch? Teams will have lunch at the same time. 6th and 7th grade Cafeteria #1, 8th grade Cafeteria #2. Exceptions for schedules.

Will I have friends on my team Will I have friends on my team? We have three elementary schools that merge” in the middle school, you most likely will have someone that you know on your team, if not, do not worry, this is a great opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. What if I have a problem at school? If you are having a problem – no matter what it is – you are stressing about getting to class, you are disagreeing with your friends, first speak to any of your TEAM teachers who may then refer you to your SCHOOL COUNSELOR – they are always here to help you through any problem you might have. Do we have recess? Yes, you will have recess at lunch. Weather permitting you will go outside after you eat your lunch Some opt to go to the library (get a pass). Do I have to change for Physical Education? Yes, you will have to change for PE aka gym. You will purchase a uniform (t-shirt and shorts) and a lock from the physical education department. Can we carry backpacks in the hallway? No, you cannot carry a backpack in the hallway. You will get a set of textbooks during the first few days of school that go home with you and stay at home. You will have another set of textbooks that stay in the classroom. What if my binder doesn’t fit in my locker? We ask that you do not buy the large size binders because they do not fit in the lockers. You will have to carry your binder with you throughout the day if it does not fit in your locker. Will I get to meet my teachers before the first day of school? You will meet your teachers on the first day of school and your parents will get to meet your teachers during the 6th grade “Back to School” night in September. LOCKERS – Write your LOCKER NUMBER (not combo) on your LOCK with permanent marker (or piece of tape)

English Social Studies Science Math Physical Education Music Health Art Lunch English Lab Social Studies Lab Science Lab Math Lab IST

Clubs & Activities Student Government School Newspaper – The Torch School Store Yearbook School Musical – Peter Pan Stage Crew Steel Drums School Intramurals – basketball, McGee Ball Cross Country Homework Center Wingman

PTO Sponsored AFTER - after School Activities Lego Robotics 1 & 2 German Archery                                Culinary 3 D House Design               Video Production Spanish                 Latin 2 Cake/Cupcake Design     Candy Decorating    Animal Dissection              Science Magic  

PTO Sponsored AFTER - AFTER School Activities Programs run for 8 - 10 weeks Classes are held 1x a week on Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday Cost per student between $75 - $150 depending on supplies needed Programs are held between 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Parents must pick up students at 4:00pm, no late buses Notification will be sent to parents mid-summer for review Sign ups will be on Google docs in late August Payments online via PayPal Families must be members of the PTO ($10.00) Programs will be on a first come first serve basis Classes can be added or dropped based on interest

How to open your locker Turn your dial several spins to the right (quickly). Carefully turn right (clockwise) to the first number and stop Turn left (counter-clockwise) to the second number – make sure your go past the first number before your stop at the second number Turn Right (clockwise) to the third number and stop the first time you see it.

IMPORTANT LOCKER TIPS NEVER share your locker NEVER pre-set your locker DO write down your locker combination before long school breaks DON’T panic if you forget your locker combination. First check with your teacher and then go to the Guidance Office or the Main Office and we will give you your combination (Custodian Names Important!)

What will help me….. Knowing that you have help at the Middle School – School Counselors, Teachers, Principal, Assistant Principals, Custodians, Secretaries…Any issues bring to an adult! DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP / DIGITAL FOOTPRINT Getting a good night sleep Eating right and exercising

SUMMER ORIENTATION THURSDAY AUGUST 24TH TUESDAY AUGUST 29th Bring $5 for Locks – PE uniforms handed out during first week of classes. Schedule / Locks / Walk the building* A-L 9:00 – 11:00 M-Z 12:00 – 2:00