Green Acres Middle School 6th Grade Parent Night

Registration Process Students will register online at their school site with Ms. Ashford or Mr. Santana. 2/15: Oak Grove 2/17: Manuel Hernandez/Houston 2/18: Hurley/Fairview 2/22: Royal Oaks 2/23: Willow Glen Students should have their electives selected and “Information for Cumulative and Permanent Records” sheet completed. Students new to VUSD/Green Acres: Contact Ms. Ashford for an appointment.

Required Courses English/Literature Core (2 periods) Math 7 (1 period) Physical Education (1 period) Science (1 period) World History (1 period)

Pre-AP and Support Classes English Pre-AP: Score Advanced on CST ELA Math Pre-AP: Score 475+ on CST Math All students who score Basic or below on their CST Math or ELA will be placed in a support class. Language Lab Math 7 Lab Math 7 Block English Language Development *5th grade CST scores will be used to initially place students in classes. Class changes will be made when 6th grade scores are reported in July.

Electives Beginning Drama with (M7951) Music Appreciation (Semester Pairs) Beginning Computers with (M7900) Beginning Art (Semester Pairs) Intermediate Band (Year elective) Orchestra (Year elective) Bass Clef Chorus (Year elective) Beginning Soprano/Alto Choir (Year elective) Jazz Band (requires a pre-first class)*** Advanced Band (Charger Band)*** Wind Ensemble*** Advanced Orchestra*** Concert Choir (Prima Voce)***  AVID 7***   ***Teacher Audition or Permission Required

Drama/Music Appreciation   Drama: Designed to teach students the history of the theatre and theatre terminology. Music Appreciation: Students learn to read, write and perform musical notation and study composers.

Computers/Art   Computers: Introduces students to beginning and intermediate computer skills and applications. Art: Introduced to beginning art designs and colors.

Intermediate/Advanced/ Jazz Band/Wind Ensemble   Intermediate: Beginning and intermediate students. Advanced Band: Students perform at parades, concerts and community events. Wind Ensemble: Class is by audition only, top 40 band students. Jazz Band: Performing class that will perform classic and contemporary Big Band music.

Orchestra For students who begin violin, viola, cello and bass instruction in elementary school. Students perform in at least three required concerts.  

Choir   Bass Clef Chorus: For 7th and 8th grade students who sing in the bass clef range. Beginning Soprano/Alto Chorus: For 7th and 8th grade students who sing in the soprano/alto range. Concert Choir (Prima Voce): Open to 7th and 8th grade students who sing in the soprano/alto range. Placement in class by audition only.

AVID 7   Focus is placed on organizational skills, the Cornell note taking system, grade checks, tutorials, strategies for college success and collaborative grouping. Teacher interview and recommendation required.

Pre-1st classes P.E. 7:15 a.m. – 8:05 a.m. daily Musical 7:15 a.m. – 8:05 a.m. daily Jazz Band 7:15 a.m. – 8:05 a.m. daily Available on a limited basis to interested students who may need to take an academic support class. First priority will be given to students needing an academic support class with second priority (based on space availability) for other purposes.

PULSE After-school program that is open to all students. Homework assistance, educational activities, sports, dance and leadership. No charge for participation in PULSE. 3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily at Green Acres 4:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m., students transported to their PULSE Center. Students must attend a minimum of 3 days a week to stay in The PULSE.

Immunizations Starting July 2011, all students entering 7-12 grade will need proof of an adolescent whooping cough booster shot (Tdap) before starting school. This includes current students, new students and transfer students in both public and private schools. New requirement to help protect your child and others in your school and community from whooping cough. Any student who does not have proof of getting a Tdap booster shot will not be allowed to start school until proof of immunization is given to the school.

PTSA Board of Directors PTSA is looking for people to serve in a number of positions on the Board of Directors for next year, including President.  PTSA meeting for incoming 7th grade parents on Tuesday, March 15th at 12:00 p.m. in the Green Acres library. PTSA is a great way to become informed and involved in your child’s education. PTSA provides support and resources that will let you make a real difference for your family and for all families.

What To Expect Summer mailers W.E.B. (Where Everybody Belongs) July 2011: Welcome letter W.E.B. (Where Everybody Belongs) All incoming 7th students should attend August 16, 2011 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Schedules Handed out at Back to School Night Schedule Changes

Back To School Night August 17, 2011 We will have an orientation for incoming 7th grade parents at 6:00 p.m. in the Murphy Center. Dress Code Lunch time/student lunch accounts Parent Internet Viewer (PIV) Athletic Teams School Safety and Student Conduct After School Programs