Rising 6th grade Orientation

Administrative Team Jeffery Matthews - Principal (6th Grade) Richard Adams - Assistant Principal (7th grade) Elizabeth Whisennant - Assistant Principal (8th Grade) Allyson Stoy-Long - Title One Administrator

School Counseling and Advisement Department Taylor Munn - School Counselor (Students A-K) Gretchen Crosswell - School Counselor (Students L-Z) Shirley Chalmers - Administrative Assistant

6th Grade Teachers Kelli Shealy - Social Studies Elaine Waller - Social Studies Whitney Wiles - Math Brandy Wood - Math Jennifer Corley - Math/Science Shelly Martin - Science Angela Kruger - ELA Lisa Simmons - ELA Paige Haroff - ELA

Be REAL Respectful Enthusiastic Accountable Leaders

7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens Be Proactive Begin With the End in Mind Put First Things First Think Win-Win Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood Synergize Sharpen the Saw

Morning Procedures 7:20 Doors open 7:40 Homeroom 8:00 Students dismissed to first period 8:05 First Period Begins Homeroom time is dedicated to work completion, retesting, and ALEKS and Achieve 3000

Students take 5 core classes Math and ELA - 90 minutes each day Science and Social Studies - 90 minutes every other day World Language - 45 minutes per day (French, German, and Spanish)

Exploratory Classes Required Course: PE/Health (semester) General Exp (9 week long classes): STEM, Keyboarding, Art, Home Arts, Music Appreciation, iCivics Yearlong Exploratories: Band, Orchestra, Chorus

What are some things my child will need every day? Daily Preparation What are some things my child will need every day? Pencils 100% charged iPad Agendas Class specific material Books, notebooks, notes, folders, etc. 5. A great attitude!!

Digital Education - iPads All students will be issued an iPad. Students will use the ipad to access textbooks, applications, websites, and other learning materials. Students under the age of 13 will not have access to the App store. Students are expected to bring iPads charged to 100% every day.

Homework in the Middle School Students will be given homework almost daily. If your child asks for help, provide guidance, not answers. Help your child to be responsible with due dates for homework and other assignments. Help your child to find a quiet spot to complete their homework.

Organization and Communication Students are given agendas to keep track of all assignments. Use Schoology to see if the teacher has posted upcoming assignments or assessments. Use PowerSchool to keep up with grades. Contact the teacher directly if you still have concerns or questions about assignments. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Middle School Activities The ARTS! Sports and Events! Art Shows! Band, Orchestra, Chorus Concerts! Drama Plays! Sporting Events! Parent Conferences! Academic Assemblies! Pelion is FULL of after School fun activities! These activities are a good way to become familiar with your child’s school community.

Tips To Make Middle Schoolers Successful! Get to know the teachers. Talk to your child about school. Go to meetings and events. Ask questions about homework and tests. Encourage your child to stay organized and use their agenda. Give your child a quiet place to study at home. Teach your child to be responsible with the iPad. Get to know your child’s school counselor and administration.

5. Benefits You as a parent! Why Be More Involved? 1. Higher Grades 2. Improved Behavior 3. Improved Education 4. Increased Confidence 5. Benefits You as a parent!

Benefits for PARENTS! You will become more comfortable in the school building You will familiarize yourself with tools to assist your child in learning Real Time Teacher Feedback Lesson updates on Schoology Being able to monitor grades on Parent Portal You will build strong relationships with your child’s teachers and other school staff members.

Your School Counselors are Here to Help! What we do • Support Students • Classroom Guidance • Small Groups • Career Exploration • Individual Counseling

• Who will I sit with at lunch? Common Fears • Lockers • Changing classes • Big school • Harder work • Who will I sit with at lunch?

• Open-ended questions—children may not be as open at this age Parenting the Tweens • Clear, consistent messages about acceptable behavior— children will push more at this age • Open-ended questions—children may not be as open at this age • Sleep: School-aged children (ages 5-12) need 10-11 hours and teens and preteens (ages 12-17) need 8.5-9.25 hours • Specific information on outside activities: WHERE, WHO, WHAT—children begin more outside activities with peers • Find a balance of supervision: don’t “let go” completely but also, don’t “micromanage”—encourage children to become responsible for their own learning and self-advocate • CONNECTION, GUIDANCE, and LOVE—continue doing things with your kids, even if they reject the idea and make sure they always know how much they are loved

Most classes will be held on the 6th grade hall. Panther Camp Students will have plenty of chances to practice opening their lockers & finding their way around the school during our Panther Camp this summer Most classes will be held on the 6th grade hall. We have wonderful, caring teachers that will help students adjust, transition and get where they need to go.

Contact Information Phone: 803-821-2300 Fax: 803-821-2303 Web Site: http://pms.lexington1.net