Qualters Middle School 6th Grade Parent Orientation May 26, 2016

Welcome to QMS!

Middle school is not as scary as you may think

Introductions Suzanne Ryan - Principal QMS Administrative Team Suzanne Ryan - Principal Mark DeGirolamo – Assistant Principal David McGovern – Assistant Principal Jim Leonard – Assistant Director of Special Education Lynn Cavicchi - PAC President Lisa Rawlings - Surviving Parent

Tonight’s Goal Ease worries about transition to middle school Introduce a few key people Preview sixth grade expectations Answer pressing questions

Agenda QMS Organizational Structure Middle School v. Elementary School Common Concerns Student Voices Daily Logistics Planned Transition Activities Questions/Answers

Guidance Counselor(s) Structure of QMS House Model House 1 House 2 Assistant Principal Guidance Counselor(s) 6th - Navy 6th - Purple 6th - Orange 6th -Yellow

How will Middle school differ from elementary school? Teaming: A group of 4 academic teachers who share a common set of students Math ELA Science Social Studies Every student is placed on a team Team Leader – Liaison

What are the advantages of a team? Teaming provides: Greater student support through increased collaboration between teachers Opportunity for clear and consistent communication around team- wide expectations, and support between school and home Increased opportunity for students to build connections with teachers Balance of teacher personalities Team classroom are located close together Team liaison as point of contact Common set of students who share the same teachers

How will Middle school differ from elementary school? Increased Academic Expectations: Promotion policy Alpha-numeric grading system Progress reports and report cards issued each term Nightly homework in most subjects

How will Middle school differ from elementary school? Increased independence and responsibility: Locker Manage materials for multiple classes Rotating schedule Nightly homework Switch classes After school

How will Middle school differ from elementary school? Increased independence and responsibility: Balance after school obligations (sports/activities) Shifting social groups and peer pressures Hormonal/physical changes – all students develop a different rates Change in communication Students/parents – one word responses (good, fine, nothing) School/parents – more adults Increase use and access to social media

Common Concerns Basic Needs… Lockers Lunch Safety Academic Challenges Will I be able to open my lock? Lunch What is for lunch? Will I be able to see my friends? Safety What if I get lost? Will anyone pick on me? Academic Challenges How much homework will I have? Are the classes much harder? Are the teachers mean? Bus Are older kids on the bus? Where do I sit?

QMS… Student Voices

ACADEMICS: What classes will 6th graders take? Required Core Classes (Full year) ELA Math Science Social Studies Required Specials (Part of the year) Computers/Art PE/Health Other: ASB – Academic Support Block Reading Study skills Elective classes Band/Orchestra

6th Grade Schedule 6 period day Each period is 58 minutes Schedule rotates each day (6 day cycle) Parents will not understand the schedule Your children will master it very quickly - within the first two weeks Locker breaks are built into the schedule Tip – Keep a copy at home (PE days, etc.)

Sample ScheDule A B C D E F 1 2 3 4 5 6 Math ELA Computers/ Art Science 3 Computers/ Art 4 Social Studies 5 ASB/Band/ Orchestra PE/Health 6

Daily Logistics Hours – 7:25-1:49 Doors open 7:10 – 6th graders wait in cafeteria Dismissal 1:49 – buses line up out front Lunch All 6th graders eat together 20 minutes Same PIN code

Daily Logistics After school help Monday-Thursday 1:49-2:20 After school activities Monday – Thursday 1:49-3:00 Bus/late bus May be a different bus than the regular bus; bus stop may not be the same as the regular stop; 3:15 pick up

After school activities Get involved! After school Study center Student Council Art club Intramurals/fitness club Ski Club Book Chat Common connections club French club Yearbook Drama Creating Writing/Hornet’s Hive Percussion ensemble/Wind ensemble/ Jazz ensemble Tri-M Music Honor Society Math team Robotics

Who Do I contact with Questions? Teacher Team Liaison Counselor Assistant Principal Principal

What transition activities will my child participate in? QMS Visit – 5/31-6/3 6th Grade Guidance Counselors/Team Liaisons/Student Representative visit all 5th grade classroom Student generated questions Move Up Days – 6/7 and 6/8 All 5th grade students visit QMS; tour; meet administration/students/teachers Jump Start – offered sessions 1-5 (Summer brochure) Summer Achievement Academy Open Door Day – Late August

How can you help your child prepare? Be positive, relaxed, and reassuring … they will be okay! Establish expectations School is a priority Attendance matters Homework helps – set up a quiet, central work place Stay organized Communication is the key– progress reports, report cards, regular updates

How can you help your child prepare? Reach out if you need help or have questions – we want to work WITH you The kids need coaching… they will make mistakes and won’t always know how to handle each situation Mrs. Rawlings…

Where can I find more information? Team assignments will be mailed out in mid-August QMS Website: Summer reading – information will be provided by JJ teachers Updated supply lists will be posted on the website Bus information (posted on website) Fall Mailings Curriculum Night – chance to meet teachers and hear about specifics of each course Meetings/progress updates as needed Progress reports/report cards PAC…

Questions and answers