WELCOME TO SUTHERLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL 5th GRADE PARENT PROGRAM

INTRODUCTIONS: Mrs. Brandi Robertson SUTHERLAND PRINCIPAL Mr. Cabell Guy ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Mrs. Lisa Wright & Ms. Heather Lindsay– SCHOOL COUNSELORS

Facts about SMS We have 599 students, 76 staff members, on a 20+ acre campus SMS students come from many different places Student population includes large contingent of military families TV & Sound studio in Media Center New renovations coming this summer to include Science and Art room modernization Brandi

SMS Accreditation 2016-17 English Math Science Social Studies Division   English Math Science Social Studies Division N:9022 - 83.3% N:8352 - 79.8% N:4455 - 83% N:4143 - 85.2% SMS N:752 -   83.6% N:589 -   84.7% N:179 -   82.7% N:180 -   93.9%

Opportunities at SMS Enrichment: Spelling Bee, Robotics, History Day, Science Fair, ISTE, Fine Arts Trip to DC, Geography Bee Clubs: Destination Imagination, WSMS News Crew, Chess Club, Art Club, Girls on the Run, YWLP, French Club, SCA Athletics: Basketball, Volleyball, Track, Lacrosse, Tennis, Cross Country Music: Strings and Band compete in All-District competition; Band has collaborated with Burley Middle School Band

How do we Communicate? Sutherland Matters Connect Ed Email Twitter SMS Homepage Blackboard/Google Letters home Conferences Parent Portal Naviance Brandi

Core Classes

Core Classes: Math Student placement is reviewed each year. Students may move between levels, depending on their progress and teacher recommendations.

Core Classes: Language Arts Student placement is reviewed each year. Students may move between levels, depending on their progress and teacher recommendations.

Exploratory Classes

Electives Year-Long classes: 1. Band 6 2. Strings 6 3. Chorus 6 4. AVID 6 5. PE / HEALTH Semester classes: 1. Creative Design 2. Computer Solutions 3. Art 6 4. Skills for the 21st Century 5. Drama 6

Recommendations 5th grade teachers meet with middle school staff to discuss curriculum and recommendations. Teachers use a variety of data to make recommendations. SOLs, PALS, Benchmark assessments, MAP scores, grades and work ethic are some forms of data used. Teachers make recommendations and enter them into PowerSchool. Parents will be able view recommendations in parent portal.

Course Selection Time Line February 2-February 16: 5th grade students and parents enter exploratory choices in Parent Portal. Late February: 5th grade teachers will enter recommendations in Parent Portal (recommendations are made only for Language Arts and Math). March 5: Parent Portal opens for parents to view teacher recommendations. April 20: Final day to make any changes to exploratory classes. End of school year: Teachers will review recommendations and make any necessary changes based on student performance and new data.

CHOMP

Daily Schedule 6th Grade Daily Schedule – 1st Block: 85 minutes CHOMP: 25 minutes 2nd Block: 40 minutes Lunch and Recess: 35 minutes 2nd Block: 42 minutes 3rd Block: 85 minutes 4th Block (ELECTIVES): 85 minutes

Black and Teal Days BLACK DAY TEAL DAY 1st 2nd Lunch 3rd 4th   BLACK DAY TEAL DAY 1st Language Arts 2nd Math 6 Lunch 3rd History Science 4th PE / HEALTH Band (45 Minutes) Art (45 Minutes)

WHAT YOUR CHILD IS WORRIED ABOUT: LOCKERS

WHAT YOUR CHILD IS WORRIED ABOUT: DRESSING OUT

WHAT YOUR CHILD IS WORRIED ABOUT: BULLIES

WHAT YOUR CHILD IS WORRIED ABOUT: Homework

WHAT YOUR CHILD IS WORRIED ABOUT: GETTING LOST 7th grade 6th grade 8th grade

More details to consider…. School day: 9:00-4:00 (students walking/biking to school or being picked up will be dismissed @ 4:10, after busses have left). Students are not allowed to carry backpacks from class to class-backpacks will be stored in lockers during the school day. ICA days happen about once each month. Students will use their school e-mail address to communicate with teachers.

More details to consider…… SMS is 1:1; all students are issued a laptop and charger at the beginning of the school year. Computers and chargers are considered required classroom supplies and should be brought to school each day. Each student is responsible for using the school’s/personal technology appropriately. Digital citizenship modules are delivered in CHOMP classes the first few weeks of school. School supply lists will be posted on SMS webpage in June. Student schedules will be available in Parent Portal in August.

Tips for success Encourage organizational system for homework, notebooks, long-term assignments and get comfortable using Blackboard, Google classroom, etc. Have a daily homework routine-establish a regular time and space for homework free from distractions. Discuss and reinforce time management skills- consider helping your student use a calendar that might include academic responsibilities AND other activities/commitments.

More Tips….. Limit and monitor screen time-develop a family contract for social media, game, technology use, etc., and model healthy habits. Encourage your students to develop relationships with teachers, counselors, and administrators (parents-you too!). Maintain open communication between you and your student!

QUESTIONS