Starting Middle School Helping your child make the grade. May 8, 2007

Names to Know Principal – Dr. Pat Essary Assistant Principals: – Mr. Joel Rowlett – Mrs. Julia Maddux Guidance Counselors – – Mrs. White – Mrs. Beecham

Your 6 th Grade Teachers 6-1 Mrs. Barton, Mrs. Brawley, Mrs. Hunt, Mrs. Andrews, Mr. Vick 6-2 Mrs. Freeman, Mr. Gray, Mrs. Spencer, Mrs. Dunn, Ms. Holder, 6-3 Mrs. Robertson, Mrs. Marcum, Mrs. Barber, Mrs. Seadorf

How Can You Help? Be positive Show confidence in your child Help your child view problems as challenges – not roadblocks! – teach children to take ownership for their actions.

Challenges Bus – Transportation Director is Mr. Randy Moody at In school – map on back of agenda – Classes – Cafeteria – Gym – Locker area – Band

Classes 7 classes per day – average minutes each Exploratory classes – art, music, health, pe, tech ed., teen living & keyboarding All take – LA, math, social studies, and science All work with R & I – reading, writing, and math skills

Suggestions Be on time each day Learn to use the locker – practice a combination lock, if needed Follow school rules and guidelines Get involved in clubs and/or sports Child must know how to contact parent at all times (phone number for day)

– Learn assertiveness skills – say “Stop” – Report any and all bullying behavior that they experience or witness – Respect & Protect Program – Knights of the Round Table – This school has and enforces a hands-off policy – Horseplay is not allowed. Caution: Bullying often peaks in middle school

Create a learning environment at home Value education Give books a place in your home Talk – and listen to your child every day Limit TV and video game time

Study Time We use an agenda provided by school Provide a space for homework Make a designated study time Set realistic rules Show respect for studying – Most teachers give some homework – Most teachers have projects some time during the year

Learn To Manage Time & Activities Use the agenda every class to record assignments & projects A watch helps your child get to class and other activities on time, plus it helps them avoid the excuse, “But I didn’t know what time it was.” Keep up with papers, reports, etc.

Your Child still needs YOU! Staying in touch with teachers lets you address problems early, before they show up on report cards – Phone # – – last name, first – School web page – – PAC – Mary Helen Carter

To Do List: Help your child adjust to the new middle school environment Teach organization and time management skills Provide study space and time Encourage healthy friendships Build strong family bonds

For More Information National Parents Information Network – or National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education – or www.cnpie.org U.S. Department of Education – or USA-LEARN or

Kits Learn about Starting Middle School Helping your child move on to middle school Building your study skills Summer calendar

Dates to Remember Pre-registration – June & July – 9-11:30 only (Not week of July 4 th ) August 9 – Registration ½ day. Expect child to stay from 8 – 10. Parking lot party 6-8 pm - TBA August 13 – First full day of school Parent Night – September - TBA

Questions? Things I want to know -