Fifth to Sixth Grade Transition May 2014 GREENE MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENT ORIENTATION

WELCOME TO MIDDLE SCHOOL “Where Learning is the Experience for a Lifetime”

Fun and Facts about Middle School  Middle School Philosophy and Concept  How is Middle School Different From Elementary School?  Courses of Study  State Tests  Graduation Requirements  Middle School Activities/Athletics  Academic Status  Electronics  Communication  Helping Your Child Succeed in Middle School

Middle School Philosophy and Mission Greene Middle School Mission Statement In an environment that builds respect for self and others through a team approach, Greene Middle School, in partnership with the community, will strive to meet the unique developmental needs of students in transition, from children to young adults and from dependent to independent learners.

How is the Middle School Different From Elementary School?  Students work with a team of teachers who all teach different subject areas (core academics and life skills courses).  Students travel from classroom to classroom every 40 minutes (4 minutes between classes).  Students eat in the cafeteria.  Students have book lockers and gym lockers (locks provided by the school).

How is the Middle School Different From Elementary School?  Students have a greater amount of freedom…..BUT….more is expected of them.  “9 th period”: The school day ends at 3:05 p.m. unless students have permission to leave at 2:21PM because all of their work is satisfactorily completed and their behavior is good.

Middle School Requirements  English, Math, Social Studies, Science-all 3 years  Reading-1 year (6 th grade)  Foreign Language-1 year (8 th grade)  Technology-1 year (7 th grade)  Health- ½ year (7 th grade)  Family and Consumer Science-3/4 of a year  Art- ½ year  Music- ½ year  Library studies (integrated into curriculum)  Physical Education-every other day all 3 years  OPTIONAL COURSES: Band/Chorus

6 th Grade Courses  Core Academics ELA, Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies— every day for 40 minutes each  Life Skills Courses Family and Consumer Science (FACS), Music, Art, Computer Literacy—quarterly courses Physical Education—every other day  Additional Courses AIS Support (ELA or Math Lab)—every other day Academic Resource Band/Chorus

A Typical 6 th Grade Day FIRST HALF  Arrive at school by 7:45 (warning bell for first period)  1 st : ELA  Homeroom  2 nd : Math  3 rd : study hall/ band/ chorus/lab/resource  4 th : Science  5 th : LUNCH (and lunch rec) SECOND HALF  6a: Reading  6b: physical education /study hall/lab/resource  7 th : Social Studies  8 th : quarterly Life Skills (FACS, Music, Art, Computer Lit)  9 th : (2:30-3:05 Tuesday- Thursday) Homework help, detention, clubs, etc.

Testing Requirements and Academic Intervention Services 6 th, 7 th, 8 th grades:  NYS Test in ELA and Math 8 th grade:  NYS Test in Science (Performance & Written) Academic Intervention Service (AIS):  Students who score a 2 or 1 on a NYS exam are provided with tiered services which may include progress monitoring or an ELA/Math lab

Graduation Requirements (for students entering Grade 9 in 2001 and thereafter) Regents Diploma Test Requirements (Grade of 65 or higher): English Regents1 Math Regents1 Global Studies 1 US History1 Science Regents1 Second Language Proficiency Exam ( or 1 credit in second language)* Course Requirements: Core Credits (18.5) English4 Social Studies4 Math3 Science3 Health½ Phys. Ed.2 Art/Tech/Music1 Second Language1 Completed 22 Credits Advanced Designation Regents Diploma Test Requirements: English Regents1 Math Regents3 Global Studies 1 US History1 Science Regents2 Sec. Lang Regents1** Course Requirements: Core Credits (20.5) English4 Social Studies4 Math3 Science3 Health½ Phys. Ed.2 Art/Tech/Music1 Second Language3 Completed 22 Credits * 1 Unit in Second Language may be earned by passing a proficiency examination or by passing a high school course. ** Students acquiring 5 units in occupational studies or arts may be exempted from the 3 unit requirement in second language. Those students must have I unit in a second language which may be earned either through a proficiency exam or by a course.

And Now for the “Fun Stuff”  Whole School Events: Spirit Days Spring Fling/Spirit Week Winter Carnival Dances (generally one a month) OLWEUS Bully Prevention class meetings—monthly  Clubs and Activities: Odyssey of the Mind Ski Club Student Council Yearbook Chess Club Girls on Track Footlights National Junior Honor Society

More Fun: Athletics  Soccer-boys and girls  Field hockey  Football  Swimming-girls and boys  Softball  Bowling  Basketball-boys and girls  Wrestling  Track-girls and boys  Baseball  Volleyball Available for students in 7 th and 8 th grades

Academic Status  Eligibility plan to ensure that students are succeeding academically before taking part in extra curricular activities.  Extra Curricular Activities include all activities requiring a parent signature or the Greene Middle School Parent Consent form and the Athletic Participation Permission Form. (e.g. art club, Odyssey of the Mind, school sports, dances, Footlights).

Eligibility Plan  Phase I: Student is failing 1 subject and MAY participate in extra-curricular activities (including dances).  Phase II: Student is failing 2 subjects. The student CAN practice for extra-curricular activities but MAY NOT participate in games, footlight productions, dances, ski trips, competitions, pep rallies, etc.  Phase III: Student is failing 3 or more subjects. The student CANNOT practice for extra-curricular activities or participate in games, footlight productions, dances, ski trips, competitions, pep rallies, etc. ***For all full year courses, ninth period remediation for the subjects failed will be available. Attendance will be taken by the teacher.

How Do Students Change their Eligibility Level?  Students should speak with their teachers and discuss what action needs to be taken (9 th period, turning in homework, etc.)  Phase II and III students can request to be re- evaluated on a weekly basis and status may be changed.  Students can pick up an Academic Release Form on THURSDAYS in the middle school office. This form should be returned to the middle school office by 2:30 on Thursday. The earliest day to participate in activities is Friday.

Communication: How, With Whom, When??  Ask your child  Check the student handbook  Contact teacher/Team Leader  Check your child’s progress on Home Access  Homework Hotline after 4:00  Scheduling and student issues-School Counselor (Mrs. Worsnopp)  Behavior issues-Principal (Mr. Calice)

What We Do to Help Your Child Transition to Middle School  Before September: Mrs. Worsnopp meets with all 5 th grade classes 5 th graders visit the Middle School in June Summer Orientation in August School is open during the summer for more tours  During the School Year: First day of school: Orientation/Tour with 6 th grade teachers DEAR weekly Agenda use Parent/Teacher contact (individually or with the entire team of teachers)

Tips for Helping Your Child Succeed in Middle School  Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!! Ask your child how her day was, what homework assignments she has, and if she is being treated well at school. Know your child’s teachers, counselor, and principal, and contact them (or the Team Leader) to set up a meeting if you are concerned.  Be Proactive with Homework/Study Skills Set up a schedule with your child so that he has a routine for homework completion every night. Use resources—homework hotline, Home Access, /call teachers to help keep your child on track. Help your child learn to use her agenda effectively and make sure that she knows where to seek help if she is struggling. Plan ahead. Study with your child.  Visit the Middle School!!!

We hope you have learned a lot and we look forward to working with you in the fall! ANY QUESTIONS??? The End!!