Bret Harte Middle School Parent Information Night January 15, 2014

Bronco Attitude

Electronic Devices Cell phones must be off and put away during school hours. Other electronic devices should be left at home. (ipod, mp3,psp, etc.)

Activites Athletics Clubs Bronco Nights

Project Cornerstone Builds developmental assets in order to support student success, academically and in all areas of their lives. Facilitates the connection between families, schools, community, and local businesses. Cornerstone is behind ALL of our student recognition programs.

Student Recognition Programs Bronco Branding Cornerstone Asset Athlete Recognition Academic Awards Everyday Heroes Asset Coupons

Cornerstone Awards Helping Others Cooperation Good Judgment Reliability Respect Honesty Commitment to Excellence

Asset Coupons

Support Systems Academic Counselor Almaden Valley Counseling Services SSR Intervention After school support in classrooms SST/COST Targeted support for at-risk students(Pioneer math tutors)

Academics Each 6 th grade student is assigned 6 classes Physical Education Science Language Arts Math Social Studies Elective Wheel

What classes are in the elective wheel? Each class is taken for 12 weeks Nutrition Music Cornerstone/Leadership

Common Core This year Bret Harte began implementation of Common Core State Standards. Students are expected to have a deeper understanding of curriculum. More critical thinking, application and collaborative work. (21 st century skills) Reading is more nonfiction centered. Literacy skills are addressed in all content areas. Teachers in Language Arts and Math have been given collaboration time to develop lessons based on Common Core State Standards. All teachers have received professional development based on Common Core State Standards with a focus on literacy strategies.

Math Courses Courses offered: Math 6, Math 6 Accelerated, Math 7, Math 7 Accelerated, Math 8, Algebra HE, Geometry HE HE= High School Equivalent (10 credits of high school math, grades considered in high school GPA) HE classes taken in middle school do not count toward college entrance requirements.

Math Placement All 6 th grade students will be enrolled in Math 6 or Math 6 Accelerated. Placement criteria to be decided as a district. If placement test is needed, date will be announced via website and information will be sent to the elementary schools.

Academic Progress If I have questions about my student’s progress, what is the easiest way to get information? Teacher contact ( works best for most) Bret Harte Website Parent Portal Teacher homework pages Bronco Blast Newsletter

Request for Student Assignment Mailed home: 1/17 Forms completed online or turned in at elementary schools: 1/22 - 2/6 Turn forms into 5 th grade teacher Receive school assignments: Week of 3/10

Other Important Dates Incoming Parent Orientation: April 23, th Grade Orientation (Students only): August 4, 2014 (Tentative) First Day of School: August 13, 2014 (Tentative)

Dates to be Announced Dates to watch for on the Bret Harte activities calendar: Student/parent orientation First day of school Back to School Night Testing Schedules

Parent Organizations Booster Club Community Club

Bret Harte is a place where students: Will learn 21 st century skills and thrive Will develop academically and social emotionally Will receive the support they need in order to be successful in a global society