Making the Transition from Elementary School to Middle School Shiloh Middle School Principal Dr. Eli Welch III

Differences Between Elementary and Middle School School Hours Teacher vs. Team of Teachers School Size Communication Promotion Requirements Specials vs. Connections Transition Between Classes Extra-Curricular Activities

School Hours Middle Schools have a late start compared to the elementary and high schools. At Shiloh Middle, students are considered late after 9:20 AM.

Teacher vs. Team of Teachers In Elementary School, students are assigned one teacher each year to work with students in the four core content areas: Reading/Language Arts/Writing, Math, Science and Social Studies. In Middle School, students will be placed on a team of four academic teachers. They will also have a different teacher for their connections class.

Communication Elementary School Middle School Weekly Folders (Friday or Monday Folders) Agenda Books Weekly Newsletters Monthly /Quarterly Newsletters Room Parent/Flyers Electronic Flyers Progress Reports and Parent Portal (2nd-5th Grades) Progress Reports and Parent Portal Website / Calling System / Marquis Website / Calling System / Marquis Phone Calls and Conferences

Promotion Criteria Middle School promotion requirements vary by grade level. For the 2012-2013 school year: 5th grade – Students must meet standards on the Reading and Math CRCT and pass the Grade 5 Writing Assessment 6th grade – Students must pass 4/5 classes each semester with 2/4 being language arts and math.

School Size Our feeder middle school receives students from the following elementary schools: Shiloh Elementary Annistown Elementary Anderson-Livesly Elementary Centerville Elementary Partee Elementary

Specials vs. Connections Music Chorus Art Computer Lab Computer Technology Band Health Orchestra Spanish Enrichment Classes (MA, LA, Reading, SCI) Connection classes may differ from school to school. Students are assigned to these classes randomly. This offers students the opportunity to take a class for one quarter and possibly make a “connection.” Middle school does have some year-long classes such as band, chorus, and orchestra.

Transition Between Classes Elementary school students transition by class. Classes walk together to their specials, to lunch, and to other school activities. Middle school students change classes according to a grade level bell schedule. There is often movement between classrooms as students transition from one subject area to another.

Extra-Curricular Activities Opportunities for extra-curricular activities increase from elementary school to middle school. Step Team International Club Drama Club Robotics Club Dance Team Book Club Junior Achievement Chess Club Student Council L.I.M.I.T.E.D. Club Art Club Environmental Club Recycle Club Intellectual Ladies Social Action Club

PARENT involvement Parent Involvement Center Coordinator- Ms. Collins Opportunities to become involved: Mentoring Program (Shiloh Dads) Parent Workshops (Mornings and Evenings) Student Events School Wide Events

Reminders… Student Portfolio’s Student Articulation- May 1, 3, and 4. Parent Night at SMS- May 3, 2012 Generals Summer Academy- June 11-14 2012

Contact information 6TH Grade Administrator- Sharon_Mendez@gwinnett.k12.ga.us Counselor- Dana_Booker@gwinnett.k12.ga.us Counselor- Vameker_Banks@gwinnett.k12.ga.us