1. SHIRLEY C. HEIM MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENT ORIENTATION Program for Parents of Rising Sixth Grade Students
Ms. Mary Grace McGraw Principal
Mr. Jim Grayson
Assistant Principal
Mr. Jeffrey Jones

2. Middle school will offer your child opportunities to:
learn new concepts and build skills
begin selecting classes and activities that interest them
use various talents
be more responsible and organized
learn self-discipline
begin to think about the future
make new friends

3. In sixth grade, students will:
change classes
maintain an academic locker
adjust to several teachers
experience different students in each class
be given more responsibilities

5. Sixth Grade Courses: (required)
Mathematics
English
Science
U.S. History
Physical Education*
*nongraded

6. Elective Course Selection
Chorus
Orchestra
Band
Drama/Art
These classes are everyday in 6th grade.

7. Elective Course Selection
Orchestra and Band Students – students will do a instrument fitting in the Spring to see if that is an option they want.
Elective Schedule:
Drama/Art, Band, Orchestra, Chorus (Choose 1 of these 4).
Approx. 42 minutes everyday

8. Band
Chorus
Orchestra

9. Physical Education
Art
Drama: Aladdin Jr.

10. The Wheel and PE (X/Y)
Every 6th grade student will have a chance to experience “The Wheel.” You will take 1 wheel class each quarter opposite of PE.
Health, Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS), Computer Education, Technology Education
Physical Education will be every other day.
These classes will be on the X/Y schedule.

11. Exploratory Wheel: (rotate every 9 weeks)
Health
Computer Solutions
Intro to Technology
Family and Consumer Sciences I

12. Computer Solutions
Health

13. Family and Consumer Sciences
Intro. to Technology
Family and Consumer Sciences

14. Sample Schedule 1st – English (8:21 – 9:48) 2nd – History (X Day)*
Science (Y Day)* (9:51 – 11:18)
3rd – Math (11:21 – 12:48)
Lunch (12:51 – 1:17)
4th – Band (1:20 – 2:02)
P.E. (X Day)*
FACS (Y Day)* (2:05 – 2:47)
* Every other day classes which means X or Y.

15. Pack Time (Enrichment and Intervention)
Pack Time is 30 minute period of time on Tuesdays through Fridays. We divide the school year into 3 Pack Time sessions. Every student has the opportunity to select an enrichment class during the first session of Pack Time. These courses may include: Creative Crafts; Chess Club; History at the Movies; or Exploring Fitness. These courses are designed by teachers based on their expertise and interests. During the second and third session of Pack Time, students may be selected to take an intervention course in math or reading based on data from school assessments. Pack Time is between 1st and 2nd block for 30 minutes.

16. Some Activities for Sixth Grade Students:
HOWL – Heim Original Wolf Literature
Student Ambassadors
Yearbook
Wolf News Network
Middle School Athletics (Excluding Football)
Intramurals
Battle of the Books
FBLA/FCCLA
Various clubs

17. Middle School Experiences

18. Typical Concerns Expressed By Sixth Grade Students:
Learning the building
Following a schedule
Changing classes
Getting adjusted to new teachers
Completing/turning in work
Making new friends
Encountering other students
Dealing with a locker

19. Reasons to See the Counselor
Family/friend conflicts
Self-esteem
Divorce/separation
Deployment
Death/serious illness
Grades/study habits
Anxiety
Goal setting
Peer pressure
Anger/self-control
Suicide/self-injury

20. Suggestions for Parents and Guardians:
Monitor the agenda for recorded homework and messages DAILY.
Check
Regularly check your child’s grades using ParentVue on SYNERGY.
Communicate regularly with teachers for child’s progress.
Periodically check notebooks, backpacks, and if your child needs more supplies.
Review and discuss progress reports.
Review your child’s locker contents.
Share your address and any other pertinent phone numbers with your child’s teachers.
“Open the door” for discussions about social, academic, or emotional experiences.
Participate in your child’s learning.
Set the tone for positive achievement.
Familiarize yourself with progress report and report card dates (This can be found on the back of the Approved SCPS School Calendar).
Familiarize yourself with the Code of Conduct, BYOT policy, and the cell phone policy for middle school.

21. How can you help your rising sixth grader with “transition” anxiety?
Invite discussion with neighbors, family members, or older students about middle school experiences or share your own.
Review pamphlets or literature given by the school.
Practice with a master-lock at home to familiarize how to use a lock for lockers.

22. Transition “Alerts” “independence” and “identity” issues
experiments with language, behavior, and limit testing
signs of anxiety or feelings of being overwhelmed
stress related to peer interactions
organization of time and materials
suspicious statements

23. Summer Preparation
Visit the library. Visit educational places. Keep mind and body active.
Set short and long term goals for next school year and/or keep a journal.
Correspond with relatives/friends about middle school.
Gather basic school materials and supplies.

24. We Can Work Together To Make The Transition A Success!
Cooperative efforts between home and school are essential for the successful education of children. Volunteer to help during school functions.

25. Final Notes…
Middle school is an exciting time in your child’s life. Numerous opportunities and challenges will present themselves. It is a time that your child will experience tremendous growth emotionally, socially, academically, and physically. Your interest, support, guidance, understanding, and love will be greatly needed.

26. Shirley C. Heim Faculty and Staff
Welcome
Timberwolf Families!!
Shirley C. Heim Faculty and Staff