1. SHIRLEY C. HEIM MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT ORIENTATION
Home of the Timberwolves
Ms. Mary Grace McGraw
Principal
Mr. Jim Grayson
Assistant Principal
Mr. Jeffrey Jones

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

3. Sixth Grade Courses: (required)
Mathematics
Reading/Language Arts
Science
U.S. History
Physical Education

4. Physical Education
Exercise and Fun!

5. Fine Arts Courses: ~all year commitment ~one choice is required for all 6th graders
Band
Chorus
Strings
Art/Drama

6. BAND
CHORUS

7. Strings
Art

8. Exploratory Wheel Courses: (rotate every 9 weeks) (Every 6th grader explores each course)
Introduction to Computers
Introduction to STEM
Exploring Family and Consumer Sciences
Health/Wellness

9. Introduction to Computers

10. Introduction to STEM
Exploring Family and Consumer Sciences

11. Exploratory Wheel Explanation
Exploratory wheel classes are every other day on an X/Y schedule for 45 minutes. These classes rotate with PE.
Your Fine Arts choice will be every day for 45 minutes.

12. Sample Schedule 1st block: Math 2nd block: Language Arts
3rd block: Science (X Day)
History (Y Day)
7th period: Band, Strings, Chorus, or Art/Drama
8th period: X – P.E.
Y – Exploratory Wheel Elective OR
7TH period: X – P.E.
8th period: Band, Strings, Chorus, or Art/Drama

13. 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.

14. 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

15. Middle school experiences

16. 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

17. Shirley C. Heim places to know and go

18. More places of interest

19. ANOTHER SUGGESTION: Recognizing staff members contributes to feeling secure and comfortable
Principal
Assistant Principals
Teachers
Counselors
Nurse
Secretaries
Cafeteria and Custodial workers

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

21. Welcome Future Timberwolves!! Shirley C. Heim Faculty and Staff