4. Middle School Credit Requirements 3 credits in Reading/Language Arts 3 credits in mathematics 3 credits in science 3 credits in social studies 1 credit in Career and Education Planning Students MUST pass each required course with a grade of 60% or higher

5. Keeping up with grades Teachers input a minimum of 2 grades weekly Grades are accessible online for parents and students from our website at: http://www.highlands.k12.fl.us/~hgm http://www.highlands.k12.fl.us/~hgm  Choose the “Pinnacle” link from the left-side toolbar  User ID is 6-digit student ID number  Password is student birthday (e.g. January 1, 1999 = 010199) We encourage parents and students to check grades at least once weekly

6. Advanced Courses… HGMS offers advanced course in Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies Placements are determined by a rubric that evaluates specific criteria including various assessment scores Parents will receive a letter prior to the start of school if student qualifies for placement in these classes

7. The After School Program… Supervision Monday through Thursday until 5:30 Friday until 5:00 Assistance with homework and tutoring Hands-on activities Snack Bus transportation home (for students who normally take bus home) Absolutely FREE

8. Celebrating your successes… Renaissance – Celebrating behavior and grades No referrals AND Platinum – 4.0 GPA Gold – 3.8 to 3.99 GPA Silver – 3.5 to 3.79 GPA Bronze – 3.0 - 3.49 GPA No D or F grades No referral celebrations – celebrating excellent behavior Once each 9 weeks Water day, video game day, field day, movie day

9. P.E. Class in middle school… (…no worries!) One semester required Semester One begins in August and ends in January Semester Two begins in January and ends in June Dress out daily Uniforms Activities Lockers will be assigned to each student

10. Navigating the cafeteria… Breakfast Free for all students Serving lines open at 7:35 Lunch Lots of choices 3 hot entrees Salad express Grab and Go Paperwork for free and reduced lunch qualification will be available at our fall student orientation

11. HGMS has seven periods per day 1 period of math (2 if remediation is required) 2 periods of Reading/Language Arts 1 period of Science 1 period of Social Studies 2 periods of elective (or remedial) classes

12. Choosing a sixth grade elective… Band Chorus Spanish Art Make sure that you choose an elective so that one doesn’t have to be chosen for you!

13. The next steps… 5 th grader orientation Friday, May 20 th at 8:30 a.m. Chorus and band performances Campus tour with graduating 8 th graders Welcome to HGMS 2011 – 2012 Open House is Thursday, August 18 Pick-up schedules Meet teachers Find your classrooms Pick-up important paperwork

14. When the bell rings… Check your schedule for your next location Meet your new teachers Pick-up supply lists Meet our Dean of Students and Guidance Counselor Enjoy our beautiful campus GIVE YOUR SCHEDULE (with your name on it) TO THE LAST TEACHER YOU VISIT TONIGHT FOR PRIZE DRAWINGS TOMORROW!