1. Welcome To Middle School!

2. Special Education Case Managers The Role of the Case Manager –Primary contact for any IEP issues –Sets up meetings –Checks student progress in classes –Disperses information to teachers regarding goals/accommodations

3. The 5 th Grade IEP Generally held at the elementary school site. Representative from the middle school attends Any specific transition activities/needs will be addressed during the IEP meeting

4. The Structure of the Middle School

5. Transitioning to the Middle School ! Students will: Begin adolescence Have increased responsibilities Have opportunities to take a variety of electives Student success will depend upon: Staying involved Commitment Effort Participation

6. Sample Bell Schedule 2007-2008 Warning Bell8:20 Homeroom8:30 – 8:36 Block One/Five8:39-10:09 Block Two/Six10:13-11:42 Block Three/Seven11:46-1:45 –6 th Grade Lunch11:46-12:16 –7 th Grade Lunch12:30-1:00 –8 th Grade Lunch1:15-1:45 Block Four/Eight1:49-3:18

7. What is the Block Schedule? A reorganization of the school day with longer periods of time Eight classes meet every other day in 88 minute blocks of time Students attend 4 classes each day on an “A” / “B” schedule

8. Block scheduling will offer: Greater flexibility Opportunities for continuity within the lesson allowing for greater depth, understanding and evaluation Less time spent on classroom transitions Decreased discipline issues stemming from transitions Opportunities for closer relationships with teachers and peers in a team setting

9. What is a team taught/inclusion class? One special education teacher and one general education teacher OR One general education teacher and one paraprofessional

10. What does a team do? Coordinates cross curriculum assignments Sets standards for expectations and school work Plans team events (awards, trips, guest speakers) Discusses individual’s and team’s progress Participates in student and parent conferences Takes ownership of the team’s and students’ success Provides remediation

11. What courses will be offered to sixth graders? Language Arts/Reading (meets everyday) Social Studies Math Science Keyboarding/Art (semester classes) Health and Physical Education Music/Resource (meets for 44 min. each) Basic skills or reading classes are considered electives

12. Why a double block in language arts for the 6th grade? The 6th grade will stress language arts and reading Grammar and writing skills will be emphasized along with literature Spanish (SAMS) for 30 minutes every other block

13. What is resource? In the 6th and 7th grade this time may be used to work with teachers, complete assignments and projects and receive remediation assistance Resource and music share the 88 minute block on alternating days

14. Common Student Concerns and Tips to Ease Some of Those Concerns

15. Possible areas of concern? Student adjustment Absences Make-up work Procrastination Decreased parent involvement Lack of communication

16. What can parents do to help? Stay involved! Communicate often with the school and your child’s case manager Talk with your child daily about school and the decisions he/she made

17. What can the Parent Resource Center provide? Allyson Pate and Pam Spiering

18. Questions?