1. Welcome to 7 th Grade Parent Orientation April 1, 2015

2. Introductions Dirk Phillips, Principal Jon Heitmann, Assistant Principal Tim Liddy, Director of Student Activities Jill Landgraber, Middle School Counselor Kathy Weissenberger, GRHS Home & School President

3. Transition Process Sixth Grade to Seventh Grade

4. Transition Class Meeting, Mentor Breakfast –March 31, 2015 Orientation for Parents –April 1, 2015 Course Selection –During homeroom, students will select the following courses using Family Access : Period 8 Cycle Electives Language choice – Chinese, French or Spanish (two-year commitment) Band / Instrumental lessons (if applicable)

5. Transition Math Placement Test –April 11 Tours of GRHS –May 18-25, with homeroom Move-up Day –June 19 –Students receive and follow 7 th grade schedule

6. Transition School Orientation / Study Skills Course –First week of school MS Parents ’ Guidance Breakfast –September MS Mentors / 7 th graders meetings –Fall

7. Middle School Events Welcome Back Dance – September Movie Night Class Trip Fall Dance – October Middle School Activity Night Mid-Winter Dance – February

8. Middle School Clubs Builders ClubMS Chorus Computer ClubMS Concert Band Feminism ClubMS Jazz Band French ClubMS Mentors Math CountsMS Yearbook

9. Per. 1 Cycle or Band Research Study Skills Nutrition Computers Writing Workshop Per. 2 Core Academics: English, Math, Science, Social Studies, World Lang Or Physical Education Per. 3 Core Academics: English, Math, Science, Social Studies, World Lang Per. 4 Core Academics: English, Math, Science, Social Studies, World Lang Or Physical Education 11:13-11:43 LUNCH Per. 5 Core Academics: English, Math, Science, Social Studies, World Lang Per. 6 Core Academics: English, Math, Science, Social Studies, World Lang Per. 7 Core Academics: English, Math, Science, Social Studies, World Lang Per. 8Elective Cycles and Study Hall

10. Mathematics Math –Pre-Algebra or Advanced Pre-algebra Criteria for Advanced Pre-Algebra (3 out of 4) Math Grades: An A average Teacher Recommendation NJASK Scores: Advance Proficiency Placement Test: A score of 75+ Letter will be sent home to parents indicating math placement

11. World Language 2 year commitment Spanish French Chinese Selection will be made on Skyward

12. Elective Cycle Classes Art 7 Civics Contemporary Issues History of Sports Intro. to Italian Language/Culture Intro. to Stage Performance/Singing S.T.E.M. Sustaining the Environment

13. Study Hall 2 times per week during period 8 elective cycle period. Great opportunity to get homework done. Great time to visit academic teachers and ask questions.

14. Tips from Current 7 th graders “Stay organized – use folders or binders.” Find a system that works for you. “Always, always, always keep your locker organized!” “Pay attention in class.” “Do homework.” “Eat your lunch.”

15. Top 10 Changes for 7 th Graders 10. Bell System 9. World Language; 5 days a week and get to choose language 8. Choose Electives, first step towards developing own high school schedule 7. E very class is a different group of students 6. After school assistance, Period 9 and Library 5. Summer Assignments 4. Quarterly Exams 3. Change for PE classes (and wash your gym clothes!) 2. No recess 1. No assign seating during lunch

16. Questions and Answers

17. Parent Straight Talk Logistics –Walk through schedule and set up locker before school starts –Locker shelves: great for locker organization –Dress Code: know the policy and co-enforce it

18. Parent Straight Talk Academics –Summer Reading: Order early –Period 9: Encourage it early –Handbook: Similar to RAS but more independent –Library: Open daily until 4:00 –Skyward: Students manage it regularly, parents manage weekly

19. Parent Straight Talk Networking –Students: Get involved in clubs /activities –Parents: Attend Home & School Meetings, BOE meetings –Support: Teachers and Guidance Counselors, reach out to them if you have a specific concern –Social Media: Be aware. Be Proactive.