2. 6 th Grade Orientation Student Sessions Fairfield Middle School August 14, 2013

3. Technology Presented by: Ms. Mattox Teacher, Family & Consumer Science jmmattox@henrico.k12.va.us

4. Acceptable Use O You will receive a form that must be signed and returned saying you agree to the acceptable use policy O This policy, in short, states that you will use the computer for only educational purposes O Remember, we can see everything you are working on during school!

5. Privilege O Having your laptop is a privilege, not a right O A teacher or administrator can confiscate your laptop at anytime for improper use O Improper use may include O Being on an inappropriate website O Playing games instead of completing your assignment O Causing physical damage to your laptop

6. Laptops O You get your personal laptop and charger on fee night (Aug 28-29 from 4-7pm) after: O Paying the $50 usage fee O Parent attends laptop training session (Not sure this is still the case) O Code of conduct / Acceptable Use Form with signature is returned. Laptop training will occur during homeroom. For any other training needs, stop by the help desk. If you attended Falcon Institute you are already familiar with the computers

7. Care O When you are issued your computer it is 100% YOUR RESPONSIBILITY! O Bags will NOT be provided this year! O It is highly recommended that you purchase your own bag to keep your laptop safe (especially on the sidewalks and bus) O Do NOT eat or drink around your laptop O You will be given a charger with your laptop, if you lose it, it’s $25 to replace it O Normal wear and tear (backlights, missing key, HD, etc..)can be replaced for free at the help desk O Non normal wear and tear (cracked screens, chipped plastic, broken hinges, ext.) will be free the first time, and $25 every time after that.

8. Help Desk O Mr. Raya O Mr. Raya operates the school’s help desk. O Enter the help desk through the library doors near counseling. O Come from 8-10 or 1-3 every day with a pass. O If you drop your computer off in the morning it will be ready in the afternoon O If you drop your computer off in the afternoon it will be ready the following morning

9. Help Desk Map

10. Welcome to Fairfield Middle Making the Transition from Elementary School to Middle School

11. What Students Say About the Transition to Middle School “When I first started the 6th grade I didn't know what to do or what to think.” “Teachers don't know about how hard it is for a sixth grader to feel good and how a lot of kids are scared of life.” “Sixth grade is like kindergarten, like starting all over again.” From NMSA’s "Transition to A Middle Level School: What Kids Say,"

12. Kids Going to Middle School Fear … Lockers Getting through crowded halls without getting lost or hassled by bigger kids The lunchroom Bullying Fitting in/not fitting in Looking Stupid, and once again…

13. Teacher vs. Team of Teachers In Elementary School, students are assigned one teacher each year to work with students in the four core content areas: Reading/Language Arts/Writing, Math, Science and Social Studies. In Middle School, students are assigned to a team of teachers.

14. Communication Elementary –Weekly Folders –Weekly Newsletters –Room Parent/Flyers –Progress Reports –Website –Phone calls and Conferences Middle –Agenda Books –Flyers –Progress Reports – online –School website –HCPSLink –School Space –Phone calls and conferences

15. Transition Between Classes Elementary school students transition by class. Classes walk together to their specials, to lunch, and to other school activities. Middle school students change classes according to a grade level bell schedule. There is often movement between classrooms as students transition from one subject area to another. Students have five minutes to get from one class to the other.

16. Extra-Curricular Activities Opportunities for extra-curricular activities increase from elementary school to middle school. Extra-curricular activities in middle school may include clubs within the school, step team, and sports.

17. Responsibility Organization Time Management “Doing the right thing, even when no one is looking.” Agenda – homework Studying

18. Time Management & Organization From Busy to Business and Messy to Meticulous in Minutes

19. Me or Me Me or Me Mom, I think my Science Fair Project is due tomorrow. I have a quiz next Thursday and I plan to study for 20 minutes before soccer practice. I can’t find my homework, I thought I put it in my pocket. I let my friend borrow my notebook and she lost it. It’s Tuesday, Mr. T gave us homework that is not due until Thursday, I will get it out of the way tonight. My favorite TV show comes on tonight, I will start my HW when it goes off. Gymnastics tryouts and Band rehearsal are on the same day… I will ask my mom to help me contact the director in advance.

20. If I stay Organized and Manage my Time wisely, I will…… Save time trying to locate misplaced items Lower stress and frustration Feel good and accomplished Keep my Parents and Teachers Happy

21. Two Simple Steps Step 1 = Structure Use your agenda book and calendar to document the things you need to do. Write down any materials that you will need for the task. Step 2= Enforcement Write in your agenda book daily. Don’t say “I will do it later.” Keep up with assignments.

22. Tool Box – Things you need!

23. Tips Don’t put it down, put it away Everything has a place Color Coordinate materials and subjects Establish a routine Stick to it each day

24. Backpack Challenge Maintain a well packed backpack throughout the school year. Protect your laptop and charger. Have a back up supply of pens, pencils and paper.

25. Welcome to the Fairfield Middle School Library

26. Library Mission Statement The mission of the library program is to empower students and staff to become critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skilled researchers, and ethical users of information. American Association of School Librarians Empowering Learners

27. Library Visitation Library is a great place to be! We make every effort to provide the fullest intellectual, physical, and online access to information, literature, and ideas for our school population.  Databases  Easy Bib  Online Book Access  Browse, Borrow, and Return Books  Use the Computers  Conduct Research RULES  Must have a pass  Required to sign in and sign out

28. Collaboration with Students and Teachers to make curriculum connections Classes visit the library regularly with their reading and English classes. Other classes and groups are scheduled as instructional goals are identified.

29. Library Cards  Library cards from the elementary schools follow our rising sixth graders to middle school. If for some reason we do not get a card for a sixth grade student, then a new card is made.  Students are required to present their HCPS library cards to borrow books from the library. There is a $1.00 fee to replace lost cards.

30. Borrowing Privileges  Students may borrow a maximum of five items at a time as long as they do not have any overdue books, lost books, or excessive fines.  The loan period is two weeks.  Renewals are allowed, but the books must be brought to the library for renewal.  Overdue notices are sent out periodically through homeroom classes.

31. Overdue Books / Fines  Overdue books – 5 cents per day per book  Lost / damaged paperback book - $5.00 - $16.00 each depending on the item. *  Lost / damaged hardback book - $16.00 each. * **When the cost of a book exceeds $25, the actual replacement cost may be charged.**

32. Ideas to Foster Reading  Read aloud.  Talk about books you read.  Keep books and magazines around the house.  Give books as gifts.  Obtain a public library card for your child.  Schedule regular library visits to the public library.  Reread a book you loved as a child and share it with your child.  Make reading a daily event at home.  Organize a home library.

33. Reading Suggestions Summer Reading List: http://blogs.henrico.k12.va.us/fairfield/ Happy Reading!!!!

34. Fairfield Middle School Presented by: Justin S. Grigg

35. Fall Sports Girls’ Basketball Football Boys’ Soccer Girl’s Tennis

36. Winter Sports Boys’ Basketball Gymnastics Wrestling

37. Spring Sports Baseball Girls’ Soccer Softball Boys’ Tennis Track

38. Eligibility Must have a HCPS Sports Physical. Physicals must be completed by a physician after May 1, 2013 for a student to be able to tryout for the 2013- 2014 school year. Must have a signed HCPS Student-Athlete Concussion Policy on file with the Athletic Director. All grade levels can participate/tryout. Must maintain a 2.0 GPA

39. Successful Study Strategies Making Lifetime Habits By Mrs. O’Connor, Introduction to Environmental Science and Life Science Fairfield Middle School, 2013-2014

40. How do I begin? Find a place Find a person at home and at school Break the distractions (cell phone, TV videos and social networking) Set a schedule Sleep at least 9-10 hours a night Eat healthy, make breakfast a priority

41. Start with Organization Begin with writing everything down in the same place (agenda, notebook, stickies) Use handwritten notes between teachers and parents in an agenda or notebook Organize each class, follow the teacher Organize your time after school Organize your study time each night Plan for tests and projects More on organization with Ms. Stevens

42. I know I need to study, but how? Know and learn your teachers and class tools Set goals, no matter how small WRITE DOWN ASSIGNMENTS Each night: choose to start with small assignments or get the harder work done first? Don’t procrastinate, just start!

43. Your homework time First, Middle School does require studying on the weekends—balance this with family, sports and activities Make it a habit, but change it up if it is not working Do you start with the big assignments or the small assignments? Your choice. Take Breaks, Use Motivational tools such as music or a healthy snack Just begin

44. Your teacher and technology Know your class tools, does your teacher use a notebook, School Space, websites or do you need to start your own folder and organization? Use email for questions, yellow sticky on the computer for reminders, keep your computer organized (it is like a notebook), ask for help and stay away from distractions during homework time

45. How to Avoid Stress and Anxiety Stay organized Get help or find a mentor Don’t procrastinate Keep your computer in good shape and back up your files Write everything down Always eat a healthy breakfast Sleep well Study every day Exercise

46. Test Taking Studying and Skills Know what you are studying Read your notes Retype notes or make a powerpoint (Keynote) or flash cards, color code cards or paper notes Mneumonics (make phrases such as NEVER EAT SOGGY WAFFLES -NESW) Draw pictures Make a Mind Map Use technology

47. More studying tools READ RECITE AND REVIEW

48. CHANGE YOUR THINKING Do not say “I’m horrible at math” or “I can’t write well.” Use self-talk to say, “I can learn this.” or “One step at a time”

49. Tried and True FMS Habits Write down all assignments Ask for help, find an adult at school you can count on Learn to organize your backpack and your computer Back up files on the computer Know when you will have a project, quiz or test Make friends that care about their grades and school Come prepared each day with a pencil, a working computer and a great attitude

50. Final Thoughts Set short term goals and dream big for your long term goals Know that some days are going to suck and it will be better tomorrow Don’t hold back #1 goal should be time management Keep your head up and find help when you need it

52. Clubs & Activities  For the clubs and activities presentation please click on the following link:  http://prezi.com/qirgccqpfhuc/?utm_campaign=share&u tm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share http://prezi.com/qirgccqpfhuc/?utm_campaign=share&u tm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share

53. Fairfield Middle School Middle School Expectations Mr. Dublin, Administrative Aide, IB Humanities, and U.S. History I

54. Agenda 1)Life as a 6 th Grader 2)PRIDE 3)Code of Conduct and FMS Student Handbook

55. Life as a 6 th Grader Multiple classes, multiple teachers Everything will be bigger (classes, campus, students) Bottom of the pile (6 th ) vs. top of the pile (5 th ) Academically more rigorous and performance-focused (instead of task-focused)

56. Life as a 6 th Grader What’s on their minds… Physical and logistical concerns – finding and changing classes, crowded walkways, and lockers Social concerns – making new friends, reconnecting with old friends, and dealing with problems Academic concerns – meeting increased academic demands, organizing for multiple subjects and long term assignments

57. PRIDE (School Wide Expectations) Positive -using kind verbal and nonverbal expressions (body language, gestures, words) Respectful -being courteous and polite in language and actions

58. PRIDE (School Wide Expectations) Integrity choosing to do what is right and good at all times Disciplined following guidelines, expectations, and requests of all adults at all times in all environments

59. PRIDE (School Wide Expectations) Excellence demonstrating your best efforts on all tasks at all times with all individuals

60. FMS Student Handbook This document includes information about students expectations and will be located in the Student Agenda Book. It will also include the FALCON CHARACTER PLEDGE: I pledge to try my best, have courage, include others, be respectful and responsible, act non-violently, and celebrate ways that I can improve the world around me.

61. Code of Conduct All students have the right to learn in a safe and orderly environment. Therefore, appropriate behavior is expected of all students at all times. Please read and discuss the Code of Conduct from Henrico County Public Schools. Students must follow these rules. Code of Conduct assemblies will be held in September and in January.

62. Our Partnership Consequences for inappropriate behavior include: Warning; likely a phone call home Consequence assigned by the teacher (lunch detention, time out, etc.) Administrative Detention (Afternoon or *Saturday 9:00AM – 11:00AM) ALC (**Alternative Learning Center or In-School Suspension) OSS (Out of School Suspension) 10 day Suspension/Hearing with Administrator, Principal, or DRHO (Disciplinary Review Hearing Officer) *This is an alternative to Alternative Learning Center **This is an alternative to Out of School Suspension

63. Questions

64. The Basics of IB An Introduction to IB Philosophy and Traits

65. What is IB?  IB is the International Baccalaureate Program.  An international program with similar curriculum models (the way we teach) in hundreds of countries.

66. Do I have to know this? I’m not IB!  Yes, FMS is an IB MYP World Authorized School. You attend this school.  IB and non-IB students are all proud to be Fairfield Falcons!  Many IB philosophies will be taught school-wide at FMS because they are good practices.

67. IB Mission Statement  The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.  To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.  These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

68. FMS Whole School IB  Holistic Learning = Teaching the whole student  Community and Service = Helping others  Learner Profile Traits = Character Education  International Education = Awareness of other cultures, differences and commonalities  Communication = Efficiency in communicating in various methods in an appropriate manner

69.  Grade level year long community and service projects  Club based community and service projects  Individual community and service projects  Falcon Focus to create your own community and service projects  Focus on identifying communities in need AND your own strengths to help fulfill those needs FMS Community and Service IB students are required to participate in a minimum of 20 hours of community and service. All FMS students may earn an HCPS certificate of achievement for community and service!

70.  September  Inquirer  October  Caring  November  Knowledgeable  December  Thinkers  January  Communicators  February  Principled  March  Open-minded  April  Risk-taker  May  Balanced  June  Reflective FMS Learner Profile Traits Monthly FMS LP Trait is celebrated through activities and awards. Winners will be posted in the cafeterias. These traits are what all FMS students and staff strive to display!

71.  Current events  Classroom activities  Community activities  FMS International Fair  Visiting guests and speakers  Travel opportunities in spring and summer FMS International Education Exposure to different cultures, identifying individual student culture, and understanding differences will be a focus of class activities and school activities. All FMS students will be competing for jobs and resources in a global society!

72.  Public speaking  Debate  Blogs  Wikis  Poetry  Music  Chorus  Dance  Creative writing  Journal  Scrap book  Art  Foreign language FMS Communication Communication is an important skill in the new global society. Effectively communicating in a variety of modes will help all FMS students!

73. The Basics of IB  Welcome to Fairfield Middle School- Home of the Falcons!  Thank you for attending!