1. Copyright and Fair Use “Certain materials are included under the Fair Use Exemption of the U.S. copyright Law and have been prepared according to the multi- media fair use guidelines and are restricted from further use.”

2. Welcome to East Lyme Middle School

3. Our School Structure Think of it this way…….. One School Three Houses Eleven Teams The Town of East Lyme Neighborhood Individual Family

4. The term ‘Kiva’ has a Native American origin and is defined as a communal meeting place. In our school, it refers to a central meeting area for the members of a middle school team. It is a space other than a classroom, large enough to seat a whole team. What is a Kiva?

5. What is a Team? A group of teachers and students brought together as a learning community. At ELMS, 95 students with 5 teachers delivering the East Lyme curriculum.

6. LOOPING Looping is the practice which allows a team of teachers and students to remain together for a period of two or more years.

7. MULTIAGE The multiage team is the deliberate grouping of students across grade levels into a single learning community.

8. Student Led Conferences  Twice Per Year  All Grades  Responsibility For Learning  Student Success Plans

9. Student Success Plan Overview (SSP) The Student Success Plan (SSP) is an individualized student driven plan that will be developed to address every student’s needs and interests to help every student stay connected in school and to achieve postsecondary educational and career goals. Connecticut State Department of Education Student Success Plan Overview

10. Life Arts Opportunities Spanish/French Physical Education Music: Band, Orchestra, Choir or General Music Art, Life Skills and Technology Education Life Arts Classes are scheduled across Houses

11. Mission: To establish a continuum of effective & positive behavioral support systems in order to maximize academic achievement and a safe climate for all students RESPECT: -Self -Others -Environment

12. Teaching Matrix MATRIXSetting BusHallwaysLocker AreaClassroomRestroomCafeteria Playground ExpectationsExpectations Respect Self Stay in seat Face forward Walk directly to where you need to go Maintain personal space Use locker & storage spaces Keep track of your things Dress appropriately for school Do your best work Be on time & prepared Wash and dry hands Return to class immediat ely Finish lunch before going out Walk Dress for weather Make safe choices Respect Others Use a quiet conversational voice Use polite language Share your seat Report unsafe behaviors Use a quiet conversational voice Use polite language Walk to the right & use correct stairwell Report unsafe behaviors Be considerate of others belongings Be Efficient Stay on task Use polite language Follow classroom procedures Honor privacy Take turns Listen to announcements Wait your turn in line Use polite language Include everyone Wait your turn Use polite language Report unsafe behaviors Respect Environ ment Keep bus clean Keep walk areas clear Keep food and drinks in bags Put litter in cans Keep walls and floors clean Use trash receptacles Use lockers appropriately Keep floor clear Keep room clean & organized Recycle Keep restroom clean Clean up your area (table and floor) Recycle Use trash receptacles Use equipment properly Return equipment Keep playground clean

13. Connections Connections is our advisory program here at the middle school. Groups of 11-13 students are assigned to one adult advisor. Connections groups meet two times per month for 30 minutes where they complete lessons and activities related to a monthly school-wide theme.

14. Monthly Themes September- Team Building October- Responsibility November- Community December- Wellness January- Goal-Setting February- Acceptance March- Cooperation April- Leadership/Citizenship May- Friendship/Closure

15. Advisory programs have been shown to: Help students grow emotionally and socially Contribute to a positive school climate Enhance student-teacher relationships Promote mutually respectful relationships with peers Improve students’ decision-making and communication skills Create a sense of belonging to school Improve student learning

16. Clubs and Activities  Cross Country  Web Club  Ski Club  Video Journalism  Math Counts  Jazz Band  Flute Ensemble  Chess Club  Volleyball Club  Leaders Club  Track and Field  Game Club  Guitar Club  Duck Tape Club  Pokémon Club  Yearbook Club  Art Club  Wellness Club  Drama Club  Lego Club Other Activities As Requested By Students

17. Web Site – used extensively at school level, kiva level & individual teacher level Friday Newsletter – sign up through About Us Tab Student Acceptable Use Form Technology at ELMS

18. Edline is the online portal we use to post report cards & progress reports Provides school & teachers with an easy email tool

20. Thank You For Coming