1. Hulstrom Options Middle School Program: 5 th Grade Parent Information Night 2010 Welcome!

2. Academic Focus Rigor, relevance, and high achievement for ALL students We challenge students to meet their potential in a caring, supportive, and safe environment Content studied with depth and complexity at an accelerated pace Experienced staff accommodate and differentiate instruction for diverse learning needs

3. Core Academics Science Math 6 th : Earth Science6 th – 8 th : 7th: Life Science Connected Mathematics 2 8th: Physical Science Language ArtsSocial Studies Writing in a variety of formats, 6 th : Latin America and Canada grammar, spelling and vocabulary 7th: World Geography and reading in the following genres: 8th: American History 6 th : Adventure /Survival Multicultural Fiction, and Fantasy Skills 7 th : Realistic Fiction, Multicultural Public speaking, presentations, Fiction, and Science Fiction research, literacy, technology 8 th : American Historyand Contemporary Fiction

4. Electives Currently, Hulstrom Middle School electives include: Art, Band, Choir, P.E., Health, Tech Ed, and Chinese as our world language. 6 th Graders take part in Human Growth and Development Offerings for the 2010-2011 school year will be determined by the master calendar committee.

5. Typically, 6 th grade students follow an elective wheel  For P.E., students will be required to have uniforms (shirts). Cost will be $8.00 Payments for T-shirts will take place during registration.  Instruments for band: Next year your child will be part of the Hulstrom All-Star Band! This is very exciting, but can be very overwhelming with regard to instrument choice, brands, and music books to acquire. A letter in the spring will go out to answer many of these questions. Your child will not need an instrument until the fall, and does not need to take lessons over the summer.

6. Homeroom Great transition from elementary to middle Homeroom takes place during our modified schedule on Wednesdays. During this time we: Offer modifications for students who need support in a variety of academic areas The counseling department offers social and academic support classes Special programming takes place to support character education, safety requirements, and regularly scheduled programming

7. Extra-curricular Activities Current athletic offerings include basketball and track. Students interested in sports not offered at Hulstrom may participate at their home school. Contact Mr. Gruenwald for more information Club offerings include Student Council, National Junior Honor Society, Math Counts, Spelling Bee, Podcasting/History Club, Science Fair, Eco Club, GEMS, tutoring, journalism, and drama. Afterschool Enrichment continues through 8 th grade and includes altered books, scrapbooking, book club and other requested activities.

8. Middle School Expectations Independence in initiating and completing a task both inside and outside of the classroom Prepared and Present for classes daily with all materials and supplies needed Respect and adhere to the honor code in place at the 6-8 level at Hulstrom Self-advocate and ask for assistance and clarification when needed Responsibility: hw, late work, absent work, projects

9. Outdoor Education  As the first school at Outdoor Ed High Peaks Camp Hulstrom students benefit! Great opportunity for 6 th grade team building, mixing programs AND building new relationships Small student groups mean strong connections with a fantastic Outdoor Ed Staff Full Outdoor Ed Staff Perfect season to go  Students’ highlight of their 6 th grade year

11. Transitioning to the 6-8 Level: The Student Perspective Lockers Organization Time Management Higher expectations Homework/Projects Teachers: many different teachers, many different personalities

12. The Best Things About Hulstrom Are… We know our teachers and they know us It is like a family here We like the fact we can be ourselves We like the special activities we do We can get extra help when we need it We have some cool clubs and activities that are for us just as middle schoolers! It really is ok to be smart!