1. Pin Oak Middle School 6 th Grade Parent Meeting www.pinoak.us

2. Elements that may be new for your child: Smaller personalized campus Focus on the whole student More Independence Opportunity Opportunity Opportunity!

3. Things that could be new: Classes are more demanding Ramped up expectations Feels colder No More Orange Thursday Folder

4. Our Intent for 6th Grade: To have strong & intense experiences Have choices for remaining courses Begin to develop self-advocacy Continue to have a thirst for learning

5. Communication 6A – Klemcke – Email blast 6B – Ballard – Website 6C – Edquid – Blog If something is missing, please let us know.

6. Encourage your child to… Use the planner Attend school everyday Get to class on time Come prepared to class Turn in his/her work on time Participate in class discussions Attend tutorials Create a schedule for after school Exchange phone numbers with a friend in each class

7. Encourage your child to… Get to know his/her teachers, House Principal, and Advocacy teacher Join clubs and organizations Participate in extra-curricular activities and community service Take on leadership positions

8. Setting Up a Study Space at Home Separate from the rest of the house, but easy to monitor Somewhat quiet Large, clean workspace Materials handy Clock in clear view No cell phones!

9. Get Ready for Some Changes! Physical Changes Grades Behavior/Attitude Friends #1! Cell Phones/Internet

10. Tips for Parents Continue to check your child’s planner Communicate with your child’s teachers Blogs/Weekly emails Parent/Teacher conferences Closely monitor cell phone and Internet use put the computer where you can see it! Tell your child not to share any personal information online Get to know your child’s friend’s parents Utilize your resources Be the parent

11. Resources National Middle School Association http://www.nmsa.org Middle Web http://www.middleweb.com College Ed http://www.collegeboard.com/collegeed/schools/middle-school- materials.html Department of Education http://www.ed.gov/pubs/CollegeMeNow/index.html Partnership for Learning http://www.partnershipforlearning.org PBS Kids – It’s My Life http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/school/middleschool/ Project 7th Grade http://www.project7thgrade.org/

12. Important Contact Info Pin Oak Middle School www.pinoak.us 713-295-6500 Principal: Michael McDonough ext 301 House A Principal: Albert Fernandez ext 312 Title 1/504 Coordinator: Deitra Kendrick ext 313 House B Principal: Amy Simson ext 316 Instructional Coordinator: Anne Powell ext 317 House C Principal: Waymon Moore ext 320 Magnet Dean: Rita Graves ext 321 Nurse: Janice Bush ext 305-306 Social Worker: Alyson Bricker ext 327