290 likes | 645 Views
Transition to Middle School. Welcome To Flat Rock Middle School : Home of the Eagles. Being in “the middle”…What’s it all about?. Starting Middle School Is A Big Step. FEARS. forgetting schedule. big kids. lockers. Getting lost. Emotions. HOW THEY FEEL
E N D
Transition to Middle School Welcome To Flat Rock Middle School: Home of the Eagles. Being in “the middle”…What’s it all about?
Starting Middle School Is A Big Step FEARS forgetting schedule big kids lockers Getting lost
Emotions HOW THEY FEEL • Wrestling with their roller coaster emotions and swirling moods • Trying to understand & accept physical changes • Acutely aware of friends–where do I stand? • Act like kids one day & adults the next HOW THEY ACT • Distracted • Forgetful • Anxious • Self-conscious • Argumentative
How is Middle School different from elementary school ? • More teachers; teams • School hours - longer • Lockers !!! • More students • More choices & freedom • Lunch • Sports teams
What classes do 6th graders take? • Language Arts • Math • Science • Social Studies • May choose to take orchestra or band • P.E. every day • Exploratories
Exploratories • Art • Computers • Music • Careers • Dance • Linguistics (extra help in Language Arts) • Health
What are teams? More teachers – • 2, 3, or 4 academic 3 teams in 6th grade at Flat Rock: • Enthusiastic Eagles • Energetic Eagles • Ultimate Eagles • Approximately 85 students are on one team • Your child will have all academic classes with their team • They will have exploratories and PE with kids on all 6th grade teams
How is the school day divided? Homeroom • Homeroom: 30 minutes of AR reading and previewing Six periods during the day • 7:50 - go to lockers & Homeroom • 7:55– in seat for Announcements • School ends at 3:05
How is the school day divided? Homeroom: at 7:55 • Homeroom: 30 minutes of AR reading and previewing Six periods during the day • School ends at 3:05
They need…. School starts at 7:55 It is important to be on time!! • Binders • Pencils • Books • Lunch • Gym Clothes • Good Attitudes Go to lockers at 7:50 !!! Tip: Get them an alarm clock. Help them start waking up early a week before school, to get used to the time.
Attendance Be here every day! • If absent more than 14 Days –WILL NOT BE PROMOTED – THIS INCLUDES EXCUSED ABSENCES!!!! • Make up work! • Homework Hotline… • Call it for assignments. • Make up the absence!!! Tip: Start taking vitamins!!!! Think about how many days your child has been absent this year. What happens to grades when you miss a lot of school?
No Privilege List • When student doesn’t complete and turn inclass work and homework • When student gets in trouble because of inappropriate behavior • Student willnotbe allowed to have school privileges such as attending: • Outside lunch time • Athletic games • Dances • Pep rallies
Getting ready for PE • Students will have PE everyday from 8:30 – 9:45 • Wear shorts, t-shirt, socks, laced tennis shoes. • Bring deodorant!!! • Lock & locker to use ONLY during class time • May buy shorts and shirt– cost is $10 • Boys and girls in separate classes • For safety reasons • No jewelry • No hiking boots • No sandals, flips, open back tennis shoes
More students • 775 students • from: • Upward • Dana • Hillandale • Atkinson • Sugarloaf 476 students at Upward They will have 25 – 31 students per class There are 275 6th graders at Flat Rock Middle School
Clubs, Clubs, Everywhere! Encourage your child to join 1 – 3 clubs! Math Counts Annual (yearbook) Art Club Battle of the Books Golf Club Builders Club (community service) Chess Club Hunter Safety FCA Chorus NJHS Odyssey of the Mind Robotics Student Council Student Newspaper Science Olympiad Spring Play
Dances !!! • Different groups sponsor dances • Great way to get to know new people • 8 dances each year • Dances start at 3:30 and end at 5:00
Sports Teams & Cheerleading • Available for 7th & 8th graders • Requirements to participate: • Pass 4 out of 6 courses • (3 have to be academic) the previous semester • Be present 85% of the time the previous semester 6th graders can be team managers Support the athletic teams at the games!
How can I help my child prepare for Middle School? • Be positive about school • Visit the school • Discuss expected changes • Look for teachable moments to discuss peer pressure Tip: If you wouldn’t want to be treated that way, then stop treating others that way! No bullying allowed!!
Continue to encourage reading throughout the summer. • All students at Flat Rock participate in the Accelerated Reader Program • All students are required to read 30 minutesevery night
LOCKERS!!! • Buy a combination lock to let your child practice. (Plus this investment can be used for gym locker.)
Bring your own device (BYOD) Students may bring: • Phone • Tablet • E –reader Very specific rules about when to use these SO DO NOT ALLOW THEM TO TAKE THE FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL
Get Organized! Have your child clean outhis room, closet, study area this summerto be ready for school.
How can I help my child adjust to Middle School? • Stay involved as parents • Be a good listener • Monitor your child’s free time • Help your child get involved with clubs or activities • Make sure your child gets 9 – 11 hours of sleep each night!!!
Organization & Academics • Check your child’s agenda every day and ask to see the homework assigned; make sure they are writing down assignments • Determine a regular time & place to complete homework • Homework Hotline: assignments are available by 4:00 pm each day • Help your child organize his time • Prepare for school the night before.
Come to Orientation Students & parents can visit the school before school begins. Orientation is scheduled for Friday, August 15, 2014 at Flat Rock Middle School 8:30 – 3:00 – students stay the whole time! *students will receive schedule and beassigned an 8th grade mentor at Orientation
Mentors • Your student will have an 8th grade mentor and meet with him or her every other Friday • Mentors answer your child’s questions and help them out
Teacher expectations… • In middle school • teachers expect students to: • Do their best • Be responsible for their own actions Your child needs to be ready to take on the responsibility that comes with being in Middle School.
Flat Rock VIP’s Jeff Roper, Principal Brian Frees, Asst. Principal Kim Morgan, Asst. Principal 697-4775 Dawn Van Gelder Kim Metcalf Counselors