1. May 12 th, 2015

2. The Transition Process Initial survey 6 th graders took a survey that included what they are nervous/excited about for middle school, if they have ever been to the middle school, if they know anyone in the middle school and any questions they might have Results of survey and concerns addressed by current 8 th graders Mr. Miller and Mrs. Cormier visited the elementary schools with two 8 th grade student to address the concerns the 6 th graders had about middle school and to answer any questions. This is done to help reduce the anxiety about middle school. 6 th graders visit the middle school Each 6 th graders gets an 8 th grade buddy. During their trip the 6 th graders attend classes, practice using a locker, eat lunch in the cafeteria and go on a tour.

3. Upcoming programs include: New Student Orientation before school starts – Monday, August 24 st, 6:30pm (this is also for parents!) August 10-14 and August 17-21 - school is open to set up lockers and find your child's homeroom from 9am-3pm Open House – September (TBA) Parent Conferences - November

4. Our focus…….. Personalized Education Small teams of teachers and students Looping Voice mail Email – no response in 2 days –call Newsletter Progress Update at all times with Powerschool Haiku Parent/Team conference Report cards

5. Our focus…. Strong Home School Partnerships Individual visits by you and your child as needed with counselors Meetings with your child’s team as needed Open House Parent Conferences - November Grandparents Day - April PTO Support

6. Structure of the Middle School 7 th Grade has two teams – Thunderbird and Griffin Request for teams is unavailable Approximately 80 students per team “Loop” for two years Each subject has a content leader School Counselor is assigned to each team Thunderbird– Mrs. Cormier Griffin – Mr. Miller

7. Academic Program We acknowledge and develop the talents, abilities and interests of all of our students. We challenge all students through a rigorous curriculum. EnglishSpanish Social StudiesPhysical Education Reading& Health Math Art, Music, ScienceBusiness, Agricultural, Band, Chorus

8. Transitions - Academic Rigorous Program It will be different from Elementary School in the organization of their work – multiple subjects – over 8 periods Developing independence and the ability to advocate for themselves for extra help or if they have questions 50 academic help afternoons where all teachers are available 2:15-3:00.

9. Transitions – Social Challenges Kids are using many forms of social media including but not limited to: Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, Kick, Snapchat, etc & Texting How you can help Check your child’s social media accounts, limit their use and take their phone at bedtime Cellphones Students may bring a cell phone to school but it should be kept in their locker. Cell phones may not be used during the school hours (7:36-2:07) unless they have permission from a staff member for academic work only If a student is using their cell phone during school hours (7:36-2:07) without permission they will get a one time warning. After that the cell phone will kept in the middle school office until a parents picks it up We have a phone in the office that students can use at anytime. You may also call our office and we will relay any information to your child that is needed

10. Please check us out for more information at our website. Connection point to the Powerschool Grade Program, Haiku Learning Information Website and the school calendar Powerschool is a program where you can check your child’s grades 24/7. Haiku is a learning management system where students and parents can log on and see the information that the teacher is providing including but not limited to: class events, requests, assignments, homework and student resources. Contact Mrs. Barra or Mrs. Sweeney at 379-7243 ex. 2618 for any health related questions. Websites: www.nwr7.comwww.nwr7.com

11. BYOD – Bring Your Own Device Students may bring their own computers / tablets to school This is not a requirement. We have chrome books that the teachers use often in the classroom. If you are looking to purchase a device our recommendation is a chrome book.

12. Summer Information Packets will be mailed home the week of August 10 th The summer packet will include team designation, supply lists, important dates, and other important forms. Team designations will not be released until then Summer Supply Lists These are recommendations, you do not need to go out and buy everything instantly

13. Cafeteria Parents can put money into an account through our school lunch website –myschoolbucks.com Traditional Cash will also work Free & Reduced Lunch – Please be sure to get your paperwork in before school starts. First Day – students will be given their PIN number as it will work in conjunction with the myschoolbucks program.

14. Health update State Law: Your child must have 3 doses of Hep. B vaccine and a physical before entering 7 th grade. (see handout) If you haven’t begun the cycle already, contact your pediatrician immediately. Sports Physicals: Fill out the form whether or not you think you need to and place on file; Must be current each sports season within 13 months; Recommend the summer or beginning of November or March *Please contact Mrs. Barra or Mrs. Sweeney at 379-7243 ex. 2618 for any health related questions*

15. People that will assist you are: Ms. Candy Perez - Principal Mr. Bruce Miller and Mrs. Amanda Cormier – school counselors Mrs. Darcie Silverio– full time school secretary; Diane Brown, Carrie Synder-Singer – part time school secretaries Team Thunderbird and Team Falcon Griffin Arts Block Teachers School Resource Officer

16. Highly involved PTO Eight Grade Promotion Enhancement Eight Grade Dinner Cruise Veterans Day Grandparents Day Advisory Board

17. Sample of Activities Newspaper Drama Yearbook Culinary Club Student Council Jazz Band Athletics Make a Difference Rachel’s Challenge Book Club Monday Mentoring Green Team Robotics (at night) Art Club Literary Magazine Photojournalism Quiz Bowl

18. Band and Chorus Students have the option to take band, chorus, both band and chorus or neither Forms were due on April 7 th to their 6 th grade teachers. We are still missing some. If you have not handed in your form please bring it to the middle school office or e-mail Mrs.Cormier (acormier@nwr7.org) with their selection.acormier@nwr7.org If your child would like to make a change to what they chose on their form please e-mail Mrs. Cormier Any questions regarding band or Chorus please call Mr. Jim Lesieur at 860-379-7243 or e-mail at jlesieur@nwr7.org