1. Starting Middle School Helping your child make the grade. May 8, 2007

2. Names to Know Principal – Dr. Pat Essary Assistant Principals: – Mr. Joel Rowlett – Mrs. Julia Maddux Guidance Counselors – – Mrs. White – Mrs. Beecham

3. Your 6 th Grade Teachers 6-1 Mrs. Barton, Mrs. Brawley, Mrs. Hunt, Mrs. Andrews, Mr. Vick 6-2 Mrs. Freeman, Mr. Gray, Mrs. Spencer, Mrs. Dunn, Ms. Holder, 6-3 Mrs. Robertson, Mrs. Marcum, Mrs. Barber, Mrs. Seadorf

4. How Can You Help? Be positive Show confidence in your child Help your child view problems as challenges – not roadblocks! – teach children to take ownership for their actions.

5. Challenges Bus – Transportation Director is Mr. Randy Moody at 893-5812 In school – map on back of agenda – Classes – Cafeteria – Gym – Locker area – Band

6. Classes 7 classes per day – average 48-52 minutes each Exploratory classes – art, music, health, pe, tech ed., teen living & keyboarding All take – LA, math, social studies, and science All work with R & I – reading, writing, and math skills

7. Suggestions Be on time each day Learn to use the locker – practice a combination lock, if needed Follow school rules and guidelines Get involved in clubs and/or sports Child must know how to contact parent at all times (phone number for day)

8. – Learn assertiveness skills – say “Stop” – Report any and all bullying behavior that they experience or witness – Respect & Protect Program – Knights of the Round Table – This school has and enforces a hands-off policy – Horseplay is not allowed. Caution: Bullying often peaks in middle school

9. Create a learning environment at home Value education Give books a place in your home Talk – and listen to your child every day Limit TV and video game time

10. Study Time We use an agenda provided by school Provide a space for homework Make a designated study time Set realistic rules Show respect for studying – Most teachers give some homework – Most teachers have projects some time during the year

11. Learn To Manage Time & Activities Use the agenda every class to record assignments & projects A watch helps your child get to class and other activities on time, plus it helps them avoid the excuse, “But I didn’t know what time it was.” Keep up with papers, reports, etc.

12. Your Child still needs YOU! Staying in touch with teachers lets you address problems early, before they show up on report cards – Phone # - 904-3825 – Email – last name, first letter@rcs.k12.tn.us – School web page – www.rsm.rcs.k12.tn.us – PAC – Mary Helen Carter

13. To Do List: Help your child adjust to the new middle school environment Teach organization and time management skills Provide study space and time Encourage healthy friendships Build strong family bonds

14. For More Information National Parents Information Network – www.npin.org or 1-800-583-4135 www.npin.org National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education – www.cnpie.org or 1-703-359-8973www.cnpie.org U.S. Department of Education – www.ed.gov or 1-800-USA-LEARN or 1-800-437-0833 www.ed.gov

15. Kits Learn about Starting Middle School Helping your child move on to middle school Building your study skills Summer calendar

16. Dates to Remember Pre-registration – June & July – 9-11:30 only (Not week of July 4 th ) August 9 – Registration ½ day. Expect child to stay from 8 – 10. Parking lot party 6-8 pm - TBA August 13 – First full day of school Parent Night – September - TBA

17. Questions? Things I want to know -