1. Welcome to Knotty Oak Middle School Monday, April 9 th, 2007

2. Knotty Oak Middle School  Teaming  In order to make middle school a positive experience, all students are placed on a Team.  Each Team has teachers for SCIENCE, SOCIAL STUDIES, MATH, and LANGUAGE ARTS.  Each Team is made up of about 100 students of various abilities.  Each Team has a unique name and characteristics…a “school within a school”  The smaller environment enables personalized instruction

3. Knotty Oak Middle School Knotty Oak Middle School  Main Subjects  English  Math  Geography  Science  Literacy Block (5 th class every other day)

4. English Language Arts  Summer Reading A Step in Creating Lifelong Readers A Step in Creating Lifelong Readers  What We Know 25 books=1,000,000 words 1,000,000 words = 2,000 to 3,000 new vocabulary words per year

5. Mathematics  All incoming 6 th and 7 th grade students will take “Connected Math”  This investigation-based program provides an environment that facilitates:  Conceptual development  Skill development  Increased problem solving capacity  Challenge for “out-of-the-box” thinkers

6. Science  Learning is inquiry based using science kits which meet the National Science Education Standards  On a daily basis students will:  Ask questions,  make observations,  collect and analyze data  Form conclusions  6 th Grade curriculum – Ecosystems and Human Body  7 th Grade curriculum – Catastrophic Events and Properties of Matter  8 th Grade curriculum – Astronomy, Physics and Oceanography

9. Knotty Oak Middle School Exploratory Classes (5 th class every other day) Exploratory Classes (5 th class every other day)  Problem Solving  Health  Literacy Workshop  Family Consumer Science  Art  Spanish  Teen Issues Note: Offerings subject to change

10. Knotty Oak Middle School  Elective Classes ( 6 th class every other day)  Chorus (all year)  Band (all year)  Art Applications (1/2 year)  Tech Ed. – Robotics (1/2 year)  Music Appreciation (1/2 year) __________________________________________  Physical Education (all year)

11. Knotty Oak Middle School  After School Activities  Jazz Club  Select Chorus  Chess Club  Golf Club  Student Council  Showcase  Robotics  Yearbook  Cheerleading Note: Offerings subject to change

12. Knotty Oak Middle School Knotty Oak Middle School  After School Activities  Sports (Interscholastic)  Basketball  Wrestling  Soccer  Baseball  Softball

13. Time of Transition – for child & parents Changes in …  Bodies  Values  Attitudes  Relationships  Intellectual Processes

14. Social Life Reigns!  Friends & peers become increasingly important  Their influence is tremendous  Many friendships made – some fleeting, others critical  Encourage your child to be choosy

15. Your Role  Listen to your child  Encourage a discussion, but be respectful of child’s thinking (timing is everything!)  Look for subtle signs of things bothering them  Trust your child’s and your own“gut” feelings  Contact your child’s teachers or Counselor if you have questions

16. Role of Guidance  Committed to helping students grow, mature and develop into responsible young people  Assist students in gaining the academic, socio-emotional and career skills  Serve as a link between you and your child’s teachers

17. Middle Schoolers Have Minds of Their Own…. Together we can help them become happy, healthy and successful adolescents.

18. Family Enrichment Series Workshops aimed at enabling parents to provide encouragement, guidance, and understanding to their adolescence Some workshops include:  S.T.E.P  Study Skills (student workshop)  ADD for both parents & students Note: Direct mailing in the summer

19. Teach a Curriculum Grounded in Academic Standards Instructional Methods that Prepare all Students to Achieve High Standards Organize Relationships for Learning Govern Democratically, Involving All School Staff Members Staff Middle Grades Schools with Expert Teachers and Engage Teachers in Ongoing Professional Development Provide a Safe and Healthy Environment Turning Points 2000 Involve Parents and Communities Supporting Student Learning

20. Parent-School Communication  KOMSandYOU@ride.ri.net KOMSandYOU@ride.ri.net  400 Families Currently Listed  Provides school-wide information and important notices  www.KnottyOakMS.net www.KnottyOakMS.net  Each team has its own area  Updated regularly with assignments and other information for parents and students  Standards-Based Grading System

21. School WebSite www.KnottyOakMS.net School E-Mail KnottyOakMS@cox.net