WORKING TOGETHER TO ENSURE A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION TO MIDDLE SCHOOL Building a Strong Foundation for High School and Beyond

MEET THE ADMINISTRATORS Mr. Vandenberge Principal Mr. Murray Assistant Principal Mr. Dorsey Assistant Principal Ms. Carmean Assistant Principal

MEET THE STAFF Ms. OliverMcCain 6th & 7th Grade School Counselor Ms. Faggio 7th & 8th Grade School Counselor Ms. Carns 6th Grade Instructional Team Leader

THE PROMISE OF PREPARATION Vision Every student is inspired to persevere and empowered to reach their full potential Mission As a community school, LEMS provides a supportive learning environment, builds positive relationships, and engages students in rigorous instruction to ensure college and career readiness

From what’s wrong to what’s STRONG

Middle school is a defining point for students in the college and career readiness process. Source: The Forgotten Middle: Ensuring that All Students Are On Target For College and Career Readiness Before High School, ACT, 2008.

Student Behaviors 21 st Century Skills High School Readiness College and Career Readiness

21 st Century Learning Life and Career Skills Learning and Innovation Skills Information Media and Technology Skills

The level of academic achievement that students attain by eighth grade has a larger impact on their college and career readiness than anything that happens academically in high school. Source: The Forgotten Middle: Ensuring that All Students Are On Target For College and Career Readiness Before High School

6th Grade7th Grade8th Grade 8:00 - 8: :55 - 9: : : : :10 11: :04 12: :57 Lunch :00 - 1: :54 - 2:45777

All students are enrolled in seven 50-minute classes every day

All students receive daily instruction aligned to Maryland’s College and Career-Ready Standards in: English Mathematics Social Studies Science

In addition Maryland regulations require all students to take…. Family & Consumer Science (FACS) Technology Education Art General Music PE Health World Language I & I Reading Modules (All 6 th graders take “Careers”) GT Research (6th grade only)

COMAR* Requirements for middle school students: Every year: ●PE ●Health ●Fine art (art, general music, band, orchestra, or chorus) At least 1 time during middle school ●1 course with career-education content (6th grade I & I) ●1 course with financial literacy content (8th grade FACS) *COMAR is the Code of Maryland Regulations Code Of Maryland Regulations

World Language Options French – Spanish Year-long class 6th grade offered at BBMS, LEMS, MVMS, MHMS, OMMS, PMS, TVMS and WLMS Either French or Spanish every other day for 50 minutes. All other middle school students may begin French or Spanish in 7th grade. Students receive high school credit for completing MS world language courses.

The “Thumb” Class

OVERVIEW – “THE THUMB” Innovation and Inquiry Reading Module Additional instruction to students performing below grade-level in ELA, math and/or reading - ELA/Reading Seminar (A/B Day) - Math Seminar (A/B Day) Band Chorus Orchestra There is only room for 1 “thumb class” in a student’s schedule. Each student is required to take 1 “thumb class” each year.

“THE THUMB” Students either get 1 YELLOW* or they default to the GREEN. *Students can take both ELA Seminar & Math Seminar

Music Performance Ensembles Options Band – Chorus – Orchestra Year-long class Includes a daily large ensemble rehearsal, and a weekly small sectional – Scheduled on a rotational basis Ensembles are ability-based Music teachers will be in contact with elementary programs to schedule meetings and auditions

FINDING THE RIGHT BALANCE BETWEEN - Course Placements - Rigor - Personal Interests - Student Success

STUDENT BEHAVIORS

The earlier a student develops important academically related behaviors, the more likely these behaviors are to become a habit. Source: The Forgotten Middle: Ensuring that All Students Are On Target For College and Career Readiness Before High School, ACT, 2008.

SUPPORTING ACADEMIC BEHAVIORS At LEMS, staff and students... ● Show our Eagle PRIDE! ● Start with the goal in mind ● Do what they do best, every day ● Celebrate effort and achievement ● Engage in positive experiences each school day ● Create excitement for the future

SUPPORTING Positive Student BEHAVIORS Ensure that your child has the materials and place to study at home. Set a regular time for homework. Encourage your child to be responsible for chores and homework. Provide your child with a range of experiences to allow him/her to identify areas of strength. Talk to your child. Tips For Parents

DateActivity May 12, 2016 Course Recommendations sent home May 24, 2016 Fifth Graders Visit August 25, 2016 New 6th Grade Orientation Fall 2016 Outdoor Education - North Bay IMPORTANT DATES