GREENE MIDDLE SCHOOL Fifth to Sixth Grade Transition Night WELCOME TO MIDDLE SCHOOL! “Where Learning is the Experience for a Lifetime” May 2017

What to Expect Tonight Middle School Philosophy and Concept How is Middle School Different From Elementary School? Courses of Study State Tests Middle School Activities/Athletics Academic Status Communication Home Access Helping Your Child Succeed in Middle School Questions?

Middle School Philosophy and Mission Greene Middle School Mission Statement In an environment that builds respect for self and others through a team approach, Greene Middle School, in partnership with the community, will strive to meet the unique developmental needs of students in transition, from children to young adults and from dependent to independent learners. Team approach to learning—Teachers meet at least 3 times a week. Time can be used to discuss children, plan curriculum, consult regarding concerns, and to have parent meetings. Contact 6th grade team leader to set up a meeting with all teachers if you have a concern.

How is the Middle School Different From Elementary School? Students work with a team of teachers who all teach different subject areas (core academics and life skills courses). Students travel independently from classroom to classroom every 40 minutes (4 minutes between classes). Students eat in the cafeteria. Students have book lockers and gym lockers (locks provided by the school). Students have more independence (and responsibilities). Students have a greater amount of freedom…..BUT….more is expected of them.

How is the Middle School Different From Elementary School? “9th period”—One of your child’s most important periods of the day! The school day ends at 3:05 p.m. unless students have permission to leave at 2:21p.m. because all of their work is satisfactorily completed and their behavior is good. How is 9th period used? Academic support Homework completion Clubs/activities Detention (it is not a choice) More is expected: Keep agendas for homework, expected to write in them every night. Can check the homework hotline if they forgot something, and can get back into school if they need something. Ways that parents can help with freedom: Get locker organizers (shelves, buckets, magnetic pencil holders, etc.), check agenda to make sure that kids are writing down work—provide a quiet, clear place for your child to do homework once they get home and have a designated time for homework completion every night. Encourage students to stay 9th period.

Middle School Requirements English, Math, Social Studies, Science-all 3 years Reading-1 year (6th grade) Foreign Language-2 years for HS Credit (7th & 8th grade) Technology-1 year Health- ½ year Family and Consumer Science (FACS)-3/4 of a year Art- ½ year Music- ½ year Library studies (integrated into curriculum) Physical Education-every other day all 3 years AIS Services (ELA/Math Lab) OPTIONAL COURSES: Band/Chorus

6th Grade Courses Core Academics Life Skills Courses ELA, Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies—every day for 40 minutes each Life Skills Courses Family and Consumer Science (FACS), Music, Art, Computer/Technology—quarterly courses Physical Education—every other day Additional Courses AIS Support (ELA or Math Lab)—every other day Academic Resource Band/Chorus—each every other day

A Typical 6th Grade Day Band and Chorus are electives that are built into the school day.

Testing Requirements and Academic Intervention Services 6th, 7th, 8th grades: NYS Test in ELA and Math 8th grade: NYS Test in Science (Performance & Written) Academic Intervention Service (AIS): Students receive AIS services if: 1: They are identified by their teacher as needing support in ELA or Math 2: Based upon NYS test scores and NYS Education Policy (for example, receiving a score below the NYS cut off)

And Now for the “Fun Stuff” Whole School Events: Spirit Days Spring Fling/Spirit Week Winter Carnival Dances Bully Prevention class meetings—monthly Clubs and Activities: Odyssey of the Mind Ski Club Student Council Yearbook Chess Club Girls on the Run (Heart and Sole) Footlights National Junior Honor Society

More Fun: Athletics Available in 7th and 8th grades Soccer-boys and girls Field hockey Football Swimming-girls and boys Softball Bowling Basketball-boys and girls Wrestling Track-girls and boys Baseball Volleyball

Academic Status Eligibility plan to ensure that students are succeeding academically before taking part in extra curricular activities. Extra Curricular Activities include all activities requiring a parent signature or the Greene Middle School Parent Consent form and the Athletic Participation Permission Form. (e.g. art club, Odyssey of the Mind, school sports, dances, Footlights).

Eligibility Plan Phase I: Student is failing 1 subject and MAY participate in extra-curricular activities (including dances). Phase II: Student is failing 2 subjects. The student CAN practice for extra-curricular activities but MAY NOT participate in games, footlight productions, dances, ski trips, competitions, pep rallies, etc. Phase III: Student is failing 3 or more subjects. The student CANNOT practice for extra-curricular activities or participate in games, footlight productions, dances, ski trips, competitions, pep rallies, etc. ***For all full year courses, ninth period remediation for the subjects failed will be available. Attendance will be taken by the teacher.

How Do Students Change their Eligibility Level? Your child will bring home a letter notifying them if they are on Academic Status. Step 1: sign the letter and return this to the main office. Step 2: Students should speak with their teachers and discuss what action needs to be taken. This should include staying 9th period with the teacher and completing any work that they can still complete. Phase II and III students can request to be re-evaluated on a weekly basis and status may be changed on Thursdays, when students can pick up an Academic Release Form in the middle school office.

Communication: How, With Whom, When?? Ask your child Useful Online Tools: Email contact with teachers/Team Leader Middle school web page for general middle school information Teacher pages, Counselor page Check your child’s progress on Home Access Sign up for e-communications online Homework Hotline after 4:00 Scheduling and student issues-School Counselor (Mrs. Worsnopp) Behavior issues-Principal (Mr. Calice) Bully Reporting

More About Home Access Home Access Gives you: Home Access can be one of the most important tools that you (and your child) can use to help stay organized. Home Access Gives you: Weekly updates on your child’s grades Information about missing assignments The ability to create notifications for excellent (and not so excellent) grades that your child receives Notifications about upcoming assignments and projects Information about your child’s attendance Your child will be provided with a personal log in to home access—encourage him or her to check grades with you at home!

What We Do to Help Your Child Transition to Middle School Before September: Mrs. Worsnopp meets with all 5th grade classes 5th graders visit the Middle School in June Summer Orientation in August School is open during the summer for more tours During the School Year: First day of school: Orientation/Tour with 6th grade teachers DEAR weekly Agenda use Team Meetings Parent/Teacher contact (individually or with the entire team of teachers)

Tips for Helping Your Child Succeed in Middle School Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!! Ask your child how her day was, what homework assignments she has, and if she is being treated well at school. Know your child’s teachers, counselor, and principal, and contact them (or the Team Leader) to set up a meeting if you are concerned. Be Proactive with Academics Set up a schedule with your child so that he has a routine for homework completion every night. Use resources—homework hotline, Home Access, email/call teachers to help keep your child on track. Help your child learn to use her agenda effectively and make sure that she knows where to seek help if she is struggling. Plan ahead. Study with your child. Make sure that your child is attending school every day. If he or she is absent, ensure that your child has contacted teachers to receive missed work. If your child is absent for an extended time, contact the school to arrange for work to be gathered. Visit the Middle School!!!

The End!! We hope you have learned a lot and we look forward to working with you in the fall! QUESTIONS???