Welcome Sixth-Grade Families Scheduling Information for GMS Mrs. Lisa Ormond, Principal Mrs. Misti Postle, School Counselor PLEASE GET HANDOUTS FROM BACK TABLE

A Student Day Looks Like 8am – 2:50pm (7:55am warning bell) 9 periods/day (with one being lunch) 8 academic periods/day When’s lunch? Lunch 4 – 10:23-10:53am Lunch 5 – 11:09-11:40am Lunches are mixed 7 th & 8 th grades

All Students take core classes Note: Language arts class – two periods/day Period 1 – LAPeriod 7 - Open Period 2 – LAPeriod 8 - Open Period 3 – MathPeriod 9 - Open Period 4 – Science Period 5 – Lunch Period 6 – SS **Sample schedule only

Open Periods Required PE (each year) Art I (7 th or 8 th ) A music class (7 th or 8 th ) Optional Art II, FCS, French, Multimedia, Spanish, Tech: Design & Build Academic Assist If your student struggles with transitions, needs a break in their day, organization help, etc. you might want to consider academic assist for 7 th grade.

CLASSES Semester vs. All Year SEMESTER CLASSES – 18 WEEKS Art I PE Tech: Design & Build (morning only) Multimedia (morning only) FCS I (afternoon only) Art II General Music ALL YEAR Band – Chorus – Orchestra French - Spanish

Music Options *see handout All year:Semester: BandGeneral Music Orchestra Chorus Band/Orchestra Band/Chorus Orchestra/Chorus

Sample Student Schedule PeriodClass 1Band 2French/Spanish/AA 3Math 4Lunch 5PE/Art 6LA 7LA 8Social Studies 9Science

Global Language Options  Students may choose French or Spanish.  Year-long academic course with homework, projects, tests and quizzes.  7th and 8th grade courses are sequential: students must begin in 7th grade to take the 8th course.  7th and 8th grade language is the equivalent of Level I at GHS. Students completing both years will automatically receive HS credit. The grade from 8th grade is on HS transcript.

Why Start a Language? The earlier the better! Younger students learn languages more easily. Two years to acquire vocabulary and skills in speaking, writing, listening and reading the language. More time for cultural activities and exploration. Creates a solid foundation for further language study (up to Level V/AP at GHS). Questions? Contact: Michelle Bain

Optional Electives The computer schedules elective courses if there is room in the child’s schedule. We try to offer choice, when possible, to 8 th graders. There will be a waitlist.

Projection Data Projection data used for course placement When considering student placement decisions, we utilize a variety of information to determine the most appropriate fit. Beyond teacher input, we also use recent standardized testing results. From this information, a projection is created to provide insight on how well a student might perform in a given course.

Math & Language Arts Math: Math 7, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Geometry Language Arts: LA 7 & LA Analysis Inquiry **Teacher input and projection data

High School Credit Students will earn high school credit for taking two years of the same global language, as well as algebra (or any higher level math course).

Orientation Objective: Middle school is a time of physical, emotional, and social change and can be overwhelming. Our goal is to help students calm their nerves by allowing them to get to know their new environment in a safe and comfortable setting, as well as introduce them to the culture at GMS.

Orientation Planned activities: Building tour and schedule review Locker assignments Computer log-in assignment Internet safety

Vaccination Reminder Incoming seventh graders need one (1) dose of Tdap or the Td vaccine before the start of school – August 19, 2015.

Timeline 3/9 – Meet with students 3/16 – Forms due 8/10 – Schedules in portal 8/11 – Female 7 th grade orientation 8/12 – Male 7 th grade orientation 8/17 – Open House 5-8pm

Middle School Parents (MSP) Like a PTO MSP consists of parents and teachers working together to support all students at GMS. MSP sponsors monthly principal breakfasts/luncheons, Arts Mania, staff appreciation, Market Day, and more! Please join. They will be at the August Open House on 8/17/15.

Final thoughts Ahhh, the middle school experience… Lisa Ormond, Principal – call Misti Postle, Counselor – call