1. WELCOME TO NORTHERN MIDDLE SCHOOL
5th Grade Parent Orientation
May 7, 2014
Arwa Bowman
Isaiah Varisano

2. Purpose/Goal for this Evening
Another step in the transition from elementary to middle school.
Provide relevant information
Relieve some fear (change)
Answer questions

3. Elementary vs. Middle School
More, more, more…
New Rules
Lockers!!!
Independence
Responsibility
Busy Schedule – Switching Classes
Kids from different schools – making friends

4. Teaming Philosophy
Purpose
Two teams in all grades
Purple
White

5. Four “L’s” of Middle School
Late – Tardy to school most common
7:40 AM – 2:40 PM
Lunch
We remove this stressor first week of school
Payment system remains the same
A la carte line (BEWARE)
Lost – they will get it
Lockers - take time

6. Getting Organized Agenda/Planner books Advisory Period
Locker organization
Folder system
Need for trapper/accordion
Materials for 6th grade

7. Building Layout Team classrooms adjacent to each other
6th grade designated the entire first floor
Assigned stairwells
Creative Studies wings
Refer to school map

8. Guidance Role at Northern Middle School
Guidance Services
Two Counselors
Mrs. Bowman
Mr. Varisano
Academic, career, personal and social counseling
Small Groups
Crisis / Grief and loss
Website

9. Bullying Prevention Definition: Bullying Prevention/Response Program
Deliberate negative behavior
That is repeated over time
And creates an imbalance of power
Bullying Prevention/Response Program
Teach your child to be assertive without aggressive confrontation
Report, report, report!

10. SWPB School Wide Positive Behavior
Promotes positive behaviors throughout the school day.
Recognize students with PAWS
Preparation
Achievement
Willingness
Self-control

11. BYOD What it means Do you need to have a device?
Bring Your Own Device
Do you need to have a device? No
So what if you don’t have a device?
A laptop or other device will be provided for you to use

12. BYOD (Cont.) What happens if you use it when you’re not supposed to?
1st Offense: The device will be taken and returned at the end of the day.
2nd Offense: The device will be taken and returned after a detention is served.
3 or more offenses: Student could lose the privilege of having the device at school.

13. Dress Code What is the policy on shorts/pants?
Should be length of fingertips and not sagging below waitline
What is the policy on shirts?
Shirts tops should be at least three fingers wide and non transparent
What is the policy on shoes?
Flip flops and other open toed shoes are discouraged due to safety reasons but allowed

14. Transportation Grades 6th - 12th ride buses together
Early pick-up time adjustment
Bus drop-off and pick-up in parking lot between MS and HS
Parents should use loop in front of MS for parent drop off/pick up
Students will not be allowed to cross the front loop when being picked up

15. Special Services Learning Support Life Skills Classroom
Teacher assigned to each grade level
Life Skills Classroom
Emotional Support
Autistic Support
Gifted Support
Accommodation Plans (504)

16. 5th – 6th Grade Transition Plan
Parent Orientation (May 7th)
Middle school staff and 6th grade Ambassadors visit elementary schools (May 8th & 9th)
Elementary tours Middle School (May 12th & 13th)
Open house (August 19th)
Transition Trip to Ski Roundtop (August 19th)
First Month of School

17. How can you help? Organization System Ask about school
Communicate with teachers
Have a good study space at home
Help with time management
Talk about peer pressure
Set goals
Encourage them to get involved

18. Parent Resources Check PowerSchool for grades Check online newsletters
Teachers list homework on the District website: northernpolarbears.com
to contact teachers during the day
PTO
Remind 101 (TBD at open house in September)

19. Academic Classes Team Teachers Creative Studies English Reading
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies (Geography)
Creative Studies
Physical Education/Computer
Marking Period Classes
Electives like band, chorus, and strings

20. Creative Studies Plan
All year – 2 days per cycle (60 classes)
Computer
Physical Education
Acceleration
ResourceTime (study hall) or Band, Chorus, or Strings
9 Weeks of each of the following: (45 Classes)
Health
Tech Ed or Music
Family Consumer Science
Art
Students in Band or Chorus may choose to take an RT for 9 weeks
Acceleration for those with basic or below basic on state test or bottom 10% of end of year placement testing will replace one of the above
*If a child is taking Band and Chorus a special schedule will be worked out
If a child is in Band or Chorus AND SIP they will have SIP during team time

21. Athletics and Extracurricular Activities
School sponsored sports begin in 7th grade.
Information about community sports and other programs are given throughout the year.
Extracurricular Activities will be listed in the student handbook.

22. What is Team Time? Team Activities
Silent Sustained Reading to improve vocabulary and reading comprehension
PSSA preparation
Homework/classwork make up
Study Island – computer access for preparing for the state assessment
Character education lessons

23. What is Advisory? Organization opportunity Transition
Gathering necessary material for home
Review questions on assignments

24. Contact Information
Principal - Sylvia Murray
x1301
Assistant Principal – Michael Walker
x1302
Middle School Guidance Office
x1308