1. Welcome! Scheduling Information for GMS
Mrs. Lisa Ormond, Principal
Ms. Misti Baker Postle, School Counselor
PLEASE GET HANDOUTS
FROM BACK TABLE

2. 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 7th & 8th grades

3. All Students take core classes
Note: Language arts class – two periods/day
Period 1 – LA Period 7 - Open
Period 2 – LA Period 8 - Open
Period 3 – Math Period 9 - Open
Period 4 – Science
Period 5 – Lunch
Period 6 – SS **This is a sample schedule only. Classes may not be in this order.**

4. Open Periods Required PE (each year) Art I (7th or 8th)
A music class (7th or 8th)
Optional*
Art II, French, Intro to FCS, Principles of Foods, Principles of Information Tech, Programming, Spanish, Tech: Design & Build, & Programming
*Descriptions can be found on the back table

5. Open periods (cont.) Academic Assist (aka study hall)
If your child struggles with transitions, needs a break during the day, organization help, etc. you might want to consider adding a academic assist.
Academic Assist program options*
Organization 101
ROX - Ruling our eXperiences (female-only)
*descriptions can be found on the back of the course request form

6. SEMESTER CLASSES SEMESTER CLASSES – 18 WEEKS Art I PE
Tech: Design & Build
Principles of Information Tech
Intro to FCS*
Principles of Food*
Art II
General Music
*Automatic high school credit

7. YEAR-LONG CLASSES ALL YEAR Band Chorus Orchestra French* Spanish*
Programming (pre-req is Algebra I)**
Web Design**
*Automatic high school credit
**Open to 8th graders only and high school credit

8. Music Options *see handout All year: Semester: Band General Music
Orchestra
Chorus
Band/Orchestra
Band/Chorus
Orchestra/Chorus

9. Sample Student Schedule
Period Class
1 Band/Choir/Orchestra
2 French or Spanish or AA
3 Math
4 Lunch
5 PE/Art/Tech
6 LA
7 LA
8 Social Studies
9 Science

10. 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.

11. 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 - French
Kira Henkaline – Spanish

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

13. Advanced vs. Regular Courses
Students should earn an A in their previous Social Studies or Science course.
Advanced SS 7
Advanced SS 8
Advanced Sci 7
Advanced Sci 8
*see handout for info

14. Math placement Math Options Math 7 Pre-Algebra 7 Pre-Algebra 8
Algebra I
Geometry
*There are prerequisites for each course.

15. High School Credit Students automatically earn high school credit for
taking the following courses:
French 7 & French 8 (must take both)
Spanish 7 and Spanish 8 (must take both)
Algebra (or any higher math course)
Intro to FCS
Principles of Food
Programming (8th gr only)
Web Design (8th gr only)

16. 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.

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

18. Vaccination Reminder Incoming seventh graders need:
2 Varicella (must be administered on or after the first birthday) 7th grade
1 Varicella (must be administered on or after first birthday) 8th grade
1 dose of meningococcal (before start of 7th gr)
1 Tdap (before start of 7th gr)
Records of these shots (for each child) must be on file at
school before school starts.

19. Timeline
March 2 – Rising 7th grade scheduling visit from Ms. Postle at GIS
March 3 – Rising 8th grade scheduling talks in Social Studies classes
March 10 – Course request sheets are due
May 2017 – Course request reports will be distributed to students to ensure accuracy.
August 2017 (Date, TBA) – Schedules will be available in parent portal
August 14 – 7th grade Orientation for all students last name A-K
August 15 – 7th grade Orientation for all students last name L-Z

20. 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 8/21/17.

21. Final thoughts Ahhh, the middle school experience…
Lisa Ormond, Principal
Misti Baker Postle, Counselor
Or call GMS