1. RODNEY THOMPSON MIDDLE SCHOOL
JAGUAR PRIDE
Welcome to the Rising 6th Grade Parent Orientation

2. THE MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT
Major changes from 6th to 8th grade
Egocentric
Finding identity
Importance of peer groups and acceptance
Push limits and boundaries
Assert independence

3. WHAT WE CAN DO TO HELP
Greatest opportunity to have a significant impact
Provide a safe, nurturing environment
Recognize their needs and let go…a little
Establish and maintain clear boundaries
Help them to understand and accept consequences of actions
Work together – partners with parents

4. SAMPLE 6TH GRADE SCHEDULE
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY X Y 1
English
ACT 2
Science
Social
Studies 3
Math
4 / 5
Elective
Health/PE

5. 6TH GRADE BELL SCHEDULE 8:20 – 9:51 8:20 – 9:40 9:44 – 10:14
MONDAY
TUESDAY-FRIDAY 1
8:20 – 9:51
8:20 – 9:40
ACT
9:44 – 10:14 2
9:55 – 11:25
10:18 – 12:03
Lunch 10:41 – 11:06 A
Lunch 11:06 – 11:31 B 3
11:29 – 1:19
11:29- 11:54 A
11:54 – 12:19 B
12:07 – 1:27
4 / 5
1:23 – 2:50
1:31 – 2:50

6. 6TH GRADE ELECTIVE ROTATION
X Day
Y Day
FPA minutes
FPA minutes
PHYSICAL minutes
EDUCATION
WHEEL minutes
CLASS
(changes every 9 weeks)
Fine and Performing Arts (FPA) Wheel Classes
Band Family & Consumer Science
Chorus Technology
Orchestra Computers
Drama/Art Health

7. Scott Trotta Gifted & Accelerated Program - (Focus)
Accelerated Math Teacher

8. RTMS FOCUS PROGRAM
Goal: Provide a challenging and enriching educational experience that meets the unique needs of exceptional learners!

9. WHAT I DO… Collaborate regularly with classroom teachers;
Provide enrichment resources and materials to classroom teachers;
Plan and co-teach lessons in the classroom that extend and accelerate the curriculum;
Plan and co-teach ACT enrichment courses;
Design and oversee independent studies for students who want to participate in 2 events at once;
Please see my website under “Specialists” if interested in learning more about the Gifted Program.

10. MATH PLACEMENT

11. Middle School Mathematics Instruction
Focuses on the development of:
number sense, with an emphasis on rational and real numbers
proportional reasoning
understanding rational numbers using concrete, pictorial, and abstract representations
flexible thinking when students solve problems
In grades 6 through 8 mathematics, there is a focus on helping students to become flexible problem solvers. Work with rational numbers is emphasized. Proportional reasoning is a concept that is explored and developed across all three grade levels.

12. Process Goals for All Students
Becoming mathematical problem solvers
Communicating mathematically
Reasoning mathematically
Making mathematical connections
Using mathematical representations to model and interpret practical situations
There are 5 process goals established by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics that are incorporated throughout middle school mathematics instruction: 1) Problem Solving, 2) Communication, 3) Reasoning, 4) Connections, and 5) Representations

13. Available 6th Grade Mathematics Courses
Extended Mathematics 6
Extended Mathematics 7
As a rising 6th grader, your child has three potential classes that he or she may be enrolled in.

14. Mathematics 6 This course provides opportunities for students to:
transition from an emphasis placed on whole number arithmetic in elementary school to a more in-depth study of rational numbers and the preliminary foundations of algebra
perform operations with rational numbers, recognize decimals, fractions, and percents as ratios, gain a foundation in the understanding of and operations with integers, solve linear equations and inequalities in one variable, and represent proportional relationships using two variables.
Mathematics 6 is a one-year course that includes all of the Virginia 6th grade standards of learning. Students will take the Grade 6 SOL at the end of this course.
There is an emphasis placed on operations with fractions, decimals and integers, as well as an exploration of ways to represent proportional relationships.

15. Extended Mathematics 6
This course is designed for students who have a solid foundation in performing operations with rational numbers, have demonstrated a strong ability to reason flexibly, and can learn material at an accelerated pace.
In addition to Mathematics 6 content, students will solve 2-step linear equations, and represent proportional relationships using two variables and evaluate algebraic expressions.
Extended Mathematics 6 is a one-year course that includes all of the Virginia 6th grade standards of learning along with approximately half of the Virginia 7th grade standards of learning. Students will take the Grade 6 SOL at the end of the course. Students must meet specified criteria for placement.
There is an emphasis on more in-depth explorations of proportional relationships and work with algebraic expressions and equations.

16. Extended Mathematics 7
This course is designed for students who have a solid foundation in performing operations with rational numbers, have demonstrated a readiness for abstract levels of algebraic thinking, and who can learn material at an accelerated pace.
Students will develop an understanding of proportional reasoning, represent and solve multi-step linear equations and inequalities in a variety of ways, and discover the concept of slope as a rate of change.
Extended Mathematics 7 is a one-year course that includes Virginia 7th and 8th grade standards of learning. Students will take the Grade 7 SOL test at the end of this course. Students must meet specified criteria for placement.
Upon successful completion of this course, students are ready for Algebra I.

17. Typical Mathematics Pathways
Stafford County Public Schools - Example of Possible Math Pathways
The following are examples for planning academic pathways and are not intended to be absolute models.
Advanced Diploma Example Pathways
Standard Diploma Example Pathway
Senior Math Target:
IB Math Studies SL OR
IB Math
AP Calculus AND
AP Statistics
AP Calculus
Algebra 3
Probability/Statistics
Algebra 2*
6 Extended
7 Extended
Math 6
Honors Algebra 1
Math 7
Honors Geometry
Math 8
Honors Algebra 2
Algebra 1
Algebra Part 1/Part 2
Math Analysis
Geometry
Geometry Part 1/ Part 2
Year 1:
IB Math Studies
Algebra 2
AFDA**
Year 2:
AP Calculus (AB or BC)
AP Statistics OR
There are many different pathways that your child can take in mathematics. This chart shows the pathways that most students take. The pathway that your child decides on should be driven by your child’s interests and talents. As you can see, there are multiple pathways to an advanced diploma. The differences in the pathways are determined by the senior math class that a student wants to take. Notice that 5 different pathways to an advanced diploma are filled with the peach color.
A student starting in Math 6 can achieve an advanced diploma, ending his or her high school mathematics with AP statistics or Algebra III with Trigonometry.
A student starting in Extended Math 6 can achieve an advanced diploma, ending his or her high school mathematics with either an IB math course, AP Statistics, or AP Calculus.
The student starting in Extended Math 7 can achieve an advanced diploma, ending his or her high school mathematics with two AP Courses, Calculus and Statistics, or an IB Course.
Lots of choices from the time they enter middle school until they graduate.
While there is only one standard diploma pathway listed in the chart, there are a few others. We recommend four years of mathematics in high school to better prepare our students for college and career readiness. Consequently, we encourage students to take a math course their senior year even though they have met the standard diploma requirements during their junior year in this particular pathway.

18. Opportunities for Acceleration
First Part of the School Year for 6th and 7th Graders
Summer Mathematics Extensions for Rising 7th and 8th Graders
Regardless of which course your child is placed in at the beginning of the academic year, there are opportunities for acceleration. Within the first few weeks of school, students complete the beginning of the year mathematics assessments. Based on this data, students are monitored by their mathematics teachers and the mathematics specialist or coach to determine if students are demonstrating they are ready for an accelerated course. If a change in placement is warranted, the change should occur within the first six weeks of school.
We are aware that students mature, both mentally and academically, at different rates. Stafford County also offers other opportunities for acceleration in mathematics courses for rising 7th and 8th graders that demonstrated excellence in math over the academic year.
We are doing our very best to ensure that the mathematical needs of your child is appropriately matched to his or her 6th grade mathematics course. Students in middle school are placed in courses that will challenge them and keep them learning. We want them to grow mathematically without becoming frustrated.

19. WHAT MAY BE NEW FOR A RISING 6TH GRADER?
Multiple teachers
Switching classes
Lockers
ACT- Jaguar Jumpstart
Communication is key!
ParentVue
Agenda

20. BINDER/ORGANIZATION:
*Help your child organize at home by checking to see that the papers are in correct sections.
*Make sure your child is utilizing his/her agenda.
*Do NOT throw anything away!!!

21. DO HOMEWORK HINTS Check your child’s agenda every night.
Check your child’s homework for completion.
Watch your child place homework in his/her binder/bag.
Help your child review several days before a quiz or test.

22. ATHLETIC OPTIONS AT RTMS
Field Hockey
Volleyball
Basketball
Track & Field
Softball
Wrestling

23. ACTIVITIES AT RTMS *Jag Jam* *SCA* *Intramural Soccer* *Hiking Club*
*SeaPERCH*
*Intramural Soccer*
*Hiking Club*

24. ELECTIVE OPTIONS AT RTMS
Chorus, Band, Orchestra
Intro. to Tech.
Drama
Art
ELECTIVE OPTIONS AT RTMS
PE/Health (required)
Computer Solutions
Family & Consumer Science

25. SCHOOL COUNSELING SERVICES AT RTMS
Middle School – Transitioning from childhood to adolescence.
Comprehensive Developmental School Counseling Program - Collaborate with administrators, families, teachers, and community agencies to create a caring and supportive climate
Academic Support and Planning
Individual Student Support
Small Group Counseling
Classroom Lessons
College and Career Planning
Bullying Prevention Campaign
Red Ribbon Week
Homework Club
Career Program and Career Day
Our Goal and areas in which we offer help
Enhance the learning process,
Promote academic achievement
Prepare students for secondary and post-secondary opportunities
Promote student self-advocacy, conflict resolution, and self-management.

26. SCHOOL CLIMATE POSITIVE STUDENT RECOGNITION
STRIVE Program: School climate, decision-making
R. O. A. R. S. = Responsible, Organized/prepared, Accepting,
Respectful, Safe/orderly)
P. A. W. S. = Positively Achieving, Well-behaved Students
Leadership Opportunities
Honor Rolls: A/B, All A

27. The Program of Studies
is a helpful resource
where you can find
course names &
descriptions.

28. E L C T I V O
P T I O N S

29. The Instrument Fitting options are as follows:
It is recommended that students come and try out the instruments to aid in successful placement.
The Instrument Fitting options are as follows:
Monday, May 21st and Wednesday, May 23rd from 4-6pm
Other dates/times by appointment.
Contact band director Mr. Taylor Cardwell at
Contact Orchestra director Ms. Tresa Scruggs at

30. SEC/SUPPORT
Use agenda, organizational tools, and communication with teachers to help with managing organization.
Communicate with teachers on missing assignments and other behaviors.
Schedule a meeting with the teacher if concerns arise through guidance.
After meeting, if concerns still exist, contact Mrs. Sullivan to schedule a student education committee meeting, also known as an SEC, to implement more structured interventions.

31. NANCY DAYLEY, RN, BSN SCHOOL NURSE RTMS
Going to the Nurse
Please update contact and health information
Students with Special Needs
Students with Allergies
New Medication Orders – Every Year
T-dap
No T-dap – Religious/Medical Exemption
Tdap Clinics -
1. May 21, 2018 at Rocky Run Elementary School from 5-7pm
2. June 9, 2018 at the Stafford Health Dept from 9-12pm
Sports Physical Night at CFHS - 5:30pm - 7pm on 7 June 2018

32. Rodney E. Thompson Middle School
THANK YOU FOR COMING
Please share any questions you may have tonight or over the next week by ing or
Rodney E. Thompson Middle School