1. WELCOME TO SUTHERLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL
5th GRADE PARENT PROGRAM

2. INTRODUCTIONS:
Mrs. Brandi Robertson SUTHERLAND PRINCIPAL Mr. Cabell Guy ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Mrs. Lisa Wright & Ms. Heather Lindsay– SCHOOL COUNSELORS

3. Facts about SMS
We have 599 students, 76 staff members, on a 20+ acre campus
SMS students come from many different places
Student population includes large contingent of military families
TV & Sound studio in Media Center
New renovations coming this summer to include Science and Art room modernization
Brandi

4. SMS Accreditation 2016-17 English Math Science Social Studies Division
English
Math
Science
Social Studies
Division
N: %
N: %
N:4455 -
83%
N: %
SMS
N:752 -   83.6%
N:589 -   84.7%
N:179 -   82.7%
N:180 -   93.9%

5. Opportunities at SMS
Enrichment: Spelling Bee, Robotics, History Day, Science Fair, ISTE, Fine Arts Trip to DC, Geography Bee
Clubs: Destination Imagination, WSMS News Crew, Chess Club, Art Club, Girls on the Run, YWLP, French Club, SCA
Athletics: Basketball, Volleyball, Track, Lacrosse, Tennis, Cross Country
Music: Strings and Band compete in All-District competition; Band has collaborated with Burley Middle School Band

6. How do we Communicate? Sutherland Matters Connect Ed Email Twitter
SMS Homepage
Blackboard/Google
Letters home
Conferences
Parent Portal
Naviance
Brandi

7. Core Classes

8. Core Classes: Math Student placement is reviewed each year.
Students may move between levels, depending on their progress and teacher recommendations.

9. Core Classes: Language Arts
Student placement is reviewed each year.
Students may move between levels, depending on their progress and teacher recommendations.

10. Exploratory Classes

11. Electives
Year-Long classes: 1. Band 6 2. Strings 6 3. Chorus 6 4. AVID 6 5. PE / HEALTH
Semester classes:
1. Creative Design
2. Computer Solutions
3. Art 6
4. Skills for the 21st Century
5. Drama 6

12. Recommendations
5th grade teachers meet with middle school staff to discuss curriculum and recommendations.
Teachers use a variety of data to make recommendations. SOLs, PALS, Benchmark assessments, MAP scores, grades and work ethic are some forms of data used.
Teachers make recommendations and enter them into PowerSchool.
Parents will be able view recommendations in parent portal.

13. Course Selection Time Line
February 2-February 16: 5th grade students and parents enter exploratory choices in Parent Portal.
Late February: 5th grade teachers will enter recommendations in Parent Portal (recommendations are made only for Language Arts and Math).
March 5: Parent Portal opens for parents to view teacher recommendations.
April 20: Final day to make any changes to exploratory classes.
End of school year: Teachers will review recommendations and make any necessary changes based on student performance and new data.

14. CHOMP

15. Daily Schedule
6th Grade Daily Schedule – 1st Block: 85 minutes CHOMP: 25 minutes 2nd Block: 40 minutes Lunch and Recess: 35 minutes 2nd Block: 42 minutes 3rd Block: 85 minutes 4th Block (ELECTIVES): 85 minutes

16. Black and Teal Days BLACK DAY TEAL DAY 1st 2nd Lunch 3rd 4th
BLACK DAY
TEAL DAY
1st
Language Arts
2nd
Math 6
Lunch
3rd
History
Science
4th
PE / HEALTH
Band (45 Minutes)
Art (45 Minutes)

17. WHAT YOUR CHILD IS WORRIED ABOUT:
LOCKERS

18. WHAT YOUR CHILD IS WORRIED ABOUT:
DRESSING OUT

19. WHAT YOUR CHILD IS WORRIED ABOUT:
BULLIES

20. WHAT YOUR CHILD IS WORRIED ABOUT:
Homework

21. WHAT YOUR CHILD IS WORRIED ABOUT:
GETTING LOST
7th grade th grade
8th grade

22. More details to consider….
School day: 9:00-4:00 (students walking/biking to school or being picked up will be dismissed @ 4:10, after busses have left).
Students are not allowed to carry backpacks from class to class-backpacks will be stored in lockers during the school day.
ICA days happen about once each month.
Students will use their school address to communicate with teachers.

23. More details to consider……
SMS is 1:1; all students are issued a laptop and charger at the beginning of the school year.
Computers and chargers are considered required classroom supplies and should be brought to school each day.
Each student is responsible for using the school’s/personal technology appropriately.
Digital citizenship modules are delivered in CHOMP classes the first few weeks of school.
School supply lists will be posted on SMS webpage in June.
Student schedules will be available in Parent Portal in August.

24. Tips for success
Encourage organizational system for homework, notebooks, long-term assignments and get comfortable using Blackboard, Google classroom, etc.
Have a daily homework routine-establish a regular time and space for homework free from distractions.
Discuss and reinforce time management skills- consider helping your student use a calendar that might include academic responsibilities AND other activities/commitments.

25. More Tips…..
Limit and monitor screen time-develop a family contract for social media, game, technology use, etc., and model healthy habits.
Encourage your students to develop relationships with teachers, counselors, and administrators (parents-you too!).
Maintain open communication between you and your student!

26. QUESTIONS