1. Welcome to Qualters Middle School
6th Grade Parent Orientation
May 14, 2018

2. INTRODUCTIONS QMS Administrative Team: Suzanne Ryan - Principal
David McGovern – Assistant Principal
Kevin Hoffman - Assistant Principal
Question and Answer Table Representatives
Jenn Walsh - PAC President
Jim Leonard - Assistant Director of Special Education
Chris Kalinowski - Math Department Head
Performing Arts Staff
QMS Counseling Staff

3. TONIGHT’S GOAL Provide parents with an understanding of:
The Middle School Model/team structure
How Middle School differs from Elementary School
A Day in the Life of a QMS 6th Grader
Grade 5 to 6 Transition Events

4. Middle School Team Structure
Teaming - A group of educators who share a common set of students
3 teams per grade level (approx 100)
Teams consist of (6 person teams):
ELA
Math
Science
Social Studies
Literacy (6th)/Foreign Language (7th/8th)
Special Educator

5. Advantages of Teaming
Teaming provides:
Make a larger school feel smaller (physical location of team classes)
Enhanced connections between students and teachers
Improved home-school communication
Common Planning Time
Clear and consistent team-wide expectations
Common set of students who share the same teachers

6. COMMUNICATION SUPPORT STRUCTURE
Principal
Assistant Principal
Counselor
Team Liaison
Teacher

7. HOW MIDDLE SCHOOL DIFFERS FROM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Changes in academic expectations
More adults servicing students
Managing multiple classes (materials and work)
Nightly homework in multiple classes
Different grading system
Alphanumeric grading
8 Formal Progress Updates - progress reports and report cards
Promotion policy
Summer School

8. HOW MIDDLE SCHOOL DIFFERS FROM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Developmental Changes During Adolescence
Shifting social groups
Hormonal/physical changes – all students develop a different rates
Change in communication/time management
Students/parents or guardians – one word responses
Increased use and access to social media
Managing time
Balancing school and after school activities

9. COMMON CONCERNS Basic Needs…
Locks/Lockers - Will I be able to open my lock? Will their belongings be safe?
Breakfast/Lunch -What is for lunch? What if I forget my money?
Safety - Will I learn my way around? Will the older kids be nice to me?
Bus - Which bus do I take? What happens if I miss the bus? Are high schoolers on the bus? Where do I sit?

10. COMMON CONCERNS Academic Challenges What if I need help? Team/Classes
How many kids will be in my classes (approx /class)?
Which classes will I take?

11. ACADEMICS: CLASSES 6TH GRADERS MIGHT TAKE
Core Courses
(full year)
Specials
(trimester)
Electives
(full year/pull out)
Other Courses**
ELA
Math
Science
Social Studies
Literacy*
PE/Health A
Successful Student
PE/Health B
Art
Performing Arts
Computers
Band
Orchestra
Chorus
Academic Intervention
Reading
Study Skills
ALC
Classes at QMS are homogeneously grouped with the exception of Math.
* Students enrolled Study Skills will not take Literacy
** Students are enrolled in the classes due to their IEPs or a demonstrated need for support with parent consent

12. 6TH GRADE SCHEDULE 7, 50-minute periods per day
5 full-year core classes, 2 specials/trimester (6/year)
Schedule rotates each day in a predictable pattern (7 day cycle)

13. A Day in the Life of a QMS 6th Grader
Arrival
Doors open 7:05 – 6th graders wait in cafeteria
Grab & Go Breakfast Available in Lobby 7:05- 7:20
Students sent to lockers at 7:15
7:25 First Period Begins
Attendance is taken
Morning announcements are made

14. A Day in the Life of a QMS 6th Grader
Lockers
Students provided with a lock and locker
Students taught how to use lock
Backpacks, coats, and personal electronic devices are to be kept in locked locker
Students supported in keeping their locker organized
Students have scheduled locker breaks throughout the day

15. A Day in the Life of a QMS 6th Grader
Sample Student Day 1
7:25 - 8:15
T1 PE/Health A
T2 PE/ Health B
T3 Performing Arts 2
8:17 - 9:07
Math 6 3
9:09 - 9:59
Science 6 4
10: :51
T1 Successful Student
T2 Art
T3 Computers
10: :13
Lunch 5
11:15-12:05
ELA 6 6
12: :57
Social Studies 6 7
12:59 - 1:49
Literacy

16. A Day in the Life of a QMS 6th Grader
Lunch
The entire sixth grade eats together
20 minutes long
Student lunch PINs remain unchanged
To start the year, students will be seated with their team
No child will go hungry!
Menu available online
Prices adjusted to reflect larger portions

17. A Day in the Life of a QMS 6th Grader
Dismissal
Students dismissed from last period at 1:50
Students have time to go to locker to retrieve their belongings
Staff is outside to support students in finding busses
Busses depart at 2:00
After school activities begin at 2:00

18. A Day in the Life of a QMS 6th Grader
After School
Teachers are available Monday-Thursday until 2:20 for extra help
Library is open for students until 2:50
Late busses are available for those who have bus passes
Students wait for the late bus in the Cafeteria
Depart at 3:00 pm

19. AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Get involved!
Homework Club
Student Council
Art club
Intramurals/fitness club
Ski Club
Book Chat
Rock Orchestra
Board Game Club
Yearbook
Drama
Creating Writing/Hornet’s Hive
Percussion ensemble/Wind ensemble/ Jazz ensemble
Tri-M Music Honor Society
Math team
Running Clubs

20. END OF YEAR TRANSITION ACTIVITIES
QMS Visit – 5/29, 5/30, 6/1
Counselors/6th Grade Team Liaisons visit all 5th grade classrooms
Student generated questions
Move Up Day – 6/19
All 5th grade students visit QMS; tour; meet administration/students/teachers, have lunch

21. SUMMER TRANSITION ACTIVITIES
Jump Start (Summer brochure) July
Main Office (Building Administration) open over the summer
Summer Achievement Academy - July
Student Team Assignments - Mid August
Open Door Day – Thursday, August 30th
More detailed information will be sent out over the summer

22. Supporting Your Child’s Transition
Be positive and reassuring … they will be okay!
Establish expectations:
School is a priority
Attendance matters
Establish structure to support homework – set up a quiet, central workplace, communicate with the teachers
Encourage students to do their best and ask for help
Utilize after school help with teachers

23. Supporting Your Child’s Transition
Our communication and partnership is essential
Please reach out if you need help or have questions
Team newsletters
Principal’s newsletter
/call at any time
Check Aspen (formerly X2) regularly

24. WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?
QMS Website
QMS Program of Studies
QMS Student Handbook
QMS Morning Announcements
Fall Mailings
Summer Newsletter

25. WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?
Words of wisdom from parents of current QMS students:
Eufemia Campagna
Pam Reith

26. Frequently Asked Questions
How can my child participate in the Music program?
Whom do I contact for assistance if my child has a disability?
Whom do I notify if our family is experiencing a significant event that may impact my child?
When will I learn of my child’s math placement?

27. We Are Excited to Have You Onboard!
Q & A Tables in the Lobby
If you have further questions please reach out!