1. Lindley Sixth Grade Academy A T T H E B A R N E S C E N T E R “In the Pursuit of Excellence” Landon A. Brown, II Academy Principal

2. MISSION STATEMENT To provide a safe, structured, active learning environment while preparing students to participate in a global society.

3. LANDON A. BROWN, II Born and raised in Decatur, Georgia. Attended public schools in DeKalb County. B.S.Ed. Middle Childhood Education, GA State M.Ed. Middle Grades Education, Mercer University Ph.D. candidate, Ed. Policy Studies, Georgia State 4 years Math Teacher, Lindley Middle School 5 years Assistant Principal, Lindley Middle School 2 nd year Principal, Lindley 6 th Grade Academy

4. MY SIXTH GRADE DAYS… Short Skinny Coke-Bottle Glasses “Big Head” I MADE IT THROUGH!

5. MY SIXTH GRADE MEMORIES 1987-1988 Snapfinger Elementary School #1 Jam, “Just Got Paid” #1 Slow Jam, “Piece of My Love” #1 Toy for Boys, TRANSFORMERS Favorite Teacher, Ms. Locklear #1 Show, BET with Donnie Simpson OR YO! MTV RAPS

6. 2008-2009 School Year Bryant ES Clay ES Harmony-Leland ES Riverside ES Lindley 6 th Grade Academy AT THE BARNES CENTER

7. STAFF INTRODUCTIONS 48 certified staff members 13.5 classified staff members Projected Student Enrollment 430 students 45 new students enrolled August 7 th.

8. THE MAJOR TRANSITION Small Learning Community Middle School Teams Elementary School to Middle School Student Scheduling Connections

9. Times have surely changed … 1970 ’ s Home School Church Peers Television 2008 Peers RAP Television Home School

10. SMALL LEARNING COMMUNITY Decline in disciplinary referrals. Improved teacher morale. Focus on prevention rather than remediation. Higher levels of classroom participation. Increased attendance rate.

11. SMALL LEARNING COMMUNITY More positive school climate. Personalized learning environment. Greater parental involvement. Cost-efficient.

12. MIDDLE SCHOOL TEAMS Learning Community Setting Every Team will have… 5 Academic Core Area Classrooms 1 Team Planning Rooom 1 21 st Century Computer Lab

13. THE BOYS Shorter attention span (shorten the lesson and gear it towards male interest) Greater energy level (MUST have PE daily) Slower maturation (allow for differences) Less developed fine motor skills (alter the penmanship expectations) Less hearing ability (boys sit in front and speak up)

14. THE BOYS More aggressive Not as neat (implement organizational skills) Less cooperative (provide male role models) Influenced more by peer group (do not embarrass in front of peer group, use CLF or PRT).

15. THE GIRLS Tend to view the teacher as an ally Generalize the meaning of failures because they interpret them as disappointing adults Context enhances their learning style Work well in small groups of 3 to 4 to solve problems Enjoy role-playing and skits

16. THE GIRLS Have a sense of hearing two to four times better than boys May take longer on multiple choice tests because they evaluate their performance more critically Enjoy less formal classroom setting Perform better in math/science in single gender settings

17. 6TH GRADE CURRICULUM Reading English/Language Arts Mathematics Earth Science Social Studies Connections Advanced Content ESOL Special Education

18. UNIFORMED DRESS REQUIREMENTS DRESS CODE ENFORCED DAY 1 AUGUST 11, 2008

19. IMPORTANT INFO. First Day of SchoolAugust 11 th PTSA Open HouseAugust 26 th 6:30 p.m. 6 th Grade DanceAugust 28 th 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

20. IMPORTANT INFO. Breakfast$1.00 Reduced$0.30 Lunch$1.75 Reduced$0.40 MS Schedule9:15 a.m.-4:15 p.m. Early Arrival8:00 a.m. Intramurals/Study Hall

21. Lindley Sixth Grade Academy A T T H E B A R N E S C E N T E R Mr. Landon A. Brown, II Academy Principal “IN THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE”