WELCOME TO RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL FIFTH GRADE PARENTS’ EVENING WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2014

1. WELCOME TO RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL FIFTH GRADE PARENTS’ EVENING WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2014

2. R IMPORTANT DATES • Ridge counselors visit Rice Grade 5 Classes – Monday 2/24/14 • Ridge counselors visit Bellflower Grade 5 Classes – Wednesday 2/26/14 • Ridge counselors visit Brentmoor Grade 5 Classes – Friday 2/28/14 • Ridge PTA meeting – Monday 3/10/14 @ 6:30 p.m. • (Please refer to the Ridge website in case of a date change) • Get to Know Ridge Night – Thursday 4/10/14 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. • Grade 5 Elementary Visit to Ridge – Thursday 5/15/14 @ 9:30 a.m.

3. R Ridge Middle School Contact Information 7680 Johnnycake Ridge Rd. Mentor, OH 440.974.5400 Website: http://www.mentorschools.net/ridgemiddleschool_home.aspx MAIN OFFICE Mrs. Megan Kinsey, Principal Kinsey@mentorschools.org Mr. Patrick McKenrick, Assistant Principal McKenrick@mentorschools.org Mrs. Mickie Doll, Secretary Doll@mentorschools.org Mrs. Barb Stokes, Secretary StokesB@mentorschools.org Mrs. Amy Sample, School Nurse Sample@mentorschools.org Phone: 440.974.5407 GUIDANCE OFFICE Ms. Renee Nasca, Guidance Counselor Nasca@mentorschools.org Phone: 440.974.5406 Ms. Jenna Herzog, Traveling Counselor Herzog@mentorschools.org Phone: 440.974.5405 Mrs. Pat Dadd, Secretary Dadd@mentorschools.org Phone: 440.974.5404

4. WHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT MIDDLE SCHOOL? • Changing classes for all subjects • Many different teachers and rooms • Higher teacher expectations • More work and responsibilities • Harder classes • Keeping track of your own work • Treated more maturely and adult like

5. WHAT’S EXCITING ABOUT MIDDLE SCHOOL? • Individual student lockers • Tastier food • More people and new friends • Bigger building • Personal schedule • Choice in elective classes • More activities to participate in

6. WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SIXTH GRADERS IN MIDDLE SCHOOL? • Intramurals • Spirit Club • Drama/Theatre • Friends of Rachel Club • Student Council • Cardinal Challenge • Knowledge Masters • Science Olympiad • Newspaper • Yearbook • Ski Club

7. ROLES OF THE COUNSELORS The counselor serves as a consultant or intermediary for parents, staff, and students • PARENTS • Grades • Dates • Processes • State Testing • Basic Information • STAFF • Family Knowledge • Student Liaison • Coordinate meetings • Insight into student development • STUDENTS • Child Advocate • Mediator • Confidante

8. STUDENT SUPPORT GROUPS • Students have an opportunity to participate in small group settings to discuss interpersonal and social issues they have in common with other age-appropriate peers • Groups are led by a guidance counselor • Examples of groups might include new student, peer relations/social skills, divorce families, anger management, or study skills How To Sign Up for Groups • Students will have a chance to sign up for various groups at the beginning of the school year or anytime throughout the year by letting the counselor know they are interested • Parent/Guardian/Staff referrals are considered • All students participating in a group will have to secure parent/guardian consent prior to participation

9. CONFIDENTIALITY ALL information shared is kept private except in the following situations: • A student is causing harm to him or herself • A student is causing harm to someone else • An adult is causing emotional, mental, or physical harm to a student (child abuse)

10. Ridge Bell Schedule 2013 - 2014 School Starts 8:35 a.m. School Ends 3:35 p.m. 8 class periods plus 2.5/advisory 4 minutes between classes Rams

11. Ridge Middle School 2014 – 2015 School Year Elective Sheet Sixth Grade Program • ELECTIVE COURSES** • 670 Art Foundations • 677 Chorus • 682 Cadet Band • 686 Cadet Orchestra • 671/ Exploratory Art* and • 672 Exploratory Music* • 665 Robotics and Design • REQUIRED COURSES • 604 English/Language Arts • 622 Math • 634 Science • 614 Social Studies • 690/ Physical Education* and • 691 Health* *semester (half year) course ELECTIVE CHOICES INDICATE CHOICE #1 AND CHOICE #2 _____ 670 Art Foundations _____ 677 Chorus _____ 682 Cadet Band _____ 686 Cadet Orchestra _____ 671/672 Exploratory Art and Exploratory Music _____ 665 Robotics and Design _________________________________________ Printed Student Name School _________________________________________ Student Signature Date _________________________________________ Parent Signature Date **Students assigned to an intervention period will receive only one elective of choice. The course selection offerings are tentative. Courses with fewer than 15 students enrolled will be cancelled.

12. Art Foundations • An expanded course for students to explore and experience creative expression, critical evaluation, greater self-awareness and appreciation for visual art on a daily basis • Introduction to art foundations, including the Elements and Principals of Design • Develops students’ drawing and design skills • Introduction to sculpture • Art history lessons

13. Chorus • Entry-level experience for student singers • Students will sing in unison, two and three-part harmony • Introduction to techniques for producing good choral tone, based on proper vocal skills • Students will learn to read muscial notes and begin ear training exercises • PARTICIPATION IN PERFORMANCES IS MANDATORY AND PART OF THE QUARTERLY EVALUATION

14. Cadet Band • Performance group • Continued study of basic instrumental techniques • Emphasis placed on music reading skills • PARTICIPATION IN PERFORMANCES IS MANDATORY AND PART OF THE QUARTERLY EVALUATION

15. Cadet Orchestra • Students continue to learn the fundamentals of beginning string instruction, as well as string orchestra and part music • Students will develop left hand and bow hand technique and basic musical concepts • Emphasis on rhythm and note reading will prepare student for seventh grade orchestra • ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED AT ALL EVENING AND OTHER SCHEDULED PERFORMANCES SUCH AS CONCERTS, FESTIVALS AND EVENING REHEARSALS

16. Exploratory Art • SEMESTER (HALF YEAR) COURSE • Students will explore and experience creative expression, critical evaluation, greater self-awareness and appreciation for visual art • Introduction to basic secondary art foundations, including the Elements and Principals of Design, through experimentation in drawing and designing skills • Introduction to sculpture • Art history lessons • STUDENTS WHO TAKE EXPLORATORY ART CANNOT TAKE ART FOUNDATIONS • Exploratory Music • SEMESTER (HALF YEAR) COURSE • Designed to enhance students’ lifelong ability to interact with music • Music theory and music history will be the basis of the class • Expansion to cover World Music, composition and careers in music

17. Robotics and Design • Hands-on, project-based course which enables students to build a strong foundation for future STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) learning • Design & Modeling allows students to apply the design process to solve problems and understand the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives • Students will work in teams to design a playground and furniture • Automation and Robotics unit enables students to trace the history, development and influence of automation and robotics as they learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation and computer control systems • VEX Robotics platform is used to design, build and program real-world objects such as traffic lights, toll booths and robotic arms

18. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A RIDGE RAM?

19. BEING A STUDENT AT RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL MEANS: • Making learning a priority • Always giving your best effort • Treating all whom you have contact with respectfully • Being a part of the school by joining AT LEAST one activity/group

20. Ridge Middle School Pledge I pledge to maintain a high level of respect and integrity. I will be ready to learn and accept challenges and the consequences of my actions. I expect and believe I can achieve because my success is up to me.

21. RIDGE Our teachers and students make it a great place R The rest is up to you!