Welcome to Cougar Mountain Middle School

1. Welcome to Cougar Mountain Middle School 7th Grade Parent & Student Information Night April 18, 2013

2. Welcome to Cougar Mountain! Show your Cougar Pride… • Work hard and be • Safe • Respectful • Responsible

3. I’m looking forward to… I’m worried about… • Having a locker • Have a choice of school lunch • Clubs and activities • Having a choice of exploratory classes • Making new friends • Getting my locker open • Older kids and bullying • Having enough time to get to my classes • Riding on the bus • Finding my classes How close is Ms. Stewart??

4. The Middle School Years… “During these transitional years, students change significantly: • physically • intellectually • morally • psychologically • socially • emotionally The academic growth and personal development experienced during these important years significantly impact their future.” Association of Middle Level Education

5. Middle School Junior High School • Student centered • Fosters collaboration of students • Emphasis on social and intellectual growth • Integration of curriculum areas • Offers high interest exploratory work • Advisory- adult advocate for each child • Athletics organized around intramural concept • Emphasis on clubs and activities • Subject centered • Fosters competition between students • Focus on intellectual growth only • Focuses on concepts and skills in separate subjects • Offers limited choice of electives • No adult guidance or support What is the difference between a middle and junior high school?

6. ASB President Marcus Bundy & Mrs. Hanson • Welcome • ASB/Leadership Activities • If you are interested in joining ASB & Leadership, please pick up a packet and turn it in to CMMS by May 15th.

7. Cougar Mountain Clubs and Activities • Drama & Broadway Theatre • School Play • Art • Battle of the Books • Yearbook • Robotics • Cooking • ASB & Leadership • Homework Club • Jazz Band • Anti-bullying club • Talent Show • School Dances Activity bus available Monday-Thursday for students who regularly ride the bus. The bus leaves CMMS at 4:00.

8. Middle School Athletics- Grades 7 & 8 • Fall • Football • Girls Volleyball • Cross Country • Winter I • Girls Basketball • Wrestling • Winter II • Boys Basketball • Girls Soccer • Spring • Baseball • Fastpitch • Track

9. What does a 7th grade day look like? 6 Period day + Advisory • Humanities- 2 class periods • Math • Science • Fine Art Exploratory (Band, Choir, Orchestra or fine art rotation + PE) • Technology Exploratory (Fundamentals of It, Robotics, PE) • Advisory

10. 7th Grade Basics Q. What is the length of our day? A. 7:15-1:45 Q. How much time will I have between classes? A. 3 minutes Q. Will I have PE every day? A. PE is a part of the fine art and technology rotation Q. Will I be in classes with 6th and 8th graders? A. No- 7th graders will be in classes with 7th graders. Each grade has their own lunch. Q. Will I have a locker? A. Yes Q. How long is lunch? A. 30 minutes Q. Will 6th, 7th and 8th graders have lunch together? A. No. Each grade has their own lunch.

11. Experienced New Teachers • We will add 8-10 new teachers from district elementary schools who want to move up to middle school. • The 6th and 7th grade team will include a mix of current staff and the new teachers moving to CMMS.

12. “WEB” is coming to Cougar Mountain! “WEB”= “Where Everyone Belongs” • WEB ensures success in middle school • Transition • Orientation • Student mentoring program

13. Communication & Events • Orientation activities in August • Back to School Open House in September • Parent, student, teacher conferences • Phone calls and emails • Student planner • Family Access (online grade check) • Student Led Conferences in May • School Newsletters • Reader Board

14. Tips for Success • Talk with your child about their classes each day by asking specific questions. (Ie. “What did you learn today in science?”) • Create a quiet, uncluttered place to complete homework. Expect at least 1 hour of homework daily. • Check your child’s student planner for communication. • Contact teachers/school if you have questions or concerns.

15. Transition Events 1. Parent/student information nights 2. Principal and counselor visited elementary schools during registration. 3. Elementary students visit CMMS in June. 4. Cougar Pride- Get your stuff day in August

16. 6th Grade Summer Reading A Long Walk to Water,by Linda Sue Park Copies will be available in May at your elementary school.

17. 7th Grade Summer Reading The Red Kayak, by Priscilla Cummings Copies will be available in May at your elementary school.

18. Cougar Pride Day • Back to School Night • Polar Express Library event • Student recognition • Run Book Fair • 8th grade Celebration • 8th grade dance • Curriculum Support • Looking for tutors!! Tuesdays and Thursdays 2-4:00 CMMS Parent Booster Support- Please join!!

19. Getting ready for next year- helpful tips • Memorize your student ID number • When you get your locker, memorize your combo and keep it private • Take the school supply list and school dress code with you when shopping. • Parents- help your child practice opening a combo lock

20. Last Notes… • Please join a tour led by ASB students. • If you have questions that were not answered tonight, please complete a question form available at the information table. • Visit the Booster table if you want to purchase a CMMS t-shirt or want more information. • Pick up an ASB/Leadership packet if your are interested in this club.