1. Welcome to Middle School! Sligo Middle School August 22, 2013

2. Introduction By the end of this discussion we will have covered: • Differences between elementary and middle school • Academic Changes & Adjustments • Social-emotional & Behavioral Changes • School Supports • School Readiness

3. The Differences Between Elementary School and Middle School

4. Middle School Setting Middle School • Lockers • 7 period day, 45 minute classes • Passing periods • Different teachers for each subject • Extra-curricular activities • More responsibilities • BEST/Advisory • Lunch

5. Academic Changes & Adjustments Middle School Matters

6. Grades Interim Reports • Semi-quarterly • Edline (ongoing) Report Cards • Quarterly • Code Changes

7. What is Edline? • It is an online Learning Management System that provides a simple, single point of access to all of the key information students and parents need: • Homework • Attendance • Class notes •  Presentations •  Worksheets •  Hyperlinks to internet resources •  Students and parents can view progress reports, school schedules, and school news • Saves time and improves communication

8. Scheduling & Time Management • Teacher expectations • Extracurricular activities • Importance of SAB (Student Agenda Book)

9. Skill Needs & Development Organizational • Where are my belongings (binder, homework, agenda book)? Time Management • Where am I supposed to be next? • What am I supposed to be doing next? Note-Taking • So that’s what my binder is for! Study & Test-Taking • I’ll just wait for the review packet • I skipped that question

10. BEST Be organized * Come to class on time and with the correct materials E - Give your best effort * Ask lots of questions! It’s the best way to learn something new. * Participate in all class activities and always do your work. * Study for tests and quizzes (by yourself or with a friend) * Come after school for extra help as needed S- Be safe * Walk in the classroom, sit on the chairs, put trash in the trash can T - Treat others and their belongings with respect * Be kind to everyone in the classroom: Teachers and any guests and especially each other. It is important that we make this class a nice place to be.

11. Sligo Rsis our Positive BehavioralInterventions and Supports (PBIS) Program.We promote rigorous instruction by teaching behaviors that demonstrate: • Respect • Responsibility • Relationships • Safety

12. I’m NOT a Kid Anymore! Social-Emotional & Behavioral Changes in Middle School

13. What About Your Friends? Social Changes • Friends/peer group changes • Interest in forming personal relationships • Peer acceptance and approval #1 priority

14. Please Help Me with My Child School Supports

15. School Staff Ms. Benner: PE and Health Mr. Biancanello: World Studies Ms. Campo-Abdoun: The Arts Ms. Chichester: World Studies Ms. Collins: Math Mr. Colosimo: Chorus Ms. Drayton: Science Mr. Endler: PE Ms. Harris: Math Mr. Hoben: Special Education Ms. Kelel: World Studies Ms. McGill: Science Ms. Kim Maffeo: Spanish Ms. Monroe: Spanish Mr. Nguyen: ESOL Ms. Palank: Academic Support Ms. Parks: Instrumental Music Ms. Philip: Special Education Ms. Rickford: English & Reading Ms. Taylor-Rubin: Science Ms. Trone: English & Reading Mr. Simkanich: ICT Ms. Stith: Counseling Ms. Wone: Math

16. Other Resources • Pupil Personnel Worker (PPW) • PTSA – Mary O’Driscoll, PTSA President • NAACP Representative, Pat Price

17. Academic Supports • Teachers • Lunch and after school help • Counselors • Edline • Private tutors (MCPS does not endorse any tutorial services)

18. 6th Grade Team Leaders • Thea Mitchell-Anderson 301-649-8121 thea_r_mitchellanderson@mcpsmd.org • Joan Shane 301-649-8121 joan_a_shane@mcpsmd.org 6th Grade Team Administrators Marion Finkbinder marion_e_finkbinder@mcpsmd.org Craig Jackson craig_o_jackson@mcpsmd.org 6th Grade Counselor Terri Stithterri_l_stith@mcpsmd.org

19. Q & A