Hopewell

Middle

School

The PRIDE Guide

HOPEWELL MIDDLE SCHOOL

Home of the Mustangs

13060 Cogburn Road Milton, GA 30004 (470) 254-3240

fultonschools.org/hopewellms HMSMustangPride@twitter.com

School Colors:

Red and Silver

Mascot:

Mustang

Elementary Feeder Schools:

Alpharetta Elementary School

Birmingham Falls Elementary School

Cogburn Woods Elementary School

Manning Oaks Elementary School

Summit Hill Elementary School

High School

Feeder Schools:

First Day of School:

Alpharetta High School

Cambridge High School

Monday, August 10, 2020

Hopewell Middle School FACT Sheet

.

What are Connections? How many will I have?

Connections are just like specials. These classes change every quarter (except music and PE).

Visual Arts STEM (ABE Science) PE & Health Career Awareness Library Research Drama Performing Arts: Band, Chorus, Orchestra

Do I have to change clothes for P.E.?

Yes. P.E. students wear gym shorts and a tee-shirt.

Are there TAG classes?

Yes. TAG Social Studies and Science are offered to students who qualify.

What about lockers?

Students will have a locker for their books as well as a PE locker. Book bags must be kept in the locker. Students do have scheduled locker breaks. The regular locker fee is $20.00. P.E. lockers are free.

May I take a World Language?

Spanish and French are offered to students who score on or above grade level on the Georgia Milestones Reading Indicator or 60% or higher on the ITBS Reading section.

What about dress code?

Students may find the complete dress code on the HMS website. Here are some highlights: * Shorts, skirts, and skorts must reach to fingertips with arms at sides. * Clothing that is tight and revealing is prohibited. * Tank tops, razor back tops, and sleeveless tops are prohibited. * Sleeves must cover the shoulders and armpits. * Pants should be worn at the waist and should not sag. * Underwear should not be seen; clothing must be free of suggestive, inappropriate or illegal illustrations/ads. * Hats, head gear, gloves, coats, and pajamas are not to be worn during school hours. *Leggings must be covered by tops that go to the fingertips.

What time does school start?

What time does school end?

School begins at 8:50 a.m. and ends at 4:05 p.m.

How many classes will I have?

Middle school students have 7 classes and homeroom. Sixth graders have connections during 7th and 8th periods.

Are cell phones allowed?

Student cell phone use during school is prohibited during the day. Students may use devices in the cafeteria before school. Once the bell rings, cell phones should be in lockers for the remainder of the day.

What if I don’t feel well?

If you are not feeling well and need to go to the clinic, your teacher may write you a pass. The clinic has Band-Aids and other supplies. If you need to take medicine at school, the clinic has the appropriate forms for parents to fill out.

Day-to-Day Procedures at HMS

Morning Procedures: Doors open at 7:45 a.m., and

students must remain in the cafeteria

until 8:15 a.m. (exceptions: Music,

Yearbook, Extended Learning). Students need a pass from a teacher

to go down the hallways early. Regular

study sessions will be announced by

teachers and generally begin at 8:15

a.m. Students must be in a classroom

until the bell rings. If the teacher is not there, students should return to

the front of the building. All students are released to class at

8:40 and go to lockers before first

period.

Dismissal Procedures: All students are dismissed via

announcements. Car riders should exit the left front

door (handicapped accessible door). First load bus riders should exit the

right front door closest to the gym. A

whiteboard is located outside listing the

first load bus positions. Second load bus riders should report

to the gym and sit in the stands by

grade level until dismissed.

Cafeteria: Breakfast is served each morning before school for $1.25. At lunch, there are two

traditional lunch lines. Lunch is $2.70, and you can also choose “specialty” foods such as snacks, chips, and drinks. Prices will vary. You may bring money or add money to the lunch

account via the internet. Free/reduced lunch forms are available upon request. Water is available every day via a cooler and water cups which are provided by the

cafeteria. When coming to the cafeteria, students walk quietly down the hallway. Students proceed to the table designated for their class or to the lunch lines. Students must sit at their

designated tables. Once students are seated, they must remain seated. If students need to get up for any reason, they should raise their hands and wait to be acknowledged by the adult in the

cafeteria. Students are released at the end of the lunch period. Students should clean their areas

and quickly leave out the appropriate door.

The HMS 6th Grade Bell Schedule

PERIOD TIME CLASS 8:35-8:50 Transition

1ST 8:50-9:40 Academic

2ND 9:43-10:33 Academic

3RD

10:37-11:27

Academic

4TH 11:30-12:54 Academic (and lunch)

5TH 12:57-1:47 Academic

HR 1:51-2:18 PRIDE Time

7TH 2:22-3:12 Connections

8TH 3:15-4:05 Connections

Your lunch class is paired together

with your 4th period class.

W.E.B. W.E.B. stands for “Where Everybody Belongs.” It is a middle

school orientation and transition program designed to help

sixth graders connect with the school before sixth grade even

begins. The move to middle comes with significant changes, and

the W.E.B. program addresses this in multiple ways. It begins

with a sixth-grade orientation on the first day of school in

August. Each sixth grader will work with a small group of 8th

grade W.E.B. Leaders. These WEB Leaders guide students

through orientation and check in with students regularly

throughout the year during formal and informal W.E.B. and

school events, acting as a friend, leader, and mentor. It has

been shown that when students feel a connection to their

school, they are more successful, and they are less likely to

become victims of bullying.

Mustang P.R.I.D.E.

P.R.I.D.E. is an acronym that helps students remember what exemplary behavior looks

like at school. On the pride matrix, students can clearly see the positive behaviors we

expect in every area of the school. Students who display the qualities of Personal

Responsibility, Respect, Integrity, making the Decision to be Safe, and Excellence are

rewarded for their good behavior.

PBIS Rewards is an on-line system we use to recognize our students when they exhibit

positive behavior. Students are awarded “PRIDE Points” during class and can exchange

their points for items or participation in events. We also have the Mustang PRIDE Mart

(school store) that operates Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Personalized Learning and One-to-One Devices

Personalized Learning At HMS, teachers are encouraged to incorporate strategies, develop activities, and structure classrooms in such a way as to implement some of the 7 Principles of Personalized Learning. We have focused specifically on three of these principles: Varied Strategies, Mastery-Based Assessments, and Just-in-Time Direct Instruction. We also put an emphasis on Blended Learning, which means we expect students to be using digital resources some of the time, not necessarily every day, to enhance their learning experience.

One-to-One Devices In order to assist in the implementation of Blended Learning, all students at HMS are assigned a personal device, a Dell Latitude laptop. Students should bring a computer bag for the device and are expected to use the bag at all times when in the hallways and moving throughout the building. Devices help students learn to communicate with others, gather information, share ideas, and create products in new ways.

Connections

Connections are like elementary school specials. Students must choose a General

Connections program or a Performing Arts connections program. These pages will provide

you with an overview of some of the general connections offered this year. Connections

may vary from year to year.

Music

Students at HMS can

choose to develop

their singing skills in

Chorus or they can

choose to learn an

instrument in

Band/Orchestra. The

award-winning

programs at HMS help

students to develop an

appreciation for and a

life-long love of music.

Health and Physical Education

Units in Physical Education include various team

sports, individual sports, rhythm and dance,

recreational games, and fitness-related activities.

Units in Health Education include Personal Health

and Wellness, Mental and Emotional Health, Disease

Prevention, Nutrition, Drugs, and Sexual Education.

Spanish Connections

This is a class for students not enrolled in an academic Spanish

course. The class focuses on the history and culture of

Spanish-speaking countries. Students learn about various

countries (and even learn a few Spanish words) through

hands-on activities and projects.

STEM (ABE Science)

This course is structured to prepare students as responsible citizens for success in the real world by providing challenging, student- centered, inquiry-based experiences for students. Students will be able to problem solve, think creatively, collaborate with others to come up with solutions, and effectively communicate with one another.

STEM Lab 6

This course is ONLY for students that opt into Math 6 Enhanced. This class is a mandatory support class for students scoring a Level 1

or 2 on the Georgia Milestones. Students will receive additional math support through interactive STEM related activities.

Debate

Students in Debate Class gain a command of the fundamental

processes of argumentation and debate. They demonstrate

familiarity with various materials and methods of research.

They improve their ability to think clearly, critically, creatively,

and analytically while demonstrating effective oral

communication skills. Students design and present

impromptu, extemporaneous and prepared arguments.

Library & Research Skills

This is a Connections

class designed to guide

students through the

research process in

order to answer critical

thinking questions in a

thorough and coherent

manner.

Visual Art

Visual Art students participate in a variety of 2D and 3D

assignments as they learn about the elements and principles of

design. Emphasis is placed on materials and techniques,

developing craftsmanship, and drawing from observation.

Career Awareness

All students will have the opportunity to take this course in 6th

grade. The course experience will be hands-on exposure of 8 CTAE

Clusters including Engineering, Information Technology, Business

and Marketing, Audio-Video, Technology, and Film, Education,

Healthcare, Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security, and Skilled

Trades. These clusters were selected based on Metro Atlanta

economic and workforce development research that defines these

areas as high-wage, high-skill, and high-demand.

Hopewell Clubs

Debate Team The Debate Club is a great place for students to work on their organization and debating skills. Students research this year’s topic and discuss strategy and debate skills. Practice sessions are geared towards preparing students for tournaments. The purpose of the club is to foster a love of debate and arguing and to provide students with ample opportunities to use their skills at tournaments.

Heart & Sole Heart & Sole is Girls on the Run’s new program for middle school girls. It creates a positive, structured space for middle school girls to learn about themselves, explore new ideas, cultivate empathy, strengthen connections, and develop life skills that will help them as they move through adolescence and beyond.

Nerd Club Nerd Club is a fun place for people who enjoy “nerdy” culture to come together. They have different events every week. This is a safe place to “geek out!”

Adventure Club

Members of Adventure Club will seek to understand the natural world in which we live through knowledge, exploration, and experience both in the classroom and in outdoor settings. The purpose of the club is to learn new skills, to build confidence, to participate in trail maintenance, recycling and/or water testing, and to have fun.

French Club

French Club is a place where students can enjoy and explore their love of Francophone culture, listen to French music, and meet other students who love all things French. The purpose of the club is to promote the love of French and the French-speaking world, and to support the French program and its students at Hopewell.

HMS Car

ClubCar Club is for anyone wanting to learn more about automobiles. The purpose of the club is to support student interest in automotive trade, careers, design, etc.

Academic Bowl Academic Bowl provides members with opportunities to participate in fun, timed academic competitions in a Quiz Bowl format. Students answer curriculum-based questions about art, music, computers, language arts, current events, geography, history/social studies, math, science, health, and physical education. The purpose of the club is to increase overall knowledge of various subject areas. All grade levels are welcome!

Art Club Students in Art Club create ceramics, large-scale sculpture, personal choice projects, participate in yarn bombing, community service art projects, and more!

Bible Study This club will provide students with the opportunity to participate in a student-led Bible study. Students have a daily devotion, discussion, and prayer.

6th Grade Science

Club The 6th Grade Science Club is a fun, hands-on experience for our newest HMS students to explore different topics in science. The purpose of the club is to get the new 6th graders excited about learning science and how they can apply what they learn to the world around them.

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Model UNModel UN is a simulation of the real United Nations where students come together to solve real world problems. Come learn about hot to represent a country and pass resolutions about real world issue like climate change, the refugee crisis, etc. The team attends two conferences a year!

Student CouncilThe Student Council consists of elected student members who are responsible for representation of and communication to their respective homerooms regarding issues and ideas that affect the students and the school. The purpose of the club is to support the school and community, promote school spirit, and maintain open communication between the student body and the other members of the school and community.

Craft Club Craft Club gives students an opportunity to be creative. Students will create Pinterest-inspired crafts and learn new crafting skills. The purpose of the club is to give students a creative outlet.

IEA Club Team

IEA stands for the Interscholastic Equestrian Association. This is a horseback riding association that allows middle and high school students the ability to show horses without the heavy cost usually associated with horse shows. No riding experience necessary!

Salsa Club

The Salsa Club was established as an enrichment activity to teach students and staff to dance. To do so means learning the basic techniques and styles of the Latin dance craze that exists today. The purpose of the club is to teach students and staff the various forms of Salsa dancing, including Salsa, Cha-Cha, Bachata, and Merengue. The students may also be taught about the history of the salsa dance styles and theirs origins.

Join us!!

DECADECA is a student-centered organization whose program of leadership and personal development is designed for students who are interested in anything related to business or marketing.

HMS Reading Bowl Students in this club will read the twenty Georgia Award Winners named yearly. In an Academic Bowl-like atmosphere, HMS students will compete with other Fulton County middle school students to test their knowledge of the books read. The purpose of the club is to read, meet other students, and compete.

Do You Speak “Middle School?”

New terms you may find helpful:

Connections Nine-week courses to explore such subjects as visual

art, music, PE, health, debate, marketing, library

research skills, STEM, etc.

Hall Locker A place to store books, book bag, and personal

items; for example, extra supplies, your cell phone,

etc…

P.E. Locker A place to store clothing during P.E. class

participation.

Locker Room A place to change into P.E. clothing; one is for boys

and one is for girls.

Dress Out A term used for changing into P.E. clothing.

Homeroom Your 6th period class; this is a time where you work

on iReady, PRIDE lessons, and have recess.

W.E.B. “Where Everybody Belongs” is a mentoring program

to help you transition to middle school.

P.R.I.D.E. An acronym that helps students remember what

exemplary behavior looks like at school. See the

P.R.I.D.E. page earlier in the booklet for more

information.

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM YOUR NEW TEACHERS…

▪

▪

All of the teachers are here to help you with any problem big or small…so whether

your locker is jammed or you are having difficulties with another student, just give a

shout out to one of us!

In order to avoid stress, stay organized!

Take advantage of the opportunity to make new friends in 6th grade.

Come to school ready to do your best and spread your wings.

Remember that everyone is nervous about middle school, and you are not alone.

Look for all the exciting positive experiences that Hopewell has to offer.

Remember that your teachers are here to help you.

Follow the advice of Julian Bond (former President of NAACP), “Study long, but

don’t study wrong.”

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. We are here to help.

Bring paper and pencils on the first day of school and any suggested supplies.

The hardest thing about 6th grade is adjusting to being the youngest in the school,

after being the oldest students in elementary school.

Relax and do not be afraid to

ask for help. We look forward

to teaching you.

Dedicate yourself to doing your

best, no matter what the class or

assignment. When you give 100% you

can take pride in what you have done.

Join clubs,

make new

friends, and

show school

spirit!

MORE WISDOM…

Always come to class prepared with paper, a pencil and a smile!

Be positive and energetic, and you’ll have a great year!

Do your best work; always be proud to put your name on your paper.

Remember that the first week of school is stressful for everyone - both students and

staff!

Bring a positive attitude.

Have a binder with dividers for all of your classes on the first day of school.

Start the year with a good attitude, and “Be Organized!” We all look forward to

meeting you!

Remember that your locker is not your bedroom. Keep it clean!

Get ready for a fun and challenging year and to begin it with a BIG smile on your

face!

Spend time the first week becoming familiar with new friends, teachers, other adults

at school, and your agenda!

Meet someone new the first day in each of your classes. New friends make new

experiences more fun!

Mrs. Sosebee, 6th grade Assistant Principal, recommends that you

make use of the good manners you learned from your family. Be kind, considerate, honest, and respectful of others’ space and belongings.

Don’t be afraid to talk to your teachers, your counselor, your

assistant principal, or your principal. We are all here to help you to

be successful!

Mr. Susina, HMS 6th grade counselor, wants you to remember that

each of you will be an important part of Hopewell, and we are

looking forward to having you! As the teachers said, be organized,

be friendly, and be positive…and you will have a sensational year!