Slide 1

THOMAS S. HART MIDDLE SCHOOL Scheduling Information For Parents of Incoming 6 th Graders 2015-2016

Slide 2

Welcome to Thomas S. Hart Middle School Welcome Terry Conde, Principal Introductions: Vice Principal: Marcel Baker & Lisa Hague Counselors: Tammy Schoonover, Sharon Stewart & Liz Morotti

Slide 3

Middle School Transition for Parents Become a school partner by Maintaining regular contact with teachers Joining PTSA Volunteering (yes, we need you!) Demonstrating a spirit of cooperation

Slide 4

Middle School Transition Responsibility begins to shift to student Accountability increases Bodies change Friendships change Experiments with new behaviors/personas

Slide 5

How to help your child with the transition Help child to divide new tasks into smaller, more manageable parts Avoid rescuing Get the whole story, not just your childs side

Slide 6

Communication Goals Listen Gather information ask questions check assumptions Resolve issue at lowest level Remain calm Model communication skills

Slide 7

Communication: The Steps Organizer, Q, Study Buddy E-mail teacher through Hart Website or call and leave a message Make appointment with teacher If issue is still unresolved after meeting with teacher, call counselor, principal or vice- principal

Slide 8

How to help your child make the most of middle school Keep grades in perspective Maintain balance between work & play Monitor electronic communications Develop an organizational system that works for the student

Slide 9

Topics for Discussion 6 th Grade Program Overview Course Descriptions (Teachers) 6 th Grade Orientation Program Keys To A Successful Middle School Experience

Slide 10

6 th Grade Program Overview Language Arts History Science Math Elective(s) Exploration Wheel Band/Strings Chorus (A period) Special Education P.E. LUNCH (4 th period)

Slide 11

Wheel Electives The Exploration Wheel consists of 6 classes that are each six weeks in length. Students rotate through the 6 classes in random order.

Slide 12

Exploration Wheel Classes Art College & Career Readiness Computer 6 Consumer and Family Studies Music 6 World Language

Slide 13

Intermediate Band or Strings I Intermediate Band or Strings 1 (Check box on scheduling form). Students who take Band or Strings class attend A period P.E. or Science outside of the regular school day from 7:40 a.m. to 8:36 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. There is no A period on Wednesday.

Slide 14

A Period Chorus (Concert Choir) Introductory no experience needed Offered at 7:40 8:36 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday No A period on Wednesday

Slide 15

6 th Grade Block: Language Arts/History Curriculum: California English Language Arts and History Standards Common Core ELA and content literacy standards

Slide 16

Language Arts Writing: Main focus Essay Expository Narrative Argumentative Literary Analysis Spelling/Grammar

Slide 17

Language Arts Reading: Selected readings from Anthology Core Novel Where the Fern Grows Independent Reading Variety of short non- fiction texts ***

Slide 18

Ancient History * 6 th grade history is an introductory course of Ancient Civilizations: Early Humans Mesopotamia Egypt Israelites India China Greece Rome

Slide 19

6 th Grade Science Earth Science Prentice Hall: Focus on Earth Science Hands on laboratory experiments - Approximately twice per week New: introduction to Health & Wellness Unit during the last six weeks of the school year.

Slide 20

6 th Grade Science Science Units Scientific Method Metric System Erosion Plate Tectonics (earthquakes & volcanoes) Changes over Time Earth History Atmosphere Ecology and Natural Resources

Slide 21

6 th Grade Science New Health & Wellness Unit (six weeks) Introduction to Health: a balance of social, emotional, mental, and physical health Injury prevention & safety Nutrition & fitness

Slide 22

6 th Grade Math Two courses Math 6 Math 6/7 5th-grade end-of-year test for placement All 5th-graders take test by mid-May Will receive a letter with math placement Go Math Textbook (new for 2015/2016) Consumable Online textbook available, Video Tutorials, Spanish Full Common Core Curriculum Supplemental materials will be used By the end of 8th-grade, our minimum goal is for all students to meet the 8th-grade CC standards.

Slide 23

Special Education SDC Program Adaptive P.E. Speech and Language Program Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program Resource Specialist Program RS Classes in Language Arts and Math and Parallels curriculum Support in General Ed Collaborative Model and RS Lab Classes

Slide 24

6 th Grade PE PE daily Square dance Uniforms Locks/Lockers Units Mile run

Slide 25

Technology For All Minimum of 12 chromebooks in each block & science class Computer lab Computers in library 2 rolling chronebook carts Students encouraged to bring their own devices

Slide 26

Gate Middle School classes follow the Common Core curriculum in all subject areas 6th grade Science and Language Arts teachers offer extension activities that Gate students may complete Due to the large number of Gate students, all classes accommodate Gate students and Gate extension activities

Slide 27

What are the best ways to protect your kids online? Start Early -As soon as your child starts using a phone, mobile device or computer, talk with them about online expectations, behavior, and personal safety Initiate Conversations Often - Technology, websites, apps, and opportunities to access inappropriate content change all the time -Make sure to check in with your child often, which sites (especially social media) are they acessing or visiting? -Some sites allow for anonymous posts to individual accounts -Most middle school students dont tell parents about these sites Tell your Child how to report something to you (without getting in trouble) -so when something does come up, they know what to do Consider a Family Contract for Technology use - sample contracts are available upon request

Slide 28

Additional ways to keep kids safe online There are a wide variety of tools to use from virus protection to Parental Controls such as: - Limiting time: software allows you to limit your kids time online. You can also set the time of day they can access the internet (no internet after 9 pm, etc) -Smart phone/cell phone limits - contact your service provider to talk about time limits. For example AT&T offers Smart Limits - Features include: >> Set text and purchase limits. >> Block numbers and data use. >> Limit phone use during times of day or night. >> Check in on daily phone activity. Visit onguardonline.gov for more tips on how to secure your computer, and protect your kids Review the NetCetera and Heads Up: Stop, Think Connect brochures

Slide 29

6th grade Orientation 6 th Grade Orientation in August before school starts 8 th graders lead fun activities and a tour of the Hart campus 8th grade leaders also serve as role models, mentors, and peer tutors

Slide 30

Keys To A Successful Middle School Experience Stay in Touch: Hart website www.hartmiddleschool.orgwww.hartmiddleschool.org Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Hart/PtSA Hart E-news - weekly PUSD E-Connection Email / Voice mail Monitor Progress : Dont wait! Check grades/assignments online (Q) https://sis.pleasantonusd.net/parentportal/

Slide 31

Questions/Reminders Please read over the 6 th grade handbook with your child Any questions, feel free to ask now Or contact your childs counselor at (925) 426-4881