Welcome toWelcome toStonewall Jackson Middle Stonewall Jackson Middle

School!School!Rising 6th Grade OrientationRising 6th Grade Orientation

December 2, 2013December 2, 2013

66thth Grade Senior TeacherGrade Senior Teacher

Mrs. Tracy GravesMrs. Tracy GravesSenior Teacher

tgraves@hcps.us

Middle School ConceptMiddle School ConceptAddresses unique physical, Addresses unique physical, emotional, social, and emotional, social, and academic needs of academic needs of adolescents adolescents Bridges elementary and high Bridges elementary and high schoolschoolGradual increase in Gradual increase in independenceindependenceExploration of new interestsExploration of new interests

A Quick Look at SJMSA Quick Look at SJMS

Grades 6, 7, 8Grades 6, 7, 8Approximately 400 students in each Approximately 400 students in each gradegradeTeamsTeams of teachersof teachers90 minute blocks for instruction90 minute blocks for instructionGrade level Senior Grade level Senior Teacher/CounselorTeacher/Counselor

Senior TeacherSenior TeacherWhat is it?What is it?

Grade level administrator (supervising Grade level administrator (supervising teachers and students)teachers and students)Contact for particular grade levelContact for particular grade levelMeets regularly with grade level teams and Meets regularly with grade level teams and counselor to discuss student issuescounselor to discuss student issuesTeaches 1Teaches 1--2 blocks/day2 blocks/dayTransition coordinatorTransition coordinatorEach Senior Teacher has different Each Senior Teacher has different administrative responsibilities (Ex. Coordinate administrative responsibilities (Ex. Coordinate Clubs, Coordinate student teachers & Clubs, Coordinate student teachers & practicum placements)practicum placements)

Our School DayOur School Day

The School Day 8:30-3:30Front Doors open at 8:00 AM

- No supervision is provided before 8 AM- Students may go to the library, gym, or cafeteria until

8:20

Breakfast is served from 8 AM 8:20 AM

Student Drop-off and Pick-up is in front of the school - Please use the cross walk when crossing the bus loop

Traffic through the front parking lot is one way

Alternating Day Block Alternating Day Block ScheduleSchedule

AA DAYDAYA1A1FLEXFLEXA2 (includes lunch)A2 (includes lunch)A3A3A4A4

BB DAYDAYB1B1FLEXFLEXB2 (includes lunch)B2 (includes lunch)B3B3B4B4

Facts about the Facts about the A/B DayA/B DayCalendarCalendar

A/B days are set in advance A/B days are set in advance

The entire county uses the same The entire county uses the same calendar.calendar.

The A/B day calendar is The A/B day calendar is set in stoneset in stone. . It will not change even in the event of a It will not change even in the event of a missed day due to inclement weather.missed day due to inclement weather.

Teams!Teams!Masterminds AtlantisGenerals Titans

What is so special about teams? Each team shares 4 teachers (Language Arts, Math, History,

Science) Teams are instructional and developmental

provide a sense of belonging involve knowledge of the whole student

Team classrooms are located in clusters Student lockers are located outside team classrooms Teams provide a social structure for students

(team socials, field trips, FLEX activities, intramurals)

US History I Language Arts

General Science Math

Team Floor Plan

LockersLockersLockers are new for everyone in sixth grade!Lockers are new for everyone in sixth grade!We give students time to practice during the We give students time to practice during the first week of schoolfirst week of schoolIf a child forgets his/her combination, the flex If a child forgets his/her combination, the flex teacher has it written down!teacher has it written down!Locker jam? Locker jam? Magic keyMagic key to the rescue!to the rescue!Have your child practice on a combination Have your child practice on a combination lock that you can purchase from any lock that you can purchase from any hardware store.hardware store.

HomeworkHomeworkYes! Homework will be assigned each night.

The agenda book and Blackboard are tools to keep you in the know!

Homework is practice

But what does that mean with Block scheduling?

Your Role as ParentsYour Role as Parents

Be InvolvedBe InvolvedAsk QuestionsAsk QuestionsEstablish Homework PatternsEstablish Homework Patterns Designate a Designate a specificspecific time and time and

placeplace

Visit the School and TeachersVisit the School and TeachersMeet your ChildMeet your Childs Friendss FriendsEncourage Participation in Encourage Participation in Extracurricular ActivitiesExtracurricular Activities

Parent GroupsParent GroupsPTA BoostersSchool Improvement TeamsSchool Volunteers Chaperone dances & field trips Assist in our library Career speakers Team activities & socials Copy volunteers Tutor students who need extra help Special Projects

CommunicationCommunicationTeam Planning/Team meetings

Assignment Notebooks (Agendas)

Blackboard and PowerSchool

EmailEmail Connect!

If you have a question or concern, we are here to help find an answer!

Get Involved Get Involved in Clubs!in Clubs!

SCASCA Creative WritingCreative Writing Pep BandPep BandAnime/ComicsAnime/Comics DramaDrama FFAFFAArt GuildArt Guild Animal LoversAnimal Lovers ZumbaZumbaChessChess Board Games Board Games ScrapbookScrapbookFear NotFear Not Bridge Building Yoga Bridge Building Yoga Sign LanguageSign Language Line DancingLine Dancing Edible ArtEdible ArtOutdoorOutdoor Languages Languages French & French &

SpanishSpanish

Other ActivitiesOther Activities

Intramural Sports Intramural Sports Interscholastic SportsInterscholastic SportsChorus, Band, Strings ConcertsChorus, Band, Strings ConcertsForensics Competition, Spelling Bee, OM Forensics Competition, Spelling Bee, OM CompetitionCompetitionReading OlympiansReading OlympiansSchool Play, Talent ShowSchool Play, Talent ShowDances!Dances!

Your 6Your 6thth Grade CounselorGrade Counselor

Mrs. Alison BollanderMrs. Alison BollanderSchool Counselor

abollander@hcps.us

CounselorCounselors Roles Role

Classroom guidanceClassroom guidanceConsultation with parents/teachers/etc.Consultation with parents/teachers/etc.Help coordinate meetings, activitiesHelp coordinate meetings, activitiesIndividual and small group counselingIndividual and small group counselingSchedulingScheduling

Required ClassesRequired Classes

Language ArtsLanguage ArtsMathMath (Math 6 Course 1; Math 7 Course 2)(Math 6 Course 1; Math 7 Course 2)General ScienceGeneral ScienceU.S. History IU.S. History IHealth/PEHealth/PEElectivesElectives (2 Blocks)(2 Blocks)

Split BlockSplit Block

One block every other day will be a split block One block every other day will be a split block for Language Arts & Math.for Language Arts & Math.Students will spend 45 minutes in L.A. and Students will spend 45 minutes in L.A. and then 45 minutes in Math, or vice versa.then 45 minutes in Math, or vice versa.This allows students to have both subjects This allows students to have both subjects every day: 90 minutes of each on one day every day: 90 minutes of each on one day and 45 minutes of each the next day.and 45 minutes of each the next day.

Elective Courses:Elective Courses:Electives make up a total of TWO (2) class blocks.Electives make up a total of TWO (2) class blocks.

The following options are available:The following options are available:1.1. TWO yearTWO year--long courseslong courses

OROR2. ONE year2. ONE year--long course and TWO long course and TWO

semester coursessemester coursesOROR

3. FOUR semester courses3. FOUR semester courses

Elective OptionsElective OptionsYearYear--longlong

ExploratoryExploratory BandBand StringsStrings ChorusChorus Reading or Math WorkshopReading or Math Workshop G/T SeminarG/T Seminar Resource (for IEP students)Resource (for IEP students) World Language World Language

(high school credit)(high school credit)

SemesterSemester Art 6Art 6 ForensicsForensics Theater Arts 6Theater Arts 6 KeyboardingKeyboarding Computer ConceptsComputer Concepts Computer PublishingComputer Publishing Weather ScienceWeather Science Environmental ScienceEnvironmental Science Reading or Math WorkshopReading or Math Workshop G/T SeminarG/T Seminar

Math at SJMSMath at SJMS

Ms. Tara RedmondMs. Tara RedmondMath Coach

tredmond@hcps.us

Math LevelsMath Levels66thth grade:grade: Math 6Math 6

Math 7Math 7

77thth grade:grade: Math 7Math 7Math 8Math 8Algebra IAlgebra I

88thth grade:grade: Math 8Math 8Algebra IAlgebra IGeometryGeometry

Read 180Read 180

Mrs. Sarah DryeMrs. Sarah DryeReading Coach Reading Coach

Language Arts Department Chair Language Arts Department Chair READ 180 CoordinatorREAD 180 Coordinator

sdrye@hcps.ussdrye@hcps.us

Read 180Read 180(Teacher Recommendation)(Teacher Recommendation)

What is READ 180?What is READ 180? Researched based reading intervention for Researched based reading intervention for

students reading below grade level.students reading below grade level.

Who should be in READ 180?Who should be in READ 180? Students who:Students who:

Lack decoding skillsLack decoding skills Poor comprehension skills Poor comprehension skills Lack vocabulary and background knowledgeLack vocabulary and background knowledge Failure to pass SOL testsFailure to pass SOL tests

Read 180Read 180((continued)continued)

How is the program structured?How is the program structured? Whole group instruction Whole group instruction 20 minutes 20 minutes Small group instruction Small group instruction 3 twenty minute 3 twenty minute

rotationsrotations Computer stationComputer station TeacherTeacher--led stationled station Silent reading stationSilent reading station

World LanguagesWorld Languages

Mrs. Allison SilvaMrs. Allison SilvaWorld Language Teacher

French and Spanishasilva@hcps.us

World Language Choices:World Language Choices:

SpanishSpanish

FrenchFrench

LatinLatin

GermanGerman

Things to Keep in Mind When Things to Keep in Mind When Deciding on Taking a Language Deciding on Taking a Language

ALL World Languages are HIGH SCHOOL ALL World Languages are HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL classes. Students will take the same LEVEL classes. Students will take the same midmid--terms and finals that the high school terms and finals that the high school students studying their level of the language students studying their level of the language take.take.Homework is assigned virtually every night, Homework is assigned virtually every night, and students are expected to study 20and students are expected to study 20--30 30 minutes on top of homework time every day. minutes on top of homework time every day.

How do I know if my child is ready to How do I know if my child is ready to learn another language?learn another language?

Possesses strong language arts skills Able to memorize vocabulary words Excellent spellerIs able to retain knowledge over a period of timeHas a high level of self discipline Does not perceive homework as busy work Good time management skills Consistently completes homework assignmentsIs a highly motivated student who enjoys a challengePossesses good listening & note-taking skills Catches on quickly to conceptsHas abstract reasoning ability

Gifted & TalentedGifted & Talented

Mrs. Cindy BurnsMrs. Cindy BurnsGT Resource

cburns@hcps.us

Gifted and TalentedGifted and Talented

Core teachers differentiate curriculumCore teachers differentiate curriculumGoals and OutcomesGoals and Outcomes sent home at sent home at semester and end of yearsemester and end of yearStudents may elect to take GT Seminar Students may elect to take GT Seminar GT resource teacher responsibilitiesGT resource teacher responsibilities

Gifted & TalentedGifted & TalentedElective class for 6Elective class for 6thth, 7, 7thth, and 8, and 8thth gradersgradersCan be taken for a semester or the whole yearCan be taken for a semester or the whole year

Class Focus is on the following:Class Focus is on the following:Higher level thinkingHigher level thinkingCollaboration and CommunicationCollaboration and CommunicationGlobal perspective on current issuesGlobal perspective on current issuesResearch skillsResearch skillsApplication of information learned in other Application of information learned in other

classesclasses

Special EducationSpecial Education

Mrs. Stacie JohnsonMrs. Stacie JohnsonSpecial Education Senior

Teachersjohnson@hcps.us

PE/HealthPE/Health

Mr. Michael KiddMr. Michael KiddCo-Athletic DirectorP.E./Health Teacher

mkidd@hcps.us

You need a gym suit.You need a gym suit.You can use an older You can use an older siblingsiblings gym suit.s gym suit.You do have to run.You do have to run.You will have a You will have a separate gym locker.separate gym locker.You will get a letter You will get a letter grade.grade.You will have fun!You will have fun!

You do not have to take You do not have to take a shower, but you may a shower, but you may if you wish.if you wish.You will not run all You will not run all period long.period long.You do not have PE You do not have PE every day; it meets every day; it meets every other day. every other day. Some days you have Some days you have Health.Health.

AthleticsAthletics

Mr. Jeff ArcoMr. Jeff ArcoCo-Athletic Director

Civics Teacherjarco@hcps.us

SportsSports

Eligibility Requirements:Eligibility Requirements:Physicals Physicals -- After May 1, After May 1,

20132013 Passing GradesPassing Grades

CheerleadingCheerleadingFallFall girls basketballgirls basketball footballfootball boys soccerboys soccer girls tennisgirls tennis

WinterWinter boys basketballboys basketball gymnasticsgymnastics wrestlingwrestling

SpringSpring baseballbaseball girls soccergirls soccer softballsoftball boys tennisboys tennis boys/girls trackboys/girls track

Athletic EligibilityAthletic EligibilityPhysical Eligibility:Physical Eligibility:

-- requires a current physical, signed by a doctorrequires a current physical, signed by a doctor-- must be dated must be dated AFTERAFTER May 1 of current school May 1 of current school yearyear

EEx: May 24, 2013 would be eligible for the 2013x: May 24, 2013 would be eligible for the 2013--14 school year14 school year-- requires proof of insurance on the backrequires proof of insurance on the back

Physical forms are available in the SJMS main officePhysical forms are available in the SJMS main office

Physical Forms are also available online:Physical Forms are also available online:http://hcps2.hanover.k12.va.us/sjms/athletics/middleshttp://hcps2.hanover.k12.va.us/sjms/athletics/middleschoolathleticform.pdfchoolathleticform.pdf

Athletic EligibilityAthletic Eligibility

Academic Eligibility Academic Eligibility Fall & Winter Sports: Fall & Winter Sports:

-- Must pass Language Arts & Math for the Must pass Language Arts & Math for the previous school yearprevious school year

-- Must pass 3 additional year long classesMust pass 3 additional year long classes

Gymnastics & Spring Sports:Gymnastics & Spring Sports:-- Same as Fall & Winter, only students must haveSame as Fall & Winter, only students must have

passed those classes for the 1passed those classes for the 1stst SemesterSemester

Athletic EligibilityAthletic EligibilityMost Common Reasons Why a Student isMost Common Reasons Why a Student isNOTNOT Allowed to Participate in TryAllowed to Participate in Try--outs:outs:

1. Student does not have an athletic physical on file1. Student does not have an athletic physical on file2. Physical was 2. Physical was NOTNOT signed by a doctorsigned by a doctor3. Physical is out3. Physical is out--ofof--datedate4. Parents did not complete parts IV, V, & VI on back of4. Parents did not complete parts IV, V, & VI on back of

the physical formthe physical form5. Parents did not indicate that student is currently5. Parents did not indicate that student is currently

covered by an insurance policycovered by an insurance policy

Athletic EligibilityAthletic Eligibility

Question:Question: When is the best time to turn in your athletic When is the best time to turn in your athletic physical?physical?

Answer:Answer: August of 2014August of 2014

Question:Question: Who do I give the athletic physical to?Who do I give the athletic physical to?Answer:Answer: Coach Arco, Coach Kidd, Front OfficeCoach Arco, Coach Kidd, Front Office

Transition ActivitiesTransition ActivitiesStaff visits Elementary Schools: Staff visits Elementary Schools: DecemberDecemberParent/Counselor Coffee @ Elementary Parent/Counselor Coffee @ Elementary Schools: Schools: December/JanuaryDecember/JanuaryParent/Student Orientation Night: Parent/Student Orientation Night: Dec. 2Dec. 255thth graders visit SJMS for tour: graders visit SJMS for tour: AprilApril55thth grade Shadow Day: grade Shadow Day: MayMaySJ Principal visits Elementary Schools: SJ Principal visits Elementary Schools: JuneJune66thth grade Newsletter: grade Newsletter: JuneJuneOrientation, Schedules, Fees: Orientation, Schedules, Fees: AugustAugustBackBack--toto--School Night: School Night: SeptemberSeptember

Welcome to theWelcome to the

SJMSSJMS

Family!Family!SJMS . . . where Success Just

Makes Sense!