Middle School Parent Orientation

Thursday, August 9, 2018 Meet Our Middle School Team

Ms. Unwin - 5th grade Homeroom, 5th Literature, English, Writing, Vocabulary, Social Studies, Religion, 6th grade English/Writing,

Mr. Stephens - 6th grade Homeroom, 6th Literature, Vocabulary, Social Studies, Religion, 5th/6th grade math (half)

Mrs. Weis - 7th grade Homeroom, 7th/8th Literature, 7th religion

Mrs. St. Charles - 8th grade Homeroom, 8th History, 7th grade Standard Math/8th grade Pre-algebra, 8th grade Religion, Catholic Math League (3rd - 6th)

Mrs. Williamson - 5th/6th Math (Half), Pre-Algebra in 7th and Algebra in 8th) Meet Our Middle School Team Mrs. Meriwether - 7th/8th English, 7th Geography, Learning Specialist

Mr. Knoop - Science 5-8

Mrs. Gordon - Spanish

Mrs. Foster - Technology

Mrs. Revere - Art, Mrs. Schwarz/Mr.Schletzer - Music/Band, Mr. Vance - PE, Mrs. Wood, Library Development of Skills The Joyful Struggle... Teachers are working together to facilitate growth in student independence, self-reliance, and the ability to take on increasing levels of responsibility as students move up from 5th through 8th grade.

Expectations are raised as students progress through the middle school grades.

Grades are a snapshot of student knowledge. We use Option C as a communication tool for grades and conduct.

We try to embed an egalitarian concept (all humans are equal in fundamental worth) into daily life so there is less time devoted to managing discipline.

A Growth Mindset At CKS, we provide academic rigor so it is important to reinforce a growth mindset with students during the learning process. We want students to enjoy learning and develop resilience.

● Learning takes time ● Mistakes are proof that you are trying ● You can do hard things ● There is a difference between not knowing and not knowing YET ● Don’t give up until you are proud ● Every mistake you make is progress ● There is no elevator to success. You have to take the stairs. ● Did you do your best work? Lifelong Learners Our goal is for students to graduate from CKS with the skills and mindset they need to successfully manage their work in future settings. We want students to be lifelong learners! Math Classes Important Math Info

● 5th-6th grade math classes are split heterogeneously ● 7th-8th grade are split on readiness ○ The curriculum is advanced for some of the students in these grades ● Expect homework to be assigned every night ● Weekly assessments in all classes ● STAR assessments and Accelerated Math (ACC Math) are used to help gear instruction to your student’s needs ● Interactive Notebooks (journals) are used in all the math classes ○ Students should bring journals home every night Science “Full Timeout” ● Class Structure ○ 5th - 6th ○ 7th - 8th Science / Lit Split / 4 days a week ○ Benefits ○ Travel ● HS Input ● Science Olympiad ● Lab Invite in September Literature and Accelerated Reader Middle School Language Arts

Literature, Vocabulary Workshop English Grammar, Formal Writing

Ms. Unwin - 5th Ms. Unwin - 5th/6th

Mr. Stephens - 6th Mrs. Meriwether - 7th/8th (Formal Descriptive, Expository, Argumentative Writing) Mrs. Weis - 7th/8th, Formal Narrative Writing Accelerated Reader

What is Accelerated Reader?

- Computer based program which helps guide kids toward books that align with their individual reading levels determined through STAR reading assessments; AR is required for grades 5-8 and included in literature grade monthly for 5th grade and quarterly for 6th-8th grade

Benefits of Accelerated Reader

- Interest Oriented - Individualized Attention - Time Management - Reading Confidence

How can you help?

- Encourage reading at home 20-30 minutes a night - Visit arbookfind.com as resource to find the right books for your child Teacher-Parent Communication Teacher-Parent Communication

Communication is expected to begin between the student and the teacher and continue with the parents.

Encourage your middle school students to advocate for themselves with their teachers. Parent intervention will be back up support.

Teachers will share communication with each other about student issues that affect all classes such as illness or injuries.

Friday Folder- please look over work & sign, encourage “redos” Email vs. Phone Call

● Regarding major concerns please call or request a meeting ● Emails are great for scheduling, logistics, extra information ● Contact subject-specific teacher to address concerns about make up work, grades, or discipline Organization Keys to Success: Organizing & Managing Time

⚫Organization & Time Management begins with 5th-8th binder system

⚫Increase of responsibilities at each grade level

⚫Teacher classroom expectations detailed in letter first week of school

⚫Consistency between parents and teachers holds students accountable

⚫Our goal: Students will leave CKS equipped with the skills to navigate through high school independently. Study Skills Goal: Preparation for lifelong learners and the next level of education

Students are expected to take notes and actively participate in instruction Active note-taking supports the learning process Interactive notebooks Teachers will model note taking Notes should be reviewed each night for to review a concept, used to support homework/practice, and used to prepare for assessments Goal: Preparation for lifelong learners and the next level of education

Homework will be assigned nightly (excluding Fridays and weekends). Homework must be completed on time to receive full credit - Junior High Late Work Policy Students will write homework in agenda Homework is independent practice Please encourage your child to talk to the teacher See teacher policies for communication on late homework Goal: Preparation for lifelong learners and the next level of education

Exams and Assessments - Learning how to study Assessments will be given regularly in core classes. Study Strategies Formal Exams in grades 6-8 -Mid-terms (December 11-13)& Finals in May 14-16 Study Guides Keep graded work from Friday Folders Goal: Preparation for lifelong learners and the next level of education

Quality Work Guidelines Quality work is expected for all assignments Encourage your child to “redo” Friday folder Students can type formal assignments unless stated otherwise by teacher Formal handwriting is still taught in grades 5-6. Cursive writing in ink is required for formal assignments Complete headings on papers are expected: name, number subject, date Goal: Preparation for lifelong learners and the next level of education

Managing time effectively This is a very important skill for adolescents to learn Project/test calendars will be shared with parents Check the weekly teacher newsletters Make a family calendar Check the agenda for daily assignments

When your child is ready, slowly allow them to become more independent. Middle School Major Class Projects Projects by Grade

The expectation is that these are going to take multiple weeks to complete. The students will spend time working on these in class and outside of class.

5th- BizTown Civics and Economics

6th- STEM Fair Project usually in April

7th- Religion Themed

8th- Formal Research Paper due at the end of 3rd Quarter Assisted Study Hall CKS Assisted Study Hall: Mon, Tue, Thur.

● A quiet place to get assistance with assignments, supervised academic time ● 3 days a week, 3:00-4:15 pm ● 1st Sign up on Sign-Up Genius in advance--- link on CKS website ● 2nd $10.00 pay online and enter your dates ● Expectations and details on CKS website: Mrs. Meriwether ● Limit 25 students per session ● Must be picked up by an adult on time or student will be taken to aftercare ● https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0444a8a623a7fc1-cksassisted ● https://www.ctk.org/donate ● Registration is NOT complete unless payment is submitted Use of Technology Technology

● The Acceptable Use of Technology form is included in the student handbook. More details will be discussed during computer class. ● Students will use a variety of devices at school- tablets, Chromebooks, and PC’s in the computer lab. ● All middle school students need access to a device for home use. We do not specify the type of device because students may need to purchase a specific one for high school use. ● Students will learn skills in Computer class that will aid them in completing projects for other subject areas. Uniform Information Uniform All uniforms should be Educational Outfitters, unless wearing the Parker old uniform for one more year

When uniforms are outgrown, too tight, too worn, or hems are too short, please replace with new Educational Outfitters uniforms

Shoe policy - rubber-soled sneakers, mary janes, saddle oxfords, Sperry’s authentic two-eye original boat shoe, or Merrell jungle mocs in solids or combinations of black, white, gray, brown or tan. Red accent allowed on 25% of sneaker as are accents in any of the listed shoe colors.

Sock policy - black or white solid crew sock, bobby sock, or knee hi sock, must cover the ankle bone, small logo in black or white allowed