1 McAllen ISD Middle School Coaches Middle School Coaches UIL Orientation.
Middle School Orientation
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Transcript of Middle School Orientation
Middle School Orientation
Buena Vista Middle School
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
From 1 to 6: The Great Transition
• School starts at 8:15 and gets out at 2:55.• Middle Schoolers take 6, 49-minute classes and 1, 33-
minute Activity Class:HomeroomLanguage ArtsSocial StudiesLiterature/InterventionMathPE/HealthScienceActivity
Academics
• Classes will rotate daily (AB, CD, EF)• 3 Trimesters• Letter grades and grade point average• Formal progress reports every 6 weeks• Each student/parent will receive an Illuminate
account to check student’s progress (updated approximately every 2-3 weeks)
• Eligibility (2.0 grade point average, no F’s,less than 3 U’s)
Academics (continued)
• Stronger emphasis on testing
• Organization and time management crucial
• 60-90 minutes of homework on average
• Home set of textbooks
How can a parent help?
• Know your child’s strengths and weaknesses (organization, testing, participation, etc.)
• At first, check assignment calendar nightly• When absent, check teacher web pages at
http://www.spreckelsunionsd.org. (Learn how to access them the first couple days of school)
• Be visible-on campus, with teachers, etc.• Attend “Back to School Night” (August 21st)
How can parents help (continued)?
• Work as partners with school
• Establish a quiet, regular time and place for child to complete homework
• Review returned work and conduct binder/backpack checks
• Set realistic goals with child each trimester
• Monitor phone/computer time, social media…
• Don’t hesitate to call/email with concerns!
Extracurriculars/Enrichment
• Clubs (Sign Club, Animal Club, Eco Club…)• Academic Opportunities (Spelling Bee, ROV,
Mathletics…)• Activities (Drama, Leadership, Chess, Crochet…)• Band during “zero period” (7:30-8:15 am)• ASB
Extracurriculars (cont.)
• Sports – Fall: Soccer, Volleyball, Cross Country– Winter: Basketball – Spring: Golf , Tennis, Track-n-Field
Technology
• Fully equipped technology lab• Internet agreement must be signed• K-8 Technology Committee• Rotating schedule• Open at break and lunch• Google Docs• Accelerated Reader and Accelerated Math• Measure B Update
Discipline Policy
• High Behavioral Expectations• Detention, Community Service, Loss of Activities• All rules and consequences listed in student
handbook• New trends to watch for: Cyber Bullying &
“Soap Opera” Mentality
What to expect?
• CHANGE!!– Styles– Friends– Hormones– Language– Influences– Decision making
BVMS 2014
• 6th grade
BVMS 2017
• 8th grade
What to do?
• Communicate with your child: school, friends, hobbies, etc.
• Maintain high expectations and reinforce school rules
• Realize that your child wants to be treated as an adult but isn’t emotionally, organizationally, or physically there yet.
• If minor interventions don’t work, fill out Student Study Team referral.
What to do? (continue)
• Communicate with school: district website, parent email ([email protected]), conferences, etc.
• Don’t hesitate to ask for help!! Start with the teacher, but principal’s door is always open.
• Sit back and enjoy the ride!! Teenagers are fun to observe and are extremely resilient.
• Join Buena Vista Bobcat Club and Spreckels Union Educational Foundation!!! Look for handouts the first week of school.
Summer Preparation
• Review math facts
• Read 30 minutes per night
• Keep a writing journal
• Dress code*
• Necessary materials*http://www.spreckelsunionsd.org/Page/1008 *
Important Dates for 2014-15
• Paper Round Up-Mandatory: August 7 at BVMS• First Day of School: August 20• Back to School Night: August 21• Thanksgiving Break: 11/24-28• Winter Break: 12/22-1/5• February Break: 2/16-20• Spring Break: 4/6-10• Last Day of School: June 10
Questions?
• Ask away!!