August 2017Dear Parent/Guardian,

Welcome to Middle School! We are very excited about this school year and we look forward to working with you and your child.

In an effort to streamline the amount of paperwork families are asked to complete at the start of each school year, we have created this packet of important documents. Attached is information about 6th grade teachers, information regarding the 6th grade expectations and behavior policy, an overview of 6th grade policies and procedures as well as information about how you can be involved in your daughter’s education

We ask that you and your student carefully read the attached information and return this cover sheet only. Please initial next to each listed document to indicate that you have received the information. If you have questions about any of the information included in the packet, please contact your child’s team leader. If you have questions or concerns about any syllabus you receive throughout the course of the school year, please contact the teacher of the class.

Please sign and return to your team lead teacher by Friday, August 25, 2017.______________________________________________________________________________

I have read the following documents (included in packet):

______ 6th Grade Expectations and Discipline Procedures

______ Gum, Tardy, Uniform Policy

______ Olmsted Academy South Uniform Policy

I have read and received the following syllabi: ______ Math ______ Science

______ Intervention ______ Language Arts

Student Name (Printed) ____________________________________________

Student signature __________________________________________________

Parent Name (Printed) _____________________________________________

Parent signature ___________________________________________________

Phone Number ____________________________________________________________

E-mail address ____________________________________________________________

Preferred method of contact:

Phone call E-mail Letter home Text

6th Grade Contact Information & Content Overview** denotes team leader

Language ArtsContent Overview:

Teachers: Ms. Bryant (King’s Daughter): sarah.bryant@jefferson.kyschools.us Mrs. Wade-Hesse (Sweet Alliance)**: jennifer.wade@jefferson.kyschools.us Mrs. Washington (Blush with Pride)**: kimberlee.washington@jefferson.kyschools.us

MathContent Overview: In sixth grade, our instruction focuses on four critical areas:1. Connecting ratio and rate to whole number multiplication and division and using concepts of ratio and rate to solve problems;2. Completing understanding of division of fractions and extending the notion of number to the system of rational numbers, which includes negative numbers;3. Writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations; and4. Developing understanding of statistical thinking.

Teachers: Mrs. Carey (Sweet Alliance): paula.carey@jefferson.kyschools.us Mrs. Moulding (King’s Daughter)**: magen.moulding@jefferson.kyschools.us Ms. Wienckowski (Blush with Pride): kirsten.wienckowski@jefferson.kyschools.us

ScienceContent Overview:

Teachers: Ms. Jackson (King’s Daughter): constance.jackson@jefferson.kyschools.us Mrs. Jensen (Sweet Alliance): mallory.jensen@jefferson.kyschools.us Ms. Rice (Blush with Pride): cydney.rice@jefferson.kyschools.us

Intervention TeachersMrs. Blandford (ESL): emily.blandford@jefferon.kyschools.us

Mr. Brawn (Social Studies): matthew.brawn@jefferson.kyschools.us Mrs. Kaufman (Math): cherie.kaufman@jefferson.kyschools.us

Ms. Maas (ECE): amanda.mass@jefferson.kyschools.usMr. Rodriguez (ESL): reinaldo.rodriguezfreyre@jefferson.kyschools.usMr. Webb (Language Arts): christopher.webb@jefferson.kyschools.us

Mr. Brawn, Mrs. Kaufman, and Mr. Webb will rotate every 12 weeks so that they see students from all 3 teams. Mrs. Blandford, Mr. Rodriguez, and Ms. Maas will work with the same students

all year.

Ms. Shonda Gilbert – 6th grade assistant principalShonda.gilbert@jefferson.kyschools.us

6th Grade InformationAgendas Every student is provided with an agenda at the beginning of the school year. Every teacher provides time in class for students to record assignments in their agenda so that they know what they should be working on at home. This is, also, the perfect place for you to communicate with teachers. Although, teachers encourage students to use their agendas and will check agendas from time to time; it is up to the students to notify teachers if they have a note from home. Per school rules, students must have their agendas in order to receive a pass out of class. The agenda also includes information about our school uniform policy, dress down day guidelines, the middle school grading scale and lots of other valuable information for students and families. New agendas can be purchased in the bookstore before school for $5.

BathroomsStudents have escorted bathroom breaks twice daily. Students also have the opportunity to use the restroom before 1st period. In emergency situations, students may use a hallway pass in their agenda to use the restroom.

Late Work6th grade teachers will accept late work until the last week of the grading period. Grade deductions will occur at the discretion of the teacher and may depend on the type of assignment and how late the assignment was submitted.

LockersEach student receives their own locker two-to-three weeks into the school year. Students are not allowed to share lockers; locker combinations are not to be shared. Students go to their lockers before and after school. Students will not be given passes to go to their locker during the day.

SuppliesStudents are expected to come to class prepared every day. This includes their agendas, pencils and pens, notebooks, folders and completed assignments. Please refer to the district supply list below.

1 pack loose‐leaf paper 1 box colored pencils or markers 7 notebooks 7 two‐pocket folders 24 pens/pencils

SyllabiTeachers will be sending home syllabi for their class during the first or second week of school. Each syllabus provides an overview of the content that will be taught, grading information, supplies needed for the class, and contact information for the teacher. Please note that each syllabus will list the supplies needed for the course. Review this information carefully as some teachers may request a certain color folder or notebook for their course. Please initial next to each class listed on the cover letter as you receive and review each syllabus.

6th Grade Expectations & Discipline Procedures6th Grade Expectations –Each student will:

come to class prepared to learn with all required materials; follow school and classroom rules; respect others; respect our school and materials; and bring agenda to school and show planner to parent/guardian each day.

Classroom Discipline Procedures –We will use many proactive strategies to encourage positive behavior in our classrooms

and school building. Student conferences, verbal warnings, “take a break” and “buddy room” are examples of these opportunities for students to reflect on and correct behavior. However, when these preventative strategies do not extinguish negative behaviors, we will follow the discipline plan detailed below.

We will be using a conduct mark system for negative behaviors. Conduct marks will be earned for the following uncorrected behaviors:

Disrespect to peers Disrespect to adult Refusal to follow directives Disruptive in class Talking in class Calling out

Sleeping in class Out of seat without permission Hallway/Transition Behavior Bathroom Behavior Off Task No Materials/Not Prepared for Class

We will use a tiered system of consequences tied directly to the amount of conduct marks received during a weeklong period. The consequences are as follows:

3 conduct marks: Student conference with teacher assigning the 3rd mark 5 conduct marks: Lunch detention and parent phone call 7 conduct marks: 30 minute detention (before or after school) 10 conduct marks: 1 hour after school detention or (2) thirty minute detentions before

school and a teacher conference 11+ conduct marks: The 6th grade Assistant Principal will be notified of the behavior.

Conduct marks will be counted from Monday - Friday with detention notifications being assigned the next Monday. Detention notifications will be given to the student on Monday in addition to a copy that is mailed home. Students must have a signed detention notification in order to serve detention. Detention can be served Thursday or Friday after school, or Tuesday – Friday before school.

Parents/guardians should also be aware that some actions of a more serious nature (i.e. fighting, harassment, etc.) will result in immediate referral to administration. Also, chronic or repetitive infractions during a class period or school day may result in immediate referral to administration.

Gum, Tardy, and Uniform PolicyTo assist the school in monitoring school wide rules, the sixth grade teachers will use a school wide system to track behaviors that violate school wide policies. These policies include:

Gum, Food, and Drinks Tardiness Uniform

Students may choose to bring lunch from home; however, it must be kept in a bag or lunchbox. All food items must remain in the container until students are in the cafeteria. Food is not allowed to leave the cafeteria. Students who require a water bottle for medical reasons are required to file a doctor’s note with the office. Gum chewing is not allowed at school for safety and sanitary reasons.

Per school policy, students are considered tardy to class if they are not in their assigned seat in the classroom when the tardy bell rings.

The Olmsted Academy South Uniform policy can be found in the front of student agendas. The uniform policy is also copied below for your convince. Students are expected to be dressed according to the uniform policy every day. In the event of a dress down day, please make sure that students who choose to participate follow all dress down day guidelines outlined in the agenda.

We will be following policy when assigning consequences. Students who violate one of the school policies three or more times will be assigned a one-hour administrative detention. After each detention, the tracking system will reset. For example, a student may have 1 mark for gum, 1 mark for a tardy, and 1 mark for a uniform violation but they would NOT have detention because each violation occurred one time. However, a student with 3 marks for gum would have detention.

Violations will be tracked for an entire semester. Detention notifications will be given to the student on Monday in addition to a copy that is mailed home. Students must have a signed detention notification in order to serve detention

Uniform PolicyPlease review the uniform policy carefully to ensure compliance each day.

SLACKS – Only navy blue or black uniform pants can be worn. Uniform pants are cotton twill with no outside pockets on the back of pants. No shorts. No capri pants. No rivets or cuts/slits anywhere on them. No cut off, ragged hems or cargo pants. No leggings, jeggings or yoga pants.

OAS SWEATPANTS– OAS Sweatpants may be worn on Fridays only.

SKIRTS - Olmsted Academy South plaid only or ankle-length, solid black or navy blue skirts (for religious purposes). Skirts must have no rivets or cuts/slits anywhere on them. No writing or decorations. No cut off or ragged hems. Skorts in the Olmsted print are not permitted.

LEGGINGS – Leggings may be worn underneath skirts only. Leggings must be solid navy blue, black or white only. Leggings cannot have prints, adornments, rips, or tears.

SHOES and SOCKS - Sneakers with eyelets must have laces. (No boot-like sneakers – Sneakers cannot be above ankle height.) No shoes with heels. Shoes must have a hard sole. Slide in shoes or house shoes are not allowed. All shoes must completely cover toes and heels of feet.

Uniform Policy ContinuedBOOTS – Boots must be worn under the pants’ legs. (Pants must fit over the shafts of the boots.)

SHIRTS - White oxford – may only be worn with a sweatshirt, sweater or vest with the Olmsted logo. Pink, Yellow or gray 3-button polo shirts (all polo shirts must have the Olmsted logo). Any OAS shirt may be worn on any day.

UNDERSHIRTS: White or any OAS short sleeve t-shirt. Undershirts should not hang below shirt. Undershirts cannot be long sleeves underneath polos or short sleeve shirts.

SWEATSHIRTS must have the official Olmsted Logo or be an Olmsted Academy South group (no hooded sweatshirts). Color: Gray or Navy Blue

SWEATERS (V-Neck or Cardigan) must be worn with a white oxford shirt or school polo shirt and have the Olmsted Logo. Color: Navy Blue, Black or Gray

SWEATER VESTS must be worn with an oxford cloth or school polo shirt and have the Olmsted Logo. Color: Navy Blue, Black or Gray

PURSES - All purses must be no larger than a piece of paper (8 ½ x 11 in.) in size.

OPTIONAL - Olmsted Ties (with oxford shirts) / Headbands / Scrunches

COATS/JACKETS/BOOKBAGS/BACKPACKS/HATS and GLOVES - dThese items must be left in lockers and may not be worn or carried in the building.

SPORTS ATTIRE – Team uniform or warm up may be worn on game day only.

General Rules:

Jewelryo Earrings must be singles; cannot wear earrings that connect by a chain to other part of

ear. (Hoop earrings must be 1.5 inches or smaller.) o No large medallions or charms or dog collars chokers.o No visible facial piercings of any kind.o No buttons, tags, labels, or memorial necklaces.

Headbands/Hijabso Solid color hijab only. No patterns or adornments.o Solid color headbands – must be no wider than 1 ½ inches.o Headbands cannot have writing, prints, or adornments. Knitted or sweater fabric

headbands/ear warmer bands are not permitted to be worn during the school day. Miscellaneous

o No writing on the body or clothing is allowed. No visible tattoos.o No hats, bandanas, hair rakes/combs, sweatbands, wave caps, night time hair clips, hair

rollers, or sunglasses

Dress Down Day GuidelinesAcceptable Dress Down Day Attire:

Capris, pants or jeans (No holes, rips, or tears, etc.) Skirts must be appropriate length (knee length) Shirts without holes, profanity, derogatory, or violent images or phrases. Shirts must have sleeves and must not expose the stomach or back area. Shoes must have a back; no sandals, flip flops, house shoes, slip on shoes No jackets, hoodies, shorts.

No inappropriate graphics or words. (Participation date and requirements will be announced prior to the event.)

Family Support for LearningGoing from elementary to middle school can be an exciting and sometimes difficult transition. We strongly encourage the family of each young lady to be actively involved in their student’s education.

Here are some ways you can get involved:

Classroom Visits: Feel free to schedule a visit to our classrooms at any time during the school year to observe. Please call or email ahead for an appointment.

Homework Help: Simply spending time with your student and encouraging her hard work makes an incredible impact.

Open House: Olmsted Academy South’s open house is scheduled for Thursday, August 31 from 6 to 8 pm. This is a great chance to meet your child’s teachers. This is NOT an opportunity for individual conferences.

Progress Reports: These will be issued regularly, typically every 3 weeks, so please ask your student. You can also keep up to date with the parent portal online.

Parent/Teacher Conferences: Students will bring home information as this nears. Conferences are currently scheduled for Tuesday, October 10 and Monday, February 26.

Volunteer Records Check: Please fill out this form and return to the school so you can join us on field trips and other activities at the school.

Keep in TouchIn addition to the e-mail address listed on the second page, all teachers can be reached at (502) 485-8270. Please leave a message and 6th grade teachers will return your call during their planning period. The planning period for sixth grade teachers is from 12:30 -1:15 pm.

You can also keep up to date with what is happening at OAS at our school webpage http://www.jefferson.k12.ky.us/Schools/Middle/OlmstedSouth/index.html. Additionally, several teachers have class websites, which are linked to on our school webpage. Information about class behavior is available through class dojo at classdojo.com. Login information will be sent home with students no later than the last week of August.

Quick Reference SheetPlease refer to the information below to help ease the transition into middle school.

No drinks are allowed during classes. Students may bring unopened juice bags, boxes, cartons, etc. into the cafeteria as part of their lunch. Drink bottles are not allowed at any time. Milk may be purchased from the cafeteria.

In keeping with the Federal Nutrition Guidelines parents may not bring outside foods into the building to share with students. Cakes, cupcakes, cookies and candy are not allowed for birthday or special event celebrations. Fast food items should not be brought in for student consumption.

Flowers, balloons, stuffed animals, and gifts are not allowed. The Transportation Department does not allow balloons, flowers or oversized stuffed animals on school buses. We will not interrupt classroom instructional time to deliver gifts.

Gum and candy are not allowed in the building at any time. We do not give phone messages to students or interrupt class instruction for parent phone

calls. Please make sure that you have discussed daily transportation needs and after school care with your child prior or leaving home each morning. Make sure your child knows where a spare key is hidden in the event they leave home without one.

A photo ID will be required when picking up a student early. Only the individuals on the enrollment from will be allowed to sign a student out of school early. We will not accept permission over the phone.

Uniform pants must be in compliance with the OAS 2017-2018 Uniform Dress Code. Pants must be of uniform pattern and cannot have any form of leg pockets. Pants may not be made of denim, jean, corduroy, or spandex material. Pants may not have rivets or pockets on the back. OAS sweat pants may be worn on Fridays only.

Uniform shirts must be in compliance with the OAS 2017-2018 Uniform Policy. White oxford – may only be worn with a sweatshirt, sweater or vest with the Olmsted logo. Pink, Yellow or gray 3-button polo shirts (all polo shirts must have the Olmsted logo). Any OAS shirt may be worn any day.

Body Piercing other than the ear lobes may not be visible. Hoop earrings must be smaller than 1.5 inches.

Visible tattoos are not permitted Electronics may not be used, activated, or displayed from the time students enter the

building until they leave at the end of the day. Phones are expected to be locked in student lockers all day and are not to be carried with the student. Lost or stolen devices are not the responsibility of OAS. Please refer to the Student Handbook in the agenda regarding all student electronic/telecommunication devices.

No toys are to be brought to school. This includes fidget spinners and slime.