Welcome to Granite Oaks Middle School

1. Welcome to Granite Oaks Middle School Jay Holmes, Principal Jeff Christensen, Assistant Principal

2. Don’t Worry… You Will Survive Middle School!!!

3. GOMS Fun Facts • ► GOMS is in its 14th year • ► GOMS is Top Ranked Middle School in Placer and Sacramento Counties with API score of 916 on last year’s CST tests • ► Currently over 900 students enrolled • ► 74% of all GOMS students maintained a 3.0 GPA or higher during the first semester • ► Plethora of things to do at GOMS – Sports, clubs, student senate, CJSF, service learning projects, math and science Olympiads

4. Academy System • ● School within a School • Core Subjects - Mathematics, Language Arts, World History, Life Science • ● Placement • Computer Generated • Math • No Requests

5. Traditional or Integrated Pathways CCCSS Math 8 is a new set of standards different from our previous California State Standards 8th grade math Math 8 now incorporates topics that had previously been taught in Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra ll CCCSS requires a large leap in rigor expectations from our students Most surrounding districts are moving to Integrated Pathway

6. CA Dept. of Ed. Pathways Traditional Pathway 6-12 Accelerated Traditional Pathway 6-12 Accelerated Decision Point http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/ma/cf/documents/aug2013apxacourseplace.pdf

7. CA Dept. of Ed. Pathways Integrated Pathway 6-12 Accelerated Integrated Pathway 6-12 Accelerated Decision Point http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/ma/cf/documents/aug2013apxacourseplace.pdf

8. GOMS Clubs • GOMS offers a variety of student clubs

9. 2014-15 Incoming Student Immunization Requirement • All students must meet requirement for TDAP immunization in order to attend school on August 19, 2014. There is no grace period/extension to receive the vaccine after school starts. • Submit proof of vaccine to current school as soon as possible: • 1 dose of Tdap, Adacel, Boostrix • Date of vaccine must be given on or after 7th birthday • Proof considered printout from doctor or CA Immunization Yellow Card with students name, DOB, vaccine name, date vaccine administered, name of clinic or doctor administering vaccination • Additional information regarding vaccines and Placer County Clinics available at: • http://www.rocklin.k12.ca.us and http://www.shotsforschool.org

10. Changes In Your Student • Onset of Puberty • Physical & Chemical Changes“Hormone City” • Brain is actually rewiring: • Decision Making • Emotions / Sensitivity • Behaviorally lack impulse control • Leads to  Middle School Drama

11. Transitions • 7th Grade Focus • Transition from elementary to middle school • 8th Grade Focus • Transition from middle school to high school

12. Safe Schools • Highest Priority - Establish Safe and Positive Learning Environment • We CARE about your Student • Treat students with Respect and Value • Cyber Communication Challenges • Parental Monitoring Facebook, Text Messaging Instant Messaging , etc. • No cell phone use on campus 8:30 – 3:10

13. Bully Prevention • Bullying – Most common 6th, 7th and 8th • Proactive Philosophy – • 7th/8th Grade Assemblies • • Rachel’s Challenge • • Address Reports

14. Discipline Policy • Merit System • Detention System • Academy Detention – 30 minutes • Referrals to Office • Friday School – 3:15 – 5:30 pm • Suspensions

15. Dress Code • All clothing shall be within the bounds of decency and good taste. • Please check student handbook for specifics.

16. Let’s have a great experience!!! • Encourage your student as he or she becomes a young adult. • Communicate with school personnel • Jay Holmes – 315-9009 Ext. 3800 or jholmes@rocklin.k12.ca.us • Jeff Christensen - 315-9009 Ext. 3804 or jchristensen@rocklin.k12.ca.us

17. Welcome Parents to Student Services Linda Marcarian Rosemary Elston Middle School Counselors

18. Counselor’s Role • Monitor Academics • Advocate for Students • Personal, Social and Emotional Support • Introduce the High School Exit Examination • Begin Planning for High School Graduation • Explore Career and College Options • Referrals

19. Transition Years • Stay involved • Encourage communication • Interact with teachers • Access grades/assignments online • Support development of organization, time management, and study skills • Encourage involvement • Promote independence and accountability

20. School Day • 8:30 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. • Separate lunches – 7th grade (12:02 – 12:37) • Nutrition Break: No recess • Passing period (3 minutes) • Before school / After school help available with teachers

21. Homework for 7th Grade • One to two hours four (4) to five (5) days per week • Determine daily study schedule • Identify quiet place for studying • Be available for assistance • Library is open for homework completion and studying Tuesday through Friday (3:10 to 4:00)

22. Electives • Art • Band • Chorus • Orchestra • Manufacturing Technology • Home Economics • Exploratory Spanish Two electives per year (Fall and Spring Semester) Electives are schedule based on course availability – no guarantees Band and Orchestra are two semester courses Electives are exploratory in content – (do not meet high school pre-requisites)

23. Registration Process • Feeder School Visits --- March 26 and April 2, 2014 • Educational Plan Worksheet (course selection) distributed by elementary teachers • Due Monday, April 7, 2014 to elementary teachers • W.E.B. Day --- August 13, 2014 (9am – 12 noon)

24. Math • Preliminary Math Placement Test - May 2014 at Feeder Schools • Final Math Placement Test – First week of school – 7th grade (Placement Test, math grades)

25. Athletics East Division Wilson C. Riles Olympus Cavitt Twelve Bridges E.V.Cain Creekview Ranch Glen Edwards West Division Granite Oaks Eich Spring View Bujan Antelope Crossing Silverado Cooley Contact: Jerry Ryan (916) 315-9009, xt. 3901 jryan@rocklin.k12.ca.us • Fall --- Cross Country ( no cut), Flag Football, Girls Volleyball • Winter --- Wrestling (no cut), Boys/Girls Basketball • Spring --- Track & Field (no cut) • Academic and Citizenship Eligibility • Good citizenship by following the school rules • 80 or more merits per quarter • No more that one “U” on a grade check • 2.0 grade point average • No more than one “NM” grade per quarter Voluntary Athletic Contributions Accepted

26. Eligibility • Academic , Athletic, Activities • Good citizenship by following the school rules • 80 or more merits per quarter • 2.0 grade point average • No more than one “NM” grade per quarter

27. Music Concert Band Orchestra Chorus Contact: Mary Dick (916) 315-9009, xt. 3005 mdick@rocklin.k12.ca.us

28. Student Activities Associated Student Body School Activities Fundraisers Dances

29. Parent Falcon Club Myth - Once your child gets to Middle School, they don’t need help from Parents. Fact - There are LOTS of ways a parent can help! It’s just different than in Elementary School. The PFC supports our students, teachers and school by: donating time, talents and expertise, as well as financing projects that would not otherwise be possible.

30. How Can You Help? • √ Board Positions OPEN! • √ PFC Membership • √ Magazine/Cookie Dough Sales (Sept/Oct) • √ Teacher/Staff Appreciation – Monthly • √ Fundraising to meet school needs / deficits • √ Save Mart ~ eScrip • √ Box Tops and Soup Labels – Library Books • √ Leverage “connections” you have in the community

31. Your First Opportunity • We are NOT your typical Elementary School PTC! • Become a PFC Member • Sign up tonight! • Help a Little or a Lot! It’s up to you! • All parents are encouraged to help. • “Many hands make light work” • E-mail address: graniteoakspfc@yahoo.com

32. So Far, So Good???

33. Question and Answer Session • We will be staying to answer any questions you might have regarding GOMS! • We hope you have a great night! • See you next year!