Welcome to North Lake Middle School !

1. Welcome to North Lake Middle School! North Lake…a Community of Learners connected to each other and to the world. Office: 425-335-1530 Guidance: 425-335-1554

2. You Can Count On Us~ • We are committed to helping students develop habits of academic growth, personal accountability and, and social responsibility. • Every attempt will be made to maintain the dignity and self-respect of students and adults. North Lake Middle School

3. THE THREE R’s OF BULLDOG PRIDE • Respect for Learning • Respect for People • Respect for Property

4. Registration for 2012/13 • March: NLMS counselor will visit Mt. Pilchuck (4/11), Highland (4/10), and Sunnycrest (4/12) Elementary Schools for online registration. • Early June: 5th graders will visit North Lake to get familiar with the school, have lunch, and attend classes. • Late August: August 29-Student Prep Day for students and parents to get schedules and locate classrooms.

5. What Might a Sixth Grader’s Schedule Look Like? Example

6. What Is the Exploratory Program? Sixth Grade Exploratories OPTION 1: One semester each of . . . Wood Shop and Technology OPTION 2: A Full Year of Band or Choir

7. Are Challenge Courses Right for you? Do You: • Demonstrate the ability and willingness to work at an accelerated pace • Exceed standard (level 4) on the previous year’s MSP test in the content area for which you are registering • Perform above grade level • Demonstrate strong organizational skills, complete assignments, and turn them in on time • Take responsibility for your own learning and ask for help/clarification when needed • Persevere - You must commit for the entire year

8. 6th Grade Challenge Courses • Challenge Language Arts Success Criteria • Met or exceeded standard on the 4th grade MSP in reading and writing • 5th grade teacher recommendation • Met or exceeded standard on 5th grade MSP reading (to be checked in August) • Challenge Math Success Criteria • Met or exceeded standard on most recent MSP math • Earned a four (4) grade in 5th grade math by the end of second trimester • 5th grade teacher recommendation

9. Making Your Selections • Make your choices carefully, and be sure you are committed to the classes you select. • Once schedules are created, our ability to change classes during the year is limited due to class size.

10. Make Attendance A Priority -Instructional time is irreplaceable A Key to Success • We require a written note OR a phone call within 3 days to excuse all absences • When a student is absent from school, he or she is expected to make up all missed assignments within a reasonable time. Example: 2 days absent = 2 days to make up the work. • We consider daily attendance essential to student success. When planning vacations, please refer to the district calendar to avoid scheduling conflicts. • A good rule of thumb is to not miss more than 10 days per semester. When considering tardies, 3 tardies = 1 absence.

11. Use the Agenda as a Daily Planner • Each student is given an Agenda at the beginning of the school year. • Students write down daily activities during classes; Parents check to see what their child may need to do at home. A Key to Success

12. Three More Keys To Success • Work Completion – Scores earned for class work, homework, and tests will be tracked in order to assign grades. Missing work will earn zeros, so it is imperative that all work is turned in. • Set aside a study time each evening.Even when there may not be written work to do, this is a perfect time for reading and studying for upcoming tests. • Check Grades Regularly. Choose one day per week to check grades on online through Family Access. You will also receive progress reports following the 6th and 12th weeks of each semester.

13. Communication • Family Access • Ask nightly to see your student’s agenda. • Subscribe to the NLMS website – Go to the Parents and Students link to sign up for e-alerts. • Stay in touch with teachers – email is a wonderful tool for communication. • Newsletters are posted on the NLMS website. If you’d like a copy mailed to you, simply make the a request through our office.

14. Enrichment Opportunities • Academics, Service, Arts, and Athletics • Grade Doctor • Math Club • Assistance from teachers by appointment • Builders Club • Science Olympiad • ASB Activities • Jazz Band • Cooking and Sewing Club • Battle of the Books • Running Club

15. Athletic Opportunities 6th Graders may workout, but competitions are limited to 7th graders: Fall: Cross Country Winter: Wrestling Spring: Track and Field

16. Getting Ready for North Lake • August Back-to-School Newsletter • Student Prep Day-August 29 • Find your children’s classrooms • Familiarize yourselves with the campus • Make purchases • PE Shorts/Shirts: $14 • ASB cards: $15 required for music students, athletes, and club participants • Shop Fees: $24 • Yearbook: $28

17. Making Connections • General Questions: Mrs. Hall, head secretary • Attendance Issues: Mrs. Allen • Finance Issues: Mrs. Ames • Counseling (Academic & other Middle School Issues): Mr. Width • Classroom Issues: Contact teachers directly via email or phone • PTSA: Get involved in North Lake activities • Volunteering: Contact your child’s teachers via email or phone to find out about volunteer opportunities. We also appreciate volunteers for Picture Days, Vision/Hearing Screening, and Dances.

18. Making a Difference…One Bulldog at a Time

19. Thank you . . . for joining us tonight. We are looking forward to meeting your children and working with you to ensure their success at North Lake Middle School.