Davis Junior High Incoming 7 th Grade Parent Orientation

1. Davis Junior High Incoming 7th Grade Parent Orientation WELCOME TO DAVIS!

2. Welcome and Key Staff Welcome to Davis Junior High School – Home of the Raiders! Mr. Brian Shepard – Principal Mrs. Stacey Gierman – Assistant Principal Mrs. JoAnn Vulcano – Counselor (A – L) Mrs. Kimberly Lalama – Counselor (M – Z, AVID) School Expectations - “I Can Listen, I Can Learn, I Can Lead.”

3. The Raider Way Our Expectations of Students • Davis students follow the “Listen, Learn and Lead” expectations • Davis students treat others as they would want to be treated • Davis students are kind, courteous and do the right thing • Davis student continue to work towards higher expectations for academics and behavior. • Davis students develop the self discipline, sense of responsibility and independence needed to achieve success in high school and beyond. • Davis students are on time and regular attendance is important for school success. • Davis students are responsible for completing all assignments • Davis students aspire to be “Raider Red” School Expectations - “I Can Listen, I Can Learn, I Can Lead.”

4. The Raider Way “Listen, Learn and Lead” • Provides Students with School Wide Expectations and a Blueprint for Success at Davis Junior High School. • Based on “I Can” Learning Objectives which are posted in the classrooms - “I Can Listen, I Can Learn, I Can Lead.”

5. The Raider Way “Listen, Learn and Lead” • Students earn tickets for drawings during lunch, privileges within the school based on grades and citizenship. • Expectations based on student and staff input.

6. The Raider Parent Way Our Expectations of Parents • Davis parents continue to stay connected with their child (This is the time when your child needs you the most!) • Davis parents get to know their child’s teachers and their expectations (Open House, conferences, email, phone contacts) • Davis parents find out about assignments and school tests (Check the Davis staff website) • Davis parents check Power School daily/weekly • Davis parents talk to their children about “I Can Statements” – Daily Learning Objectives or about school in general • Davis parents provide their children with a quiet place to study and do homework • Davis parents check their child’s homework for completion and accuracy • Davis parents work in partnership with Davis teachers to meet the needs of their children

7. The Raider Parent Way Staying Connected PowerSchool Online Parent Portal • Parents/guardians of junior high students can view their son/daughter’s progress online using the Parent Portal in PowerSchool, the UCS student information system for scheduling, attendance and grades. Contact the school for directions on how to access your child’s information (Carryover from elementary) School Staff Website • Staff web pages provide information about assignments Between School and Home (Davis Raider Review – Every Thursday) • School newsletter – comes out every Thursday evening. Contains school information, events, UCS activities A strong partnership between school and home lays the foundation for your child’s educational success. Many teachers keep in touch with notes and phone calls to parents. Email correspondence between teacher and parent can also be arranged. Progress reports, homework logs, student agenda books, report cards and parent-teacher conferences provide detailed information on your student’s progress

8. The Raider Way Communication Process Flowchart • Parents are often discouraged when they attempt to communicate with school officials only to be referred to others in order to resolve a problem their child may be experiencing in school. To prevent that frustration, parents should become informed about the "Communication Process Flowchart.” This sequence is in place to assist parents on where to begin their communication regarding their problem or concern • Most parent and community questions are easily and completely answered by communicating directly with the staff member closest to the situation.As you move further along the flowchart, the staff is less directly involved and usually needs additional time to research the situation before they can give you an answer • If you do not hear back from the person you have contacted within two (2) business days, it is appropriate to reach out to them again before moving along to the next level of the flowchart.  We do not expect your questions or concerns to go unanswered for a long period of time.  Each situation should first be addressed at whatever level the initial action was taken with appeals moving on to the next level on the “Communication Process Flowchart.” The easiest way to communicate is via e-mail while a phone call is the next preferable way

9. The Raider Way Communication Process Flowchart

10. The Raider Way Progress Reports/Report Cards Progress Reports • Progress reports are issued at the end of the fifth week of each marking period for the purpose of notifying parents of their student’s progress or when the student is in danger of failing (Progress reports issued to parents through School Messenger/Power School) Report Cards • Report cards are issued every ten weeks to provide parents and students with an understanding of the student’s progress. Grades, citizenship marks and teachers comments are included in the report. Citizenship marks are based on Davis “AEIOU” Norms listed in each classroom, marks range from outstanding to unacceptable (Report cards issued to parents through School Messenger/Power School)

11. The Raider Way Counselor Information • Self Referral • Teacher Referral • Parent Request • Friend Students can sign up before and after lunch and in between classes to see the counselor. Students sign up in the main office.

12. The Raider Way Counselor Information • Academic Concerns • Personal/Family • Transitioning to Junior High • Crisis Counseling • Conflicts with peers • Scheduling • College/Career Readiness Counselors emphasize confidentiality in all sessions.

13. The Raider Way Counselor Information • Break a Secret, Save a Life – Suicide Prevention and Awareness • Scheduling – Graduation requirements, class choices, options for advancement • Naviance – comprehensive college and career readiness solution that helps districts and schools align student strengths and interests to post secondary goals, improving student outcomes and connecting learning to life.

14. The Raider Way 7th Grade Schedule • Students have four (4) core classes – English, Geography, Math, and Physical Science. • Parent signature required for accelerated English and Geography. • Physical Education/Health is a required semester class (1 semester). • Other semester classes are Intro to Art, Intro to Drawing and Design, Intro to Photo and Film, Digital Literacy and Media Design, Drama, Elements of Music, Exploring Design and Engineering, Exploratory Language, and Vocal Music. Class descriptions were handed out to students with scheduling sheets. • Band, AVID and Computer Science Discoveries are the only full year class. World Language classes can be taken for a full year in 8th grade. • Classes and teachers will most likely change at semester time.

15. The Raider Way 7th Grade Class Schedule Example Davis Junior HighSchool Year: 2017-2018 William Davis 11311 Plumbrook Dr. Sterling Hts, MI 48312

16. The Raider Way Dangers of Social Media/Texting Typically social media can become a problem for students and parents that are not actively up to date on the latest information. Are you aware of what your children are currently using on their cell phones and what should you be monitoring as a parent? Social media comes with great responsibility, whether you are just starting junior high, high school or finishing up college. The fact is, irresponsible social media conduct could potentially ruin your education and negatively impact your career, not to mention hurt others in the process. Most of those consequences are preventable, often with just a little foresight. Common mistakes students make when using social media and should avoid at all costs: • Bullying/Harassing/Threatening Other Students • Posting Objectionable Content From School Computers or Networks • Posting Confidential Information About Yourself • Overly Specific Location Check-Ins (Tracking) • Lie/Cheat/Plagiarize • Posting Emotionally/Starting and Spreading Rumors

17. The Raider Way Important Dates to Remember • March 7 – 15 Counselors visited elementary schools to speak to students and distribute scheduling packets • March 15 – Incoming 7th Grade Parent Orientation (Davis) • March 20 – 7th Grade Scheduling Sheets Due to Elementary School • Early August (August 10) - Summer Mailing Packet (Contains welcome letter, school start up information, school forms) • Monday, August 20 – Raider Day (schedule will be in summer mailing packet/letter) • Late August (Date TBD) - WEB Orientation (All 7th grade students from 8:05 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the main gym) – Information will be in summer mailing.

18. The Raider Way Come to Raider Day! Raider Date – August 20, 2018 • Information about Raider Day will come in the summer August mailing (Early August) – if you don’t receive the packet, contact the main office. • Raider Day Schedule– Times for each grade to come to Davis • Raider Day Items - locker, pictures, teacher information, school access, schedule – opportunity to see where classes are at for the 1st semester. • Can’t make Raider Day? Students are able to get schedule from PowerSchool or will receive it the first day. Teachers are available to assist students as they navigate the first day/week. Normally after a couple of days, students are able to find their way around pretty easily.

19. Department/Activity Booths Throughout the cafeteria, staff members from Davis are here to showcase their departments or activities by sharing relevant information and answering questions. Departments include (Allied Arts, Mathematics, English, Social Studies, Science, Special Education, English Language Learners, Counseling) Activities include (PBS – Positive Behavior Support, WEB – Where Everyone Belongs, AVID, Sports/Clubs) Feel free to walk around and gather information and talk to teachers should you have questions – they are here for you and your child! We look forward to a great 2018/19 school year!

20. Setup Power Point – Barb Cafeteria tables down – Bora Tables for booths (Cafeteria/Bartlett) – Brian