Tavares Middle School 6 th Grade Orientation

1. Tavares Middle School6th Grade Orientation “PATRIOT PRIDE”

2. Ensuring Success at Tavares Middle School • Academics • ATTENDANCE- School Hours • School Rules/Backpacks • Dress Code Policy • Lockers • Tips for School Success • Advice from Students • Tips for Parents • 6th Grade Expo

3. Graduation Requirements Class of 2020 • As of right now, the Florida Legislature states that this is what is required to graduate High School……

4. Graduation Requirements Class of 2020 CREDITS NEEDED: 4 Math3 Social Studies Algebra I * 1 World History Geometry * 1 US History * Algebra II * .5 US Government 1 Math Course .5 Economics 4 EnglishAdditional 4 Language Arts 1 HOPE 1 Performing or Practical Arts 3 Science 8 Electives Biology * 1 of 24 credits must be an on-line Chemistry or Physics * GPA = 2.0 1 Equally * indicates an EOC

5. Expected Schedule • Language Arts • Math • Social Studies • Science • 2 electives

6. 6th Grade Materials • Paper • Pencils, Pens-blue & black • Single subject folders with prongs & pockets • One 3 inch binder-with pockets • Colored Pencils • Personal headphones or ear buds (for software usage) • PE uniform-purchased through the PE Department during the 6th grade expo • If in band, you will need to purchase a band uniform • Flash drive is recommended, not required • Combination lock for locker • All students will be provided with an agenda

7. ATTENDANCE MATTERS! • You can’t learn if you aren’t here! • School Hours: 9:10 am-4:00 pm • Students are allowed 5 parent notes per semester; anything after that required a doctors note/court documentation, etc. • After 10 unexcused absences, a student is reported to Student Services • First day of school is August 22nd & the last day of school is June 6th. No final exams are given early. • Parents, make sure your child knows that you expect him/her to be in school every day. • Family vacations are not excused absences.

8. Dress to Impress • Shirts must have a sleeve. • No tank tops, low cut shirts, or midriffs • No inappropriate graphics/wording on clothes, including vulgar language, drug, tobacco, or alcohol advertisement, weapons, or racially inappropriate graphics or wording • Shorts, jeans, skirts, and dresses all must be no more than 5 inches above the knee • No tears or holes are allowed (5 inches above the knee) in jeans, skirts, shorts, etc. • No flip flops or “slides”, all shoes must have a back/back strap • Hats of any kind are not permitted-they will be confiscated and parents will need to pick up • Leggings may only be worn with a dress/top that is no shorter than 5 inches above the knee

9. Lockers & Backpacks • All students will be able to rent a locker for $2.00 • Students are not required to have a locker, although a locker is highly recommended. • NO backpacks are allowed-students may bring a backpack to school in order to transport books/materials before & after school, but the backpack must remain in a locker at all times during the school day. • Students may carry a small purse for personal belongings-If a textbook can fit in your purse, it’s too large! They may also carry a trapper keeper.

10. Know what to expect in Middle School • New teachers-From 1 or 2 teachers, to 6. • New things to adjust to-multiple transitions • More activities & athletic programs-get involved! • More independence and more responsibility-you are responsible for you! Parents encourage homework; not transport • Greater academic pressure-6 classes to focus on • More social events • Changes in you

11. Take It From Me…..Wise Words from Past 6th • “Focus on your schoolwork. If you don’t understand something, ask for help.” • “Be organized, it will save you a lot of time.” • “Don’t follow the crowd-people will like you better if you’re not afraid to be you.” • “Have fun-middle school goes really fast.” • “Get involved in activities, even if you don’t think you’re that good. You don’t have to be good as something to have fun.”

12. Tips for Parents • At the beginning of each grading period, sit down with your child and together set realistic goals for each class. • Encourage your child to get involved in school activities. Show your support by attending performances and games. • Attend open houses and parent conferences. Also, regularly check TMS’s website for information & updates. • Check your child’s agenda on a regular basis-this will encourage organization and help you to monitor assignments • Mark down important dates-when progress reports come out, report cards, etc. If you don’t see one, call the school. • MONITOR SOCIAL NETWORKS THAT YOUR CHILD MAY BE CONNECTED TO-Parent Responsibility. • Create a login for E-sembler and monitor it to check your child’s progress.

13. Changes for Parents • Campus Entry • Appointments • Teacher Communication • Email • Campus Safety • SOCIAL MEDIA!

14. The Skinny on School Rules • Student Code of Conduct • PBS-Positive Behavior System-PATS • Harassment/bullying-tell a parent/any adult on campus that you trust • Phones are to be off and out of sight as soon as the first bell rings (keep in locker)-phones that are out will be confiscated and returned to parents • Social Networks/cyber-bullying-monitor, monitor, monitor!!!! • Tardy Policy-2nd tardy (in any class) will result in an administrative detention (one hour afterschool, on a Wednesday

15. You Are Officially a TMS Patriot!6th Grade Expo • 6th Grade Expo: August 15, 2013 @ 3:00 pm-6:00 pm • Meet in the Social Gallery (Cafeteria) to pick up schedule • Locker rental will be in the Social Gallery • Expo will be held in the Courtyard • Hotdogs/Hamburgers, and other goodies will be for sale! • Extracurricular activities will have booths set up to get information on signups, etc.

16. WELCOME TO TMS!!!!