The Transition: Middle School Information and Resources

2. the transition…

3. How do we get in? Where do we go? In the morning, only the front and bus doors are open. Once school begins, only the front door remains open. Supervision is provided beginning at 8:00 a.m. in the vicinity of each of these locations. Once your child arrives they will report to the cafeteria until dismissed. If you have questions/concerns about a bus number / stop location / time, please contact AISD transportation. Contact information is on the AISD homepage.

4. Lockers….

5. What did you do in school today? • Parent portal – found on main GMS website and counselors corner.

6. The agenda & websites

7. Its your child’s turn to go to middle school… This is the perfect time for them to learn to self advocate andEXCEL

8. It’s time to teach your middle schooler how to self-advocate… ~ Need to ask the teacher something? Have your child to email the teacher. ~ IS your child having a problem in one of their classes? Have your child go to the teacher …you could role play the scenario to help guide them in regards to how to state concerns/questions ~ Did your child leave something at home? Its o.k.! they can learn from this situation ~ WE ARE HERE TO HELP WITH THESE NEXT STEPS OF DEVELOPMENT.

9. No device… no problem!

10. Social media – great tips ~Monitor your child’s account(s) ~Know their password(s) ~Attend information sessions ~Remember: You are your child’s model!

11. Late policy / attendance /make up Falling grades may be brought up to a 70. Attendance Counts! Once a student misses more than 10% of any class, time must be made up. When 75% of a class is missed, credit is not earned. Out sick? Student has 3 days to complete and turn in assignments. Communication with teachers is appreciated. Remember to check websites. Most assignments are posted.

12. Special ed / 504 / medical Teachers have paperwork BEFORE the first day of school! Students who receive support via special education or section 504 attend meetings; begin to learn to advocate for themselves.

13. Dress code, chaperone, etc. ~Become familiar with the dress code for students…its different at the middle school level! ~Read through the planner. It has the student handbook in it…its worth your time! ~The front office will not deliver items to your child. Forgotten lunch will be delivered to café & medical needs will be delivered to nurse. If there is an emergency or change of pick up procedure, the note will get to the child.

14. ETC. ~IF your child is leaving before the end of the school day, they must pick up a slip in the morning. ~Remember to check in at the front office prior to attending an appointment. ~If you need to speak with a teacher you must make an appointment. ~School hours are 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 P.m. All students are expected to be out of the building unless accompanied by a faculty member. ~IF your child has a regularly scheduled practice, tutoring, etc., It would be a good idea to have that teacher’s contact information.

15. Important contacts • Gorzycki Main: 512-841-8600 • 6th Grade Assistant Principal: Jim Campbell • 6th grade counselor: Patti Hodges • School principal: Dr. Cathryn Mitchell • Attendance Clerk: Ms. Sonya C. 512-841-8607 • School nurse: 512-841-8620 • TRANSPORTATION: 512-414-0238 • WEBSITE: HTTPS://WWW.AUSTINISD.ORG/TRANSPORTATION • “Where’s the Bus” app

16. contacts • Jim Campbell – jim.Campbell@austinisd.org • Patti Hodges – Patti.hodges@austinisd.org • Cathryn Mitchell – Cathryn.Mitchell@austinisd.org

17. Good notes…… • Kids must be picked up 10 minutes after an event (sports, club, performance, etc…) THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. • Report cards are emailed, not delivered. • PE uniforms can be purchased in Tiger mart • New café rules….. Parents/family can still eat with kids but not in the building. The school will provide picnic tables outside. • Must have a bus pass to ride home with a friend

18. We would love your feedback… QUESTIONS?