Belmont Ridge Middle School Home of the River Hawks

1. Belmont Ridge Middle SchoolHome of the River Hawks

2. Motivated…. Dedicated… Educated!

3. Mission Belmont Ridge Middle School ensures the future success of our students, by providing an equitable, engaging environment of educational success.

4. Belmont Ridge Team Mr. Flynn Principal Mr. McKenzie Assistant Principal Mr. Surma Assistant Principal Ms. Byrne Dean Mr. White Counselor Mrs. Piper Secretary Kristan Ash Parent Liaison Teachers!

5. Parent Organization Be in the KNOW… Join the PTSO!!!!! • Be a part of an amazing group! • Volunteer • Sponsor major school events and keep up with community events! • PTSO Family Dinner April 26 at 7 pm • Membership forms are on the BEMS website.

6. Block Schedule • 90 Minute Blocks • Classes meet every other day (except Lang. Arts) • 4 Classes Per Day • Resource or Spectrum and Math or Reading Workshops • Music/Art

7. Sample Student Schedule A DAYB Day 1 Language Arts 5 Language Arts 2 Art 6 Resource Lunch 11:57-12:27Lunch 11:57-12:27 3 History 7 Science 4 PE/Health 8 Math

8. Academics • Provide an enriching and challenging academic program. • Choose courses carefully to meet the needs of your child.

9. COURSE SELECTIONS All 6th graders take the following courses: • Language Arts • Spanish at middle school (SAMS) • History • Science • Math • PE/Health • Resource • Keyboarding and Art (semester of each) • Electives: Music Lab, Chorus, Band, & Strings

10. Schedule Options - 6th Grade • Math (Math 6 or Accelerated Math 6 & 7) • Fine Arts Elective: Music FY( Band, Chorus, Strings, Music Lab) • Reading Strategies Workshop • Math Workshop • Honors vs. Academic • Spectrum or Resource

11. Honors Classes • Same curriculum and SOL requirements. Academic content is embedded in the honors curriculum. • Assessments may require more essay writing and critical thinking skills. • Make choices that will keep your child well balanced and not stressed. • Goal ~ All BEMS students will take at least one honors class before leaving middle school

12. Math Selection ProcessThis is a scaled down version of the chart in the Program of Studies. A copy of that chart is on the back of the map Click here to see the Middle School Program of Studies.

13. Language Arts • Class meets everyday • Writing • Research • Literature • Oral Language • Vocabulary • Syllabus Click here to see the Middle School Program of Studies.

14. US History to 1865 • Content Covered • American History from Era of Exploration to the Civil War • Social Science strands of History, Economics, Civics, & Cultures • Understanding Cause/Effect relationships and chronological social development Syllabus Click here to see the Middle School Program of Studies.

15. Science • Content Covered • Sun’s energy on Earth’s systems • Water in the environment • Air and the atmosphere force • Transformations of energy and matter • Basic chemistry concepts Syllabus Click here to see the Middle School Program of Studies.

16. Homework in 6th Grade • Homework is a practice of the student learning. • Students should not rely on resource to complete homework. • Teachers will have homework posted on the Belmont Ridge Middle School web page, by teacher name.

17. Spectrum • This is the Gifted and Talented program at middle school. • Students in Futura are automatically placed in Spectrum. • Offered during 45 minute of the resource class. • Student participation is optional. • Participation option may be exercised from year to year. • Selection criteria is used to identify students who will be participating in Spectrum

18. Clubs & Organizations at BEMS • Math 7 Help Club • Math Counts (fee) • PAWS • Shakespeare Club • Soccer Club • Video Production Club • Wellness Wednesdays (Oct - May) • Yearbook Club • “It’s Academic” • Book Club • Chamber Choir • Ecology Club • German Club • Japanese Anime Club • Jazz Band • KLF Club (fee)

19. ! BELMONT EXTREME ! • Summer camp which provides students the opportunity to practice middle school schedule. • Students get to do fun activities while learning about middle school. • Students get acquainted with some of their 6th grade team of teachers, administrators, & counselor. • Students are provided with a snack. • The program runs for a week, from June 18-22, AM and PM sessions: 8:30 am – 11:25am; 12:30 pm – 3:25 pm.

20. April 19, 20, 21 • Begins at 7 pm • Tickets sold in advance and at the door • Great way to introduce new 6th grade students to our musical production!

21. Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) • Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) is a research and evidenced-based practice. • It creates a common vision of behavioral expectations through consistent language and practices. • PBIS is a framework of tiered approaches to address ALL the needs of our students. • PBIS Link

22. Rules You Need to Know 1. Behavior is learned and serves a specific purpose. 2. Behavior is related to the context within which it occurs. a.    This is why parents and teachers don’t see the same behaviors 3. Children comply with the rules 80% of the time. Guess how often they are complimented for appropriate behavior? a. Less than 2 percent b. We can increase appropriate behavior by 80% just by recognizing and rewarding appropriate behavior.

23. The Middle School Journey Denial- “This Can’t be happening”. Anger- “Why me? It’s not fair!” Bargaining – “If you do your homework, than we will get you a new phone.” Depression- “What’s the point?” Acceptance- “I can’t fight it, I may as well prepare for it.”

24. Belmont Ridge Middle School 2012-2015 National School To Watch 2011 Blue Ribbon School of Music 2011 Governor’s School of Excellence 2010 Governor’s School of Excellence 2009 Governor’s School of Excellence 2008 Governor’s School of Excellence 2009-2012 National School To Watch 2009 School/Business Partner Award Winner

25. Motivated… Dedicated… Educated…