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Middle School Orientation. Buena Vista Middle School Tuesday, May 20, 2014. From 1 to 6: The Great Transition. School starts at 8:15 and gets out at 2:55. Middle Schoolers take 6, 49-minute classes and 1, 33- minute Activity Class: Homeroom Language Arts Social Studies
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Middle School Orientation Buena Vista Middle School Tuesday, May 20, 2014
From 1 to 6: The Great Transition • School starts at 8:15 and gets out at 2:55. • Middle Schoolers take 6, 49-minute classes and 1, 33- minute Activity Class: Homeroom Language Arts Social Studies Literature/Intervention Math PE/Health Science Activity
Academics • Classes will rotate daily (AB, CD, EF) • 3 Trimesters • Letter grades and grade point average • Formal progress reports every 6 weeks • Each student/parent will receive an Illuminate account to check student’s progress (updated approximately every 2-3 weeks) • Eligibility (2.0 grade point average, no F’s, less than 3 U’s)
Academics (continued) • Stronger emphasis on testing • Organization and time management crucial • 60-90 minutes of homework on average • Home set of textbooks
How can a parent help? • Know your child’s strengths and weaknesses (organization, testing, participation, etc.) • At first, check assignment calendar nightly • When absent, check teacher web pages at http://www.spreckelsunionsd.org. (Learn how to access them the first couple days of school) • Be visible-on campus, with teachers, etc. • Attend “Back to School Night” (August 21st)
How can parents help (continued)? • Work as partners with school • Establish a quiet, regular time and place for child to complete homework • Review returned work and conduct binder/backpack checks • Set realistic goals with child each trimester • Monitor phone/computer time, social media… • Don’t hesitate to call/email with concerns!
Extracurriculars/Enrichment • Clubs (Sign Club, Animal Club, Eco Club…) • Academic Opportunities (Spelling Bee, ROV, Mathletics…) • Activities (Drama, Leadership, Chess, Crochet…) • Band during “zero period” (7:30-8:15 am) • ASB
Extracurriculars (cont.) • Sports • Fall: Soccer, Volleyball, Cross Country • Winter: Basketball • Spring: Golf , Tennis, Track-n-Field
Technology • Fully equipped technology lab • Internet agreement must be signed • K-8 Technology Committee • Rotating schedule • Open at break and lunch • Google Docs • Accelerated Reader and Accelerated Math • Measure B Update
Discipline Policy • High Behavioral Expectations • Detention, Community Service, Loss of Activities • All rules and consequences listed in student handbook • New trends to watch for: Cyber Bullying & “Soap Opera” Mentality
What to expect? • CHANGE!! • Styles • Friends • Hormones • Language • Influences • Decision making
BVMS 2014 • 6th grade
BVMS 2017 • 8th grade
What to do? • Communicate with your child: school, friends, hobbies, etc. • Maintain high expectations and reinforce school rules • Realize that your child wants to be treated as an adult but isn’t emotionally, organizationally, or physically there yet. • If minor interventions don’t work, fill out Student Study Team referral.
What to do? (continue) • Communicate with school: district website, parent email (etarallo@monterey.k12.ca.us), conferences, etc. • Don’t hesitate to ask for help!! Start with the teacher, but principal’s door is always open. • Sit back and enjoy the ride!! Teenagers are fun to observe and are extremely resilient. • Join Buena Vista Bobcat Club and Spreckels Union Educational Foundation!!! Look for handouts the first week of school.
Summer Preparation • Review math facts • Read 30 minutes per night • Keep a writing journal • Dress code* • Necessary materials* http://www.spreckelsunionsd.org/Page/1008 *
Important Dates for 2014-15 • Paper Round Up-Mandatory: August 7 at BVMS • First Day of School: August 20 • Back to School Night: August 21 • Thanksgiving Break: 11/24-28 • Winter Break: 12/22-1/5 • February Break: 2/16-20 • Spring Break: 4/6-10 • Last Day of School: June 10
Questions? • Ask away!!