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:HomeroomLanguage ArtsSocial StudiesLiterature/InterventionMathPE/HealthScienceActivity

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!!