Mr. Mirenzi - Principal

Ms. Hale-Smith – School Counselor

Ms. Dolan – Assistant Principal

Mr. Cooper – Assistant Principal

February 25, 2020

Students who are

Organized and take

Action to

Reach their Goals

Working as a community of stakeholders (faculty,

staff, students, families, and civic organizations)

Crofton Middle School provides a safe, welcoming,

and respectful learning environment of life-long

learners. We inspire each other to be kind, caring,

engaged, and productive members of the

community. We foster academic curiosity, global

thinking, and positive social growth.

Students will have 6 classes or periods per day in

addition to Advisory/SOAR

4 Core classes (ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies)

2 Encore classes

o Encore classes rotate on an A Day/B Day schedule

o Encore classes are both semester and full year

• Option 1: 4 full year Encore classes

• Option 2: 3 full year Encore classes & 2 semester Encore classes

• Option 3: 2 full year Encore classes & 4 semester Encore classes

• Option 4: 1 full year Encore class & 6 semester Encore classes

ELA and Math Levels are based upon:

o PARCC scale scores (4th grade)

o Performance Series and CogAT scores

o Teacher recommendation

o Current course performance

Science and Social Studies are

heterogeneously grouped

Time Period Course Example

8:25 – 8:58 Advisory/

SOAR

Advisory/SOAR Advisory

9:02 – 9:54 1st period Core class Math

9:58 – 10:50 2nd period Core class English/Language Arts

10:54 – 11:19 Lunch Lunch

11:23 – 12:15 3rd period Core class Social Studies

12:18 – 1:10 4th period Core class Science

1:14 – 2:07 5th period A Day Encore class PE/Health

B Day Encore class Choice (Fine Arts)

2:11 – 3:05 6th period A Day Encore class Choice (may be W&CL)

B Day Encore class Choice

Time Period Course Example

8:25 – 8:58 Advisory/

SOAR

Advisory/SOAR Advisory

9:02 – 9:54 1st period Core class Math

9:58 – 10:50 2nd period Core class English/Language Arts

10:54 – 11:19 Lunch Lunch

11:23 – 12:15 3rd period Core class Social Studies

12:18 – 1:10 4th period Core class Science

1:14 – 2:07 5th period A Day Encore class PE/Health

B Day Encore class Choice (Fine Arts)

2:11 – 3:05 6th period A Day Encore class AVID

B Day Encore class Choice

Students MAY choose to begin taking a high school credit

language in 6th grade.

CMS offers:

o Spanish

o French

o Chinese

Note: AVID students begin taking their high school credit

language in 7th grade.

Nationally acclaimed recognition

High school graduates who can function in two or more languages are equipped with the knowledge and skills to participate successfully in college, careers, and a diverse 21st century society.

To be eligible for a Seal of Biliteracy, a student must fulfill the following requirements:

o Pass the Maryland High School Assessment in English 10

o Score Intermediate High Proficiency or equivalent on an approved world language assessment.

• AP – 4

• IB – 6 (Standard)

• ACTFL Assessments – Intermediate High

Notated on official transcripts printed by AACPS

By beginning language studies in 6th grade, students have the opportunity to reach Advanced Placement by 11th grade. Once test scores are released, those who qualify will be notified during the summer so that they can include the recognition on college applications.

All 6th graders take PE/Health all year every other day

All 6th graders take at least one Fine Arts class:

o Band 1 - full year

o Chorus 1 - full year

o Dance 6 - full year

o Instru Ensem: Perc 6 (Percussion Ensemble) - full year

o Orchestra 1 - full year

o Music Goes Global - semester

o True Colors (Art) – semester

*Band, Chorus, Orchestra, and Dance are performing groups which require rehearsals outside of the school day. Band and Orchestra typically practice before school. Chorus and Dance typically practice after school.

*Band and Orchestra require students to provide an instrument. There are some instruments available from CMS.

Remaining classes are chosen from:

o Exploring Technology 6 (Tech Ed) - semester

o Passport to the World 6 - semester

o Strategies for Success - semester

o Exploring FACS 6 - semester

o AVID (requires application and interview) – year long

Note – students who are in AVID do not take Strategies for Success as well.

Advancement Via Individual Determination

o Preparation for college and beyond for students in the “academic

middle”

o Enroll in rigorous courses

o What do you learn in AVID?

• Cornell notes

• Organize binders

• Time management

• Agenda use

• Study skills

• Reading, Writing, & Speeches

• Leadership skills

• Collaboration

• Tutorials

• College trips

√

Due February 28, 2020

Choose 1-10

= 1

= 1/2

=1

= 1

√

Please sign, date, and return!

Assist your child with selecting courses following the

directions on the course sheets

Sign, date, and return the course sheet to the 5th grade

teacher by February 28, 2020

Ms. Hale-Smith will be visiting the elementary schools

during the week of March 2 to assist the students with

online course selection

Students will be given access to the Student Portal during

the online course selection process

Open House in May- TBD

Sneak-a-Peek – Friday, September 4, 2020

Students enter the building and go to the cafeteria

Students are dismissed from the cafeteria at 8:15

Students must be in class at 8:25

Bus dismissal is at 3:05

Bus lists can be found on the AACPS website a week or so prior to the start of school

Classes are about 52

minutes each

Students have 4 minutes between classes

Staggered bell schedule for 6th graders

Lunch is 25 minutes long

Students earn Eagle tickets (PBIS)

Monthly Eagle Express newsletter

Weekly Blast (teams)

Write down homework in agenda

Get plenty of sleep

Complete and turn in homework on time!

Get extra help when needed

o TLO sessions on Tuesdays after school

o Attend SOAR for extra help

Get involved in extracurricular activities and clubs

Manage your time

Maintain an organized binder

Attend school on time every day

Focus and pay attention in class

Keep track of grades on Power School Student and

Parent Portals

Take good notes

Study your notes in the evening

Communicate early with teachers, school counselor,

administrator

Attend Parent/Teacher conferences throughout the

year – after school or on conference days

Participate in Student Led Conferences