Welcome to

North Gwinnett Middle School

8th Grade: The Final Step to High School

North Gwinnett Middle

Constructing Excellence

Mrs. Wanda Law

Principal

Mrs. Maggie Fehrman

Mrs. Natalie Perry

Mr. David Strickland

Assistant Principals

NGMS Bulldogs!!!!!

Technology

– 4 computer labs

– Media Center Lab

– Wireless lap top carts

– One lab will be open in the

AM for student use

Growing with technology

NGMS: Transportation

Car riders– Pick up / drop off area is

located off of W. Price

Road

– Students enter through

the terrace level

– Complete locator card

to verify car rider status

Bus riders– Pick up / drop off

area is in the front of

the building

– Arrival time is well

before the start of

school

– Shorter rides to

NGMS than Lanier

Starting Eighth Grade

is A Big Step

It’s a time of:PreparationExploring New OpportunitiesIncreasing Independence and Responsibilities

We Believe Every Student:

Must be engaged in learning that is relevant, challenging, integrative and exploratory.

Must have access to the very best programs and practices a school can offer.

Is a leader

North Gwinnett Middle School: School colors:

Red andBlack Mascot: Bulldog Expected Opening

Enrollment: 1,700

Student Schedule Homeroom for 10 minutes. Students have four academic classes

that are approximately 55 minutes each in length.

Students have two different Connections Classes each day that are approximately 55 minutes in length.

Students will have a 30 minute Bulldog Pride for extended learning activities.

Student Schedule – 8th Only

Students will not be placed on teams, but will be placed according to academic needs

Classrooms will be grouped with like academic/curriculum areas to strengthen planning

Student Schedule – 8th OnlyOpen Lunch - 8th Graders will report

to lunch during one of two lunch cycles and then choose their own seating area

Close Association with NGHS (leadership initiative, curricular offerings)

How are the homerooms set?

All the homerooms are balanced using a number of criteria:

Gender EthnicityAbility level

Connections Classes Computer Science

Art

Band

Chorus

Orchestra

Math Connections

Reading

Physical Education/Health

Print Journalism

Foreign Language (Spanish and Latin)

Technical Education

Family and Consumer Science

How does my child get a certain connection class?

You and your child can both agree to participate in one of the music programs.

All the other connections classes are randomly assigned by a computer.

Every student should have a semester long P.E. /Health class once per year.

Ways to Get Involved: Types Clubs and Activities

Beta Club Environmental Club Bulldog Outreach International Club Pep Club Art Club Chess Club Continental Math League

Equate Club FCA Fiddle Club Spirit Club Student Council Tri-M Yearbook And more to come!!!

Extracurricular Activities

Open only to 8th grade students:

Basketball

Cheerleading

Football Weight Training at NGHS

Communication-HomeworkNow

NGMS Counseling

Program

Developmental in design/Instrumental in leadership initiative

Proactive

Addresses the academic, social, and emotional needs of all

students.

We are here to support you and your child

Mrs. Ernestine Clinkscales 6th grade

Mrs. Michelle Gossard 7th grade

Dr. Glenda Stephens 8th grade

Dr. Rob Skilling Graduation Coach

What Additional Support Can NGMS Provide?

Morning Help Sessions

Academic Intervention Program (AIP)

English as a Second Language (ESOL)

Gifted Education

Speech Services Special Education Reading

Intervention Math Intervention RTI

The Vision for North Gwinnett MS

Academic Rigor

Gifted / Special Ed /

ESOL

Student Leadership

Parent TipsSafety and

Security

Nuts and Bolts

Academic Rigor

High expectations for all

Variety of instructional strategies / assignments

Intellectual risk-taking

Real life application

Engagement

Acceleration – Math/Science

Latin class taught by teacher from NGHS

Biology class taught by teacher from NGHS (credit and

ability to then take AP Biology as a freshman at NGHS)

Gifted / Special Ed. / ESOL

Eligible students will have 4 gifted classes

Special Education

Classes offered on services outlined in IEP

Collaborative / Resource

ESOL

Language support to ensure success

Student Leadership

All students at NGMS are leaders

Opportunities for leadership

Advisement

Peer leaders

Student Ambassadors

Student Council

Service Organizations

Recognition of leadership by faculty and staff

Student Leadership

All 8th graders will be mentors to 6th grade

students

Assignments will be made by homerooms

Parenting Tips to Support a Successful 8th Grade Year

Offer support. Hold your child

accountable. Give your child the

opportunity to make some decisions… Allow for natural consequences.

Stay Involved ! Recognize that they are

pushing for greater independence.

Safety and Security

Children’s safety and security is paramount

All entrances are secured after drop off

time

All visitors are required to sign in and wear

visitor’s badge

All staff trained on emergency plan

Drills are practiced

Safety and Security

Picture ID is mandatory for check out

Students can only be checked out by individuals

listed on file

First responders on staff

Development of parent visibility team

Future plan for security cameras

Support for Parents:Communication Methods Agenda Books Newspaper Local School Advisory Committee PTSA Meetings E-Mail Grade Reports from Teachers School Web Site

The Nuts and Bolts

Times

8:50AM – Students may enter building

9:10AM – Homeroom begins

4:00PM – Student dismissal

Last check out at 3:30PM

No check out during test administration

The Nuts and Bolts

Payment for lunch / breakfast (grab and go)

On-line, checks, daily cash

Ice Cream may only be purchased with school

lunch or sack lunch from home

No fast food, soda, or energy drinks in the

cafeteria

Bus assignments / Car Rider information

will be provided at open-house (Aug 6)

The Nuts and Bolts

Dress Code

Neatly dressed and well groomed at all times

Appropriate school attire and shoes are required

at all times

Not hats, sunglasses, spaghetti straps, offensive

graphics or exposure of undergarments

More details will be outlined in the student

agenda

PE Uniforms will be available for purchase

The Nuts and Bolts

School-wide Discipline Program

Adheres to GCPS student code of conduct

Consistent rules from class to class, and grade to

grade

Positive recognition

Tiered consequences

Parent notification for all disciplinary actions

The Nuts and Bolts

Attendance

Rewards for good attendance

Hand written excuses or doctor notes must be

submitted to HR teacher for all absences

State attendance guidelines will be followed for

excused absences

Preparation for 8th Grade

Attend Open House the week of August 4th. Maintain a positive attitude that you will

successfully prepare for high school

Questions????

Call or e-mail if you need us!

See you in August.