Welcome toWelcome toStonewall Jackson Middle Stonewall Jackson Middle

School!School!Important Information for Rising 6th Important Information for Rising 6th

Graders and their FamiliesGraders and their Families

Middle School ConceptMiddle School Concept

Addresses unique physical, Addresses unique physical, emotional, social, and academic emotional, social, and academic needs of adolescents needs of adolescents

Bridges elementary and high Bridges elementary and high schoolschool

Gradual increase in Gradual increase in independenceindependence

Exploration of new interestsExploration of new interests

A Quick Look at SJMSA Quick Look at SJMS

Grades 6, 7, 8Grades 6, 7, 8

Approximately 400 students in each Approximately 400 students in each gradegrade

““TeamsTeams”” of teachersof teachers

90 minute blocks for instruction90 minute blocks for instruction

Grade level Senior Teacher/CounselorGrade level Senior Teacher/Counselor

Senior TeacherSenior Teacher——What is it?What is it?

Grade level administratorGrade level administrator

Contact for particular grade levelContact for particular grade level

Meet regularly with grade level teams and Meet regularly with grade level teams and counselor to discuss student issuescounselor to discuss student issues

Teach 1 block/dayTeach 1 block/day

Volunteer coordinatorVolunteer coordinator

PartnersPartners--inin--Education coordinatorEducation coordinator

Transition coordinatorTransition coordinator

Our School DayOur School Day

The School Day 8:30-3:30

Front Doors open at 8:00 AM - No supervision is provided before 8 AM- Students may go to the library, gym, or cafeteria until

8:20

Breakfast is served from 8 AM – 8:20 AM

Student Drop-off and Pick-up is in front of the school - Please use the cross walk when crossing the bus loop

Traffic through the front parking lot is one way

Alternating Day Block Alternating Day Block ScheduleSchedule

““AA”” DAYDAY

A1A1

FLEXFLEX

A2 (includes lunch)A2 (includes lunch)

A3A3

A4A4

““BB”” DAYDAY

B1B1

FLEXFLEX

B2 (includes lunch)B2 (includes lunch)

B3B3

B4B4

Facts about the Facts about the ““A/B DayA/B Day””CalendarCalendar

A/B days are set in advance A/B days are set in advance

The entire county uses the same calendar.The entire county uses the same calendar.

The A/B day calendar is The A/B day calendar is ““set in stoneset in stone””. It . It will not change even in the event of a will not change even in the event of a missed day due to inclement weather.missed day due to inclement weather.

Teams!Teams!Wildcats AtlantisGenerals Titans

What is so special about teams?• Each team shares 4 teachers (Language Arts, Math,

Social Studies, Science) • Teams are instructional and developmental

– provide a sense of belonging – involve knowledge of the whole student

• Team classrooms are located in clusters• Student lockers are located outside team classrooms• Teams provide a social structure for students

(team socials, field trips, FLEX activities, intramurals)

US History I Language Arts

Life Science Math

6th Grade Team Floor Plan

LOCKERS

LOCKERS

LOCKERS

LOCKERS

LockersLockers

Lockers are new for everyone in sixth grade.Lockers are new for everyone in sixth grade.

We give students time to practice during the first We give students time to practice during the first week of school.week of school.

If a child forgets his/her combination, the flex If a child forgets his/her combination, the flex teacher has it written down.teacher has it written down.

Locker jam? Locker jam? ““Magic keyMagic key”” to the rescue!to the rescue!

Have your child practice on a combination lock Have your child practice on a combination lock that you can purchase from any hardware store.that you can purchase from any hardware store.

HomeworkHomeworkYes! Homework will be assigned each night.

Students write down their homework in the agenda book and teachers initial or stamp these books daily. You can also visit teachers’ Blackboard sites to view homework assignments and announcements.

Homework is practice. If your child struggles excessively on one particular assignment, please make sure to inform the teacher.

Encourage your child to do homework on the night that it is assigned.

Your Role as ParentsYour Role as Parents

Be InvolvedBe Involved

Ask QuestionsAsk Questions

Establish Homework PatternsEstablish Homework Patterns•• Designate a Designate a specificspecific time and placetime and place

Visit the School and TeachersVisit the School and Teachers

Meet your ChildMeet your Child’’s Friendss Friends

Encourage Participation in Encourage Participation in Extracurricular ActivitiesExtracurricular Activities

Parent GroupsParent GroupsPTA BoostersSchool Improvement TeamsSchool Volunteers

• Chaperone dances & field trips• Assist in our library • Career speakers• Team activities & socials• Help out in the office and greet visitors• Copy volunteers• Tutor students who need extra help• Special Projects

CommunicationCommunication

Team Planning/Team meetings

Assignment Notebooks/Agendas

Blackboard and TeacherEase

Email

If you have a question or concern, we are here to help find an answer!

Students Can Get Involved Students Can Get Involved in Clubs!in Clubs!

SCASCA ComputerComputer Pep ClubPep ClubScienceScience DramaDrama FFAFFAArt GuildArt Guild GardenGarden FBLAFBLAChessChess YearbookYearbook ScrapbookScrapbookFear NotFear Not DanceDance Technology Technology Sign LanguageSign Language Step ClubStep Club RunningRunningOutdoorOutdoor WritersWriters LanguageLanguageLibrary/Young Readers Library/Young Readers Reading OlympiansReading Olympians

Other ActivitiesOther Activities

Intramural Sports Intramural Sports Interscholastic SportsInterscholastic Sports

Chorus, Band, Strings ConcertsChorus, Band, Strings ConcertsForensics Competition, Spelling Bee, OM Forensics Competition, Spelling Bee, OM CompetitionCompetitionSchool Play, Talent ShowSchool Play, Talent ShowDances!Dances!

CounselorCounselor’’s Roles Role

Classroom guidanceClassroom guidance

Consultation with parents/teachers/etc.Consultation with parents/teachers/etc.

Help coordinate meetings, activitiesHelp coordinate meetings, activities

Individual and small group counselingIndividual and small group counseling

SchedulingScheduling

Required ClassesRequired ClassesLanguage ArtsLanguage Arts (1 (1 ½½ blocks)blocks)MathMath (1 (1 ½½ blocks)blocks)(Math 6 Course 1; Math 7 Course 2)(Math 6 Course 1; Math 7 Course 2)

Life ScienceLife ScienceU.S. History IU.S. History IHealth/PEHealth/PEElectivesElectives (2 Blocks)(2 Blocks)•• option 1 option 1 –– 2 year2 year--longlong•• option 2 option 2 –– 1 year long and 2 semesters1 year long and 2 semesters•• option 3 option 3 –– 4 semesters4 semesters

““Split BlockSplit Block””

One block every other day will be a split One block every other day will be a split block for Language Arts & Math.block for Language Arts & Math.

Students will spend 45 minutes in L.A. and Students will spend 45 minutes in L.A. and then 45 minutes in Math, or vice versa.then 45 minutes in Math, or vice versa.

This allows students to have both subjects This allows students to have both subjects every day: 90 minutes of each on one day every day: 90 minutes of each on one day and 45 minutes of each the next day.and 45 minutes of each the next day.

Elective Courses:Elective Courses:Electives make up a total of TWO (2) class blocks.Electives make up a total of TWO (2) class blocks.

The following options are available:The following options are available:1.1. TWO yearTWO year--long courseslong courses

OROR2. ONE year2. ONE year--long course and TWO semester long course and TWO semester

coursescourses

OROR3. FOUR semester courses3. FOUR semester courses

YEARLONG

YEARLONG

First Option:

YEARLONG

SEMESTER

SEMESTER

Second Option:

SEMESTER

SEMESTER

Third Option:

SEMESTER

SEMESTER

Elective OptionsElective OptionsYearYear--longlong

•• ExploratoryExploratory

•• BandBand

•• ChorusChorus

•• StringsStrings

•• Reading/Math WorkshopReading/Math Workshop

•• G/T SeminarG/T Seminar

•• Resource (IEP)Resource (IEP)

•• World Language World Language

(high school credit)(high school credit)

SemesterSemester•• Art 6Art 6

•• ForensicsForensics

•• Theater Arts 6Theater Arts 6

•• KeyboardingKeyboarding

•• Computer ConceptsComputer Concepts

•• Computer PublishingComputer Publishing

•• Weather ScienceWeather Science

•• Environmental ScienceEnvironmental Science

•• Reading/Math WorkshopReading/Math Workshop

•• G/T SeminarG/T Seminar

Math Levels at SJMSMath Levels at SJMS66thth grade:grade: Math 6Math 6

Math 7Math 7

77thth grade:grade: Math 7Math 7PrealgebraPrealgebraAlgebra IAlgebra I

88thth grade:grade: PrealgebraPrealgebraAlgebra IAlgebra IGeometryGeometry

Choosing the Correct Choosing the Correct Math CourseMath Course

Discuss options with your childDiscuss options with your child’’s teacher and s teacher and school counselorschool counselor

•• Consider current math placementConsider current math placement

•• Consider current grades in mathConsider current grades in math

•• Consider past math gradesConsider past math grades

•• Consider your childConsider your child’’s ability to handle changes ability to handle change

Set up a schedule to ensure your childSet up a schedule to ensure your child’’s success!s success!

World Language Electives:World Language Electives:

SpanishSpanish

FrenchFrench

LatinLatin

GermanGerman

Things to Keep in Mind When Things to Keep in Mind When Deciding on Taking a Language Deciding on Taking a Language

ALL World Languages are HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL ALL World Languages are HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL classes. Students will take the same midclasses. Students will take the same mid--terms terms and finals that the high school students studying and finals that the high school students studying their level of the language take.their level of the language take.

Homework is assigned virtually every night, and Homework is assigned virtually every night, and students are expected to study 20students are expected to study 20--30 minutes on 30 minutes on top of homework time every day. top of homework time every day.

““How do I know if my child is ready to How do I know if my child is ready to learn another language?learn another language?””

Possesses strong language arts skills• Able to memorize vocabulary words• Excellent speller

Is able to retain knowledge over a period of timeHas a high level of self discipline • Does not perceive homework as busy work • Good time management skills • Consistently completes homework assignments

Is a highly motivated student who enjoys a challengePossesses good listening & note-taking skills Catches on quickly to conceptsHas abstract reasoning ability

Language Arts Support:Language Arts Support:Read 180Read 180 (Teacher Recommendation)(Teacher Recommendation)

What is READ 180?What is READ 180?•• Researched based reading intervention for older Researched based reading intervention for older

students reading below grade level.students reading below grade level.

Who should be in READ 180?Who should be in READ 180?•• Students who:Students who:

–– Lack decoding skillsLack decoding skills–– Poor comprehension skills Poor comprehension skills –– Lack vocabulary and background knowledgeLack vocabulary and background knowledge–– Failure to pass SOL testsFailure to pass SOL tests

Read 180Read 180((continued)continued)

Where is READ 180 being used for the Where is READ 180 being used for the 2010/2011 school year?2010/2011 school year?

•• Reading Writing Workshop Reading Writing Workshop •• Special Education selfSpecial Education self--contained language arts classcontained language arts class

What skills are developed using READ 180?What skills are developed using READ 180?•• PhonicsPhonics -- SpellingSpelling•• VocabularyVocabulary -- FluencyFluency•• Comprehension Comprehension -- Writing Writing

Read 180Read 180((continued)continued)

How is the program structured?How is the program structured?•• Whole group instruction Whole group instruction –– 20 minutes 20 minutes

•• Small group instruction Small group instruction –– 3 twenty minute 3 twenty minute rotationsrotations

–– Computer stationComputer station

–– Teacher lead stationTeacher lead station

–– Silent reading stationSilent reading station

Gifted and TalentedGifted and Talented

Students are cluster grouped for core classesStudents are cluster grouped for core classes

Core teachers differentiate curriculumCore teachers differentiate curriculum

DEP sent home at semester and end of yearDEP sent home at semester and end of year

May take the GT electiveMay take the GT elective

GT resource teacher responsibilitiesGT resource teacher responsibilities

Gifted & TalentedGifted & Talented

Elective class for 6Elective class for 6th,,th,, 77thth, and 8, and 8thth gradersgradersCan be taken for a semester or the whole yearCan be taken for a semester or the whole yearTheme basedTheme based-- ““UTOPIAUTOPIA”” for 2011for 2011--2012 year2012 year

Class Focus is on: Class Focus is on: Higher level thinkingHigher level thinkingSmall group discussionsSmall group discussionsIndependent studiesIndependent studiesResearch skillsResearch skillsProduction and presentation Production and presentation

Special EducationSpecial Education

Your childYour child’’s IEP determines the least restrictive s IEP determines the least restrictive environment in which he/she will receive environment in which he/she will receive instruction. The services determined at the IEP instruction. The services determined at the IEP meeting will guide your childmeeting will guide your child’’s course placement s course placement at Stonewall.at Stonewall.

We try to send a middle school representative to We try to send a middle school representative to all IEP meetings of rising 6all IEP meetings of rising 6thth graders at the graders at the elementary schools to ensure a smooth transition elementary schools to ensure a smooth transition between the elementary and middle school between the elementary and middle school programs.programs.

You do need a gym You do need a gym suit.suit.You can use an older You can use an older siblingsibling’’s gym suit.s gym suit.You do have to run.You do have to run.You will have a You will have a separate gym locker.separate gym locker.You will get a letter You will get a letter grade.grade.You have fun!You have fun!

You do not have to You do not have to take a shower, but you take a shower, but you may if you wish.may if you wish.You will not run all You will not run all period long.period long.You do not have PE You do not have PE every day, it meets every day, it meets every other day. Some every other day. Some days you have Health.days you have Health.

SportsSports

Eligibility Requirements:Eligibility Requirements:Physicals Physicals -- After May 1, After May 1, 20112011

Passing GradesPassing GradesCheerleadingCheerleadingFallFall

•• girls basketballgirls basketball•• footballfootball•• boys soccerboys soccer•• girls tennisgirls tennis

WinterWinter•• boys basketballboys basketball

•• gymnasticsgymnastics

•• wrestlingwrestling

SpringSpring•• baseballbaseball

•• girls soccergirls soccer

•• softballsoftball

•• boys tennisboys tennis

•• boys/girls trackboys/girls track

Athletic EligibilityAthletic EligibilityPhysical Eligibility:Physical Eligibility:

requires a current physical, signed by a doctorrequires a current physical, signed by a doctor

must be dated must be dated AFTERAFTER May 1 of current school yearMay 1 of current school year

example: May 24, 2011 would be eligible for the 2011example: May 24, 2011 would be eligible for the 2011--12 school year12 school year

requires proof of insurance on the backrequires proof of insurance on the back

Physical forms are available in the SJMS main officePhysical forms are available in the SJMS main office

Physical Forms are available online at:Physical Forms are available online at:

http://hcps2.hanover.k12.va.us/sjms/athletics/middleschhttp://hcps2.hanover.k12.va.us/sjms/athletics/middleschoolathleticform.pdfoolathleticform.pdf

Athletic EligibilityAthletic Eligibility

Academic Eligibility Academic Eligibility Fall & Winter Sports: Fall & Winter Sports:

must pass L. Arts & Math for the previous school yearmust pass L. Arts & Math for the previous school year

must pass 3 additional year long classesmust pass 3 additional year long classes

Gymnastics & Spring Sports:Gymnastics & Spring Sports:

same as Fall & Winter, only students must havesame as Fall & Winter, only students must have

passed those classes for the 1passed those classes for the 1stst SemesterSemester

Athletic EligibilityAthletic Eligibility

Most Common Reasons Why a Student isMost Common Reasons Why a Student is

NOTNOT Allowed to Participate in TryAllowed to Participate in Try--outs:outs:1. Student does not have an athletic physical on file1. Student does not have an athletic physical on file

2. Physical was 2. Physical was NOTNOT signed by a doctorsigned by a doctor

3. Physical is out3. Physical is out--ofof--datedate

4. Parents did not complete parts IV & V on back of4. Parents did not complete parts IV & V on back of

the physical formthe physical form

5. Parents did not indicate that student is currently5. Parents did not indicate that student is currently

covered by an insurance policycovered by an insurance policy

Athletic EligibilityAthletic EligibilityQ: When is the best time to turn in your athletic physical?Q: When is the best time to turn in your athletic physical?

answer: August of 2011answer: August of 2011

Q: Who do I give the athletic physical to?Q: Who do I give the athletic physical to?

answer: Coach Arco, Coach Witherow, Front Officeanswer: Coach Arco, Coach Witherow, Front Office

Transition ActivitiesTransition ActivitiesStaff visits Elementary Schools: Staff visits Elementary Schools: DecemberDecemberParent/Counselor Coffee @ Elementary Schools: Parent/Counselor Coffee @ Elementary Schools: December/JanuaryDecember/JanuaryParent/Student Orientation Night: Parent/Student Orientation Night: January 4January 455thth graders visit SJMS for tour: graders visit SJMS for tour: MarchMarch55thth grade Shadow Day: grade Shadow Day: AprilAprilSJ Principal visits Elementary Schools: SJ Principal visits Elementary Schools: JuneJune66thth grade Newsletter: grade Newsletter: JuneJuneOrientation, Schedules, Fees: Orientation, Schedules, Fees: AugustAugustBackBack--toto--School Night: School Night: FallFall

Important Contact Information:Important Contact Information:

Ms. Sarah PikeMs. Sarah Pike

66thth Grade Senior TeacherGrade Senior Teacher

spike@hcps.usspike@hcps.us

Mrs. Holly HooverMrs. Holly Hoover

66thth Grade CounselorGrade Counselor

hhoover@hcps.ushhoover@hcps.us

Contact Information:Contact Information:•• Mrs. Disharoon, PrincipalMrs. Disharoon, Principal ndisharoon@hcps.usndisharoon@hcps.us•• Mrs. Cribbs, Math CoachMrs. Cribbs, Math Coach kcribbs@hcps.uskcribbs@hcps.us•• Ms. Myrick, World Language Dept. Chair Ms. Myrick, World Language Dept. Chair

pmyrick@hcps.uspmyrick@hcps.us•• Mrs. Mrs. DupontDupont, Reading Coach, Reading Coach jdupont@hcps.usjdupont@hcps.us•• Mrs. Burns, Gifted and Talented CoordinatorMrs. Burns, Gifted and Talented Coordinator

cburns@hcps.uscburns@hcps.us•• Mrs. Johnson, Special Education Senior TeacherMrs. Johnson, Special Education Senior Teacher

sjohnson@hcps.ussjohnson@hcps.us•• Mrs. Upshaw, P.E. Dept. ChairMrs. Upshaw, P.E. Dept. Chair kupshaw@hcps.uskupshaw@hcps.us•• Mr. Arco, CoMr. Arco, Co--Athletic DirectorAthletic Director jarco@hcps.usjarco@hcps.us

Additional Contact Additional Contact Information:Information:

•• Mr. Charity, BandMr. Charity, Band scharity@hcps.usscharity@hcps.us

•• Ms. Hawley, StringsMs. Hawley, Strings mhawley@hcps.usmhawley@hcps.us

•• Mrs. Dickerson, ChorusMrs. Dickerson, Chorus ldickerson@hcps.usldickerson@hcps.us

•• Mrs. Kluender, ArtMrs. Kluender, Art mkluender@hcps.usmkluender@hcps.us

•• Mrs. DMrs. D’’Ascoli, Theater ArtsAscoli, Theater Arts rdascoli@hcps.usrdascoli@hcps.us

•• Mrs. Carter, Computers Mrs. Carter, Computers kcarter@hcps.uskcarter@hcps.us

Welcome to theWelcome to the

SJMSSJMS

Family!Family!SJMS . . . where Success Just

Makes Sense!