Pollard Middle School
Rising Grade 7 Information Session
March 19, 2014
Agenda
I.
Introduction to Pollard
II.
Academic Programs
III.
Guidance and Health Services
IV.
Extracurricular Activities
V.
Communication
VI.
Transition Events and Important Dates
Pollard Students, Administration, and Staff
Stephanie Berger, Ben Cohen, Willow Funkhouser, Oliver Hirshland,
Sophie Horton, Conner Jahn, Steve Ramsden, and Cierra Slade
(Students)
Ms. Megan Bonomolo (Assistant Principal Grade 7)
Ms. Merle Berman (Assistant Principal Grade 8)
Ms. Anna Kuebler, Mr. Ken Lundberg, Ms. Maryellen Shea, and
Ms. Karen Wilfrid (Teachers)
Ms. Debbie Brennan and Ms. Rosemary Leone (School Nurses)
Mr. Jeremy Greenwood, Ms. Marissa Smith, and Mr. Mark Yetman
(Guidance Counselors)
Pollard Middle School
We dedicate ourselves to cultivating academic excellence, civic
responsibility, and the personal growth of each member of our
community.
You belong here.
This is important.
Effort makes a difference.
Pollard Middle School: A Snapshot
Projected Enrollment September 2014
• 428 Grade 7 Students
• 471 Grade 8 Students
Faculty and Staff September 2014
• Teachers - 61
• Support Staff - 19
Coordinators and Directors
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Coordinator of METCO: Ms. Leslie Smart
ELA Curriculum Coordinator: Mr. Greg Hurray
Math/Science Curriculum Coordinator: Ms. Tammy Ghizzoni
Special Education Coordinators: Ms. Cissy Coutinho and
Mr. Alan Dewey
SS Curriculum Coordinator: Ms. Ann Barysh
Director of Fine & Performing Arts: Dr. David Neves
Director of Guidance: Mr. Tom Denton
Director of Health Services: Ms. Mimi Stamer
Director of Innovation & Technology: Ms. Deb Gammerman
Director of METCO: Dr. Joanne Allen-Willoughby
Director of Special Education PreK-8: Ms. Mary Lammi
Director of Wellness: Dr. Kathy Pinkham
Director of World Languages: Ms. Debbie Watters
Academic Program
• Trimester system - 60 days in length
• 53 minute classes and 5 Clusters
• Two day rotation (A & B Day)
• Students receive instruction in English, Math, Science, and
Social Studies each day.
• Students take classes in all other departments to provide a
program that is broad based.
Courses and Program of Studies
• English, Math, Science, and Social Studies
• Engineering Design
• Concert Band/Strings Ensemble/Chorus OR Essentials Rotation 7
(3-D Art, Experiential Education, and Music Explorations)
• Fine Arts - Arts 7
• Learning Center
• Technology - Computer Technology
• Wellness - Physical Education and Health
• World Language - French or Spanish
Special Education Programming
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13 Special Education Liaisons
1 School Psychologist between Needham High School & Pollard
1 Speech Language Pathologist
1 Reading Teacher
Inclusive and Learning Centers (Reading, Writing, Math, and Organization
skills)
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Specialized Programs
Language-based Program - Math and English (Grades 7 & 8)
Therapeutic Program - Learning and Emotional Disabilities (Grades 7 & 8)
Insights Program - Instructional supports for organizational, social
pragmatics, and navigating middle school social life
(Grades 7 & 8)
Bridges Program - Social and applied academic supports (Grades 6 & 8)
Door Opens 7:35
Advisory (7:50 – 8:05)
Period 1 (8:08 – 9:01)
Period 2 (9:04 – 9:57)
Period 3 (10:01 – 10:54)
Period 4 (10:57 – 11:50)
Period 5 (11:53 – 12:46)
Lunch (12:46 – 1:14)
Lunch (11:50 – 12:18)
Period 5 (12:21 – 1:14)
Period 6 (1:17 – 2:10)
After School Staff Support (2:10 – 2:40)
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
Activities (From 2:40)
Advisory Program
• 15 minutes every day
• Social Emotional Learning (Themes)
• Community Building Activities
Expanding on Experiences
• Fine and Performing Arts
• French and Spanish
• Health and Wellness
• Learning Center
• Technology
New Learning Experiences
• Community Service Learning
• English: Poetry Day, Author Visits, and Declamation
• Math: Algebra Experience
• Science: Frog Dissection and Microscopes
• Social Studies: Exploration Ancient China, India,
Multicultural Perspectives, and Semitic Religions
Helpful Hints
• Busing Information - April 1 (Transportation Website) May 15
deadline in order to guarantee a seat
• Lunches (Summer Mailing)
• Snacks and Water
• Locks and Cell Phones
• Binders and School Supplies
• Homework
Guidance Department
Guidance Counselors
• Mr. Jeremy Greenwood
• Ms. Marissa Smith
• Mr. Mark Yetman
Adjustment Counselors
• Ms. Kristen Gosselin
• Ms. Carol Sargent
Roles & Responsibilities
• Work with Students
• Work with Teachers
• Work with Parents
Guidance Department
What will your 7th grader’s life look like socially/emotionally?
What will your 7th grader’s life look like academically?
Pollard Health Services
• Ms. Rosemary Leone
• Ms. Debbie Brennan
• Communication Protocols
• Physical Exam and Immunization Requirements
• Mandatory Health Screenings
Extra Curricular Activities
POLLARD AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES:
Best Buddies, Book Club, Homework Club, Jazz Band, Math Counts,
Musical, Robotics, Student Council, Town Orchestra, and Treble Choir
NCE MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAMS:
• After School Enrichment Classes
– Typically on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 2:45 p.m. to 3:55 p.m.
– Fall, Winter, and Spring offerings
– Late Bus is available for students in NCE classes
• Middle School Athletics
– FALL: Co-ed Cross Country (Grades 6-8); Girl's Field Hockey (Grade 7-8)
– SPRING: Co-ed Track & Field (Grades 6-8); Girl's Softball (Grades 7-8),
Ultimate Frisbee (Grades 6-8)
School Home Communication
• PowerSchool - Grades updated on 15th and 30th of each
month.
• Email teachers and teacher websites
• Cluster team meetings with parents at either teacher or parent
request
• Pollard Listserv
• Pollard School Website
• Call Assistant Principal or Principal
Grade 6 to Grade 7 Transition
• Teachers in Grades 6-7 meet to discuss content areas.
• Curriculum Coordinators and Program Directors (ELL, Fine &
Performing Arts, Media & Technology, Special Education,
Wellness, and World Languages)
• Collaboration with Administrative Staff, Guidance, Nurse, and
Special Education Liaisons at High Rock and Pollard
Transition Events and Important Dates
• March 17 - March 28 - Students register online.
• June 3, 5, 9, 10, and 11 - High Rock Clusters to Pollard
• Week of July 14 - Cluster letters sent home to parents.
• August - Self guided tours and tours with Assistant Principal
and Principal
• September 3 - Opening Day
• September 18 - Back to School Night
• October 3 - Immunization and Physical Examination Deadline
Thank you for coming!
http://pollard.needham.k12.ma.us
(781) 455-0480