New Middle School Orientation
Orange Charter School
January 26th
2-4pm
http://orangecharterschool.org/
Common Core
Encourages teachers and students to delve deeper into topics of
study
STEAM
ST@M = Science & Technology interpreted through Engineering
& the Arts, all based in Mathematical elements
PBL
PBL = Project Based Learning
Challenges of Middle School
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Multiple teachers vs. One teacher
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Class changes
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Daily homework in every class
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INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY!
If your student struggles
you should…
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Communicate with your student any ideas or tips for success.
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Take an active role in checking your student’s planner and the website for due
dates on projects, homework assignments, and upcoming tests.

Express concerns to the specific teacher or teachers with the student present.

Notes in the planner and email are the easiest ways to communicate with the
teachers.
A Note on Homework

Homework is every day in almost every class!!!! Roughly 15-30 minutes per class per day.

Students- Use your planner and write down assignments in detail. Writing down
“worksheet” or “study” may not be a sufficient reminder for you by the time school gets
out.
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Parents- Check your student’s planner and corresponding homework assignments to check
for completion.

Many teachers have their own class website.

Have a study buddy! Be sure to have a friend’s phone number in case of absence or if you
feel unsure about a homework assignment.
What does it mean for homework to be
“complete”?

When students are given a homework assignment, it is required that they complete it
“to the best of their ability”.

“I don’t know” or “?” is not an acceptable answer on a completed assignment.

Our priority in assigning homework is that students learn to investigate information
on their own and TRY, TRY, TRY!

Homework is legible in pencil or blue/black pen.
Late Homework

All students are required to turn in homework assignments on the day that they are
due.

If an assignment is late, points will be deducted at a rate of 10% of the assignment’s
point value per day for up to 5 days.

Assignments more than 5 days late will not be graded.
No Name??

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Papers with no name will have points deducted
AUTOMATICALLY.
Students will be given a chance to claim no-name papers.
Grades

Grades are posted online
 Grades can be checked from any computer with internet access.
 Grades are usually updated weekly.
 Parents are encouraged to check grades AS WELL AS the student.

Username & Password information given out during the first week of
school.
The Importance of Attendance

Students will become overwhelmed and be less likely to succeed if they have excessive absences,
tardies, and early check-outs.

If your child is truly ill, please keep them home until they are well and check the website for
assignments.

Students are responsible for making up all work and notes that were missed. They have as
many days as they were absent to make up the work.

If you MUST check-out early, assignments due that day should be turned in and that night’s
homework should be requested before the student leaves.
Discipline Policy

OCS’s discipline policy can be found in your handbook.

Plagiarism = ISS

Teachers try to stay in contact with you so behavioral issues can
be worked out together.
Morning Drop-off

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Drop off occurs between the North and South Buildings
Drop off starts at 7:30 a.m.
Middle Schoolers wait in the Cafeteria until 7:45. Then they may go to
their homeroom.
 The traffic barriers will be moved at 8:00. After 8:00, you must pull
around to the circle to sign your child in at the Main Office in the South
Building.
 If you are the parent of a child that is in the North Building, you must
walk your child to class after signing in for his/her safety.
Afternoon Pick-Up

Middle Schoolers who have a sibling in grades K-4 or who are
carpooling with students from grades K-4 will be picked up
downstairs.

All other Middle Schoolers will be picked up upstairs at the
breezeway.

School ends at 3pm.
Snack
Every middle school student may eat a snack during the first 5 minutes of their 3rd period
class (10:00am).
 Snack should:
– Be easy to consume
– Be easy to clean-up
– Not be shared with classmates
– Not require a utensil
– Not contain peanuts
 Ex: pretzels, granola bar, trail mix, banana, crackers


Resealable water bottles are acceptable, but no other drinks will be allowed in class.
Lunch

The school does not provide hot lunch. You need to bring your
own lunch and own snack.

Sometimes fundraisers (such as pizza) may be available for lunch
options.
Strings

Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
 Progressive instruction beginning with learning to read music.
 3-4 Concerts per year
 Occasional travel opportunities to play in the community.
 Practice Logs and other assignments are counted for grades.
Band

Flute, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxaphone, Baritone
 Progressive instruction beginning ith learning to read music.
 1-2 Concerts per year
Performing Arts

Level 1 = Introduction
 Level 2 = Spring Musical
 Past musicals include “Beauty and the Beast” and “Footloose.”
 This year’s musical is “The Wizard of Oz.”
Tiger Time

A time set aside for all middle school students to engage in
STEAM related projects for self and curricular enrichment.

Will not interfere with ARTS classes.
Lockers

Students will be assigned lockers during the first week of school.

Students should bring their own locks if wanted and give a copy of your combination
to your homeroom teacher.

Students should try to keep their backpacks in their lockers at all times.

All lunchboxes should be kept in the locker until lunch.
Computers


Google School
Chrome books available for all middle schoolers
 Individual emails and passwords
 Google Docs
Math Assistant

Ms. Smalley is our Math Assistant!

She will be in some Math and other various classes throughout
the day.
Orange Charter School MS Counseling Program

Guidance Curriculum
– Designed to promote empathy, problem solving and impulse control in
addition to introducing various life skills and career options

Individual and Group Counseling
– Crisis situations or As needed basis
– Open door policy for children, parents/guardians
Middle School Mentors Program

Middle School Mentors assist teachers and other staff with tasks such as
tutoring, assisting in the classroom, helping with special projects and acting as
role models.

Focus is on developing responsibility and leadership skills.

Mentors must be willing to volunteer one lunch period per week.

Parental permission is required.
Clubs

After school clubs are available
– Science Olympiad
– Writing Club
– History Club

More clubs can be scheduled with parent commitment.
Meet Our Staff:
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Mrs. Hover – 6th Language Arts & Social Studies, Strings
Mrs. Keith – 6th Math & Science, Performing Arts
Mrs. Potter – 7/8th Language Arts, Performing Arts
Mrs. Martin – 7/8th Math, Performing Arts
Mr. Jewitt – 7/8th Social Studies, Health & PE
Mr. Gatt – 7/8th Science, Performing Arts
Mrs. Alvarado – Spanish
Mr. Whitten - Health & PE
Mrs. Frank – Art, Performing Arts
Mr. Dawson - Band
Mrs. Beasly-Bunnell – Exceptional Children
Dr. Breedlove - Exceptional Children
Mrs. Apelgren – Counseling
Thanks for coming!!!
Any questions or concerns?