Pollard Middle School
Rising Grade 7 Information Session
March 19, 2013
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
Mr. Ryan Coen, Ms. Michelle Comma, Mr. Jack Flamand,
Mr. Liam Nahill, Mr. Brendan Smith, Ms. Grace Ward,
and Ms. Stephanie Wilson (Students)
Ms. Megan Bonomolo (Assistant Principal Grade 7)
Ms. Merle Berman (Assistant Principal Grade 8)
Mr. Ken Lundberg and Ms. Holly Pacis (Teachers)
Mrs. Rosemary Leone (School Nurse)
Mr. Jeremy Greenwood 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 2013
• 489 Grade 7 Students
• 425 Grade 8 Students
Faculty and Staff September 2013
• Teachers - 59
• Support Staff - 18
Pollard Middle School: A Snapshot
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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 Coordinator: Ms. Joan Woodward
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
(Ceramics & Sculpture, Music Explorations, and Experiential
Education)
• Fine Arts - Arts 7
• Learning Center
• Technology - Computer Technology
• Wellness - Physical Education and Health
• World Language - French or Spanish
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)
Perio d 5 (12:21 – 1:14)
Period 6 (1:17 – 2:10)
After School Staff Support (2:10 – 2:40)
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
Activ ities (From 2:40)
Advisory Program
• 15 minutes every day
• Curriculum
• 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, Biome Projects, and
DNA Extraction
• Social Studies: Exploration Ancient China, India,
Multicultural Perspectives, and Semitic Religions
Helpful Hints
• Busing Information - Week of March 25 (High Rock) and
April 1 (Transportation Website)
• Lunches (Summer Mailing)
• Snacks and Water
• Locks and Cell phones
• Binders and School Supplies
• Homework
Special Education Programming
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12 Special Education Liaisons
1 School Psychologist between High Rock & 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, 7, & 8)
Guidance Department
Guidance Counselors
• Mr. Jeremy Greenwood (Clusters 7-1, 7-2, 8-1, 8-2)
• Mr. Mark Yetman (Clusters 7-3, 7-4, 7-5, 8-3, 8-4)
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
• Mrs. Rosemary Leone
• Mrs. Debbie Brennan
• Communication Protocols
• Physical Exam and Immunization Requirements
• Mandatory Health Screenings
Extra Curricular Activities
• After School Clubs and Activities: Best Buddies,
Book Club, Homework Club, Jazz Band, Math Counts,
Musical, Robotics, Student Council, and Treble Choir
• NCE Middle School Classes:
- After school enrichment programs
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 2:45 p.m.-3:55 p.m.
- Late bus is available for all students in NCE programs
- Fall Winter, and Spring offerings
- Middle School Athletics: Fall Cross-Country for Boys and
Girls (Grades 6-8), Girl’s Field Hockey (Grades 7-8), Spring
Track & Field for Boys and Girls (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
• 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, and Special
Education Liaisons at High Rock and Pollard
Transition Events and Important Dates
• March 18 - March 29 - Students register online
• June - Pollard StepUp2 Day
• June 11, 12, 13, 17, and 18 - High Rock Clusters to Pollard
• Week of July 8 - Cluster letters sent home to parents
• August - Self guided tours and tours with Assistant Principal
and Principal
• September 3 - Opening Day
• September 26 - Back to School Night
• October 1 - Immunization and Physical Examination Deadline
Thank you for coming!
http://pollard.needham.k12.ma.us
(781) 455-0480