McKinley Classical Leadership Academy
Middle School
6th Grade Welcome Packet
Created by the McKinley CLA
Middle School PTO
2010-2011
Created on 13-APR-2011
1
McKinley Classical Leadership Academy
Middle School and High School
2156 Russell Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63104
McKinley CLA Main Office
314.773.0027
McKinley CLA Fax
314.244.1834
Transportation
314.633.5100 or
314.331.6042
Administrative/Office Staff
Staff
Title
Room
E-Mail
Williams, Earl
Blankenship, James
Kevin
Grant, Arlene
Principal
Asst. Principal
112
earl.williams@slps.org
205
james.blankenship@slps.org
Secretary
Main Office
arlene.grant@slps.org
Brown, Delphia
Social Worker
208
delphia.brown@slps.org
Grant, Sharon
School Counselor (Middle)
141
sharon.grant@slps.org
Jones, Marcia, RN
School Nurse
169
marcia.jones@slps.org
Perry, Jacqueline
Database Specialist
Main Office
jacqueline.perry@slps.org
Rosenfeld, Richard
Athletic Director/
Language Arts Res. Spec.
310
richard.rosenfeld@slps.org
Scott, Emily
Teaching & Learning
Facilitator
320
emily.scott@slps.org
McKinley Classical Leadership Academy:
The Ultimate Challenge.
Created on 13-APR-2011
2
McKinley CLA Middle School 2010-2011
6TH GRADE – Faculty/Staff
Sorted by SUBJECT
TITLE/CLASS
STAFF/TEACHER
ROOM
EMAIL
Art
Simpson, Rebecca
127/128
rebecca.simpson@slps.org
Communication Arts (6th)
Falbe, Michele
160
michele.falbe@slps.org
Dance Instructor
Thomas, Nicole
Room G 115
nicole.thomas@slps.org
Family Consumer Science
White, Nancy
nancy.white@slps.org
Instrumental Music
Dorries, Robert
Room G
90/92
Room G
Band Room
ISS
Gordon, Herman
G 105
herman.gordon@slps.org
Librarian
Merry, Marsha
147/Library/14
3
marsha.merry@slps.org
Mathematics (6th)
Schneider, Gail
152
gail.schneider@slps.org
Physical Education
Health/Wellness
Team Sports
Physical Education
Health/Wellness
Breitenstein, Laura
Gym/159
laura.breitenstein@slps.org
Hoffman, Jonathan
Gym/159
jon.hoffman@slps.org
Science (6th)
Anderson, Jill
156
j.anderson@slps.org
Social Studies (6th)
Civilizations - 6
Spanish (Middle)
Casson, Rebecca
155
rebecca.casson@slps.org
Schwenke, Sandra
251
sandra.schwenke@slps.org
Vocal Music
Simms, Veronica
229/235
veronica.simms@slps.org
robert.dorriesjr@slps.org
bobdorries@charter.net
NOTES:
Created on 13-APR-2011
3
MCLA Schedule - 2010-2011 School Year
Period 6
Grade 6
7:00 - 7:10
7:10 - 7:55
7:58 - 8:43
8:46 - 9:31
9:34 - 10:19
10:22-10:52,
11:28-11:43
11:46 - 12:31
LUNCH
Period 7
Period 8
Locker
After-School
10:55 – 11:25
12:34 - 1:19
1:22 - 2:07
2:07 - 2:12
2:12 – 4:30
Locker
Period 1
Period 2
Period 3
Period 4
Period 5
Grade 7
7:00 - 7:10
7:10 - 7:55
7:58 - 8:43
8:46 - 9:31
9:34 - 10:19
10:22 – 11:07
Grade 8
7:00 - 7:10
7:10 - 7:55
7:58 - 8:43
8:46 - 9:31
9:34 - 10:19
10:22 – 11:07
HS
7:00 - 7:10
7:10 - 7:55
7:58 - 8:43
8:46 - 9:31
9:34 - 10:19
10:55 - 11:43
11:10 – 11:25,
12:01 – 12:31
11:28 – 11:58
12:34 - 1:19
1:22 - 2:07
2:07 - 2:12
2:12 – 4:30
11:10 – 11:58
11:46 – 12:31
12:01 – 12:31
12:34 - 1:19
1:22 - 2:07
2:07 - 2:12
2:12 – 4:30
10:22 - 10:52
12:34 - 1:19
1:22 - 2:07
2:07 - 2:12
2:12 – 4:30
MCLA Bell Times
Bells Ring
7:00
7:10
7:55
7:58
8:43
8:46
9:31
9:34
10:19
10:22
10:52
10:55
11:07
11:10
11:25
11:28
11:43
11:46
11:58
12:01
12:31
12:34
1:19
1:22
2:07
2:12
Grades
6, 7, 8, HS
6, 7, 8, HS
6, 7, 8, HS
6, 7, 8, HS
6, 7, 8, HS
6, 7, 8, HS
6, 7, 8, HS
6, 7, 8, HS
6, 7, 8, HS
6, 7, 8, HS
6, HS
6, HS
7, 8
7, 8
6, 7
6, 7
6, HS
6, HS
7, 8
7, 8
6, 7, 8, HS
6, 7, 8, HS
6, 7, 8, HS
6, 7, 8, HS
6, 7, 8, HS
6, 7, 8, HS
Created on 13-APR-2011
PLEASE NOTE:
The Schedule and Bell Times are
based on those in place for the
2010-2011 school year and are
accurate as of the date of printing
of this material.
There is a possibility that the
Schedule may change to a Block
Schedule for the 2011-2012
school year. At the time of
printing of this material, a final
decision had not yet been made
regarding the schedule for the
2011-2012 school year.
If you have any questions, please
contact MCLA at 314-773-0027.
4
MCLA 2010-2011 6th Grade Classes
Students take a full year of classes in four (4) core curriculum areas:
1. Science
2. Social Studies (Ancient Civilizations)
3. Mathematics or Pre-Algebra (students are tested at the beginning of the year
to determine placement in Pre-Algebra vs. Mathematics).
4. Communication Arts
Students also take the following courses:
1. Art, one (1) semester, daily
2. Spanish*, one (1) semester, daily
3. Family and Consumer Science (FACS), one (1) semester, daily
4. Study Hall, one (1) semester, daily
Students are also offered a choice between the following classes, which are taken daily
for a full year (selection is made by the student at the beginning of the school year):
1. Physical Education (PE) or Dance
2. Instrumental Music or Vocal Music.
*Please note: There is a possibility that French may be added back into the curriculum
for the 2011-2012 school year. At the date of printing of this material, a final decision
had not yet been made regarding this issue.
Created on 13-APR-2011
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MCLA Middle School FAQs
1. What time may students enter the building in the morning? What time must
students be in the building in the morning?
Students may enter the building no earlier than 6:30 a.m. Students must be
in the building by 7:00 a.m. at the latest.
2. What time is lunch for 6th graders? How much does it cost? What are the
options?
Lunch period for 6th graders takes place in the middle of Period 5. Students
eat lunch from 10:55 a.m. until 11:25 a.m. Please see the enclosed MCLA
Schedule.
Lunch costs $1.10 at full price. In addition, there are several items available a
la carte that can be purchased for varying prices, depending on the item.
Vending machines are also available in the cafeteria.
3. Do the students have recess at MCLA?
No. Students do not have recess in the middle school or the high school.
4. How much time do the students have to travel between periods?
All students have three (3) minutes to travel between periods.
5. Who makes the schedules and when will they be available?
All schedules are created by MCLA Staff. All schedules will be made
available no later than the first day of school.
6. Are classrooms for the 6th Graders located in close proximity?
The classrooms for the 6th grade core classes (Communication Arts, Science,
Social Studies, and Math) are all located close together on the first floor in the
northwest corner of the building. Ancillary classes are located in various
rooms throughout the building. Please see the enclosed 6th Grade
Faculty/Staff contact list for specific room numbers.
7. What foreign language(s) will be offered to 6th Graders?
All 6th Graders are offered one (1) semester of Spanish, which will be
attended on a daily basis during that semester. Please note: There is a
possibility that French may be added back into the curriculum, but as of the
date of printing of this material, a final decision had not yet been made.
Created on 13-APR-2011
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8. Does my child need to bring a planner to school?
Yes. All students are required to bring a planner to school. The planner will
be a crucial part of your child’s success at MCLA. All due dates for classroom
assignments and long-term projects will need to be written into the planner by
your child each day.
9. Does my child need to bring his or her own lock to school?
Yes. All students are required to bring a lock to school to use at his or her
regular locker. Combination locks are suggested. Please have your child
practice using his or her combination lock before school starts. Students
taking PE will be required to bring an additional lock for his or her gym locker.
Students taking Dance will not need an additional lock.
10. Does my child need a PE uniform?
Yes. If your child chooses to take PE, a PE uniform will be required. Uniforms
are ordered through the PE teachers at the start of the school year.
Information regarding sizes and cost will be sent home by your child’s PE
teacher soon after school starts.
11. What does my child need for Dance?
Girls: Solid black leotard, Flesh colored transition tights (transition tights have
a small hole in the foot), Pink split sole ballet slippers, Black tap shoes (no
high heels)
Boys: Solid white t-shirt, black shorts/pants, Black split sole ballet slippers,
Black tap shoes
12. What are the after school activities available for Middle School students?
Is transportation available? What social activities are available?
A variety of activities are available for middle school students, subject to
availability of sponsorship/volunteers. During the 2010-2011 school year,
MCLA Middle School offered AgriScience Club, Basketball, Cheerleading,
Chess Club, Debate, Drama Club, Flag Football, a Geography Bee, Girls on
the Run/Track, and a Spelling Bee. After school transportation (activity bus)
is provided by the District where appropriate.
MCLA hosts three (3) Teen Town social events each year (October,
February, and May). Students have the opportunity to dance, play games
(basketball, ping pong, Chess, board games, etc.), eat, and socialize at these
very popular events. Staff and Parent Volunteers chaperone each event.
Created on 13-APR-2011
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TIPS FOR TRANSITION TO MIDDLE SCHOOL
Time management, organization, and study skills are crucial to a successful
transition to middle school. Even the most responsible and efficient students may
struggle with the increased expectations of middle school. Please keep this in mind
as you assist your child in adjusting to MCLA. You may find that you will need to be
more involved in monitoring your child’s assignments (at least for the first few
months) than you ever have had to be in the past.
All students will need a planner to track due dates of assignments and long-term
projects. Aside from daily class assignments, 6th Grade students are assigned two
(2) REACH projects during the school year which require a good amount of research
and writing. The Fall semester REACH project centers on Science. The Spring
semester REACH project centers on Social Studies.
Time management will likely be an ongoing challenge for your student. Keeping up
with the planner, breaking large assignments into manageable chunks, and keeping
up with due dates on long-term assignments will all become very important very
quickly. Parents have found that making a list each night helps immensely. You
may wish to go through each subject and make sure your child is working on longterm projects each night rather than waiting until the last minute. It is recommended
that you have your child do the assignments in subjects (s)he does not prefer first
and the assignments in subjects (s)he prefers last.
One of the most important and simple things to keep in mind is to limit studying to 1 2 hour blocks. Your child’s brain needs a break. To that end, it may not be
advisable to have your child come home from school and start homework right away.
Instead, have your child take a 30-60 minute break immediately after school to rest,
relax and unwind (no computer, video games, TV, etc.). Once (s)he has had that
down time, (s)he will likely be more efficient (and less resistant) in doing his/her
homework.
Study environment is also critical. Studying in the same place everyday is ideal.
Every child has different preferences for light, sound, distractions, etc., so take some
time to talk to your child about what (s)he prefers and what helps him/her do his/her
best work.
Please visit the following websites for more tips:
http://www.studygs.net/timman.htm
http://www.studynoteshelp.com/
http://www.howtostudy.org/resources.php
Created on 13-APR-2011
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TOP 10 STUDY TIPS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
Article by Kellie Hayden
Edited & published by Laurie Patsalides
www.brighthub.com
Whether it is back to school time or any time of the school year, studying equals
academic success. However, some students do not know how to study. Try these 10
tips to improve study habits.
Top 10 Study Tips
After watching countless middle school students struggle over the years, I created a top
10 list of what students can do to improve study habits to become better students.
Study Tip Number 10 – Select a consistent place to study. Some people need total
quiet and other can study well with music in the background. The key is to find a
comfortable place and study there regularly, such as the kitchen table, a desk, a favorite
chair, bed, etc.
Study Tip Number 9 – Don’t wait until the last minute. Study a little every night
instead of cramming late the night before the test. A good night’s sleep helps. Bleary
eyes and a tired body do not.
Study Tip Number 8 – Buy an agenda book and use it. Most students have an
agenda book, but they don’t write anything in it. On Monday, write down all of the
week’s assignments. Most teachers have them posted in the classroom.
Study Tip Number 7 – Dedicate a space for every class in your book bag. In the
department store aisles, there are boxes and boxes of binders, folders and
organizational tools. For every class, dedicate a binder, folder or notebook. There
should be a place for class notes, handouts and homework assignments. Some of the
larger binders can accommodate all classes. It is really a matter of personal choice; just
keep papers separated by class.
Study Tip Number 6 – Stay organized throughout the year. Most students have
many binders and folders, but they do not use them. Many stuff every single paper from
school into one binder. Half of their papers become misplaced or lost. Do not use the
“shove” method when papers are returned, i.e. shove everything in one binder. Place
them in the correct folder. If you are using a three-ring binder to keep papers organized,
take the time to open the metal prongs and place them securely in it. If someone helps
you organize your papers, take the time to continue putting everything in its place.
Created on 13-APR-2011
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Study Tip Number 5—Make study cards. On the front of a note card write the word or
idea. On the back, write the definition or important information. Have a friend or parent
ask you about the word and you need to give the definition or visa versa.
Study Tip Number 4 – Make your own study guide. One great way to study is to
make a list of the important information from a chapter and write it in your own words.
Copy down any words that are written in bold or in italics. Look at chapter headings,
section headings and review sections at the end of a chapter for other important
information to add to your study guide. Merge this information with class notes.
Study Tip Number 3 – Talk about assignments with friends. Discussing
assignments with friends is another way to study. This is very helpful for studying for
novel tests. Friendly discussions about books help deepen understanding.
Study Tip Number 2 – If you are struggling, ask for help. Start by talking to the
teacher. The guidance counselor generally has a list of tutors in the area. Some high
school students need to complete community service hours to be in clubs or in honor
societies. You may be able to get a free tutor.
Study Tip Number 1 – Make academics a focus in your life. Studying takes time and
effort. Get organized, ask for help and put forth effort in improving your study habits
now.
The lessons taught in middle school are building blocks for high school and college.
Starting good study habits now will help you later in life. It does take more effort to study
and to become organized; however, academic success will make you feel good about
yourself and your parents smile.
Read more: http://www.brighthub.com/education/k12/articles/3521.aspx#ixzz1JEmsaMuK
Created on 13-APR-2011
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A Final Note About Stress
Your child may experience a higher level of stress in the transition to middle school
due to increased expectations. While middle school is certainly a time where
students gain more independence in all areas of life, including school work, please
keep in mind that your child may need extra support, assistance, and
encouragement, especially in the first few months of school. Monitoring your child’s
stress level and advocating for your child through close contact with his/her teachers
should help alleviate some of that stress.
If you feel your child is experiencing an unusual amount of stress or anxiety due to
school work, please do not hesitate to contact his/her teachers and/or the
appropriate Office Staff (i.e. the Middle School Counselor or Principal Williams) with
your concerns.
While the goal is certainly to see students take on more and more responsibility in
managing their school work, please do not ignore the fact that this is a gradual
process and your child may need more of your help and support, at least in the first
part of the school year, to fully attain this goal.
Please visit the following websites for more information:
www.studygs.net/stress.htm
http://stress.about.com/od/studentstress/ht/schoolstress.htm
www.stressmanagementtips.com/school.htm
http://www.schoolfamily.com/school-family-articles/article/10681-managing-stress-inmiddle-school
Created on 13-APR-2011
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MCLA Middle School Parent Teacher Organization
(MCLA Middle School PTO)
The purposes of the MCLA Middle School PTO are to:
1. Serve as a means of parent involvement with MCLA.
2. Seek to promote an enriched educational environment for MCLA students,
teachers, and staff.
3. Encourage parents’/guardians’ involvement in their children’s education.
4. Offer support to MCLA staff, teachers, and school community.
5. Seek to facilitate effective communication among MCLA staff, parents,
students and school community.
The MCLA Middle School PTO general meetings are held the first Tuesday of each
month, or as scheduled by the MCLA Middle School PTO Board. Membership is open
to all parents and/or guardians of students attending MCLA, MCLA faculty and MCLA
staff. The MCLA Middle School PTO Board meetings are held the third Tuesday of
each month, or as scheduled by the MCLA Middle School PTO Board.
MCLA Middle School PTO Board (2010-2011)
(Note: Board for 2011-2012 will be elected 03-MAY-2011)
Chair
Marie Davies
mdavies1209@yahoo.com
Co-Chair
Sherry Lundergan
slundergan@earthlink.net
Secretary
Laura Benckendorf
lbenckendorf@me.com
Treasurer
Charlotte Jones
cjones@cuinc.org
Parliamentarian
Laura Moore
Laura_M_Moore@msn.com
Zoleaykah Rush
Betty Schaefer
Laura Benckendorf
Megan Everding
Andrea Kintree
Carol Civettini
mrszrush@yahoo.com
mbschaef@earthlink.net
lbenckendorf@me.com
meeverding@sbcglobal.net
akintree@swbell.net
ccivettini@sbcglobal.net
th
6 Grade Representative(s)
7th Grade Representative(s)
8th Grade Representative(s)
The MCLA Middle School PTO welcomes any and all participation, no matter what level,
by McKinley CLA families. There are several opportunities for you to become involved
in the MCLA Middle School PTO. Standing Committees include Communication,
Fundraising, Hospitality, Staff Appreciation, Student Recognition, Beautification, and
Teen Town. In addition, the MCLA Middle School PTO Board will be looking for at least
two (2) new 6th Grade Parent Representatives for the 2011-2012 school year. If you
would like to get involved at MCLA, please consider joining us on the MCLA Middle
School PTO next year!
Created on 13-APR-2011
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MCLA PTO YAHOO GROUP
MCLA PTO moderates a Yahoo Group for members of the MCLA community. The
MCLA PTO Yahoo Group was established in an effort to provide another line of
communication between the school and the home. If you would like to be added to the
MCLA PTO Yahoo Group, please send an email to the Moderator at:
McKinely_CLA_PTO-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
MCLA PTO YAHOO GROUP RULES OF ETIQUETTE
The McKinley CLA PTO Yahoo Group was established to provide a connection between
the school and home. This is a resource of information for the school and MCLA PTO.
We understand that it is a good way to reach many parents, but we ask that you
observe the following rules of etiquette in using this group.
Original Yahoo Group Rules of Etiquette:
1. Emails must be kind and respectful. Everyone has a right to their opinion without
judgment. However, no one's opinion can include criticism. Nor can emails name any
individuals or groups to criticize. This includes, but is not limited to, McKinley's faculty
and staff.
2. You must sign your emails. Your name has been submitted with your email address
as your registration to this group. We must be willing to take responsibility for our
words.
3. To keep from receiving many responses to emails, this group is set up so that when
you respond to someone's email, only that sender will receive your response. If you
would like everyone to read the response, you must hit "reply all".
Additions:
We know there will be issues that come up that will create much "venting" dialogue. We
respectfully ask that you do the following;
1. Go to the source first. If you are not pleased with a rule or policy, direct your
concern to the person(s) responsible. Try to approach that person with a solution for
the problem. But, first ask for an explanation of the rule or of the incident.
2. If you want to see how many other parents are affected by an issue, of course you
may pose the question to the Yahoo Group. This is a good resource for parent opinion
and information. However, instead of having this discussion continue with the
entire Yahoo Group, please ask parents to address you at your own address. Those
interested in that dialogue can discuss the issue off the Group. Those who are not
interested in that line of conversation do not need to be involved in the discussion.
Created on 13-APR-2011
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3. Do not use students' names in discipline issues.
4. Respect cultural differences. Avoid making cultural references that may offend
others.
We appreciate your help and support of the MCLA PTO Yahoo Group. The moderator
will contact you if these rules of etiquette are not honored for the respect of all
members.
This is a forum in which you can present a question that you feel this PTO body can
answer. However, an educational question that is not within a parent's capacity to
respond needs to be directed to the appropriate party. In the case of personnel
matters, which are protected by law, concerns and questions need to go directly to
MCLA's administration.
If you are interested in gauging the feelings of the parents in this group on a certain
issue, the issue can be presented, the question asked, and parents should be asked to
respond to you off-list to your email address. Long, continuous conversations that
criticize staff members and name teachers or students cannot and will not be tolerated
and will not be kept online.
Please continue your efforts to contact Mr. Williams at earl.williams@slps.org or at 7730027 with your questions and concerns regarding academic issues. Principal Williams
has been responsive to these types of emails and would like to speak with parents
directly.
Thank you for your cooperation and consideration of this group and its purpose and
etiquette.
Created on 13-APR-2011
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Daily Assignment Sheet
Today’s Date: _____________________
Important Things to Remember Today:
Period / Class
1
Homework Assigned Today
Due Date
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
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Monthly Overview
Month: _________________________
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Projects due
Sports, clubs,
activities, etc.
Projects due
Sports, clubs,
activities, etc.
Projects due
Sports, clubs,
activities, etc.
Projects due
Sports, clubs,
activities, etc.
Projects due
Sports, clubs,
activities, etc.
Created on 13-APR-2011
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