GREENE MIDDLE
SCHOOL
PARENT ORIENTATION
Fifth to Sixth Grade
Transition
May 2014
WELCOME TO
MIDDLE SCHOOL
“Where Learning is the
Experience for a
Lifetime”
Fun and Facts about Middle
School
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Middle School Philosophy and Concept
How is Middle School Different From Elementary
School?
Courses of Study
State Tests
Graduation Requirements
Middle School Activities/Athletics
Academic Status
Electronics
Communication
Helping Your Child Succeed in Middle School
Middle School Philosophy and Mission
Greene Middle School Mission Statement
In an environment that builds respect for self and
others through a team approach, Greene Middle
School, in partnership with the community, will
strive to meet the unique developmental needs of
students in transition, from children to young
adults and from dependent to independent
learners.
How is the Middle School Different
From Elementary School?
Students work with a team of teachers
who all teach different subject areas
(core academics and life skills courses).
 Students travel from classroom to
classroom every 40 minutes (4 minutes
between classes).
 Students eat in the cafeteria.
 Students have book lockers and gym
lockers (locks provided by the school).
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How is the Middle School Different
From Elementary School?
Students have a greater amount of
freedom…..BUT….more is expected of
them.
 “9th period”:
The school day ends at 3:05 p.m. unless
students have permission to leave at
2:21PM because all of their work is
satisfactorily completed and their
behavior is good.
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Middle School Requirements
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English, Math, Social Studies, Science-all 3 years
Reading-1 year (6th grade)
Foreign Language-1 year (8th grade)
Technology-1 year (7th grade)
Health- ½ year (7th grade)
Family and Consumer Science-3/4 of a year
Art- ½ year
Music- ½ year
Library studies (integrated into curriculum)
Physical Education-every other day all 3 years
OPTIONAL COURSES: Band/Chorus
6th Grade Courses
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Core Academics
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Life Skills Courses
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ELA, Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies—
every day for 40 minutes each
Family and Consumer Science (FACS), Music,
Art, Computer Literacy—quarterly courses
Physical Education—every other day
Additional Courses
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AIS Support (ELA or Math Lab)—every other day
Academic Resource
Band/Chorus
A Typical 6th Grade Day
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FIRST HALF
Arrive at school by 7:45
(warning bell for first period)
1st: ELA
Homeroom
2nd: Math
3rd: study hall/ band/
chorus/lab/resource
4th: Science
5th: LUNCH (and lunch rec)
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SECOND HALF
6a: Reading
6b: physical education /study
hall/lab/resource
7th: Social Studies
8th: quarterly Life Skills
(FACS, Music, Art, Computer
Lit)
9th: (2:30-3:05 TuesdayThursday)
Homework help, detention,
clubs, etc.
Testing Requirements and Academic
Intervention Services
6th, 7th, 8th grades:
 NYS Test in ELA and Math
8th grade:
 NYS Test in Science (Performance & Written)
Academic Intervention Service (AIS):
 Students who score a 2 or 1 on a NYS exam
are provided with tiered services which may
include progress monitoring or an ELA/Math
lab
Graduation Requirements
(for students entering Grade 9 in 2001 and thereafter)
Regents Diploma
Test Requirements (Grade of 65 or
higher):
English Regents
1
Math Regents
1
Global Studies
1
US History
1
Science Regents
1
Second Language Proficiency Exam ( or 1
credit in second language)*
Course Requirements:
Core Credits (18.5)
English
4
Social Studies
4
Math
3
Science
3
Health
½
Phys. Ed.
2
Art/Tech/Music
1
Second Language 1
Completed 22 Credits
Advanced Designation Regents
Diploma
Test Requirements:
English Regents
1
Math Regents
3
Global Studies
1
US History
1
Science Regents
2
Sec. Lang Regents 1**
Course Requirements:
Core Credits (20.5)
English
4
Social Studies
4
Math
3
Science
3
Health
½
Phys. Ed.
2
Art/Tech/Music
1
Second Language 3
Completed 22 Credits
* 1 Unit in Second Language may be earned by passing a proficiency examination or by passing a high school course.
** Students acquiring 5 units in occupational studies or arts may be exempted from the 3 unit requirement in second language. Those students must have I unit in a
second language which may be earned either through a proficiency exam or by a course.
And Now for the “Fun Stuff”
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Whole School Events:
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Spirit Days
Spring Fling/Spirit Week
Winter Carnival
Dances (generally one a
month)
OLWEUS Bully
Prevention class
meetings—monthly
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Clubs and Activities:
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Odyssey of the Mind
Ski Club
Student Council
Yearbook
Chess Club
Girls on Track
Footlights
National Junior Honor
Society
More Fun: Athletics
Available for students in 7th and 8th grades
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Soccer-boys and girls
Field hockey
Football
Swimming-girls and
boys
Softball
Bowling
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Basketball-boys and
girls
Wrestling
Track-girls and boys
Baseball
Volleyball
Academic Status
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Eligibility plan to ensure that students are
succeeding academically before taking part in
extra curricular activities.
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Extra Curricular Activities include all activities
requiring a parent signature or the Greene
Middle School Parent Consent form and the
Athletic Participation Permission Form. (e.g.
art club, Odyssey of the Mind, school sports,
dances, Footlights).
Eligibility Plan
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Phase I: Student is failing 1 subject and MAY participate in
extra-curricular activities (including dances).
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Phase II: Student is failing 2 subjects. The student CAN
practice for extra-curricular activities but MAY NOT participate
in games, footlight productions, dances, ski trips,
competitions, pep rallies, etc.
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Phase III: Student is failing 3 or more subjects. The student
CANNOT practice for extra-curricular activities or participate
in games, footlight productions, dances, ski trips,
competitions, pep rallies, etc.
***For all full year courses, ninth period remediation for the
subjects failed will be available. Attendance will be taken by
the teacher.
How Do Students Change their
Eligibility Level?
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Students should speak with their teachers and
discuss what action needs to be taken (9th period,
turning in homework, etc.)
Phase II and III students can request to be reevaluated on a weekly basis and status may be
changed.
Students can pick up an Academic Release Form
on THURSDAYS in the middle school office. This
form should be returned to the middle school
office by 2:30 on Thursday. The earliest day to
participate in activities is Friday.
Communication: How, With Whom,
When??
Ask your child
 Check the student handbook
 Contact teacher/Team Leader
 Check your child’s progress on Home Access
 Homework Hotline after 4:00
 Scheduling and student issues-School
Counselor (Mrs. Worsnopp)
 Behavior issues-Principal (Mr. Calice)
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What We Do to Help Your Child
Transition to Middle School
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Before September:
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Mrs. Worsnopp meets with all 5th grade classes
5th graders visit the Middle School in June
Summer Orientation in August
School is open during the summer for more tours
During the School Year:
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First day of school: Orientation/Tour with 6th
grade teachers
DEAR weekly
Agenda use
Parent/Teacher contact (individually or with
the entire team of teachers)
Tips for Helping Your Child Succeed in
Middle School
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Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!!
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Be Proactive with Homework/Study Skills
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Ask your child how her day was, what homework assignments
she has, and if she is being treated well at school.
Know your child’s teachers, counselor, and principal, and
contact them (or the Team Leader) to set up a meeting if you
are concerned.
Set up a schedule with your child so that he has a routine for
homework completion every night.
Use resources—homework hotline, Home Access, email/call
teachers to help keep your child on track.
Help your child learn to use her agenda effectively and make
sure that she knows where to seek help if she is struggling.
Plan ahead.
Study with your child.
Visit the Middle School!!!
The End!!
We hope you have learned a lot
and we look forward to working
with you in the fall!
ANY QUESTIONS???