6th Grade OrientationStudent Sessions

Fairfield Middle SchoolAugust 14, 2013

TechnologyPresented by:

Ms. MattoxTeacher, Family & Consumer Science

jmmattox@henrico.k12.va.us

Acceptable UseO You will receive a form that must be

signed and returned saying you agree to the acceptable use policy

O This policy, in short, states that you will use the computer for only educational purposes

O Remember, we can see everything you are working on during school!

PrivilegeO Having your laptop is a privilege, not

a rightO A teacher or administrator can

confiscate your laptop at anytime for improper use

O Improper use may includeO Being on an inappropriate websiteO Playing games instead of completing

your assignmentO Causing physical damage to your

laptop

LaptopsOYou get your personal laptop and charger

on fee night (Aug 28-29 from 4-7pm) after: O Paying the $50 usage feeO Parent attends laptop training session (Not

sure this is still the case)O Code of conduct / Acceptable Use Form

with signature is returned.

• Laptop training will occur during homeroom. For any other training needs, stop by the help desk.

• If you attended Falcon Institute you are already familiar with the computers

CareO When you are issued your computer it is 100% YOUR

RESPONSIBILITY!O Bags will NOT be provided this year!O It is highly recommended that you purchase your own

bag to keep your laptop safe (especially on the sidewalks and bus)

O Do NOT eat or drink around your laptopO You will be given a charger with your laptop, if you lose

it, it’s $25 to replace itO Normal wear and tear (backlights, missing key, HD,

etc..)can be replaced for free at the help desk O Non normal wear and tear (cracked screens, chipped

plastic, broken hinges, ext.) will be free the first time, and $25 every time after that.

Help DeskO Mr. Raya operates the school’s help desk.O Enter the help desk through the library

doors near counseling.O Come from 8-10 or 1-3 every day with a

pass.O If you drop your computer off in the

morning it will be ready in the afternoonO If you drop your computer off in the

afternoon it will be ready the following morning

Help Desk Map

Welcome to Fairfield

MiddleMaking the Transition from Elementary School to Middle School

What Students Say About the Transition to Middle

School“When I first started the 6th grade I didn't know what to do or what to think.”

“Teachers don't know about how hard it is for a sixth grader to feel good and how a lot of kids are scared of life.”

“Sixth grade is like kindergarten, like starting all over again.”

From NMSA’s "Transition to A Middle Level School: What Kids Say,"

Kids Going to Middle School Fear …

LockersGetting through crowded halls without getting lost or hassled by bigger kidsThe lunchroomBullyingFitting in/not fitting inLooking Stupid, and once again…

Teacher vs. Team of Teachers

• In Elementary School, students are assigned one teacher each year to work with students in the four core content areas: Reading/Language Arts/Writing, Math, Science and Social Studies. In Middle School, students are assigned to a team of teachers.

CommunicationElementary– Weekly Folders– Weekly

Newsletters– Room

Parent/Flyers– Progress Reports– Website– Phone calls and

Conferences

Middle– Agenda Books– Flyers– Progress Reports –

online– School website– HCPSLink– School Space– Phone calls and

conferences

Transition Between Classes

• Elementary school students transition by class. Classes walk together to their specials, to lunch, and to other school activities.•Middle school students change classes according to a grade level bell schedule. There is often movement between classrooms as students transition from one subject area to another. Students have five minutes to get from one class to the other.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Opportunities for extra-curricular activities increase from elementary school to middle school. Extra-curricular activities in middle school may include clubs within the school, step team, and sports.

Responsibility

OrganizationTime Management “Doing the right thing, even when no one is looking.”Agenda – homeworkStudying

Time Management

& Organization

From Busy to Business and Messy to Meticulous in Minutes

Me or Me • Mom, I think my Science Fair Project is due tomorrow.• I have a quiz next Thursday and I plan to study for 20

minutes before soccer practice.• I can’t find my homework, I thought I put it in my

pocket.• I let my friend borrow my notebook and she lost it.• It’s Tuesday, Mr. T gave us homework that is not due

until Thursday, I will get it out of the way tonight.• My favorite TV show comes on tonight, I will start my

HW when it goes off.• Gymnastics tryouts and Band rehearsal are on the

same day… I will ask my mom to help me contact the director in advance.

If I stay Organized and Manage my Time wisely, I will……

• Save time trying to locate misplaced items

• Lower stress and frustration

• Feel good and accomplished

• Keep my Parents and Teachers Happy

Two Simple Steps • Step 1 = Structure

• Use your agenda book and calendar to document the things you need to do.

• Write down any materials that you will need for the task.

• Step 2= Enforcement

• Write in your agenda book daily.

• Don’t say “I will do it later.”

• Keep up with assignments.

Tool Box – Things you need!

Tips • Don’t put it down, put

it away

• Everything has a place

• Color Coordinate materials and subjects

• Establish a routine

• Stick to it each day

Backpack Challenge

Maintain a well packed backpack throughout the school year.

Protect your laptop and charger.Have a back up supply of pens, pencils and paper.

Welcome to the Fairfield Middle School Library

Library Mission Statement

The mission of the library program is to empower students and staff to become critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skilled researchers, and ethical users of information. American Association of School Librarians

Empowering Learners

Library Visitation

Library is a great place to be!

We make every effort to provide the fullest intellectual, physical, and online access to information, literature, and ideas for our school population.

Databases

Easy Bib

Online Book Access 

Browse, Borrow, and Return Books

Use the Computers

Conduct Research

RULES

Must have a pass

Required to sign in and sign out

Collaboration with Students and Teachers to make curriculum connections

Classes visit the library regularly with their reading and English classes. Other classes and groups are scheduled as instructional goals are identified.

Library Cards

Library cards from the elementary schools follow our rising sixth graders to middle school. If for some reason we do not get a card for a sixth grade student, then a new card is made.

 

Students are required to present their HCPS library cards to borrow books from the library. There is a $1.00 fee to replace lost cards.

Borrowing Privileges

Students may borrow a maximum of five items at a time as long as they do not have any overdue books, lost books, or excessive fines.

The loan period is two weeks.Renewals are allowed, but the books must

be brought to the library for renewal.Overdue notices are sent out periodically

through homeroom classes.

Overdue Books / Fines

Overdue books – 5 cents per day per bookLost / damaged paperback book - $5.00 -

$16.00 each depending on the item. * Lost / damaged hardback book - $16.00

each. *

**When the cost of a book exceeds $25, the actual replacement cost may be charged.**

Ideas to Foster ReadingRead aloud.Talk about books you read.Keep books and magazines around the house.Give books as gifts.Obtain a public library card for your child.Schedule regular library visits to the public library.Reread a book you loved as a child and share it with your child.Make reading a daily event at home.Organize a home library.

Reading Suggestions

Summer Reading List:http://blogs.henrico.k12.va.us/fairfield/

Happy Reading!!!!

Fairfield Middle SchoolPresented by: Justin S. Grigg

Fall Sports Girls’ Basketball

Football

Boys’ Soccer

Girl’s Tennis

Winter Sports Boys’ Basketball

Gymnastics

Wrestling

Spring SportsBaseball

Girls’ Soccer

Softball

Boys’ Tennis

Track

Eligibility Must have a HCPS Sports Physical. Physicals must be completed by a

physician after May 1, 2013 for a student to be able to tryout for the 2013-2014 school year.

Must have a signed HCPS Student-Athlete Concussion Policy on file with the Athletic Director.

All grade levels can participate/tryout.

Must maintain a 2.0 GPA

Successful Study Strategies

Making Lifetime Habits By Mrs. O’Connor,

Introduction to Environmental Science and Life ScienceFairfield Middle School, 2013-2014

How do I begin?• Find a place• Find a person at home and at school• Break the distractions (cell phone,

TV videos and social networking)• Set a schedule • Sleep at least 9-10 hours a night• Eat healthy, make breakfast a

priority

Start with Organization• Begin with writing everything down in the

same place (agenda, notebook, stickies)• Use handwritten notes between teachers

and parents in an agenda or notebook• Organize each class, follow the teacher• Organize your time after school• Organize your study time each night• Plan for tests and projects• More on organization with Ms. Stevens

I know I need to study, but how?• Know and learn your teachers and

class tools• Set goals, no matter how small• WRITE DOWN ASSIGNMENTS• Each night: choose to start with

small assignments or get the harder work done first?

• Don’t procrastinate, just start!

Your homework time• First, Middle School does require

studying on the weekends—balance this with family, sports and activities

• Make it a habit, but change it up if it is not working

• Do you start with the big assignments or the small assignments? Your choice.

• Take Breaks, Use Motivational tools such as music or a healthy snack

• Just begin

Your teacher and technology• Know your class tools, does your teacher

use a notebook, School Space, websites or do you need to start your own folder and organization?

• Use email for questions, yellow sticky on the computer for reminders, keep your computer organized (it is like a notebook), ask for help and stay away from distractions during homework time

How to Avoid Stress and Anxiety• Stay organized• Get help or find a mentor• Don’t procrastinate• Keep your computer in good shape

and back up your files• Write everything down• Always eat a healthy breakfast• Sleep well• Study every day• Exercise

Test Taking Studying and Skills• Know what you are studying• Read your notes• Retype notes or make a powerpoint

(Keynote) or flash cards, color code cards or paper notes

• Mneumonics (make phrases such as NEVER EAT SOGGY WAFFLES -NESW)

• Draw pictures • Make a Mind Map• Use technology

More studying tools

• READ RECITE AND REVIEW

CHANGE YOUR THINKING

• Do not say “I’m horrible at math” or “I can’t write well.”

• Use self-talk to say, “I can learn this.” or “One step at a time”

Tried and True FMS Habits

• Write down all assignments• Ask for help, find an adult at school you can

count on• Learn to organize your backpack and your

computer• Back up files on the computer• Know when you will have a project, quiz or test• Make friends that care about their grades and

school• Come prepared each day with a pencil, a

working computer and a great attitude

Final Thoughts• Set short term goals and dream big

for your long term goals• Know that some days are going to

suck and it will be better tomorrow• Don’t hold back• #1 goal should be time management• Keep your head up and find help

when you need it

Clubs & Activities

For the clubs and activities presentation please click on the following link:

http://prezi.com/qirgccqpfhuc/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share

Fairfield Middle School

Middle School Expectations

Mr. Dublin, Administrative Aide, IB Humanities, and U.S. History I

Agenda

1) Life as a 6th Grader 2) PRIDE3) Code of Conduct and

FMS Student Handbook

Life as a 6th Grader

• Multiple classes, multiple teachers

• Everything will be bigger (classes, campus, students)

• Bottom of the pile (6th) vs. top of the pile (5th)

• Academically more rigorous and performance-focused (instead of task-focused)

Life as a 6th Grader

What’s on their minds…• Physical and logistical concerns –

finding and changing classes, crowded walkways, and lockers

• Social concerns – making new friends, reconnecting with old friends, and dealing with problems

• Academic concerns – meeting increased academic demands, organizing for multiple subjects and long term assignments

PRIDE (School Wide Expectations)

Positive• -using kind verbal and

nonverbal expressions (body language, gestures, words)

Respectful• -being courteous and polite in

language and actions

PRIDE (School Wide Expectations)

Integrity• choosing to do what is right

and good at all times

Disciplined• following guidelines,

expectations, and requests of all adults at all times in all environments

PRIDE (School Wide Expectations)

Excellence• demonstrating your best efforts

on all tasks at all times with all individuals

FMS Student Handbook

This document includes information about students expectations and will be located in the Student Agenda Book. It will also include the FALCON CHARACTER PLEDGE:I pledge to try my best, have courage, include others, be respectful and responsible, act non-violently, and celebrate ways that I can improve the world around me.

Code of Conduct

All students have the right to learn in a safe and orderly environment. Therefore, appropriate behavior is expected of all students at all times. Pleaseread and discuss the Code of Conduct from Henrico County Public Schools. Students must follow these rules. Code of Conduct assemblies will be held in September and in January.

Our Partnership

Consequences for inappropriate behavior include:

• Warning; likely a phone call home• Consequence assigned by the teacher (lunch

detention, time out, etc.)• Administrative Detention (Afternoon or

*Saturday 9:00AM – 11:00AM)• ALC (**Alternative Learning Center or In-School

Suspension)• OSS (Out of School Suspension)• 10 day Suspension/Hearing with Administrator,

Principal, or DRHO (Disciplinary Review Hearing Officer)

*This is an alternative to Alternative Learning Center**This is an alternative to Out of School Suspension

Questions

?

The Basics of IB

An Introduction to IB Philosophy and Traits

What is IB? IB is the International Baccalaureate

Program. An international program with similar

curriculum models (the way we teach) in hundreds of countries.

Do I have to know this? I’m not IB!

Yes, FMS is an IB MYP World Authorized School. You attend this school.

IB and non-IB students are all proud to be Fairfield Falcons!

Many IB philosophies will be taught school-wide at FMS because they are good practices.

IB Mission Statement The International Baccalaureate aims to develop

inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.

These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

FMS Whole School IB Holistic Learning= Teaching the whole

student Community and Service= Helping others Learner Profile Traits= Character Education

International Education= Awareness of other cultures, differences and commonalities

Communication= Efficiency in communicating in various methods in an appropriate manner

Grade level year long community and service projects

Club based community and service projects

Individual community and service projects

Falcon Focus to create your own community and service projects

Focus on identifying communities in need AND your own strengths to help fulfill those needs

FMS Community and Service

IB students are required to participate in a minimum of 20 hours of community and service. All FMS students may earn an HCPS certificate of achievement for community and service!

September Inquirer

October Caring

November Knowledgeable

December Thinkers

January Communicators

February Principled

March Open-minded

April Risk-taker

May Balanced

June Reflective

FMS Learner Profile TraitsMonthly FMS LP Trait is celebrated through activities and awards. Winners will be posted in the cafeterias. These traits are what all FMS students and staff strive to display!

Current events Classroom

activities Community

activities FMS

International Fair Visiting guests

and speakers Travel

opportunities in spring and summer

FMS International EducationExposure to different cultures, identifying individual student culture, and understanding differences will be a focus of class activities and school activities. All FMS students will be competing for jobs and resources in a global society!

Public speaking Debate Blogs Wikis Poetry Music Chorus Dance Creative writing Journal Scrap book Art Foreign language

FMS CommunicationCommunication is an important skill in the new global society. Effectively communicating in a variety of modes will help all FMS students!

The Basics of IB Welcome to Fairfield Middle School-

Home of the Falcons!

Thank you for attending!