Matthew Phythian, Principal & 6th grade Administrator

Jane Prince, Counseling Director

Soaring To Excellence-

“Every Student Learning at High Levels Every Day”

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Mission Statement:

The Bull Run Middle School community strives to ensure that every student can read, write, speak, and think at high levels across the curriculum to ensure they are prepared to successfully function at the next level.

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oAdolescents experience more rapid and personal developmental changes between the ages 10-15

o Changes in the way they…Think (brain development),

Look (hormonal changes), Act (personal hygiene, peer relationships)

Sounds like fun, right??

Help your child with…◦ Organization

Use of agenda/calendar

Check notebooks, book bags, and agendas regularly

Use of School Messenger site/Parent Portal

Chunking large assignments

◦ Time Management Review notes, homework, class work daily

Balance between school/activities/home

Routine, routine , routine

Parent involvement is a key factor in

middle school success!

Friends and popularity are major issues in middle school (to your student)

Your child will make new friends in middle school – get to know them

Keep the lines of communication open

◦ Go fishing, spend time together

◦ Don’t let the first conversation your child has about risky behaviors be with

other kids

◦ Try to listen with an open mind, “freaking out” can turn them away. Try and use

a sense of humor.

◦ Discuss an exit strategy for your child if they experience a challenging situation.

Ex. password by text or practiced excuse to leave a situation.

Talk to your kids about technology… and check up on them, frequently

◦ Social media/Snapchat/Instagram/Kick etc.

◦ Check devices for calls, tweets, and texts

◦ Parents have to monitor social media. Consider a “Curfew for Social Media”

If you have concerns about your child’s success or grade in a class, begin by contacting the teacher-email is a convenient way to ask a question

You can schedule a conference with the teaching team by contacting your child’s advisory teacher

Remember that middle school teachers host approximately130 children a day –so give them a day or so to respond to email messages

Don’t be afraid to allow your student to make a mistake, a failed assignment grade can be a teachable moment between parent and student

We love parent volunteers! Volunteering can help you to understand the ins and outs of middle school-join the PTSO to get involved

Safety; Bus; Cafeteria

Tardiness/absences

Sport and club involvement

Bully Prevention Program

Interaction between 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students

Course Sequencing

Sample Schedules

Safety: Weather and lockdown drills are practiced throughout the school year One Search with a drug detection dog during the school year as a

standard procedure Teachers and staff monitor the halls between classes and before and

after school Cameras monitor the hallways at all times

Buses: Students should only ride their assigned bus unless they have a parent note -with a phone number-requesting to ride another bus. The note will be verified by phone

Cell Phones: Students may have them as long as they are not visible or activated before or during the school day. Some teachers may request as part of an instructional activity.

Devices: May be used during DEAR time and on the bus, however, we are not responsible for lost or stolen devices

Lunch: Two 30 minute 6th grade lunches 6th Grade teachers walk students to and from lunch Cafeteria is well monitored with an administrator and

café monitors.

Absences: Students should submit a written note from a parent/guardian that provides a reason for the absence/Please note that the new PWCS attendance policy is very firm

Tardiness: Too much time between classes leads to discipline issues related to many students in an unstructured environment. Too little time can lead to tardiness. Students are provided with sufficient time to get to their locker, use the restroom, and get to class

Students involved in school activities tend to be happier and more successful academically.

• Sports at Bull Run are competitive -do not be discouraged if your child does not make the teams in sixth grade

◦ Some sports are walk-on - students will not have to try out

◦ Students must have good grades and conduct to stay involved in sports and clubs

◦ Participation in all sports requires a sports physical and Concussion Training

Sport and Club Involvement

Code of Behavior assembly for each grade level the beginning of the year – introduces behavioral expectations

SOAR lessons weekly, Monthly MAC lessons

Classroom guidance lessons in all grade levels

Sixth grade students have very little interaction with older students

6th grade students eat lunch with other 6th grade students

Sixth grade students are the first to be dismissed in the afternoon

There are three Interdisciplinary Teams at each grade level with a group of core content teachers who work with a common group of students, with a common schedule and the teachers share a common planning time. This allows teachers to plan and create activities for the students.

Team Apollo

Team Discovery

Team Enterprise

The teachers on each team work in a collaborative learning setting based on assignment of students and are able to coordinate major test, projects and assignments. Teachers also collaborate so topics align across content areas. The teachers work in the development of interdisciplinary units and cross curricular connections occur on teams.

1 Language Arts-6 –Everyday

2 Science-6 – Every day

3 Social Studies-6 – Every day

4 Math-6 Everyday

5G Chorus (Band, or Orchestra)

5Y PE

6GY Exploratory Arts( Art, Tech Ed, FACS, Music Appreciation)

A copy of your student’s course requests will be sent home or mailed to you in June. Your student’s actual schedule will be given to them during 6th grade orientation before the start of school.

BRMS will host a New related arts class that will be included in the rotation of FACS, Art, and Tech Ed. in the fall.

6th grade students have been selected to participate in this class according their music interests and a recommendation from their 5th music Teacher.

The course will include music theory, history, world music and technology. Students will gain a better understanding of how music has been used through time as a display of culture

Language Arts 6 OR Ext. Lang. Arts 6

Language Arts 7 Ext. Lang. Arts 7

Language Arts 8 Ext. Lang. Arts 8

*World Language

Math 6

Math 7

Math 8 (Pre Algebra)

OR

Ext. Math 6

Ext Math 7 (Pre-Algebra)

Pre AP Algebra I

OR

Ext. Math 7 (Pre-Algebra) very few students qualify for this class

Pre AP Algebra I

Pre AP Geometry I

Math 6 Extended Most students who meet the following criteria are likely to be

successful in Math 6 Extended:

Math 5 SOL test score of 475* or higher;

Minimum of a “B” average in Math 5; and

Parent permission to take an accelerated sequence of courses.

Teacher Recommendation

Math 7 Extended

This path should be recommended with great care.

In order to be screened for placement into Math 7 Extended as a 6th grader, a student should have:

Math 5 SOL test score of 525 or higher;

Completed Math 5 with an “A” average;

Parent permission to take the Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test. (IAAT) Grade 5 teacher’s observations and support will be considered.

LA 6 Extended Most students who meet the following criteria are likely to be

successful in LA 6 Extended:

Reading 5 SOL test score of 475* or higher;

Minimum of a “B” average in LA 5; and

Teacher Recommendation

Elementary Visit Agenda

June 12 & 13, 2016

9:30 – 11:30 AM Auditorium

June 12: Chris Yung, Gravely, Tyler, Sinclair, Haymarket (approx. 189 students)

June 13: Mt. View, Mullen (approx. 167 students)

9:30-9:45: Student arrival

Eagle Ambassadors will meet students at the busses and lead them into the gym

9:45: Welcome & Introductions –Mrs. Prince

9:50 – Welcome from Mr. Phythian

10:00 – 10:30: Music Performances

10:30 -10:35: Cheerleaders

10:35 – 10:40: Middle School Info – Mrs. Prince

10:40 -10-50: PE & Sports info –Bianco

10:50 – 11:00: Q & A

11:00: Student tours

11:20 – Eagle Ambassadors wrap up tours & take students to the busses

New Student Orientation

Schedules will be available

Thursday, August 24, 2017 (Student Last Names A-M, 3:30 –5:00 pm)

(Student Last Names N-Z, 5:30 – 7:00 pm)

Home, School, Sports and Activities

Middle School is an Exciting Time!

BALANCE !