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NORTH POLE MIDDLE SCHOOLIncoming 6th Grade Student InformationFor 2017-2018 School Year1153795-356870001506220306514500571500114300North Pole Middle School MapNorth Pole Middle School Map27432006858001st Floor001st Floor285750049149002nd Floor002nd FloorImportant Contact Information to Know:North Pole Middle School: 488-2271Principal: Richard Smith ext. 40510Assistant Principal: KC Bodily ext. 40511Attendance: ext. 40502School Nurse: Dave Skordelis ext. 40540School Counseling Department:Counseling Secretary: Jody Hudson ext. 405036th Grade: Jerrilyn McInelly ext. 40104 jerrilyn.mcinelly@7th Grade: Jasmine Nickell ext. 40102 Grade: Annie Sartz ext. 40101anna.sartz@NPMS Website: important school information, teacher contact information, powerschool, and lunch account *Many teachers have individual websites with their class information. Make sure to check the syllabus for the web addresses. THE POWER OF POWERSCHOOL!Staying in touch with your student’s teachers and their progress at school is easier than you think!PowerSchool Premier, a student information management system, is used by staff at all schools to record student attendance and grades during the school year. PowerSchool can be accessed through the school or school district’s website, or by visiting the sign in page directly at you can do with PowerSchool:Look at student’s scheduleView student recordsMonitor gradesCheck attendanceEmail teachers directlySee if your student owes fees or finesLate bus notification (can be set up to be sent as text message or email notification)NPMS will provide you with a Parent Portal Letter at the beginning of the school year with your unique login in information to set up our PowerSchool account. Students will also have their separate log in information and will learn how to log on, set up their account and monitor their grades. A parent or guardian of multiple students can link all of their students to one guardian account. Once you have logged onto PowerSchool, you can download the district’s free app through iTunes App Store or through Google Play for even more convenient access. Frequently Asked QuestionsDress Code: No violence, drug/alcohol/or other adult content advertised. No yoga pants or leggings without proper coverage. No tank tops or muscle shirts, please practice modesty while at school. A complete copy of the school dress code that is far more comprehensive is available upon request or by looking at Administrative Regulation 1041.1.Electronics: Electronics are an ever increasing part of our daily lives and how we function at school and our jobs. If your student brings a cell phone, tablet, or gaming system to school, they are responsible for it. They can only use these at the appropriately designated times (i.e. before school, after school, occasional lunches). Some electronics will be allowed to be used during class time and that will be determined by the classroom teacher. If electronics are used at the wrong time or inappropriately they will be confiscated by a staff member and brought to the front office for the student to pick up after school. If its gets taken away for a second time, then phone call home, pick up after school. Third times, the office holds it for parent to pick up. Buses:Bus schedules will be printed in the newspaper in August, and posted at the school. If you have questions or need to set up a bus stop, call Transportation at 452-2000 ext. 11352. NPMS and NPHS students share buses. Bus deviations must be in writing and turned into the front office the morning of. The written permission from the parents MUST include the Bus #, stop (street address) of the stop, phone number to reach parents, and parent signature. Students will be responsible for picking up the bus deviations by the end of the day from the front office. Absences:Call the attendance secretary, Kimery Healey, at 488-2271 ext. 40502 to report any absences, illnesses, arrange for an early pick up, etc. If you are going on a trip or your student will be missing school for an extended length of time, please contact Ms. Healey for a Pre-Arranged Absence Form. This allows your student to pick up work BEFORE they leave, so they can complete work and keep up with their class studies when they return. If your student is sick, you can call the school in the morning and request homework to be collected for your student. Most times, this will take 48 hours to collect. Sports physicals:Sports physicals are required BEFORE you can tryout for ANY school sport. It is a good idea to get this during the summer. They are good for one full year. You will need to fill out an activity consent form for each sport or after school club your student participates in. A concussion form will need to be filled out for any sport that your student chooses to try out for. Problems: What do you do if there is a problem or issue at school? We encourage students to tell a teacher, staff member, or fill out an incident report form. Incident report forms are located at the front office or the counseling office. If you are hearing anything concerning at home regarding your student or others, please call to let us know so we can make sure everyone feels safe and welcome at school. 6th Grade Schedule Information91440016681450262890014395453429001439545*Sample schedule018415000What is a core class? Your core classes are Math, Science, Social Studies, and English. You will take them all year long with the same teacher in the same period. What is advisory? Advisory is a class you will take 2 days a week for 25 minutes. One day, you will learn a district-mandated lesson. The other two days will be set up by your advisory teacher. They may have you use this time as a study hall, or to work on homework, or to learn important study and organizational skills that will help you be successful in middle school and life. Though this class is listed as 7th period on your student schedule, it actually takes place before lunch. Related ArtsAt NPMS, you get two classes each quarter for related arts. With four quarters in the school year, that means you will take 8 related arts classes during the school year! There are also some related arts classes that are one year (or 4 quarters) long. Quarter-long related art classes are:Year-long related arts classes are:Exploration Technology (Shop)Intermediate OrchestraArtVarsity BandSpeech/DramaExtended Learning Program* Computers *eligibility/invitation required PoolLife Skills (aka Health)PE class Study SkillsIf you do not take a year-long class, you will get to take computers, art, study skills, exploration technology, drama, life skills, and pool at some point throughout the school year. During 4th Quarter, you might repeat one of the offered related arts classes. Every year at NPMS, you will take one quarter of Life Skills (or Health) class and several quarters of PE, which could be Physical Education or Pool class. If you take a year-long class, you have some choice in what your other classes will be. You are able to take more than one year-long class, though you will have to come out of one of them for 2 quarters to take one class of PE and one class of Life Skills at some point throughout the year. Please contact your student’s counselor if you have any further questions. Interested in taking music? You will get an opportunity to take a music class every day, all year long. You don’t have to own your own instrument-we have those! You will get another related arts period to try other classes.Current Elementary School ___________________Student Name ___________________I am interested in: (circle one) Band Orchestra Guitar*Guitar and piano are not instruments offered in these classesInstrument I am interested in playing ______________________Parent signature __________________________***Turn into NPMS counseling office ASAP we can schedule your request!***Do you have a 6th grader eager you to start getting school supplies?Here are items that will help them get started for middle school!Supply List:1 ? to 2 inch Binder6 different colored folders, 3 hole-punchedWide ruled paperPencil pocketPencilsPensItems helpful for an organized locker (but not mandatory):Locker shelvesPencil box (could be magnetic) For PE (clothing must be dress code appropriate):Tennis shoes with non-marking solesShortsT-shirtNon-aerosol deodorantPool:*One piece bathing suit for girls*Swimsuit for boysGogglesTowelCombLock for locker*Summer is a great time to find bathing suits in town. Please keep in mind your student’s growth-they might not have pool until January or March!This list does not cover everything your student might need, and is meant only to get your student started. Additional supplies may be needed depending on which classes your student will be taking. Your student will bring home a class syllabi the first week of school, which will list additional supplies, if any, needed for classes. 5 Tips To Help Your Student Succeed in Middle SchoolMiddle school is a completely different place than elementary school. Instead of being in one classroom all day long, your student can have up to 7 different teachers and classrooms. Instead of a desk to keep supplies in, they have a locker! Here are some quick tips about how to stay involved as a parent and help you student navigate and stay organized in this new environment:1. Be familiar with the class syllabus-for each of your student’s 7 classes! What’s a syllabus? Its an informational tool that not only has the teacher’s contact info, but also grading policies, classroom expectations, late work policies, homework expectations, teacher website, etc. It will let you know about projects/assignments to expect within that class. If the teacher has a website, many times there are copies of homework assignments and project instructions that can be printed off or downloaded, which can be extremely helpful with forgetful adolescents and messy lockers! 2. Organizer – Being organized is one of the biggest challenges for students of any age and especially for sixth graders as they transition to a new structure. Help your student be organized by purchasing a calendar, a day planner or some other tool that works for them to assist them in keeping track of what tests, assignments or projects are coming up in the days ahead. On average, parents should expect 30-60 minutes of homework a night. If you repeatedly hear “I have no homework” you should be concerned and contact your student’s teachers. 3. Know your student’s teachers! Don’t worry-they don’t bite! Feel free to contact teachers to ask about what’s going on in class, how your student is doing, if they really are turning in that homework, etc. Many times there is “miscommunication” home about whether a student is allowed to make up a project or turn in late homework. Give your kiddo’s teacher a call or email and double check that your student heard the right information. All teacher contact information can be found on the NPM school website. 4. PowerSchool Premier-Did you know you can check your student’s attendance, tardies, missing work and the grade they got on that last test online? PowerSchool is the district’s way of keeping parents in the know. You can check it out at work during the day or at home late at night. Contact the counseling secretary for your parent ID and password. It’s a great tool for you to sit down with your student and look at their academic progress. Check out PowerSchool at There is even a great parent user’s guide on our school’s website and an app you can download on your smartphone!5. Study area-For you student to succeed in middle school, (and beyond), they are going to have to do (and turn in) homework. This means bringing work home and finding time, motivation, and physical space to do so. Most 6th graders don’t like homework, and struggle to get into a good homework habit. Help your student by giving them a quiet place free of distractions (including cell phones and TV), and designate a time to do so (for example, for an hour after dinner). With your assistance, your student will get into a homework routine, and homework will be an easy habit for your child to have and be successful with!SAMPLE SYLLABUS:6th Grade Social Studies with Mrs. Awesomeness488-2271 ext. 555 mrs.awesomeness@ Description: Sixth grade social studies emphasizes ancient societies in a geographical, historical, political, and cultural context.?This year long course covers geographical influences on regional development, use maps, globes, and graphs to gather, analyze, and report information, discuss current events from around the world, and study the history of civilization from ancient times to approximately 500 A.D.? The civilizations include ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Greece, Rome, Maya, Aztec, and Inca.? Students come to understand what people need to evolve into a civilization, how new civilizations began as the needs and beliefs of the people changed, explain the contributions of different civilizations to humankind, and examine the origins and spread of major world religions and languages.Textbooks: The title of the text is Ancient Civilizations by Harcourt. Each student will be issued a text which they can keep at home for reference. We have a set to use in the classroom.Grading Policy: Grades are calculated by point value and include Unit Tests, Projects, Map Tests, Classwork, and Homework. Student work will be returned as soon as possible. Grades are updated on Power School weekly, usually on Wednesdays. The district’s policy is followed:97-100 A+ Outstanding93-96 A90-92A-87-89B+83-86B Above Average80-82B-77-79 C+73-76 C Average70-72C-67-69 D+63-66D Below Average60-62D-0-59F FailingSuppliesStudents will need the following basic supplies in Social Studies class:1 single subject spiral notebook - 1 two pocket folder - #2 pencils - erasers - scissors - highlighter - ruler with inch/metric readings - colored pencils - planner – Homework folder*Please Note that several assignments require the use of a ruler and/or colored pencils. Students will loose points on assignments if proper materials are not utilized. A small selection of materials are available to borrow in the classroom, but students should not depend on them.The NotebookStudents should bring their notebook to class every day. All of our practice/classwork will go in the notebook. On the day we take the unit test, students will turn in their notebook for a grade. Nothing should be in the notebook except for social studies work. No work from other classes or drawings. We will need the entire notebook so students should not rip out pages.Map TestsIn 6th grade social studies, we learn about ancient civilizations, cultures of people who lived thousands of years ago. These societies existed all over the world. In order for students to gain a better understanding of these ancient locations, it is helpful for students to learn the areas as they exist today.Students will have 2 weeks to study for each test. Students can expect to receive a labeled map and a blank map to study on Monday, and the test will be ten days later on Friday. (Exceptions are holiday weeks) Students are not allowed to re-take tests on account of all the study time they have. An excellent opportunity to learn about time management! Also, students should expect to receive a new map following test Friday. Extra maps for studying can always be found on my website: Awesomeness. Also check out My Map Test Study Tips handout for study strategies. HomeworkThe purpose of homework is to: reinforce skills and ideas learned during class; promote independent work habits and responsibility; apply skills to daily life; and prepare for the next day’s lesson.The average weekly assignment will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Students can expect homework 2 or 3 times Monday through Thursday. Additional time may be needed to complete projects or study for tests. Please keep in mind that each student is an individual therefore may take less or more time to complete assignments, depending on how they work.Students will be given their assignment towards the end of the class period. In most cases, students will have the opportunity to begin an assignment, and be able to get any necessary clarifications. Students can also come ask questions about assignments during lunch, before school, between classes, or after school.0Course Description: Sixth grade social studies emphasizes ancient societies in a geographical, historical, political, and cultural context.?This year long course covers geographical influences on regional development, use maps, globes, and graphs to gather, analyze, and report information, discuss current events from around the world, and study the history of civilization from ancient times to approximately 500 A.D.? The civilizations include ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Greece, Rome, Maya, Aztec, and Inca.? Students come to understand what people need to evolve into a civilization, how new civilizations began as the needs and beliefs of the people changed, explain the contributions of different civilizations to humankind, and examine the origins and spread of major world religions and languages.Textbooks: The title of the text is Ancient Civilizations by Harcourt. Each student will be issued a text which they can keep at home for reference. We have a set to use in the classroom.Grading Policy: Grades are calculated by point value and include Unit Tests, Projects, Map Tests, Classwork, and Homework. Student work will be returned as soon as possible. Grades are updated on Power School weekly, usually on Wednesdays. The district’s policy is followed:97-100 A+ Outstanding93-96 A90-92A-87-89B+83-86B Above Average80-82B-77-79 C+73-76 C Average70-72C-67-69 D+63-66D Below Average60-62D-0-59F FailingSuppliesStudents will need the following basic supplies in Social Studies class:1 single subject spiral notebook - 1 two pocket folder - #2 pencils - erasers - scissors - highlighter - ruler with inch/metric readings - colored pencils - planner – Homework folder*Please Note that several assignments require the use of a ruler and/or colored pencils. Students will loose points on assignments if proper materials are not utilized. A small selection of materials are available to borrow in the classroom, but students should not depend on them.The NotebookStudents should bring their notebook to class every day. All of our practice/classwork will go in the notebook. On the day we take the unit test, students will turn in their notebook for a grade. Nothing should be in the notebook except for social studies work. No work from other classes or drawings. We will need the entire notebook so students should not rip out pages.Map TestsIn 6th grade social studies, we learn about ancient civilizations, cultures of people who lived thousands of years ago. These societies existed all over the world. In order for students to gain a better understanding of these ancient locations, it is helpful for students to learn the areas as they exist today.Students will have 2 weeks to study for each test. Students can expect to receive a labeled map and a blank map to study on Monday, and the test will be ten days later on Friday. (Exceptions are holiday weeks) Students are not allowed to re-take tests on account of all the study time they have. An excellent opportunity to learn about time management! Also, students should expect to receive a new map following test Friday. Extra maps for studying can always be found on my website: Awesomeness. Also check out My Map Test Study Tips handout for study strategies. HomeworkThe purpose of homework is to: reinforce skills and ideas learned during class; promote independent work habits and responsibility; apply skills to daily life; and prepare for the next day’s lesson.The average weekly assignment will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Students can expect homework 2 or 3 times Monday through Thursday. Additional time may be needed to complete projects or study for tests. Please keep in mind that each student is an individual therefore may take less or more time to complete assignments, depending on how they work.Students will be given their assignment towards the end of the class period. In most cases, students will have the opportunity to begin an assignment, and be able to get any necessary clarifications. Students can also come ask questions about assignments during lunch, before school, between classes, or after school.ARE YOU READY FOR 6th Grade?MATH-You will need to know:Add, Subtract, Multiply and Divide single digits and some double digits in your head instantly without thinking or mistake Add, Subtract, Multiply and Divide multi digits on paper with speed and accuracyDo the above without the use of lattice or partial productsFind common denominators and equivalent fractionsKnow what factors and multiples are and what the difference isKnow how to plot points on a coordinate planeWebsites you can use over the summer to get ready: READING-How to get prepared for 6th grade EnglishRead, read, READ! The more you read, the better you get at reading. Here are some popular books you might want to read for fun to keep those reading skills honed:The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1) by Suzanne Collins Top of FormBottom of FormTop of FormBottom of FormTop of FormBottom of FormThe Giver (The Giver, #1) by Lois Lowry The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #1) by Rick Riordan A Wrinkle in Time (A Wrinkle in Time Quintet, #1) by Madeleine L'Engle The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #4) by Rick Riordan Hatchet (Brian's Saga, #1) by Gary Paulsen Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Harry Potter, #1) by J.K. Rowling The Lost Hero (The Heroes of Olympus, #1) by Rick Riordan Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech Stargirl (Stargirl, #1) by Jerry Spinelli Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Diary of a Wimpy Kid, #1) by Jeff Kinney Holes (Holes, #1) by Louis Sachar Wonder (Paperback) by R.J. Palacio When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead The Red Pyramid (Kane Chronicles)by Rick Riordan Number the Starsby Lois Lowry Out of My Mindby Sharon M. Draper Rules by Cynthia Lord The Westing Gameby Ellen Raskin The City of Ember (Book of Ember, #1) by Jeanne DuPrau Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen Anne of Green Gables (Anne of Green Gables, #1) by L.M. Montgomery Inkheart (Inkworld, #1) by Cornelia Funke Tuck Everlastingby Natalie Babbitt Bridge to Terabithiaby Katherine Paterson Uglies (Uglies, #1) by Scott Westerfeld Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick centercenter00Bottom of FormSocial Media: Does your student have an account with…KiK MessengerInstagramFacebookSnapChatWhisperOmeglePoofYik YakTwitterVineRedditTumblrDownask.fmWebsites for Tips on Teens and Technology and Social Media:Check Up Daily: 7 Dangerous Apps That Parents Need To Know About Moms: Moms, you oughta know: 11 social media apps teens are using now : The New Way for Kids to Be Rude CyberBullying: Be a Part of Your Daughter’s Life—the Real and the Virtual Culture: How Do You Talk to Your Child about What They Post on Social Media? Boundaries on Technology and Screen Time (Free Technology Contract) Bullying, Gossiping and Harassment? 10 Real Tips for Kids Who Use Social Media offered at NPMS2017-2018*Subject to change. Activities provided are dependent on school budget. ActivityDatesBasketballAugust-October (Boys)October-December (Girls)Art ClubSeptember-AprilComputer ClubSeptember-AprilPhysical Conditioning ClubNovemberClose-Up (Juneau and DC)TBAGeography BeeDecemberHandbell ChoirAugust-DecemberNat. Jr Honor SocietyAugust-MaySpeech ContestTBASpelling BeeJanuaryStudent Council August-MayVolleyballFebruary-MayWrestlingDecember-MarchX-C SkiingFebruary-AprilX-C RunningAugust-SeptemberTrackAugust-SeptemberYearbookSeptember-MayJoin the fun and be a Proud Knight!***An Activity Consent Form MUST be filled out for EACH activity your student participates in.*** ................
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