Classes of 2015 and 2016 Promise to Succeed
Abraham Lincoln 2008 graduate Jacob Long shares advice and encouragement with Washington Elementary fifth and sixth graders during the Promise to Succeed Celebration in early April.
This year’s fifth and sixth grade students have been pledging their intent to succeed as part of the first-ever Promise to Succeed celebrations being held at all elementary schools in the district. Students are taking part in events to celebrate their education, and pledge their intent to graduate with their peers. During the Promise to Succeed Celebrations, students are receiving Class of 2015 or Class of 2016 buttons as well as personalized certificates signed by a member of the Board of Education, Superintendent Martha Bruckner, their principal, teacher, parent and other supporter of their choice. The events focus on success and future and bring together parents, staff members, members of the Board of Education, middle and high school administrators and at least one high school student and/or graduate to show their support of the students on their journey to graduation.
Preparations Underway for Smooth Sixth Grade Transition
With all current fifth and sixth grade students moving to the two middle schools in August of this year, nine committees have been working diligently to help ensure a smooth transition. From personnel and programs to transportation and facilities, staff members and parents are developing plans to be implemented now and as the school year begins. A summary of the work being done to make this a successful and smooth transition is listed below.
Instructional Program
Upon Board of Education approval for the sixth grade move, work began on the most important task of designing the instructional program for sixth graders in the middle school. Dozens of teachers and administrators worked together over the past few months to determine what the school day will include and how instruction will be delivered to the students. Although there will be approximately 300 sixth grade students at each of the two middle schools, students will be grouped into smaller teams. Each student will be served by two main teachers, one will provide language arts/reading and social studies instruction and the other will teach math and science. Students will also have daily physical education and the opportunity for music, art computer and health classes. Under this program design, students who would benefit from extended learning interventions or enhancement opportunities will be offered extra time with teachers.
Sixth Grade Events and Activities
Other important tasks already complete are the decisions regarding traditional sixth grade activities. At each elementary school, clubs projects and other school-specific activities, such as safety patrol and end-of-year celebrations, are being made available to all current fifth graders this semester so all students have these opportunities before going to middle schools. The committee is recommending the continuation of the 6th grade track meet for next year since this is an all-city event. The committee is also recommending that the traditional sixth grade music festival become a fifth grade event next year. Therefore, this year, there will be two music festivals. The six grade festival will be held March 20th and the fifth grade festival will be held May 1st.
Middle School Facilities Renovations
A committee has worked with architects to develop plans for minor renovations needed to help ensure each building is ready to accommodate three classes of students in the fall.
Involved in the decision-making was an analysis of current and future needs for technology to accommodate added students and staff. All planned renovations will begin this spring and be complete by August.
Personnel
Many hours have also been spent planning for the optimal levels of staffing based on program needs. This includes how many teachers and other staff will be added to the middle schools to deliver services to students. Teachers are already volunteering to be transferred from elementary school assignments to the middles schools. Frequently Asked Questions
Transitioning to 6th Grade
General
Lockers and Combinations
Lunch
Bus
Worries or Concerns
Transitioning to 7th Grade
General
Lockers and Combinations
Lunch
Bus
Worries or Concerns
Student Transportation
5th Grade Transitioning to 6th Grade
General
What time do we start/get out of school each day?
7:55 AM -2:55 PM
How will I get my schedule? Do I get to pick my classes?
Most of your schedule will be provided to you, as nearly all 6th graders take the same courses. You will have a choice to take band, orchestra, or general music. Your other elective courses will be PE, Counseling, Computer Skills, Art, and Health.
Will someone show us where our classes are? Will there be a map of the school?
You will be able to visit the school on a school trip in April or May, and we will provide you with tours provided by students. You will also have access to a map.
How many teachers and classes will we have? Will we switch classes? Is there free time between classes? Is there a “study hall”?
You will have Math, Science, Social Studies, Reading, and Writing. One of your teachers will teach your Math and Science classes. Your other main teacher will teach Language Arts and both teachers will teach Social Studies. There will be some times when you move from one class to another, but most of your classes will happen in two rooms that are next to one another. Your teacher will provide time during the day for you to work on assignments, but you are not likely to have a specific study hall time daily.
Are the sixth grade teachers coming with us?
Some sixth grade teachers are coming to Middle School, but not all of them. In some cases, teachers from other grades have chosen to move to the Middle Schools.
Will I be able to take extra classes?
There may be some opportunities for extra classes after school.
Will there be a study hall?
Your teacher will provide time during the day for you to work on assignments, but you are not likely to have a specific study hall time daily.
Is there a computer lab?
There are several computer labs, including one dedicated for use by the 6th grade Computer Skills class.
Are there field trips?
We currently have several field trips for 7th and 8th graders, and we expect that 6th graders will also have the opportunities to take field trips.
Will we get free library time?
Students will have regularly scheduled opportunities to use the library during their Language Arts classes.
Will we have swimming in P.E.?
Swimming is a part of the P.E. curriculum at (Kirn only) with each grade level spending at least some time in the swimming pool to receive instruction and exercise.
Will we have to change and shower for P.E.?
Not always, but there will be times when that is necessary. Sixth grade students will not use the locker rooms at the same time as 7th or 8th graders.
Can we do both band and orchestra? If we have a big instrument, can we leave it at school? Where do I put my instrument on band/orchestra day?
Most students will either band or orchestra. However, there are some who have chosen to do both in the past. That requires them to attend band on some days, and orchestra on other days. here is storage space in the band/orchestra room for instruments so that students do not have to place their instruments in their lockers.
Will there still be Challenge Center? Will we all be on the same team?
There will be advanced learning opportunities for high ability students. Students of all abilities will be assigned equitably across all teams.
Are there school sports for 6th graders? What activities can we sign up for?
We do not have options for 6th grade students to form and play teams from other schools like the 7th and 8th graders. There will, however, be opportunities for students to participate in activities after school. Some of those activities will involve sports.
How do I get the individual help/assistance I need?
Individual help and assistance will be provided in many forms. There are times when your teacher may have you come before or after school for assistance. For those students requiring help with reading or math, there are special classes available. Students who require special education support will receive that help as directed by their Individualized Educational Plan.
Lockers and Combinations
What if we can’t get my locker open, or forget the combination?
We practice opening lockers on the first several days of school, and nearly everyone learns their combinations quickly. Some teachers are provided with keys, plus the administrators and custodians have keys to help those students who forget.
Where will we put our backpacks? What if they don’t fit in our locker?
Backpacks are placed in lockers during the school day. Lockers are often crowded, so it is important to organize your belongings and put things away carefully.
What happens if we forget something in our locker, will we be allowed to go get it?
Your teachers will decide when you have access to return to your lockers. They usually give you a chance to retrieve items, but they also expect you to listen, plan ahead, and bring your necessary materials to class.
How big are the lockers?
You can see the sizes of lockers during your school visit to the middle school or during a school open house. They have enough room for your school materials, but they are not overly large. A typical locker is about the size of the freezer in a normal side-by-side refrigerator freezer.
Will we have to share lockers? If we do, will we have to put our backpacks and coats in plastic bags?
Some students will have to share lockers. Others will not. It will depend upon your teachers’ room assignments and lockers available in that part of the building. As many students as possible will be assigned their own locker.
Will someone show us where our lockers are?
Teachers will assign you lockers at the beginning of the school year, and show you where to find them.
Can we choose our own lockers?
No. Your lockers will be assigned to you. This helps us know which locker is yours, and it allows us to hold you responsible for its care . . . and the items that your locker contains.
Lunch
How long is lunch?
You lunch period will last about 25 minutes.
Can we buy food from the vending machine?
Vending machines do not operate during the school day. The vending machines will operate after school.
Will we have the same lunch numbers?
You will probably receive a new lunch number, and the lunch supervisors will give you your number and help you learn to use it.
How do we pay for lunches? You may bring lunch money to school and give it to the lunch staff before school. Your family may also pay for lunch by accessing an online payment web page on the distict's website.
Do we all eat at the same time?
There are too many students for everyone to eat at the same time. Various groups of students will be assigned specific lunch times, and go as classes to lunch.
Do we get seconds on lunch? Can we eat outside?
Sorry, no seconds, and we eat lunch in the cafeteria . . . unless we are having a special event.
Do we get choices at lunch?
Yes, you will have several choices for the main entrée, and several choices for side items as well as drink choices daily.
Can we buy food from the vending machines?
You can buy food from the vending machines after school, but not during the school day.
Bus
If we ride the bus, will we ride with high school kids too?
Most middle school students will ride the bus with other middle school students.
What about our younger siblings?
Students in K-5th grade will not ride the same bus as students going to Kirn and Wilson in most cases.
Will we have student ID’s for the bus?
Kirn students are provided with ID’s and/or bus cards, and they are necessary to ride the bus.
Do the bus passes cost money?
If you live more than two miles from school, you can ride the bus for free. Students who live inside that two mile boundary, but live far from school can pay or qualify for free/reduced fees to receive a bus ride, if space is available on a bus serving their area.
What do we do if a friend is going home with us on the bus? Do we need a note?
If a friend is going home with you on the bus, you and your friend will need a note from your parent so that school staff members know your parents are aware of where you are going and who will be at your house after school.
Worries or Concerns
What if I get lost?
If you get lost, there will be many helpful staff members and other students to help you find your way to your classroom.
Can we bring cell phones?
You may have cell phones at school, but they are to be turned off during the school day and put away.
What if someone breaks into my locker?
Students cannot break into your locker, if you close it properly. However, if something is stolen, the theft should be reported to the principal’s office, and the police resource officer will investigate the theft as a crime.
Bullies!!! What do we do if we are being bullied? (Name calling, getting beat up, pushed around)
As at your elementary school, bullying should be reported to your teacher, a counselor, or the principal. These people will help you and work with the bully to stop the behavior, keep you safe, and teach the bully better ways to behave.
Not making friends.
Making friends is a big part of middle school. Your teachers will help you meet new people and work with them in class. One of the best things about coming to this bigger school is the opportunity to make many new friends.
What are consequences for rude behavior?
There are many potential consequences for rude behavior from warnings, parent contact, detentions, conferences in the principal’s office, loss of privileges, suspension from school, and even arrest by the school resource officer.
Will we have detention? If so, how long?
We hope that you won’t have detention because you take care or yourself, others, your school, and do your best. If do not follow school guidelines or fail to do your work, you may be assigned detentions as a consequence. Detentions can be as short as five minutes and as long as a four-hour Saturday school session.
Will we have the same privileges as the older grades?
There are some privileges that all grades will have, and other privileges that are specific to certain grade levels.
Will we have recess?
You will not have recess, but you will have P.E. every day.
Can 6th graders have mentors?
Yes. Some of our students have mentors when they arrive, others receive mentors from community organizations, churches, or activity groups.
Will we have dances?
There are dances for the 7-8th graders, and there could be dances for the 6th graders. Because of space, students would not have dances at the same time or in the same location. When we have dances, we also have other activities such as swimming, games, or even movies available for those students who prefer those activities over dancing.
6th Grade Transitioning to 7th Grade
General
What time does school start and get out each day?
Do we have a homeroom? 7:55 AM-2:55 PM. All 7-8th graders have a homeroom teacher, and their homeroom class meets every day at the beginning of school.
How many classes will we have a day and how long will they be?
You will have 8 periods, plus homeroom. Classes are approximately 43 minutes long, or 86 minutes long if they are double blocked. Homeroom lasts approximately 15 minutes.
How much time is there between classes? Are there restroom breaks? There is a three-minute passing time between classes. You may use restrooms during passing time, or you may ask your teacher to be excused from class to use the restroom.
What happens if we get lost? Will you be excused if late on the first day? What if we go into the wrong room?
If you get lost, there will be teachers to help you find your room. If you go to the wrong room, teachers or other students will help you find your way to the correct classroom. Teachers will expect you to be in class and on time, unless you have a pass from another teacher that explains why you are late.
What happens if I forget an assignment or book in my locker? Can I go get it?
You should plan ahead and bring your materials to class. Sometimes your teachers will allow you go to your locker, other times they will not.
When will we know our schedule?
You will receive your schedule as soon we can accurately provide you with that schedule. You will know your classes after registration, but you may not know the exact order or times of day until this summer.
Will we get to choose any classes? Electives?
Yes. You will be able to choose your music classes, and you may be able to indicate a preference for some elective choices.
Will there be swimming in P.E.? Do we need another lock for the locker room? Will we have to take showers?
There will be swimming in P.E. at Kirn only. Locks for P.E. will be provided by your P.E. teacher. You will be expected to change into clothes suitable for P.E., but you will not be required to shower. On days when you swim in P.E., state health guidelines require you to shower before entering a public swimming pool.
Are band and orchestra put in our schedule, or do we meet before and after school?
Students who take band or orchestra will have that course daily during the regular school day.
What about Challenge Center? Will Challenge Center students be in the advanced classes?
Yes, students of high ability will be scheduled into advanced courses in Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies.
Are there field trips?
Yes, Kirn and Wilson students take field trips with their grade or teams.
Lockers and Combinations
Do we have our own lockers? If we do share, do we get to pick our locker mate?
Most, but not all students will have their own lockers. It is possible, that those sharing a locker may be allowed to choose their partner.
What happens if we can’t get it opened? Or we forget our combination?
Teachers, custodians, and administrators have keys for the lockers, so they can help if you forget your combination. The teacher who assigns your locker, will also be able to remind you of your locker combination.
What do we keep in our lockers? How big are they?
You will keep your book bags, coats, books, and school supplies in the locker. A typical locker is about the size of the freezer compartment in a normal side-by-side refrigerator.
What do we do if someone breaks into our locker?
If you properly close and secure your locker, others cannot break into it. However, if someone takes something from your locker, you should report the theft to a teacher, administrator, or the police resource officer.
Will I have time between classes to go to my locker?
Yes, you will have 3-4 minutes between classes to go to your locker.
Can we carry our bag or backpack with us?
You are expected to keep your book bag in your locker after arriving at school, unless you are leaving for the day.
Will we be able to decorate our lockers and put up mirrors or pictures?
You can do some decorating, and the student handbook offers specific guidelines.
Lunch
How long is lunch? Will all 7th graders eat at the same time?
Lunch is about 25 minutes. Not all 7th graders will eat at the same time.
What is the cost of lunch? How do we pay for our lunches?
The lunch price for 2009-10 has not yet been finalized. You may pay for lunch by providing lunch money to the kitchen staff before school, or by paying online at the district's webpage.
Will we have the same numbers as before? Is there free lunch?
You will be assigned a lunch number by the lunch staff. Free or reduced-priced lunch is available for those who qualify.
Can we sit with our friends or are there assigned seats?
You are allowed to select your seat for lunch in certain areas of the cafeteria, unless your behavior requires school staff to assign you a seat.
Are there more choices than we have at elementary?
There are more choices than elementary lunches. Typically 2-3 main entrées and several side dishes are available everyday.
Are there vending machines and can we buy things for lunch?
There are vending machines, but they do not operate during the school day.
Is breakfast served and if so, when?
Breakfast is served daily before school, beginning at 7:30 AM.
Bus
Who rides the bus? Where do we catch the bus? What do I do if I miss the bus? Does it cost to ride the bus?
Students who live at least 2 miles from school may ride the bus without a fee. You catch the bus at an assigned bus stop near your home. If you miss the bus, you must find another way to school or contact the school for assistance.
Students living less than 2 miles from school may be able to ride the bus for a fee, if space is available. Students who qualify for free and reduced lunch would qualify for free or reduced expense for space available busing.
Worries and Concerns
What activities are available for 7th graders? (sports, student council, choir, etc. )
Seventh graders have may participate in a variety of activities including band, orchestra, and vocal music. Volleyball, basketball, and track are available for girls. Basketball, wrestling, and track are available for boys.
Will we need an assignment notebook or planner?
Yes, and the school offers an assignment notebook planner that includes the student handbook, and materials used to teach behavior expectations.
What is detention like and what reasons would cause a person to go to detention?
Behavior that interrupts your learning or the learning of others can cause you to earn detention. Students in detention are expected to sit quietly and read or complete homework.
Why is there a police officer at the school? Are there security cameras?
There are security cameras. There is a police resource officer because there will be many people in our school each day. The police officer helps make our schools a safer, more orderly place. The officer functions in the same way that a police officer functions on the street, at a sporting event, or in a public place. He or she helps to remind and encourage people to obey the laws and treat one another with consideration and respect. When people break the law or behave badly, the officer may assist by giving directions, calming people down, or even arresting people.
Do bigger kids (8th graders) really beat up younger (smaller) kids?
Most arguments and fights occur between students in the same grade level who know one another. Honestly, most of the older students spend their time with other older students and their friends from other grades.
Bullies!!! What do we do if we are being bullied? (Name calling, getting beat up, pushed around)
As at your elementary school, bullying should be reported to your teacher, a counselor, or the principal. These people will help you and work with the bully to stop the behavior, keep you safe, and teach the bully better ways to behave.
Can you ride your bike to school?
Yes, and there are designated spaced to park bicycles at school.
Cell phones- Are they allowed? Where do we keep them?
You may have your cell phone at school, but it should be put away and turned off during the school day.
Are skateboards allowed on school grounds?
Skateboard are allowed on school grounds, but you are asked to pick up your skateboard and carry it with you on school property.
Are there school dances?
Yes, there are several school dances each year. There are also other activities such as swimming, games, and movies provided for those students who do not want to dance. |
