Welcome to Cockrill Middle School

1. Welcome to Cockrill Middle School

2. Administrative Team • Principal – Melinda DeFelice • Assistant Principals – Lana McLaughlin, Michael Demakas • Counselors –Lori Mitchell, Elisa Swartz • Library Media Specialist – Kass Bates • Special Education Lead – Victor Gore • 504 Coordinator – Melanie Machost

3. Goals for Tonight • Alleviate fears about the transition to middle school • Get information regarding academics and electives • Answer questions individually at the end • Basket

4. Materials Review • Course Selection Form • Course Description Guide • Kids should have brought home • School Supply List • Bell Schedule • On our website

6. Core Courses Every student takes: • Language Arts • Math Core or Pre-AP (2 blocks) • Social Studies • Science • PE

7. 6th Grader Schedule • 1st & 2nd Period Math • 3rd Period Elective • 4th Period Science • 5th Period Social Studies • 6th Period PE • 7th Period Language Arts

8. Pre–AP Math Classes • 6th Grade students in the Pre-AP program learn 6th and 7th grade math content in one year’s time. • Suggested Spring Map of 230 • 5th Grade STAAR > 80% • Teachers of Academic math classes will also move kids up to Pre-AP if they see it is appropriate. • Students must be able to manage time efficiently, effectively, and independently work ahead. • Students must be comfortable with less than perfect grades while mastering more rigorous material.

9. Typical Math Sequence

10. Target Classes Students who struggle might need to be put in target classes for math, science, or reading.

11. Gifted/Talented • If your child is GT, Karen Green will give us a spreadsheet letting us know which GT courses your child will be in. • For now, you just check Pre AP math and choose your elective. • If you have questions about GT, email Karen Green at kjgreen@mckinneyisd.net

12. PE Requirements • Every student is required to complete four semesters of PE while in middle school. • In 6th Grade every student takes PE every day for the year. • This completes two semesters of the four semester requirement. • There is a health component that is taught in the PE class. • In 7th grade, students must take either PE or athletics.

13. STAAR Testing at Middle School The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness. (STAAR) High School credit courses have End Of Course Exams.

14. Student Information • School Times—8:45-3:45—building opens at 8:15 • Bus information—contact Durham at 972-542-8316 or go to http://www.mckinneyisd.net/departments/transportation/routes/ • Lockers/Backpacks--practice • Changing Classes—4 minute passing • Lunch—bring the first week • Getting Involved Pep Rallies…Student Council…Talent Show…Assemblies…Sporting Events…School Socials…Several School Clubs

15. Clubs at CMS • Chess • Student Council • Recycle Club • FCA, JCM • NJHS • Knitting Club • Book Club • Girls in Engineering • Spirit Wranglers • UIL • Running Club

16. Parent Information • Communication • Email Distribution List—Cowboy Courier • Web Site • Progress Reports sent home with students • Report Cards sent home with students • Home Access Center • Drop Off and Pick Up • Absences—note within three days

18. Grading • In middle school, grading is not 1-4. Rather, we grade by percentage—80, 90, 100, etc.

19. Decisions To Make • Which level of academic class in math is most appropriate for your child? • Which elective (Art, Band, Choir, or Orchestra) is most appropriate for your child?

20. Need More Information? • Band—Gary Williams, Matt Harp, Ken Moses • Choir—Dorrie Seamans, MJ Cargile • Orchestra—Nicole Brown • Art—Carolina Galve, Chris Grider

21. Registration • Fill out the form and return to your child’s 5th grade teacher by Friday.

22. Important Dates • Meet the Teacher Thursday, August 21, 3:00-5:00 p.m. • Cowboy Round Up on Friday, June 6, from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. • Questions in basket • Welcome to Cockrill!!