Welcome to Collingswood Middle School

1. Welcome to Collingswood Middle School It’s where you want to learn!

2. 6th grade orientation April 3, 2012 Your guide to Collingswood Middle School

3. INFORMATION AND TIPS FOR SUCCESS… • Dr. John McMullin Principal • Mr. Thomas Sheridan Vice Principal • Ms. Adrienne Earle Counselor • Ms. Kate McKeown PTA President • Ms. Kathy Whittaker PTA President • Mr. Ron Hamrick Athletic Director • Mrs. Kay DeAngelis, RN School Nurse

4. Parent-TeachersAssociation Largest volunteer child advocacy organization CMS PTA - Family Donation Be actively involved in your child’s success and share in some of the most rewarding and memorable moments

5. Volunteer Activities • Dance Chaperones • Hospitality (Dances, Plays, School Events) • Panther of Month Breakfast • Teachers Grants – Special Projects • Special Event Coordinators • Snowball Dance • 8th Grade Pool Party • Teacher’s Appreciation

6. Why be Involved “At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to a child’s success is the positive involvement of the parent.” • Former Teacher and Arizona Governor • Jane Dee Hull

7. CMS Athletics-Mr. Hamrick Eligibility Academic-Not failing any subjects Discipline-Not Suspended Physical-A must for participation!

8. Become Active In Your School We have many clubs, sports and activities at CMS. To really enjoy your middle school years get involved with one or more of these activities. It is a great chance to meet other students and make new friends.

9. Middle School Sports BoysGirls Basketball Basketball Soccer Soccer Wrestling Field Hockey Track & Field Track & Field Baseball Softball Lacrosse

10. FROM THE OFFICE OF THE SCHOOL NURSE • Updated NJ State Code for Entrance to 6th grade: • Every child born on or after January 1, 1997 and entering or attending GRADE 6 or a comparable age level Special Education program on or after September 1, 2008, shall have received the following: • A) One dose of Meningococcal-containing vaccine such as the medically preferred Meningococcal conjugate vaccine • B) One dose of Tdap (tetanus, diptheria, acellular pertussis) after the 10th birthday.

11. Immunizations for Grade 6 • This is a state mandate and MUST be fulfilled before entering in September of 2012. Written proof must be given to your school nurse as soon as the vaccines are received. Parents should contact their physician or the Camden County Health Department at 856-931-2700 to schedule these vaccines. If you have any questions, you may contact Kay DeAngelis– Middle School Nurse at 962-5742 orkdeangelis@collsk12.org

12. SPORTS PHYSICAL INSTRUCTIONS In order for an athlete to participate in an interscholastic sport, the following is required: A PHYSICAL EXAMINATION IS VALID FOR 365 DAYS FROM THE EXACT DATE OF THE EXAM.

13. Every student who participates in an interscholastic sports program must have a current examination form on file in the nurse’s office.

14. Student and parent/guardian must complete and sign Part A (Health History Questionnaire) of the New Jersey Department of Education Athletic Pre-Participation Physical Exam form and the Athletic Participation Application.

15. Student must have a physical examination performed by his/her physician or schedule an appointment through the nurse’s office with the school physician. The examining physician must complete and sign Part B of the New Jersey Department of Education Athletic Pre-Participation Physical Examination Form. Part B of this form needs to be completed only one time each year.

16. All paperwork MUST be returned to the nurse’s office prior to the athlete participating in any practice session. If an athlete has a current examination form on file, the parent/guardian must complete a Health History Update for Sports (Part A) and Athletic Participation Application. This form must be done within 60 days of the first practice session for each sports season.

17. Student and parent/guardian must complete and sign the Athletic Participation Application and the Health History Questionnaire. These forms must be completed for every sport in which the student wishes to participate. All paperwork MUST be returned to the nurse’s office prior to the athlete participating in any practice session.

18. Please direct all calls to 856.962.5742 Mrs. DeAngelis – Middle School Nurse Fax – 856.962.5764

19. 6th Grade Program of StudiesDr. McMullin CORE classes Physical Education & Health ENCORE classes Opportunities…Opportunities…Opportunities

20. CORE PROGRAM Language Arts • Critical Reading • Persuasive and Narrative Writing • Speaking • Listening

21. CORE PROGRAM Mathematics • Problem centered curriculum • Focus on skill development, reading and communication • Preparation for algebra and higher math

22. CORE PROGRAM Science • Astronomy • Geology • Physical Science • Weather • Structures of Life • The Environment

23. Core Program Social Studies • Ancient Civilizations • Greece and Rome • Middle Ages • The Renaissance • Rise of Industrialism

24. CORE PROGRAM LEARNING LAB: Technology Integration • Portable laptops • Grade level projects • Technology Skills and Practice • “Flex Learning Space”

25. ENCORE Classes Art Spanish Snackology Tech Ed.

26. Band • Orchestra/Strings • Chorus OPPORTUNITIES IN MUSIC

27. SCHEDULE Homeroom 7:50-8:05 Lunch 11:50-12:18 Core Encore English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Learning Lab Health/PE, Hands On Courses, Music Period 1 8:08-8:50 Period 2 8:53-9:35 Period 3 9:38-10:20 Period 4 10:23-11:05 Period 5A 11:08-11:50 Lunch 2 11:50-12:18 Period 6 12:21-1:03 Period 7 1:06-1:48 Period 8 1:51-2:33

28. Counseling Department Ms. Earle-CMS Counselor Mrs. Gross – Secretary Please feel free to stop by the Counseling Office if there is a problem. Just make sure you get a pass from your teacher to visit us. Progress Reports are sent home 4 times a year. Report cards are issued 3 times a year to the student. Final report cards will be mailed home.

29. CMS Counseling DepartmentMs. Earle • Parent/Telephone Conferences • Academic Counseling/Tutoring Services • Individual Counseling • Resolve Scheduling Conflicts

30. With Genesis parents can check grades and attendance on a daily basis. Parents can also email the teachers through the Genesis Program. Genesis is a great resource and provides feedback that can serve to motivate students to do their best work.

31. If you are absent… If you are absent, see your teacher immediately when you return to get your missed assignments. Ask a friend to get your assignments for you from your teachers if you are going to be absent less than 3 days. After 3 days, ask your parent/guardian to call and request your missing work from Mrs. Gross at 962-5702 (ext. 7200). Homework assignment requests for absent students should be made through the Counseling Office, but at least 24-48 hours must be allowed for the collection of work from all the teachers.

32. Student Support • Homework Club/Computer Drop-In • Peer to Peer Program • Peer Tutoring • I&RS • Academic Support of Basic Skills • In-Class Support • Resource Room

33. Important Information State Testing: NJ-ASK 6 “High Stakes Testing” “Partially Proficient”, “Proficient”, “Advanced Proficient” All 6th Graders will be taking the NJ-ASK 6 (i.e., the state-wide test developed by the New Jersey Department of Education).

34. ADVICE For STUDENTS… • Mr.Sheridan

35. Homework • Find a time and place where you can work quietly each day. • Organization is one of your most important assets. • If you need help, see your teacher as soon as possible. • The teachers are willing to help you, but you must make the first move. • Proof read your finished assignments.

36. PHYSICAL EDUCATION A.K.A Gym • A gym suit must be worn for Physical Education. • They can be purchased from your Physical Education teacher. ($15)

37. LUNCH • We have three lunches: • one for 6th grade • one for 7th grade and…. • one for 8th grade. • Check your schedule for the times. You can purchase lunch through the school or bring your own

38. COLLINGSWOOD Your passport to success at CMS • respect yourself and others • not sure of the rules, ask questions • come prepared for class • do your homework • study for tests and quizzes • get involved in sports, clubs and activities

39. Students may enter the school at 7:42 (Eldridge Avenue Doors) • Students wishing to attend the Breakfast Program may enter the school at 7:25 (Eldridge Avenue Doors) and report to the cafeteria (breakfast is served 7:25 to 7:40). 7:35 is the cut-off time to enter the cafeteria for breakfast • Students may enter the school at 7:25 and report to the cafeteria when the weather is inclement • Students should not be on school grounds before 7:25

40. Clubs & School Organizations • Student Council • Everyday Challenge Club • Yearbook Club • Chess Club • Performing Arts: Theatre, Band, Chorus, Orchestra • Peer Mediation • Tech Crew • Newspaper

41. Hints for staying out of trouble • Write your homework in your assignment book and keep it with you all the time • Be on time for school and don’t be late to your classes • Keep your locker closed and don’t give away the combination number • Cutting detentions and Saturday school means getting additional detentions • Come to school dressed appropriately • Keep in mind this grading policy: A=92-100; B=83-91; C=74-82; D=65-73; F=64 and below

42. Discipline/Attendance • All rules in Student Agenda-Great Tool, please visit www.collingswood.k12.nj.us • Zero Tolerance for Drugs/Fighting/Bullying • Lockers/Book Bags/Dress Code • Excused vs. Unexcused • Being late to school 5Xs=1 absence • 12 unexcused absences=loss of credit • Credit Completion/Summer School

43. Closing Comments Dr. McMullin

44. Positive School Climate Social/Emotional Learning School Based Activities • Team-Based Learning • Veteran & Caring Staff • Regular interaction with School Counselor • Transition Plan – “Peer to Peer” • Relationship Building • Parent Involvement • Communication and Responsiveness

45. Upcoming Dates • May 25 Incoming 6th graders visit CMS • August 29 Orientation & half day “Transition Camp” for Incoming 6th Graders & Parents • Wednesday, September 5First day of School (12:35 Dismissal)

46. Thank you to this evening’s Presenters • Welcome to the Collingswood Middle School Family • Thank you for attending and have a great evening!