Melissa Ridge Intermediate Parent Information Night for Incoming 6th Graders

1. Melissa Ridge Intermediate Parent Information Night for Incoming 6th Graders May 1, 2014

2. Introductions Principal, Christy Fiori 6th Grade Team Leader, Erin Cole

3. Agenda Mission/vision of campus Communication Daily life Leadership opportunities Volunteer opportunities Parent workshops Registration process

4. Mission/Vision • Vision: Guiding students to discover their utmost potential • Mission: We will develop tomorrow’s leaders by providing an exemplary education which cultivates independent thought, builds character, and empowers students to impact their community.

5. Communication • Weekly Cardinal Connection E-Newsletter • Grade Level Emails • Skyward • Email • Wednesday Folders • Student Planners • Campus Website • Annual Parent Survey • Report Cards/Progress Reports • Portfolio Conferences & EOY Celebration • Curriculum Night • Parent Information Night • Marquee • Phone calls are always welcome!

6. Daily Life • Arrival begins at 7:30a.m. • Students are dropped off by crosswalk in carpool lane • Students proceed to the cafeteria (breakfast is offered) • Students are escorted to their classrooms at 7:50 a.m. • Tardy Bell rings at 7:55 a.m. • Lunch: 6th Grade 12:40 p.m. (subject to change) • Dismissal 3:10 p.m. • Carpool line begins in front of the Competition Gym • Buses pick students up in front of the MRI Building • Walkers/Bike Riders meet at the crosswalk to be escorted across the street

7. Daily Life • Schedules • 6th Graders rotate between four core subjects: Math, Science, Language Arts & Social Studies • Students receive specials daily for a minimum of 45 minutes • Students Not in Band: • Physical Education- 4 times per week • Art - 1 time per week • Band Students: • Physical Education- 4 times per week for 30 minutes • Band- Meets daily

8. Beginner Band • Students will explore instruments in music class over the next month to help them determine if they want to participate in band. This also helps with instrument selection. • Parent meeting will be held in May regarding band information for 6th grade. • Please contact Matthew Baggerly with any questions: mbaggerly@melissaisd.org

9. Course Selection Sheets • Helps in transition to middle school • Students will choose between Art and Band • They are due to the MRI office on May 12th.

10. Report Cards & Portfolios • Report Cards are sent home through Wednesday Folders each 9 weeks & Progress Reports on the 5th week. • Portfolios are used in all classes to promote student reflection and growth. • Students are graded on the following scale: • A=90-100 • B=80-89 • C=70-79 • F= 69 and Below

11. Special Programs • The following programs are implemented on our campus for students that are eligible: • Gifted and Talented • English as a Second Language (ESL) • Special Education • Dyslexia • 504

12. Leadership Opportunities • S.O.A.R- Students Organized to Achieve Results • Yearbook Committee • Spirit Committee • News Committee • School Improvement Committee • Engineering Club • Kids Inquiry Conference (KIC) • 4H • Caught Being a Leader Program • Student Incentives

13. Huddle • Time for celebration, recognizing student achievements, and promoting school spirit • Held once per month • S.O.A.R. students help lead • Parents are always welcome to attend • Held in the Multi-Purpose Building Gym

14. Volunteer Opportunities for Parents • Office Lunch Coverage • Field Day • Melissa Ridge Race Day • Library Support • Classroom Support • Kids Inquiry Conference (KIC) • Field Trips • Picture Day • Registration • And others!

15. STAAR Testing Next Year • Reading & Math only at the end of April each year. • It is not an SSI year, but is expected that the students pass. This testing information is used in consideration for honors courses in middle school.

16. Title one • What is Title One? • According to the U.S. Department of Education the purpose of Title 1 funding, “is to ensure that all children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high quality education and reach, at minimum, proficiency on challenging state academic achievement standards and state academic assessments.”Read more: http://www.brighthub.com/education/k-12/articles/11105.aspx#ixzz0pdOHjHwp

17. Title one • A comprehensive reform model used to upgrade the entire educational program in a Title I school, and it has the primary goal of ensuring that all students, particularly those who are low-achieving, demonstrate at least proficient levels of achievement of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

18. Title one- 10 Components • Needs Assessment- students, staff, parents/community, & facilities • School Wide Reform Strategies- research based programs and practices • Highly Qualified Teachers • Professional Developmentfor teachers • Retaining & Attracting Highly Qualified Teachers • Parental Involvement- school-parent compacts • Include Teachers in Decision-making and Assessment • Additional Assistance to Students in need • Coordination of Services and Programs

19. Title one- Actions 2013-2014 • Parent Involvement • Annual Parent Survey • Weekly Parent Newsletter • School-Parent Compacts • Email Notification Blasts • Parent Involvement Committee Created

20. Registration Process • Dates/Location TBD • Please bring… • Completed 2014-2015 Registration Forms (available to download on our website as of April 30th) • Copy of current utility bill • School Supplies… • Order forms were sent home the week of April 21st • Supply list is also located on the website • Deadline to order through EPI is May 23rd • Order forms should be turned into the MRI Office • Planners will be purchased in the MRI office during Registration, Meet the Teacher, or First Week of School. The cost is $4.00

21. Questions? • Contact the MRI Office at 972-837-4530 • Email Christy Fiori at cfiori@melissaisd.org • Email Erin Cole at ecole@melissaisd.org Thank you for coming!