Pierce Middle School 2015

Welcome to the Next Stop on Your Educational Journey

What is Pierce Middle School?

Pierce Middle School is a unique place for students.

We facilitate the transition from elementary into high school.

At Pierce, students have the opportunity to explore different elective areas in addition to the traditional academic classes.

What is the daily schedule? Monday Late Start School begins at 9:05 AM and ends at 3:18 Doors open at 8:55 AM Warning bell at 9:00 AM 5 minutes of passing time

Tuesday through Friday School begins at 8:20 AM and ends at 3:18 PM Doors open at 8:10 Warning bell at 8:15 AM 5 minutes of passing time

What are our required classes?

Language Arts 1 ½ Narrative (1) Informational (1/2)

Mathematics 1 Science 1 Social Studies 1 Computer Skills (EOD)-Sem ¼ Total Required Classes: 4 ¾

Elective Classes

Choices: Art ¼ Lifeskills ¼ Industrial Technology ¼ Physical Education ¼ Explorations in Drama ½ Instrumental Music ½ French Introduction ½ Spanish Introduction ½ Choir ½

Total elective classes: 1 ¼

Grade 6 Elective Courses Column A Full year courses (every other day) French Introduction 6 ½ Spanish Introduction 6 ½ Choir 6 ½ Explorations in Drama 6 ½ Instrumental Music: Orchestra 6 ½ Band ½ Percussion 6 ½ # Units Checked Column A: ____________

Grade 6 Elective Courses Column B Semester courses (every other day) 6th Art ¼ 6th Lifeskills ¼ 6th Technology ¼ 6th Phys. Ed. ¼ # Units Checked Column B: ____________ Total Primary Units Checked: Column A + Column B: ____ (should equal 1 1/4) DON’T FORGET TO FILL OUT THE BACK OF THE SHEET!

What is Choir?

Intended for students who like to sing and perform

Vocal technique and music literacy

Perform in concerts throughout the year

No audition necessary

What is Instrumental Music?

Strings or band Most students have already

studied an instrument 1-2 years Two performances a year No audition necessary

Explore stage and theater Study elements of

Script Writing Acting Design Directing

School production is not an intended outcome

What is Explorations in Drama?

What is Lifeskills?

Food Preparation and Nutrition Sewing Projects Babysitting Basics - safety and

responsibility Personal grooming

What is Art?

Study of basic elements of design including:

Drawing Painting Sculpture Art History

What is Industrial Technology?

Basic Drafting Intro to Computer

Architecture Measurement & Sketching Basic Tool Use Problem Solving

What Is Physical Education?

Every other day class (half year) Required to wear a gym outfit –

White T-shirts with sleeves Boxer type shorts Purchase Pierce gym outfits

Gym locker Study Units including swimming

What is French Introduction?

Covers the first third of the curriculum for French 1 high school course

Activities include: Eat! Virtual shopping on a French website Sing and listen to songs Watch movies about countries and food Play games in French Discuss the importance of French as a world

language

What is Spanish Introduction?

Covers the first third of the curriculum for Spanish 1 high school course

Activities include: • Identify English words with common root

words • Eat! • Sing and listen to songs • Watch movies about countries and food • Play games in Spanish

Student Support Services

Counselors Academic Peer Troubles Problem solvers Career Exploration-November

Social Worker School Psychologist Speech Pathologist

Academic Supports

Academic Assistance Learning Resource Room Intervention Specialist After School Study Friday School

Honors Math Placement

Ability to work approximately one grade level ahead

60% on the GP Math Assessment with a minimum of 10 on the constructed response

NWEA Math score of at least 231

Honors Language Arts Placement

Ability to work at approximately one grade level ahead

A 4th/5th grade composite score of at least 11 on the GP Writing test

NWEA Reading score of at least 220

How does Pierce Staff Communicate with parents? Pinnacle-Online Gradebook Parent Connect (attendance) Back to School Night Quarterly Report Cards Parent-Conferences

Phone, Email, In person November, March

Pierce Pointer (online) Pierce Website PTO Meetings - Monthly

How is lunch different?

Lunch Period – 30 minutes + passing time

Student Lunch - $3.00 A la carte – purchase individual

items Snack Line Brown Bag Recess for about 10-12 minutes

Positive Behavior Intervention Support PBIS

Clear Expectations Reward Coupons Weekly Drawings Signatures Quarterly Celebrations

What is A2? (Academics/Activities)

A short period after announcements at 3:00 PM 1st Quarter: Emphasis on school

rules/procedures/Positive Behavior Supports 2nd Quarter 7 Habits (Covey) of Effective Teens or

Healthy Living 3rd and 4th Quarters:

Students with GPA of 2.5 or higher choose activities

Students with GPA of 2.0-2.49- consideration given to conduct/work habits

Students below 2.0 GPA meet in small groups for academic support

What are some Extra-Curricular Activities for 6th

Graders? Basketball Game Club Jazz Band Swimming Musical/Drama Production Art Club Intramural Sports

What are some Extra-Curricular Activities for 6th

Graders? Inklings Fun Nights Clue Night Yearbook Robotics Club

Future Opportunities

National Junior Honor Society Social Studies Olympiad Washington DC trip (8th Grade) 7th-8th Grade Girls Volleyball 7th-8th Grade Boys/Girls

Basketball Trojan Times WPNC Track Wrestling Science Club

What’s next?

Course Selection Sheet Turn in to your teacher ASAP…

Final due date: Wednesday, January 28

When do you visit Pierce?

Student Lunch at Pierce

Maire June 2- 10:30 AM Trombly June 3- 10:30 AM Defer June 4- 10:30 AM

Registration in August