Transition to Middle School
Jan 14, 2016
Transition to
Middle School
Young adolescents change at different rates
Encourage independence but remain available
Emotional support
Parental concerns
Stay involved
For detailed information regarding each of these components, please go to our website at
www.sycamorecanyonschool.org
Transition Topics for Middle Grades
Core Classes:English/Social ScienceMath/SciencePhysical Education
Elective:CareersInstrumental musicChorus
No Honors for 6th GradePotential for acceleration in Math 6
Outdoor Education Spring 2016 – Environmental Sciences
Sixth Grade Classes
Students rotate classes every trimester Careers wheel offered to 6th/7th grade students Developed by teacher expertise, interests and
talents
Sample classes: Dance, Public Speaking, Mini Society, Fun with Spanish, Fun with Science
Extension of core curricular standardsDifferentiation of instruction
Exploratory/Careers Electives
Social Science CP/Honors
English CP/Honors
Math: 7th: Pre- Algebra CP/Honors8th: Algebra 1 CP/Honors, Geometry H
(Geometry H=HS credit)
Science 7th- Life Science CP ONLY8th- Physical Science CP/H
Physical Education
Electives:TechnologyInstrumental Music (band/strings)ChorusASB (application required)Yearbook/Journalism (application)Spanish 1 CP (8th grade ONLY)
H.S. credit on transcriptPrerequisites must be met
Seventh & Eighth Grades
Students have representation and voting rights
Involved in:• Leadership class• Planning ASB activities• Fundraising• Community Service• Recognition – Awards• Operation of Student Store
Controls and approves all student funds
Student liaisons to administration, SSC, PTSA, plus Teen Center Advisory Council
What is ASB?
District Band & Strings Festival Concert Performances Festivals and Competitions
Beginning/Intermediate and Advanced Band Build self confidence, express your creativity, learn communication and
cooperation skills through music.
Middle School BAND
Sycamore MS Chorus Quality program with vocally trained instructor Students strengthen vocal skills/performance
aptitudes Unlocks creative potential Students perform at the District Festivals and So. Cal.
Competitions, including Disneyland
Students participate in skill building and academic elements
Differs from traditional elementary PE classes and activities
Students participate five days per week and earn “real” grades
Unique program that features fitness, and non-traditional sports such as golf, Frisbee, rugby, badminton, field hockey, and team handball
Physical Education Clothes – students dress out daily and have assigned lockers
Physical Education
Boys/Girls Basketball (7th and 8th Grade) Boys/Girls/Coed Volleyball (7th and 8th Grade) Field Hockey Tournament Boys Soccer 6TH Grade days: Soccer and Basketball
Middle School Extracurricular Sports
Reward program for excellence or improvement in academics and citizenship
Gold Card – All “A” or “E”
Silver Card – “A” & “B”; “E” & “S”
Bronze Card – “A”, “B”, “C”; “E” & “S”
Renaissance
Offered in Grades 6 - 8
Conflict Resolution
Classroom Presentations
Bullying/Harassment
Peer Mediation
Growth Groups
College Preparatory
Advisement
Sycamore School Counseling
Students are placed first by core academic subjects
Each student has one elective plus PE ( 7th and 8th Graders may have two electives)
Classes are determined primarily based on academic needs
Scheduling Classes
Annual and Trimester Awards
ASB Lunchtime Activities (LTA)
Art Club
Class of the Year (COTY) Activities
Math Counts
Outdoor School (6th Grade)
Renaissance Program
Science Fair
Speech & Debate Club
Teen Center Leagues and Activities, including Dances (7th & 8th Grade only) We the People Congressional Hearings (8th grade social studies classes)
PTSA Club
Builder’s Club
• “Course Preference Sheet”– March 2015: Completed in 5th grade classes
• Middle school “tour”– May 2015: Students will go with their 5th
grade class to visit the middle school PE area
• Middle School Orientation– August 2015: Pick up class list, textbooks,
PE clothes, ID card
What’s Next? Timeline
Questions?