THOMAS S. HART MIDDLE SCHOOL Scheduling Information For Parents
of Incoming 6 th Graders 2015-2016
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Welcome to Thomas S. Hart Middle School Welcome Terry Conde,
Principal Introductions: Vice Principal: Marcel Baker & Lisa
Hague Counselors: Tammy Schoonover, Sharon Stewart & Liz
Morotti
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Middle School Transition for Parents Become a school partner by
Maintaining regular contact with teachers Joining PTSA Volunteering
(yes, we need you!) Demonstrating a spirit of cooperation
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Middle School Transition Responsibility begins to shift to
student Accountability increases Bodies change Friendships change
Experiments with new behaviors/personas
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How to help your child with the transition Help child to divide
new tasks into smaller, more manageable parts Avoid rescuing Get
the whole story, not just your childs side
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Communication Goals Listen Gather information ask questions
check assumptions Resolve issue at lowest level Remain calm Model
communication skills
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Communication: The Steps Organizer, Q, Study Buddy E-mail
teacher through Hart Website or call and leave a message Make
appointment with teacher If issue is still unresolved after meeting
with teacher, call counselor, principal or vice- principal
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How to help your child make the most of middle school Keep
grades in perspective Maintain balance between work & play
Monitor electronic communications Develop an organizational system
that works for the student
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Topics for Discussion 6 th Grade Program Overview Course
Descriptions (Teachers) 6 th Grade Orientation Program Keys To A
Successful Middle School Experience
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6 th Grade Program Overview Language Arts History Science Math
Elective(s) Exploration Wheel Band/Strings Chorus (A period)
Special Education P.E. LUNCH (4 th period)
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Wheel Electives The Exploration Wheel consists of 6 classes
that are each six weeks in length. Students rotate through the 6
classes in random order.
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Exploration Wheel Classes Art College & Career Readiness
Computer 6 Consumer and Family Studies Music 6 World Language
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Intermediate Band or Strings I Intermediate Band or Strings 1
(Check box on scheduling form). Students who take Band or Strings
class attend A period P.E. or Science outside of the regular school
day from 7:40 a.m. to 8:36 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and
Friday. There is no A period on Wednesday.
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A Period Chorus (Concert Choir) Introductory no experience
needed Offered at 7:40 8:36 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and
Friday No A period on Wednesday
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6 th Grade Block: Language Arts/History Curriculum: California
English Language Arts and History Standards Common Core ELA and
content literacy standards
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Language Arts Writing: Main focus Essay Expository Narrative
Argumentative Literary Analysis Spelling/Grammar
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Language Arts Reading: Selected readings from Anthology Core
Novel Where the Fern Grows Independent Reading Variety of short
non- fiction texts ***
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Ancient History * 6 th grade history is an introductory course
of Ancient Civilizations: Early Humans Mesopotamia Egypt Israelites
India China Greece Rome
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6 th Grade Science Earth Science Prentice Hall: Focus on Earth
Science Hands on laboratory experiments - Approximately twice per
week New: introduction to Health & Wellness Unit during the
last six weeks of the school year.
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6 th Grade Science Science Units Scientific Method Metric
System Erosion Plate Tectonics (earthquakes & volcanoes)
Changes over Time Earth History Atmosphere Ecology and Natural
Resources
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6 th Grade Science New Health & Wellness Unit (six weeks)
Introduction to Health: a balance of social, emotional, mental, and
physical health Injury prevention & safety Nutrition &
fitness
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6 th Grade Math Two courses Math 6 Math 6/7 5th-grade
end-of-year test for placement All 5th-graders take test by mid-May
Will receive a letter with math placement Go Math Textbook (new for
2015/2016) Consumable Online textbook available, Video Tutorials,
Spanish Full Common Core Curriculum Supplemental materials will be
used By the end of 8th-grade, our minimum goal is for all students
to meet the 8th-grade CC standards.
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Special Education SDC Program Adaptive P.E. Speech and Language
Program Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program Resource Specialist
Program RS Classes in Language Arts and Math and Parallels
curriculum Support in General Ed Collaborative Model and RS Lab
Classes
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6 th Grade PE PE daily Square dance Uniforms Locks/Lockers
Units Mile run
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Technology For All Minimum of 12 chromebooks in each block
& science class Computer lab Computers in library 2 rolling
chronebook carts Students encouraged to bring their own
devices
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Gate Middle School classes follow the Common Core curriculum in
all subject areas 6th grade Science and Language Arts teachers
offer extension activities that Gate students may complete Due to
the large number of Gate students, all classes accommodate Gate
students and Gate extension activities
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What are the best ways to protect your kids online? Start Early
-As soon as your child starts using a phone, mobile device or
computer, talk with them about online expectations, behavior, and
personal safety Initiate Conversations Often - Technology,
websites, apps, and opportunities to access inappropriate content
change all the time -Make sure to check in with your child often,
which sites (especially social media) are they acessing or
visiting? -Some sites allow for anonymous posts to individual
accounts -Most middle school students dont tell parents about these
sites Tell your Child how to report something to you (without
getting in trouble) -so when something does come up, they know what
to do Consider a Family Contract for Technology use - sample
contracts are available upon request
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Additional ways to keep kids safe online There are a wide
variety of tools to use from virus protection to Parental Controls
such as: - Limiting time: software allows you to limit your kids
time online. You can also set the time of day they can access the
internet (no internet after 9 pm, etc) -Smart phone/cell phone
limits - contact your service provider to talk about time limits.
For example AT&T offers Smart Limits - Features include:
>> Set text and purchase limits. >> Block numbers and
data use. >> Limit phone use during times of day or night.
>> Check in on daily phone activity. Visit onguardonline.gov
for more tips on how to secure your computer, and protect your kids
Review the NetCetera and Heads Up: Stop, Think Connect
brochures
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6th grade Orientation 6 th Grade Orientation in August before
school starts 8 th graders lead fun activities and a tour of the
Hart campus 8th grade leaders also serve as role models, mentors,
and peer tutors
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Keys To A Successful Middle School Experience Stay in Touch:
Hart website www.hartmiddleschool.orgwww.hartmiddleschool.org
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Hart/PtSA Hart E-news - weekly
PUSD E-Connection Email / Voice mail Monitor Progress : Dont wait!
Check grades/assignments online (Q)
https://sis.pleasantonusd.net/parentportal/
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Questions/Reminders Please read over the 6 th grade handbook
with your child Any questions, feel free to ask now Or contact your
childs counselor at (925) 426-4881