Amherst Regional Middle School Introduction Overview and Registration

Amherst Regional Middle School Introduction, Overview and Registration Information Assistant Principal Mike Malone

Comprehensive Middle School

Middle School Concept Elementary School Middle School Core Subjects 1 teacher - K-5 2 -3 teachers- 6 4 teachers working as a team Start of the Day Morning Meeting Advisory High School 4 teachers First class (+Advisory) Other required courses Art, Computers, PE Exploratory Courses: PE/Health, Art Tech Ed, Drama Electives Music and World Wide range of Language electives

MS Structure Principal Assistant Principal Dean Team Teachers Educational Team Leader Support Teachers Counselors Exploratory Teachers Nurse Electives

8 Course Blocks 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. English Math Science Social Studies Core Skills Exploratories – Art, PE/Health, Drama, Technology Education World Language/ SE classes/Study Hall Music/SE classes/Study Hall

Schedule n http: //arms. arps. org/for_students/ac ademics/schedules/

Academic Interventions (Support and Enrichment) n n n n n Regular Classroom Core Skills Teachers after school Vela Scholars (after school) Vela Scholars (during school) Math and ELA Intervention Summer Vela Scholars 504 s IEPs

Social/Emotional Interventions n n n n Team Advisory Guidance Counselor Student Adjustment Counselors Dean of Students 504/IEPs ARPS Family Center

Anticipating the Transition n Excitement – new friends, freedoms, opportunities Anxiety – social, new teachers, new school Student Skills Challenges – organization, homework, grades, effective effort

Transition Support n n n n Registration process Orientation Nights Team assignments and team letters First Day of School Team Breakfasts Team activities (You Belong!) Open House Parent/Guardian meetings

Team and Advisory Placements n n n IEP ELE Transition sheets 6 th Grade School Parent/guardian input (when needed)

Communication n n Concept: • Middle Schoolers need us more than ever • The two year challenge • Start with good faith - inquiry Communication opportunities Website School Council Team Breakfasts Newsletter Student Handbook Open House Online Grading Family Handbook Orientations Email/Phone Parent Conferences Coffee with the Principal Guidance Counselors Robo Calls PGO

Parent Guardian Organization (PGO) n n n Fundraising in support of teacher and school initiatives and programs Organizes student and family events, principal coffees, etc. Communication link between school and parents via weekly newsletter and blog postings

Upcoming PGO Events n Coffee with the Principal: 7: 45 -9: 00 am • April 4 th • May 2 nd • June 6 th

Special Education Orientation Tuesday, March 18 from 6: 00 -7: 00 in the Middle School Library

Questions? n Betsy Dinger, Principal • dingerb@arps. org n Mike Malone, Assistant Principal • malonem@arps. org n Denise Boyd, Guidance Counselor • boydd@arps. org n Doreen Reid, ETL • reidd@arps. org n Main MS phone line: 362 -1800