Middle School's New Parent - Student Orientation, April 2013

Welcome to the Middle School New Parent / Student Orientation April 2, 2013 Mary-Ann Augoustatos Middle School Principal

ACS – Athens Middle School Guidelines M otivation I nspiration D etermination D edication L earning E xcellence

S ensibility C onsideration H onesty O ptimism O riginality L oyalty

ACS Athens -Middle School Statement of Commitment We, the faculty and staff of the ACS Middle School, will provide students with a positive environment that fosters academic growth and supports human differences during their challenging stage of adolescence.

Welcome to the Middle School The faculty, staff, students, and community of the ACS Athens Middle School are devoted to academic achievement and individual growth for every child.

We all strive to maintain a supportive environment where respect for individual differences and rights of others guide our behavior.

Students in grades 6, 7 and 8 are going through a stage of rapid change in mental, physical, social, and emotional development. Based on the needs of children experiencing these changes, our program and staff:

Provide: • Engaging child-centered educational experiences that actively develop higher order thinking. • Engage students in a wide range of formal cognitive and experiential learning opportunities, including hands-on exploratory courses, physical education, and/or foreign language. • Encourage each student to develop a positive self-image through frequent opportunities for success, while recognizing the influence of peer pressure.

Description of the ACS Athens Middle School 

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The Middle School is comprised of sixth, seventh, and eighth grade .

Our academic programs meet U.S. and premium international curriculum standards.

A rich array of co-curricular activities and clubs meet during lunchtime and after school to expand the Middle School program beyond the classroom learning environment.

ACS Middle School Bell Schedule for Day 1and Day 2 Day 1

Day 2

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9:00 – 10:20

Block 1 or Block 5

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10:20 – 10:40

Announcement Period / Passing Time / Break

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10:40 – 12:00

Block 2 or Block 6

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12:00 – 12:40

LUNCH

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12:40 – 12:45

Passing Time

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12:45 – 2:05

Block 3 or Block 7

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2:05 – 2:10

Passing Time

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2:10 – 3:30

Block 4 or Block 8

Curriculum 1.

Language A -(At ACS the school’s language of instruction is English.)

2. Language B – a modern foreign language learned at school (At ACS, students may study Greek as a second Language A.) 3. Social Studies – history and geography 4. Sciences – general science, earth science, biology, chemistry and physics

5. Mathematics – core course including topics in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, probability & statistics 6. Arts – art/design, music, and drama

7. Physical Education – health and hygiene, individual and team sports, fitness 8. Technology – Fundamentals of technology, research, health and guidance

Academic Advisory ď Ž

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Academic Advisory was formed to help each student develop the skills necessary to interact positively with peers, teachers, and other members of the community.

The purpose of advisory is accomplished through discussion in small groups and deals with school and life issues.

Reporting Student Progress We use four formal means of reporting student progress: quarterly report cards, progress reports, parent conferences, and the Planner.

All middle school students are expected to carry the Planner with them at all times, to record stated homework assignments in class daily, in addition to checking their Moodle and Skyward accounts .

Progress Reports Progress Reports may be issued at any time, but will be issued to students as follows: 1st quarter: 2nd quarter: 3rd quarter: 4th quarter:

Second Thursday in October Second Thursday in December First Thursday in March Second Thursday in May

During the first quarter, all students will receive a progress report comment in skyward. Thereafter, all students earning a grade of C- or less will receive a progress report, though teachers may send reports to recognize excellence, improvement or a falling off in performance.

Report Cards Report cards will available electronically several school days after the end of each quarter, and mailed home early in July at the end of the school year. Should parents not receive progress reports or report cards on these dates, they should contact the Office of Student Affairs.

Parent Teacher Student Conferences

Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences are held two times a year. Please see the ACS Calendar for dates and times.

Grades The Middle School uses letter grades: A, B, C, D and F Teachers may give a plus or minus with the letter grade (except in the case of a F). The + or – will appear on the permanent record.

Accommodations for ESL/OLP students may apply on an individual basis and will be so indicated.

Letter grades are awarded on the basis of the following averages: 97-100 93-96 90-92 87-89 83-86 80-82

A+ A AB+ B B-

77-79 73-76 70-72 67-69 63-66 60-62 Below 60

C+ C CD+ D DF

Institute for Innovation and Creativity ACS Athens: After School Enhancement Program 2011-2012 Middle School Middle School 15:45- 16:45

Monday Homework

Tuesday

Wednesday

Homework

Homework

Homework

Math Support

M.S. Survival Skills

Math Support

Program for Social & Emotional Intelligence

16:45- 17:45

Homework

Homework

Homework

Study Skills Organization

Writing Captivating Essays

Adapting to Change

Test Taking Skills

Reading & Writing Support in the Greek Language

15:45- 17:45 Mindfulness Training

Friday Homework

Program for Social & Emotional Intelligence

Homework

Reading & Writing Support

(2 hr programs)

Thursday

Homework

Reading & Writing Support

RECOGNITION AND HONORS Academic Achievement Awards Principal’s List - All A’s (including A-‘s) High Honor Roll - A- Average (3.67 GPA) or better Honor Roll - B+ Average (3.33 GPA) or better End-of-Year Subject Awards - At the end of each year individual teachers present awards for academic achievement. Awards go to students with high academic achievement and for greatest improvement.

Presidential Award - Awarded at the end-of-year Awards Assemblies for graduating students

Athletic Awards Field Day Awards - Awarded to individuals and Class / Team Houses at the annual Middle School Field Day

Athletes of the Year - Awarded by the PE Department

Recognition Awards Warren Shepard Award - an 8th grade ACS award for all-around excellence Stanley Haas/Luke Hansen (NESA) Nomination – nominations to NESA to recognize students who exhibit exemplary citizenship, character and service.

Students of the Quarter - awarded to two students (a boy and a girl) at each grade level to recognize exemplary contributions to school academic and community life

ACS Middle School student wins NESA Haas/Hansen Student Award

HOMEWORK ď Ž

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Homework is assigned by classroom teachers on a regular basis. Middle School students should expect to have approximately two hours of homework each night. The exact amount will vary from night to night, depending upon the nature of the assignments, upcoming tests, longterm projects, etc.

If absent from school for any reason, the student is responsible for making up all of the class work and homework he/she missed. If a student is absent for only one day, it is best for him/her to telephone a friend to find out what material was covered in classes and what homework assignments were given.

Student Affairs ď Ž

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The Middle School Counselor is responsible for working with all students individually and in group settings to help them succeed at the Middle School. If a student has a challenge, or feels uncertain about some aspect of the Middle School that teachers cannot resolve, the Counselor may be consulted.

In addition, The Middle School Counselor invites students and parents to discuss educational concerns, scheduling and testing, follows up on progress reports, quarter and semester reports, and students who are ineligible for co-curricular activities due to their grades or on probation

Student Life Lockers Each student will be provided their own school locker and lock. The lock will be used to secure the school locker assigned to the student by the main office Administrative Assistant. The locker is where a student keeps books, jackets, lunch, and other possessions. IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT STUDENTS DO NOT KEEP EXPENSIVE AND/OR OTHER VALUABLE ITEMS IN THEIR LOCKERS. A student may only go to his/her locker during the passing time between classes. It is suggested that students do not tell anyone their lock combination.

THE HOUSE SYSTEM ď Ž

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The House System was started at ACS in 1950. All students, faculty, and staff are assigned to one of four houses as a life-time member: Athenian (green), Corinthian (red), Spartan (blue), or Trojan (yellow). It is a concept meant to bond teachers and students, encourage school spirit and build a strong sense of belonging to our school. It is also meant to create a sense of continuity and permanence for our graduates.

Beginning in Middle School, students and faculty can earn points for their houses by participating in student activities, playing sports, winning awards, participating in community service projects, etc.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Clubs and Organizations and Sports 

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Participating in activities (special programs, team sports, intramurals and clubs) at the Middle School is very much a part of the Middle School experience.

Clubs and activities are developed based on student interest.

Examples Include:     

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Student Council Art Club Drama Club Chess Club Community Service – “Do Good” Club Peer Facilitators Debate Geography Bowl Blue and Gold School Newspaper Club Math Bowl Math Olympiad Student Newspaper Talent Show Yearbook Team Spirit Club Environmental Club

Sports

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Cross Country Track and Field Volleyball Soccer Tennis Basketball Swimming

Sports

Student Council 

Grade Level Councils- run for office for a full year’s term and positions on the council include: President Vice-President Treasurer and Secretary

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Executive Council- all grade level Presidents meet in a school wide council

Dances Each year, the Middle School Student Council plans and conducts several dances. These are scheduled on the ACS school calendar and every Middle School student in grades 6-8 is encourage to attend. Some dances are: Welcome Back Dance Holiday Snow Ball Valentine Dance Eighth Grade Prom.

Concerts

Clubs School Dances

COMMUNITY SERVICE All Middle School students are required to participate in community service during the school year, and several grade level activities and field trips.

6th grade- “Center of the earth� Park cleaning 7th grade- Lyrion 8th Grade- Hatzipaterian / Kavouri Beach Cleaning

Bonding Day

Community Service Projects

PROVIDING PARENTAL SUPPORT 

Provide an academic environment – Besides creating a quiet study area, parents can help to foster a positive academic attitude by engaging their children in dinner discussions about what transpired during the day’s classes. Having resource materials handy, such as a dictionary, thesaurus, etc., and limiting T.V. viewing and non-academic computer use can also help.

Encourage your children to read for pleasure.

Take time to share responses to books and articles you have read in common.

THANK YOU!