Middle School Welcome Guide - 2021-22

Welcome

To

Middle School!

We can’t wait to see you at the Middle School Back to School Program on August 23th! The first day of school is on August 25th!

-- Quick Notes -Topics of Interest for students 

Sports: Fall sports practices begin on the first day of school and run from 3:40 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Middle School teams do not practice on Fridays, so you will only have two practices the first week of school. Important information about the season will be shared by coaches with your parents and on Veracross.

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Cell Phones: By no means are middle schoolers expected to have cell phones at school. If you have one, no problem! You may bring it to school, but most students will not be allowed to carry it during the school day. Sixth and seventh grade advisers will collect phones each morning during homeroom and return them at the end of worktime. Eighth graders may carry their phones during the day, but they must be turned off and away unless a teacher gives permission.

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Dress Code: Be sure to check out the FA Dress Code before completing your back-toschool shopping for the school year. It is available on the FA 360° page on the school website. Middle School will continue with a less restrictive dress code in ‘21-’22 due to some of our COVID-19 mitigation efforts. Blue jeans and athletic clothing will be allowed each day, but students must continue to be mindful of the expectations regarding the fit and condition of clothing, as well as the kinds of graphics and logos that can be worn to school.

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Falcon’s Nest: The Falcon’s nest is located across the hall from Mr. Fischer’s office and right next door to the Middle School MPR. Middle schoolers are able to visit the store for supplies, snacks, and drinks, but only during certain times of the day. Unless you have permission from a teacher, you should only plan on visiting the Falcon’s Nest during lunch period or during work time.

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Lunch: For the first two weeks of the school year, all middle schoolers should plan on bringing their lunch and snack from home each day. After Labor Day in early September, parents will have the option of ordering lunches for their child from the monthly school lunch menu, and these lunches will be picked up in the MPR each day. Please remember that Middle School strongly encourages you to bring in healthy lunch items and drinks each day and discourages parents and students from bringing special “fastfood” lunches to school.

Start off the year on the right foot with these great suggestions for staying organized!

Color code your books and notebooks by class or subject!

Keep the books and notebooks for each class together in your locker, so they are easier to grab and go!

Check each morning to be sure your backpack has pencils, pens, paper and other supplies you need for class!

Keep some extra supplies in your locker, but take home anything you no longer need at school!

Keep your locker neat with your books and notebooks facing the same direction!

Keep your assignment notebook and agenda in a special place in your backpack so you can keep it safe and find it quickly!

Visit teacher websites and Veracross calendars the Sunday before you start your school week and update your agenda!

-- Quick Notes -Topics of Interest for parents 

Veracross and the FA Website: Both Veracross and the school website (fredericksburgacademy.org) are excellent resources for information about school and classroom events, not to mention your child’s assignments and grades. It will be well worth your time to explore these resources, so you should familiarize yourself with them and check back often. You may direct any questions about them to Mr. Fischer or to Mrs. Kuckuck, the school network administrator.

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Forms: Please make sure that you take the time before the first day of school to complete all required school forms. Most required forms, as well as other important information, can be found on the FA 360° page (located in the “FOR FAMILIES” section) of the FA school website. Parents are reminded that the student emergency information is entered into Veracross Parent Portal under the “Update Family Profile” button.

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Book Ordering: Before the first week of school, be sure to visit the online bookstore to purchase required books and pay necessary course fees for the school year. You can find a link to the school’s online bookstore (MBS Direct) in the FA 360° section of the website under the Falcon’s Nest and Online Bookstore link. Please note that the store will share a customized list of books and other items your child needs when you enter their “student id,” which is a student’s first initial+last name.

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Attendance: Daily on-time attendance at school is very important to a successful school year, though absences are normal from time to time. If your child will be absent from school, please be sure to send an email to msusattendance -@fredericksburgacademy.org to inform the school. Late arrival or early pick-up information should be sent to the school using the same process. If your child is late or needs to be picked up early, please be sure to sign them in or out at the Lower School reception desk. In the case of a planned or extended absence, please be in contact with Mr. Fischer and your child’s adviser, who will help to plan for lost academic time and assignments.

-- Quick Notes -Topics of Interest for parents Note: while we remain concerned with the spread of COVID-19 in our area and school, it is expected that families will complete a health check-in each morning before coming to school. Children who are sick or showing any symptoms of COVID19 should stay home, and parents should contact the school nurse. 

Daily Drop-Off and Pick-Up: In the morning, middle schoolers should be dropped off in the Lower School carpool circle between 8:00 a.m. and 8:20 a.m. Students who arrive before 8:00 a.m. will be directed to sign into Falcon Club (for an additional fee).

Homeroom begins at 8:30 a.m.; Students who arrive after 8:30 will be marked tardy.

In the afternoon, classes are over at 3:30 p.m., and many middle schoolers will remain on campus after school for athletic practices (M-Th). Students picked up at 3:30 p.m. will be picked up in the Middle School carpool line (east side of Middle School building). For the convenience of families with students in multiple divisions, middle school

students with lower school siblings can be picked in the Lower School carpool circle used during morning drop-off. 

Parent Volunteering: Although middle school parents are not called on for classroom help and service as classroom parents as in the Lower School, many volunteer opportunities still exist. These include weekly PFA lunches and all school events. More information on volunteering will be provided by the parent association in the opening weeks of school.

Please allow me to introduce…

Middle School Teachers

Please allow me to introduce…

Middle School Teachers

Will we have to wear masks at school this year?

In many ways, our school year will be retuning to what we would consider more “traditional” for Fredericksburg Academy, but we remain concerned about everyone’s health in general and COVID-19 specifically. Our efforts to prevent the spread of this disease will remain in place this year, and yes, you will still have to wear masks inside the building, maintain 3 feet of distance from your peers and teachers, and wash your hands frequently during the school day. Depending on how the year progresses, these restrictions may be loosened a bit in the coming months, but they are really important at the start, and we need everyone’s help to keep our school safe.

What electronics am I allowed to have (and use) at school?

What is Veracross, and why should I use it?

Middle Schoolers should bring their laptop computer to school each day. Since it is important to keep it charged up, be sure to bring your charging block, too!

Remember, though, that you are expected to use your computer only for academic purposes during the school day, so don’t bother with the games or social media apps. You may bring a cell phone to school each day, but it will be collected by your adviser during homeroom (6 and 7). Don’t worry, you will get it back at the end of the day. If you do have to make a call during the day, you should touch base with your adviser or use the phone available in the Falcon’s Nest. All other electronics should be left at home unless you have permission from Mr. Fischer or your teacher to use it during class.

Veracross is an online resource used at FA to organize student information, schedules and calendars.

When you log in, you will be able to see all of your assignments and due dates, including homework, tests, and quizzes. Think of Veracross as your online organizer and the “backup” to the agenda you use for your classes. It also features school and athletic calendars, as well as contact information for your classmates. You will receive your Veracross login information and school email address (new students) during the first week of school.

Who can I ask if I have questions about school or personal concerns?

Your first stop with any questions should be your grade level adviser. Your adviser is a middle school teacher who will be your advocate and helper for the school year. You will see them each day during Homeroom and during Worktime, but you will also see them quite often during other times of the school day. They can answer just about any question, offer guidance, or point you in the direction to get the information you need. Mr. Fischer is also available to tackle any questions or concerns. If your concerns are of a more personal nature, you can also choose to make an appointment to meet with our school counselor, Ms. Magee. Her office is on the second floor of the Middle School near Ms. Shurer’s room. She is also available by email, at rmagee@fredericksburgacademy.org.

How is PE different in the Middle School?

What are the important places on campus I need to know?

Sixth and seventh graders will have PE three days per cycle during either 3rd or 5th period. You will have to remember to wear athletic wear to school on PE days, as locker rooms will not be available for Middle School use this year. Eighth graders will not have PE in their schedules and will satisfy their physical education requirement by participating in at least one season of Middle School or Varsity sports during the school year. Eighth graders who choose not to join a sport will be expected to participate in one season of after school “fitness,” an activity available after school for MS and US students. Eighth graders will have a Study Hall in their schedule instead of PE, which will help them managed the increased academic and extracurricular load seen during this school year.

As a middle schooler, you will have classes in each of the three major buildings on campus. Most of your classes, though, will take place in the Middle School. Your class schedule will list both the teacher name and classroom number of each class you have, and don’t worry because adults will be in the halls and locker areas to direct you to where you need to go. PE will of course be in the Athletic Center, and if you have Band, Chorus, or have Music for your rotation class, you will need to visit the Upper School Music classrooms. Also, don’t forget that sixth grade lockers are in the Middle School MPR, seventh grade lockers are in the second floor hallway, 8th grade lockers are in the Middle School Commons, and lunch takes place in the Middle School MPR.

How much homework should I expect each day?

Sixth graders generally receive an average of 20 minutes of out-of-class work for each class each day. Seventh and Eighth graders may receive a little more. Remember, however, that though these assignments are normal, not every class will give out-of-class work each day. You may not have every class each day, either, so that may limit your daily work. Students also generally have time during the school day to begin their work before heading home. If you find that you are spending significantly more time than this on each night’s work, you should be sure to speak to your teacher or adviser for help and/or tips.

How much time do we have to move between classes?

There are no bells in the Middle School, so your teachers will release you at the end of class, and there is a five minute passing period between classes, so don’t worry! Though you will be moving around the campus to get from class to class, you will generally have plenty of time to get from room to room. In addition to the passing period, middle schoolers have lunch and activities after third period, giving extra time to prep and get where you need to be during those times.

How often can I visit my locker?

Though there is usually enough time to visit your locker during the passing period between each class, we usually recommend that students plan to visit lockers to pack their bags before homeroom, after activities period, and during worktime in the afternoon. With a little extra planning and organization you can make sure you are not rushing to class and have all the materials you need for each period. Your locker is the best place to store your personal items and materials you don’t need in the classroom, but be careful to keep it organized, so it stays useful.

Is there anything different about the Middle School Dress Code?

Be sure to check out the dress code for middle and upper school students, which is posted on the school website, but the traditional dress code is on hold for middle schoolers this year. Athletic-wear is allowed at school during normal school days, and logo and graphic t shirts are allowed, as long as they are appropriate. Denim, regardless of color, is allowed any day, though torn jeans are not allowed at school. Special dress days will happen from time to time and will be announced ahead of time. You are welcome to wear hoodies and bring hats to school, though hoods and hats should be removed while inside.

What are the sports I can play each season?

Middle Schoolers have lots of great sports to choose from each season, and FA really wants you to participate in as many as you feel comfortable. You can choose from -Boys Sports

Fall Season

Girls Sports

Middle School Field Hockey, Middle School Boys Soccer, Cross Middle School Girls Tennis, Country Coed Cross Country

Winter Season

Middle School Boys Basketball, Coed Swimming

Middle School Girls Basketball, Coed Swimming

Spring Season

Middle School Boys Lacrosse, Middle School Tennis

Middle School Girls Lacrosse, Middle School Girls Soccer

Sports practices take place Monday through Thursday from 3:40 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Fall sports practices begin on the first day of school, though don’t worry if you haven’t made up your mind by then. Additional information about equipment needs and team schedules is available on the school website on the FA360 page.

What do I need on the first day of school?

You will have the chance to begin setting up your locker during the Middle School Orientation program, so you may already have much of your school stuff on campus on the first day of school. Either way, you should plan on having at least a notebook for each class, as well as your assignment notebook and pens or pencils. If you have PE on your first day, be sure to dress in athletic clothing, and everyone should bring in completed summer work assignments on the first day.

Sixth graders will not need their laptops during the first couple of days, so you will not need to bring it to school until your teachers ask you to. All athletes should plan on bringing any necessary clothes or equipment to participate in practices after school.

What is the Falcon’s Nest and when can I use it?

The Falcon’s Nest is FA’s school store, located on the first floor of the Middle School next to the MPR. It is open each day on a limited basis for students to purchase school supplies and small snacks and drinks. Middle school students are generally only able to visit the Falcon’s Nest before lunch, during activities, and during work time, or after school. If you need to make a purchase, you will have to bring money to school, though parents can visit the Falcon’s Nest to set up a debit account for you to purchase supplies and/or snacks during the day.

What will my schedule look like?

Though your actual schedule will be bigger, the one to the right is a sample of what a couple of days will look like. The daily schedule in the Middle School runs on a 10-day rotation with A and B weeks, and your classes will meet at different times on different days of the rotation. Yes, it will be a bit of a challenge for the first couple of days, but don’t worry -- no one expects you to have it memorized on the first day, and the teachers will be out in the halls and locker areas to help you get to the right places. You will get a copy of your schedule during the Back to School program, as well as during the first homeroom, and it will be on Veracross when you start using your laptop. The first day will be an “A-week” Wednesday, and Veracross will also let you know what the letter week is, as will the bulletin board outside Mr. Fischer’s office. You should post a copy of your schedule in your locker and keep one in your agenda to make sure you know what class is next each day.

What do I do before school starts each morning?

Middle schoolers are permitted to arrive as early as 8:00 a.m. each morning, and at that time they can head to the Middle School MPR before heading to lockers or homeroom. If you arrive before 8:00 a.m. you will need to check into Falcon Club in the Lower School MPR until 8:00. Please plan on being at school by 8:20 a.m. at the latest to make sure you have time to visit your locker and get organized for class before homeroom starts at 8:30 a.m. If you arrive a little early, no problem! You can use the time to study, read, or visit with friends.

What is Worktime?

Worktime is a fifty minute period after the end of classes each day. You will normally meet with your adviser and FAmily during that time and use the time to check your assignments, organize, and pack your things, making sure you have what you need to complete your assignments and be ready for school the next day. If there is time, you can also start your homework assignments during worktime. This period is also a handy time to touch base with your teachers if you have questions about topics in class or upcoming events, but be sure you check in with your adviser before heading to another classroom.

Can I be in Band and Chorus?

What is a “Rotation Class?”

Yes, if you are interested in both Band and Chorus, you will likely be able to participate in both. You can even participate in the Strings program! Band and Chorus classes will take place during the normal school day according to your schedule. If you have an interest in Strings, it will practice three days per week before school from 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.

Rotation classes are courses in the middle school curriculum that do not last a full school year. Because they do not last a full year, students typically “rotate” from one course to the next at various points during the school year. Sixth graders will have Music, Health, and Studio Art rotation classes, though the course you start with in the fall may be different for different students.

Sixth Graders will also rotate through three “exploratory language” offerings. Each course will last one trimester, and at the right time of the year, you will transition to the next course in the rotation.

What do I do after school is over?

School is over each afternoon at 3:30 p.m., and middle schoolers generally will head to carpool or over to the athletic fields to get ready for after school practices. Afternoon carpool for the Middle School is located in the parking lot closest to the Falcon’s Nest, and teachers will be outside to direct traffic and help you find your car. If you have a sibling in the Lower School, though, you will need to head to the breezeway to get picked up in Lower School carpool. Anyone not attending practice or getting picked up right away will check in to Falcon Club in the middle school MPR until their parents arrive to pick them up. Those staying in Falcon Club will need to make those arrangements in advance with the Falcon Club staff.

What is “Exploratory Language?”

Though many of you studied a language in previous years, Exploratory Language in the sixth grade gives students the chance to explore all three of the languages offered in the Middle and Upper Schools in one school year.

After studying a trimester each of Latin, French, and Spanish, you may decide to continue studying the language you have studied since Kindergarten, though you may also decide that you would like to study something different in Middle and Upper School. At the end of the sixth grade year, students and parents will have the opportunity to choose which language to study in the seventh and eighth grade.

Can I join clubs or leadership groups?

Of course! All middle schoolers are encouraged to participate in the clubs and/or leadership groups that are available this year. Some of these groups choose participants by vote or nomination, though others are open for everyone to participate in by choice. The three main leadership groups in the Middle School are Student Council, Honor Committee, and SAFE (Student Advocates for Equality). Though sixth grade elections for Student Council do not take place until January, sixth graders may be chosen in the fall for participation on the Honor Committee or in SAFE. Seventh and Eighth graders will have the opportunity to participate in these groups starting in the fall.

What is Activities Period?

Activities Period is the second half of the lunch period in the middle school schedule. Sixth graders will have Activities Period during the first half of the lunch period, eating during the second half, and seventh and eighth graders will eat during the first half, having Activities Period during the second half of lunch. Generally during Activities Period, middle schoolers will go outside and play, but there will be some days of the rotation, however, when certain activities or clubs use the lunch period for meetings.

Student leadership groups and clubs will generally hold lunch meetings on various days of the week.

Will I have study halls to start my work?

What is the extra-curricular requirement for Middle School?

You will be required to participate in at least one season of a school approved activity outside of the regular school day. Don’t worry about choosing, though, because there are many options available. All the FA athletic teams, strings, the Middle School musical are great examples. Eighth graders will be expected to participate in one season of athletic activity to satisfy their physical education requirement.

Yes, sixth graders will have study halls in their schedule, though you may not have one every day, and your schedule will list them on the days they occur. Keep in mind, however, that your participation in Band or Chorus may impact how many of those study halls you actually have available to do school work. You should also remember that these periods are meant for quiet academic work and not for socialization, so come to class prepared to work and listen to the expectations for behavior teachers supervising those periods will share with you.

What else should I know to have a good start to the year?

It is important to remember that the Middle School is a strong and close-knit community. Though our main priority each day is learning, we also want to make sure that every community member feels welcome and respected each day. We all need to make sure we are treating others in the way we want to be treated, with kindness and compassion. Teachers and advisers will talk about these kinds of behaviors frequently to help you make sure you are making the best possible choices in your interactions with others. As a learning community, we also place a high value on honor and accountability. The kind of trust we all want from each other can only come out of truthful communication and living up to the high expectations we have for each other. If you come to school each day with these values and characteristics first and foremost in your mind, you will have a great start (and completion!) of the school year.

Don’t forget these Important dates for the start of the 2021-2022 school year!

August 23, 2021 ---- MS Orientation program -- By Grade Level starting at 8:45 a.m.

August 25, 2021 ---- First Day of School!! Fall Sports Practices begin September 2, 20121---- All School Parent Coffee -details TBA September 6, 2021 ---- No School!! Labor Day September 22, 2021---- All School Picture Day September 27 -- October 1, 2021 ---- Homecoming Week October 8, 2019 ---- Fall Conference Day October 8-11 2019 ---- No School!!! Fall Break