Pleaseallowmetointroduce…

MiddleSchoolTeachers

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

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. 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. Please note that specific laptop requirements for this school year can be found on the Veracross Parent Portal.

What is Veracross, and why should I use it?

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 teacher webpages, all of your assignments and due dates, including homework, tests, and quizzes. Think of Veracross as your online organizer and the “back-up” 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 weeks 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 find 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. Clark. Her office is on the second floor of the Middle School near Ms. Shurer’s room. She is also available by email, at dclark@fredericksburgacademy.org.

How is PE different in the Middle School?

Sixth and seventh graders will have PE three days per cycle during either 3rd or4th period. You will have to remember to bring your PE uniform to school on PE days, and you will change in locker rooms before class starts. Eighth graders will have PE in their schedules two times per cycle. Eighth graders participating on a varsity level sport will have the option of “opting out” of PE in favor of a study hall during the PE period, which will help them manage their academics with the more demanding schedule of varsity sports. The PE Uniform is a T-shirt purchased in the Falcon’s nest. You will be expected to supply your own blue athletic shorts.

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

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, Drama, or Music for your rotation class, you will need to visit the Upper School Music classrooms or Theater. 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. Lunch takes place each day 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 will 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. 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 Guidelines?

Be sure to check out the dress guidelines for middle and upper school students, which is posted on the Veracross portals, as it has been updated for this school year. It is pretty relaxed, which should allow for more student choice in dress each day. Denim is allowed any day, but please note that athletic wear is only allowed on Fridays. Students should also pay attention to expectations for clothing design and fit. 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 would like. You can choose from

Boys Sports Girls Sports

Fall Season

Winter Season

Middle School Boys Soccer, Cross Country

Middle School Boys Basketball, Swimming

Middle School Field Hockey, Middle School Girls Tennis, Cross Country

Middle School Girls Basketball, 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 Veracross Parent and Student Portals.

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 agenda, homework folder, pens, and pencils. If you have PE on your first day, be sure to have your PE uniform and lock, 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 clothing 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 during 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 Orientation 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 “Aweek” Wednesday (A-W), 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 8:15 a.m. each morning, and at that time they can head to lockers or homeroom. If you arrive before 8:15 a.m. you will need to check into Falcon Club in the Lower School MPR until 8:15. Please plan on being at school by 8:25 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 Monday through Thursday. 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?

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 Orchestra program! Band and Chorus classes will take place during the normal school day according to your schedule. If you have an interest in Orchestra, it will practice three days per week before school from 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.

What is a “Rotation Class?”

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 two

“exploratory language” offerings. Each course will last one semester, 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 be 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. Registration information is available on the school website and the Veracross Parent Portal.

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 both of the languages offered in the Middle and Upper Schools in one school year. After studying a semester each of 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.

What is Activities Period?

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 all of these groups starting in the fall.

Activities Period is the second half of the lunch period in the middle school schedule. Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders will eat during the first half of the period and have Activities Period during the second half of the period. Generally during Activities Period, middle schoolers will go outside and play, but there will be some days of the rotation when certain activities or clubs use the lunch periods for meetings. Student leadership groups and clubs will generally hold lunch meetings on various days of the week.

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, Orchestra, the Middle School musical are great examples.

Will I have study halls to start my work?

Yes, middle schoolers 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 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.