An International Baccalaureate An International Baccalaureate

SchoolSchool

Greer Middle Greer Middle SchoolSchoolWelcome to the 6th Grade

2009-2010 Parent/Student Orientation!

Tonight’s event is to Tonight’s event is to help the student and help the student and

the parent the parent understand the understand the transition from transition from

elementary school to elementary school to middle school. middle school.

Transition to middle Transition to middle school is a big time school is a big time in your life…but it in your life…but it

should not be should not be something that something that

makes you worry makes you worry

I want to be clear and I want to be clear and upfront with all upfront with all

parents and students parents and students so that we can work so that we can work

together to ensure the together to ensure the safety of the school safety of the school

and learning and learning environment and to environment and to

make your transition make your transition to Greer Middle School to Greer Middle School as smooth as possible. as smooth as possible.

Administrative Administrative TeamTeamScott Rhymer, PrincipalScott Rhymer, Principal

Lenny KindallLenny Kindall– Assistant Principal (6Assistant Principal (6thth Grade) Grade)Tracy CooperTracy Cooper– Assistant Principal (7Assistant Principal (7thth Grade) Grade)Matt PhillipsMatt Phillips– Assistant Principal (8Assistant Principal (8thth Grade) Grade)Karen Clinkscale, Guidance Karen Clinkscale, Guidance – Grade 6 and Grade 7 (A-L)Grade 6 and Grade 7 (A-L)Cathy Cash, Guidance CounselorCathy Cash, Guidance Counselor– Grade 7 (M-Z)Grade 7 (M-Z) and Grade 8 and Grade 8Carlton Greene, Instructional CoachCarlton Greene, Instructional CoachChris Elliott (IB Coordinator)Chris Elliott (IB Coordinator)Kelley Smith (Career Development Kelley Smith (Career Development Facilitator)Facilitator)

2009-2010 GMS2009-2010 GMSVision and GoalsVision and Goals

(Goal #1) During the 2009-2010 school year, GMS will implement a discipline policy in accordance with Greenville County Schools policy that ensures a quality learning environment for both students and staff. “Major” disciplinary infractions will be reduced by 20%. “Major” infractions will be defined as physical altercations, disrespect to faculty and staff, and refusal to obey.

(Goal #2) During the 2009-2010 school year, GMS will reduce failure rates to less than 9% for every course (Academic and Related Arts).

(Goal #3) During the 2009-2010 school year, GMS will successfully complete the requirements of the IB Evaluation.

(Goal #1) During the 2009-2010 school year, GMS will implement a discipline policy in accordance with Greenville County Schools policy that ensures a quality learning environment for both students and staff. “Major” disciplinary infractions will be reduced by 20%. “Major” infractions will be defined as physical altercations, disrespect to faculty and staff, and refusal to obey.

Level I

Behaviors

Minor disruptions to classroom instruction or school order

Level II

Behaviors

Disruptions to classroom

instruction or school order that bring physical or

mental harm

Level III

Behaviors

Major disruptions to classroom instruction or

school order that may result in

criminal conduct

Goal #1 Focuses on Safety…and Safety Is Our #1 Priority

Level I BehaviorsLevel I

Behaviors

Minor disruptions to classroom instruction or school order

Verbal Warning

Talking in class, excessive noise in hall, inappropriate language to other students, tardies, dress code violations

Teacher Detention

Principal Detention

In School Suspension

Out Of School Suspension

Lunch Detention

Level I BehaviorsLevel I

Behaviors

Minor disruptions to classroom instruction or school order

Talking in class, excessive noise in hall, inappropriate language to other students, tardies, dress code violations

Lunch Detention

During Lunch. A bag lunch is provided. Parent will be contacted. No maximum

limit. Failure to attend will result in Teacher Detention.

Teacher Detention

3:15-4:00 on Wednesday. Parent will be contacted with 24 hours notice. No

maximum limit. Failure to attend will result in Principal Detention

Principal Detention

3:15-5:00 Tuesday. Parent will be contacted by Assistant Principal and given

24 hours notice. Maximum limit of 5 Principal Detentions. Failure to attend

will result in ISS.In School Suspension

Entire school day. Parent will be contacted by Assistant Principal.

Maximum limit of 5 days ISS.

Level II BehaviorsLevel II

Behaviors

Disruptions to classroom

instruction or school order that

bring harm or disrespect to

someone

Horseplay, public display of affection, verbal altercation, physical altercation, disrespect, refusal to obey, bullying, harassment.

In School SuspensionEntire school day. Parent will be contacted by Assistant Principal. Maximum limit of 5 days ISS.

Out Of School SuspensionStudent will not be allowed on campus during the school day or at any after school functions scheduled for that day.

Level II BehaviorsLevel II

Behaviors

Disruptions to classroom

instruction or school order that

bring harm or disrespect to

someone

Horseplay, public display of affection, verbal altercation, physical altercation, disrespect, refusal to obey.

Typical Consequences For 1st Time Level II Offenses

Possession of Tobacco 1 Day OSSHorseplay ISS Or OSSVerbal Altercation 3 Days OSSRude/Disrespect 1-5 Days OSSAbusive Language To Staff/Teachers 3-10 Days OSSRemoval From Class ISS Or OSSHarassment/Bullying1-10 Days OSSRefusal To Obey 1 Day OSSPhysical Altercation 5-10 Days OSS

TardiesTardiesStudents that are late to school or late to a class Students that are late to school or late to a class

cause major disruptions to the school day for cause major disruptions to the school day for office personnel and classroom instruction. office personnel and classroom instruction.

Excuses for tardies to school will not be accepted Excuses for tardies to school will not be accepted unless they are accompanied by a doctor’s note. unless they are accompanied by a doctor’s note. All students are given two warnings for tardies All students are given two warnings for tardies (without a consequence) that allow for unusual (without a consequence) that allow for unusual circumstances (wreck that slowed traffic, circumstances (wreck that slowed traffic, oversleeping, car breaks down, etc.). All other oversleeping, car breaks down, etc.). All other tardies will (unless accompanied by a medical tardies will (unless accompanied by a medical excuse) be deemed “unexcused” and fall into the excuse) be deemed “unexcused” and fall into the 3rd Offense category as listed on the next slide3rd Offense category as listed on the next slide

Tardies between class periods at GMS is Tardies between class periods at GMS is unacceptable as students are given ample time to unacceptable as students are given ample time to get from one class to another. Please work with get from one class to another. Please work with your child to understand that they do not need to your child to understand that they do not need to go to their locker after every class period.go to their locker after every class period.

Tardies To Tardies To School/ClassSchool/ClassTardies are tabulated in each class

(including the beginning of the school day).

1st Offense

2nd Offense

3rd Offense

4th Offense

Warning

Warning

Parent Contact

Principal Detention

Parent ContactPrincipal Detention

Parent Contact

Be Reminded, Only 5 Days Of Principal Detention will be assigned. Once all PD has been used, tardies will result in ISS. Once 5 days of ISS has been assigned, tardies will result in OSS.

5th Offense (Plus)

ISS

Parent Contact

Cell Phone/MP3 Cell Phone/MP3 PlayersPlayers

1st Offense

2nd Offense

3rd Offense

4th Offense (Plus)

Confiscation of device, returned to parent by appointment with AP

Confiscation of device, 1 Day ISS, phone returned in 30 days to parent

Confiscation of device, 1 Day OSS, phone returned in 60 days to parent

Confiscation of device, 3 Days OSS, phone returned at end of school year

Cell phones and MP3 Players will be confiscated anytime during school hours 7:30 until 4:00. Only exception to policy

will be at athletic events

MySpace and FacebookMySpace and FacebookIssues that arise when middle school Issues that arise when middle school students use MySpace and Facebook many students use MySpace and Facebook many times spill over into school. times spill over into school. – Threats/harassment made on these web sites that Threats/harassment made on these web sites that

spill over into school will be dealt with under our spill over into school will be dealt with under our harassment/threatening persons policy.harassment/threatening persons policy.

– Threats/harassment made on these web sites that Threats/harassment made on these web sites that do not spill over into school can still be treated do not spill over into school can still be treated criminally.criminally.

– Bottom line is simple: If your child is on the Bottom line is simple: If your child is on the Internet at these (or similar sites), they are Internet at these (or similar sites), they are responsible for the content they post. We highly responsible for the content they post. We highly recommend that you disallow, regulate, or recommend that you disallow, regulate, or monitor your child’s use of these sites as it could monitor your child’s use of these sites as it could quickly become a school issue.quickly become a school issue.

Dress CodeDress CodeThe primary objective of Greenville County The primary objective of Greenville County Schools is to provide a World-Class Schools is to provide a World-Class instructional program and learning instructional program and learning opportunity for every student. opportunity for every student.

The personal appearance of every student is an The personal appearance of every student is an important component of establishing a safe important component of establishing a safe environment for optimal learning and respect environment for optimal learning and respect for one another. Students are expected to dress for one another. Students are expected to dress in an appropriate manner while on school in an appropriate manner while on school district property or when representing the district property or when representing the school. school.

Personal appearance shall be such that it does Personal appearance shall be such that it does not disrupt student work or school order, not disrupt student work or school order, become distractive to other students or violate become distractive to other students or violate health and safety guidelines.health and safety guidelines.

Primary Dress Code Primary Dress Code ViolationsViolations

Distracting, revealing, overly suggestive or Distracting, revealing, overly suggestive or otherwise disruptive attire. otherwise disruptive attire. Chains, etc. that dangle from clothes.Chains, etc. that dangle from clothes.Hats, “hoodies”, and sunglassesHats, “hoodies”, and sunglasses Attire affiliated with a "gang" in any negative Attire affiliated with a "gang" in any negative sense of the term. sense of the term. Clothing that contains language that is Clothing that contains language that is obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, indecent or obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, indecent or offensive. offensive. Shirts that are low cut and show cleavage.Shirts that are low cut and show cleavage. Spaghetti strap shirts and/or tank tops.Spaghetti strap shirts and/or tank tops.Shirts that do not cover the midriff.Shirts that do not cover the midriff.Pants and slacks that drag the ground.Pants and slacks that drag the ground.Undergarments that are exposed.Undergarments that are exposed.Facial jewelry located anywhere except the Facial jewelry located anywhere except the ears.ears.

Dress CodeDress Code

1st Offense

2nd Offense

3rd Offense

4th Offense

Warning referral, placed in ISS until change of clothes

Principal Detention, placed in ISS until change of clothes

1 Day ISS, placed in ISS until change of clothes

1 Day ISS, placed in ISS until change of clothes

5th Offense (Plus)

1 Day OSS, placed in ISS until change of clothes

The administration will make the final judgment on the appropriateness of clothing and/or appearance and reserves the right

to prohibit students from wearing any articles of clothing or other items which lead to or may foresee ably result in the disruption of or

interference with the school environment. 

Drop Off In Car LoadingDrop Off In Car LoadingCar riders may be dropped off after 7:30Car riders may be dropped off after 7:30– Riders cannot be dropped off prior to Riders cannot be dropped off prior to

7:30 because there will not be any 7:30 because there will not be any supervision of the students.supervision of the students.

– If you arrive before 7:30, please remain If you arrive before 7:30, please remain with your child in the car until with your child in the car until administrator comes to open buildingadministrator comes to open building

Students will be considered tardy if they Students will be considered tardy if they are not in their classroom by 8:15.are not in their classroom by 8:15.Drop off can be made in the front of the Drop off can be made in the front of the building or in the back of the building.building or in the back of the building.Students should report directly to their Students should report directly to their designated location after drop off designated location after drop off (cafeteria for 7(cafeteria for 7thth/8/8thth grade…gym for 6 grade…gym for 6thth grade). grade). Note: 6Note: 6thth graders may eat in the graders may eat in the cafeteria prior to reporting to the gym.cafeteria prior to reporting to the gym.

Drop Off In Car LoadingDrop Off In Car LoadingCar riders Car riders may notmay not be dropped off be dropped off in the bus loading area.in the bus loading area.Please form a single line in the Please form a single line in the drop off areas.drop off areas.Do not “double park” in the drop Do not “double park” in the drop off line if you need to come inside off line if you need to come inside the building. Park in a the building. Park in a designated space before coming designated space before coming inside.inside.Please remember that safety is Please remember that safety is our #1 concern…be extremely our #1 concern…be extremely cautious and attentive while you cautious and attentive while you are in the parking lots.are in the parking lots.

Dismissal-Car LoadingDismissal-Car LoadingRear pick up gate will be unlocked at 3:00 Rear pick up gate will be unlocked at 3:00 for parents to begin lining up. Front car for parents to begin lining up. Front car loading area will remain open entire loading area will remain open entire school day.school day.Dismissal is at 3:15Dismissal is at 3:15– Note: Students will not be allowed to Note: Students will not be allowed to

have early dismissal after 2:30 without have early dismissal after 2:30 without permission from Mr. Rhymer.permission from Mr. Rhymer.

Students should be told by parent which Students should be told by parent which parking lot that they will be picked up. parking lot that they will be picked up. Students should exit the building and Students should exit the building and immediately look for parents. immediately look for parents. Administrators will not call for students in Administrators will not call for students in the car loading area, nor will an “all call” the car loading area, nor will an “all call” be made inside of the building. It is the be made inside of the building. It is the student’s responsibility to exit the student’s responsibility to exit the building and look for their parent.building and look for their parent.

Dismissal-Car LoadingDismissal-Car LoadingParents should form a single line on the right Parents should form a single line on the right side of the driveway in both the front loading side of the driveway in both the front loading and rear loading area. As your child loads the and rear loading area. As your child loads the car, parents may enter the left lane to exit the car, parents may enter the left lane to exit the parking lots.parking lots.Car riders Car riders may notmay not be picked up in the bus be picked up in the bus loading area.loading area.Cars in the front of the pick up lines will be Cars in the front of the pick up lines will be asked to move to the back of the line if their asked to move to the back of the line if their child does not load the car in an appropriate child does not load the car in an appropriate amount of time. This is to ensure that the line amount of time. This is to ensure that the line moves quickly and makes dismissal as orderly moves quickly and makes dismissal as orderly as possible.as possible.Do not “double park” in the drop off line if you Do not “double park” in the drop off line if you need to come inside the building. Park in a need to come inside the building. Park in a designated space before coming inside.designated space before coming inside.Please remember that safety is our #1 Please remember that safety is our #1 concern…be extremely cautious and attentive concern…be extremely cautious and attentive while you are in the parking lots.while you are in the parking lots.

BusesBusesA transportation representative is A transportation representative is here tonight to answer questions that here tonight to answer questions that you may have.you may have.

Bus drop-off and pick-up will be in the Bus drop-off and pick-up will be in the picnic area beside cafeteriapicnic area beside cafeteria

Please review bus safety and discipline Please review bus safety and discipline policy. Students not abiding by policy policy. Students not abiding by policy can be removed temporarily or can be removed temporarily or permanently from bus service.permanently from bus service.

BusesBusesGoing Home with Someone Else? – Any time your Going Home with Someone Else? – Any time your child is going home with another student or on a child is going home with another student or on a different bus, please send a signed note to the different bus, please send a signed note to the front office with a phone number where you can front office with a phone number where you can be reached during the day.  Notes should be be reached during the day.  Notes should be turned in by the end of 1turned in by the end of 1stst Period on the same Period on the same day.  Adults early dismissing your child from day.  Adults early dismissing your child from school must be on the approved dismissal list.school must be on the approved dismissal list.

A member of Transportation is in attendance A member of Transportation is in attendance tonight to assist with Bus Questions. tonight to assist with Bus Questions. Transportation’s Phone Number is 355-1289Transportation’s Phone Number is 355-1289

Medication Medication PolicyPolicy

A student who needs to go to the health room A student who needs to go to the health room must obtain a pass from his classroom teacher.  must obtain a pass from his classroom teacher.  Students reporting to the nurse for illness must Students reporting to the nurse for illness must remain in the health room until released by the remain in the health room until released by the nurse to return to class or go home. If the health nurse to return to class or go home. If the health room is not open, the office staff will call the room is not open, the office staff will call the parent or send the student back to class. parent or send the student back to class.

Students may not take any type of medication Students may not take any type of medication unless under the direct supervision of the school unless under the direct supervision of the school nurse (this includes Tylenol, Advil, etc.). Failure nurse (this includes Tylenol, Advil, etc.). Failure to follow this procedure will lead to suspension.to follow this procedure will lead to suspension.

(Goal #2) During the 2009-2010 school year, GMS will reduce failure rates to less than 9% for every course (Academic and Related Arts).

Goal #2 focuses on the academic achievement of all GMS students

Transition Transition ProgramsPrograms

Flex TimeFlex Time

• Tutoring Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

• Mandatory make-up for homework and tests

• Mentoring by advisor

• Study Skills

• Advisement

• Character Education

• Clusters and Majors

• Career Inventories

• IB Activities

Guidance Guidance DepartmentDepartment

The Greer Middle School Guidance The Greer Middle School Guidance Program addresses the needs of Program addresses the needs of students as they encounter and deal students as they encounter and deal directly with learning and life issues. directly with learning and life issues. This program does so by stressing This program does so by stressing student academic achievement, career student academic achievement, career and educational decision-making, and and educational decision-making, and personal and social development.personal and social development.– Karen ClinkscaleKaren Clinkscale Grade 6 and Grade 6 and

Grade 7 (A-L)Grade 7 (A-L) 355-5804355-5804– Cathy CashCathy Cash Grade 7 (M-Z) and Grade 7 (M-Z) and

Grade 8Grade 8 355-5816355-5816

Related Arts ClassesRelated Arts ClassesVery important to be successful Very important to be successful in Related Arts classes.in Related Arts classes.10 Different Related Arts classes 10 Different Related Arts classes this year.this year.Related Arts is an opportunity to Related Arts is an opportunity to be exposed to practices that be exposed to practices that students would possibly never be students would possibly never be exposed to.exposed to.Some students will not receive Some students will not receive their top choices for Related Arts their top choices for Related Arts due to classes becoming full.due to classes becoming full.

AttendanceAttendance–In order to be successful, students must attend school every day. In order to be successful, students must attend school every day. Instruction at GMS is intense, and missing any day is a detriment to Instruction at GMS is intense, and missing any day is a detriment to a child’s academic progress.a child’s academic progress.–Students are counted present only when they are actually in school, Students are counted present only when they are actually in school, on homebound instruction, or are present at an activity authorized on homebound instruction, or are present at an activity authorized by the school principal. by the school principal. –The school year consists of 180 days. To receive credit, students The school year consists of 180 days. To receive credit, students must attend at least 85 days of each 90-day semester course and at must attend at least 85 days of each 90-day semester course and at least 170 days of each 180-day year course, as well as meet all least 170 days of each 180-day year course, as well as meet all minimum requirements for each course. minimum requirements for each course. –Accrued students absences may not exceed ten (10) days during the Accrued students absences may not exceed ten (10) days during the school year. Any absence in excess of ten (10) may cause the student school year. Any absence in excess of ten (10) may cause the student to lose credit for the year. Because 170 days are the minimum to lose credit for the year. Because 170 days are the minimum required by the state, the first ten (10) absences may be lawful, required by the state, the first ten (10) absences may be lawful, unlawful, or a combination. All absences beginning with the eleventh unlawful, or a combination. All absences beginning with the eleventh (11th) day must be lawful and will be excused if they fall within the (11th) day must be lawful and will be excused if they fall within the following guidelines: following guidelines:

AttendanceAttendanceLawful Absences Lawful Absences – Personal illness of a child verified by a statement from a Personal illness of a child verified by a statement from a

physician within two (2) days of the students' return to physician within two (2) days of the students' return to school. Absences for CHRONIC or EXTENDED illness will school. Absences for CHRONIC or EXTENDED illness will be approved only when verified by a physician's be approved only when verified by a physician's statement. (This includes doctor's appointments.) statement. (This includes doctor's appointments.)

– Serious illness or death of an immediate family member Serious illness or death of an immediate family member verified by a statement from the parent within two (2) verified by a statement from the parent within two (2) days of the student's return to school. days of the student's return to school.

– Absences for religious holidays when approved in Absences for religious holidays when approved in advance.  Requests must be made to the Principal in advance.  Requests must be made to the Principal in writing. writing.

– Absences for extreme hardships must be approved by the Absences for extreme hardships must be approved by the Principal. Such approval should be prearranged when Principal. Such approval should be prearranged when possible. possible.

AttendanceAttendanceUnlawful Absences Unlawful Absences – Any student absence, with or without the Any student absence, with or without the

knowledge of the parent, which does not meet knowledge of the parent, which does not meet the conditions for a lawful absence, shall be the conditions for a lawful absence, shall be counted as unlawful and will not be excused. counted as unlawful and will not be excused. When a student returns to school from being When a student returns to school from being absent he/she should bring a note explaining absent he/she should bring a note explaining why he/she was absent. The note should be why he/she was absent. The note should be signed by a parent/guardian and dated. signed by a parent/guardian and dated.

– Students should present parent excuses to the Students should present parent excuses to the Attendance Clerk on the day they return to Attendance Clerk on the day they return to school. This should be done before the 8:15 school. This should be done before the 8:15 a.m. bell. a.m. bell.

TextbooksTextbooks– Textbooks are issued to all students in all subject areas. Textbooks are issued to all students in all subject areas.

Students are expected to care for textbooks as if they Students are expected to care for textbooks as if they were their own. Books have to be used a minimum of 6 were their own. Books have to be used a minimum of 6 years. years. ALL LOST OR DAMAGED TEXTBOOKS MUST BE ALL LOST OR DAMAGED TEXTBOOKS MUST BE PAID FORPAID FOR. Students are asked to do the following to . Students are asked to do the following to protect textbooks:protect textbooks:

– Put a non-adhesive cover on all booksPut a non-adhesive cover on all books– Do not force books into lockers Do not force books into lockers – Do not leave books outsideDo not leave books outside– Do not loan books to classmatesDo not loan books to classmates– Do not drop books on the floorDo not drop books on the floor– Write you name in your book as directed by teacherWrite you name in your book as directed by teacher– Some classes will not distribute individual books for Some classes will not distribute individual books for

students to take home.students to take home.

Book BagsBook Bags

Students may use book bags to Students may use book bags to transport books to and from school. transport books to and from school. Book bags must be locked in the Book bags must be locked in the student's locker from 8:15 a.m. student's locker from 8:15 a.m. until 3:15 p.m.  Rolling book bags until 3:15 p.m.  Rolling book bags are not permitted.are not permitted.

LunchLunchDaily Lunch CostDaily Lunch Cost $2.00$2.00Weekly Lunch CostWeekly Lunch Cost $10.00$10.00Reduced Lunch CostReduced Lunch Cost $.40$.40Weekly Reduced Lunch Weekly Reduced Lunch $2.00 $2.00

Daily Breakfast CostDaily Breakfast Cost $1.00$1.00Reduced Breakfast CostReduced Breakfast Cost $.30$.30Extra MilkExtra Milk $.65$.65

Accounts can be updated in the mornings before Accounts can be updated in the mornings before schoolschoolLast six numbers of Student ID is code for student Last six numbers of Student ID is code for student lunch meal plan. Bar code on Student ID can also be lunch meal plan. Bar code on Student ID can also be usedusedThree separate lunchesThree separate lunchesThree unique lunch linesThree unique lunch lines

LockersLockers– At the beginning of the school year each student will be At the beginning of the school year each student will be

assigned a locker in the hallways and in their Physical assigned a locker in the hallways and in their Physical Education class. Students will be responsible for the Education class. Students will be responsible for the locker assigned to them. locker assigned to them.

– Since lockers are school property, the school retains the Since lockers are school property, the school retains the right to inspect lockers from time to time. A replacement right to inspect lockers from time to time. A replacement fee of $5.00 must be paid for a damaged/lost P.E. lock. fee of $5.00 must be paid for a damaged/lost P.E. lock. STUDENTS SHOULD NOT GIVE THEIR COMBINATIONS STUDENTS SHOULD NOT GIVE THEIR COMBINATIONS TO OTHER STUDENTS.  TO OTHER STUDENTS. 

– Teachers and/or administrators have the right to Teachers and/or administrators have the right to suspend the use of a locker if it is not properly used.  suspend the use of a locker if it is not properly used. 

– Locker breaks are held at various times during the day. Locker breaks are held at various times during the day. Students only have time to use their lockers before Students only have time to use their lockers before school, after school, and at locker breaks.school, after school, and at locker breaks.

Parent Parent CommunicationCommunication

– Parent/Teacher/Administrator ConferencesParent/Teacher/Administrator Conferences– Teacher Web SitesTeacher Web Sites– Weekly Planner On Teacher Web SiteWeekly Planner On Teacher Web Site– Mid-Progress Reports Bi-WeeklyMid-Progress Reports Bi-Weekly– EmailEmail– Phone MessengerPhone Messenger– http://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/greerms/http://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/greerms/..

– PTSO (Parent/Teacher/Student PTSO (Parent/Teacher/Student Organization)Organization)

– School Improvement CouncilSchool Improvement Council

For Week Ending: August 21st Please email me at teachername@greenville.k12.sc.us if you have any questions. Period(s): 1, 2, 5

Course: Math 6

DayEssential Question

Class Assignments Assessments Homework

Monday How do you translate algebraic

expressions?

*Indicators p. 37, 38* Week by Week Essentials* p. 15 Daily Intervention

None *Classroom Strategies

pg. 69-73 even

Tuesday How would you identify

patterns when given problems with functions?

*Indicators p. 35, 36* Week by Week Essentials*Vocab- term, like terms, combining like terms, simplify, factor

* Pg. 176 Hands-On-Lab. Turn in at end of class for daily grade.

* Classroom Strategies pg. 67 & 68 even

Wednesday How do you write a problem given a linear equation or inequality?

*Indicators p. 39, 40* Week by Week Essentials* p. 154 Hands-On-Lab review

Classroom Strategies pg. 74 – 76. Turn in at end of class for a

“Minor” grade

Study For Test!

Thursday N/A Test On Chapter 1 Chapter 1 Test given in class for a “Major”

grade

None

Friday How do you translate and

solve algebraic equations?

*Review Chapter 1 Test Answers

* Complete corrections for Chapter 1 test.

* pg. 15 Daily Intervention

None None

Parental Parental Visits/ConferencesVisits/Conferences

Parents and other members of the community are always welcome at Greer Middle School. For the security of all students and to avoid disturbing the learning environment of students, visitors must enter by way of the office and secure permission and a visitor's pass before going to any other part of the building. Parents and other visitors may observe classes by making arrangements in advance with the Principal. Conferences with teachers may be arranged by making an appointment through the office by calling to arrange a team conference.

Please contact the teacher directly if you would like to have a conference.

Teacher Web SitesAll teachers keep an up to date we page to keep parents informed of happenings within the classroom as well as to update assessment, homework, and project due dates.

You may access a teacher’s web site by going to Greer Middle IB School’s main web page at http://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/greerms/.

Click on Faculty and then Directory to locate a particular teacher and their web site.

Mr. Rhymer’s Principal Message will also be updated every two weeks. Please take time to read this message as it many times will include valuable information regarding the progress and updates at GMS.

PTSAGreer Middle School’s goal is to have strong parental involvement in school activities. The PTSA will have active members and be involved in a number of events designed to support our school (See PTSA calendar of events on the last page of student handbook). Parents may obtain information about the PTSA today, at Open House, or by contacting the school. School Improvement

CouncilThe School Improvement Council is an organization composed of teachers, parents, administrators and other citizens elected and/or appointed by the Principal. These council members work as a team to assist the administration in determining present and future needs of our schools.

(Goal #3) During the 2009-2010 school year, GMS will successfully complete the requirements of the IB Evaluation.

Goal #3 focuses on moving forward with our IB program within the school as well as the communication about IB outside of the school.

The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program prepares students for an increasing

global society through an emphasis on communication skills, learning styles, social awareness and self-reflection. By working

together Greer Middle IB Teachers developed our MYP curriculum focusing on

active learning, interdisciplinary connections, and intercultural awareness while continuing to meet South Carolina

state standards. Our Middle Years Program is designed to prepare students to

successfully meet the challenges they face both in school and beyond.

International Baccalaureate Program

International Baccalaureate ProgramThe Middle Years Programme (MYP) is a great way The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is a great way

to grow and learn at Greer Middle International to grow and learn at Greer Middle International Baccalaureate School:Baccalaureate School:

You will find out more about yourself and how You will find out more about yourself and how you learn best.you learn best.You will study from a broad range of different You will study from a broad range of different subjects.subjects.You will learn to make connections between your You will learn to make connections between your subjects. subjects. You will make connections with the real world.You will make connections with the real world.You will be assessed using a wide range of You will be assessed using a wide range of methods, not just tests! methods, not just tests! You will grow into a global citizen – someone who You will grow into a global citizen – someone who cares more for the world around you.cares more for the world around you.You will be prepared for a successful future in You will be prepared for a successful future in the world beyond school.the world beyond school.

IB Community Service HoursPick up a Community & Service Reflection Form Pick up a Community & Service Reflection Form from the IB office, your teacher, or the GMS from the IB office, your teacher, or the GMS website.website.Complete the required information and have the Complete the required information and have the form signed at the event.form signed at the event.Once the reflection form is completed turn it in to Once the reflection form is completed turn it in to the IB office. It can be faxed or emailed, as well. the IB office. It can be faxed or emailed, as well. [See below.][See below.]All forms are checked, recorded and the hard copy All forms are checked, recorded and the hard copy is filed in the IB office.is filed in the IB office.A confirmation card is sent to the student via their A confirmation card is sent to the student via their homeroom teacher.homeroom teacher.At the end of the 1st and 2nd semester a letter is At the end of the 1st and 2nd semester a letter is attached to the student's report card reporting their attached to the student's report card reporting their community and service hours earned while at Greer community and service hours earned while at Greer Middle IB School.Middle IB School.

6th Grade – 10 hours6th Grade – 10 hours7th Grade – 15 hours7th Grade – 15 hours8th Grade – 25 hours8th Grade – 25 hours

IB Ambassadors

Applications will be accepted Applications will be accepted once school beginsonce school begins

Applications will be screened Applications will be screened and interviews will be set upand interviews will be set up

Selected Ambassadors will Selected Ambassadors will participate in training participate in training throughout the school year.throughout the school year.

Class SchedulesClass SchedulesRelated ArtsRelated Arts

ArtArt

ChorusChorus

MusicMusic

Band/MusicBand/Music

BandY (Year)BandY (Year)

GTTGTT

PEPE

StringsStrings

KeyboardingKeyboarding

SpanishSpanish

ESOLESOL

ResourceResource

Class SchedulesClass SchedulesRelated ArtsRelated Arts

Not all students received their top Not all students received their top choices for Related Arts classes choices for Related Arts classes because of demandbecause of demandRelated Arts are an opportunity for Related Arts are an opportunity for students to be exposed to new thingsstudents to be exposed to new thingsIf any student wants a Related Arts If any student wants a Related Arts class change, a parent letter needs to class change, a parent letter needs to be sent to Mr. Rhymerbe sent to Mr. Rhymer– More than likely, the change will not be More than likely, the change will not be

possible due to class size. But Mr. Rhymer possible due to class size. But Mr. Rhymer will look at each individual case and make will look at each individual case and make a decisiona decision

Class SchedulesClass SchedulesAcademicAcademic

TeamsTeams

You will pick up your schedules You will pick up your schedules tonighttonight

Please take the time to visit your Please take the time to visit your teachersteachers

Schedule changes will not be made Schedule changes will not be made unless their was an error in the unless their was an error in the registration processregistration process

Any concerns regarding schedules can Any concerns regarding schedules can be made with Mr. Rhymerbe made with Mr. Rhymer

Tables And RepresentativesPTSAPTSASpirit ShopSpirit ShopParent Volunteers Sign UpParent Volunteers Sign UpMiss GMSMiss GMSAfter School ProgramAfter School ProgramGreer Christian Learning Center Release Greer Christian Learning Center Release TimeTimeYearbooksYearbooksPE UniformsPE UniformsCareer Development Facilitator-Parent Career Development Facilitator-Parent VolunteersVolunteersTransportation (Busses)Transportation (Busses)School LunchSchool LunchSchedulesSchedules

ConclusionConclusionImportant DatesImportant Dates– First day of school is August 19thFirst day of school is August 19th

Students should bring schedule the Students should bring schedule the first day of school!first day of school!

– PTSO Open House is September 15 at PTSO Open House is September 15 at 5:155:15