Incoming 6th Grade Parent Orientation Night April 6, 2009 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wing Space

• Introductions
• Overview of Workshops,
• High Trails Presentation

- Opportunity to visit 4 of the 8 breakout sessions listed below - 5:50 - 7:25:

Workshop 1: Preparing You & Your 6th grader for a Successful Transition to Middle School -

• Get acquainted with the ups and downs of sixth grade students.  This is a time like no other in your child's life, where he/she is growing more in these adolescent years than at any other time.  Learn some of the things you can expect of kids in the 10-13 age group as you explore emotional, social, and developmental growth of adolescents.

Workshop 2: Organize This! Lockers, Planners, and Disappearing Homework -

• Organization is one of the biggest struggles sixth graders, and their parents, face.  Learn some basic strategies for helping your student get organized, stay organized, and get off to the right start.  Sixth grade supplies and their purpose will also be discussed.

Workshop 3: Q&A with EMS Admin -

• Join this informal question and answer session to learn more about EMS.  Includes a group tour of the main building, time permitting.

Workshop 4: Add it Up: Middle School Math and Beyond -

• In this workshop we will share the typical educational profiles of students entering into different levels of middle school math and answer general questions about math articulation.  This will not be a venue for individual student conversation.

Workshop 5: Team Dynamics: Creating a win-win game plan for your student -

• What is a team?  How do I communicate with my child's teachers?  How do I schedule a conference?  What if I have a concern?  Will my child be on the same team as his/her friend? Can we request a certain team?  Learn the answers to these questions and more in this workshop.

Workshop 6: Preparing your 5th Grader for Middle School Academics -

• What does my child need to know for middle school math?  How are academics different in middle school from elementary?  How can we prepare our child for middle school over the summer?  This workshop provides a brief overview of academics at EMS and things you and your child can do to have a strong start to the sixth grade year.

Workshop 7:  Online Anytime!  Homework, Grades, and Beyond -

• Did you know you can check your child's homework and grades online?  This workshop will introduce parents to Infinite Campus Parent Portal and Course Attachments and receive Special Delivery with school specific announcements.

Workshop 8: Q&A High Trails Outdoor Education Experience -

• One of the most memorable times students have in sixth grade is their High Trails experience.  Learn about High Trails, including its purpose, its benefits, and how to help your children make the most of their experiences.