Transition to

Middle School

Young adolescents change at different rates

Encourage independence but remain available

Emotional support

Parental concerns

Stay involved

For detailed information regarding each of these components, please go to our website at

www.sycamorecanyonschool.org

Transition Topics for Middle Grades

Core Classes:English/Social ScienceMath/SciencePhysical Education

Elective:CareersInstrumental musicChorus

No Honors for 6th GradePotential for acceleration in Math 6

Outdoor Education Spring 2016 – Environmental Sciences

Sixth Grade Classes

Students rotate classes every trimester Careers wheel offered to 6th/7th grade students Developed by teacher expertise, interests and

talents

Sample classes: Dance, Public Speaking, Mini Society, Fun with Spanish, Fun with Science

Extension of core curricular standardsDifferentiation of instruction

Exploratory/Careers Electives

Social Science CP/Honors

English CP/Honors

Math: 7th: Pre- Algebra CP/Honors8th: Algebra 1 CP/Honors, Geometry H

(Geometry H=HS credit)

Science 7th- Life Science CP ONLY8th- Physical Science CP/H

Physical Education

Electives:TechnologyInstrumental Music (band/strings)ChorusASB (application required)Yearbook/Journalism (application)Spanish 1 CP (8th grade ONLY)

H.S. credit on transcriptPrerequisites must be met

Seventh & Eighth Grades

Students have representation and voting rights

Involved in:• Leadership class• Planning ASB activities• Fundraising• Community Service• Recognition – Awards• Operation of Student Store

Controls and approves all student funds

Student liaisons to administration, SSC, PTSA, plus Teen Center Advisory Council

What is ASB?

District Band & Strings Festival Concert Performances Festivals and Competitions

Beginning/Intermediate and Advanced Band Build self confidence, express your creativity, learn communication and

cooperation skills through music.

Middle School BAND

Sycamore MS Chorus Quality program with vocally trained instructor Students strengthen vocal skills/performance

aptitudes Unlocks creative potential Students perform at the District Festivals and So. Cal.

Competitions, including Disneyland

Students participate in skill building and academic elements

Differs from traditional elementary PE classes and activities

Students participate five days per week and earn “real” grades

Unique program that features fitness, and non-traditional sports such as golf, Frisbee, rugby, badminton, field hockey, and team handball

Physical Education Clothes – students dress out daily and have assigned lockers

Physical Education

Boys/Girls Basketball (7th and 8th Grade) Boys/Girls/Coed Volleyball (7th and 8th Grade) Field Hockey Tournament Boys Soccer 6TH Grade days: Soccer and Basketball

Middle School Extracurricular Sports

Reward program for excellence or improvement in academics and citizenship

Gold Card – All “A” or “E”

Silver Card – “A” & “B”; “E” & “S”

Bronze Card – “A”, “B”, “C”; “E” & “S”

Renaissance

Offered in Grades 6 - 8

Conflict Resolution

Classroom Presentations

Bullying/Harassment

Peer Mediation

Growth Groups

College Preparatory

Advisement

Sycamore School Counseling

Students are placed first by core academic subjects

Each student has one elective plus PE ( 7th and 8th Graders may have two electives)

Classes are determined primarily based on academic needs

Scheduling Classes

Annual and Trimester Awards

ASB Lunchtime Activities (LTA)

Art Club

Class of the Year (COTY) Activities

Math Counts

Outdoor School (6th Grade)

Renaissance Program

Science Fair

Speech & Debate Club

Teen Center Leagues and Activities, including Dances (7th & 8th Grade only) We the People Congressional Hearings (8th grade social studies classes)

PTSA Club

Builder’s Club

• “Course Preference Sheet”– March 2015: Completed in 5th grade classes

• Middle school “tour”– May 2015: Students will go with their 5th

grade class to visit the middle school PE area

• Middle School Orientation– August 2015: Pick up class list, textbooks,

PE clothes, ID card

What’s Next? Timeline

Questions?