W l t th Middl S h lW l t th Middl S h lWelcome to the Middle SchoolWelcome to the Middle School

New Parent / Student New Parent / Student OrientationOrientationOrientationOrientation

March 26, 2012March 26, 2012

MaryMary--Ann Ann AugoustatosAugoustatosMiddl S h l P i i lMiddl S h l P i i lMiddle School PrincipalMiddle School Principal

Jeff Jeff KalasKalasMiddle School CounselorMiddle School Counselor

ACS ACS –– AthensAthensMiddl S h l G id liMiddl S h l G id liMiddle School GuidelinesMiddle School Guidelines

MM otivationotivation S S ensibilityensibilityMM otivationotivation S S ensibilityensibilityI I nspirationnspiration C C onsiderationonsiderationD D i ii i H H D D eterminationetermination H H onestyonestyDD edicationedication OO ptimismptimismL L earningearning OO riginalityriginalityEE xcellencexcellence LL oyaltyoyaltyEE xcellencexcellence LL oyaltyoyalty

ACS Athens ACS Athens --Middle School Middle School C i SC i SCommitment StatementCommitment Statement

We, the faculty and staff of the ACS Middle We, the faculty and staff of the ACS Middle School will provide students with a School will provide students with a School, will provide students with a School, will provide students with a

positive environment that fosters positive environment that fosters academic growth and supports human academic growth and supports human academic growth and supports human academic growth and supports human

differences during their challenging stage differences during their challenging stage of adolescenceof adolescenceof adolescence.of adolescence.

Welcome to the Middle SchoolWelcome to the Middle SchoolWelcome to the Middle SchoolWelcome to the Middle SchoolThe faculty, staff, students, and community of The faculty, staff, students, and community of y yy ythe ACS Athens Middle School are devoted to:the ACS Athens Middle School are devoted to:

Academic achievement Academic achievement Academic achievement Academic achievement Individual growth for every childIndividual growth for every child

We all strive to maintain a supportive We all strive to maintain a supportive environment where respect for individual environment where respect for individual differences and rights of others guide our differences and rights of others guide our differences and rights of others guide our differences and rights of others guide our behavior.behavior.Middle School Students are going through a Middle School Students are going through a g g gg g gstage of rapid change in mental, physical, stage of rapid change in mental, physical, social, and emotional development. social, and emotional development.

B d h d f hild i i h B d h d f hild i i h Based on the needs of children experiencing these Based on the needs of children experiencing these changes, our program and staff:changes, our program and staff:1. 1. ChildChild--centered educational experiencecentered educational experience ::Provide appropriate, childProvide appropriate, child--centered educational experience that centered educational experience that actively engages students in the acquisition of basic skills, actively engages students in the acquisition of basic skills, knowledge, and concepts and contributes to the development of knowledge, and concepts and contributes to the development of higher order thinking. It helps students understand the connections higher order thinking. It helps students understand the connections g g pg g pbetween learning and life.between learning and life.2. 2. Engage in diverse learning opportunitiesEngage in diverse learning opportunities ::Engage students in a wide range of formal cognitive and Engage students in a wide range of formal cognitive and experiential learning opportunities including handsexperiential learning opportunities including hands on exploratory on exploratory experiential learning opportunities, including handsexperiential learning opportunities, including hands--on exploratory on exploratory courses, physical education, and/or foreign language.courses, physical education, and/or foreign language.3. 3. EncourageEncourage ::Each student to develop a positive selfEach student to develop a positive self--image through frequent image through frequent p pp p g g qg g qopportunities for success, while recognizing the influence of peer opportunities for success, while recognizing the influence of peer pressure. This enables students to develop responsibility and selfpressure. This enables students to develop responsibility and self--control through opportunities for participating in decisioncontrol through opportunities for participating in decision--making making in a variety of ways. in a variety of ways. y yy y

4.4. RespondRespond ::Sensitively to the widely fluctuating needs of Sensitively to the widely fluctuating needs of y y gy y gindividuals by giving personalized attention to individuals by giving personalized attention to each student’s needs, structuring learning each student’s needs, structuring learning

i t t t i di id l diff i t t t i di id l diff environments to respect individual differences, environments to respect individual differences, and providing a variety of informal learning and providing a variety of informal learning activities for studentsactivities for studentsactivities for students.activities for students.

5.5. Whole ChildWhole Child::Always in making school decisions that affect Always in making school decisions that affect Always in making school decisions that affect Always in making school decisions that affect students, the development of the whole child students, the development of the whole child during this unique stage in life is our primary during this unique stage in life is our primary during this unique stage in life is our primary during this unique stage in life is our primary concern. concern.

Description of the ACS Athens Description of the ACS Athens Middl S h lMiddl S h lMiddle SchoolMiddle School

The Middle School is comprised of sixth, seventh, and The Middle School is comprised of sixth, seventh, and eighth grade programs which meet U.S. and eighth grade programs which meet U.S. and International curriculum standards.International curriculum standards.International curriculum standards.International curriculum standards.A rich array of coA rich array of co--curricular activities and clubs meet curricular activities and clubs meet during lunchtime and after school to expand the Middle during lunchtime and after school to expand the Middle School program beyond the classroom learning School program beyond the classroom learning School program beyond the classroom learning School program beyond the classroom learning environment. It is a unique opportunity for students to environment. It is a unique opportunity for students to be exposed to many different learning experiences that be exposed to many different learning experiences that are designed to help them discover their interests and are designed to help them discover their interests and are designed to help them discover their interests and are designed to help them discover their interests and their talents. their talents.

ACS Middle School Bell Schedule ACS Middle School Bell Schedule f D f D 1 d 1 d D 2D 2for Day for Day 1 and 1 and Day 2Day 2

Day 1Day 1 Day 2Day 2

9:00 9:00 –– 10:20 10:20 Block 1Block 1 or or Block 5Block 5

10:20 10:20 –– 10:4010:40 Announcement Period / Passing Time / BreakAnnouncement Period / Passing Time / Break

10:40 10:40 –– 12:0012:00 Block 2Block 2 or or Block 6Block 6

12:00 12:00 –– 12:4012:40 LUNCHLUNCH

12:40 12:40 –– 12:4512:45 Passing TimePassing Time

12:45 12:45 –– 2:052:05 Block 3Block 3 or or Block Block 77

2:05 2:05 –– 2:102:10 Passing Time Passing Time

2:10 2:10 –– 3:303:30 Block 4Block 4 or or Block 8Block 8

CurriculumCurriculumCurriculumCurriculum

Th C i l i t f i ht bj t ff d Th Th C i l i t f i ht bj t ff d Th The Curriculum consists of eight subject groups offered . They are:The Curriculum consists of eight subject groups offered . They are:

1. 1. Language ALanguage A --(At ACS the school’s language of instruction is English.)(At ACS the school’s language of instruction is English.)2. 2. Language BLanguage B –– a modern foreign language learned at school (At ACS, a modern foreign language learned at school (At ACS,

t d t t d G k A bi t d t t d G k A bi d d L A ) L A ) students may study Greek or Arabic as a students may study Greek or Arabic as a second second Language A.) Language A.) 3. 3. Social StudiesSocial Studies –– history and geographyhistory and geography4. 4. SciencesSciences –– general science, earth science, biology, chemistry and physicsgeneral science, earth science, biology, chemistry and physics5. 5. MathematicsMathematics –– core course including topics in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, core course including topics in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, g p , g , g y,g p , g , g y,

trigonometry, probability & statisticstrigonometry, probability & statistics6.6. ArtsArts –– art/design, music, and dramaart/design, music, and drama7. 7. Physical EducationPhysical Education –– health and hygiene, individual and team sports, fitnesshealth and hygiene, individual and team sports, fitness8 8 TechnologyTechnology –– the nature processes and impact of the foundations of the nature processes and impact of the foundations of 8. 8. TechnologyTechnology the nature, processes and impact of the foundations of the nature, processes and impact of the foundations of

technology, research, health and guidancetechnology, research, health and guidance

Academic AdvisoryAcademic Advisory

Academic Advisory was formed to help each Academic Advisory was formed to help each Academic Advisory was formed to help each Academic Advisory was formed to help each student develop the skills necessary to interact student develop the skills necessary to interact positively with peers, teachers, and other positively with peers, teachers, and other members of the community. This is members of the community. This is accomplished through discussion in small accomplished through discussion in small

d d l ith h l d lif i d d l ith h l d lif i groups and deals with school and life issues. groups and deals with school and life issues. Students meet every other week to discuss a Students meet every other week to discuss a prepre--planned topic led by the students They planned topic led by the students They prepre planned topic led by the students. They planned topic led by the students. They present an important character trait ex grit, present an important character trait ex grit, positive attitude, integrity, honesty etc.positive attitude, integrity, honesty etc.p g y yp g y y

Reporting Student ProgressReporting Student ProgressReporting Student ProgressReporting Student ProgressSkyward Family AccessSkyward Family AccessProgress reports P1 P2 P3 P4Progress reports P1 P2 P3 P4Progress reports P1,P2, P3, P4Progress reports P1,P2, P3, P4Quarter Grades Q1,Q2, Q3, Q4Quarter Grades Q1,Q2, Q3, Q4Semester Grades S1,S2Semester Grades S1,S2Semester Grades S1,S2Semester Grades S1,S2Final FFinal FParent conferencesParent conferencesThe Planner. The Planner. Teacher meetingsTeacher meetings

Student performance is assessed using letter grades A, B, Student performance is assessed using letter grades A, B, C, D, F In their individual classes, teachers assess C, D, F In their individual classes, teachers assess students using subjectstudents using subject specific criteria specific criteria students using subjectstudents using subject--specific criteria. specific criteria.

Progress ReportsProgress ReportsProgress ReportsProgress ReportsProgress Reports may be issued at any time, but will be issued to Progress Reports may be issued at any time, but will be issued to students as follows:students as follows:students as follows:students as follows:

1st quarter1st quarter:: OctoberOctober2nd quarter2nd quarter:: DecemberDecember2nd quarter2nd quarter:: DecemberDecember3rd quarter3rd quarter: : MarchMarch4th quarter4th quarter: : MayMay

During the first quarter, all students will receive progress report During the first quarter, all students will receive progress report comments. Thereafter, all students earning a grade of Ccomments. Thereafter, all students earning a grade of C-- or less or less willwillreceive a progress report comment through skyward, though receive a progress report comment through skyward, though teachers teachers maymay write comments to recognize excellence improvement write comments to recognize excellence improvement teachers teachers maymay write comments to recognize excellence, improvement write comments to recognize excellence, improvement or a falling off in performance. Progress Reports will document or a falling off in performance. Progress Reports will document students’ progress in achieving subjectstudents’ progress in achieving subject--specific learning objectives. specific learning objectives.

Report CardsReport CardsReport CardsReport Cards

Report cards will be available Report cards will be available electronically and will lock on specific electronically and will lock on specific electronically and will lock on specific electronically and will lock on specific dates of each quarter. Dates, to be dates of each quarter. Dates, to be announcedannouncedannounced.announced.

Parents are encouraged to use skyward as Parents are encouraged to use skyward as an electronic tool to assist their child in an electronic tool to assist their child in gaining responsibility for their academic gaining responsibility for their academic progressprogress

Parent Teacher Student Parent Teacher Student C fC fConferencesConferences

P /T h /S d C f P /T h /S d C f Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences are Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences are held two times a year. Please see the ACS held two times a year. Please see the ACS C l d f d d i C l d f d d i Calendar for dates and times. Calendar for dates and times.

GradesGradesGradesGrades

Th M ddl S h l l d A B C D d F T hTh M ddl S h l l d A B C D d F T hThe Middle School uses letter grades: A, B, C, D and F Teachers The Middle School uses letter grades: A, B, C, D and F Teachers may give a plus or minus with the letter grade (except in the case of may give a plus or minus with the letter grade (except in the case of a F). The + or a F). The + or –– will appear on the permanent record. Modification will appear on the permanent record. Modification for ESL/OLP students may apply on an individual basis and will be for ESL/OLP students may apply on an individual basis and will be

i di d i di dso indicated.so indicated.Letter grades are awarded on the basis of the following averages:Letter grades are awarded on the basis of the following averages:

9797 100 100 A+A+ 7777 79 79 C+C+9797--100 100 A+A+ 7777--79 79 C+C+9393--96 96 AA 7373--76 76 CC9090--92 92 AA-- 7070--72 72 CC--8787--89 89 B+B+ 6767--69 69 D+D+8787 89 89 B+B+ 6767 69 69 D+D+8383--86 86 BB 6363--66 66 DD8080--82 82 BB-- 6060--62 62 DD--

Below 60 Below 60 FF

Institute for Innovation and CreativityACS Athens: After School Enhancement Program

2011-2012

Middle School Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

15:45- 16:45 Homework Homework Homework Homework Homework

Middle School

Math Support

Program for Social & Emotional

M.S. Survival Skills Math Support

Program for Social & Emotional

Intelligence Intelligence

16:45- 17:45 Homework

Study Skills Organization

Reading & Writing

Homework

Writing Captivating Essays

Homework

Adapting to Change

Reading & Writing Support in the Greek

Homework

Test Taking Skills

Homework

Reading & WritingReading & Writing Support

Support in the Greek Language

Reading & Writing Support

15:45- 17:45(2 hr programs) Mindfulness Training

RECOGNITION AND HONORSRECOGNITION AND HONORS

Success is recognized in many ways at the Middle School. Success is recognized in many ways at the Middle School. Academic Recognition Award Assemblies are held at the end of Academic Recognition Award Assemblies are held at the end of Academic Recognition Award Assemblies are held at the end of Academic Recognition Award Assemblies are held at the end of each quarter to recognize student talent and achievement. each quarter to recognize student talent and achievement. Examples of awards presented are:Examples of awards presented are:

Academic Achievement AwardsAcademic Achievement Awards

Principal’s ListPrincipal’s List -- All A’s (including AAll A’s (including A--‘s)‘s)Hi h H R llHi h H R ll AA A (3 67 GPA) bA (3 67 GPA) bHigh Honor RollHigh Honor Roll -- AA-- Average (3.67 GPA) or betterAverage (3.67 GPA) or betterHonor RollHonor Roll -- B+ Average (3.33 GPA) or betterB+ Average (3.33 GPA) or betterEndEnd--ofof--Year Subject AwardsYear Subject Awards -- At the end of each year individual At the end of each year individual teachers present awards for academic achievement Awards go to teachers present awards for academic achievement Awards go to teachers present awards for academic achievement. Awards go to teachers present awards for academic achievement. Awards go to students with high academic achievement and for greatest students with high academic achievement and for greatest improvement.improvement.Presidential AwardPresidential Award -- Awarded at the endAwarded at the end--ofof--year Awards year Awards AssembliesAssembliesAssembliesAssemblies

Athletic AwardsAthletic AwardsAthletic AwardsAthletic Awards

Field Day AwardsField Day Awards -- Awarded to Awarded to individuals and Class / Team Houses at individuals and Class / Team Houses at individuals and Class / Team Houses at individuals and Class / Team Houses at the annual Middle School Field Daythe annual Middle School Field DayAthl t f th YAthl t f th Y A d d b h PE A d d b h PE Athletes of the YearAthletes of the Year -- Awarded by the PE Awarded by the PE DepartmentDepartment

Recognition AwardsRecognition AwardsRecognition AwardsRecognition AwardsWarren Shepard AwardWarren Shepard Award -- an 8th grade ACS an 8th grade ACS pp ggaward for allaward for all--around excellencearound excellenceStanley Haas/Luke Hansen (NESA) Stanley Haas/Luke Hansen (NESA) N i iN i i i i NESA i i NESA NominationNomination –– nominations to NESA to nominations to NESA to recognize students who exhibit exemplary recognize students who exhibit exemplary citizenship, character and service.citizenship, character and service.citizenship, character and service.citizenship, character and service.Students of the QuarterStudents of the Quarter -- awarded to two awarded to two students (a boy and a girl) at each grade level to students (a boy and a girl) at each grade level to recognize exemplary contributions to school recognize exemplary contributions to school academic and community lifeacademic and community life

ACS Middle School student wins ACS Middle School student wins NESA Haas/Hansen Student Award NESA Haas/Hansen Student Award

HOMEWORKHOMEWORK

Homework is assigned by classroom teachers on a regular basis. Homework is assigned by classroom teachers on a regular basis. Middle School students should expect to have approximately two Middle School students should expect to have approximately two Middle School students should expect to have approximately two Middle School students should expect to have approximately two hours of homework each night. The exact amount will vary from hours of homework each night. The exact amount will vary from night to night, depending upon the nature of the assignments, night to night, depending upon the nature of the assignments, upcoming tests, longupcoming tests, long--term projects, etc.term projects, etc.

If absent from school for any reason, the student is responsible for If absent from school for any reason, the student is responsible for making up all of the class work and homework he/she missed. If a making up all of the class work and homework he/she missed. If a student is absent for only one day, it is best for him/her to student is absent for only one day, it is best for him/her to y y, /y y, /telephone a friend to find out what material was covered in classes telephone a friend to find out what material was covered in classes and what homework assignments were given. If it is not possible to and what homework assignments were given. If it is not possible to get this information, students should ask their teachers about get this information, students should ask their teachers about missed work immediately upon their return to school and also missed work immediately upon their return to school and also y py pcheck Moodle.check Moodle.

Student ServicesStudent Services

The Middle School Counselor is responsible for working with all The Middle School Counselor is responsible for working with all students individually and in group settings to help them succeed at students individually and in group settings to help them succeed at students individually and in group settings to help them succeed at students individually and in group settings to help them succeed at the Middle School. If a student has a challenge, or feels uncertain the Middle School. If a student has a challenge, or feels uncertain about some aspect of the Middle School that teachers cannot about some aspect of the Middle School that teachers cannot resolve, the Counselor may be consulted. resolve, the Counselor may be consulted.

In addition, The Middle School Counselor invites students and In addition, The Middle School Counselor invites students and parents to discuss educational concerns, scheduling and testing, parents to discuss educational concerns, scheduling and testing, follows up on progress reports, quarter and semester reports, and follows up on progress reports, quarter and semester reports, and p p g p , q p ,p p g p , q p ,students who are ineligible for costudents who are ineligible for co--curricular activities due to their curricular activities due to their grades or on probation. Students may make appointments with the grades or on probation. Students may make appointments with the Counseling Office secretary for an appropriate time. Parents may Counseling Office secretary for an appropriate time. Parents may telephone 639telephone 639--3200, extension 226 or 228 to arrange for conferences. 3200, extension 226 or 228 to arrange for conferences. pp , g, g

Student LifeStudent LifeStudent LifeStudent LifeLockersLockers

Each student will be provided their own school locker Each student will be provided their own school locker and lock The lock will be used to secure the school and lock The lock will be used to secure the school and lock. The lock will be used to secure the school and lock. The lock will be used to secure the school locker assigned to the student by the main office locker assigned to the student by the main office Administrative Assistant. The locker is where a student Administrative Assistant. The locker is where a student keeps books jackets lunch and other possessionskeeps books jackets lunch and other possessions IT IS IT IS keeps books, jackets, lunch, and other possessionskeeps books, jackets, lunch, and other possessions. IT IS . IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT STUDENTS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT STUDENTS DO NOT KEEP EXPENSIVE AND/OR OTHER DO NOT KEEP EXPENSIVE AND/OR OTHER VALUABLEVALUABLE ITEMS IN THEIR LOCKERSITEMS IN THEIR LOCKERS A student A student VALUABLEVALUABLE ITEMS IN THEIR LOCKERS.ITEMS IN THEIR LOCKERS. A student A student may only go to his/her locker during the passing time may only go to his/her locker during the passing time between classes. It is suggested that students between classes. It is suggested that students do not tell do not tell anyoneanyone their lock combination their lock combination anyoneanyone their lock combination. their lock combination.

THE HOUSE SYSTEMTHE HOUSE SYSTEM

Th H S t t t d t ACS i 1950 All t d t f lt d Th H S t t t d t ACS i 1950 All t d t f lt d The House System was started at ACS in 1950. All students, faculty, and The House System was started at ACS in 1950. All students, faculty, and staff are assigned to one of four houses as a lifestaff are assigned to one of four houses as a life--time member: time member: Athenian Athenian (green), Corinthian (red), Spartan (blue),(green), Corinthian (red), Spartan (blue), or or Trojan (yellow). Trojan (yellow). It is a concept It is a concept meant to bond teachers and students, encourage school spirit and build a meant to bond teachers and students, encourage school spirit and build a strong sense of belonging to our school It is also meant to create a sense of strong sense of belonging to our school It is also meant to create a sense of strong sense of belonging to our school. It is also meant to create a sense of strong sense of belonging to our school. It is also meant to create a sense of continuity and permanence for our graduates. continuity and permanence for our graduates.

Beginning in Middle School, students and faculty can earn points for their Beginning in Middle School, students and faculty can earn points for their houses by participating in student activities playing sports winning houses by participating in student activities playing sports winning houses by participating in student activities, playing sports, winning houses by participating in student activities, playing sports, winning awards, participating in community service projects, etc. awards, participating in community service projects, etc.

House Points are tallied throughout the year and posted in the Academy House Points are tallied throughout the year and posted in the Academy and Middle School Each year a plaque is presented to the winning house and Middle School Each year a plaque is presented to the winning house and Middle School. Each year, a plaque is presented to the winning house and Middle School. Each year, a plaque is presented to the winning house and displayed on campus (look over the doors to the Academy or on the and displayed on campus (look over the doors to the Academy or on the north wall of the Plaza). Individuals who earn points for their houses are north wall of the Plaza). Individuals who earn points for their houses are also recognized at the endalso recognized at the end--ofof--year Awards Assemblies.year Awards Assemblies.

COCO--CURRICULAR ACTIVITIESCURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Clubs and Organizations and SportsClubs and Organizations and Sportsg pg p

Participating in activities (special programs, Participating in activities (special programs, team sports intramurals and clubs) at the team sports intramurals and clubs) at the team sports, intramurals and clubs) at the team sports, intramurals and clubs) at the Middle School is very much a part of the Middle Middle School is very much a part of the Middle School experience. One can learn in many ways, School experience. One can learn in many ways,

d th i h t b l d ll l t d th i h t b l d ll l t and there is much to be learned, as well as a lot and there is much to be learned, as well as a lot of fun to experienced, in the examples of various of fun to experienced, in the examples of various clubs, sports and special programs which meet clubs, sports and special programs which meet d l h d f h l Cl b dd l h d f h l Cl b d

p p p gp p p gduring lunch and after school. Clubs and during lunch and after school. Clubs and activities are developed based on student activities are developed based on student interest.interest.

Examples Include:Examples Include:Examples Include:Examples Include:

St d t C ilSt d t C ilStudent CouncilStudent CouncilArt ClubArt ClubDrama ClubDrama ClubChess ClubChess ClubC it S i C it S i “D G d ” Cl b“D G d ” Cl bCommunity Service Community Service –– “Do Gooders” Club“Do Gooders” ClubPeer MediatorsPeer MediatorsDebateDebateGeography BowlGeography BowlBlue and Gold School Newspaper ClubBlue and Gold School Newspaper ClubBlue and Gold School Newspaper ClubBlue and Gold School Newspaper ClubMath Bowl Math Bowl Math OlympiadMath OlympiadTalent ShowTalent ShowYearbook TeamYearbook TeamYearbook TeamYearbook TeamSpirit ClubSpirit ClubEnvironmental ClubEnvironmental Club

SportsSports

Cross Country Cross Country Track and FieldTrack and FieldTrack and FieldTrack and FieldVolleyballVolleyballS S Soccer Soccer Tennis AcademyTennis AcademyBasketball Basketball Swimming AcademySwimming AcademySwimming AcademySwimming Academy

SportsSportspp

Student CouncilStudent Council

The Student Council plays a significant role in the life of The Student Council plays a significant role in the life of p y gp y gthe middle school. Its meetings are open to all students the middle school. Its meetings are open to all students and faculty, and anyone with a suggestion or concern is and faculty, and anyone with a suggestion or concern is encouraged to attend. The Middle School Student encouraged to attend. The Middle School Student ggCouncil is comprised of Executive Officers (8th graders), Council is comprised of Executive Officers (8th graders), and Representatives from each grade level (6,7,8). These and Representatives from each grade level (6,7,8). These officers work with faculty and advisor and are officers work with faculty and advisor and are yyencouraged to assume the position of spokespeople for encouraged to assume the position of spokespeople for their classmates. Students are encouraged to get to their classmates. Students are encouraged to get to know their class officers and make suggestions to them. know their class officers and make suggestions to them. ggggDetails concerning the selection process, meeting place, Details concerning the selection process, meeting place, and time are announced in the fall semester. and time are announced in the fall semester.

DancesDances

Each year the Middle School Student Council plans and conducts several dances These are scheduled on Each year the Middle School Student Council plans and conducts several dances These are scheduled on Each year, the Middle School Student Council plans and conducts several dances. These are scheduled on Each year, the Middle School Student Council plans and conducts several dances. These are scheduled on the ACS school calendar and every Middle School student in grades 6the ACS school calendar and every Middle School student in grades 6--8 is encouraged to attend. Some 8 is encouraged to attend. Some dances are: Welcome Back Dance, Holiday Snow Ball, Valentine Dance, Spring Dance Party, and the dances are: Welcome Back Dance, Holiday Snow Ball, Valentine Dance, Spring Dance Party, and the Eighth Grade Formal.Eighth Grade Formal.

Some "facts" about dances are important to know:Some "facts" about dances are important to know:pp

Some dances are held in the afternoon, between 4:00 and 6:00. Others may be held in the evening, Some dances are held in the afternoon, between 4:00 and 6:00. Others may be held in the evening, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Eighth Grade Formal is held near the end of the school year on from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Eighth Grade Formal is held near the end of the school year on campus and runs from about 8:30 campus and runs from about 8:30 –– 11:00 p.m.11:00 p.m.Students should not remain on campus before an evening dance (between 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 Students should not remain on campus before an evening dance (between 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p g ( pp g ( pp.m.) unless supervised by a teacher.p.m.) unless supervised by a teacher.All dances have an entrance fee, set by the Student Council.All dances have an entrance fee, set by the Student Council.Refreshments are usually on sale at the dance.Refreshments are usually on sale at the dance.Once a student arrives at the dance, he or she is to remain in the dance area until departure on the Once a student arrives at the dance, he or she is to remain in the dance area until departure on the late bus or for the night.late bus or for the night.ggParents must provide transportation to and from dances. CarParents must provide transportation to and from dances. Car--pooling is encouraged. pooling is encouraged. Students must be picked up at school by the end of the dance.Students must be picked up at school by the end of the dance.All dances are voluntarily chaperoned by teachers.All dances are voluntarily chaperoned by teachers.MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCES ARE OPEN ONLY TO ACS MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS.MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCES ARE OPEN ONLY TO ACS MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS.

ConcertsConcerts

School DancesSchool DancesClubsClubs

School DancesSchool Dances

COMMUNITY SERVICECOMMUNITY SERVICE

Serving the community is an integral Serving the community is an integral Serving the community is an integral Serving the community is an integral component of the school. All Middle component of the school. All Middle School students are encouraged to School students are encouraged to ggvolunteer for school and/or community volunteer for school and/or community service during the school year, and several service during the school year, and several

d l l i i i d fi ld i d l l i i i d fi ld i grade level activities and field trips. grade level activities and field trips. Parents are advised of these through Parents are advised of these through school publications school publications school publications. school publications.

B di DB di DBonding DayBonding Day

Community Service Community Service ProjectsProjectsProjectsProjects

PROVIDING PARENTAL PROVIDING PARENTAL SUPPORTSUPPORTSUPPORTSUPPORT

The Middle School years are extremely important in the formation The Middle School years are extremely important in the formation of your children as successful lifelong learners and humane and of your children as successful lifelong learners and humane and of your children as successful lifelong learners and humane and of your children as successful lifelong learners and humane and significant members of our global community. Yet, there are no significant members of our global community. Yet, there are no codified instructions that help parents understand how best to codified instructions that help parents understand how best to motivate a young teenager, and parenting is far from an exact motivate a young teenager, and parenting is far from an exact science In the interest of developing a solid team that works science In the interest of developing a solid team that works science. In the interest of developing a solid team that works science. In the interest of developing a solid team that works together to guide your children, we offer the following suggestion together to guide your children, we offer the following suggestion for your consideration:for your consideration:Provide an academic environmentProvide an academic environment –– Besides creating a quiet study Besides creating a quiet study

h l f i i d i i d b h l f i i d i i d b area, parents can help to foster a positive academic attitude by area, parents can help to foster a positive academic attitude by engaging their children in dinner discussions about what transpired engaging their children in dinner discussions about what transpired during the day’s classes. Having resource materials handy, such as a during the day’s classes. Having resource materials handy, such as a dictionary, thesaurus, etc., and limiting T.V. viewing and nondictionary, thesaurus, etc., and limiting T.V. viewing and non--

d i l h l E hild d i l h l E hild academic computer use can also help. Encourage your children to academic computer use can also help. Encourage your children to read for pleasure. Take time to share responses to books and articles read for pleasure. Take time to share responses to books and articles you have read in common.you have read in common.

THANK YOU!THANK YOU!