Middle


  • Middle School: Mission Possible
  • Red Chair

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    6th Grade Orientation/ Mission Possible


    Helpful hints for parents of middle school students.

    Girl leaning against a tree checkin her agenda.Time Management and Organization

    Agendas can be a great communication tool in middle school. The agenda is a useful tool because it:

    • helps your children organize their day and school work.
    • provides space for teachers and parents to communicate with each other.
    • allows parents to keep track of daily assignments.
    • provides important phone numbers and information.
    • explains the dress code and other policies.
    • provides handy academic tools, guides and references.

    Organization and time management skills are important in middle school, and affect students’ grades. Students now have multiple teachers, assignments, timelines and deadlines. Moving from class-to-class and teacher-to-teacher can make it difficult for students to keep track of their “stuff.” You can help by following a few guidelines.

    • Read and sign your child’s agenda daily or as requested.
    • Make sure your child gets to school on time every day.
    • Have your child keep each subject in a separate folder, and check regularly to see if any papers are filed with the wrong subject.
    • Have your child organize folders to reduce the clutter (i.e., graded papers, scribbles, notes from friends, etc.)
    • Teach your child to prepare for school before going to bed (i.e., set out clothes, put all books and school work in the backpack, etc.).

    Boy sitting in room reading a book and using the computer.Homework Tips and School Information

    Too much homework may mean that your child is not using his time wisely in class. Too little homework may mean that your child is “forgetting” to bring everything home. Talk to
    the teacher.

    • Set a regular daily “study time.”
    • Even if your child doesn’t have homework, this will provide time to review notes, organize folders, or read ahead. This will also help establish a consistent routine.
    • Have your child study in the same place at the same time each day. Give your child a say in deciding “study” time and place.
    • Keep all homework supplies in one place.
    • Cut out all distractions. TV should be off, conversations should be in another room, and phone calls can be returned later.
    • Encourage your child to do the hard stuff first.
    • Break down larger homework projects into smaller manageable chunks over a period
      of time.

    Class schedules—Make an extra copy of your child’s schedule, so that you will know where your child is during the day.

    Lockers in Middle school open with a combination number. Make an extra copy of your child’s locker number or combination. Your child may lose the original.

    Meals cards will be issued to each student. Breakfast and lunch are available each day.

    Report Cards are issued every nine weeks. Ask to find out if Progress Reports are also
    sent home.

    Transportation—Know your child’s bus route number and the number of the bus service, Durham Bus Service—838-1555.

    Red Chair

    The Red Chair is not just for parents. Our schools and our children need the support and involvement of the entire community.

    • Neighbors
    • Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, etc.
    • Business and Community Members
    • Volunteers
    • Site Council Members

    How to Make a Red Chair Visit

    1. Report to the office, sign in and pick up a visitor packet.
    2. Turn off cell phones and pagers.
    3. If possible, wait for the beginning of the class period.
    4. Enter the classroom quietly and have a seat in the red chair.
    5. Observe the class for the entire class period if possible.
    6. Use the note sheet to jot down information to share at a later time.
    7. Fill out the observation form included in the visitor packet.
    8. Return to the office to sign out.
    9. Turn in your completed observation form.

    You Should Know...

    Generally when someone new visits a classroom, students will act differently. Some students will behave better, while others may do just the opposite! Don’t try to fix anything or intervene.

    You may visit while there’s not much “action.” Students may be studying for a test or reading independently. Or, you might come during a very busy time. Students may be working in groups, talking, and moving around the room. It may appear hectic to you, but it is actually a controlled “chaos.” Middle school students need a variety of learning environments to stay interested and on task.

    Teachers often need to monitor the hallways or escort students during passing period. Please keep in mind that the teacher may not be able to stop to visit with you. If you need to talk with the teacher, please wait until after the class period or schedule a time to meet later.

    Confidentiality is a must when visiting a classroom. If you observe a student having difficulty, please remember that it is a private issue between the teacher, the student, and the parent. If you have concerns, you may speak to the teacher after class.

    Support the Red Chair Program

    Volunteers

    It takes many hands to fill the Red Chairs! Volunteers can make Red Chair buttons, assemble packets, or call parents and community members to personally invite them to visit.

    Site Council

    Invite Red Chair visitors to a meeting to discuss the Red Chair program at your school. Give parents a chance to share ideas and ask questions. Red Chair visitors could be new site council members in the making!

    Community

    Community members can promote the Red Chair program by distributing fliers and invitations at businesses and community organizations.

    Parents

    Don’t wait for an invitation to sit in a Red Chair. Come any time, or call the school and let them know you are interested. Talk to friends and neighbors about the Red Chair and the need
    for more parent and community involvement in middle schools.

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