Many parents are nervous when their student starts middle school. It is a time of major growth and change. One of the biggest issues that we see in 6th graders is trouble with organization. Many come on the first day of school with bags that contain all of their items. Please make sure you help your student set up his or her binder – adding the paper, the class dividers, pencil pouches, etc., will save time later on when it’s semi-chaotic with all of the students in the building.
Your student will receive an agenda/planner during the first week of school. Please make sure you read through it; know the policies and explain them to your student if necessary. Students are given more freedom in middle school than they had in elementary school. For some, it is difficult to self-manage. We are here to help them do just that! =)
One of the most important things that your student will need in the CLC is a pair of ear buds for use with their iPad. Students are often given books to listen to and read along with. It is impossible to do when everyone is playing different stories out loud.
I don’t generally assign homework in the CLC, as students are given additional time to complete assignments IN class. The exception is… IF your student does not get assignments completed in class with the allotted time, I will be sending it home. This will be true especially for math. I have found that once students get behind, it is practically impossible for them to get caught up. Please check binders for assignments & papers that need signatures, etc., on a regular basis to help them keep up.
In addition, the academic support & social skills classes are combined. If they appear twice on your child’s schedule, it is because they will receive those services during first or sixth period. For example, they may receive academic support during 1st and social skills during 6th on one day and vice versa on another day. This depends on assignments for different classes & due dates. Students who are on check -in/ check out (CICO), will also have the ability to do that during those periods. Having them in both 1st & 6th means that we will be able to interchange the instruction & services they receive, so that they get it when they need it.
This is the first summer that I did NOT work ESY. I’ve been busy working on my house – it’s been exhausting – haha! It is going to be great getting back to work and I am looking forward to working with our new group of 10 (yes TEN!) 6th graders. I love what I do & it is so cool to see kids learn and grow academically, socially, and emotionally during the middle school years. I am looking forward to working with them and YOU as well. Thank you for stopping by… I will try to keep this blog updated with important “stuff ” and news that’s specific to the CLC.
Best, Bambi
