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| Thu, 07-31-2003 - 12:54pm |
Overall, I think it was a good experience because it gave them a chance to wander around and figure out where things are. Stephen has a difficult time at the beginning of every new school year, so I was willing to stay there as long as it took to make him feel comfortable. The set-up of the school is great, though, with all the 6th grade classrooms in the same area of one hallway. They only have to leave that area for band, gym, lunch, etc. It's nothing like when I was in Jr. High and they had a separate hallway for each academic area, so we had to go from one end of the building to another for each class.
We saw a few boys that Stephen knows. One was in his art class, and 2 in gym, I think. All 4 of them were in different homerooms, and he hasn't found anyone in an academic class the same yet. Then he got a call from a friend, and they are in the same homeroom, so at least that's one guy he'll see first thing when he gets there.
Does your school do something like this before school starts? If not, when/how do you get your schedules?
Also, they use "block" scheduling here. So he has language arts on M & W, but Social Studies on T & Th. Then on Friday, they go to every class, but for half the time. Social Studies and Language Arts are 4 periods. Math and Science are 2. Band, PE/Health, and Art are one each (They go on alternate days.). Lunch wasn't on his schedule so I don't know if the whole 6th grade eats at the same time or what. There's only about 200 in the class. Very confusing to me, but I'm sure he'll get the hang of it. Do any of your schools do this kind of scheduling?
Janet
P.S. I'm having company tonight for the weekend, so I may not be able to check back a lot right away, but I'll be here soon.
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They all eat together (7th and 8th have their own lunch time) and there's a potential for about 265 kids if they all go (some will switch to private; others switch to private in 7th since there's a certain school that starts in 7th).
They have an orientation the last Thursday in August for 2 hours where they find out what team they're on, what home room they're in, and apparently get locker assignments. They already did the health paperwork via mail, tshirts/hoodies/shorts were sold last spring (but I'm sure more will be available in the fall), they just have us send in emergency and other contact info on the first day (at least they did in elementary), etc. Not sure when they have ID photos taken (that also have their lunchroom balance on them via card reader).
That's about all I know so far!
Sue
They are also organized in "teams" in middle school. Their 5 academic subjects took place in 4 adjacent classrooms during the 1st 5 periods in the morning, one of which is a science classroom. So, finding those was very easy, and their locker was in that hall. (I also remember growing up that rooms were grouped by subject. They may do that in the high school; I don't know.)They had recess after 2nd period, where they were welcome to eat a snack since their lunch wasn't until 6th period. Each grade, 5-8, eats lunch at a different time. There were approx. 225 5th graders last year. Their special classes (gym, art, etc.) were after lunch. (Meanwhile, the 7th and 8th graders have their specials in the morning, so they are not in the same part of the building while the 5th and 6th graders are there.)
The 5th and 6th graders use a 3-day schedule. They have their academic classes in the morning every day. The 3-day rotation is used in the afternoon for music, art, gym, health, Spanish, and for a third of a year each: applied tech (keyboarding), tech ed (shop) and consumer science (home etc).
I can't believe we're talking about school already! We don't start school until Sept. here, so don't rush me ;-) While many of you are getting ready for school, I'm getting Sam ready for his first sleep-over camp experience. He leaves Mon. for 2 weeks! More on that later.
Janet
Janet
Enjoy your summer! I can't believe ours is almost over.
Janet
With the teams that the kids are on, does that mean that they are with the exact same group of kids all day, they just switch to different teachers for different classes, or do the kids mix up as well? From what I can tell, there will be a different group of kids in each of Stephen's classes.
So how was Sam's send off to camp today? I'm sure he'll have a great time. Good for him for going! I'm sure it's a big step, even if he's excited to go.
By the way, how's the job hunt been for you? I haven't heard anything about that, but I may have missed something. I hope you're finding or have found the ideal position for you.
Janet
Sam's drop-off at camp was uneventful. Whew! He was of course a bit nervous, not knowing anyone, but he's ready for this adventure. We're very proud of him. His counselors are SO nice and SO caring, and will be sending us e-mail updates on what the bunk is doing. Thanks for asking!
And, thanks for remembering my job situation. I actually decided to take time off for a variety of reasons. I will be job-hunting in Sept. It's been a nice, mostly paid, sabbatical for me, and I've done a lot of projects around the house that would not have gotten done otherwise. There are 3 1/2 weeks between the end of camp and the beginning of school, and rather than scramble for coverage, we decided I'd spend time with the kids while they still want to spend time with me! And, dh will take some time off during that period as well. Things are starting to improve around here for hiring in the tech sector, so I hope to be able to find something in the fall.
Janet
Janet