Highlander Way Middle School

1
Highlander Way Middle School

• Parent Orientation
• 5th grade to 6th grade

2
Philosophy

• At Highlander Way Middle Schools our philosophy
  is to provide a caring environment in which all
  learners are actively engaged in acquiring skills
  to achieve academic and personal excellence.

3
Belief Statements

• We believe students learn best when
• Expectations are high, clear, and developmentally
  appropriate.
  
• Parents are actively involved in their students
  learning and academic development.
  
• Teachers plan and work collaboratively to advance
  the learning of all students.
  

4
Belief Statements

• Instructional methods reflect a variety of
  learning styles.
  
• Every person is known and valued within the
  learning community.
  
• Technology is used as an integrated tool to
  enhance learning.
  

5
Highlander Way Middle School Highlights

• Education YES report card grade given by the
  state is an A for the 2005-06 school year.
  
• Met AYP.
• Exemplary school in 1997.
• High MEAP scores.
• Excellent staff.
• Active group of PTO parents.

6
Similarities and Differencesbetween 5th and
6th grade

• School begins at 742 and ends at 221.
• Students change classes each period.
• Lockers have combination locks.
• Lunches offer greater variety and choices.
• Activities and after school events athletics,
  dances and PTO sponsored activity nights.
  

7
Encore Classes

• Physical education-required
• Art
• Applied Technology
• Technology Education
• Life Management-required
• World Language Introduction-French
• Technology Literacy (computers)
• Communication Arts
• Instrumental Music/Band-Full Year
• Vocal Music/Choir-Full Year

8
Important Information

• Breakfast is available every day.
• Lunch - 30 minutes, includes outside recess time.
  
  
• Computerized accounting system. Parents can
  prepay for lunches. Students use ID cards for
  scanning.
  

9
Important Health Information

• It is not recommended to make major changes in
  medication routines as students begin middle
  school.
  
• HPS requires a completed Medication permission
  form with physicians signature.
  
• All medication (Rx or non-Rx) must be brought to
  school by an adult.
  
• Students may not carry medication on their person
  or in their backpack or locker.
  
• 6th graders must have up-to-date immunization,
  including Hep B and chicken pox.

10
Attendance

• Please call our attendance line to call in all
  absences.
  
• Teachers take attendance hourly.
• An automated computer phone machine calls homes
  with unexcused absences.
  
• Unexcused and excessive absences and/or tardies
  will result in a report to the Livingston County
  truancy officer.
  

11
Transportation Information

• Students will ride busses with other middle and
  high school students.
  
• Bus passes are not allowed.
• Students may not walk after school to the high
  school or elementary schools.
  
• Parents are asked not to wait in the fire lane at
  the front of the building.
  
• 6th grade parent drop off and pick up is in the
  North parking lot, closest to the 6th grade
  wing.
  
• Students may enter the building at 715 AM
• Please feel free to call Transportation with
  questions at 552-7556.
  

12
HPS Code of Conduct

• Read the Student Code of Conduct with your child.
  
  
• All the rules have greater consequences when the
  students enter middle school.
  
• The dress code is strictly enforced.
• Students are held accountable for tardies in
  middle school.
  
• Tardies will be excused if the bus is late or the
  student has a note from a doctors office.
  

13
Building Student Responsibility

• Promote Independence with limitations
• Encourage choices with positive outcomes

• Hold your child accountable with natural
  consequences
  
• Provide High Expectations

14
Communication with Your Child

• Please attempt to make appointments outside the
  school day to maximize your students learning.
  
• Arrangements for after-school activities should
  be made before coming to school.
  

15
Student Government

• Student Council elections will be held in the
  fall in your students homeroom.
  
• After school dances are sponsored by Student
  Council. Dances are open to 6th, 7th, and 8th
  graders. There is open gym.
  
• Student Council plans many school activities and
  community fundraising events.
  

16
Dress Code NOs

• See through clothing
• Undergarments worn as outer garments
• Skirts and shorts need to be appropriate
• length mid-thigh (fingertip rule)
• Tank tops, midriff, and chest
• Hats
• Written slogans-need to be school appropriate

17
Electronics

• Cell phones off and out of hand
• IPODs, MP3 Players, Gameboys,
• PS2s
• Camera phones
• Computer usage

18
COMPUTER DANGER

• HPS-Technology Use Policy
• Educational purposes only
• On-line Internet Safety
• MySpace, Facebook, MSN IM messaging
• Cyber bullying
• Threats, profanity, gossip and rumors

19
Helpful Hints from the Counselors!!

• We are your students Counselors.
• Ms. Houser (A-K)
• Mrs. Literski (L-Z)
• Scheduling Issues.
• Educational Support Groups.
• Facilitate meetings.
• Talking with students.
• Mediate peer issues.

20
Helpful Hints from the Counselors!!

• Know your students friends, phone numbers and
  addresses and meet their parents.
  
• Stay involved and show interest in your students
  academic and social lives. They may tell you they
  dont need you, but they do!
  
• Assume your student has some homework or studying
  to do each night. We recommend all students have
  a minimum 60 minute study time each night.
  
• Communication between home and school is vital to
  your students academic success!
  

21
Helpful Hints from the Counselors!!

• Organization is key for your students academic
  success.
  
• All students will be provided with a planner at
  the beginning of the year.
  
• Please look at your students planner each night
  to review their day with them during their study
  time if possible.
  

22
Helpful Hints from the Counselors!!

• WebGrader should be reviewed on a regular basis.
• E-mail teachers as often as necessary.
• Howell Schools and Highlander Way Middle School
  Websites provides the calendar, monthly
  newsletters and community resources.
  
• Dont hesitate to call your students Counselor
  with questions and concerns.
  
• Ms. Houser (A-K)
• Mrs. Literski (L-Z)
• 517-548-6259

23
Helpful Hints from the Counselors!!

• We look forward to hearing from each and every
  one of you if we can be of assistance in any
  way.
  
• We look forward to working with your student
  during their middle school years.
  

24
Thank you for coming.

• We are always available to answer questions!