Driver Middle School 6th Grade Information Night

Driver Middle School (DMS) held its annual 6th grade information night on Thursday, March 24, 2011 in the Driver Middle School Aitchison Auditorium. The informational evening is designed to provide 6th grade students and their families with critical information as they begin the transition to the 7th grade middle school instructional model in September. DMS principal Michael Dardaris welcomed the audience to the event as he stressed that “middle school is a time to get involved and try new things.” Dardaris also shared that this 6th grade class was special for him as they entered DMS at the same time that he began his tenure as DMS principal. Kayla Hill, DMS assistant principal, presented an overview of 6th grade transition experiences as she spoke about the May shadowing in which 6th grade students will follow 7th grade students through three periods and the August 7th grade orientation. Brad Dates, athletic director, spoke about modified sports opportunities and the philosophy of the modified sports program, “It is experiential, providing participants with the opportunity to learn from the fundamental instruction of skills associated with the specific sport.” Following Dates, DMS grade 7-8 guidance counselor Alan Wing and guidance intern Megan Burke presented an overview of the 7th grade learning experience. Wing reviewed what parents and students could expect in 7th grade as he listed the following: · A variety of teachers and classes · A busier schedule · A growing social life · A variety of activities · More independence · Increased responsibility Wing and Burke also focused on communication as the key to success as they talked about 10 week progress reports, 5 week interim reports, phone calls/e-mails, parent conferences, and MyGradeBook access. The attentive audience was reminded that there are a variety of adults there to help each student with options ranging from school counselors to teachers to administrators. Wing and Burke also highlighted their “tips for success”: Student Tips for Success: · Get organized · Use your planner · Learn to manage your time · Keep you locker neat · Plan ahead for long term projects · Prepare for school the night before Parents Tips for Success: · Keep your sanity · Understand child development · Monitor the homework time and location · Guide your child towards being better organized · Set aside time every night · Keep in touch with school personnel The 6th grade informational evening was scheduled in conjunction with the Grade 4-6 Open House. Students and families had the opportunity to visit classrooms and celebrate student accomplishments and successes. Of particular note were the 5th grade “state” people that greeted open house visitors and Carmen Costa’s elementary band “30 years of band tee shirts” display.