Pollard Middle School

Rising Grade 7 Information Session March 19, 2013

I.

II.

V.

Introduction to Pollard Academic Programs Communication

Agenda

III.

IV.

Guidance and Health Services Extracurricular Activities VI.

Transition Events and Important Dates

Pollard Students, Administration, and Staff

Mr. Ryan Coen, Ms. Michelle Comma, Mr. Jack Flamand, Mr. Liam Nahill, Mr. Brendan Smith, Ms. Grace Ward, and Ms. Stephanie Wilson (Students) Ms. Megan Bonomolo (Assistant Principal Grade 7) Ms. Merle Berman (Assistant Principal Grade 8) Mr. Ken Lundberg and Ms. Holly Pacis (Teachers) Mrs. Rosemary Leone (School Nurse) Mr. Jeremy Greenwood and Mr. Mark Yetman (Guidance Counselors)

Pollard Middle School

We dedicate ourselves to cultivating academic excellence, civic responsibility, and the personal growth of each member of our community.

You belong here. This is important. Effort makes a difference.

Pollard Middle School: A Snapshot

• •

Projected Enrollment September 2013

489 Grade 7 Students 425 Grade 8 Students • •

Faculty and Staff September 2013

Teachers - 59 Support Staff - 18

Pollard Middle School: A Snapshot

• • • • • • • • • • Coordinator of METCO:

Ms. Leslie Smart

• ELA Curriculum Coordinator:

Mr. Greg Hurray

• • Math/Science Curriculum Coordinator:

Ms. Tammy Ghizzoni

Special Education Coordinator:

Ms. Joan Woodward

SS Curriculum Coordinator:

Ms. Ann Barysh

Director of Fine & Performing Arts: Director of Guidance: Director of Health Services: Director of Innovation & Technology: Director of METCO:

Dr. David Neves Mr. Tom Denton Ms. Mimi Stamer Ms. Deb Gammerman Dr. Joanne Allen-Willoughby

Director of Special Education PreK-8: Director of Wellness:

Dr. Kathy Pinkham

Director of World Languages:

Ms. Mary Lammi Ms. Debbie Watters

Academic Program

• Trimester system - 60 days in length • 53 minute classes and 5 Clusters • Two day rotation (A & B Day) • Students receive instruction in English, math, science, and social studies each day. • Students take classes in all other departments to provide a program that is broad-based.

Courses and Program of Studies

• English, Math, Science, and Social Studies • Engineering Design • Concert Band/Strings Ensemble/Chorus OR (Ceramics & Sculpture, Music Explorations, and Experiential Education) • Fine Arts - Arts 7 • Learning Center • Technology - Computer Technology • Wellness - Physical Education and Health • World Language - French or Spanish

Door Opens 7:35 Advisory (7:50 – 8:05) Period 1 (8:08 – 9:01) Period 2 (9:04 – 9:57) Period 3 (10:01 – 10:54) Period 4 (10:57 – 11:50) Period 5 (11:53 – 12:46) Lunch (11:50 – 12:18) Lunch (12:46 – 1:14) Period 5 (12:21 – 1:14) Period 6 (1:17 – 2:10) After School St aff Support (2:10 – 2:40) Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday Activities (From 2:40)

Advisory Program

• 15 minutes every day • Curriculum • Community Building Activities

Expanding on Experiences

• Fine and Performing Arts • French and Spanish • Health and Wellness • Learning Center • Technology

New Learning Experiences

•

Community Service Learning

•

English:

Poetry Day, Author Visits, and Declamation •

Math:

Algebra Experience •

Science:

Frog Dissection, Biome Projects, and DNA Extraction •

Social Studies:

Exploration Ancient China, India, Multicultural Perspectives, and Semitic Religions

Helpful Hints

• Busing Information - Week of March 25 (High Rock) and April 1 (Transportation Website) • Lunches (Summer Mailing) • Snacks and Water • Locks and Cell phones • Binders and School Supplies • Homework

Special Education Programming

• • • • • 12 Special Education Liaisons 1 School Psychologist between High Rock & Pollard 1 Speech Language Pathologist 1 Reading Teacher Inclusive and Learning Centers (Reading, Writing, Math, and Organization skills) •

Specialized Programs

Language-based Program - Math and English (Grades 7 & 8) Therapeutic Program - Learning and Emotional Disabilities (Grades 7 & 8) Insights Program - Instructional supports for organizational, social pragmatics, and navigating middle school social life (Grades 7 & 8) Bridges Program - Social and applied academic supports (Grades 6, 7, & 8)

Guidance Department

Guidance Counselors

• Mr. Jeremy Greenwood (Clusters 7-1, 7-2, 8-1, 8-2) • Mr. Mark Yetman (Clusters 7-3, 7-4, 7-5, 8-3, 8-4)

Adjustment Counselors

• Ms. Kristen Gosselin • Ms. Carol Sargent

Roles & Responsibilities

• Work with Students • Work with Teachers • Work with Parents

Guidance Department

What will your 7 th grader’s life look like socially/emotionally?

What will your 7 th grader’s life look like academically?

Pollard Health Services

• Mrs. Rosemary Leone • Mrs. Debbie Brennan • Communication Protocols • Physical Exam and Immunization Requirements • Mandatory Health Screenings

Extra Curricular Activities

•

After School Clubs and Activities:

Best Buddies, Book Club, Homework Club, Jazz Band, Math Counts, Musical, Robotics, Student Council, and Treble Choir •

NCE Middle School Classes:

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-

After school enrichment programs

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 2:45 p.m.-3:55 p.m.

- Late bus is available for all students in NCE programs - Fall Winter, and Spring offerings

- Middle School Athletics

: Fall Cross-Country for Boys and Girls (Grades 6 8), Girl’s Field Hockey (Grades 7-8), Spring Track & Field for Boys and Girls (Grades 6-8)

School Home Communication

• PowerSchool - Grades updated on 15th and 30th of each month • Email teachers and teacher websites • Cluster team meetings with parents • Pollard Listserv • Pollard School Website • Call Assistant Principal or Principal

Grade 6 to Grade 7 Transition

• Teachers in Grades 6-7 meet to discuss content areas • Curriculum Coordinators and Program Directors (ELL, Fine & Performing Arts, Media & Technology, Special Education, Wellness, and World Languages) • Collaboration with Administrative Staff, Guidance, and Special Education Liaisons at High Rock and Pollard –

Transition Events and Important Dates

• March 18 - March 29 - Students register online • June - Pollard StepUp2 Day • June 11, 12, 13, 17, and 18 - High Rock Clusters to Pollard • Week of July 8 - Cluster letters sent home to parents • August - Self guided tours and tours with Assistant Principal and Principal • September 3 - Opening Day • September 26 - Back to School Night • October 1 - Immunization and Physical Examination Deadline

Thank you for coming!

http://pollard.needham.k12.ma.us

(781) 455-0480