5th Grade Orientation

 

Apopka Memorial Middle School

Fifth Grade Transition Guide


Apopka Memorial Middle School Seahawks Logo

 

 

Seahawks SOAR!

 

  

School Counselor:    Ms. King

407-884-2208, extension 5002250

[email protected]

Dear 5th Grade Parent and Student:

 

Hello! As the 6th Grade School Counselor, I am here to help you along the journey to middle school.

 

Here’s how:

 

 

  1. Elementary School Visit

     

    We visit Apopka, Clay Springs, Dream Lake, Lovell, Rock Springs, and Wheatley Elementary in February to talk about what middle school will be like. Parents and students will be able to rank electives from the most wanted to the least wanted.

     

  2. Summer

     

    Schedules are created in the summer. Parents are encouraged to contact Ms. King before school ends if they have questions or concerns. Otherwise, she will be available the week before school starts.

     

  3. Open Campus

     

    Lisa James, Principal, will send a Connect Orange message to notify parents of the date for Open Campus, which is usually the week before school starts. Parents and students can pick up schedules, tour the campus, and meet teachers. For more information, call the Front Office at 407-884-2208, extension 5002221.

     

  4. The First Day of School

 

Students will pick up schedules in home room. Signs will be posted, maps will be provided and adults will be available to assist students. All students must pick up their schedule in case changes were made after Open Campus.

 

NOTE: During the school-year, adults are posted throughout the campus at breakfast, during transition, at lunch, and at dismissal. Students with medical needs have access to the School Nurse and the School Health Assistant in the Clinic, located in the Front Office.

 

Most Frequently Asked Questions about Middle School

What school supplies will I need?

Each teacher will provide a syllabus and a supply list once school starts.

How many classes will I have?

There are seven class periods per day and each period lasts about 45 minutes. Students have four minutes to change classes. Lunch is 30 minutes.

Will I have homework?

Yes. We are a digital school, which means that every student is provided with a laptop. Check Canvas and Skyward each evening for assignments.

How do I know what grades I have?

There are four report cards and four progress reports each school year. Check Canvas and Skyward regularly to keep track of grades.  Parents can see grades in Skyward by setting up a parent account:  ocps.net, “Current Families,” and “Skyward Information.”  Contact the teacher if you are unsure about a grade or need clarification on an assignment. Students can also message teachers through Canvas.

If I am scheduled to take Physical Education what do I need in order to dress out?

Students will need a white t-shirt (with or without design), blue or black athletic shorts, sneakers, a water bottle and a combination lock. AMMS P.E. uniforms are available for purchase from the P.E. teachers/coaches.

Will lockers be provided?

Students who have P.E. will be provided with a locker and will need a combination lock. Please do not share your combination with anyone.

Will I be able to ride the school bus?

Enter your address at www.ocps.net, New Families, Find My Bus, Access the Find a Bus System. Questions? Contact Transportation: 407-317-3800.

Will I have an I.D.?

IDs will be provided during the first nine weeks at no charge. IDs must be worn at all times on campus and are used for checking out books, purchasing meals, and admittance to school functions. Your school picture will be your ID picture, so don’t miss it.

Is breakfast offered?  When do I have lunch?

Breakfast is served from 9:00 am to 9:30 am. Most sixth graders eat lunch after second period, which is 11:14 a.m. (10:54 a.m. on Wednesdays). For information on nutrition and menus:  ocps.net, Departments, Food and Nutrition Services. The Free/Reduced Lunch Application is available at www.myschoolapps.com/Application and must be completed each school year.

Are there any sports teams?

We have boys’ and girls’ teams for soccer (1st 9-weeks), volleyball (2nd 9-weeks), basketball (3rd 9-weeks), and track (4th 9-weeks).  Students must have a physical on file and maintain a 2.0 or “C” average. Stay informed through the morning announcements and our weekly newsletter, “The Squawk.”

How do I check out library books?

Students may check out books in the Media Center as long as they have a pass from their teacher.

What clubs can I join?

A Club Fair will be held in the Cafeteria the first nine weeks of school. Stay tuned to the morning and afternoon announcements.

What do I do if someone is bothering me?

Students should tell their parent, teacher and 6th Grade Dean, Ms. Daphne Lewis, if a student is bothering them.

Who is my School Counselor?

Ms. King is located in 120B in Guidance. Students should make sure they have a pass from their teacher to go anywhere on campus during their scheduled class period. Parents can contact her through email: [email protected] or by phone at 407-884-2208, ext. 5002250.

 

Apopka Memorial Middle School (AMMS) Elective Course Descriptions

NOTE: Every effort is made to provide students with their top choices, however:

  • Another elective will be assigned If an elective is full, conflicts with a required course, or is no longer offered.
  • Physical Education is a State requirement for each year of middle school. Parents may complete a PE Waiver; however, we must have space in another elective in order for students to opt out of P.E. If a student has a medical condition preventing him/her from taking P.E., documentation from a doctor should be provided to the School Counselor.
  • Students who score below grade-level in Reading or Math may be placed in an Intensive Reading and/or Fundamental Skills of Math elective.
  • Students with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) may need Learning Strategies and/or Social/Personal electives.

 

 

DIRECTIONS FOR ACCESSING THE “Apopka Middle School’s 5th Grade Elective Form.”

  1. Using your OCPS school-issued laptop, log on to your computer. The Google form will not be accessible from another computer or device. If you do not have access, parents can email Ms. King at [email protected].
  2. Using Google Chrome, type “gmail” into the address bar as shown:

     

  3. Open the email from Ms. King.
  4. Click on the link for the Google form called “Apopka Middle School’s 5th Grade Elective Form.”
  5. Complete Section 1. It is important for us to have accurate contact information in case we need to reach parents regarding the schedule.
  6. Before you go on to Section 2, please read the course descriptions on page 4 of this document.
  7. All students have three electives, one of which is PE.
  8. Decide which of the seven electives is your favorite and select “Choice #1” for that elective. Decide which elective is your next favorite and select “Choice #2 for that elective. Keep going until each elective has either a 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 (your 5,6,7 choices are your LEAST favorites). There should not be any electives that have the SAME number or any that do not have a number. The School Counselor will start with your #1 choice and if that elective is full, she will move on to your #2 choice, and so on.

ELECTIVE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

 

Agriculture/Agriscience

Students learn about agricultural mechanics, small animal care, livestock, crop production, horticulture, research, leadership, forestry and natural resources. Agriculture students may join the FFA Club, which competes in the county fair and is active in community service. The 8th grade Agriscience Foundations course counts as a high school Science credit. Questions: contact Mr. Sikes at 407-884-2208, extension 5004501, [email protected].

Art

Students create a variety of 2-D artworks through hands-on activities such as drawing, painting, printmaking, and collage. Students practice, sketch, and manipulate the structural elements of art.

Band

Students will learn to play woodwind or brass instruments. Percussion is offered the second year of Band. The curriculum provides the fundamentals of music notation, sound production, instrument care and maintenance, and personal and group rehearsal strategies. The instructor will assist students and parents with finding an instrument (borrow, rent, or purchase). We want every interested student to be able to take this course. For questions, contact Ms. Kelly at [email protected]. 

Chorus

Students with little or no choral experience develop beginning vocal technique, critical and creative thinking skills, and an appreciation of music from around the world and through time. We have a 6th grade Boys Chorus class and a class for 6th grade girls. Come sing with us!

Computers (Information and Communication Essentials 1 or ICT)

Students will learn computer, digital, and information technology skills necessary for success in their future academic and occupational settings. The content includes but is not limited to web development, multimedia, word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet communications, cybersecurity, and computer programming.

Orchestra

 

Would you like to learn how to play the violin? Students with little or no experience with a string instrument will acquire performance skills, music literacy and aesthetic awareness. The curriculum provides the fundamentals of music notation, sound production, instrument care and maintenance, and personal and group rehearsal strategies. The instructor will assist students and parents with finding an instrument (borrow, rent, or purchase). We want every interested student to be able to take this course. For questions, contact Ms. Kelly at [email protected].

Spanish, Beginning (Middle School)

 

Students are introduced to the Spanish language and its culture, including instruction in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students have the opportunity to take Spanish 1 in the subsequent year as a high school credit course. This course will be on campus with either a face-to-face instructor or online with a virtual instructor and face-to-face lab coordinator.

 

 

AVID and STEM Programs

 

Please see the elementary school Guidance Counselor for STEM and AVID applications.

 

APPLICATION DEADLINE March 6, 2024

 

 

 

Students must apply and be accepted into AVID and/or STEM in order to have the course(s) on their schedule. Students who apply to these programs are still required to complete the “Apopka Middle School’s 5th Grade Elective Form.” AVID and STEM students are expected to have exemplary behavior and to keep up with assignments and projects. These are rigorous academic electives for students who have a strong work ethic and who work well in groups. Students can apply to both AVID and STEM.

AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination)

AVID provides college-readiness and organizational skills, strategies for critical thinking, enrichment and motivational activities that make college more attainable. AVID students have an opportunity to research and visit a variety of colleges/universities to gain a better understanding of college and the college process.  AVID students gain confidence as they learn ways to maximize their learning potential while taking advanced courses.

 

For more information, contact Laura Donlon, AVID Coordinator: 407-884-2208, ext. 5004193, [email protected]. Parents are encouraged to log on to https://www.avid.org/student-learning to learn more about how AVID shapes student learning.


STEM (Science, Technology Engineering and Math)

Agriculture/Agriscience

Students learn about agricultural mechanics, small animal care, livestock, crop production, horticulture, research, leadership, forestry and natural resources. Agriculture students may join the FFA Club, which competes in the county fair and is active in community service. The 8th grade Agriscience Foundations course counts as a high school Science credit. Questions, contact Mr. Sikes at 407-884-2208, extension 5004501, [email protected].

STEM Engineering
Project Lead the Way is an internationally recognized curriculum for STEM. Sixth graders will study Power and Technology for the first semester and Aerospace Technology for the second semester. They will develop problem-solving skills, gather data, and document results while working cooperatively in groups. For questions, contact Mr. Maldonado, STEM Coordinator, at [email protected].