ApopkaMemorial Middle School

Apopka Memorial Middle School

Fifth Grade Transition Guide

2022-2023

Seahawks SOAR!

 

School Counselor: Ms. King

407-884-2208, extension 5002250

[email protected]

Dear 5^th Grade Student:

 

Hello! As your School Counselor, I am here to help you along the journey to middle school. Here’s how:

 

 

There will be signs posted to tell students where to pick up schedules. All students must pick up their schedule in case changes were made after Open Campus. Maps will be provided and adults will be available to assist students.

 

During the school-year, adults are posted throughout the campus before school, during transition, during lunch, and after school. Teachers stand outside their doors during class change. Students may also ask for help at the Front Office. Students with medical needs may visit the Clinic in the Front Office.

 

Most Frequently Asked Questions about Middle School

What school supplies will I need?

Teachers will provide information after school starts regarding the supplies needed for their classes.

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.

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 to stay on top.

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.

Will lockers be provided?

Lockers are only provided in Physical Education (P.E.). Students who have P.E. should purchase a combination lock.

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.

How will I know if I can ride the school bus?

Visit www.ocps.net/newcomers/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.

Is breakfast offered?  When do I have lunch?

Breakfast is served from 9:00 am to 9:25 am. Most sixth graders eat lunch after second period, which is 11:12 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 (1^st 9-weeks), volleyball (2^nd 9-weeks), basketball (3^rd 9-weeks), and track (4^th 9-weeks).  Students must have a physical and a “C” average. Stay informed through the morning announcements and our newsletter, “The Squawk.”

How do I check out library books?

You may check out books in the Media Center as long as you have a pass from your teacher and bring your student ID badge or student number.

 

What clubs can I join?

We usually have a club fair in the gym the first nine weeks of school. The type of clubs varies per year.  Stay tuned to the announcements.

What do I do if someone is bothering me?

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

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.

 

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 (PE) 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 PE. If a student has a medical condition preventing him/her from taking PE, documentation from a doctor should be provided to Ms. King.
• 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 5^th 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 an OCPS laptop, 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 5^th Grade Elective Form.”
5. Complete Section 1. It is important for Ms. King to have accurate contact information in case she needs to contact parents regarding the schedule.  
6. Before you go on to Section 2, please read the course descriptions on page 4 of this document.
7. 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.
8. Keep going until each elective has either a Choice #1,2,3,4,5,6,7 or 8. You should not have any electives that are the SAME Choice number. Ms. King will start with your #1 choice and if that elective is full, she will move on to your #2 choice, and so on. Also, she will know that your 5-8 choices are your LEAST favorites. All students have three electives, one of which is PE.

ELECTIVE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

 

Agriculture

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 8^th 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 drawing, painting, printmaking, and collage. Students practice, sketch, and manipulate the structural elements of art. This course incorporates hands-on activities and consumption of art materials.

Band

Students develop instrumental technique, music literacy, and musical awareness through rehearsal and performance. The curriculum provides the fundamentals of music notation, sound production, instrument care and maintenance, and personal and group rehearsal strategies. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day. This course may also require students to obtain a musical instrument (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase) from an outside source. 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 6^th grade Boys Chorus class and class for 6^th grade girls.

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. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day. This course may also require students to obtain a musical instrument (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase) from an outside source. For questions, contact Ms. Kelly at [email protected].

 

Spanish, Beginning (Middle School)

 

This course introduces students 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.

 

 

AVID and STEM Programs

 

AVID and STEM Applications can be acquired through the elementary school Guidance Counselor.

 

APPLICATION DEADLINE February 17, 2023

 

 

 

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 5^th 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 also encouraged to log on to https://www.avid.org/what-avid-is.

STEM (Science, Technology Engineering and Math)

Agriculture

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 8^th grade Agriscience Foundations course counts as a high school Science credit. Questions, contact Mr. Sikes at 407-884-2208, extension 5004501, [email protected].

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. We are in the process of hiring a teacher for this course. For questions, contact Ms. King, School Counselor.