SSIMS Summer

Orientation

Orientation Agenda● Welcome and Introductions (5 minutes)

● Match Game (10 minutes)

● Orientation Packet (20 minutes)

● Tour of SSIMS Building (20 minutes)

● Lockers (20 minutes)

● Final Questions and Answers (15 minutes)

Welcome & IntroductionsWe are SSIMS!!!

Orientation ObjectivesThe purpose of this orientation is to provide students with the opportunity to visit Silver Spring International Middle School prior to attending in the fall. Many students have questions and/or apprehensions. This will hopefully help to ensure a smooth transition from their elementary school.

Objectives:● Learn about what it means to be a student at an MYP school.● Familiarize yourself with the building.● Practice using a locker and a combination lock.● Learn about future SSIMS classmates.● Review policies regarding expectations in the classroom, halls, and café.● Discover the purpose and function of counselors and other important school staff.

Now, it is your turn to get to know your classmates!

Match GameDirections: As an MYP student, you will have opportunities to be a RISK-TAKER! Risk-takers are open to learning about others and exploring new ideas. Find one person to fit each description below. Write the person’s name on the line to the right of the description. All students and staff are participating! Try to get information from as many people as possible! Have fun learning about your peers and the SSIMS staff!

Tips from Students about Sixth GradeAs an MYP student, you are a lifelong learner, and we will help you develop

self-management and communication skills!

● Keep lots of pens, pencils, and paper. Bring these items to every class at all times along with your student planner!● Use your time well. Do not wait until the last minute to do your classwork or homework.● Always close your locker and check to make sure it is locked. Never give your combination to other students!● Try to keep a note with your combination on it someplace safe and secret (in your student planner or phone!)● If you have trouble opening your locker, don’t worry. It will become easy with practice!● If you have questions, ask your teachers. There are here to help you!● BE ON TIME FOR CLASS!● Treat your friends, classmates, and teachers respectfully.● Do not be scared of the 7th and 8th graders. They have been here for longer than you, so they can help too!

School SuppliesAs MYP students, we bring necessary material to class every day:

Class SchedulesAll students will have eight class periods (four classes per day). These are the classes that students take:● English (Language and Literature)● Math● World Studies (Individuals and Societies)● Science● Reading/French or Spanish/ Immersion (Language Acquisition)● Physical Education Health (Design)● Electives (Arts) (you get two electives if you are not in the Immersion program)

SSIMS Block ScheduleSSIMS uses a block schedule to organize the school day. This means that

students do not go to every class every day.

Odd Day Class Periods Even Day Class PeriodsPeriod 1 Period 2

Jag Time* Jag Time*Period 3 Period 4Period 5 Period 6Period 7 Period 8

*Jag Time is a period where you will get support with organization, study skills, independentreading, or additional instruction that will help you in each of your classes.

Sample ScheduleTerm-Tells you how long the class lasts

for: YR-all year, Q1-quarter 1, or S1

Semester 1Pd – Period – what

period this class meets

Odd Day – periods 1,3,5,7

Even Day – periods 2,4,6,8

Course – The name of the class

Teacher – The name of the teacher

Room – The classroom number

Middle Years ProgramYou are a Middle Years Program (MYP) Student! As an MYP School, we support your

academic, social, and emotional development!

PBIS at SSIMSAs an MYP students, we are open-minded, caring, and principled. We demonstrate these

Learner Profile attributes by being respectful, responsible, and positive relationship builders.

PBIS MissionThe PBIS mission is to develop and cultivate a school community of mutual respect and responsibility by building positive relationships.

Rewards & IncentivesAt SSI students will have the opportunity to be recognized, acknowledged and rewarded for their display of positive social skills reflective of the three R’s (Respect, Responsibility and Relationship building).

Students who demonstrate the three R’s can earn PBIS coupons. The coupons are a way for staff to reinforce positive behaviors and for students to get recognition.

After receiving coupons, students have the chance to redeem them for small prizes, such as pens/pencils, headphones, candy, and snacks in the school store. Students also have the option of redeeming PBIS jag bucks to participate in the monthly PBIS celebrations and incentives. Previous celebrations have included pizza parties, board game competitions, raffles for special prizes, and other incentives.

The Three R’sRespect Responsibility Positive Relationship Building

● Following school policies regarding student dress code, attendance and conduct.

● Greetings (hello, good-bye), please, thank you, you’re welcome.

● Bring student planners toclass every day

● Be on-time for school andclass.

● Bring necessary materialsto every class

● Being involved in extracurricular activities and community service projects

● Attending school events such as Back-to-School Night, Parent Conferences, International Night, Spring Showcase, music and choral concerts, etc.

After School ActivitiesWe encourage all students to participate in after-school activities. On the next slide, there is a list of some of the clubs that we have had in the past and hope to have this school year. Is there a club that interests you?

Sports teams, unless otherwise noted, are for 7th and 8th graders only. Be patient! You’ll be able to participate next year!

Activities run Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3:10-4:20. Activity buses are provided if you need a ride home. Snacks are also provided! If students leave the school building after 3:00, they CANNOT re-enter the building to attend an after-school club.

CREDITS: This presentation template was created by Slidesgo, including icons by Flaticon, and

infographics & images by Freepik.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Low grades on your report card make you ineligible to participate in after-school activities (except for those that help you to improve your studies such as Homework Club). After-school activities can be a lot of fun and a great way to meet other students, but please remember that your grades should be your top priority!

Student Service LearningAs MYP students, we

understand the importance of service

and community engagement. We

demonstrate all ten of the Learner Profile

attributes by engaging in Student Service

Learning.

You must complete a total of 75 hours of Student Service Learning activity to graduate from high

school! MYP students know you

are never too young to help

others!

Read your Student Service Learning Packet or visit http://www.mcps.k12.md.us/departments/ssl/ for more information.

Counseling DepartmentThe Counseling Department is dedicated to helping you academically, socially, and emotionally. Counselors will engage with students at grade level meetings, during counselor led classroom lessons on a regular basis. Some students who need additional support may benefit from small group counseling, which will be offered by counselors or in conjunction with one of our community partners. Parental permission is required for participation in counseling groups.

Below you will find the Counselor Assignments for the 2021-2022 school year.

Outdoor EducationAs MYP students, we seek opportunities to explore the world around us and develop new skills. Outdoor Education is a one-day program that provides on-site, hands-on-environmental education experiences to 6th grade students.

What do the students do while they’re at Outdoor Education? Sixth graders will:

● Study different natural communities, including the forest, field, stream and pond.● Learn to use measuring instruments and to apply their classroom math to real problems.● Learn about the components of a forest community and how they interact. Writing about their experience may be an integral

part of the lesson.● Problem solve in groups through the use of the confidence course.● Use appropriate technology, such as global positioning systems (GPS) in orienteering and digital

cameras to record their experiences. ● Write during journal writing sessions for students to ask questions or record their daily observations

and experiences.● Spend evenings involved in learning opportunities including some stargazing and astronomy, group

activities, campfires, and evening walks,● Enjoy special programs that enhance student’s understanding of the natural world.

Attendance PolicyStudents should be at school by 7:55 a.m. in order for them to have the time to go to their locker and properly prepare for the school day. The first class of the day begins at 8:15 a.m.

● Students not in their assigned seats at the beginning of the period are considered tardy (late). The first class of the day (period 1 or 2) begins at 8:15 a.m. Unexcused tardies lead to missed instruction and lowered grades. Additionally, consequences could include lunch and after school detention.

● Missing or skipping class, unexcused, for more than 20 minutes is considered an unexcused absence.

● Any student who arrives at school after 8:20 a.m., whether the reason qualifies as excused or unexcused, will be considered tardy..

LockersSteps to Opening Your Locker:

1. Clear the combination by spinning the dial a few times.

2. Spin the dial to the right until your reach the 1 st number of your combination. Be careful to make sure you are accurate with the number.

3. Now you are going to spin the dial to the left two rotations to your 2nd number (pass your 2nd number one time before setting your 2nd number).

4. Now spin the dial to the right until you reach your 3rd number. It is important to lightly tug on your locker as you set your 3rd number. (You may need to slowly turn past your 3rd number in order for your locker to open).

BE PATIENT! IT MAY TAKE YOU SEVERAL PRACTICE

Questions???