Reports, guides, handbooks Middle school registration guide 2020-21 | Page 4

Make Your Mark Welcome to middle school! Starting middle school is a time of great excitement, growth and discovery. Most students look forward to middle school because it means they are growing up and gaining independence. We recognize this and work hard to make sure your student will feel comfortable making connections with other students and staff and navigat- ing a larger school building. We want your child to feel at home when she or he joins our school in the fall. IN MIDDLE SCHOOL Where Everybody Belongs Every middle school in the Anoka-Hen- nepin School District has programming designed to help students feel comfort- able throughout their middle school years. Where Everybody Belongs [known as WEB] trains eighth grade student leaders to welcome sixth grade students to the school. WEB leaders help new students learn skills, such as how to use their plan- ners, how to organize their schoolwork and how to get from class to class. They help students learn about what it takes to be successful in middle school. Helping all students succeed • English Learners [EL] programs are available for students who are learning English. • Special Education services are available for students with special needs. • Before and after school programs are available for students who need help with homework or help understanding their coursework. • A variety of support staff is available to meet social and emotional needs of students. 2 Curriculum The middle school curriculum is designed to meet the interests and abilities of students. • Student test scores and teacher recommendations are used to assign students to English Language Arts [ELA], mathematics, and science courses that are appropriate for their individual achievement levels. • Students whose skills are significantly above grade level in reading and writing may be assigned to Advanced ELA [grades 6, 7, or 8]. • Students who perform significantly above grade level in reading and writing may be assigned to upper-level mathematics courses which can offer individually-paced instruction and they may earn high school credit. • Students who perform significantly above grade level may be assigned by test scores and recommendations to advanced science courses. • Students performing below grade level in math and/or reading may be assigned to additional math and/or reading support courses. Advisement periods The advisement period is similar to a homeroom. A group of students meet daily with a teacher or other staff member who is their advisor. A variety of activities are planned during this period: • Teachers monitor student academic progress and may check homework logs. • Students have time for reading, academic enrichment, academic intervention, social emotional activities and career exploration. Middle School Registration Guide