Why are agendas no longer required like they are in Lower School?

Agendas are required. The Middle School Supply List that is included in the Summer E-Packet will provide suggestions/options for students to choose which agenda they would like. Though teachers provide info on Haiku, students are still expected to write down their assignments.

How many new 7th graders?

How many new students, total?

How many current 6th graders are leaving?

What is the number of girls vs. the number of boys?

What is the total number of students in the 7th grade?

Currently we have 74 students in rising grade 7, and we have 84 students in rising grade 8. Retention in middle school is higher than it’s ever been having increased consecutively for 5 years, currently over 90%.

What is the Middle School doing about bullying among girls and boys?

Mount Vernon does not tolerate bullying. The Middle School years are a critical time where students further develop and question the way in which they interact with each other. Attention is brought to both the positive and negative impact students’ actions have on themselves and others. School wide initiatives such as erase meanness, power over prejudice,  high school students mentoring middle school students, christian education focus on the importance of choosing wisely and making healthy decisions, decreased focus on the term bullying and increased focus on the importance of building relationships and how we treat each other .

My children are new to MVPS…….will there be a time they can meet students at MVPS? A buddy?

Students are paired with grade level peer pal. There are summer gatherings to have your child and his/her peer pal to meet other new students and their peer pals.

What is Advisory?

see MS Experience booklet.

Is there after school supervision for 7th and 8th grades on the Glenn Campus?

While there is no extended play for Grades 7-12, students may report to the Overlook to study with supervision until 6:00 p.m. No cost.

Is there a “Ms. Coe” desk at the M.S. building?

If we have to sign our student out for a doctor’s appointment, where do we go?  

Where do I enter to pick up my child early?

Mel Thomas is the Executive Assistant in the MSAB. If checking your child out early, please come into the MSAB and check out with Mel Thomas. After 3:15 p.m., you need to enter the Upper School building and go to the Media Center and check out with Derek McCloud.

For daily pick up, please follow the carpool procedures.

If it is raining/snowing, where do they go to eat?  Do they still walk on the Glenn Campus?

Where does the 7th and 8th grade eat lunch?

Students in grades 7 and 8 eat in the Glenn Campus cafeteria every day, in the Upper School building. We encourage students to dress appropriately for the weather and bring umbrellas if needed, since they will travel between buildings for lunch.

Why does 7th and 8th grade start earlier than 5th and 6th?

To help carpool flow, the Glenn Campus starts earlier and releases earlier.

With lots of kids in MSAB, how will students/teachers manage space and stuff?

To quote Han Solo, “She may not look like much, but she’s got it where it counts, kid.” Lockers are used to house all book bags and supplies not being used on that day. Athletic bags are housed in 8th Grade locker bay and additional shelving space in restrooms.

What’s great and what’s not great about the 7th and 8th grades being in their own building?

How does 7th and 8th grades interact?

Developmentally it is great due to the fact that Grades 7 & 8 may have different conversations and concerns than Grades 5 & 6. It’s also good to keep them separate from Grades 9-12. Other than a desire for more space, it’s great.

Grades 7 & 8 interact because they are housed  in the same building and have many activities together throughout the year.

Safety in 7th and 8th grade building?

MVPS has a comprehensive Emergency Crisis Management Plan. On a daily basis, teachers supervise students at all times between 7:20 a.m. - 3:15 p.m., including at lunch, recess, and during class changes. We lock the doors to the MSAB after morning carpool and utilize walkie talkies across both campuses for administrators. MVPS employs Sandy Springs police each week to supervise the campus.

Which carpool goes first (Founders Campus vs. Glenn Campus)?

Students in grades 7 and 8 are dismissed at 2:55 p.m., and students in grades K-6 are dismissed at 3:00 p.m. Upper School students are also dismissed at 3:00 p.m. The staggered dismissals helps to control carpool flow.

Technology –

How easy will the access to the eBooks be for parents?

Do all 7th graders use Chromebooks?  If not, how do teachers blend different devices and different apps?

Can students print on campus?

How do I understand all of the online info at school?

How is Chromebook Internet activity monitored?

All students receive their usernames and passwords for their online textbooks at Orientation, and teachers also post information about textbook access on their Haiku webpage.

All students in grades 5-8 use Chromebooks, and teachers incorporate interactive websites and Chrome apps into instruction.

Students are encouraged to print homework assignments and any other necessary work at home.

We will host a Parent University in August to help parents understand how to best utilize technology tools like Haiku and PowerSchool.

Teachers use a program called Hapara to monitor students’ activity online, as well as vigilant supervision. The School also has web filters in place.

What are the academic goals for Middle Schoolers?

see MV Continuum, iPlan17, and mission statement.

How is the curriculum selected?

Teachers and administrators meet in Research and Design teams throughout the year to examine learning outcomes. We compare curriculum from top states and national organizations, then customize for our community.

Specific resources/books are selected with input from professional teachers and administrators.

How will writing be taught in the 8th grade (ex: thesis, essay, term paper, etc)?

8th grade writing will emphasize creative writing, persuasive essays, informative narratives; compare contrast, critiques of articles or journal entries, proposals, pro/con. Strengthening of thesis statements, leads and hooks will improve all forms of writing. Authentic, real-world writing is emphasized.

Which 7th and 8th grade classes are taught in the MSAB and which are taught in the Upper School building?

All core classes, as well as some electives, in grades 7 and 8 are housed in the MSAB. In the Upper School building, students can take PE, art, band, and theater arts electives.

Grade 8 math vs. Algebra?

Can 7th grade take Algebra?

Is 7th grade math like pre-algebra for all students?

What is covered in 7th grade math?

What is the best way to learn math/tutor?

Seventh grade math and eighth grade math focus on a strong pre-algebra foundation, strengthening students’ proportional reasoning skills. Students in advanced 7th grade math gain a strong pre-algebra foundation in one year, positioning them for algebra in the 8th grade.

When do parents get to review the class choices (ex: electives) their child has chosen?

Parents of current MVPS students received a course verification email from Eric Berry, our registrar, in early May. The email includes the list of courses that students are slated to take in the upcoming school year. Students receive their class schedule at Orientation.

Parents and Teens

When is the time to have the sex talk?

Lessons on physical/developmental changes are offered around January in Grades 5 & 6. A letter is sent to parents about a week in advance to give them a head’s up - students may have more questions and parents should be ready.

Topics beyond physical development/changes are left to individual families to decide when and how much to share with students.

The “sex talk” is not a one time event but should be viewed as a series of opportunities  for parents to have meaningful discussions that align with their family values.

Specific recommendations for books and other resources can be obtained from the Director of Counseling.

PE

Is there any way for students to earn the P.E. credit over the summer?

Is there any way for a dance class to be used for P.E. credit?

Can there be a health component added to the 7th and 8th grade?

Great questions! We’re looking into it.

What are performance tasks?

A performance task is a goal-directed assessment exercise, often designed to  It consists of an activity or assignment that is completed by the student and then judged by the teacher or other evaluator on the basis of specific performance criteria.

There are five parts to the G.R.A.S.P. model in each performance task:

Goal - The Goal provides the student with the outcome of the learning experience and the contextual purpose of the experience and product creation.

Role - The Role is meant to provide the student with the position or individual persona that they will become to accomplish the goal of the performance task. The majority of roles found within the tasks provide opportunities for students to complete real-world applications of standards-based content.

Audience - The Audience is the individual(s) who are interested in the findings and products that have been created. These people will make a decision based upon the products and presentations created by the individual(s) assuming the role within the performance task.

Situation - The Situation provides the participants with a contextual background for the task. Students will learn about the real-world application for the performance task

Product - The Products within each task are designed using the multiple intelligences. The products provide various opportunities for students to demonstrate understanding. Based upon each individual learner and/or individual class, the educator can make appropriate instructional decisions for product development.

What can we expect in 8th grade as far as homework load?  7th grade seemed really light due to advisement time used to complete it (which is great).

It depends on the student. Students do use Advisory for homework on some days. 8th grade averages 1-2 hours of homework/study for test/project completion per night.

Will 7th and 8th grade still be able to exempt from finals if they have an “A” average next year?

Final examinations are essential opportunities for all students to apply knowledge and skills learned throughout the semester. Authentic tasks are designed for application, not merely retention of information. All students have the valuable opportunity to demonstrate the ability to transfer the mastery of learning outcomes. Final exams are an important part of Upper School and college readiness; therefore, exemptions in Middle School are not offered. Final exams/end of semester assessments count as 15% of the semester grade.

SS

Is patriotism/citizenship part of the Social Studies curriculum?

7th & 8th Graders take the Conflict and Freedom courses which are based on a US History timeline. This includes patriotism and citizenship. Service Learning is integrated throughout the year across all disciplines - as students partner with an organization in the community they are learning first hand about engaged citizenship. We begin each day with the pledge of allegiance. AP Government is offered as a course in Upper School.

Do the kids have an Advisory teacher?

Yes, each student belongs to an advisory classroom with a teacher.

Are AP courses and Honors courses different?  If so, what are the differences?

Do the AP courses start in the 8th grade or the 9th grade?

How do students qualify for AP courses?

Advanced classes – what subjects? How to apply?

What are requirements for rising advanced math students to stay in A.M.?

What other opportunities are there for gifted students? (ex: Are there creative writing or mathletes competitions?)

AP (Advanced Placement) courses are offered in Upper School, not in Middle School. AP courses are created, owned, and audited by the College Board. Student may take an AP Exam and possibly earn college credit.

Honors courses are offered in Upper School, not Middle School. They are an advanced curriculum. No college credit can be earned. Middle School has advanced courses in Math starting in Grade 6 (Advanced 6th Grade Math or 6th Grade Math). For requirements see MS Experience booklet.

Grades

How should grade concerns be handled with the teacher?  By student?  By parent?

We encourage all of our students to be self-advocates for their learning and go directly to the teacher. Typically that can be worked out between them. If a parent needs to get involved, it is always a great point to go to the teacher first, and address concerns. A brief email is useful to initiate a phone call.

When are the ERB tests scheduled for next year?

ERB testing will occur in April/May of 2016.

Parents and Teens

How are social issues addressed?

There is always an opportunity for parents to have meaningful discussions that specifically address their own children’s issues. The Director of Counseling meets individually with students who bring concerns of their own. Strategies for solving the conflict are always addressed. Social issues are discussed in Christian Ed small groups, as well as at special assemblies.

Foreign Language –

How does changing Foreign Language from 7th to 8th affect student’s path in high school?

Graduation requirements for Upper School students require at least three years of the same world language. Students can earn one year of credit for their middle school world language study if: 1) Students earn an 85 or better all four semesters in grades 7 & 8, and 2) Students continue studying the same language in ninth grade.

Changing world languages at any point in grades 7-12 allows for students to pursue their interests and passions, keeping in mind that in order to graduate, students need at least three years of the same world language.

If a student does poorly on a test, why do teachers not allow for corrections to be made so that 1) student learns the materials and 2) opportunity to receive a more appropriate grade?

It depends on the purpose and design of each specific test, per the teacher. Test analysis is always expected. Corrections and grade changes are at the discretion of the teacher.

Group Work

How can shy students be encouraged to interact more in group projects?

Why is doing group work important?

What if my child is unhappy with a group?  What should I do?

Each student within groups is assigned different “jobs”, ie: timekeeper, scribe, researcher, project manager, etc. All student roles are important to the outcome of the group project. Students are graded individually in groups.

Group work teaches students the importance of working together in order to meet a group outcome and share the jobs within a group. Most professionals frequently work and interact with groups.

Working with students your child may or may not interact with daily teaches students real world situations. If there is a serious problem, discuss with the teacher.

How are real life and social issues brought into the classroom?

If a student has an “issue”, to whom should they go?

Real life and social issues, to some degree are in every novel, history lesson, and/or classroom through the content.

It depends on the issue. See the Dean of Students on either campus, a teacher, or the counselor.

Do you prefer to hear from child or from parent?

At the Middle School level we prefer to hear from the child first, as a self-advocate, and then if the parent needs to get involved.

Are study skills being stressed in the 7th and 8th grades like they are in the 5th and 6th grades?

How can we develop/promote strong study skills?

Yes study skills continue to be an important topic through Grade 8.

Contact Samantha Flowers or Ann Plumer. Reinforce at home the skills that are being taught at school. In the first 3 weeks, all students in Grades 5-8 will have study skills woven into their content classes. Grades 5 & 6 continue with specific 9 week study skill courses throughout the year.

When balancing courses, sports and arts, can deadlines for homework be negotiated?

MVP encourages student participation in sports and the arts. Teachers set completion dates for homework through Haiku pages, so students know  Sunday night at 6:00 p.m. what is coming up for the week, dates and times of tests/quizzes/projects. Learning to balance school work and extra-curricular activities is a life skill learned in middle school and beyond.

How is application of knowledge judged, past just remembering the information?

Application of knowledge is best judged through constructed response assessments or performance tasks. Recall of information is traditionally judged through selected response assessments (ie - multiple choice, true/false, fill in blank, matching, etc.)

How many hands-on, physical learning opportunities are there?

How are students pushed to become more innovative and inquisitive?

As many as possible. Not sure the exact count.

Visible thinking routines prompt student to ask lots of questions (ie - I like, I wish, I wonder, etc.). Presenting students with authentic challenges without initially showing them the prescribed formula or solution. The Innovator’s DNA outlines 5 skills teachers use with students that lead to innovative thinking (questioning, observing, associating, experimenting, networking).

How many students will be in class on average?

The average class size in Grades 5 & 6 is 18:1. Grades 7 & 8 will be 20:1.

Does the Middle School have Wild Life or Young Life?

Currently this group exists in the high school but not at the middle school level at MVPS. If there is enough interest and a faculty sponsor this can happen.

How does the school keep the teachers energized, engaged and informed?

What are some of the challenges that teachers have faced in the M.S.?  How do they overcome those challenges?

Teachers are encouraged to set goals and supported through professional learning opportunities. We meet regularly as teams and we have faculty social events throughout the year.

Teaching is an incredibly rewarding and challenging profession. The challenges are too numerous and complex to list and explain here, but they range from needing more time/space/resources to helping students navigate social and behavioral issues, to many more.

If your child had one teacher in the 7th, can you request a different teacher for the 8th?

Can you request a specific teacher for a class?

While we cannot guarantee teacher requests, we welcome feedback from parents. All of our Middle School teachers are passionate, highly qualified, and dedicated to serving students.

What is the expected timeline for the new building?

Are there plans to build a permanent M.S. building?  If so, what’s the time frame?

When will the new building be built for the M.S./U.S.?

When will the new high school be built?

What are the school’s plans for future expansion?

The Charging Ahead campaign has concluded as of 2015. Discussions are now taking place to design the next academic building. There is no specific timeline in place yet.

Plans are to build a new permanent Upper School building. Middle School will inhabit the current Upper School space.

See Dr. Jacobsen’s recent communication about expanding learning and play spaces.

MVPS is currently working with Wonder, by Design.

Tutorials –

Are there tutorials offered in 7th grade?

Will teachers have set days/times for extra help?

How do students get extra help if they need the help?

Every middle school teacher offers a tutorial, at least one morning a week. Teachers will communicate their tutorial schedules in the first weeks of school. Students are encouraged to attend teacher’s tutorials and seek teacher’s assistance during Advisory as well.

What is the best summer program to prepare for 8th grade?

Our Middle School Summer Learning is designed to engage students with summer reading and math. Based on our learning outcomes, these opportunities will help students review important skills/concepts from the previous year in preparation for the upcoming school year.

How will we be informed about Duke TIP and times to register for tests?

Can we engage with the other Duke TIP parents?

Is there a Book Club/Recommended Readings for Duke TIP?

Parents of students who qualify for the Duke TIP program will receive a letter from Katie Cain in September. The School will also  

Anything like iDiploma available in the M.S.?

How much creativity does a student have in their individual learning? (this question relates to the iDiploma question)

Will M.S. prepare my child for high school and college?

Yes. And then some. That’s what our alumni tell us.

Christian Development –

Is there a particular devotional book that you would recommend for 6th to 8th grade boys?  Something that we can do as a family.

Other than Chapel, what is done to draw students closer to Christ?

We recommend the Seven Checkpoints by Andy Stanley and Stuart Hall.

In addition to Chapel, students meet in small groups for Christian Ed. Mount Vernon has FCA for Middle and Upper School.

We strongly encourage each family to connect with a local church and youth group.

How are students beginning to prepare for U.S., specifically college entrance tests, AP classes, etc?

What opportunities should we seek outside of school to grow portfolio for college?

Everything we do helps to prepare them.

Real world experiences, especially in fields of interest to your student. Jobs, internships, etc.

When do kids start preparing for the SAT?

When they start reading. Students take the PSAT in 9th Grade and the SAT usually in 10th and/or 11th Grade. The Upper School can connect you with SAT prep courses if you are interested.

Will students use Chromebooks through high school?

Once entering Upper School, they have a choice of what laptop they would like to use.

What leadership opportunities are available for 8th grade students?

Tour Guides, Student Council, Clubs, Sports, Power over Prejudice.

Sports

How can students participate in two Spring sports at the same time?

What Sports Teams are available?

Are there “no-cut” sports?

What is the percentage of students that participate in sports?

Do sports teams go to games on a bus or with parents?

Do students tryout for the sports teams?

My child wants to do band and does not want to play a sport.  What are options are there?

Good question for the Athletic Director.

see MS Experience for list of sports

Yes, at least one each semester.

Over 87% of MS students participate.

Usually on a bus. Depends on the sport.

Yes.

Good question for the Fine Arts Director.

What else is available for a student who is not interested in athletics?

What extracurricular activities are available to M.S. students?

What clubs are there?

Clubs.

See MS Experience booklet.

When will Community Service schedules be confirmed and communicated?

It is embedded within each Grade Level through a service learning partnership. Heads of Grade will determine what organization to partner with and when/how students will serve/learn.

Could there be an open gym time after school/weekends to play basketball?

Great idea! Good question for Athletic Director.

Why does there seem to be very little P.E.?

Not sure. From our point of view, there is a lot.

In Grades 5 & 6, students have PE 4-5 days per week and afternoon recess daily.

In Grades 7 & 8, students can opt to take PE as an elective. They have recess daily.

87% of MS students participate in athletics.

Parents and Teens

Speakers and Life Choices

MV has had various inspiring speakers such as Kyle Maynard, John Rosemond, Haley Kilpatrick,  and Mark Crawford, and Jeff Dess.

How do we limit screen time if they are always doing “homework” on the computer?

After they finish homework, have them turn in their laptop to you. You should collect laptops, phones, and all devices at bedtime anyway. Have a single family computer in an open family space in your main living area. Parents control the passwords and access.

How can parents get more involved?  Opportunities for field trips, etc seem very limited in this age group.  Opportunities to get to know the teachers, especially.

See MV Parents Association. MVPS Boosters. Students go on 4-5 field trips per year in Grades 5-6, 3-4 in Grades 7 & 8.

What should parents know about this stage of development?

A lot.

Parent and Teens

With middle school being a difficult time between preteen/teen and parent, how can the school help foster a better relationship?

How should Middle Schoolers evolve emotionally over this time?

How do you keep this age engaged?  Focused?

How much independence should be given to Middle Schoolers?

How do we continue to build confidence and promote individuality?

How do you handle the hormones?

How does M.S. prepare my child for the stresses and balances between school studies and extracurricular activities?

The middle school years involve many changes and often the seem to happen so quickly that parents and teachers cannot even keep up with them. This is in large part due to the hormonal changes that are a part of this developmental stage.

Parents are always invited to meet with the Director of Counseling for strategies that would be helpful for their specific child.

Resources for more reading can be obtained from the Counseling office and the Counselor’s blog.

How do you prepare your child for the stresses and balances between school studies and extracurricular activities?

How much screen time is too much screen time?

There should always be balance in a child’s life. Screen times may vary from family to family and even from day to day. Use your best judgment.

Uniforms –

When are belts truly required?

Why are knee-highs no longer part of dress/school uniform?

Grey shirts?

Belts are a daily uniform requirement. Grey polo shirts are an option to the uniform this year. Trends are moving toward crew socks.

Does MVP M.S. compete in the Reading Bowl?

Not yet, but great idea!

How does the MVP M.S. create a world view of learning?

We prepare all students to be college ready, globally competitive, and engaged citizen leaders- BOOM!

When will the Glenn Campus include all the buildings shown on the campus map?

When the plans are designed and the funding is raised to pay for them.

What efforts are made to draw ALL students into participating on class activities?

Teachers strive to encourage all students to participate, recognizing that the level and manner of participation will vary by student.

What day should we expect homework on Haiku?

Do all teachers engage on Haiku separately?

Sunday at 6:00 p.m. Each teacher has his/her own Haiku page.

 How will Dr. Kytle be involved with the 6th grade?  With math?

She is now the Chief Integration Officer, working with all teachers and administrators. She will work closely with the 6th Grade team. With math, Dr. Kytle will continue to partner with Ms. Struble to enhance the children’s experience and learning progress.

How should we communicate with teachers?

Communication comes in several forms; email, phone, scheduled conferences.  We strongly suggest that communication with parents regarding concerns be conducted at scheduled times so that teachers can give parents their dedicated attention.  Impromptu conversations at carpool, in the hallway, or at school events/parties do not provide the best environment to address parent concerns.

Chromebooks

When do we get Chromebooks?

How do we set Chromebooks up?

Are all books on the Chromebooks?

How do we set Chromebooks up?

 Are all books on the Chromebooks?

See Katie Cain

Will afterschool enrichment math class be offered?  4th Grade had a great one.

MS offers morning tutorials and pull out study groups during the day.

How do you work with a struggling child?

It depends on the nature of the struggle.

Why is 5th grade the start of middle school (x3)?

Developmentally, 5th & 6th Grades are good partner grades, just like 7th & 8th. In the past, MVPS was Lower School K-6. There was too big of a gap between K and 6 for one team to oversee. Having 5-6 offers more continuity from a curriculum standpoint, more age appropriate.

 How is 5th grade harder/easier than the 4th grade?

It’s like going to any other Middle School. Expectations are different. Students change teachers each class period. They have lockers.

How will the students stay organized?

Having an agenda to handwrite assignments, check Haiku daily and emails from teachers, having a gold binder and a blue binder, keep locker organized, have dividers in binders, and so forth.

PE

Do students change clothes and shower after P.E.?

Are boys and girls together in P.E.?

Boys and girls are sometimes together but not for showers, and sometimes separate depending on weather and learning outcomes. Students change shoes, but not clothes.

How will the students ease into understanding what grades mean for tests/work?

They will start with grades on day one. Teachers will help to transition them in the opening days and weeks.

Are there going to be socials?

yes, see MS Experience, dates TBD