WELCOME TO COURSE

SELECTION NIGHT FOR

INCOMING 6TH GRADERS
for 2010 - 2011
AGENDA
 Welcome
 Purpose of meeting
 DMS Program of Studies
 6th grade classes
 Math
 Placement Review process
 The Middle School schedule
 After School Activities
 X2 and the student portal
 Process
 Timeline
 How To Use X2
 Importance of Course Selection
 Summer Work
 WEB
 How you can help
DMS PROGRAM OF STUDIES
 http://www.duxbury.k12.ma.us/dms.html

 Hard copies are available through the DMS main office.

WHAT A 6TH GRADER TAKES
 English
 Reading
 Writing
 Math
 Accelerated Math 6
 Math 6
 Social Studies
 Science
 Health
 Art
 Physical Education
 World Language (French, Latin, or Spanish)
 Music (band, chorus, orchestra)
6TH GRADE MATH
 There are 2 math courses:
 Accelerated Math 6 and
 Math 6
 Grade 5 teacher’s recommendation can be found on your
child’s X2 student portal
 Think about your student’s learning style to get the best
match
 The choice is for the whole year
 There is no tracking
 Students can change levels in later years
 All students can progress to all higher level math courses
in middle school and high school
PLACEMENT REVIEW PROCESS
If you disagree with your child’s math recommendation
you must follow the Placement Review Process

 Refer to the Program of Studies to see how math

placement is determined.
 Contact the teacher to discuss the recommendation.
 Contact Alden guidance for Placement Review
paperwork.
 Please read this document very carefully.
 The completed Placement Review Form will be due to
the DMS Office by March 26th.
 The parent/guardian/student request will be honored, upon completion of
this process, if submitted before March 26th.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
 Learning Center
 Math Skills

Must be recommended by your special education liaison

and on the IEP.
6TH GRADE SCHEDULE

oWe are on a 7 day

rotating schedule
oWe have 5 blocks a day
oIt’s really easy…for the
kids
oTeachers help students
until everyone is familiar
with the building and the
schedule
AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
 Teachers are available for extra help
 Co-curricular program with lots of choices

 Newspaper, drama, homework club, community service

and lots more
 More information in the fall!
COURSE SELECTION
PROCESS/TIMELINE
 March 16: Student assemblies to introduce new process
 March 16: Parent information night to introduce the new
process
 March 17 - 26: Parents and students login to the X2
student portal to make course selections.
 Allposts must be completed by 3/26.
 Any families interested in beginning the placement review
process must obtain and return the proper paperwork to the
DMS Guidance office by 3/26.
PROCESS/TIMELINE CONT.
 April– Copies of each students course selection sheet
sent home for review and parent signature.
 April thru August – DMS schedule for 2010-2011 being
built
 Late August – Student schedule info sent home
X2 AND THE STUDENT PORTAL
 Why?
 Streamlinedsystem
 Record keeping
 Convenience

 What now?
 Review the Program of Studies
 Course Selection online – the Student Portal.
 All posts must be completed by Friday, March 26 th.
HOW TO USE X2
 Course selection packet sent home with students
 Login information
 How to navigate through X2

 DMS Course Selection FAQs.

 Logging In to X2
 http://www.screencast.com/users/smrshannon/folders/Jing/me
dia/fcb0c82f-f017-4d15-b734-67752bd994a3

 Making Selections
 http://www.screencast.com/users/smrshannon/folders/Jing/me
dia/a8a06baa-8a3f-43e6-ba76-52cd6196f4c2
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE COURSE
SELECTION PROCESS
 Please take this process seriously.
 You should have an honest talk with your child about
whether he/she wants to take Art or Music next year.
 Courses are run based on numbers.

 By selecting your elected courses, you are agreeing to

participate in these classes for the entire school year.
 Changes will not be permitted to your selections after
March 12th.
 Guidance Counselors will not switch your elected
courses in the Fall.
STUDENT & PARENT VISITS TO DMS
 All grade 5 students will be visiting in June
 They will tour the building with student leaders
 Parents will be invited for an “Tour the School” evening
in June with WEB Leaders
SUMMER
 DMS Community Read
 DMS Summer Math Packets
WEB
 Where Everyone Belongs
 Mr. Corbin and Ms. Perchase
HOW PARENTS CAN HELP
 Be positive with your student ~ Middle School is
exciting!
 Partner with us, we value and want your input and
feedback
 Consider being involved in the PTA or School Council
 Feel free to be in touch with any questions