Welcome to middle school!  Your journey through sixth grade will be a totally new experience for you.  Right away you will learn to unlock your combination lock on your locker, grab the right books, and get to your next period class in a matter of minutes.  With determination, you will meet the challenges presented by each of your teachers and master the rigorous work that must be completed daily.  Before you realize it, the school year will almost be over, and you will be bold enough to ask your teachers to clarify assignments and confident enough to know that you can successfully conquer almost anything. 

    Many sixth grade students are very concerned about making new friends.  During the first few weeks of school you will enjoy “welcoming” and “ice-breaker” activities in all of your classes.  Your teachers will encourage you to exchange phone numbers and e-mail addresses of “class buddies.”  You can then contact your new classroom friends to chat about middle school life or to ask questions about homework assignments. 

     During the first month of school, you will learn to stay organized and to manage your time efficiently.  Teachers will suggest many tips on how to successfully accomplish these skills.  For example, you should always write your homework assignments legibly in the right area in your assignment book.  Long term assignments and tests should be highlighted.  Every evening, after you do your homework, “check off” the completed assignments and properly place your work in the right section of your binder.  Your parents can help you in your studies by reviewing your assignment book regularly and establishing a home routine for organizing and completing the assigned work.