6th Grade Parent Letter 2013-2014 - JC McKenna Middle School

Robert Flaherty, Principal
J.C. MCKENNA MIDDLE SCHOOL
307 South First Street, Evansville, WI 53536
www.ecsdnet.org
Jane Sperry, Admin. Asst.
608-882-3302 608-882-3300
flahertyr@evansville. k12.wi.us
sperryj@evansville.k12.wi.us
August 8, 2013
Dear 6th Graders,
Evansville and J.C. McKenna Middle School is a great place to live, learn, and enjoy!
Each year we all get a “fresh start” and students are often highly motivated to have a
great year. As we re-new old friendships and start a new year, let us all pledge to work
together to make a great school even better and to help students reach the high
expectations they set for themselves at the start of the school year.
Middle school is all about making transitions and adapting to new environments.
Research shows that middle school students are in a period of social, emotional, and
physical change that will surpass any other period in their future life. This change
happens to every student and it is our obligation as a learning community to help
students adjust to these changes and to reassure them that change is a necessary,
exciting, and enjoyable part of life.
The faculty, staff and administration of JC McKenna Middle School are here to support
students and families and answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding
the middle school and the opportunities we have available for students.
I look forward to seeing all of you at the Middle School Open House/6 th Grade
Orientation on August 29, 2013 from 5:30 - 7:00 PM. All 6 th graders will report to
the auditorium at 5:30 PM for a brief introduction to our school. I hope you are as
excited as we are to have you join us at the middle school. Just to help answer a few
questions you might have regarding the start of school, I thought I would answer a few
common questions or concerns that students often have.
Can I visit the school before the first day of school
Of course! A few days before the start it is not uncommon to have some 6th graders
visit the school and make sure they know were their first class will be held. If parents
feel it would be helpful to meet with me personally with their child, I would be happy to
do so. Please contact Jane Sperry at the middle school office to make an appointment
(882-3300). All hallways will be open by August 13th, if you would like to come in and
walk through the school.
I am nervous about coming to the middle school!
As people go through change in their life, it is normal to feel nervous. Just remember
that every student is new to the middle school at some point and they all learn how to
be middle school students together. You are going to have a great first day and the
teachers have never lost a 6th grader yet! The staff at J.C. McKenna want you to have
a great first day and you can ask them for help at anytime.

Where do I report the first day of school
School starts at 7:50 AM on September 3, 2013 . All students will meet on the
playground in the back of school before the start of each day. The first bell will ring at
7:40 AM. Sixth grade students will be greeted by their Team Time teacher on the
playground the first day of school and enter the building via door number six. In
addition, school ends at 3:05 PM.
I have not had a locker in the past...how does the locker work
Each student will be assigned a locker by their teachers. The students will be provided
with a combination lock from school. You will have time to practice with their locks after
you meet you teachers during open house. It will not take long for you to get the hang
of opening your lock and you might want to practice with a lock you may have at home.
All basic combination locks work the same way so all you have to do is become
comfortable with numbers. Parents, we do make accommodations for students who
may have difficulty with the locks so please speak to the office or a teacher if you need
an accommodation.
Do I have to walk in the halls with 8th graders
Yes you do. However, most of your classes are in the 6th Grade wing of the building
and you won’t have to walk far. In addition, your teachers will help you navigate the
halls. It is our experience that most of the 6th graders like the freedom of walking
between classes without being escorted by teachers. If you have any concerns, please
talk to your teachers.
How does lunch work at the middle school
Sixth grade lunch period is from 10:55 – 11:25 AM in the cafeteria. Each grade level
has a different lunch period that lasts thirty minutes. Students can eat food from the hot
lunch line, from the ala cart line, or bring cold lunch. After eating, when the weather is
good students play outside. If the weather is too cold or rainy, students get an
opportunity to use the gym.
Our student handbook will soon be available on the school website; this is another tool
that will help answer questions you may have.
See you at Open House!
Sincerely,
Mr. Flaherty