Back to School at DMS
Back to School Basics
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What Time Does School Start and End?
- Breakfast begins at 7:45 am
- Homeroom begins at 8:10 am
- 7 blocks/day that rotate
- Dismissal at 2:35 pm
- Late buses at 3:45 pm on Tuesday & Thursday
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Don't Forget Your Summer Work!
Please refer to this website for summer reading and math information for our rising 6th, 7th and 8th grade students.
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Cell Phone Policy Reminder
Students are expected to turn off their cell phones and leave them locked inside their lockers for the duration of the day (as outlined in the student handbook).
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When Do I Get My Class Schedule?
Students will be given a blank copy of the schedule template and will fill in their courses according to the rotating cycle days.
- 7 day rotating cycle
- A/B alternating days
- Trimester grading schedule
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Will We Have Lockers This Year?
Yes, students will once again have lockers assigned to them at DMS.
Students will be given a locker assignment and combination.
There will be extended homeroom time for students find and ractice using their locker.
Students will be expected to keep all bags and electronics, including cell phones in their lockers during the school day.
Important Reminders for Students:
- NEVER give your combo out
- PRACTICE with an old lock at home over the summer.
- You do NOT need to bring a lock in September
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Before & After School Activities
The library is open before and after school for you to check out books or have a quiet place to get work done.
There will be lots of opportunities for you to keep busy after school:
- Homework club - most days until 3:05
- Track/Cross Country
- Drama & musical productions
- Clubs
Listen to homeroom announcements, or read your email announcements daily for updates on what’s happening around school!
There is a late bus on Tuesdays & Thursdays that drops you at your elementary school.
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How and When Should I Drop Off My Medications to the Nurse?
Students can drop off their medications to the nurse the first week of school (as soon as possible!) Any medications should be clearly labeled and packaged for the nurse.
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How do I contact Guidance? What does Guidance do?
Guidance is where you can go for scheduling class questions, help with friends/social situations, and to check in.
- If you are Grade 6 or Grade 7 (A-K), Ms. Pedersen is your counselor and can be reached at: epedersen@dedham.k12.ma.us
- If you are Grade 8 and Grade 7 (L-Z), Mr. Quaranto is your counselor and can be reached at: kquaranto@dedham.k12.ma.us
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Will there be a Back to School Night this year?
The format is still being determined - but DMS Back to School Night will be
- Oct 7, 2021 @7 pm
Welcome 6th Graders!
Helpful Information for New DMS Students
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I need help with my Chromebook, please!
Students will be assigned a Chromebook through DPS. Technology fees should be paid (online if possible) and students will be given their Chromebook within the first week of school.
Any assistance needed with your Chromebook? (Is it not turning on? Not charging? Login trouble?) Contact Julie Morrison in the media center at jumorrison@dedham.k12.ma.us - or if you are in the building, you can head down to see her!
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How much Homework will I have? What do I do if I can’t get it all done?
Typically, teachers assign homework daily for about 20-30 minutes per subject. This isn’t always the case! If you feel as though you are struggling to get it done, arrange for a time with your teacher to stay after school to get some extra help and get back on track. Are you at home and in the middle of trying to get it done, and you are stuck? Send a quick note to your teacher (via email) to let them know you are struggling and then speak with them the next day.
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What are Team Leaders?
- On each team, there is one staff member that acts as the “point person.” This point person is a part of the group that works closely with administration in order to help make school decisions and communicate amongst staff and students.
- Newbury: Colleen Jordan
- Beacon: Lauren Savery
- Tremont: Carolynne Noel
- Copley: Pam Murray
- Commonwealth: Arielle Gorden
- Boylston: Sean Bowles
- Unified Arts: Courtney Teixeira
- World Language:Annie Murphy
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When Will I Have Unified Arts and Elective Classes?
Unified Arts:
Every Other Day for 1 Trimester
- Art
- Music
- Technology
- Tech/Engineering
Wellness:
- PE: Every other day for year
- Health: Everyday for 1 Trimester
Electives:
Every Other Day for 1 Trimester
- Art: Drawing & 3D Sculpture
- Music: Music Production & Drama
- Technology: Coding & Word Processing
- VITAL: Voice & Influence Towards Action Leadership
- Band (year-long)
- Chorus (year-long)
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How is Middle School Different?
How is middle school different?
- 4 elementary schools merge
- Team structure
- 7 blocks/day - lots of different teachers!
- Lunch in a cafeteria
- Online progress reports & report cards
- Chromebooks that travel!
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Summer Work Reminder for 6th Graders!
Math & English work has been assigned for the summer!
- This will be your first grades of 6th grade so make sure to complete assignments!
- Don’t wait until the last minute to get work done, make a schedule over the summer
- Practice your math facts!!
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Any Helpful Tips From Students?
Last year, one of the elementary PTOs requested a list of tips and tricks on being a middle school student. In collaboration with our guidance department and team leaders, we created this short list.
Grade 5 Tips/Tricks to Being a Middle Schooler
- Buy a combination lock over the summer and practice opening it to help with locker combos.
- Buy a clear water bottle, preferably the DMS School Store model, to help stay hydrated
- Complete your summer work early!
- Stock up on school supplies when they are on sale.
- Stay after school with your teachers- they’ll be able to help you and you’ll get to know them better.
- Find a homework “to do” system that works for you: writing it down, bookmarking the team website, creating a checklist. Get in the habit of checking it daily!
- Find a place in your home to charge your Chromebook.
And don’t worry...DMS is a community of caring adults ready to support you in your transition! You’re going to love middle school!
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Will I Be With My Friends From 5th Grade?
Four schools become one in September!
- Not all your elementary school friends will be in your classes or on your team … that’s okay! Now is an amazing time to meet new people and form new friendships
- Elective and specials classes will be cross teamed, so you will see your non-team friends during those blocks and at lunch
- Be open to meeting new people! We get lots of new students from outside Dedham in the 6th grade. Please welcome all students and get to know them!
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How Does The Rotating Class Schedule Work?
- Students are given their schedule on the first day of school
- Students are assigned to either the Beacon team or the Newbury team
- Teams consist of subject teachers: English, math, social studies & science
The goal of the team model is to allow students to get to know their teachers well and form relationships with a mix of students from each elementary school as well as new students enrolling in DMS.
Team classes are located in the 6th grade wing. All classrooms are nearby and each team splits one half of the hallway.
The Schedule:
- Days alternate A and B
- First block of the day coincides with which cycle day it is (ex. On day 3B, the first block of the day is 3)
- All classes meet each day for 45 minutes with 2 minutes passing time between classes
- Core classes are on team. Elective and special classes are mixed Beacon and Newbury students
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I Don't Know Where I'm Going?
On the first day of school your homeroom teachers will be taking 6th Graders on a tour of the building.
In between classes, staff will be in the hallways to help direct you to the right class.
Get a sneak peek inside the building:
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Will I Get a Gym Locker Too?
Gym lockers will be assigned and students will be expected to change clothes for Phys Ed each class.
