Incoming 6th Grade Information
Welcome to Folsom Middle School
We know Middle School is a big transition for you and your child. This is the time your child will be gaining more independence and bigger responsibilities in life and in their education. Your child will be going from one teacher to 6 and gaining skills that will carry them through adulthood such as time management, organization, problem solving as well as learning more about themselves with resiliency and accountability. In order to make this the best experience for both of you, the following are some suggestions that have been very helpful to many families.
Counselor suggestions for parents/students:
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Get involved in your child's school and receive up-to-date information by joining PTO.
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Familiarize yourself with Folsom Middle School by perusing the school website for information about the school, rules, expectations, school calendar, etc… https://www.fcusd.org/fms
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Create Power School Parent Portal login – check your child’s grades by logging into Power school. This gives you access to overall grades, assignments, missing assignments, attendance, test scores, and more.
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Grades are posted online through Power School and this is how you will be notified of your child’s grades. Please monitor grades with your child so they understand the importance of earning good grades and provide support when needed.
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Counselors will begin meeting with students when progress grades are posted and if there are any grade deficiencies (D's/F's) at progress time. We will discuss strategies for improving grades, organizational skills, note-taking, test taking, and communicating with their teachers. Students may request to see their counselor anytime to discuss personal, social, or academic concerns.
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Using a Planner - students need to write all assignments, tests/quizzes, projects, etc.. in their planner on a daily basis to help with organization and time management skills.
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If there are no assignments, students should write “No Homework” or “N/A (not applicable)” so it doesn’t look like they forgot to write anything for that day.
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Create a “Homework” folder - this folder can be used to place all “Homework to be Completed” in the right side pocket and once completed, move the papers to the left side pocket titled "Completed" to be turned in when the assignment is due.
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Check teacher websites for assignments, course syllabus, classroom rules, expectations and teacher email address.
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Questions or Concerns about a class - If you have any concerns about a class, assignments, grades, etc. the first step in addressing these concerns is to contact the teacher directly as they are the ones with the gradebook.
Folsom Middle School has a multi-step process for resolving student/parent concerns:
1. Please email the teacher directly and schedule a meeting as they have firsthand knowledge of what is happening in their class.
2. If, after that meeting, your concern has not been resolved, please contact your child’s counselor. The counselor will schedule a parent/student/teacher meeting to assist in resolving concerns.
3. If, after the meeting with the counselor, the concern persists, please contact the Vice Principal (Mr. Acosta for students with the last name beginning with A-K; Mr. Bose for students with the last name beginning with L-Z)
4. And lastly, if the Vice Principal is not able to resolve your concern, please contact Dr. Daniels, Principal.
***All email addresses are on the school website.***
Counselors are available to meet with students to discuss academic, social and emotional concerns.
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Students may drop in before school, during lunch, or after school to see if their counselor is available OR they may go to the main office and fill out a “Counselor Meeting Request” form and the Counselor will send a pass at their earliest convenience.
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Parents – Please email your child’s counselor if you have any questions or concerns.