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March: A Time of Transition

March is an important month in our elementary school calendar.  It is a time when we welcome new parents to kindergarten for the 2012-13 year and at the same time, prepare 5th graders and their parents for the transition to middle school in 2012-13.

Below is a letter from Dave Powers,  principal at Baldwin Middle school.  This letter is for all parents of 5th graders who will be 6th graders next year.

March 2012

Dear Fifth Grade Parents:

It is time to begin the process of welcoming your child to Baldwin Street Middle School and planning for this new world that is sixth grade. Whether they have older siblings who have been at BMS before or not, your student will encounter this transition in his or her own unique way, and we aim to make it a positive experience.

We are excited about the transition activities in store for you and have quite a program set up to make both you and your child comfortable with the change that awaits. The process gets under way on Thursday, March 22,when we welcome all incoming sixth graders to Baldwin Street Middle School for a special visit. The schedule is as follows:

• 10:45 • 10:50

• 11:30 • 12:00 • 12:30 • 12:45

Students arrive at BMS and report to the gym.

Students will be introduced to our Middle School with a video and PowerPoint presentation. There will be noprinted information going home with students on this day.

Concert featuring 6th Grade band, Choir, and Orchestra.

Music Aptitude Survey administered in the music rooms.

Tour of the building.

Lunch! Students are encouraged to buy lunch in our cafeteria/lunch program. Specifics for purchasing lunch will be sent home with students on Friday, 3/16.

• 1:30 In addition, you will want to make note of the following important dates regarding the transition to middle school:

• 4/10-12

• 4/18 & 4/19

• 4/27 • 4/30 • Mid-August • Early Sept.

*Middle School Music Staff visit elementary buildings for instrument fittings. *Middle School Counselors visit to answer questions, hand out Course Selection/Enrollment sheets for

parents to fill out and sign. “Getting Ready for 6thGrade” brochures are also sent home.

7:00 p.m. – Instrumental Music Parent Meetings (4/18 at BMS and 4/19 at RMS — parents may attend either meeting). Details to follow from the Music Department.

Students return Course Selection/Enrollment sheets to their 5th grade teachers.

7:00 p.m. – Sixth Grade Orientation for BMS parents and students. Student schedules will be mailed.

Students board buses and return to the elementary schools.

BMS will be open for those wishing to visit. Dates and times to follow as set by District. We hope you will find this information helpful. Please feel free to call should you have questions (669-7750).

Sincerely,

Dave Powers, Principal

Baldwin Street Middle School 

3835 Baldwin Street Hudsonville, MI 49426 

(616) 669-7750