The Transition Between Elementary and Secondary School

Welcome to Sixth Grade…

The transition into sixth grade is a big step in many ways! The changes include everything from academic to social and physical. The faculty and staff at CPCS are here to partner with parents and students to make this transition as smooth as possible.

Academics

The goal of the middle school academic program is to prepare students for the rigors of the high school curriculum. In the areas of math and science, students will have the choice of two levels of college prep: non-honors and honors. Emphasis is placed on organization and study skills, along with developing proper social interaction.
In addition to the core academic classes, most students will follow a wheel rotation in the following subjects: Spanish, Drama, Computer and Health. Students will have the opportunity to participate in Band and Choir. All students will take physical education.

Athletics

CPCS offers a variety of sports each season. All students are encouraged to get involved!

• Fall: Soccer, Volleyball, Golf, and Cross Country
• Winter: Basketball, Cheerleading
• Spring: Baseball, Softball, Tennis

Other Notes

Uniforms change in the 6th grade. Please refer to the handbook for specifics regarding the uniform policy. Our uniform provider is Educational Outfitters located on Hillsborough Avenue in Tampa.

The school day begins at 7:45 a.m. and ends at 3:15 p.m. Students are permitted to be in the lunchroom from 7:00 a.m. until the bell rings at 7:40 a.m. At that time they may come into the hall and go to their lockers and bathroom. Students must be in their homerooms by 7:45 a.m. when the bell rings. Dismissal is at 3:15 p.m. and students should be picked up by 3:30 p.m. If a parent cannot pick up a student by then, arrangements need to be made through the administrator/principal for after care supervision.

Our students enjoy chapel once a week. Pastors, missionaries, colleges, and special groups are invited to share with our students. We enjoy a time of praise and worship and prayer. Parents are always welcome to attend chapel.

In Good Company

Middle school is a hard time of transition. Many parents get frustrated with the attitudes coming from their students during these years. Know that you are in good company! Please keep in mind that this time in your child’s life is temporary and can be the best time of all when it is kept in perspective. It is an opportunity for instruction, growth and development. Please remember that the door is always open in the Guidance Department. We would love to help you in any way possible!

Change on all Fronts

Your child is going through change in every aspect of their life!

• Location
• Class Changes
• Academics
• Independence
• Physical
• Social

Location Changes

Instead of being part of the elementary, the 6th graders have moved upstairs. This may be a little frightening to some students. Students adapt quickly to using a locker (working a combination lock), changing classes and having different teachers for each subject.

Class Changes

Each class in the secondary school is 54 minutes in length. Students then have 5 minutes between classes to get their books, use the restroom and be in their next class. Most middle school classes are held on the second floor of the Kindergarten building.

Academic Changes

Students in middle school are required to have the designated assignment book to document daily homework. It is the student’s responsibility to write down and keep track of homework.

Each teacher has his/her own policy regarding late homework assignments. Please contact the teacher directly if you have a question. All lesson plans or homework assignments are posted on Edline at the beginning of each week.

Independence Changes

Students are becoming independent of their parents and learning to do more and more for themselves. While parents were once confidants and the most influential force in their children’s lives, peers have now become an important influence. You can help your child by encouraging him/her to learn to cope with these changes, make the transition into adolescence, work on interpersonal skills, adjust to peer group changes and peer pressure, develop personal interests and abilities, and gain a sense of responsibility for one’s own behavior. Another change is when the student begins developing a sense of self. The student will begin to discover who he is outside of his parents. Your child must be reminded that you love them and God loves them and you only want what is best for their life.

Physical Changes

With puberty come emotions. It’s not easy being a kid; be patient with your child and encourage him/her through their developmental changes.

Social Changes

What’s “cool” can change in a matter of minutes or in the time span of one middle school conversation. No one can explain it, but all of a sudden, it is not considered “cool” to be smart. We know that is not true, but smart and talented students sometimes pretend that they are not so smart and talented. Also, many times, students who have been friends forever suddenly drift apart. This can happen because they develop different interests, like sports, or some decide to simply try a different social group. This change can prove difficult for many students. The soccer player may decide he no longer likes soccer, or the singer may decide she wants to try something new. The good news is this time in life doesn’t last forever. All your child needs and wants is love, support, discipline and consistency.

Please know that it is our joy at CPCS to partner with parents to help your child through this transition. We love our students; we love our school families, and we are committed to seeing all students grow and develop into all they are meant to be in the Lord.