Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The administration of the Easton Area Middle School traditionally schedules a series of event during the month of May in order to introduce our incoming 6th grade students and their parents to our staff, to the school building, and to school procedures. Unfortunately, the restrictions imposed by the Coronavirus pandemic has prompted us to identify more creative avenues to familiarize our grade 6 class for the 20-21 school year with the exciting days that lie ahead for them. Please be assured that nothing…no virus, no social distancing, stay-in-place mandates can impact our enthusiasm as we await the arrive of our new class. In fact, we miss our children so much that we are even more excited to rejoin all of our children as soon as we are able to do so safely. In the meantime, we have provided this page to answer some questions that typically appear in our meetings.
At the end of the FAQ section is a section entitled “Parking Lot” in which you may pose questions or concerns that we may have overlooked. Dr. Symia will check this document several times a week in order to provide responses.
We did not have a tour of the school this year. How will I know where to go the first day?
A virtual tour of the building will be available on this website very shortly. In addition, you will receive a copy of your schedule, with your homeroom teacher’s name and the classroom number, before we return to school building next year. That date of return has not yet been established because of the pandemic restrictions. Your teachers will be outside the schools with signs with their names. Look for your teacher’s name and he/she will escort you into the building and your classroom.
What happens when I enter through the doors in the morning?
We divide our bus locations between the auditorium entrance and the cafeteria entrance to the school. When you enter, you will scan your ID into the Scholar Chip machine. This machine is another part of our plan to keep everyone safe by identifying people who do not belong in our school.
You will then proceed to the breakfast tables set up by our Whitson’s cafeteria staff. You will pick up a choice of breakfast items at this location and take them to your homeroom where you will at your breakfast while you watch our morning show with all important school announcements.
What happens if I am unable to open my locker?
We plan to have members of the National Junior Honor Society available to help our grade 6 students learn how to open their lockers. It is not hard and there will be many people…your teachers, school counselors, Principals, and custodians …available to help you during the first weeks to get you accustomed to your new school.
Why does my ID have to be worn at all times?
Your ID must be worn at all times as part of our plan to keep all the members of our EAMS community safe by ensuring that there no one, other than our staff and students, is in the building. The ID, which is worn by every child and adult, identifies you as a member of your class. You will receive a school issued lanyard to display your ID. Each grade level has a different lanyard color so that we may identify the class to which you belong. Grade 6 lanyards will be red this year.
When will I receive my ID?
Your ID is to be worn at all times once you receive your ID. We will use your picture from last year until we are able to have Christmas City to come to school to photograph you, once the pandemic restrictions are lifted and we are able to return to our school building.
What will my schedule be?
There are nine periods everyday. You will begin your day with a 10 minute homeroom period during which you will view the “Good Morning, EAMS!” show on your ipads. Your homeroom teacher will take attendance at this time.
Every grade 6 student will have an Advisory period during period one everyday. You will receive skill development in the following areas: Digital Citizenship ; Second Step Social Emotional; STEM activities; Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support; curricular support. Students in Band, Orchestra, and Chorus will have those classes scheduled during this period on designated days of the week. Students and teachers prepare for our International Festival during Advisory periods in November.
You will have double periods each of Math and ELA. You will have a period of History and one for Science. One period will be dedicated to your Specials rotations and one period for lunch.
What are the Specials rotations?
You will have 7 rotations that consist of 30 days each. You will 30 day classes of the following:
Library; Art; Music; Computer Ed; Tech Ed; and two rotations of Health and Physical Education.
Where will I sit in the cafeteria if I do not know anyone?
There will be tables assigned to each grade level. Many members of your team will attend lunch with you and be seated on the same tables or nearby. You may have friends from your elementary school at lunch also. You may choose your seat on these grade level tables. After the first two weeks, the seat you choose will be your seat for the year.
Do all students receive free breakfast and lunch?
Yes, every student in the school receives free breakfast and lunch
What should I do if I need to go to the Nurse, the Guidance Office, grade 6 Office, or any other place in the school?
You will need to sign out of the classroom and receive a pass from your teacher before you are allowed to go to other locations in the school. We try to limit the movement throughout the school when classes are in session so that we ensure that everyone is safe and supervised.
What if I forget the rules and make a mistake?
Mistakes are a critical component of the learning process. We don’t want you to make the mistake, but we are smart enough to recognize that they do happen to everybody…child and adult. We try very hard to create a safe learning environment for our children…an environment in which they can learn safely and an environment in which, if they do make a mistake, we can teach and model the proper behavior so that the children safely learns appropriate behavior.
Why should I do if I feel overwhelmed, sad, or anxious while I am here?
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU AND BECAUSE OF YOU!
Every adult in our building has committed him/herself to helping you to feel safe and comfortable while you work towards your goals. Your teachers and counselors are available to help you through any tough times. We also have Communities in Schools counselors in our school to help you to meet your goals.
What is a School-wide Positive Behavior Support System?
We have great expectations for your success. Our SWPBS is a system in which we teach, model, and recognize appropriate behavior with Rover Bucks. There is a menu in every homeroom which lists all of the incentive awards you may attain with your Rover Bucks.
PLEASE CONNECT WITH THIS LINK
TO OUR “PARKING LOT” WHERE YOU WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY
TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS THAT ARE NOT DISCUSSED HERE