(copy) WMS Orientation Issue Fall '22

Fall 2022

Beaver Bugle Orientation

a special edition for incoming sixth graders to Wood Middle School

Alameda, CA

Differences Between Elementary School and Middle School

How to Open Your Locker

In elementary school, teachers might be a bit more lenient and forgiving; but in middle school, teachers trust and expect you to do all of your work. They might cut you slack at first but they will pressure you into completing assignments. You will also have more work to do. Teachers expect you to use class time wisely to complete classwork and structure time outside of school to get homework done. Usually, teachers will limit your homework so you have one hour a night for all your classes.
All students have the same schedule: no split recesses or lunches. Actually, there will be no recess at all. You will have a 3-minute passing to get to your next class. There will likely be a large number of students and you’ll get to meet new people.
Lastly, you won’t have a desk to keep all of your belongings. In middle school you will a locker. Use it.

In conclusion, there are many differences between elementary school and middle school. The transition between the two may feel stressful at first but soon you will not notice at all.

by Hannah

Welcome to Wood! Need tips on how to survive your first year here? You’ve found the right place! In this article, you will get tips and tricks on how to be organized.

Being organized is important. When you're organized, you can find things quicker and more easily. Here are some tips to stay organized:
--Try to keep your backpack and locker free of loose papers and unnecessary objects.
--Have a homework folder/notebook for each subject.
--Have a pencil pouch in your backpack to hold writing utensils.

If you need help opening your locker you can ask a teacher or a friend. Sometimes, things like this happen:
--The lock gets stuck.
--You put the code in wrong (It happens. A lot.).
--The door to the locker gets stuck.
If any of the above happens to you, don’t worry! It isn’t the end of the world, all you have to do is go to a teacher or friend who can help you. Most teachers will be understanding and cut you some slack.

Make sure to get to class on time. If you think you're running late you can walk quickly to class.
Here is how to prevent getting late to class:
--Organize your belongings before school starts.
--Get your needed items before it’s time to go to class (especially if you have to climb multiple floors).
--You can not use your locker at all (not recommended).

We hope you found this article helpful! Enjoy your time here at Wood!

By Alexandra & Christen

The transition between elementary school and middle school can be very different. Especially when you go from having one 1 teacher for all of your classes to having a different teacher for each subject. There are many such differences between elementary and middle school and it can take a while to get adjusted.

Differences and ways to handle the change:
In elementary school, you have one teacher for music, another for PE, and another for the rest of your classes. In middle school, you will most likely have a teacher for every different subject. Speaking of classes, in middle school you take English, history, math, science, PE, an elective, and Life Skills. In 6th grade, you choose between beginning band and wheel for your elective. Typically, if you choose wheel, your class rotates every trimester between art, drama, engineering, and environmental science. In 7th and 8th grade, you choose between drama, engineering, beginning band, concert band (you will have to have taken beginning band before this), art, and advanced art (you will have to have taken art in 7th grade). Life Skills are classes that also change every trimester, you’ll have the option of taking classes like Intro to Financial Literacy, Journalism, Chess, Knitting, and many others.

Middle School Life

"Go out and talk to people at the beginning of the school year, so you can make friends and have someone to sit with at lunch." - Carly

page 2

Middle School Essentials

by Isaac

In middle school, it is usually expected for you to bring your own school supplies. They're not much different from elementary school supplies, so you won’t have to break a sweat over finding them.

1. pencils and a good pencil sharpener
--If you lend a pencil or it breaks, you have to make sure that you have alternatives. There are many classrooms that have terrible pencil sharpeners or don’t have any at all, so you’ll need a sharpener for sure.

2. binder
--Multiple classes require these because they help you organize documents from class to class. They also prevent your homework from getting ripped.

3. notebooks
--All teachers require notebooks, but they may say that they prefer composition over spiral. They can be hard to find at times, but a good rule of thumb would be to buy the cheapest one.

4. highlighter
--Teachers might provide highlighters, but it is better to have one of your own.

5. an eraser
--necessary for math for sure!

Some of these supplies aren’t always used in every class, and teachers will provide these materials to you on occasion. Having these materials will always be good in the long run, though.

Smart Tips: When using the interior stairways in the main building, stay to the right--whether you are going up or down. Be respectful and an ally during crowded passing periods.

Smart Tips: When using crosswalks, always walk orderly. Pay attention to crossing guards and others who are there to help. Be safe and responsible.

Smart Tips: Don't play around in the crosswalks. Sometimes drivers are not paying attention, and we don't want anyone to get hurt. Be responsible and safe!

How to Get to School on Time

Top Supplies:
notebook
pencils
erasers
sharpeners
highlighters

by Sody

The last few years have been difficult for schools because of Covid-19. We would just stay at home on our computers all day, waking up 5 minutes before class, and probably not even bothering to change into our everyday clothes.
“I make sure I have everything in my backpack the night before and getting to sleep a little earlier than I would on weekends”. -Sophia
Being back at in-person school we are starting to get used to the routine of waking up, getting out of bed, making lunch, and getting dressed.
¨The night before I have school, I put all of my assignments and notebooks in my bag. I read a book before I sleep, it makes me drowsy.¨ -Roxy
One more thing: pack your lunch the night before so it’s ready for tomorrow.
Have a great year!

Bell Schedule & School Map

page 3

How to Safely Navigate the Wood Campus

by Diamond, Jayla, Kaylee, and Kiely

During the regular bell schedule where you have all 6 periods in one day, you don't really notice how short classes are until you get to the block schedule. If you're sitting in class, you probably think classes are super long, but it barely holds a candle to block schedule time. A regular class is 48 minutes. A block class is 70 minutes. Yep, a whole 22 minutes longer, and it really makes a difference! You have more time for projects and other fun hands-on activities.

*To get around safely walk on the right side of the stairwell*

First trimester regular bell schedule:
6 periods + life skills everyday except Wednesday
Remaining trimesters in block schedule:
4 periods Tuesday-Thursday + life skills except Wednesday
Monday and Friday are regular bell schedule.
Tuesday is period 1-4 + life skills
Wednesday is periods 5-2
Thursday is 3-6 + life skills

Pro Tip: Get to know the schedule early on. However, if in doubt, ask a teacher, student, or see the large bell schedule posters around campus.

Bungalows, aka 6th Grade Quad

Band, Art

Multipurpose Room, aka MPR: cafeteria, assemblies, indoor PE

Main Building: office, media center, classrooms

Ms. Kai Dwyer, Wood Principal

FUN FACTS:

School colors: blue and yellow
Wood was founded in 1967
Wood is a STEAM school
Middle School sports: volleyball (co-ed), boys and girls basketball, track (co-ed)
Grades count: calculate your GPA [A=4; B=3; C=2; D=1]

The Beaver, Wood mascot

Be Responsible

"Don't try to get in the lunch line fast, just wait until it gets shorter." -Christen

page 4

How to Sort Lunch

What can you do with a Beaver Buck?

by Hannah & Ms. M

A Beaver Buck is currency and you can buy fun items with one at our Student Store. So, how do you earn a buck?

- be respectful
- be responsible
- be safe
- be an ally

Your teachers will catch you showing these Four B's, and miraculously, a green Beaver Buck with your name will be handed to you.

The WEB leaders run the Student Store on occasional Fridays during lunch. You can drop one or more bucks into the container to win a tray of delicious brownies, or..

You can redeem them for items like: fidget toys, puzzles, pencils, fun erasers, trinkets, and other supplies or gadgets.

The Student Store is run by WEB leaders. You can redeem earned Beaver Bucks for fun gadgets and useful school supplies. Store openings TBA.

by Hannah

For lunch, all students are asked to sort their trash. That might sound gross, but it's important. Most sixth grades will take environmental science in the wheel elective. If you do, plan on sorting trash.
Don't worry, though, you will be fashioned with disposable gloves and a grabber.
You will be trained on how to sort trash. Trust me, every student does this. Seventh and Eighth graders can tell you some stories.
If you are eating lunch and walk up to a sorting station, it might look confusing. Just ask the person at the trash station. The people who are trash sorters wear bright yellow vests. Please know that if you put your trash in the wrong bin you are contributing to ocean pollution, greenhouse gasses and climate change.

Pro Tip: Don’t be mean to the people sorting trash. Say thank you when they help you. Even if you know where your trash goes, still say thank you. The trash sorters are being really helpful and they are sacrificing their lunchtime to help the environment.
Thank you to all of the trash sorters!

Be Respectful

"Have a good set of friends you can rely on." - Lilly

"Don't make everything about school and work." - Sody

page 5

You Belong in Student Council & WEB

by Durga

Wood has two student leadership bodies at school: WEB and Student Council. WEB stands for Where Everyone Belongs. It is a class of 8th graders that work together to make decisions and events for school that make the school a better place to learn. It is a possible Lifeskills that you can pursue if you decide to do so in 8th grade.

Student Council is the student authority at Wood. Students have the choice to run for different positions, including president, secretary, treasurer, and more. The candidates for Student Council are voted for by their fellow students.

The full list of positions are:
- President
- Vice president
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Grade representatives (2 per grade, 3 for 6th grade)

To run for a position when the applications go out, you will have to create a video introducing yourself and your purpose for running. On voting day, a ballot will be held and you will have time to vote during your Lifeskills. You can vote for one person in the officer positions, and three reps for your grade.

These programs are both great ones to apply for if you want to make a change and have your opinion heard at Wood. Of course, both of these have limited positions, so if you want to go in, make sure that you do so in a timely manner. Carpe diem!

WEB oversees the Student Store.

Ms. Luong, WEB facilitator

The Wheel: Rotating Electives

WEB Leaders & Ms. Luong Q&A

by Diamond and Jayla

What is something you’ll take from being a WEB leader?
Shamiko: “I’ll take the communication skills that I built up from it.”

What is some advice you have for incoming 6th graders and new WEB leaders?
Shamiko: “I advise you to be as social as possible and be comfortable with anyone and meeting new people.”
Gus: “For the new WEB leaders, don’t power trip.”

Ms. Luong, what are you most excited for as being a WEB leader?
“I'm excited to start a new phase and give back to the school, and new 6th graders.”
What advice do you have for 7th graders that want to be WEB leaders next year?
“Be ready, open, and engage.”

by Hannah

The Wheel is a great opportunity to learn new things. In 7th grade you can choose if you want to do Drama, Art, or Engineering. Every quarter the wheel turns and you get a different classroom and teacher. The wheel has 4 rotations: Drama taught by Mr Moreno, Art taught by Ms Shepherd, Environmental Science taught by Ms Nettles, and Engineering taught by Mr Nguyen.
In Art you draw, paint and color. TIP: have pencils.
In Environmental Science you learn how to sort your trash properly. TIP: have a pencil.
In Engineering you will make things and launch a rocket. TIP: know how to fold paper.
In Drama you learn how to write a script and learn different things that will help you make a short play. TIP: have a charged Chrome Book.
There are other choices but if you like the wheel you can choose which one is your favorite. Environmental Science is not a choice in 7th or 8th grade sadly. We hope you have a great time in the Wheel!

Be Safe

"If you see someone doing something wrong, don't get involved. Surround yourself with good people." - Jayla

"Don't get yourself into unnecessary drama. Talk to your counselors." - Diamond

page 6

TUPE - Tobacco Use Prevention Education

Surviving your First Year

By Jayla (7th)

What does TUPE stand for? TUPE stands for Tobacco Use Prevention Education. Every year, students all around California participate in TUPE. 8th/7th graders are chosen to become a TUPE Peer Educator.
What does a peer educator do? Their role is to provide information, resources, and support to their peers, encourage, and inspire people of the school community by modeling healthy choices and leadership. Peer educators go to training to learn about tobacco and nicotine use and the effects of it. After the training, there is something called “Red Ribbon Week '', and that’s where we take a week to go around different lifeskills to teach 6th, 7th and 8th graders about the effects and use prevention of tobacco and nicotine. We play games and also teach facts and dangers about what could happen if you used those products.
How can you get involved as a non TUPE peer educator? You can get involved by letting your friends know about the dangers of using tobacco and nicotine. Talking about things like this can be a very heavy topic so you can always go to your counselors Ms. Ruffin or Ms. Mojica if you have deeper feelings about this topic. TUPE leaders hope you take away information from these topics and pass them on to your friends and other peers.

by Lilly and Bella

Stay on top of your work. It will be more trouble if you fall behind.

by Danika

What are Pronouns?

Talk to your teachers so that you can have a good relationship with them!

Pronouns are how you like to be referred to. They do not have to connect to your gender. It is just what you feel most comfortable being called. Some pronouns include she/her, they/them, and he/him, although these are certainly NOT the only ones. RESPECT ALL PRONOUNS!

Don't be afraid to reach out and talk to strangers in your classes or ask teachers questions.