5th Grade Transition to Middle Schools for Families New to U.S. Public Schools
On March 3, 2025 the Cultural and Family Partnerships team hosted "5th grade Transition Night for Families New to Middle Schools in the US" event.
Topics covered include course selection information, elective class options, health/immunization, costs/fees, supplies, what a typical middle school day looks like and general information to help prepare for this next step.
Each ISD middle school will host its own 5th grade transition night explaining specific information about their specific middle school.
This Family Partnership event will be held again in early 2026.
Presentation Transcripts
English
5th grade Information Night For Families NEW to the US public school System
Click here for link to PPT for 2024-25
Presented by – Equity and Family Partnership Department
Big Transition from Elementary School
- New Place – New building and getting around
- New People – New teachers, new students
- New Procedures – Lockers, Classroom expectations, Lunch, Hallways, etc.
- Student Independence – getting to class on time on their own, communicating with their teachers, taking ownership of their academics.
Moving from ISD elementary to middle school
- Automatic – all paperwork is transferred. Parent does not need to re-register or re-enroll for middle school if your child currently attends an ISD elementary school.
- EVP – Enrollment Verification Process in August required for all ISD families each year (confirmation of attendance and required paperwork completion process).
- Course selection - Families will need to do course selection for 6th grade child in February (more information on course selection later in presentation)
- Transportation – verified during EVP, check Bus route website for route information
- Lunch account – carries to new middle school, much more lunch options (more a la carte items also)
- Highly capable - integrated in secondary schools, classes self-select
- If your child has a 504, IEP or health plan – the plan or accommodations will follow them to ISD middle school. 5th grade IEP teacher meets with the IEP teacher in middle school to review information.
- 504 plan (504 is a plan with accommodations for children with disabilities)
- Health plan for diabetes, asthma, hearing or other health needs
- IEP (Individualized Education Plan) for students with special services
Big Transition - Schedule
Elementary School | Middle School | |
---|---|---|
>Daily Schedule | One teacher & group of students all year | Separate classes/teachers + Homeroom, different student in each class |
Weekly Schedule | Early-release Wednesdays | Late-start Wednesdays (later end time at 3:30pm) |
Specialists vs Electives | Specialist rotations each week | Music elective all year, or 1 elective/trimester rotation |
Breaks | Recess + Lunch break | Passing period between classes (4-5 min.) + Lunchtime. NO RECESS. |
Lunch Time | By grade level | Mostly by grade level, Microwaves at most Schools, usually more food choices |
Student Materials | Kept in the classroom. | Kept in Lockers (assigned) or carried around in backpacks. Teachers will share the supply lists 1st week. |
Transition for Student and Parent/Caregiver role
- Students
- Becoming independent learners
- Learning how to self-advocate
- Managing their daily class and study schedules
- Communicating with teacher as needed
- Caregiver/Parent
- Encourage and talk to students about asking for help from the teacher (when, how, etc.)
- Coach to help student learn how to talk to the teacher as needed
- Model and teach students how to email a teacher for questions or get help (students have Office365 accounts and Canvas accounts to send emails)
- Monitor student's progress and suggests tips or strategies for success.
How Middle Schools communicate with home
Elementary School | Middle School | |
---|---|---|
School Communication | Via Paper + Email | Via EMAILED Weekly bulletins (paper rarely sent home) – provides registration periods and deadlines for activity/club/sports sign-ups |
School announcements (during school day) | Celebrations | Celebration and important reminders about clubs and sports |
School website | Info regarding clubs, sports, bell schedule, calendar, announcements | |
Communication from Teachers | Via Paper + Weekly Newsletters/emails | Sparse emails. Updates in Canvas – ALWAYS check Canvas 1st! |
Parent-teacher conferences | Scheduled opportunity in the fall | No designated teacher conferences in middle schools, can request a meeting via the school counselor with all teachers. Email teachers re: concerns about specific classes. |
PTSA | Paper flyers in student folders (some schools) | Emails (sign-up on website) |
Which Middle School will my child attend?
- Follow feeder pattern based on your home address.
- If you move and you no longer live within you school's attendance boundary, you will need to transfer schools.
- Students in MERLIN and Sci/Tech programs at elementary school will attend the middle school based on their address.
- Attendance Map webpage
- Contact school registrar if unclear from attendance maps to determine which middles school you will be attending (for Issaquah Valley Elementary, Discovery Elementary, Sunny Hills Elementary)
Screenshot of School Feeder Patterns
Calendar
- District Calendar and School calendars on website Calendars - Issaquah School District 411 (isd411.org), 2025-26 Calendar
- School attendance is always critical but in middle school absences impact student learning more since at a quicker pace.
- Year divided in 3 trimesters – (12 weeks in each Trimester) - report card available on Skyward each trimester
Schedule
- Bell Schedule includes general schedule, Wednesday, late start, early dismissal, etc
- Wednesday is Delayed Start day – (check your child's school website – Our School) – most schools start at 10:20 a.m.
- Friday after the end of the trimester is an early dismissal day (Dec. and March)
- Last two days of schools are usually also early dismissal days
- Student schedule will be available on Family Access the day before school starts
- Family Access schedule will include teacher name, room number, and bell time
- Lunch period based on specific grade level or class
- Most schools have 2 lunch sections
*Note – Middle school students have additional information or some different tabs in Family Access than Elementary School.
- 6 classes per day plus Homeroom class
- Each class is approximately 50 minutes long with a 4–5-minute transition time for students to move to another class
- Homeroom class on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (announcements made during this time)
- In Homeroom, Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum lessons will be presented and school business such as announcements
- Elective classes – More information about specific electives offered at each middle school will be presented at the 5th grade Transition night at each middle school in February
- Some are Yearlong electives (same class all year) – Band, Chorus, Orchestra
- Required elective – PE/Health – 1 Health and 2 PE
- Students with non-yearlong electives may have different elective each trimester
A Day in Middle School
- A school day is divided into 6 period days – each period is 50 min long with a lunch and a "Homeroom"*
- Students move classrooms each period.
- Different set of classmates each period.
- Class sizes between 24-35.
- Core classes stay the same all year – same teacher (Math, Science, Social Studies and English Language Arts)
- Homeroom teacher is the same all year.
- 6 weeks progress reports – ½ way through trimester, teachers are required to update Canvas so parents are aware of the child’s progress, Skyward grades are the official grades
- Final trimester grade available approximately 1 week after the end of each trimester
- Canvas in an important tool used by teachers to communicate with students and families.
- The school year is divided into three trimesters. Each trimester is 12 weeks long. Report cards are available on Family Access at the end of each trimester.
Middle School – 1:1 laptops
- All students in the middle schools are provided a district issued laptop.
- All ISD students have an Office365 account that they use frequently to complete and submit assignments. This is the same account they may have used in elementary school.
- Many of the school textbooks are online so students can access their textbook from their Canvas account using their laptops.
- Students need to take their fully charged laptops to school each day.
- ISD requires that students use the school laptops.
- School will share date and procedure for student laptop distribution in late August/early September.
Canvas
- Learning Management System (LMS) used at ISD middle and high schools
- All course information, grades, syllabus, and expectations for each teacher is posted on Canvas
- Primary ways families can check weekly progress of the student
- weekly grade
- missing assignments (teachers will not call or email you - parents need to check Canvas.)
- comments from teachers on assignments (late or missing assignments, etc.)
- may include teacher feedback on assignments
- Student and Family account access is different – the families do not have access to class rosters, class discussions, ability to post or conduct assignments.
- Students use Canvas daily to see daily assignments, projects, submit assignments and access textbooks, other apps used in class
- Teachers in 6th grade will teach all students how to use Canvas and more specifically navigate their Canvas site
- Canvas parent workshop event will be held by Family Partnership Team in September (check ISD website or bulletins September)
- 6th grade students will learn about and access their Canvas account the first week of school.
- 6th grade families will be able to set up their Canvas account the first week of school.
- Monitoring your child's academic progress on Canvas is the best way to support your child in 6th grade.
Homework and classwork expectations
- Read the class syllabus for each class (posted on Canvas) at start of year.
- Homework is often assigned in core classes – most frequently in math and science.
- Amount of homework dependent on teacher.
- Assignments and due dates posted on Canvas page.
- Grades frequently updated on Canvas.
- Parents and students need to check Canvas. It is the main method of communication with parents.
- When absent, work needs to be made up. Check with teacher.
- Teachers have policies regarding missed work, late work or absent work.
- Some homework is graded, other marked for completion, depending on assignment and teacher decision.
Role of School Counselor
- Usually, middle school counselors are the main point of contact for general support (not Homeroom teacher).
- Academic Counseling (discuss course selection)
- Scheduling for courses, advanced class choices and selection of pathways, elective questions
- Liaison between teacher and parents
- Point of contact for financial assistance and basic needs
- Social and Emotional Counseling
- Not a stigma to talk to counselor – support person in high school
- Talk to students about social and emotional issues
- Connect students with mental health resources available on campus
- Rise of anxiety and depression in schools around the country and world
Counseling and Mental Health
- Two school counselors at each building.
- Counselors are assigned based on last name.
- Student will have same counselor for all middle school years.
- Students can request to see a counselor by requesting a meeting with counselor.
- Social Emotional Learning
- Second Step curriculum used to teach skills during Homeroom time at the schools
- Social Emotional Resources for Families
- School Based Swedish Mental Health counselors available at each middle school.
Required Classes in 6th Grade
- Language Arts (full year)
- Social Studies (full year)
- Math (full year)
- Science (full year)
- Health and PE – 1 trimester of Health and 2 trimesters of PE
- Homeroom class – for all students – school business, daily announcements, etc
Electives
- Most students can take one elective class each trimester in 6th grade
- Band, Chorus, Orchestra are year-long elective
- Other elective based on each Middle School – some schools offer electives such as leadership, drama
- Students who are in the Multilingual/ELL program will take an MLL class for their elective class.
Middle School Planning Worksheet - Grades 6-8
Use this planning guide to map out your three-year plan for middle school. We also encourage you to think ahead about the sequence of courses you will want to take in high school, as the courses you take now can impact your options later. This way you will know what courses to choose in middle school to be prepared for the high school courses and your future that interest you.
Middle School Curriculum and Pathway
- Following the registration event at each middle school, your child will have an opportunity to select their classes for 6th grade year.
- Students self-select the classes – recommended that you use SBA and i-Ready scores to help with course selection.
- For math and science, once a student starts a path above grade level it is not possible to change course without repeating content at some point in time.
- Please consider the possibility that by skipping courses in math and science your student may have some gaps in content knowledge.
- Consider the increased time commitment to studies outside of the school day. Please consider all responsibilities, including sports, music and ;club affiliations.
- See Middle School Course Guide for more information.
- More information about courses will be presented at each of the middle school 5th grade transition parent events.
Screenshot of Science Pathway Options
Opportunity to select more advanced coursework
The choices you make now are important building blocks to future learning. By taking rigorous courses in middle school, you gain knowledge and a learning environment that you might not otherwise experience.
The greatest benefit of any of these programs is the experience of taking academic courses in an enriched environment with classmates that are also seeking additional intellectual challenges. Advances courses are courses where students learn above grade level content, students learn concepts at a fast rate, and/or courses where concepts are taught with greater complexity and depth courses.
Students choosing courses should:
- reflect students interest and aspirations in that course of study
- ready and willing to develop and apply
- advanced study habits and organizational skills.
- effective communication and reading skills for engaging with rigorous material.
- motivation, maturity, perseverance, and stamina for learning challenging material.
- consider the increased time commitment to studies outside of the school day. Please consider all responsibilities, including sports, music, and club affiliations.
- consider the possibility that grades could be lower than if students took the typical course sequence(s).
- consider the possibility that by skipping courses in math and science your student may have some gaps in content knowledge.
Testing and Grading System
- Teachers in all classes may have tests and quizzes periodically.
- SBA tests in 6, 7 and 8th grade (like 3rd, 4th and 5th grade SBA test) -(SBA – Smarter Balanced Assessment - the state assessment)
- Grading scale in schools – letter grade based on percentage (no longer 1, 2, 3 or 4 scale)
- Letter grades – A, B, C, D and F (D is considered below average but passing, F is failing)
- No ranking of student (Grade Point Average will help determine if student is eligible for honor society).
- Students may have projects they will need to complete individually or in small group.
- Colleges don’t see middle school grades (except for high school credit 8th grade classes)
MLL (Multilingual Learners) Program
- For students who are in 5th grade MLL and not proficient – they will continue in the MLL program in 6th grade
- WIDA (annual English language test) in February/March to check student’s level of English language proficiency – only given to students who qualify for the MLL program (students who took screener test when they started at a school).
- In middle school, MLL students take one English Language Development class from a certificated MLL teacher.
- Class focuses on academic language needed for content classes so students can succeed in math, language arts, social studies and science
- Reading, writing, listening and speaking of academic English language critical for students’ success in school
Screenshot of Grading Scale
Attendance
- Punctual attendance is a key component to student success.
- Students are accountable for being in class on time and prepared to learn.
- Students may be subject to school consequence if frequently tardy (Check school’s attendance policy in the School Handbook on the website).
- To participate in any after-school activity, sports, theatre, concert, etc., a student must attend class for at least one-half of the school day.
- Students are typically allowed one day for each day of absence to complete homework/classwork (check school policy).
- Students responsible for work missed when absent.
- Extended absences for travel are discouraged in middle school.
- Student work/tests are not automatically excused for extended absences. Work is also not given to students prior to the absence. Students need to use Canvas to check assignments and work assigned.
Health Room and SCHOOL NURSE
- All school in the Issaquah School District have a health room (nurse full time and part time).
- A school nurse supports students in the following ways:
- Protects and promotes student health
- Facilitates optimal development
- Advances academic success
- Collaborate on student guidance teams as needed
- Reach out to your school nurse if:
- Your student has an allergy that a doctor has prescribed an Epipen.
- Your student has diabetes
- Your student has asthma and an inhaler has been prescribed
- Your student has a seizure disorder
- Your student has any medical condition that impacts school performance
- Your family needs assistance with resources, such as food, clothing or medical insurance.
ASB
- ASB – Associated Student Body Athletics and Activities - Issaquah School District 411 (isd411.org)
- Group of students at each school who contribute to a fund that helps support clubs, sports and other events at the school
- Students are elected to represent the grade levels and group to run the organization, plan and support student engagement on campus.
- Students who plan on participating in sports, clubs and attend ASB sponsored events need to pay and have an ASB card (can pay online during the Enrollment Verification Process (EVP) or anytime during year)
- $35 membership fee for ASB (part of Fees and Fine payment in August and can pay anytime through the year)
- Financial aid available for ASB, sport and other fees. Speak to the school counselor.
- For a recording and slide deck on ASB Clubs, and Athletics, click here.
Fees and Costs
- ASB card – usually required for all sports, clubs, and music programs ($35)
- Sports fee – $50 for Junior Varsity (JV) and Varsity and $20 for intramural per sport
- PE uniforms (check with individual school)
- Yearbook
- Science/Lab fee
- Elective class fee – depending on type of elective (art, drama, etc. - usually 7th and 8th grade)
- Instrument rental (as needed for students taking Band or Orchestra as an elective)
- Financial assistance is available to families who qualify check with school counselors.
*Most fees and expenses paid in August during Enrollment Verification Process (EVP) or before school begins families can go to the school office.
Clubs and After School Bus
- All middle schools offer a variety of afterschool club opportunities.
- Students must have an ASB card to participate in clubs (pay in August during EVP as part of school material fees)
- Check the school's website – Student Life – Activities – Clubs - to learn more including the clubs, times and dates club meets, room location
- Each year, the club opportunities may vary since club availability depends on student interest and advisory availability.
- If students would like to start a club, contact school ASB teacher.
- After school buses are available for students (who take a school bus) who participate in clubs and sports.
- After school buses do not stop at the regular bus stop so please check the bus route – all school bus information on Programs and Services – Buses tab on ISD website.
- Additional after school opportunities available through PTSA and the Issaquah Community Center.
Sports/Athletics
- Eligibility includes ASB membership card ($35) required (Fees and Fines online)
- Activity bus (with limited stops for student who take bus). Students must be picked up on time from school if it is a parent pick up.
- Sport fees - Sport-specific fees for Cross Country, Softball, Volleyball, Wrestling, Basketball, Soccer, and Track are $50.00.
- Intramural – opportunity to play a sport for fun (Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer)
- Intramural sport fee - $20.00 per intramural sport.
- Sports Physical required to participate in sports at ISD.
- Physicals are now valid for two (2) years.
- Medical professional signature required on Pre-participation Physical Evaluation form with includes the ISD Physical Form. Keep original copy.
- You will need to upload a scan of the physical evaluation form in Final Forms during the sports registration process before the sport season begins.
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Practices are held immediately after school Mondays through Thursdays – no Friday practices.
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Check school website –Athletics - for any changes or updates in sport programs offered at the middle schools and for other requirements/forms, etc.
Screenshot of Sports Seasons
Advice from Parents
- Understand that MIDDLE SCHOOL is a transition year – they are learning how to be organized, develop good studying skills, personal skills, etc.
- Help your child be organized – strategies for binder, locker, classroom behavior
- Time management strategies – when to go to bathroom, locker, lost and found, office or counselor
- If you and your child need support – who to talk to for help? School counselor
- Check Canvas with your child in 6th grade for the first few months
- Help them learn how to open their lockers
- Remember – no specific parent-teacher conference date, if you need to communicate with teacher or counselor, you need to initiate contact with specific teacher or a school counselor.
Who to Contact - Issaquah School District 411
- Family Liaison can help you navigate the schools and connect you with staff or resources.
- School counselor – for support if student needs academic, social or mental support. Also to help connect with the teacher(s).
- Bookkeeper – Fees, PE uniform, sport related fees, financial assistance for school related supplies or activities
- School Registrar – Registration, enrollment, change of address or EVP (Enrollment verification process in August) questions
- Front office staff – attendance, lunch and general questions
- Administration (principal and assistant principal – discipline and behavior concerns, many other issues (very approachable and partner in your child's education)
Middle School Welcome Events - Check middle school announcements/bulletins
Back to School - August
- Enrollment Verification Process (usually 2nd week in August)
- Complete Final Forms if your student will be doing Sports
- Back to school events – Check school website and your email around EVP for type of event, date and time
- Possible events include:
- WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) activity at some schools
- Locker assignment (some schools)
- Pick up PE uniforms
Questions?
Please contact a Family Liaison if you have additional questions!
For questions about course selection in middle school, please wait till after the information night at each school before contacting the elementary school counselor.
Questions can be directed to the middle school counselors starting in late August.