Transition to Benton Middle School

A Guide for Incoming 6th Graders

The transition from elementary to middle school is a big step on the road to maturity.  It is an exciting time, but can be a little bit scary.  Research shows students’ greatest fears are logistics, social, and academic.  Questions often asked:  How do things work at BMS? Where are my classes? Will I get lost? Will I have classes with anyone I know?  Are the older kids, bullies?  Will classes be too hard?  Will there be too much homework?  While you may not lose those butterflies on the first day, with some advance planning and discussion, you can become familiar with BMS and what is expected from you.

Tips for a smooth transition to BMS:

• Check out the Benton Middle School website for a virtual tour of the school and to become familiar with faculty and staff.
• Attend open house night to tour the school, receive your schedule, locker assignment, pay fees, complete forms, and purchase your agenda.  Your agenda is to be used not only as a planner, but also as your hall pass and library pass.
• Check the school supply list and be prepared the first day of school.
• If you want a lock for your locker PRACTICE the combination or unlocking with the key.
• Deposit money in your lunch account at open house to avoid a long wait in the lunch line.
• Before school go to the gym and sit in the first section of bleachers.  You will be dismissed from there to go to 1st period/homeroom.
• Meet new people!  You will be in classes with different people every class period.
• Join a team, club or other extra-curricular activity BMS has to offer.
• Respect your peers, school staff and guests of Benton Middle.  Remember “please” and “thank you.”  In order to get respect, you must first give it.
• Stay organized.  Use folders or trapper to keep papers for each class and record assignments daily in your agenda.
• Make the most of your instructional time.  You have the responsibility to learn.  Your teachers’ main goal is to ensure student learning.
• Read.  Set aside a daily time to read.  Research shows that students who read regularly achieve higher that those who do not.
• Complete all assignments.  You can’t learn if you don’t do the work.

All students entering the 6th grade must have a new health physical before starting school. Physicians and Health Department will have copies of forms.

Immunizations must be up to date before starting school.

6th Grade Letter

6th Grade Pre-Registration Form

Band Letter