April 2025
Dear Parents/Guardians and Incoming VCMS 6th Graders,
We want to welcome you to Valley Central Middle School! As we enter the last ten weeks of school, we know there is a lot of excitement building as we begin to celebrate the great accomplishments of our 5th graders here at Valley Central. We hear that the 5th graders are an amazing group of students who continue to grow and learn due to their hard work and positive attitude. These are great skills which will serve them well here at VCMS.
We know the transition from individual elementary schools to the middle school will be on your mind as you complete the school year. Transition periods in all of our lives can generate a lot of questions, excitement, some concern and even a little anxiety. Our goal here at VCMS is make the transition as smooth and seamless as possible and this is accomplished by being afforded as much information as possible.
As a result, we wanted to share our plans for the incoming 6th graders that will take place over the next several months.
May
The VCMS Student Assistance Counselors, Mrs. Heil and Mrs. Bishop, along with a member of the National Junior Honor Society will visit each 5th grade classroom to introduce the middle school. They will discuss the major differences between the elementary and middle school along with the biggest fears of students. The biggest fears of many 5th graders have been the use of lockers/operating a lock and having enough time to get from class to class.
5th Grade Visitations to the Middle School will be taking place on May 16th (East Coldenham and Walden) and May 19th (Montgomery and Berea). Students will have an opportunity to meet their new Principals, teachers, and support staff as well as take a tour through the building hosted by National Junior Honor Society students.
June
Tuesday, June 3 – MARK YOUR CALENDAR for our annual Night of the Specials and Open House for incoming 5th Graders and their families. The evening will include art exhibits, music ensemble performances, CO2 car races, and physical education activities. Incoming 5th graders and their families are invited to participate in all of these activities along with our current Middle School students. In addition, staff will be available for a meet and greet as well as clubs and activities for families and students to explore. Besides gaining valuable information and exploring the building, students will have a chance to win prizes and meet next year’s teaching staff.
We will also be hosting a VCMS Panel at this event to have parents ask any burning questions they might have before our inclusive orientation in August. If you are interested in sharing what you are looking for at these events, please complete this short survey to help us in planning.
6th Grade- Parent Survey- What do you want/need to know?
August
6th Grade Orientation for students AND parents/guardians will be held on Wednesday, August 27th – MARK YOUR CALENDARS. More information will be shared in July.
Many topics will be presented at the parent section of Orientation including but not limited to:
Google classroom, parent portal, SchoolTool, & Parent Square
Building procedures arrival, dismissal, lockers/locks
Lunch process
Guidance happenings
Health office access & VCMS supports for all students
Special education
ADAC Coalition and Vaping presentation
Social media and student discipline
Meet the 6th grade teachers
Attendance – what you need to know
Music department and much more
September
6th Grade Social- early September on a Friday (exact date TBD)- this is always a great time and opportunity for 6th graders to meet each other and the staff in a non-academic setting after school. More information will be shared.
At VCMS, we believe that communication is the key to every relationship! We look forward to getting to know each of our new students and families in the upcoming school year. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
~ Jayme Ginda-Baxter, Principal & the VCMS Team