Mrs. Hartnett's and Mrs. Collins's eighth grade language arts classes have created this blog for rising sixth graders to Mabry.

Click on this link to see the awesome Skylight Panorama that welcomes you to Mabry!

You can click and drag on the moving pano to make it move in the direction you wish. You can also use the <shift> and <control> keys to zoom in and out of the halls!

We hope that by visiting this blog all students and parents will gain a clear view of life in middle school, specifically at Mabry. This was a wonderful way to practice expository writing, while at the same time learn how to blog and use programs such as Photoshop and Ecto. Sixceed is a student created piece, for students by students. Enjoy our eighth graders' first attempt at blogging, glitches and all!

To quickly navigate through the different categories of posts to this blog, simply click on a category name in the sidebar on the right. You can also find the title of each individual post listed in the sidebar on the right. Clicking on one of the titles will take you directly to that post.

Many wonderful and patient people are to be thanked for their help. The sixth grade teachers, who were called upon for their interviews, photographs, etc.(time and time again!) are to be especially thanked from the bottom of our hearts. Even when interrupted during their planning time, they were always welcoming and kind. Thank you!!!

To all other teachers and staff, we thank you again!

A special thanks to Ms. Tanya Ditty, a Cobb Technology Instructional Specialist, who dedicated many hours in and out of class to instruct and guide our students through this process. Warmest thanks!

Jo Anne Preston, Mabry's own technology guru, our other right hand and savior. Gracias!

Mabry has the best students and staff...welcome to next best three years of your life!!!

Mrs. Carmen Hartnett and Mrs. Romaine Collins
8th Grade Language Arts

• Middle School for me was such a great experience. I had more freedom when I first came. Sure I didn't know what was going on, but when I began developing friends, it was a breeze to finish 6th,7th, and 8th. The teachers are really nice, just try to stay out of trouble. I've learned that myself. I hope you enjoy middle school like I did.
• I have never gotten into trouble. It's easy, all you have to do is listen to the teacher, and DON'T CHEW GUM!!!!! You can easily get honor roll by doing your work and by studying. If you need help you can come in early in the morning.
• MABRY IS GREAT!!!!!! Mabry has a lot of cool stuff to get into, like chorus, band, football, basketball, and much, much more. Also, if you're not into sports or playing music, there are always the clubs too! Have fun, do great, and learn a lot!
• Middle school is very different in some good ways and in some bad ways. I have gotten in a lot of trouble at Mabry, and I have learned the hard way that, NO MATTER WHAT, try to go by the rules. The school work isn't that hard unless you get behind, but if you don't, then you will be okay. But even if you have trouble with certain things, there are classes that can help you with that. I hope you have a good time at Mabry.
• Middle school is a big change from elementary school, and it's not as hard as you think it is.
• Don't get in trouble. It's best to make friends at the beginning of the school year.
• Do your homework; meet new people; try to make friends with different groups of people. It's not that hard. It's challenging but fun. You have more space and more freedom. Just have fun.

Coming next school year '05-'06, Mabry is changing with new improvements including the commons area.

What Are Pods?
Pods are where all the Mabry students' classes are held.

Where’s My Locker?
Lockers are located outside your classes in the commons area.

THE INSIDE STORIES FROM TEACHERS AND WORKERS ON THE NEW BUILDING FOR 6TH, 7TH, AND 8TH GRADE

WHAT NEW IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE OCCURING IN 6TH, 7TH, AND 8TH GRADE?
A large number of teachers, more text books, changing classrooms, counseling, and conference room in the 6th grade hall are some of the changes coming your way. Every grade is getting new science rooms, new technology, and better lockers. The cafeteria will be moving outside so all grades can eat together and the offices for teachers will be built.

ARE THE CLASSROOMS GOING TO BE CHANGING IN ANY WAY?
Yes, some classrooms will be relocating; the science classrooms will be located outside.

WILL THERE BE ANY NEW LOCKERS, AND WILL THE OTHER MABRY STUDENTS HAVE TO SHARE LOCKERS AGAIN?
Yes, there will be new lockers around the offices and around the commons. Yes or no. It depends on what your homeroom teachers assigns you.

WILL THERE BE A NEW CAFETERIA, OR WILL IT BE LOCATED WITH ALL THE OTHER STUDENTS?
Yes, there will be a new cafeteria; it will be located outside and all grades will be eating at different times. For more additional information view these posts: Comments from 8th graders to upcoming 6th graders

We learn how to speak a foreign language so in the future we can use them in our jobs or just for conversing with other people.

At Mabry we offer four foreign languages, but only three are academic classes during the day : French, Latin, and Spanish. German is an elective taught in the morning before school.

There are three foreign language teachers. Mrs. Rivera and Mrs. Pearson are the Spanish teachers. Mrs. Israel-Hiles is the French and Latin teacher. The German teacher is a teacher from Lassiter High School.

View posts on our foreign language teachers for further information.

• Mrs. Israel-Hiles
• Mrs. Rivera
• Mrs. Pearson

ART – In art you will be involved in various hands on projects such as painting, clay, and sketching. You will study art history. Mrs. Evans is the art teacher. The class is located all the way down the Connections hall and to the left.

Business – When you’re in business, you will be practicing Typing Time, which is a typing exercise. You also will be creating Power Points and graphs. The business teacher is Ms. Heckathorn. Business class is located in the 8th grade hall on the right.

Chorus – In chorus you will be singing in competitions (This only applies to the 3rd nine weeks.) and during class. You will also study music, that you perform, and its history. Also, you learn how to read and take tests on music. For chorus your teacher will be Mrs. Smith. Due to construction, chorus will be in a different room.

Drama – In drama, you will act out plays on the stage, in the theater, and with musicals. Acting and stage cues are also a part of this class. You will study history of the plays that you do on stage. The teacher for drama is also Mrs. Smith. Due to construction, the drama room will be moved.

Interviews
BUSINESS- Mrs. Heckathorn
1.What do the sixth graders learn in business?
--I teach typing and literacy.
2.What programs will be used?
--I use Word, Database, Power Point, Inspiration, and Typing Time.
3.Does every student get his or her own computer?
--Yes, every student gets his or her own computer.

CHORUS- Mrs. Smith
1.What paper work is written in Chorus?
--They write about composers, artist, and songs.
2.What are some songs you sing?
--We sing popular, religious, and Christmas songs.
3.What are some trips you take?
--Sixth & seventh grades go to Six Flags, and 8th grade goes to Orlando. All grades go to festivals.

DRAMA- Mrs. Smith
1.What do you learn in drama?
--We learn about plays, musicals, cues, commercials, and history of music.
2.Do you preform plays?
--Yes, we perform musicals.
3.How many kids are in drama?
--There are about thirty in a class.
4.How would you join?
--It's a normal connection class.

Art- Ms. Evans
1.What will your sixth graders learn?
--I teach elements of art and a variety of materials.
2.Do 6th graders enjoy art?
--Yes, they enjoy art.

What Not To Wear:

• Short skirts/shorts
• Flip-Flops
• Hats
• Pj's
• See- through garments
• No visible cleavage/mid-drift
• Clothing or ornamentation displaying suggestive phrases, designs, markings or profanities
• Sun dresses
• Spandex Materials
• Jeans with holes throughout them or frayed hemlines
• Chains
• Loose fitting pants
• Going barefoot

Hats and PJ's may be worn on PJ day and hat day, or when you have a pass or permission from either a teacher or an administrator.

This outfit is not appropriate for school because her stomach is exposed, her sleeves aren't fully covered, and her shorts are too short.

This outfit is appropriate for school because she is wearing closed toe shoes. Her pants and shirt appropriately cover her.

Remember, boys and girls! Always dress for success and not to impress!

• In sixth grade you will be introduced to a new program called iMovie.
• iMovies are short, two-minute videos about a certain topic.
• The topics are different every year.
• Last year the topic was "Imagine".
• iMovies need to be about the assigned topic .
• If you have questions, ask your homeroom teacher.
• You will be introduced to many new technologies, like the iMovie making program and video cameras.
• Macs are the computers that you will be using to produce the iMovie.
• You can enter your iMovie by yourself, in a group, or under other categories.
• If your iMovie excels above the rest, it might win an award at the Film Festival.
• For more information about the Film Festival, click on the Mabry Film Festival post.

How to be in an iMovie/How to Make a great iMovie

• You must be trained to operate the cameras and computers.
• You will be asked to get a form signed by your parent or guardian to allow you to participate in an iMovie.
• You will want to use the tripod and any special microphones that they give you.
• Special effects in the iMovie maker program enhance your presentation.

We hope this has been educational! IMovies are fun to make and watch.

We hope you will get involved with iMovies. They are innovative and challenging!

The Office
The office is a place to be familiar with before attending Mabry.

Dr. Tyson is the principal.
Mrs. DeBardeleben is the assistant administrator.
Mrs. Dickson is the assistant principal.

Pink Pad - The pink pad is what students use for a delivery of any kind.

Blue Pad- The blue pad is what students will use if students are late and need to sign in.

Yellow Pad- The yellow pad is what students use if their parents come to pick them up early for any reason, or if they're sick and need to be picked up.

Cindy Jackson is the counselor for sixth and seventh grade.
Pat Gendron is the counselor who works with seventh and eighth.

Advice from Mabry 6th Grade teachers!

* Set aside time just for studying.
* Don't fall behind.
* Record all your assignments in your agenda.
* Be prepared.
* Go to all of the study sessions that your teachers have.
* Study guides are very helpful.
* Have someone quiz you on the information.

Helpful Hints from KiDS at Mabry on Studying

* Make sure you go over all your materials.
* Study your study guides.
* Memorize as much information as you can.
* Review what your test is going to be on.
*Go to the study sessions.
* Have a friend or family member quiz you.
*Re-Read the chapter.

Mrs. Brown-Curry - Science


Mrs. Davis - Science


Mrs. Lippincott - Math

Mrs. Cushman - Language Arts

Mr. Vernie - Math / Social Studies

Ms. Mitchell - Math

Mrs. Burke - Language Arts

Mrs. Miceli - Social Studies

Mrs. Sneed's Social Studies Blog

Also See Mrs. Sneed's Science Blog!

• Record EVERYTHING in your agenda EVERY DAY! - Mrs. Davis
• Set aside time for studying ONLY! - Mrs. Sneed
• Reread and Reread your study guides. - Therann
• Go over all your materials and work hard! - Alex
• If I don't study, then I get grounded, so I study. - Josh
• Go to ALL of the study sessions. - Ben
• Prepare for your test a week or so in advance. - Brittany

Homework Hotline

The homework hotline is a wonderful resource to help you remember what homework you have and what you need to study for. The homework hotlines are set up by each teacher for each individual subject. Each number has an extension for each teacher so they can put the day's assignment on their hotline. The homework hotline is a great resource for success!

What the 8th graders at Mabry have learned from good study habits...

We have learned to always check our agendas and write everything down. Remember to study a few days in advance so you can comprehend everything you need to study. If you study for your tests, you are not as scared because you know all the material. We have learned that, if you get better grades, then you get rewards. Also, your parents won't get mad!

HAVE FUN & STUDY

When coming into Mabry Middle School you might be a little confused by the schedules. These schedules are different from what you are use to in elementary school. If you look on your schedule you will see that there are two classes that are different from your ordinary classes. These are your connections. Connections are academic electives. Every nine weeks you will get new connections. There are a variety of connections in Mabry Middle School. There will be your usual P.E. and art but there are also some other fun electives such as Fitness Band, Chorus, and Orchestra are the none required ones that go all year round. Guitar is a connection to look forward to in your years at Mabry since it is one of the required connections you will take in your eight grade only. If you are interested in knowing about the connections mentioned, and even some not mentioned in the paragraph above, go to Building and click on any of the connections you want to learn more about. For more information, go to post named Connections.

THE BEST TWO HOURS OF A STUDENT'S DAY!

The nonfiction section in the library.
The computer section.
The reference section.

Interview with Mrs. Hendrix

Q. What are the rules of the media center?
A.As far as behavior goes, all the rules in the Mabry Handbook apply. Generally, most kids have two books, because that's the most they can handle to return on time. We have a two week circulation period, and we do have overdue fines. If a book is overdue for four weeks, they need to pay the entire price of the book. And we are big on no gum.

Q: What time does the media center open?
A: The hours are usually 8:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Q: Besides books, what other items are there for kids to use?
There are all kinds of graphics materials and computers with supervised Internet use (according to Cobb policies). As far as check out materials, there are digital cameras, digital camcorders, and iBooks. There are two laser printers, a color inkjet printer, and a scanner.

This is the Black Box; there is one in every commons area. Whenever you need to turn in money, you put it in the money envelopes, put your name on it, and turn it into the black box.

-What do you do?
"I work with software and teach teachers about technology and strategies."

-How long have you worked at Mabry?
"12 years."

-How do you think technology has aided students?
" It provides students different avenues for learning."

-What do you plan to do with 6th graders?
"Assist 6th grade teachers with student learning."

-Working at Mabry Middle School, what activities do you do with students?
"The Film Festival, which is the i-Movie awards."

-What can upcoming 6th graders do to prepare for all the technology here at Mabry?
"Use it every day, learn to type, and create and initiate."

You learn new sports in P.E.

You learn to play:
Handball, Raquetball
Hockey, Volleyball
Rugby, Frisbee
Track, and Dances

Coach Graber and Coach Jones
Coach Spannagel and Coach McCall

Health is fun and important, too!

You learn important facts you need for a healthy life.
You have free days when you can play games and sports.
You also have food days when students bring in food to eat.

You are not required to take showers after P.E.
(no one uses them)

Your P.E. and Health teachers are here to help!

The Theatre

• The theater is the first place you will go if you come to school early.
• Study hall takes place here.
• School assemblies take place here.

The School Store

• You can buy your agendas here.
• You can get school supplies here.
• Open only in the morning from 8:45 to 9:00.

* To see all the items sold in the School Store and their prices, go to the School Store/Black Box post.*

The Media Center

• Check out books.
• Mrs. Hendrix runs the library.
• You are allowed to do research here.

*To see more pictures of the library and to read an interview with Mrs. Hendrix, go to the Library post.*

The Bookkeeper

• Mrs. Solomon is in charge of all the money.
• Her office is located by the front office.
• You put any money for trips or for any other item in the Black Box in every commons.

*To learn more about the Black Box, go to the School Store/Black Box post.*