Transition to Grade 6 Home
Starting middle school is an exciting milestone, and we’re here to help make the transition a smooth and positive experience for students and families. At Gates Chili Middle School, students will discover new opportunities, build independence, explore new interests and form meaningful connections with peers and staff.
This page includes important information and resources to help incoming sixth-grade students and their families prepare for the transition to middle school. From schedules and orientation details to academic expectations and student support services, we’re committed to helping every student feel confident, connected and ready for success.
At Gates Chili Middle School, we believe every student deserves to feel safe, supported and connected. Our administrative team, counselors, teachers and support staff work together to create a welcoming environment where students can grow academically, socially and emotionally.
Middle School Hours
Building opens: 7:45 a.m.
School hours for students: 7:58 a.m. – 2:57 p.m.
Afterschool activities: 2:57- 3:30 p.m.
Main Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
A-D Day Schedule
The middle school schedule follows a four-day rotation with eight periods each day. While it may seem overwhelming at first, students quickly become comfortable navigating the schedule—and often memorize it faster than the adults!
One of the best ways students can stay organized is by color coding their schedule and keeping copies in easy-to-access places. Many students tape a copy inside their school-issued agenda or locker so they can quickly check what class is next and gather the correct materials.
Middle school is a great time to begin building strong organizational habits, and staying organized is one of the keys to success at GCMS.
What to expect in sixth grade
Grade-level teams
- Sixth-graders will be part of a grade-level team model to foster a strong sense of belonging.
- Each student joins a small team with dedicated teachers for personalized support.
- Students can stay with friends from elementary school, easing social transitions.
- Sixth-graders will have a specific area of the school to support their adjustment.
- They will still have access to full middle school resources and programs.
- Sixth-graders will continue to enjoy a variety of exploratory classes (e.g., music, art, health, FACS).
Team assignments
- Student strengths/needs (academic and social emotional)/assessment data
- Teams will be balanced to support student need
- Families will receive communication about Team assignments in early August
- Teams meet weekly to discuss students and their progress through our various programming
- Supply lists will be shared on ParentSquare and the GCMS website
- Parent teacher conferences by request
Lockers and backpacks
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Students are assigned lockers for use throughout the school day, helping them stay organized and prepared for classes. Lockers play an important role in helping students manage materials independently.
- Locker shelves can be helpful in keeping materials organized.
- Locker decorations need to be kept to the interior and cannot include writing on locker or “taping” the inside of the locker.
- Students will be assigned a locker within their grade-level hallway
As part of the Distraction-Free Schools policy, all student backpacks must be stored in lockers during the school day. While backpacks can be convenient, they also bring distractions like lost items, tag or strap pulling, swinging bags, snack sharing, and access to personal items during class. These disruptions take away from learning time.
What this means for students:
- Students will only need to leave their hallway for classes 1–2 times per day with the new building layout.
- They have 4 minutes between classes to swap supplies as needed.
- Students should plan to carry their laptop case, charger, water bottle, and class binder with them.
- Lockers are the hub for all personal items—snacks, hygiene products, and extras.