Grade 5 to 6 Transition

Transition from Grade 5 to 6 in Gloucester Public Schools

The transition to middle school is a milestone in a student’s life. In most cases, students have attended a single school for their elementary career. Now, as they enter adolescence, they are ready to take on the bigger intellectual and leadership challenges of the middle school years.  

To support students and families with the transition from smaller, elementary schools to the larger community at O'Maley, we have events throughout the fifth grade year. We provide information for families and offer students multiple opportunities to experience O'Maley Middle School and help prepare them for the move.

While most student and family events begin in late January or early February, a great deal of behind the scenes work occurs over the course of the year, some beginning prior to December break. This work includes information sharing by special education coordinators and program leaders, counselors, social workers, and teachers - all of whom focus on making the best possible placement and program recommendations for each and every student. 

Communications from the principal to fifth grade families typically begin in January to provide a “taste” of middle school. 

Timeline for Grade 5 to 6 Transition Events

January/February

STEM & SAILS Day

Fifth grade students visit O’Maley by school to learn about the school and programs, to hear a special performance by the fabulous O’Maley band, and to tour the building to get a first look around.

In the O'Maley Science Center,  students experience a hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activity introducing them to this unique space. Click here to learn more about the O”Maley Science Center.

SAILS (Service, Acceptance, Integrity, Leadership, and Success) are the O’Maley core values and are constant in both curriculum and community experiences at O’Maley. During the visit, students will learn about the different SAILS values, and how to follow them to be an active member of our learning community. Click here to learn more about O’Maley SAILS.

O’Maley Fifth Grade Family Night

This evening, held in the O’Maley Auditorium, took place on February 1. It was hosted by the O’Maley administration, guidance and a panel of students. The event is designed with two purposes. First, it gives parents and rising sixth grade students an overview of the O’Maley program, structure, staff, and resources available to all students. Second, families hear from students about their experience as middle-schoolers and have the opportunity to ask questions. Families also have an opportunity to tour the sixth grade houses and O'Maley Science Center. Click here for the February 2023 Presentation Slides

March

Musical Matinee Performance for Fifth Grade Students

O’Maley’s annual musical is a greatly talked about event in Gloucester. Each year a student-centered program is designed and runs as part of the O’Maley Academy after school program. Participation is open to all students at no cost. Students may opt to get involved in set design, singing and dancing in the O’Maley Summer Academy or wait to make a commitment in the fall. The students rehearse and prepare for the musical from late September through early March, culminating with six performances over two weekends in March. More than 100 students typically participate in this amazing experience. Gloucester Public Schools fifth graders are transported to O’Maley for a special matinee performance all their own. 

May/June 

O’Maley Evening of Excellence

The O’Maley Evening of Excellence is a showcase of learning where families get a glimpse into what students have experienced each year. Students are invited with parents/guardians to walk through classrooms to visit displays of curriculum and student work. Performances by the band and drama are often part of the evening. This is a great opportunity for fifth grade families to see what learning at O’Maley looks like.

O’Maley Academy Summer Program Registration Begins

O’Maley Academy is O’Maley’s after school and summer program that includes a fall, winter, and spring trimester, as well as the Summer Academy Program. Supported by the DESE 21st Century Community and Gloucester Education Foundation grants as well as school-based fundraising, the program provides a wide variety of activities at no cost that serve diverse student interests, with transportation home available for most areas of the city.

During the summer, all programs are open to rising sixth graders, including Move-up Camp and Summer Boost academics. It is a wonderful opportunity for students to meet new people and make new friends that share their interests. Click here for more information about O’Maley Academy.

O’Maley Fall Sports Registration Opens

O’Maley Athletics shares a website with Gloucester High School. Students in grade six are welcome to join the interscholastic cross country team, while seventh and eighth-graders have additional opportunities for basketball, field hockey, hockey, and track. Click here for information about O’Maley sports.

Summer

Summer Tours for Students

Current O’Maley students lead tours for incoming sixth-graders to give them the scoop on middle school. Students get a closer look at the areas of the building where they will travel in just a few weeks and have the opportunity to ask questions. Keep an eye out for information on scheduling.

More Information on Grade 5 to 6 Transition

Families with questions or concerns about their student’s needs should contact the principal or support staff for guidance. 

Be sure to check out the O’Maley Innovation Middle School website for access to resources and information. Click here!