6th Grade FAQs

• Address: 2057 Washington Ave., Lewisburg, PA 17837
• Phone Numbers: (570) 522-3212 or (570) 522-3213
• Fax Number: (570) 522-3331
• Website: dhems.lasd.us
• Student Handbook: https://sites.google.com/dragon.k12.pa.us/lasdhandbooks/home

• Mission: We Belong. We Explore. We Learn.
• Vision: The Lewisburg Area School District is a learning community cultivating inclusive environments, empowering effective educators, and providing valuable resources for all students to belong, explore, and learn.

What support is available to help 6th graders adjust to middle school?

• In May, our soon-to-be 6th graders visited the middle school to learn about a typical day, meet the teachers and staff, and tour the school.
  

• Sixth grade orientation is scheduled for Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the DHEMS gymnasium. Families will have the opportunity to meet and greet with their children's teachers and see the building. Members of our student services team will also be available to meet students, families, and answer questions. Additionally, we are excited to have representatives from our DHEMS PSA prepared to share information about their important mission!

What time does school start and end?

• Doors Open: 7:25 AM (Breakfast served from 7:25 - 7:45 AM)
• Homeroom: 7:45 AM
• Late Bell: 7:50 AM
• Dismissal: 2:40 PM

In the morning, students may eat breakfast or sit in the designated hallway until the homeroom bell rings. On the first day of school, students will be assisted in going directly to homerooms. On the first two days of school, we will run an adjusted schedule to allow extra time for packing up and getting out to buses in the afternoon.

What subjects are taught in 6th grade?

• Core Subjects: English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies
  • Math and ELA are daily, and Science/Social Studies rotate every other day
  • All core subjects are year-long courses
• Related Arts: Physical Education, Music, Art, Technology Education, Family and Consumer Science, Business
  • Students have one related arts class each day; classes rotate throughout the six-day cycle
  • Physical Education is a year-long course; all other related arts courses are one semester or one marking period in length

What resources are available if my child needs extra academic help?

• Students needing extra academic assistance should first contact their classroom teacher to determine the best course of action. For broader concerns, our school counselors are a valuable resource for students and families.

What are the school’s academic expectations and grading policies?

• Grading System: Each teacher uses a unique system based on their content area and the specific class activities which is detailed in their specific course syllabus.
• Report Cards: Sent home at the end of each marking period; real-time access through the PowerSchool Parent Portal.
• Homework Policy: Homework is used to reinforce classroom instruction and to provide practice. Teachers will accept late work, including homework, up to two school days beyond the assignment due date with no more than a 50% penalty. Teachers may individually choose to offer extensions or credit beyond this school-wide policy.

When are schedules available to view, and how are math placements determined?

• Schedules: Schedules will be available to view on PowerSchool upon completing the annual student update. The instructions to complete the student update are mailed out in early-August. After submitting the update, please allow three business days for the office to review and approve the update. Please note that all schedule information is tentative, and official schedules will be handed out at 6th Grade Orientation.
• Math Placements: DHEMS uses multiple sources of data to determine initial math placement in sixth grade. Math placement is based on a child's demonstrated mathematic ability. Given the data-based nature of our math placement process, requests to change math placements may put students in courses that they have not demonstrated readiness for, and as such, will not be honored. To learn more about our placements and the multiple math pathways, please click here.

What sports can 6th graders join?

• School-Sponsored Sports: School-sponsored sports do not begin until 7th grade, so 6th grade families are encouraged to contact local youth programs regarding athletic opportunities for students.

Are there any music, art, or drama programs?

• Art and Music: All students will take art and music as part of the related arts offerings. Additionally, students can choose to participate in chorus, band, and/or orchestra during the school day. Ensemble sign ups occur at the beginning of the school year, and students may also join at the beginning of the second semester.
• Drama: Each year, DHEMS hosts a fall play, with students participating as actors, stage crew, sound crew, and helping with costumes/make up. Sixth grade students are invited to audition or join one of the crews that support the performance!

What clubs are available for students?

• Exploratory Clubs: All 6th grade students will participate in exploratory clubs, which occur almost every Friday during the school year. Students choose a new club each marking period. A few examples from last year include Crafting Club, Ultimate Frisbee Club, Dinosaur Discovery Club, Chess Club, and Volleyball Club.
• Additional Offerings: Outside of the typical school day, there are additional offerings such as the Technology Student Association. Information will be provided to students closer to the time that these clubs are offered.

What are the transportation options for students?

• Options: Buses, parent drop-off/pick-up, walking/biking (bike racks are available near the side entrance).
• Bus Information: Available on PowerSchool after completing the annual updates in early-August.

Where should I drop off and pick up my child?

• Bus Drop Off: Students who ride the bus will be dropped off out front in the bus loop.
• Parent Drop Off: Parent drop off occurs in the lot between DHEMS and Linntown; please see the specific drop off/pick up procedures noted below. These procedures were developed in collaboration with the Lewisburg Area School District Police to maximize student safety.
  

• Parent drop off between 7:00 AM and 7:50 AM, or pick up at or after dismissal (2:40) should occur in the parking lot between the middle school and Linntown.
• Parents may use the front of the building for late drop off (after 7:50) and early dismissal (prior to 2:30), as well as for after-school events.
• Parents should proceed through the parking lot via the yellow arrow when dropping off or picking up students. If there is no vehicle in front of you, please drive beyond the concrete divider and to the trees that will be on your left. This will allow as many cars as possible into the parking lot and off of Washington Ave.
• If possible, have your child exit on the passenger side of your vehicle so they are already on the student path and do not need to walk between vehicles
• Please do not pass vehicles that are in line after your child has exited your vehicle. Doing so, even slowly, sacrifices the safety of our students. Please be patient and prioritize safety over speed and time.
• If the line of traffic is long, and your child exited your car before the concrete divider, you may exit the parking lot through the path designated by the blue arrow.
• Please do not drop off your child using the staff lane on the left or exit the lot through that lane.
• You may pull into the extended drop off zone if your child has to remove something from the vehicle, such as an instrument or project, or will otherwise need extra time to exit the vehicle. Please ensure you do not drive into the walker/bike rider lane when exiting the parking lot.
• Failing to follow the specified procedures, which were developed by DHEMS Administration and the LASD School Police, can result in pick-up or drop off restrictions.

• Email msattendance@dragon.k12.pa.us or call the Attendance Line at 570-522-3336. An automated call will be made for any students who have absences that were not reported. Written excuses can also be sent in upon a student's return to school.
  

What is the policy on excused and unexcused absences?

• Excused/Unexcused Absences: An absence will be labeled unexcused if proper notification is not received within three days of the absence from the parents or guardians. After 10 absences excused via parental notification, a note from a medical practicioner will be required for each subsequent absence or each will be considered unexcused.
• Prolonged Absences: For any unique circumstances, parents/guardians should reach the school principal and/or counselors to discuss a plan for continuity of education.
• Educational Travel: Submit an education travel request at https://form.jotform.com/242588879449178

Are there make-up work policies for missed school days?

• Students are able to log onto Canvas and complete most assignments online while absent. If a student’s illness or circumstances for their absence prevent them from doing so, students are offered the same amount of days that they were absent to make up missed work without penalty.

What are the procedures for late arrivals and early departures?

• Late Arrivals: All late arrivals should go directly to the main office for a late pass.
• Early Departures: Students who need to be dismissed early will exit through the main office and should be picked up out front. If possible, please send a note with your child or email the attendance line to notify the office of the early dismissal. This will allow us to give your child a pass ahead of time. Parents do not need to come into the office to sign their child out if they send a note or email the office about the early dismissal; we will send the student out when you arrive. If you call the office regarding an early dismissal for your child, you will still need to come into the office to sign a pass for us to dismiss him or her.

How can parents communicate with teachers and stay informed about their child’s progress?

• Best Contact Method: Contact teachers via school email or call the main office (teachers will call back as soon as possible but will not leave class to take phone calls)
• Parent Portal/App: PowerSchool parent portal for tracking grades and attendance. Access information will be sent in early-August.
• Canvas Observer Account: Parents and guardians are encouraged to use Canvas to follow their child's class activities, understand the curriculum, and keep track of assignments and tasks. Visit this link for instructions on creating a parent observer account.
• Parent-Teacher Conferences: Parent teacher conferences will be held the week of November 2. However, families are encouraged to reach out sooner if they have concerns about their child’s progress.
• Newsletters/Updates: Newsletters are sent monthly, and other time-sensitive information is sent through School Messenger as needed.

Where can I find menus and prices?

• Visit this link to view monthly breakfast and lunch menus and meal prices.
  

What are the breakfast options available at school?

• Breakfast is served in the cafeteria from 7:25 - 7:45 AM. Breakfast is free for all students!
• Daily Options: Main choice, cereal, muffins, fruit, milk, juice

What are the lunch options available at school?

• Daily Options: Main choice, pizza, salads, sandwiches, and wraps. Drinks and snacks are also available. Students may bring a packed lunch if they do not order from the cafeteria.
• Lunch Accounts: Add money via cash/check given to cafeteria staff or online at EZSchoolPay.

How can I apply for free or reduced lunch?

• Click here to apply for free or reduced lunch eligibility.

Do students need to bring their own devices, or does the school provide them?

• Devices Provided: School-issued Chromebooks will be distributed on the first day of school. A user agreement must be completed through PowerSchool annual updates for the student to take the device home.

Are there guidelines for responsible use of technology?

• Guidelines: Refer to the 1:1 user agreement and acceptable use policy. Violations may result in loss of device privileges and/or disciplinary consequences.

What resources are available for students who need help with technology?

• Tech Support: Located in the DHEMS library. Report issues to the technology staff in the library.

What supplies do students need for 6th grade?

• Supply List: Please see the supply list below that was compiled by 6th grade teachers. Do not hesitate to contact the school principal, school counselors, or a classroom teacher if you have trouble obtaining these materials for any reason, including lack of availability or financial hardship.

Additionally, students in music and FACS classes are encouraged to bring a two-pocket folder for each class and earbuds. Students in gifted class should have a 1 inch 3-ring binder and 3 binder tab dividers with pockets.

Website: dhems.lasd.us
Location: 2057 Washington Avenue, Lewisburg, PA, USA
Phone: 570-522-3213
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Lewisburg-Area-School-District