Welcome Salmon Bay Sixth Graders and Families:

For many students the step from 5th to 6th grade can feel HUGE and a little scary – new school, new teachers, new classes, new friends, new grading system, new locker… Don’t worry! We plan a lot of activities to help you make this transition. At 6th grade Orientation Night (Thursday August 28th from 5:45- 7:00 PM), you’ll meet your teachers and meet the students in your homeroom, so that you’ll know where to go on the first day and recognize some of the people in your homeroom.

If you are unable to attend, don’t worry, because at the WEB leader orientation (Tuesday September 2nd), you will get to know your homeroom classmates through activities run by 8th grade student leaders. You’ll get your specific schedule the first week of school. We spend a lot of time going through the schedules together in your homeroom so that you can ask questions about the classes, who teaches them, and where to go.

Something else to look forward to is 6th grade camp at Camp Orkila on Orcas Island. This year’s camp dates are September 24th – 26th. It is a great way to make new friends and enjoy time together outside of school. At camp we do activities that help us work together, learn about the environment, create and perform skits and songs, and in general have a lot of fun!

While camp is a wonderful experience for our sixth graders, at $425 it can require some planning ahead. We offer some scholarship and payment plans, as our goal is that all sixth graders can attend camp. More information will be sent home in a separate camp packet the first week of school.

If your child takes any medications, you will have some additional paperwork to complete before camp. The form is called “Authorization to Administer Medication at School and can be found on the district website. This form is required if your child takes any medication at school or camp, even occasionally or for emergencies (EpiPens, Inhalers), whether over-the-counter or prescription, even ibuprofen! A doctor needs to complete one form for each individual medication. For example, if your student takes two medications, two forms need to be filled out – one for each medication. If you’ve already completed this form for the 2025-26 school year, you do not have to fill it out again, but it does need to be completed for each school year (any from 5th grade will need to be updated). These forms and medications can be dropped off at the Salmon Bay office, or forms can be faxed from a doctor. If your student will take medication at camp, please do not wait until the last minute to get these forms in.

One of the biggest keys to a successful 6th grade year is ORGANIZATION, so start talking about the strategies and supplies that can help your student stay organized! One thing you can do before school begins is to designate an area in your home(s) where you can keep some school supplies for your homework. Being PREPARED with the necessary materials every day will make school much easier. Please be sure to look at the 6th Grade Supply List to see what supplies students should have for the year.

Have a fantastic finish to your summer! We’re looking forward to meeting everyone at Orientation on August 28th!