South Middle School Parent Answer Book
2007-2008

A Publication for Parents of Students new to South Middle School

Parent Answer Book Table of Contents
Accelerated Education Activity Bus Class Schedules Clinic Services Extracurricular Activities Guidance/Counseling Homework Homework Requests During Illness Interdisciplinary Units Lockers Lunch	Middle School Curriculum Nature of the School Day Parent Conferences Parent Volunteers Philosophy of South Middle Physical Education Requirements Progress Reports Report Cards Special Education Team Approach
You may access any topic by "clicking" on it.

1. Accelerated Education
• What is Accelerated Education? - Accelerated Education is a class designed for specially qualified students at all grade levels. The class focuses on process skills, social skills, affective education, creativity, and the development of research skills. To qualify, students must possess and demonstrate superior aptitude.
• How does a student qualify for Accelerated Education? - Students qualify based upon an established criteria. The student must demonstrate exceptional performance in academic areas as evidenced by results on standardized achievement and intelligence tests.
• When and how often do selected students attend Accelerated Education Classes? - Accelerated Education classes are held in place of the regular reading class. Sixth grade students meet every day for one class period. Seventh and Eighth grade students meet every other day alternating Accelerated Education with Physical Education.
2. Activity Bus
• What is the after school Activity Bus? - Since so many activities take place after school, an activity bus is scheduled to provide students a way home. Although the activity bus routes do not necessarily return student to the same bus stop as the regular school bus, stops are calculated to be within walking distance of home.
• What will it cost to ride the activity bus? - The cost for riding the activity bus is $1.00 per ride. Activity bus tickets may be purchased before school and must be presented to the bus driver before boarding the bus.
3. Class Schedules
• Can my son/daughter have the same schedule as a friend? - Since class schedules are made from a process which involves computerization, there is a large degree of random assignment. Additionally, there are many other determining factors which must be considered when building schedules. To provide matching schedules for everyone who wants one would be an impossible task.
• When will I receive my child's schedule? - Schedules will be available for distribution during registration which is held in early August. If your child is unable to participate in registration activities, his/her schedule may be picked up anytime after registration and prior to the first day of school.
4. Clinic Services
• What services are available from the school clinic? - The school nurse administers basic first-aid for minor cuts, burns, and bruises. Her careful assessment of injuries and illnesses often helps parents determine an appropriate course of treatment. The school nurse is also responsible for monitoring the taking of medication by students during school hours.
• When are students screened for vision and hearing problems? - Students in the seventh grade receive vision and hearing screening. Teachers and parents may request either test for their child at any time if a problem appears to exist.
• What do I do to make the nurse and teachers aware of my child's specific medical condition? - We recommend that you call the school nurse and talk with her personally regarding such matters. If necessary, she will relay this information to the appropriate school personnel. The number is 281-0776 (Local), or 379-1973 (Metro).
5. Extracurricular Activities
• Do students take field trips? - Yes, field trips are considered an extension of the regular classroom and provide additional learning experiences for students. Academic teams usually plan a field trip for students during the year. Informational letters and permission slips are always sent home. Sometimes a fee will be charged to cover the cost of transportation and admission to certain venues.
• What clubs and organizations are offered at South Middle School? - The following activities are provided for student membership:

SMS Clubs & Organizations
Student Council	Science Club		T.R.E.N.D.
Yearbook Staff	Math Club		Show Choir
Newspaper Staff	Art Club		Nat'l Jr. Honor Soc.
Builders' Club	Computer Club		Drama Club
Positive Peer Influence (PPI)		Technology Students Assoc.

• How does a student get involved in a club or organization? - During the first few weeks of school, announcements will be read from the daily bulletin stating the times and dates for club/organization membership meetings which are held after school. Interested students are encouraged to attend. Many clubs have open membership throughout the year.
• Why should my child join a club or organization? - The clubs and organizations at South Middle School are fun and exciting! These extracurricular activities provide students with opportunities to interact with peers outside the regular classroom. Such activities promote a sense of pride and encourage the development of social skills. Often extracurricular participation promotes positive attitudes about school. Students may find their experiences in a club or organization leading to the pursuit of a lifetime hobby or the development of an interest which will continue through high school.
• What are intramurals, and what sports activities are included? - Intramurals are recreational athletic activities held after school Monday through Thursday from 2:15pm to 3:15pm. These activities are available for all students who are interested in participating. Teams are formed, basic skills are taught, and competition takes place. Typically, students participate on a grade-level basis. No fee is charged for participation in intramural activities. Permission slips are required, and this process is explained carefully to all students. The following activities are available:

Intramural Activities
Flag Football	Handball
Softball	Table Tennis
Soccer	Archery
Volleyball	Pom Pon Squad
Track	Cheerleading
Girls/Boys' Basketball	Fit for Life

6. Guidance/Counseling
• What are the general services offered by the school counselors? - Guidance and counseling services are offered in the middle school to help emerging adolescents adjust to their changing educational, personal, and social needs. These services include academic counseling, career exploration, and guidance in the development of parent, peer, and teacher relations. For the most part, students remain with the same counselor for all three years at the middle school. A full-time crisis counselor is available to work with small groups of students and to provide support to parents and students during times of crisis.
• What is being done to help sixth graders deal with age-related problems such as peer pressure and low self esteem? - Our guidance counselors and crisis counselors are available at all times to help students with their problems. Counseling is done both individually and through small groups. Small group sessions may focus on the following: New students, divorce, death, self-image, chemical dependency, stress, anxiety, and study skills. A special attempt is made to help students develop a more positive self concept which will contribute to making responsible choices. Peer mediation is an alternative to handling conflict situations which occur naturally between students at this level.
7. Homework
• How does homework at this level differ from the elementary school? - As your child enters middle school, he/she will find that homework becomes increasingly more important. Middle school students are expected to work more independently on tasks assigned for homework; and in some classes, homework does become more important in compiling student grades.
• How do I determine what constitutes a homework assignment? - Homework is an integral part of the total educational program. It serves as an extension of classroom instruction and often is assigned to check for understanding of the material covered in class that day. Homework does vary from class to class, and the assignments may be for review, practice, or long-term projects.
• What is the approximate amount of time a student should be spending on homework? - District policy states 10-20 minutes of homework per subject each evening. This guideline reflects the time needed by the average student. Some students may need more or less time. If you feel your child is spending too much or too little time on homework, please consult the teacher.
• How can parents help their child in making homework a positive and meaningful experience? - It is very important to establish a daily routine for homework. This may include a set time each evening to work on assignments, a specific area designed for studying, and a system to check over completed work. Not all students learn in the same way; and believe it or not, some students do learn better with the radio, stereo, or even the television blasting away. The trick is to determine how your child learns best. If you are not sure which way works best, school personnel will be happy to provide their insight into the matter.
• As a parent, how can I be kept informed of my child's homework assignments? - At the beginning of each school year, every student may purchase an assignment book and teachers provide instruction on its proper use. The book is designed to help students get organized. This assignment book provides space to record assignments and upcoming test and quiz dates. Students are taught to carry this book with them to all classes during the day. Each student is responsible for writing down the appropriate information. Parents can check the assignment book each evening.
8. Homework Requests During Illnesses
• When should I request homework for my child if he/she is ill? - If your child will be out of school for only one day, it is not necessary to request homework. Homework should be requested when a student is going to be absent three (3) days or more from school. It does take 24 hours from the time of your request to gather a full set of homework assignments. Whenever students are absent, they are allowed one extra day to make up their work for each day they were absent. For example, if three days are missed, the student has three days to get the homework completed after the time they return. Teachers will reschedule make up of tests and quizzes. To request homework, you must call the appropriate grade level office.
9. Interdisciplinary Units
• What is an interdisciplinary unit? - An interdisciplinary unit is a course of study where all teachers on a team teach from a single theme, and apply this theme to each of their individual subjects. For example, in a unit on Mexico, the social studies teacher would introduce students to the geography and culture, the science teacher would study plants, animals and the climate, the english teacher would introduce famous authors and their works, and the mathematics teacher may study rates of monetary exchange or demographic statistics, etc.
10. Lockers
• What is the purpose having a locker? - Students are assigned lockers in which they may store their books, notebooks, coats, gym clothes, and other personal items.
• When will my child receive a locker assignment? - Locker assignments will be made during registration held in early August. Following registration, we encourage students to visit as often as possible to acquaint themselves with their classrooms and practice their locker combination.
• Should my child share a locker or locker combination with another student? - Absolutely not! There are enough lockers for all students to have their own.
• Do students go to their lockers after every class period? - Yes, if necessary, students may go to their lockers between all class periods.
• What do students do when there is a problem with their locker? - Report the problem immediately to the eighth grade office.
• What happens if my child's musical instrument will not fit in a locker? - Arrangements can be made to provide an alternative storage space for safe-keeping throughout the day. Inquire about these arrangements in the sixth grade office.
11. Lunch
• What if my child forgets or loses their money? - A phone call home or individual arrangements can be made through the grade level office and/or the lobby office. Rest assured, no child will be asked to go without their lunch. While we do not "charge" lunches, a substitute lunch will be provided which includes a sandwich and a drink. There is a small fee for this service.
• Do students bring sack lunches to school? - Yes, many students do, particularly the first two weeks of school. This helps alleviate the anxiety of long lines, time restraints, and seating problems common to the first few days of school. Some students continue to bring a sack lunch for the entire year.
• Must students "clean their plates" at lunch? - While we encourage students to eat nutritionally balanced meals, no pressure is placed on students to clean their tray.
• Can you apply for Free or Reduced Lunches? - Yes, applications are available during registration in August.
12. Middle School Curriculum
• What are the major components of the middle school curriculum? - The middle school curriculum is composed of three major elements - Basic Skills, Exploratory Courses/Electives, and the Extracurricular Program. The basic skills include mathematics, social studies, science, language arts, and reading. The exploratory/elective portion of the curriculum provides students an opportunity to make some choices in their educational program. Over three years the choices include art, music, technology education, computer exploration, family consumer services, band, choir, and orchestra. Throughout the school a wide variety of intramurals, clubs and organizations, and activities are offered to help promote both social and physical growth. We strongly encourage involvement of students with activities outside the academic arena.
13. Nature of the School Day
• How many class periods are in each day? - There are six 55-minute periods in each school day.
• When does school begin and end? - School begins at 7:35am and concludes at 2:05pm.
• How much time is there between classes? - There are 5-minute breaks between classes. A bell rings to begin class. Digital clocks are positioned in hallways for student use.
14. Parent Conferences
• When are teachers available to meet with parents? - Team teachers share the same 55-minute planning time every day. Each team establishes a schedule which accomodates requests for conferences. To arrange for a conference with the entire team or with the individual teachers, you must call the school guidance office in advance to make arrangements.
• Does the middle school have parent conferences anytime throughout the school year? - Conferences may be scheduled with an entire team of teachers or with a single teacher. A special Parent Conference Night and Day are held during the first semester. Parent/Teacher conferences must be arranged by appointment. To schedule a conference, simply call the school guidance office, 281-0776 or toll-free 379-1973.
15. Parent Volunteers
• How do I become a parent volunteer at South Middle School? - To be placed on the parent volunteer list, you must complete a Parent Volunteer Form. This will provide information regarding talents, interests, and availability. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, appropriate forms will be available during student registration in August. Be assured we want and need your help. Know that you are welcome to come to any event, whether or not your name is on the list.
16. Philosophy of South Middle School
• It is a purpose of South Middle School to encourage students to understand and accept their own uniqueness; to promote their self-discipline and self-reliance; to accept their growing independence in a responsible manner; and to challenge their minds with the academic and critical thinking skills that will enable them to benefit from a lifetime of learning.
17. Physical Education Requirements
• What will my child need to wear to participate in P.E.? - Students will need the following items:
1. Gym shorts or sweat pants, no jeans
2. A tee shirt different from one worn to school
3. Tennis shoes - no deck shoes, boat shoes, street shoes, etc. Also, slip-on tennis shoes are not recommended.
• Does my child have to dress out for P.E.? - Yes, all students are required to dress out for physical education. Dressing for P.E. is similar to having the necessary supplies for other classes. Failure to dress out for P.E. is monitored on a semester basis and repeated infractions will result in a reduction of grades.
• Do students have to take showers after P.E.? - No, students are not required to shower after P.E. classes, but showers are available for those who choose to. The physical education teachers allow ten minutes at the end of each class period to clean up and change clothes before the next class.
• How often does my child have P.E.? - At the middle school level, P.E. is offered on an alternating basis with one of the elective courses. In sixth grade, P.E. may alternate with art, music, orchestra or band. Seventh and eighth grade P.E. alternates with reading. Since P.E. is offered on an alternating basis, it would be helpful for students to bring their gym clothes at the beginning of each week and take them home at the end of the week. This plan will help prevent students from attending class unprepared.
18. Progress Reports
• How are progress reports distributed at the middle school? - Computerized progress reports are sent to parents at the midpoint of each quarter. Progress reports may be used by teachers to communicate good work, but more typically reports are sent to notify parents of a child's poor performance or failing grades. After receiving the progress report, parents should contact the teacher or counselor to discuss the situation.
19. Report Cards
• How often do students get report cards? - Middle school students receive a computerized report card four (4) times each year. Report cards are distributed approximately ten (10) days after the end of each quarter. Report cards reflect quarterly progress. First and Second Semester grades are also reported and are derived by averaging first/second and third/fourth quarter grades.
• What is the percentage grade scale? - The percentage grade scale for Ft. Zumwalt School District is:

• 100-95 A
• 94-90 A-
• 89-87 B+
• 86-84 B
• 83-80 B-
• 79-77 C+
• 76-74 C
• 73-70 C-
• 69-67 D+
• 66-64 D
• 63-60 D-
• 59-0 F
19. Special Education
• What Special Education services are available at the Middle School? - Special Education services are available to students who qualify. These services range from the least restrictive to more restrictive, including resource classroom support and self-contained support. Other special services include Speech and Language Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Adaptive Physical Education, Art and Music.
20. Team Approach
• What is meant by the "Team Approach" at the middle school level? - The team approach is a term used to describe how teachers are organized within a school. A team is comprised of a group of teachers who share the same students throughout the day. This "school within a school" atmosphere helps promote a feeling of belonging among students. Team teachers typically have their classrooms located together in the same area of the building and are also assigned the same 55-minute planning period. Normally, teams are composed of five teachers including math, science, language arts, social studies, and reading. Other areas of instruction are physical education, music, art, band and orchestra.
• What are some advantages of the team approach? - The team approach is an integral part of the middle school concept. The team approach allows teachers to communicate efforts concerning student progress and academic activities. Team teachers share a common planning period which allows time for organizing field trips, coordinating interdisciplinary units, planning special activities, discussing student progress and attending conferences.
• Do team numbers 1-2-3-4 have anything to do with the ability grouping of my child? - No, team numbers are used for the purpose of identifying a particular group of teachers and students. Each team contains students of all ability levels.
• How is it determined to which team my child will be assigned? - A master schedule is developed and placed in the district computer data base. Teams are assigned through this random process. Any questions regarding the scheduling process or your child's schedule can be discussed with the guidance counselor.