What time does school start? 

Doors open at 7 am, students should be in their first class by 7:35 am. 

What time does school dismiss? 

2:35 pm. All walkers, parent pickup and bus riders are dismissed at the same time. If you are picking up your student, please make plans with them to know where you will be picking them up. 

How much interaction do the grades have during the school day?

The grades may interact a little in the morning, 7th and 8th may eat breakfast in the cafeteria then go into the gym to wait to be dismissed. There might be occasional times when they may pass other grade students in the hallway but there is no set time that the grades intermix. 

Will my child have a locker?

Yes, your child will be assigned a locker. We do not recommend bringing a lock, it causes student anxiety, slows them down during classroom changes and just is not necessary. If you do decide to send your child with a lock, their homeroom teacher either needs to have a spare key or the combination.  

Can my child decorate their locker?

Yes, your child may decorate their locker but they cannot do anything that would permanently change the locker or cause damage to it. Adding mirrors, pictures and locker shelves are fine.  For tips on decorating your locker click here. 

When will my child get their schedule? 

Students will get a copy of their schedules during Open House night.  If your student attends Camp Colt they will be taught how to read their schedule. 

What if my child loses their schedule before school starts?
Students will be given another copy of their schedule on the first day of school. After that students can access their schedule online through their IC accounts. 

Do students get “recess”? 

Students get 30 minutes to eat and socialize with friends. Weather permitting, students are allowed to go outside after finishing their lunch. There is no food or drink allowed outside. If the weather is bad students will go into the gym after they are finished eating. 

Will my child be with the same group of students all day like in elementary school? 

No, core classes mix within families. The 6th grade has three families. Unified Arts classes are a mixture within the grade level. 

How much homework can I expect my child to have?
Realistically, not much! We work really hard in the classroom each day and as long as we are doing what we are supposed to be doing at school, there won't be a great deal to do outside of school. The exceptions to this could be if something is not completed in class or if there is an upcoming test. 

How much time is there between classes?
There are two-three minutes between classes. The sixth-grade classes are concentrated in one area of the building, so they don't have to travel very far. They will have a locker break in the middle of the day for them to switch out their supplies (so they have less to carry) and they are given five minutes for this break. Teachers are understanding and as long as they are heading towards class, being "late" isn't going to be a problem. 

Will students be using their Chromebook for a lot of their class assignments?
Students will be completing some work on their Chromebooks and some work they will be completing on paper. Assessments, for the most part, will be on the computer. Most classes also have a "Check for Understanding" component each day and these will often be on their Chromebook, because it allows for students to get real time feedback on their progress. 

How will my child’s teacher communicate with me?
Most teams at CMS use an app called Remind to send out the majority of the information they need to communicate. This is the best place to make sure you're staying up to date with test information, study guides, important date reminders, etc. It is also a good idea to make sure that you have your child's teacher's names, so that you can reach out to them directly through email if you have a specific question about your student. 

How do I setup my Parent Portal account? 

You will need to show your drivers license to the office secretaries and they will give you your password. If you have an account you do not need to do anything for your child's transition to middle school. 

What is the dress code? 

Students at CMS are expected to dress in a way that is appropriate for the learning environment. They should wear what makes them feel comfortable and confident to come to school and have a successful, positive day. There are a few limitations which include: 

Clothing with negative or inappropriate words, pictures, or connotations are not permitted (i.e. drugs, alcohol, sex, foul language references, derogatory comments about groups of people, etc.). 

Visible undergarments (underwear/boxers/bras or bra straps)

Clothing that reveals rear ends, stomachs, and/or cleavage.

Clothing deemed to be a costume or costume accessory will not be permitted (masks, capes, garter belts, fishnet stockings, colorful wigs, dog collars, wheelie shoes, etc.).

Hoods are not permitted to cover your head during the instructional day, which includes traveling in the hallways and actual class time. Hoods, however, may be worn in the mornings before being released to class and during your lunch while in the cafeteria/gym/outside to help keep you cozy during your break times. 

Hair must always be out of your eyes so that you can properly engage in class.

Winter coats are to be worn to and from school only.

Notes: (1) School administrators will maintain the right to ask a student to change, take items off, or call home as needed for parental support. (2) If you need assistance with appropriate school clothing, please see your grade level counselor or administrator. 

Do students get an agenda?

Yes, students will be given an agenda at the beginning of the school year.  

Are there restrictions on backpacks?
Yes. Bags may be brought into school but must be stored in lockers, this includes purses and lunchboxes. 

Can I drop off personal items in the front office during the day? 

Lunch or medications only. 

Do I need to call the school if there are changes to my child’s transportation for that day?
You do not need to call about changes in transportation, unless it is right before buses are getting ready to leave or you are concerned your child may not check their phone at the end of the day. You can text your child, they are allowed to check their phones at the end of the day. Unlike elementary school, at dismissal all car riders are released at the same time, you will not need to sign up for a tag to put in your car.

Can students bring cell phone with them to school?

Students are allowed to have their phones out in the mornings before dismissing to class. Students are directed to turn off their phones and put them in the backpacks before being dismissed to class. Then in the afternoon right before dismissal teachers will tell students when they are allowed to get their phones out to check and make sure there have not been any changes to their transportation getting home.