Transitioning to Middle School

Welcome to middle school! As the name implies, middle school is sandwiched between elementary and high school and is designed to provide a transition between the two levels. An increased sense of independence defines middle school years in choosing friends, clothing and hairstyles, early career interests, and study habits. Parents sometimes step back in their involvement during these years more than ever. Children begin to value peer relationships more and desire membership in a peer group. They want to be an individual but, at the same time, don't want to stand out. Emotional highs and lows are common in this age group. Parents can support their children most by maintaining open lines of communication and providing boundaries and opportunities for independence.

Learn more about the middle school for which you are zoned by visiting their website! Links are provided at the menu on the top left corner of this site or through the district's website at www.cmcss.net

Visit this resource for tips on parenting your middle schooler. https://www.scholastic.com/parents/family-life/social-emotional-learning/development-milestones/social-development-11-13-year-olds.html

Communication between home and school changes as students progress from elementary to middle school. As students age, most are ready to assume responsibility for their success. In middle school, teachers communicate information about student grades by using PowerSchool. All grades are posted and updated frequently; you only need a username and password to check grades and attendance 24/7. An automated message system called ParentSquare is used to send messages from the school or the district. The school must have your correct phone number so that you can be reached in an emergency and also so that you receive regular information about upcoming events or opportunities. Teachers and administrators call or email parents directly as needed.

What if families have a question or concern? Email is the most efficient way to speak to a teacher or administrator. Since teachers have students most of the day and school administrators visit classrooms, phone conversations are more difficult. Likewise, school administrators are usually unavailable for drop-in visitors, emails to request information or a return call. The school website has the email address of all school staff members so that you can contact them at any time. If you are concerned about a teacher or classroom situation, always email the teacher first. If you cannot resolve the problem, go up the chain of command by emailing an assistant principal, then the principal. Level directors are the next step for support.

Email is the most effective way of reaching out to a teacher or school administrator. For concerns or questions relating to a classroom, begin by emailing the teacher. Names and email addresses of school staff are located on each school's website. If your child is absent, email a note explaining the reason to the Attendance Secretary at your child's school.

PowerSchool is the district's platform for housing and communicating information such as grades, schedules, and attendance. If you do not have a PowerSchool parent account, follow the steps below.

Creating an Account: To create a PowerSchool account, visit powerschool.cmcss.net, click the Create Account tab, and complete the form. If you do not know the Access ID for your child(ren), please contact your child(ren)’s school(s) or go to parents.cmcss.net and click on "Get Security Info."

Mobile App: The PowerSchool app is a free and convenient resource for families to review their child’s academic progress. Once you set up an account using the directions above, download the app from the App Store or Google Play. Use CMCSS’ district code P Z Q N when you register.

Jump Start is the annual orientation program for students transitioning from 5th to 6th grade. Each school designs its own program that meets the needs of its students. Typical activities include learning key areas of the school building, meeting new friends and teachers, and learning how to open a locker. Jump Start sessions will be held at each middle school in mid to late July. Visit your middle school's website to check for exact dates and times.

Two (2) Proofs of Residence (Example: water bill, electric bill, lease agreement, or other residency, etc.) will be required for all sixth grade students and all newly registered students of any grade level. Other residency information may be requested by the school. Proofs of residency are required to ensure that students attend their zoned school. School zones help prevent schools from becoming overcrowded.

The CMCSS Student Code of Conduct describes the behavioral expectations for middle and high school students. Maintaining a safe learning environment is important to the district and every school leader. We encourage parents and students to become familiar with this document, which can be found on the district website HERE.

SCHEDULE EXAMPLE

A typical student schedule includes 4 "core" subject area courses and two related arts courses. Each class lasts approximately 50 minutes. Approximately 25-30 minutes is allotted for lunch at midday. A 30-minute advisory class meets at least 1-2 times per week, usually with the student's homeroom teacher.

A typical student schedule might look like this:

Homeroom/1st period - Math - Mrs. Johnson- room 10

2nd period - Science - Mr. Fleming- room 13

3rd period - PE - Mrs. Summit- gym

4th period - Art and lunch - Ms. Kahlo - room 23 and cafeteria

5th period - English language arts - Mr. Webster - room 35

6th period - social studies - Mr. Washington - room 9

Students' grade level subject classrooms are usually on the same wing of the building, so they are easy to find. Teachers and peers are helpful during the first few days of school to help students learn where the cafeteria, gym, and other areas are located.

COURSES OFFERED

Middle schools in CMCSS provide four "core" subject area courses (math, English language arts, science, and social studies) and two periods for related arts.

Time is provided during the school day for students needing additional academic support. Honors classes are available for math in grades 6-8, English language arts in grades 7-8, and science in the 8th grade. Algebra I for high school credit is also offered to 8th grade students based on students’ success in advanced 6th and 7th grade advanced math courses.

Detailed information on the state of Tennessee's required curriculum standards can be found here. https://www.tn.gov/education/instruction/academic-standards.html

RELATED ARTS

Middle school-related arts courses provide an opportunity for students to discover talents and interests. Typical related arts course offerings include art, PE, computer, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, math). Most related arts courses last nine weeks; students then rotate to a new related arts course. Band, chorus, and PASS (for gifted students) are examples of related arts courses that last an entire school year. One of the two related arts periods can also be used to respond to students who need interventions in math or reading. A student's four core subjects are scheduled first; related arts courses are determined by what is available in the remaining periods. Students rotate related arts courses throughout the year and over their three years in middle school. For a complete list of related arts classes at your middle school, visit the school's website!

To begin preparing students for high school, college, and careers, emphasis increases on subject area strengths in middle school. Students begin to develop an understanding of their own strengths and preferences. As students progress each year to the next grade, course placement decisions are made based partially on the student's success as measured by grades. Grades are structured to communicate to students and parents how much of the required curriculum the student has mastered. It is important to remember that different students have different strengths and abilities. There is a delicate balance between supporting a child to do their best work versus pressuring a child to the point of constant anxiety.

SPORTS

Middle school offers the following school-sponsored athletic opportunities for students in grades 6, 7, and 8:

Basketball (girls and boys)

Cross-country (girls and boys)

Football

Cheerleading

Volleyball (girls)

BAND

All middle schools offer year-long band classes for students in grades 6, 7, and 8. Bands typically perform 3-4 concerts during a school year. Middle school counselors will communicate with elementary school counselors to facilitate current 5th graders signing up for band.

CHORUS

All middle schools offer year-long chorus classes for students in grades 6, 7, and 8. Choirs typically perform 3-4 concerts during a school year. Middle school counselors will communicate with elementary school counselors to facilitate current 5th graders signing up for chorus.