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.

 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.