Each spring, elementary school counselors are responsible for middle school registration and also participate in the Beginner's Day festivivites for rising Kindergarten students. Please read below to learn more about these services. Feel free to ask your school counselor any questions via phone, email, or in person!
Middle School Transition for Rising 6th Grade Students
The month of April traditionally is spent introducing rising 6th grade students with middle school concepts and ideas, coordinating registration for their respective middle school selections, and working with middle school counselors to ensure that every child has a registration card for middle school course selection. Here are some commonly asked questions regarding this time:
1. What if I don't want my child to go to the middle school assigned by my address? CMS offers many wonderful opportunities for you to select educational alternatives for your child(ren). If you are interested in learning about magnet school or transfer lotteries, you may contact the office of Student Placement by clicking here. Please keep in mind that there are deadlines for each lottery process and that if you miss the deadline that you can try for the 2nd round and for transfers you may place an application per the required deadlines each quarter. Students assigned to schools designated as Title 1 choice schools also have a lottery for various middle school choices. More information is availabe on the Student Placement website linked above as well as on the individual school's website.
2. What if my address is wrong on the card that is sent home? It is CRITICAL that you update your address in our CMS computer system. All information regarding bus assignments, school assignments, and mailings to and from the school for your child's schedule are sent to the address we have on file. It is a requirement that families keep this information up-to-date for safety reasons as well. Changing your address does not automatically move you out of your current school assignment (you have the right to provide transportation to and from school for the duration of the remaining school year and also apply for transfer to our school should you have other children enrolled that you wish to keep at your current school assignment). To update your address, you must provide three proofs of residency as required by CMS. To find out more about this requirement, please click here.
3. I don't understand. What do I need to do with this card exactly? First, verify that your address and contact information are correct. Make corrections as needed and follow information above for change of address. Second, help your child select their course electives based on the Middle School Course Registration Guide sent home. Third, sign and return the form to the school with your child. *All forms not returned will be completed at the school with the student and elementary counselor.* Finally, if you have selected band or orchestra for your child, you will need to sign and complete the Instrumental Music Study Permission Form.
Beginner's Day and Transition to Kindergarten Support
Starting school for the first time can be a nerve-wracking experience for both the parent and the child. To ease this transition, every CMS elementary school offers a Beginner's Day program each spring that all parents are encouraged to attend. Information on this year's dates and times can be found on the individual school's main webpage. Beginner's Day offers the children the opportunity to meet peers who will be coming to school with them and interact with our kindergarten teachers. Children explore the classrooms and read a book with the teachers while parents receive an introduction to the world of elementary school.
For all students new to school, the handout attached provides some useful information to help you and your child be prepared to start school in the Fall. Please feel free to talk to me if you have questions regarding school policies, procedures, or just need advice on how to best help your young one be ready for their first day of school!
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