­The IB Middle Years Program (MYP) aspires to help schools develop well-rounded students who respond to challenges with optimism and an open mind, are confident in their own identities, make ethical decisions, join with others in celebrating our common humanity and are prepared to apply what they learn in real-world complex and unpredictable situations.

Students must write all assignments in their school planner to stay on top of completing homework. Organization is essential to being successful at Phillips. The planner is a great way to record due dates, note ideas, and stay on track.

Sixth graders are required to take the following courses:

• Mathematics

• Language & Literature

• Science

• Individual & Societies

• Physical Education

• Language Acquisition (French & Spanish)

• Design

• Visual & Performing Arts

All work must be completed in its entirety and turned in to receive full credit. Homework is all or nothing; you will not receive credit for incomplete/late homework assignments. Remember, homework counts 10% of the student’s final grade.

­ Dress Code for “Spirit Days” (Fridays):

Students have permission to show their school spirit by wearing their “spirit” shirts and PPS hoodies on designated days. All shirts MUST be school-approved, neat, and tucked in at all times. Spirit shirts may be purchased through PTSA or with club sponsors.

Students at Phillips follow a rotating schedule. It may look different this upcoming year due to social distancing. Each week, we rotate the period that starts the school day. During Week 1 of the school year, we’ll report to Period 1. Each day during Week 2, we'll report to Period 2. By the time we make it to week 8, what is our reporting period? You guessed it, we're back to Period 1!

There are many perks to being in sixth grade. One is that you get to eat on first lunch wave! Teachers escort students to the cafeteria. Each class has assigned tables for students to dine. Our delicious and nutritious meals are prepared by the best cafeteria staff in MCPSS. Remember to pick up all trash before leaving the cafeteria. Breakfast is served in the cafeteria each morning.

Most assemblies, pep rallies, and dances are held in the gym. Many exciting activities are planned throughout the year to commemorate important events, celebrate academic achievement, raise funds for various causes, and just have FUN!

Ask a teacher what "Sit on the floor! Sit on the Floor!" means.

­ Take-in and dismissal times are subject to change due to COVID-19 safety protocols and procedures.

School begins at 7:15 a.m. and dismisses at 2:30 p.m.

If a student arrives after 7:20 a.m., the student must report to the office and receive a tardy slip.

Homeroom is scheduled between second and third periods.

TARDIES TO CLASS

Three tardies to class will result in a class detention or discipline referral to the office.

Sixth graders are not allowed to participate in middle school athletics. However, you should use this year to explore different sports to determine your interests. You should also support all of our school's teams!

7^th & 8^th graders must maintain a 70% or higher yearly average to participate in the following:

• Archery

• Baseball

• Basketball

• Cheerleading

• Football

• Soccer

• Track

• Volleyball

­The school assumes no responsibility for loss or damage of cell phones or electronic devices during/after school hours, or during school activities on/off campus.

The student is responsible for keeping his/her device in a safe place. School officials WILL NOT spend valuable time searching for lost devices.

Resources:

Comcast Internet Essentials

Our comprehensive middle school guidance program includes the following student services:

• Individual counseling

• Group counseling

• Educational and career information

• School orientation to include crisis, facilitative, preventive, and developmental counseling

Resources:

What is Bullying?

What to Do About Bullying?