FAQs About Middle School

How can I contact my child's teachers or other MS staff?

Please click on this link: Staff Directory 

What school supplies does my child need for middle school?

All middle school students need the following: Backpack, pencils, cap erasers, five folders, five notebooks, scissors, glue sticks, colored pencils, pencil case, ear buds, and a snack each day. Seventh and eighth graders also need a scientific calculator.

Where can I find a course catalog?

This is currently in the works. Students will attend their four core classes each year, which include mathematics, science, language arts and social studies. Students will also attend two specials during their school day. Specials will be on a 12 week rotating basis and will vary slightly by grade level. The only electives students have are band, chorus, half band/half chorus or explorations. Explorations classes vary by teacher and by grade level. Please bear with us as we work to finalize these plans and get course descriptions completed.

How do I check my child's grades?

Please use Skyward Family Access. You can find it by visiting the NICE Community Schools website, selecting Parents and then Family Access, or by clicking this link.  You will receive your login information by mail at the start of the school year, but you can also call the office or email  harvalac@nice.k12.mi.us or ostolac@nice.k12.mi.us to receive it again. If you have any trouble with the website, please don't hesitate to reach out to us for assistance.

How can I see what homework my child was assigned?

Please use the homework website. You can access it by clicking on this link.

Are any advanced classes offered?

Advanced math (Algebra I) and English (English 9) are both offered during the 8th grade year for students who qualify. Students are selected for these classes based on a combination of their math and English grades, standardized testing results and teacher recommendation. If students do not qualify during the 8th grade year, they are still able to pursue the advanced track in these subject areas later (usually during their 10th grade year). 

What should I do if my child is struggling with emotions, friends, family life or academics? 

Please don't hesitate to reach out to me or another teacher or staff member. We are all here to support you and your child.

What are Patriot Cards?

Middle school students receive Patriot Cards. These cards are similar to NICE Cards that students receive in the elementary school. Cards can be entered into drawings for prizes like hat day passes or candy.

What extracurricular activities are offered?

Student Council, grades 6-8

Quiz Bowl, grades 6-8

Cheer, grades 6-8 (Fall and/or Winter)

Co-Ed Cross Country, grades 6-8 (Fall)

Girls' Basketball, grades 7 & 8 (Fall)

Football, grades 7 & 8 (Fall)

Volleyball, grades 7 & 8 (Winter)

Boys' Basketball, grades 7 & 8 (Winter)

Co-Ed Track, grades 6-8 (Spring)

Robotics, grades 6-8 (Spring)

We are looking to add more clubs and activities for our students. Please let us know if you are interested in sharing your talents.

What grades does my child need to be eligible to play sports?

Students must be passing all of their classes with a D- or higher to participate in sports. Eligibility reports will be run on Mondays. If a student is ineligible on Monday, they may not participate in any team contests or practices for that week. It is the student's responsibility (with help from the teachers and staff) to get their grades up for the following week's eligibility report.

How do students sign up for extracurriculars?

Announcements will be made at school and forms (if applicable) will be available for students in the new information center across from the cafeteria.  In order to participate in sports, students need a current physical form on file (completed in August 2024 or later).

What are rewards outings?

Each quarter, students who passed all of their classes and received no disciplinary actions such as detention or suspension will be invited to attend the quarterly reward outing. Slips will be attached to your child's report card for the quarter or teachers will have lists and let students know if they are eligible ahead of time. Outings will vary. Our first quarter outing is usually bowling at River Rock Lanes. Students must bring their own money if they wish to purchase any food or beverages.

What does my child need to do to be eligible for rewards outings?

Students must pass all of their classes for the quarter with a D- or higher and receive no disciplinary actions such as detention or suspension.

Where can I find a lunch menu?

You can find our lunch menu on the NICE Community Schools website under Parents and then Lunch Calendars or by clicking this link.  Breakfast is also offered every school day.

What is served at A La Carte in the cafeteria?

There are usually foods such as chicken nuggets, mozzarella sticks, chips, cookies, beef sticks and nachos available.

How do I put money on my child's lunch account?

Students can bring cash or check to the office first thing in the morning or parents can add funds on Skyward.

Does the middle school have snack time?

Yes, students can eat a snack in their second hour class at about 10:20am. Please send snacks with your student if you are able. Middle schoolers are very hungry, growing people!

What field trips will my child attend?

6th grade normally visits Mackinac Island in the Spring.

7th grade normally attends Clear Lake camp for three days in the Fall.

8th grade normally visits Six Flags Great America in the Spring.

Students may not be eligible to attend these trips, depending on their behavior and disciplinary history over the course of the school year. There may also be additional field trips, such as rock climbing in 6th grade, job shadowing in 8th grade, or other educational outings.