FAQs 

WMS Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I prepare for the new school year?

     A. Watch for the summer newsletter or check the school’s website for details about back-to-school information and the school supply list.

     Important Dates to Remember: 

   *Warhawk Warmup - Monday, August 11th

    (Receive student’s class schedules, find classes, and meet staff)

   *6th Grade Orientation: Tuesday, August 12th (8 am - 11:15 am)

   *1st Day of School (All Grades):  Wednesday, August 13th 

Q. When will my student receive their schedule? Who do I talk to if I have questions or concerns? 

     A. Schedules are printed and shared the Monday before school starts during Warhawk Warmup and will be viewable on PowerSchool that day. If there are concerns regarding your student's schedule, please contact your student's WMS School Counselor. 

Q. What are the grade level teams at West? 

      A. 6th Grade (Lightning and Thunder) 

           7th Grade (Harvard and Yale)

           8th Grade (Epic and Elite)                    

Q. How many classes will my student take? 

     A. Students will attend 8 classes per day. 

Q. Will my classes ever change? 

     A. Students schedules change throughout the year based on elective selection and flex class assignments.  Student schedules can also be changed throughout the school year based on team and administrative decisions. Student flex classes change each quarter to match students support needs based on testing data and team assignments. 

Q. How do I find what is taught in middle school?

     A. You can access the middle school curriculum on the district website at  https://ks01906981.schoolwires.net/Page/12422

Q. How long are passing periods? Do they have a locker?

     A. Passing periods are 3 minutes long. Students do not use lockers and carry their backpacks to each class 

Q. How can I help my student stay on top of grades and attendance in middle school?

     A. Parents/Guardians can create a PowerSchool Portal to track their student's grades and attendance. If you do not know your child's access code, contact your student's WMS School Counselor. Need help making your account? Click here - https://www.usd497.org/powerschool

Q. Where do I drop my student off in the morning?

      A. Morning drop-offs will be allowed in the south (front) parking lot after 7:40 am. The building for students to enter at 7:55 am. If you are dropping students off before 7:40 am, please use the back lot. Students can stay in the Gym Area and enter through the north (back) doors. Breakfast eaters may arrive as early as 7:30 am entering directly through the auditorium doors on the north side of the school

Q. Where do I pick up my student after school? What if they ride the bus?

      A. Students can exit the school from any exit. Students who ride the bus will exit through the north side of the building (or back of the school). Students living more than 2.5 miles from school, by the most direct route from the residence, qualify for school busing. Eligible families may enroll through First Student -  https://www.usd497.org/parents-and-students/transportation

Q. What if I need my student to be absent from school?

A. If your student needs to be absent from school, please contact West Attendance Secretary,  Dawn Salisbury -dawn.salisbury@usd497.org, or call (785) 330-2229 to leave a message.                    

Q. Do I need to fill out a Free or Reduced Lunch Form for my student? 

     A. All households are encouraged to complete a Free or Reduced Lunch Form (https://www.usd497.org/Page/1301).  Forms need to be completed annually, as they are only good for the current school year.

Q. Where do I find lunch and breakfast menus? 

     A. You can find breakfast and lunch menus for West on the school website and https://usd497.nutrislice.com/menu/west-middle-school 

Q. How do I pay for my student's lunch and/or breakfast account? 

     A. You can pay for meals online, have your student pay directly to the cashier, or give money to the front office staff  https://www.usd497.org/parents-and-students/programs-and-services/food-service/lunch-account-information

Q. Can 6th graders play a sport? 

     A. Unfortunately, 6th graders are ineligible to participate in middle school sports due to KSHSAA regulations. Students can join when they are in 7th and 8th grade as long as they are eligible. We do offer other opportunities for 6th graders such as stucco, participation in plays, and after-school clubs. 

Q. What are the student eligibility requirements to play sports? 

     A. Students must have a 60% or higher in 5 classes based on the previous semester to be eligible to play sports. They must also turn in all required participation forms to the front office.  This packet of forms can be picked up in the front office, and will require a sports physical dated after May 1st of the proceeding participation year.

Q. Where can I get help for my student's school-issued Ipad?

      A. For any technical or access concerns, please call the district USD 497 Help Desk: (785) 330-4357. If you are concerned about appropriate iPad use and your student, please contact a building administrator. 

Q. When will my student receive a school-issued iPad? 

     A. iPads will be checked out to your student in late August during their school day.

Q. What is the GPA for the honor roll?

     A. The Honor Roll GPA is 3.0 - 3.85.  The Principal's Honor Roll GPA is 3.86-4.0.