Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to register my child?
To register a new student please have the following documents:
- Birth Certificate
- Social Security card
- Certificate of Immunization from the State of Alabama (Blue Card)
- Address Verification (2 proofs of residence: Property tax records, deed or mortgage, apartment or home lease, utility bills, homeowners insurance policy, etc.)
- Report card from last school attended
- Withdrawal paperwork from last school attended
- If transferring from out of state: Name, Address, City, State, Zip Code, Phone and Fax # of last school attended
What phone number do I call if my child is absent from school?
Please call 541-2131 between 7:15a.m.-9:00 a.m. It is very important to call prior to 9:00 a.m. so that we can advise~ teachers of student absences.
If I want my child to ride home with a friend, what approval is needed and how soon in advance?
Both students need to submit signed, written requests by both respective parents to the office one full day prior to the date they plan to ride together. This must be approved by administration. (Example: Ms. X wants her child Leah to ride home with Ms. V's child Nina. Ms. X writes a note such as this: "My daughter Leah rides bus 11 normally. Today, she needs to ride with Nina on bus 14." Ms. Y writes a note similar to: "I am aware that my daughter Nina is bringing home Leah on bus 14.")
If my child is absent, how can I get their makeup work?
If you know that your child is going to be absent 3 consecutive days or more notify the school to make arrangements on the second day, so that the work can be picked up at the end of the 3rd day.
What is the procedure for dropping off/picking up my child?
Adults transporting students should enter off South Ann Street; proceed up towards the main entrance of the building. Parents/guardians may not use the bus loop for drop off or pick up on the east end of the building.
Where can I find the required forms for-the -over the counter or prescription medication?
Sample forms are included at the back of the Elmore County Code of Conduct Handbook and on the website. Contact the school nurse or school office if you need additional copies.
Does the school have lockers?
The school provides two lockers (one homeroom class and one in the PE locker room) for each student's convenience Lockers will be sold and distributed to students during the first week of school by the homeroom teacher.
Can my child carry or use a cell phone?
Students may not use cell phones and any other two- way communication devices during the school day (e.g., parties, field trips, bus transportation to or from school or school activities). Students are expected to keep the cell phone turned off and in their assigned locker. Cell phones may not be visible or audible during campus school hours. If a student is using a cell phone or has it out during the school day, it will be confiscated by school staff and returned to the parent. (See Elmore County Code of Conduct Handbook) Students are expected to make arrangements with their parents/guardians outside of school.
Where is the "Lost and Found?"
Lost and found is generally located by the boys and girls locker rooms. Please check for missing items regularly. Unclaimed items are donated to charities periodically throughout the school year.
What is break?
Nutrition break is offered from 8:56-9:08 a.m. in the 3rd period class. Nutritious snacks are available for sale at the school in the gym. Students should bring nutritious snacks (fruit, nuts, and granola bars) to eat during that time. Students should not bring candy or similar items (chocolate chips, soda, etc.) for their snack. Drinks are not permitted.
Where can I learn about activities taking place in school? Students should listen for the daily announcements. The daily announcements are also posted on the middle school webpage. Additional information is shared during homeroom, through flyers and newsletters,
What are the marking periods?
Four times each year students receive a grade report or report card. Teachers will also communicate with parents/guardians using progress reports at the midpoint of the nine-weeks. Also, parents may pay for STIHome and access grades at any time.
Where can I find dates for the parent teacher conferences?
Check the EMS or district web page or the district calendar. Parents/guardians are encouraged to contact their child's teacher(s) in advance. E-mail is an excellent means for contacting teachers. All teachers can be reached via e-mail using the link on this web site.
What are general school rules?
We work to promote a positive, safe learning and working environment based on mutual respect. We have the following few, easy to understand expectations:
•· No one may harm people or property.
•· No one may use inappropriate (foul, abusive, harassing, vulgar) language.
•· Students are to keep hands, feet and objects to themselves.
•· Students are to do what they are told to do the first time they are told.
•· Students may not interfere with learning or teaching.
What can students wear to school? (Refer to Elmore County Code of Conduct)
Student dress should be appropriate for a working and learning environment, as well as create and promote respect and responsibility. Students are expected and required to wear clothing that is neat, clean, is safe, fits well, is properly worn, and reflects good taste. Please refer to the Elmore County Code of Conduct handbook for specific guidelines and recommendations under "Dress Code."
Who is the best person to inform me about school events and activities?
Your child is the best person to start with. Additional information may be available from the homeroom teacher, is posted on the web page, and printed on the school's marquee.
How can parent/guardians get more involved in the Middle School activities/events?
Complete and submit a volunteer form or contact the school office, 541-2131. Parents/guardians are invited to participate in the Parent Advisory Council (PAC). PAC meetings are open to everyone and are listed on the District calendar. Additional opportunities may be available throughout the school year. Check the parent volunteer link on this web page.
Where can I find more detailed information about policies, procedures and expectations?
Please reference the Elmore County Student Handbook and Code of Conduct.
What do I do if I have a problem?
•· Contact the teacher immediately
•· Set up a conference by contacting the school's secretary and she will put you through to the teacher's voicemail. Another way of contacting the teacher is through email.
•· If you need further assistance then contact the administration.
Communication BETWEEN SCHOOL AND HOME: Communication between teachers and parents is very important in solving problems that may arise during a school year. Here are some important things to remember:
Check your child's grades and attendance regularly.
Talk with teachers early in the school year. Get acquainted before problems arise and let teachers know that you want to be kept informed. Parents are invited to an open house prior to the first week of school. The purpose of the open house is for the teacher to inform parents of their classroom procedures, projects and course requirements. This is also a great opportunity for parents to get questions answered.
Contact the teacher as soon as you suspect your child is having problems with school. By alerting the teacher, you can work together to solve a problem in its early stages.
Request a meeting with the teacher to discuss school problems. Tell the teacher briefly why you want to meet. Don't go straight to the principal without giving the teacher a chance to work out the problem with you and your child.
Approach the teacher with a cooperative spirit. Believe that the teacher wants to help you and your child, even if you disagree about something. It's hard to solve problems if teachers and parents view one another as adversaries. If you have a complaint, try not to put the teacher on the defensive.
