Frequently Asked Questions
What time does school start?
Classes will begin at 8:00 am and dismiss at 3:05 pm. Breakfast will be served at 7:40 am. A bell will ring at 7:50 am allowing students to enter the building, go to their lockers and prepare for school.
Will we have dances?
No. Dances will begin in 7th grade at CMS.
When is the first day of school?
Fifth graders will begin on Thursday, August 19. Sixth graders begin on Friday, August 20. Sixth graders should not come to school on August 19 and fifth graders should not come to school on August 20.
Will we have lockers?
Yes, you will have lockers. All lockers have combination locks (dial) built into the lockers.
What happens if we forget our combination?
The faculty and staff are prepared for students to not know how to open combination locks and/or forget combinations. We will explain how to open locks and provide your combination to you should you forget it.
Is there a School Resource Officer?
Yes. Officer Randy Jordan will be our SRO. He is currently the middle school SRO. Officer Jordan has been an SRO for 14 years.
How long are passing periods?
Three minutes.
Do we have to shower in PE?
No. PE at SF will be very similar to PE in the elementary schools. You will participate in PE in the same clothes you wear to school. You will not change clothes for PE and you will not take a shower after PE.
Do the bathrooms have stalls?
Yes.
Can we pick where we sit at lunch?
Your class will be assigned a specific number of tables with chairs. You may sit at any seat at any one of those assigned tables. Each table has 6 chairs. You cannot move chairs and you cannot save seats.
How is discipline handled and how does the point system work?
First of all, we will not use the point system. The point system will remain at the 7-12 level. Discipline is focused on changing the inappropriate behavior. The principals will explain the expectations to students during the first few days of school.
When is the Open House?
See the Important Dates note on the website.
Do we get recess?
5th and 6th grade will both get some recess. It will be less than you have in elementary school.
Will we change classes?
Yes. 5th grade will be in teams of 2 or 3 teachers. 6th grade will be in teams of 5 teachers. Each team of teachers is located in close proximity of each other. Students’ lockers will be very close to their team of teachers.
Where will my classes be?
All 5th grade teams are on the first floor. Half of the 6th grade will be on the second floor and the other half of 6th graders will be on the third floor.
Are some stairs really one-way?
Yes. The main set of stairs is clearly labeled UP and DOWN.
Do we pay for lunches like we do in elementary school?
No. You will be given a 6 digit number to memorize. You will enter this number in a keypad at the cashier’s table. The cost of the meal will be debited from your account. Just as you do now, you will bring money in for your account as often as you need it. You will receive a written reminder when your account is low.
Will there be hall monitors?
Teachers stand by their door and supervise the hallways during passing period.
Who is our counselor or social worker?
GB Jost, former Social Worker at Slate Creek Elementary school is our social worker. She will be bringing her therapy dog, Bella, with her.
What grading system is used?
Will it be like the elementary or like middle school? We will be using the A, B, C, D, and F grade card system. In addition to this your parents will have constant access to your assignments and grades. We will use the Infinite Campus package which allows parents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week access to your status on the password protected website.
Will we take field trips?
All curriculum based field trips will remain. There is no intent to reduce field trips simply due to forming a new 5/6 center. Budget concerns may require us to reduce or eliminate a field trip.
Can we only go to the restroom during passing periods?
No. You may go during class with the teachers’ permission.
Will we have an agenda or planner?
Yes. The planner will have a daily calendar with spaces for you to write your homework assignments. The planner will also have the handbook (rules and expectations) printed in it.
Will we have a la carte?
No. A la carte will begin at 7th grade.
Will we have woodshop?
No. Woodshop is part of the Technology Lab class beginning in 7th grade.