Welcome to Conner Middle School’s 6 th Grade Parent Orientation!

Home of the Colts!

About CMS

      Enrollment—Approx. 1200 6 th , 7 th , & 8 th grade students Set up in teams to personalize the large school setting https://k12.niche.com/rankings/public-middle-schools/best overall/s/kentucky/ State Test Scores: CMS ranked in the top five in the region and achieved test scores at the 87 th and 93 rd percentiles over the past two years.

Top Arts Program Progressive and Unique…Enrichment, PBL, STEM, Robotics, Coding, multiple leadership opportunities (CC/SC/NJHS/clubs/etc)

Unified Arts Classes

6 Week Rotations       Art Fitness Health Careers/Finance Technology Speech All students receive six weeks of each.

Optional Unified Arts Courses

 Spanish and Reading (All students not in band, chorus, or orchestra will receive these classes for 18 weeks each.  Band—Full Year  Chorus—Full Year  Orchestra – Full Year  STLP—Full Year

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Conner Middle Pledge

Today we will be HIP!

We will Honor our school.

We will show Integrity with others.

We will take Pride in ourselves.

Today we will show Honor, Integrity and Pride so that we will be proud of ourselves.

6  Students who show Honor, Integrity, or Pride, anywhere in the school, may be given a HIP Slip.

 HIP Slips will be given out by teachers, counselors, principals, secretaries, custodians, and other staff at Conner Middle School. April 30, 2020

Common Questions?

When can I pick up my child’s schedule?

 August 6 th – 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm …pay school fees ($60) …purchase school supplies, …purchase CMS spirit wear …tour the building, find classrooms, meet teachers, etc. …bus information  Schedule pick-up is held in the gymnasium and cafeteria

Common Questions?

 Will my child have a book to take home?

 Each child will have his/her own math and language arts workbook. Available online as well.  What are student fees at the middle school?

 $60 General Registration Fee   $20 for reduced Additional rental fees for instrumental programs

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Common Questions?

What time does school begin/end?

 7:35 a.m. – 2:35 p.m.

How much does lunch cost?

 Lunch=$2.25; Breakfast=$1.00 (Deposit money on-line) What options are available for lunch/breakfast?

 Lunch—multiple options available daily (pizza, tacos, hamburgers, salads, fruit, and regular lunch)  Breakfast—cereal, breakfast bars, milk/juice Do the students have “recess” at CMS?

 Students receive 30 minutes daily to eat and socialize with friends outside or in the gymnasium

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Common Questions?

Do the students stay with the same kids all day long? No   Core classes mixed within family UA classes mixed within grade level  Will my child have classes with 7 th students?  and 8 th grade Generally no. Some mixing for top Enrichment or Intervention groups.

 Students remain grade level hallway except for lunch, UA, and Enrichment

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Common Questions?

Will my child be lost on the first day?

    Orientation held already We encourage you to help your child find all classes (especially homeroom) on schedule pick-up night Teachers will take students on tour day one.

Camp Colt will help! August 7 th from 9:30 – 2:00  What if they lose or forget their schedule?

   Homeroom posted in the front lobby 1 st week HR teacher will have a new copy in the classroom You are able to print a new schedule from Parent Portal

Common Questions?

 Are we able to visit during the day?

  You are welcome to visit anytime; however, you must report to the main office first to get a visitor’s pass and receive approval from the principal prior to the visit All doors, except for the main door, are locked during the day

Common Questions?

 Do I need to buy a lock for my child’s locker?

 Not required…most students do not use them.

 Are there advanced curriculum opportunities for my child?   Enrichment provides learning above the core curriculum Advanced Math—Students are able to take an advanced track to earn an Algebra I credit in 8 th grade. Data from 5 th and 6 th grade is used to determine placement in advanced classes.

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Common Questions

How does CMS communicate with parents?      Announcements—posted daily on school web site, www.cms.boone.kyschools.us

, emailed through IC, posted to Facebook and Twitter   Facebook link on website Follow us on Twitter @CMColts Report Cards—Every 6 Weeks  *Parent Portal provides daily access to grades, attendance, schedules, report cards, etc.

E-mail (Please provide on emergency cards) Automated Phone System Text alerts (main communication): text @3344410 to 81010. Then reply with name.

Common Questions

  What if my child is absent or tardy?  Be sure you send notes and call for all absences   Attendance policies listed in student handbook (see CMS website) *Good attendance is key to success!

Picking students up for an early dismissal?  If possible, send a note in advance

Common Questions?

  How much homework will my child have at the middle school?

 Most students will have homework nightly; however, homework should take no longer than one hour What options do I have if my child needs assistance with work?  Learning Lab offered daily   Sign up for tutoring If you are concerned, contact your child’s teachers immediately

    How can I get involved at the middle school?

  We welcome parent volunteers for all events at CMS Sign-up for PTSO…GET INVOLVED!

May I drive my child to and from school?

 Yes, however, around 7:15 traffic becomes majorly congested Does the school have a dress code?

 Yes, see handout or web site, under student resources/student handbook Are students permitted to chew gum?  Yes

Are there extra-curricular opportunities? Academic       Governor’s Cup Future Problem Solving Team Academic Team Math Counts Science Club Coding Club Leadership  Student Council—60+ members   National Junior Honor Society—140+ members Colts Care – 200 members NOTE: Announcements will be made for try outs and registration for all teams, clubs, and events. Check the web site daily for announcements Speech and Drama  School Play conducted each Spring  Speech team

Common Questions?

Extra-Curricular opportunities continued?

Athletic    Basketball (try-outs in the Fall)  Camp in the Summer Check web site daily for announcements for each activity Volleyball (try-outs at the end of summer) Archery      Cheerleading (try-outs at beginning of summer) Intramural Basketball (Spring) Ski Club (announcements will be made in Fall) Track Additional sports are offered through the high school such as: wrestling, cross country, tennis, soccer, baseball, etc.

Common Questions?

 Is my child permitted to bring a smart phone or other electronic device to school?    Yes. BCSD is now a BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology) district. As we move toward 21 st Century Learning, technology will be embedded into instruction to simulate real world experiences and problem solving.

May connect up to three devices May use during non-instructional time (before school, lunch, after announcements) or when directed by staff in class.

Common Questions?

 Are there restrictions on backpacks?

 No  Traditional backpacks must be kept in lockers  Drawstring backpacks may be taken to class with them.

 Can students switch out of Optional UA classes once they sign-up?  Yes, they have about a two-week window, which will be announced to the students.

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Special Events & Activities

Boy’s Basketball Camp – see flyer  Girl’s Basketball Camp – see flyer  Girl’s Volleyball Camp – see flyer     Archery Camp – see flyer See web site or visit the main office to pick up a registration form for each camp.

Important Dates to Remember

Schedule Pick-Up—August 6 th , 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Camp Colt – August 7 th , 9:30 – 2 p.m.

First Day—Thursday, August 13 th

Have a GREAT Summer!

We will see you in August!