Going to Middle School
Information Parents Provide to Middle Schools
As the
parent of a middle school student, you should be prepared to provide the school
with certain documents. These documents
are required by the state. In many
cases, your student’s elementary school will have these materials and will
process them for you.
Information
Middle Schools Provide to Parents
Middle
schools provide information in a variety of ways. Materials will be sent home with your student
or emailed. These will include local
school and district policies, as well as calendars and sporting events
schedules. Information about current
events will be posted on school signs and store bulletin boards. Many middle schools maintain web sites and
homework hotlines.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Do middle
schools have a dress code?
All
schools have a dress code. Generally, these policies are to ensure that
the focus of the day is on learning. Shoes and age-appropriate clothing
are required.
Will I
have a locker?
Most
middle schools have lockers. Lockers are assigned by school personnel. Sometimes lockers are assigned by
homeroom. In other schools, lockers are
designated by class year or alphabetically.
May I sign up for
the same classes as my friends? School
administrators, teachers, and counselors decide which students are in each class.
Are there field trips in middle school?
Many
middle schools provide field trips for students. You may take trips related to academic,
technology/ career, or elective classes. Sporting events, competitions,
performances, and club outings may also provide trip opportunities.
Are school clubs and sports are available?
Clubs and sports
are available for middle school students. However, many middle schools do not
allow students to participate in sports until 7th grade.
Will parents still attend parent teacher conferences?
Your parents will be given the option to have parent
teacher conferences in the fall and spring at most schools.
If I am bullied, what should I do?
If you are bullied, go to your school
guidance counselor or school administrator for help.
May I
bring my cell phone to school?
Many
middle schools do allow cell phones on the school grounds. However, most
policies state that phones must be turned off and stored away in a book bag
during school hours.
What is a typical schedule?
Middle schools have
several kinds of schedules. Some have block schedules with 4 70-minute classes
each day plus lunch, homeroom, and Connections classes. Other schools have 6
50-minute classes each day plus lunch, homeroom and Connections classes.
Do I have
to take final exams?
A final exam is part of the workload for the term. Some final exams are
cumulative and some are not.
Are
programs available for students with special needs?
Programs are available for special
populations. These include Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), Intervention
Services, Gifted Programs, and more.
What standardized
tests are required?
Standardized tests are given in grades six,
seven, and eight. The Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCTs) are
state-mandated tests in reading, language arts, math, science and social
studies. Some schools offer End of Course Tests (EOCT) for accelerated middle
school students completing certain courses required for high school graduation.
Do I
have to take a Foreign Language?
You do not have to take a foreign language
while in middle school. However, students planning on attending a University
System of Georgia college/university must take 2 units of the same foreign
language before graduating from high school.
Do all
middle school classes count towards high school graduation?
Middle school classes provide the foundation
for high school and graduation. Some middle school classes may count directly towards
high school graduation. These include foreign language classes, accelerated
math, and science classes.
Do I
have to participate in a school-wide fundraiser?
No, you do not have to participate in
school-wide fundraisers. In addition, some schools provide the option of making
a monetary contribution to the school instead of fundraising.
Do my
parents have to join the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)?
PTO membership and participation is voluntary.
It is a parent’s decision, but joining, paying dues, and helping does benefit
the school.
How
much does lunch cost?
Lunch costs vary by school district. Prices
range from $1.50-$2.00. Some items are priced separately. Free and reduced
priced lunches are available for eligible students.
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