Central Middle School Bell Schedule

How does homework work, what are grades and what do they mean? 

Homework is school work that is given to students by teachers to reinforce learning at home - it is extra practice but most teachers expect that. It is usually returned to the teacher for points that count towards a grade. 

Grades are letters assigned to students based on their cumulative performance on academic tasks related to learning standards. Grades are assigned each quarter (approximately every 9 weeks). Grades range from A (the highest grade), B, C, D, to F (the lowest grade). 

• An “A” typically signifies that a student is meeting or exceeding all academic expectations
• An “F” typically indicates that there is significant gap between a student’s performance and the academic expectations

What are attendance benefits and expectations? 

Students are expected to attend school each day unless they are ill. Better attendance contributes greatly to better learning outcomes. If your student cannot attend, make sure to call the school to report your student’s absence.

What are behavior expectations (student handbook review)? 

Students are expected to comply with all school rules and procedures. Some common expectations include:

• Remaining quiet when expected to
• Raising a hand before speaking
• Remaining in the classroom 
• Standing and waiting in lines when necessary
• Keeping hands and feet to self
• Moving safely, quickly and directly when transitioning from class to class

How do I engage with the schools?

• Academic questions or concerns: the first point of contact for academic issues and concerns is your child’s teacher. If you continue to have questions or concerns you can contact your building principal or assistant principal

• Volunteering: schools can almost always use help to improve the experience for all students! Contact your teacher, building administration (principal or assistant principal) or the building secretary

• Absences: contact the building secretary

What is a field trip? 

• A field trip is when teachers and/or staff lead students in a learning experience outside of the classroom and usually the school building. Parents will be notified ahead of time and be required to sign a permission form if the parents would like for their child to attend. 
• These experiences are developmentally appropriate, intended to support a child’s academic experience, or serve a specific socio-emotional purpose. 

What should my child wear to school?

• The weather in the upper-midwest can be very hot, very cold or very windy at times. Cold weather can begin as early as October and usually lasts through the end of April.  
• During cold weather: students should wear warm clothing: long pants, long-sleeved shirt, warm socks, gloves, a coat, a scarf and a warm hat.

Other key issues:

Inclement Weather and Emergencies - What happens and how will you know what to do?

• Sometimes, school is canceled due to inclement weather. The school will notify you via phone and/or text, typically in the morning before school begins. Sometimes this information may be available earlier on the local news.  
• Schools practice for tornadoes and fire to ensure the safety of the students during the school day. 

Bathrooms -  Students should ask the teacher or supervisor permission to use the bathroom so that for safety purposes the responsible adult can make sure all students are accounted for. 

School Meals - Breakfast/Lunch/Snacks 

• The school provides breakfast, lunch and snacks to all students
• Families may choose to send their children with nutritious meals from home 

Powerschool - Parents can see grades updates in powerschool. 

Transportation - The district does not provide transportation to and from school except for:

• Students who are taking advantage of the Spanish bilingual program at Northeast if Northeast is not the student’s home school
• Special education students with a specific disability that warrants transportation

Parent Responsibilities -  some parent responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Ensure your child comes to school
• Ensure your child is dressed appropriately
• Ensure your child gets adequate sleep
• Interact respectfully with school staff

Parent rights

• For your child to have access to a free, appropriate, public education
• To visit your students’ classes and/or meet with students’ teachers and principles (as long is you schedule an appointment)

Parent-teacher conferences - parent-teacher conferences allow parents and teachers to discuss the progress of students. It is encouraged that parents attend conferences if possible. 

SPED program - Additional assistance is available when necessary and the student qualifies

The evaluation process is lengthy and thorough - the more information you can provide us from your child’s previous school will help to expedite this process. When necessary, the referral process is intended to help students grow to meet their potential.  LINK?

ESL/Bilingual program

ESL/Bilingual programs provide support for multilingual students, depending on the student’s home language and academic needs. 

TBE/Bilingual provides high-quality grade-level instruction in English and Spanish. The language of instruction will feature a higher percentage of Spanish in Kindergarten, which will gradually decrease in higher grade levels. Note that EL students who are enrolled in TBE/Bilingual programs are more likely to reach proficiency in English more successfully than those who are not enrolled. 

English as a Second Language (ESL) Our teachers support students in developing their skills in English more quickly than they otherwise would without services and help the student make connections between the home language and English if necessary or helpful. Teachers work with students in small groups to help students improve their English.   

Getting into the school 

You are welcome to visit! For security purposes, the school doors are kept locked and visitors (who are welcome) have to push a button to ring a bell so the secretary can let you in.