Middle School FAQs
• My child will attend middle school next year. When are the Tempe Middle School Orientation Nights?
General Information:
• What is the address and phone number of each middle school?
• How many children attend each of your middle schools?
• Who can I contact to answer my question about middle schools?
• Who is my students’ counselor?
• How many teachers work at each middle school?
• Does my child need a physical?
School Hours:
• What are the school hours at each of the middle schools?
• Which days do students have early release?
• On early release days, what time are students dismissed?
• How and why are early release days scheduled?
Registration & Schedules
• When will my fifth-grade student register for middle school?
• What is the best way to help my child find his/her class at the start of the school year?
• How do the middle school class schedules work?
• When will my child and I see a copy of his/her schedule?
The Team-Concept
• What is the “team-concept” and how does it work?
• How can I find out which team my child is on?Homework
• How much homework should my child expect to bring home daily?
Supplies
• Which supplies will my child need on the first day of school?
Transportation
• Where is my child’s bus stop for middle school?
• Are there late buses for students involved in extra-curricular activities?
Uniforms
• Which middle schools have a uniform dress code?
Parent-Teacher Conferences
• How do Parent-Teacher Conferences work in middle school?
Meals
• What is the cost of breakfast and lunch?
• How long does it take to process a free/reduced lunch application?
ID Badges
• Why do middle school students use ID badges?
• What should I do if my child loses his/her school ID badge?
Absences
• Who should I call if my child is absent from middle school?
• If my child is absent, what is the homework policy?
• How can I obtain the homework assigned to my child?
Special Education/Gifted
• What is the difference between Special Education and Gifted?
After-school programs
• What after-school programs are offered at your middle schools?If you don't see your question and answer here, please e-mail Monica Allread at: mallread@tempeschools.org.
My child will attend middle school next year. When are the Tempe Middle School Orientation Nights?
As your child approaches the middle school experience, we want you to know that our teachers and staff are committed to providing the warm and nurturing environment that helps children develop their unique talents. To learn more about the opportunities and choices available to your child at Tempe’s middle schools, please join us at our Middle School Information Nights. You are welcome to attend as many of these events as you would like.
Connolly Middle School: (480) 967-8933
Thursday, January 24, 2008, 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria
Fees Middle School: (480) 897-6063
Thursday, January 31, 2008, 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria
Gililland Middle School: (480) 966-7114
Wednesday, January 30, 2008, 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria
McKemy Middle School: (480) 921-9003
Tuesday, January 22, 2008, 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria
Ward Traditional Academy*: (480) 491-8871
November 27, 2007, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the multi-purpose room
December 11, 2007, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the multi-purpose room
January 28, 2008 , 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the multi-purpose room
* Ward Traditional Academy is a K-8 elementary school.back to top
General Information:
What is the address and phone number of each Middle School?
Connolly:
2002 E. Concorda Dr., Tempe 85282
Main office: (480) 967-8933
Principal: Kathy MulleryFees: 1600 E. Watson Dr., Tempe 85283
Main office: (480) 897-6063
Principal: Rey CruzGililland: 1025 S. Beck Ave., Tempe 85281
Main office: (480) 966-7114
Principal: Rick HorvathMcKemy: 2250 S. College Ave., Tempe 85282
Main office: (480) 921-9003
Principal: Ardie SturdivantWard: 1965 E. Hermosa Drive, Tempe 85282
Main office: (480) 491-8871
Principal: Kacy Curtisback to top
Connolly: 854 Fees: 958 Gililland: 896 McKemy: 860 Ward: 479 (179 sixth- through eighth- graders) * Enrollment numbers current as of 10/31/07.
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My child doesn’t always pass on information. Who do I contact if I need more information?
Connolly, Fees, Gililland and McKemy:
Depending on the type of information you need, there are various places you can contact. If you are still unsure who is the best contact, often the teachers can best direct you.
Questions regarding: Contact: Classroom rules and standards, Supplies, Assignments, Curriculum and Student updates Teachers Schedules and Personal issues (i.e. grief, stress and anger-management) Counselors Disciplinary issues Principal/Administration District Information, Holidays and Early-dismissals District website
In addition:
Connolly and McKemy implement a “Take Home Tuesday” program where all information to be brought home is handed out to students on Tuesdays. This information varies each week, but includes such things as: the school newsletter, updates and forms.
Ward posts a weekly newsletter online to help update parents on important information and happenings at Ward. Also, a Parent Center is located at the front office. The Parent Center is a place for parents to meet, discuss and plan for parent involvement activities. In addition, parents can come in and meet with the Parent Liaison on staff and ask any questions they may have regarding Ward. Currently, Ward is working to begin an e-mail directory to help facilitate the process of updating parents on important information.back to top
Who is my student’s counselor?
Connolly:
A student with a last name that begins with A-L has Counselor MaryKay Keller. Students with a last name beginning with M-Z are assigned to Counselor Terri Smuda.
Fees:
Kristen Bryant is the counselor for students with the last name beginning with A-L. Students with the last name beginning with the letter M-Z are assigned to Counselor Carrie Salazar.
Gililland:
The counselor’s are assigned based on students’ grade level, with the exception of sixth-grade, which is split between the two counselors. Counselor Tamara Lewis works with students on the blue team, and Counselor Linda Estes works with students on the gold team.
McKemy:
The counselor’s are assigned based on students' grade level, except sixth-grade, which is split between the two counselors. James Keys works with 8th graders and 6th graders on Team Trustworthiness, while Korie Dale works with 7th graders and 6th graders on Team Respect.
Ward:
The counselor for all students is Monica Griffin.back to top
How many teachers do you have? Connolly: 69 Fees: 68 Gililland: 66 McKemy: 66 Ward: 19 (K-8) * Information current as of 10/31/07. back to top
Does my child need a physical?
Connolly, Fees, Gililland and McKemy:
Students do not need a physical to attend school; however, participation in some after-school sports requires a physical. When a physical is required, the coach will distribute the appropriate forms for the student’s doctor to fill out. If the student does not have a regular pediatrician, the school nurse can suggest places where students can receive a physical. In some cases, those offices base fees on the parent’s income, making the physical more affordable. Students only need one physical each school year, no matter how many sports they would like to play.
Ward:
Students do not need a physical to attend school or participate in sports. However, City of Tempe sports programs require that parents sign a waiver form before any student is allowed to participate.back to top
School Hours:
What are the school hours? Connolly: 7:30 a.m. - 2:35 p.m. Fees: 7:30 a.m. - 2:35 p.m. Gililland: 7:30 a.m. - 2:35 p.m. McKemy: 7:55 a.m. - 3:05 p.m. Ward: 8:40 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Which days do students have early release?
The early release dates for middle schools are listed on the school calendar on this website at http://www.tempeschools.org/parents/calendar.htm
On early release days, what time are students dismissed?
Connolly: 12:15 p.m. Fees: 12:15 p.m. Gililland: 12:15 p.m. McKemy: 12:45 p.m. Ward: 1:35 p.m.
How and why are early release days scheduled?
The early release days for middle schools are scheduled for district staff development days and parent/teacher conferences. Holidays, breaks and report card preparation are also taken into consideration before we schedule early release days.back to top
Registration and Schedules: When will my fifth-grade student register for middle school?
Connolly, Fees, Gililland and McKemy:
For incoming sixth-graders: Counselors will conduct informational sessions at the elementary schools in February. At that time, registration forms will be handed out, along with information on how to fill out the form correctly. The registration form will need to be returned with student and parent signatures to his/her fifth-grade teacher. The fifth-grade teachers will forward the registration forms to the middle schools. To ensure that our students receive a well-rounded education, the students are randomly assigned four electives, each spanning nine weeks. This allows each student to experience the different types of electives we offer and make better-informed decisions when choosing electives in seventh- and eighth-grade.
The middle schools offer a variety of elective classes, including: computers, Spanish, family and consumer sciences, art, industrial arts and shop. (Shop may not be offered at all the schools).
For incoming seventh- and eighth-graders: The registration process begins in March. Each student will be asked to choose his/her top 4 electives. The school will do its best to match up the students to his/her top choices.
Factors in creating schedules include not only student choice, but also teacher availability, maximum number of students allowed per class, etc.
Please note that students will not receive their schedule if the home address on file is not current or if the school has not received the student’s current immunization records.
Ward:
Due to Ward’s traditional learning style, all the courses are standardized and required for each student. During December through January, registration packets and parent commitment form are sent home for parents to fill out. No student will be enrolled without a signed registration and parent commitment form updated and on file with Ward.
For more information on registering at Ward, click here.What is the best way to help my child find his/her class at the start of the school year?
Connolly:
Parents can pick up their student’s schedule, ID and a map approximately two weeks before the start of the school year. Connolly holds an Open House a day or two before school starts where students can come to the school, find their classes and meet their teachers. For those who do not pick up their schedule, schedules are mailed out prior to the start of school.
Fees:
A week prior to the start of school, schedules and maps are sent home to each student through the mail. On the Thursday before school starts, Fees sponsors an Open House where parents and students are invited to tour the school, meet teachers and find classrooms. Also, on the first day of school extra staff is on hand to guide new students to their classrooms and answer student questions.
Gililland:
Gililland holds a pre-registration meeting on campus about three weeks before school starts. At this time, students who have already registered can pick up their schedules, receive their ID and tour the campus. There is also a Meet the Teacher/Open House where students can find their classrooms and meet their teachers. These opportunities are open to all students in every grade. It is important to note that student schedules are not mailed out to homes and students must pick up their schedules in person.
McKemy:
A few days prior to each school year, McKemy sponsors a Meet the Teacher night where parents and students are invited to tour the school, meet their teacher and find their classrooms.
Ward:
Just prior to the new school year starting Ward hosts a Meet the Teacher night where students and their parents can come to the school, meet their new teacher and find their classroom.How do the middle school class schedules work?
Connolly:
All sixth grade students take a language arts block and a math block of approximately 100 minutes each. Science and social studies blocks are alternated each quarter. Students taking music will have a choice of taking: 2 music classes; 1 music class and one semester of PE plus 2 spokes of the wheel; or a full year of music and a full year of PE.
Seventh and eighth grade students take five core curriculum classes and two electives. Core classes are approximately 60 minutes and electives are 48 minutes. Students who are taking a music class have three options for electives:
• Music (full year) and PE (full year)
• Music (full year) and PE (1/2 year) + One Elective (1/2 year)
• Music (full year) and Two Electives (1/2 year each)
• 2 Music classes (full year)
Fees, Gililland and McKemy:
All students take five core curriculum classes, two electives and a 30-minute lunch. Core classes are approximately 60 minutes and electives are 48 minutes.
Students taking music (i.e. band, choir and orchestra) will have one semester of physical education and one semester in an additional elective. Students not in music will have a full year of physical education, as well as an additional elective each quarter.
Ward:
Ward schedules a 90-minute block for language arts and writing, an hour each for social studies and science and 65 minutes for math.When will my child and I see a copy of his/her schedule?
Connolly:
Each student is given a copy of his/her personal schedule to share with his/her guardian. Parents will also have an opportunity to come to Connolly and pick up a copy of their student’s schedule prior to the start of school.
Fees:
Each student is given a copy of his/her personal schedule to share with his/her parent or guardian on the first day of school. Also, schedules are mailed out to the homes prior to the start of school.
Gililland:
Each student is given a copy of his/her personal schedule to share with his/her parent or guardian on the first day of school.
McKemy:
All schedules are mailed out prior to school starting; however, students who do not notify the school about change of address or update their immunization records will not be sent a school schedule.
Ward:
Students at Ward are taught in a consistent setting. They remain in the same classroom for most of the day, changing classrooms only for math and specials; therefore, they do not receive schedules.back to top
The Team-Concept:
What is the “team-concept” and how does it work?
Connolly, Fees, Gililland and McKemy:
The team-concept has been implemented to strengthen the bond between teachers and students. Two teams are created for each grade with a number of teachers making up each team. Depending on the school and grade, teams have their own color, name, or both. The team concept allows the teachers and students to create a small community that leads to better student management and motivation.
In Addition:
Fees teams change year to year, so your student may or may not be on the same team as the year before. Also, teachers on each team change. Every year a team leader is chosen to help plan meetings, activities and act as a key liaison to parents.
Ward:
The team-concept is not used at Ward Traditional Academy.
How can I find out which team my child is on?
Students will learn which team they are on after receiving their school schedule. To facilitate an easy process and transition into a new school year, we ask that students and parents do not request a team or team changes.back to top
Homework:
How much homework should my child expect to bring home daily?
Homework is an integral part of education and is used to reinforce skills learned in the classroom. The amount of homework given in middle school will increase from what your child brought home in elementary school. Homework is assigned four days each week and ranges from 45 minutes minimum assigned to sixth-graders to 80 minutes maximum assigned to eighth-graders. In addition to homework, middle school students are assigned a required amount of minutes to be spent reading each night.For homework information when your child is absent, see Absences.
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Supplies:
Which supplies will my child need on the first day of school?
The list of supplies varies according to your child’s teacher or team. Students should bring pens, pencils and paper for the first day of school. Teachers will inform the students of all other needed supplies. There are programs set up that allow for students to receive free school supplies if necessary. Many of the schools provide supplies to the students on a yearly basis. The following is a list of supplies they provide:
Connolly: An agenda book Fees: A supply pouch
An agenda bookGililland: An agenda book
A black notebook
One set of tab dividersMcKemy: An agenda book
A three-ring notebook (if needed)
One set of tab dividers
Supply pouchWard: An agenda book
A three-ring notebook (if needed)back to top
Transportation: Where is my child's bus stop for middle school?
In order to find out the designated bus stop for your child, please contact the school office. By giving them your address, they will be able to direct you to the closest bus stop. You may also visit the following links that show every bus stop for each school. Simply review the list and select the bus stop closest to your residence.
Connolly: http://www.tempeschools.org/district/transportation/busschedules/connolly.htm
Fees: http://www.tempeschools.org/district/transportation/busschedules/fees.htm
Gililland: http://www.tempeschools.org/district/transportation/busschedules/gililland.htm
McKemy: http://www.tempeschools.org/district/transportation/busschedules/mckemy.htm
Ward: http://www.tempeschools.org/district/transportation/busschedules/ward.htmAre there late buses for students involved in extra-curricular activities?
There are late buses for students involved in approved extra-curricular activities at Connolly, Fees, McKemy and Gililland. There are no late buses for Ward. This involves any club or activity that is meant to enhance the student's education, including tutoring, after-school sports, academic clubs and enrichment clubs.
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Uniforms:
Which middle schools have a uniform dress code?
Connolly Middle School, Fees Middle School, McKemy Middle School and Ward Traditional Academy all require a uniform. The following are brief descriptions of each:
Connolly: Shirts: Solid white, light blue, navy, yellow, gold, light purple, or dark purple collared and sleeved Bottoms: Solid khaki, navy, or black Fees: Shirts: Solid red, white, or light blue collared and sleeved Bottoms: Solid khaki, navy, or black McKemy: Shirts: Solid blue, grey, black, or white. Bottoms: Solid khaki, black, blue, or dark denim. Ward: Shirts: Solid burgundy, pink, navy, or white collared and sleeved Bottoms: Solid khaki or navy For more detailed descriptions, please visit the following sites:
Connolly: http://www.tempeschools.org/schools/Connolly/dress
Fees: http://www.tempeschools.org/schools/Fees/dress
McKemy: http://www.tempeschools.org/schools/McKemy/dress
Ward: http://www.tempeschools.org/schools/WardTA/dressback to top
Parent-Teacher Conferences:
My child has more than one teacher now. How does the parent-teacher conference work in middle school?
Middle school parent-teacher conferences take place twice a year for three days in both October and February. Prior to the time of conferences, letters are sent home to parents informing parents on how to request a specific time. Parents have the opportunity to meet with the teacher in the afternoon or evenings. Connolly, Gililland and Fees:
Parents who are unable to attend conferences or need an additional conference can schedule an appointment to meet with their child’s team teachers. Parents only need to call one of the student’s teachers to coordinate an appropriate meeting time. Fees parents are asked to contact the team leader.
McKemy:
Each team structures their conferences differently, so the best way to get specific answers is to direct your questions to your student’s teacher. If you need to schedule an individual appointment at another time, contact Parent Liaison Sylvia Ruiz at (480) 921-9003, extension 6444.Ward:
Contact your child's homeroom teacher to schedule a parent-teacher conference.back to top
Meals: What is the cost of breakfast and lunch?
Cost of Breakfast: Regular Reduced Cost of Lunch: Regular Reduced Click here to go to Nutrition/Menus
How long does it take to process a free/reduced lunch application?
The Nutritional Services Department officially needs ten days to process the applications; however, applications are usually processed sooner than that.Click here for more information on free/reduced meals
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ID Badges:
Why do middle school students use ID badges?
Students are responsible for keeping their school ID on them at all times. Having students wear ID badges helps facilitate campus safety. At some schools, these cards are also used as library cards and for lunch payment. Students’ first ID badge, lanyard and plastic case are supplied for free.
What should I do if my child loses his/her school ID badge?
The cost and procedure to replace an ID varies by school.
Fees:
If a student loses his/her ID, he/she needs to report to the front office and purchase a new ID. If a student is unable to purchase an ID due to financial reasons, he/she can work on campus to pay for the ID.
Costs: ID Clip Plastic Cover Total cost for a new ID
Connolly:
If a student loses his/her ID, he/she needs to report to their first period and will receive a sticker ID for the day. The student is then responsible for replacing the missing ID. If a student is unable to purchase an ID due to financial reasons, that student can work on campus to pay for the ID.
Costs: ID Lanyard Plastic Cover Total cost for a new ID
Gililland:
If a student loses his/her ID, he/she needs to report to their first period and will receive a sticker ID for the day. The student is then responsible for replacing the missing ID. If a student is unable to purchase an ID due to financial reasons, that student can complete community service to pay for the ID.
Costs: ID Clip Plastic Cover Total cost for a new ID
McKemy:
When a student loses his/her ID, he/she must contact a teacher to get a temporary ID. Temporary IDs are valid for five days. During that time, the student needs to fill out a Request for Assistance form in the front office where they will be instructed on how to obtain and pay for a new ID.
Costs: ID Lanyard Plastic Cover Total cost for a new ID
Ward:
Ward does not require students to wear/keep IDs.back to top
Absences:
Who should I call if my child is absent?
Each school has designated a hotline for absences. Simply dial the hotline number and leave a message. The hotlines are available 24 hours a day. The following are the numbers for each middle school:
Connolly: (480) 967-8933 x 4801 Fees: (480) 897-6063 x 5200 Gililland: (480) 966-7114 x 5809 McKemy: (480) 921-9003 x 6302 Ward: (480) 491-8871 x 5301
If my child is absent, what is the policy on homework?
Absent students will be allowed time to complete work they missed in proportion to the days they missed. For instance, if a child misses two days, he/she will be given two days to complete the missing homework.
See below to find out how to best obtain the homework assigned to your child. If you know in advance that your child will miss school for an extended period of school (i.e. 2 or more days of vacation) you can notify the attendance clerk and request assignments. It is best to notify the school as soon as possible as teachers need at least 24 hours to prepare a homework plan. Once the homework has been gathered, parents can come to the school and pick it up or request that the homework is sent home with a sibling or neighbor.
How do I obtain the homework assigned to my child?
Connolly:
Connolly has a homework hotline. Parents or students can call the general number for Connolly and then press the appropriate extension.
The main phone number is (480) 967-8933.
The following is a list of extensions:
TEAM EXTENSION (the “#” key must be entered before the number) sixth-grade gold "#" + 2825 sixth-grade purple "#" + 2816 seventh-grade gold "#" + 0609 seventh-grade purple "#" + 2820 eighth-grade gold "#" + 2814 eighth-grade purple "#" + 2815
Gililland:
At this time, Gililland does not have a homework hotline. Teachers will tell students how to best obtain homework information.
Fees and McKemy:
McKemy does have a homework hotline, but allows teachers to decide whether they will use it. Some subjects have assignments that are easy to report on the phone while others are more difficult. Teachers will tell students if they use the homework hotline or how best to obtain homework information.Ward:
Please request your child's homework when you call to report his/her absence.back to top
Special Education/Gifted: What is the difference between special education and gifted?
Special education is a continuum of supports and services utilized to assist children identified with specific delays or disabilities. It provides instruction that is individually planned, specialized and goal-directed. Special Education can serve many purposes, including assisting students early on to help prevent them from being delayed as compared to their same age peers. Special Education can also be remedial once a disability has been identified, with the hope that the intervention and services can eliminate the delay. This is most often seen in children with speech and/or language difficulties. Lastly, Special Education provides methodologies that enable a student identified with a delay or disability to learn successfully in a school environment with his/her peers.
A child whom is gifted is any child of lawful school age who displays superior intellect or advanced learning ability, or both, and who needs special instruction and services to reach appropriate levels of achievement.
Sixth-grade students who test high on quantitative and verbal evaluations receive honors math and language arts classes daily. Gifted students in the seventh and eighth grade receive honors classes in math, language arts and science. A middle school gifted (PACE) liaison is available to collaborate with teachers and students.back to top
After-School Programs:
What after-school programs are offered at your middle schools?
Each school offers a variety of clubs and groups. Academic programs may include homework club, National Junior Honor Society, Absolute zero (a math improvement club), Quills (a writing improvement club), Stand and Serve (a leadership club with high school mentors), Chicanos Por La Causa, Geography Club and PASS tutoring program in a variety of subjects. Our schools also offer many enrichment clubs, including yearbook, student council, All-Stars, Demonstrating Respect as the Norm (DRN), Go Girls, Sign Language club, Mariachi Club, ASU Hispanic Mother Daughter Program, Music Theater and the Boys and Girls Club. Our middle schools also offer both school sports and City of Tempe ACAC sports, including basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, cross-country, volleyball, wrestling, flag football and cheer. back to top
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