CHMS Parent Newsletter
August 7, 2022
Mission & Vision
The VISION of Chapel Hill Middle School is to promote teacher empowerment, involve parents and the community in the school's success and equip students with the academic instruction, social and emotional development and character education necessary for their future endeavors.
OPEN HOUSE HIGHLIGHTS
Principal’s Corner
Greetings Chapel Hill Parents and Community Partners,
Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year! I hope you have enjoyed your summer break with family and friends and this message finds you refreshed, rejuvenated and ready for a new school year! Last year, we were faced with several challenges as a school community, but we prevailed and ended the year with positive results. This year promises to be a year full of achievement, productivity and growth for our students. Together, we will create a year of excellence for our scholars as we focus on student engagement, maintaining a positive culture, and rigorous and engaging Tier I instruction through standards aligned lessons.
To our new family members, I am excited to meet you and your child, and I know that our staff will support your child as they transition into Panther Nation. For our returning families, I look forward to the continued partnership as we navigate the middle school years together.
As our school partners, join our PTSA, volunteer, support our instructional and athletic programs and most of all be active participants in our school environment. As parents and a school community, we will Achieve Excellence Together!
If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact me via email ayana_s_smith@dekalbschoolsga.org or via phone 678-676-8502 (office). As a reminder, the first day of school is Monday, August 8, 2022, at 8:15AM and students must have a water bottle to utilize water fountains.
Lastly, parents and students, please check Clever or Parent Portal for schedules. Students schedules may have changed or hav been updated. Buses may also be delayed the first week of school
Your Servant Leader,
Ayana S. Smith, Ed.S
Principal
School Hours and Attendance
As we begin our school year, we must remember that daily attendance will be an integral part of your child's success at CHMS.
Upon returning to school, Middle School hours are from 8:50am-3:50pm. We ask parents to not drop off their child prior 8:15 am due to no supervision. It is the parents responsibility for supervision prior to 8:15 am. Students who are not eating breakfast will need to enter the building near the car rider area. Students who are eating breakfast will enter the building near the baseball field. All students should be at school no later than 8:45 am to ensure that they get to class on time. Students arriving after 8:50 am will need to report to the front office to receive a tardy pass with their parent.
Uniform Policy
Please Note:
•No jeggings/leggings
•No ripped or sagging pants
•No midriff revealing or see-through clothing
•No spandex or tight-fitting attire
•Shorts/Skorts/Skirts must be an appropriate length
Scholars must wear a collar uniform shirt under their jackets or hoodies.
Cellphone Policy
Students will not use any electronic communication device, including but not limited to, pagers, beepers, cellular phones, smart phones, walkie-talkies, and similar devices during traditional and/or virtual instructional time (except for approved instructional purposes) or on school buses and must not interfere with the educational mission of the school or pose a safety hazard.
The instructional day includes, but is not limited to lunch periods, class changes, study halls, and any other structured or non-structured instructional activity that occurs during the normal school day. At all times, students are expected to adhere to the following rules relative to electronic communication devices:
•Phones must be turned completely off (not on silent or vibrate mode) and put away out of view (as directed by the school) during instructional time (official start of school day to the end of school day), except for approved instructional purposes.
•No text messaging is allowed, except for approved instructional purposes.
•Students with serious medical conditions or unusual circumstances may be given special permission by the school principal to use their device if it is determined to be essential for the health of the student.
Consequences include: Parent Conference and In-School Suspension of 1-3 days.
Discipline
Chapel Hill Middle School functions as a safe and orderly environment. We have high academic and behavior expectations for our students; therefore, they are held accountable for their actions and choices. Our administrative staff as well as our faculty are committed to being proactive in resolving issues to ensure that your child is receiving the best education we have to offer. Please encourage your child to adhere to the DCSD Code of Conduct.
Digital Dreamers
Transportation
Parents are responsible for their student's transportation to and from school. Students can be dropped off at school or can ride the bus. Click here for CHMS bus routes. Satellite riders (Magnet Academy) will ride the Memorial of Miller Grove shuttle bus.
School Nutrition
CHMS COMMUNICATION CHAIN & WHOSE WHO
PTSA
Parent Advisory Council
Chapel Hill Middle School has two open parent seats available for our Parent Advisory Council (PAC) for the 2022-2023 elections. From now until 5:00pm on Friday, September 2, 2022, you will be able to declare your candidacy as a parent representative on the Council. Please click the link below for additional information.
All candidate declarations must be submitted online.
Access Candidate Forms here.
Parent Portal
DCSD 2022-2023 Academic Calendar
Ayana Smith, Principal
Email: chapelhillms@gmail.com
Website: http://www.chapelhillms.dekalb.k12.ga.us/
Location: 3535 Dogwood Farm Road, Decatur, GA, USA
Phone: 678-676-8502