MMS Parent Newsletter
September 26h- September 30th
McCormick Middle School
(Email) James.Cruz@hayscisd.net
(Cell) 512-698-7007
Email: James.Cruz@hayscisd.net
Website: https://www.hayscisd.net/Domain/24
Location: 5700 Dacy Lane, Hays, TX, USA
Phone: 512-268-8508
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mccormickMS
Twitter: @McCormickTigers
Click on the "submit your questions here!" I check this frequently and will get back to you.
Mission Statement
"McCormick Middle School is a team of dedicated educators that will create a safe environment where students are motivated to achieve academic success. We will empower our students to be respectful and engaged learners resulting in a culture that inspires excellence not only in their school, but also in their community."
Join McCormick Middle School PTSA!
We would like to welcome you to join the McCormick PTSA group. Our PTSA plays a viable part in our campus. PTSA supports our students and faculty throughout the school year! Cost is $9.50 for the school year.
We will have meetings throughout the year and you will have opportunities to help volunteer working the concession stands and helping with a variety of school activities.
Unfortunately, the link to sign up is not working. Please click on the attachment below to sign up. We are hoping the link starts working soon!
Please join...the link is provided below!
Thank you!
Late Bus Information
Save The Date (Reminders)
9/28 PTSA Meeting 5:30pm
10/6 Tiger Day
10/7 No School (Staff Workday)
10/10 No School (Student/Staff Holiday)
10/28 Halloween Dance 5:30pm-8:00pm
11/17 Fall Pictures
Students attending sporting events
We are going to allow students to attend the sporting events at MMS without a parent. Students are expected to watch the game and to show school spirit.
Students that are exhibiting inappropriate behavior, using inappropriate language, and not remaining in a gym will be ask to leave and will not be allowed to attend any sporting events at McCormick. For safety precautions, we will limit the number of students going to the restroom at one time.
Also, due to the lack of space in the small gym, parents/visitors will be seated first. Students may be asked to stay in the big gym only to watch the sporting event.
Tiger Day is coming
Thursday, October 6th, we will have Tiger Day. This is a day for students to participate in outdoor and indoor activities, socialize with friends, and enjoy a break from academics. We will have our concessions stands open for students to purchase drinks/snacks. Any student that receives a referral September 12th-October 6th, will not be allowed to attend Tiger Day.
Gifted & Talented News
Universal Screener
Deaf Awareness Week
Counselors Corner
No Place for Hate, a student-led climate improvement program that promotes inclusiveness and acceptance, is starting soon.
If you'd like to join our student organization, please visit with a counselor. We will be in the cafeteria during lunches.
6th Grade
Math
We will continue Unit 2: equivalent fractions, decimals, and percents with a focus on converting decimals to percents and percents to decimals. Please remind your student to complete their Blue Skill builder homework and to begin memorizing their benchmark fractions, decimals, and percents.
Resource Math
We are working on Unit 2, converting fractions, decimals, and percents.
ADVANCED MATH
We will continue Unit 2: equivalent fractions, decimals, and percents. Please encourage your student to practice and memorize their benchmark fractions, decimals, and percents. Please make sure your student is completing their Blue Skill Builder Homework.
ELAR
On Monday, we will review for our first major test, CBA 1. We will take the CBA on Tuesday and Wednesday and go over the data with the students on Thursday and Friday.
Science
We will continue learning about density this week. Students can look forward to a density lab on Monday and should be able to calculate density by the end of the week.
Social StudiesWe will launch our very first DBQ (document based question essay).
Social studies will have 4 DBQs this year. Students will review a series of primary documents and write an essay in class in a program built into Classlink called the DBQ Project.
Resource ELAR
We will begin to review for our CBA #1. CBA test #1 will be administered on Wednesday. After the exam is finished Mrs. Fullbrook will meet with each student 1 on 1 to discuss data and future testing goals.
7th Grade
Math
We will continue in unit 2, solving and writing equations and inequalities. Homework will be given on Monday and will be due on Friday.
Resource Math
We continue to work on Unit 2, writing and solving equations.
Advance Math
Students will begin Unit 3 (Developing Understanding of Slope and Y-Intercept). Students can get a reteach and do a retest for their CBA 1 in tutoring if they need to improve their score up to a 75.
ELAR
September 26-30: This week we will take CBA 1. On Monday and Tuesday we will review for the test in class. Students will have access to a review game that they may also play at home. Wednesday-Friday we will take the exam. This test will cover reading comprehension, revising & editing, and writing. Students will need fully charged chromebooks ready to go each day.
Science
We ae starting our unit on Plant Systems. Students will be learning about how plant maintain homeostasis, respond to stimuli, and perform other life processes.
Social Studies
September 26 - 30 - In Texas History will continue to work on Unit 03: Exploration and Early Colonization of Texas – 1519-1821. During this unit, students study about the early expeditions of Spanish and French explorers to Texas and about the mission-presidio system instituted by the Spanish government to colonize Texas. Students will be reading, and answering questions from the text book as, well as, completing graphic organizers and watching videos to reinforce their learning. In addition to this, they are expected to be working on or have completed their DBQ on Cabeza De Vaca which is due Friday September 30 for a major grade.
Resource ELAR
We will begin to review for our CBA #1. CBA test #1 will be administered on Wednesday. After the exam is finished Mrs. Fullbrook will meet with each student 1 on 1 to discuss data and future testing goals.
8th Grade
Math
We will be starting a new unit on slopes and y-intercepts. Students will be learning how to read and interpret graphs.
Algebra
Students will be reviewing for their first CBA on Thursday 9/29. The CBA covers concepts from both Unit 1 and 2. Students can attend tutoring after school to help them review concepts from Units 1 and 2 in order to be successful on the CBA 1.
ELAR
8th Grade ELAR is taking our first big exam (CBA 1) on Tuesday, the 27th. We are concluding Unit 1 on Friday, the 30th, and beginning Unit 2: The Thrill of Horror 10/3. We have begun our outside reading logs for homework every week where the students have a book of their choice they are reading outside of class time; they will complete a short Google Form in response through Schoology.
Science
Monday we will be dissemating our Unit 1 test and if applicable, make-up test. The rest of the week we will be Counting Atoms and Investigating Chemical Equations.
Social Studies
We will be continuing our dive into the American Revolution for our History classes. This week we will be talking about the Declaration of Independece and the major battle and figures of the Revolutionary war. Please bring all devices charged and ready to go. We are almost at the 1st CBA so please do your to attend each day as so to not miss any content.
Resource Math
We will take our CBA1, concentrating on ordering real numbers and solving equations using the Desmos calculator. Then we will start our next unit!
Resource ELAR
We will begin to review for our CBA #1. CBA test #1 will be administered on Wednesday. After the exam is finished Mrs. Fullbrook will meet with each student 1 on 1 to discuss data and future testing goals.
Band
Choir
Orchestra
Concert Orchestra - Concert Orchestra members just completed their first chair test on "Gaelic Castle" and should be working on their other two concert selections as well as continued practice on shifting to and from upper positions.
All Orchestras - Concert time swiftly approaches, expect concert calendars next week. New students should acquire the "formal black on bottom" component of the uniform discussed in class (formal black pants and shoes) to go with the official orchestra shirt (currently in cue to print). Returning students should locate their uniform parts and pieces and check for a good fit.
GTT
STEAM
Web Design
Dance
Dance (Miller)
Dance 1 will be working on perfecting their jazz dance. Reminder: Students should not wear the same clothes to dance that they are wearing to school that day. Please leave your dance clothes in your locker.
Dance (Neal)
Dance 1: Students are learning their Jazz
Dance that they will be graded on the first week of October! They will be graded on the skills within them that we have been wokring on for 2 weeks now. Your students also completed a Jazz Pioneer project. Students had class time to finish these slides and they will present them on Tuesday 09/27.
Dance 2/3: Students are learning their Broadway Jazz combo and will be tested on it in the first week of October. Please make sure your child is prepared everyday with a black shirt, black leggings, and jazz shoes. They get a daily grade on dress out and points are docked for each missing item.
Theatre
Theater 1Students will create an original costume design for the adaptaion of Alice in Wonderland we read in class. After, we will design and create our own Mad Hatter Hats
Theatre 2Students will continue to create original props from the "Homework Excuse" play.
Theatre 3Students will begin to create realistic food props for the stage.
Art
Art (Kelly)All classes will be turning in their third major grade this week. Ask your students about their projects.
Art (Martinez)
ART 1 & 2: Students will continue to work on grid drawing.
HS ART: Students will begin the first stages of their alebrije sculpture.
Computer Science
Journalism
-Under The Sea Animation
-Friday Five #6
Spanish
Spanish (Perez)
Students will start Unit 2, School Life! learning vocabulary and exploring school life in Spanish speaking countries!
Spanish (Phillips, L.)
Spanish I Unit 1: Identity, new vocabulary.
Spanish II Unit 2: Around Town, new vocabulary.
Spanish III Unit 2 The Arts, new vocabulary.
At the start of a new unit we mostly practice pronunciation, translating from spanish to english and vise versa, and playing word games in Quizlet and Gimkit. This helps students get familiar with the unit.
Professional Communications
Health
Principles of Agriculture
PE/Boys Pre-Athletics/Boys Athletics
Boys Athletics (Rich)
Football plays Simon next week. Order food asap. Bring locks!!!! Uniforms are still on back order.
Boys PE (Watson)
Students will be intoducing the fundamental of volleyball and implementing it into team games.
Boys Pre-Athletics (Rich)
Bring locks, buy PE shirts. We are working speed and strength daily. Occasionally we work catching and throwing while running
PE/Girls Pre-Athletics/Girls Athletics
Girls Athletics (Wylie)
SW continue working in their off season groups on weightroom, conditioning and agility. Volleyball will practice in the class period.
Girls PE (Wylie)
SW learn volleyball fundamentals and progress to playing short games.
Girls Pre-Athletics (Wylie)
We will work on our sports skills by starting stations for basketball, volleyball and footwork this week. Monday's and Friday's will be our whole group conditioning days.
Library News
Librarian - Mrs. Mitchell has spent the last three years learning from one of the best librarians in the district at CHES while earning her Masters in Library Science. This will be her eigth year in education and she can't wait to help your student discover great books and resources in the new library!
Library Technician - Mrs. McMurrey is a retired ELA teacher who still loves to work with middle school students. This will be her 30th year in education, and she looks forward to helping students develop a love for reading.
Please print and fill out both pages of the technology permission form and send it in with your student(s). Even if you gave them permission when you registered them for school, please fill the form out, because our system has not recorded the permissions for many of our students.
Students CANNOT get a chromebook until this form is completed, signed, and given to the librarians. Thank you
Technology Permission Form (English)
Technology Permission Form (Spanish)
Here are some helpful links:
Tiger Day Chromebook Distribution - Information & Sign Up
Permission Form for Student Device and use of Google
McCormick scored a B rating
I am very proud to announce that McCormick Middle School received a "B" rating in the latest school accountability. This is a HUGE accomplishment. MMS went from a "D" rating to a "B" rating. This is a result of dedication and hard work from students, teachers, and parents. I greatly appreciate everyone’s hard work!
I am also pleased to announce that MMS has received 2 state distinctions in the area of:
Student Growth and Closing the Gaps
Click On This Link for more information
Way to go Tigers!
Want To Be A Mentor?
Be a Mentor - Change a Life!
A Call to Mentor
The Hays CISD mentoring program pairs adults with student mentees in a proven, effective practice of making a difference in the lives of students. In our ongoing commitment to build student self-efficacy Hays CISD is proud to announce a renewed call for mentors to strengthen student connectedness and develop strong relationships.
Length and Time of Commitment
We ask for a 1 year commitment to meet with a student once a week for 30 minutes, during the school day (during the student’s lunch period will be the preferred time).
What do mentors do? Mentors provide constant encouragement and emotional support for their students. Mentors help students to:
- Accept responsibility
- Use good study habits
- Make positive choices
- Learn problem solving skills
- Have better peer relationships
Good mentoring relationships require a secure mentor training process. Prior to being assigned to a campus and matched with a mentee, all mentors must register with our VIP’s volunteer system, receive a Hays CISD volunteer ID badge and complete all levels of the onboarding process.
Requirements - How to become a mentor: There are only four (4) requirements to become a mentor:
- Consent to a Hays CISD Criminal Background Check by registering through our VIP’s volunteer portal. (Level 1)
· If you have previously volunteered within Hays CISD, click Established Volunteers. If you are registered as an established volunteer, please go into your account and designate an interest in “Mentoring” to update your account.
· If you are NEW to Hays CISD or have not completed the VIPS process, click this link: New Volunteers
2. Once you are approved, the VIP’s system will notify you to complete an online self-paced training module.(Level 2)
- Once your level 2 responses are recorded, the VIP’s system will auto-generate a link to register for one of our 1.5 hr. in-person Onboarding/Training sessions at the PAC happening Sept.13th – 20th. (Level 3)
- Upon completion of in-person training, a Mentor Training Certificate will be issued and approved mentors will connect with the campus School Counselor/Campus Mentor Liaison for matching with a mentee and review check-in procedures. (Level 4)
Why mentoring?
Research repeatedly shows that having a mentor helps a child to be more successful in school. Children are not the only ones whose lives can be changed by mentoring. For many mentors, the rewards of reaching out to another and building a close, trusting relationship are great, including an increase in personal enrichment, happiness and self-knowledge. In fact, mentoring benefits all of society: healthy, educated and nurtured children tend to grow up to be productive adults and responsible parents. They may even grow up to be mentors themselves.
Thank you for saying “yes” to mentoring!
Questions?
Please contact ESSER SEL Specialist Tracy Mayhue, Tracy.Mayhue@hayscisd.net
Cell Phone Policy
Student use guidelines during the school day (8:10 AM-3:35 PM)
· Students may use their personal electronics on campus before 8:10 AM and after 3:35 PM.
· Cell phones must be out of sight and on airplane mode in the classroom.
· Students will not have their cell phones out during class or passing periods.
· Cell Phone use is prohibited in bathroom, locker rooms, changing areas or any area considered private, and while riding on a bus.
· Principals may allow students to use their cell phones during lunch time.
Violation of electronics procedure
Students who violate the procedure will have the following consequences.
- 1st Offense – Confiscation of the device and returned to student at the end of the day
- 2nd Offense – Confiscation of the device and returned to student at the end of the day
- 3rd Offense – Confiscation of the device, may charge a $10 fee and returned to student at the end of the day
Assigned In-School Suspension
- Multiple Offenses – Confiscation of the device, may charge a $10 fee, picked up by a parent or guardian listed on the student contact information and disciplinary consequences
Students who fail to surrender devices will elevate consequences immediately. Confiscated phone must be picked up by the parent or guardian listed on the student contact information.
Parent expectations
Parents can help their child support this policy, the learning environment, and our school’s mission by:
- Discussing the school expectation with your child
- Picking up confiscated devices in a timely manner between 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Lunch Deliveries From Parents
Hays CISD Meal Delivery Services
As part of enhanced safety at campuses, beginning in the 2022-2023 school year, all Hays CISD campuses will no longer accept deliveries from meal delivery services or restaurants for student lunches. And, campuses will no longer have drop-off tables for meals. Parents may still bring outside food for their children if they plan to deliver the meals directly to their child’s designated lunch period. All guests are required to follow existing safety protocols and check in with ID at the front office.
Please watch the video below on how to fill out the the lunch application form!
Lunch Application Forms
Child Nutrition
https://www.hayscisd.net/Page/311
Lunch Application
https://www.schoolcafe.com/hayscisd
Only needs to be done 1 per household
Or also adding money to child’s lunch account
Please review our parent drop off and parent pick up procedures.
McCormick Middle School Information
- School starts at 8:10am and ends at 3:35pm
- Students will have 7 class periods
- Students will have 5 minutes to get from class to class. We do count tardies. Tardies will begin the second week of school
- We have 3 lunch periods separated by grade levels. 6th grade will eat first, followed by 7th grade, and 8th grade will eat last
- If time permits, students will be allowed to purchase snacks after everyone has been given the opportunity to get a lunch. Snacks can be purchased with cash or charged to student's lunch account.
- We do not have academic lockers at MMS.
- Every student will be given a school device (unless students choose to use their own)
- Students will need a Hays CISD device during STAAR testing
Student Dress Code
Please click on the link for a visual of our dress code do's/dont's andour dress code descriptions.
Student Drop Off/Pick Up
Our doors open at 7:30am each day. I will not have any supervision outside until 7:30am. You can drop off your child earlier but there will not be any supervision. We will release car riders at 3:32pm each day.
In the morning, please drive all the way up the hill as far as you can. Please do not drop off in the "Red Zone" where it says no parking. Also, do not drop off students in the front of the school. We need to keep this area clear for buses.
We are locking the back doors at 8:00. If your child arrives to school after 8:00, please drop off in the front of the building.
In the afternoon we want to fit as many cars in as possible. I will stop traffic to let the buses go ahead of everyone. We are trying to get the buses loaded as soon as possible so they can get on their routes.
Please DO NOT tell your child to walk to your vehicle while you are waiting in line.
PLEASE DO NOT do any Uturns when you are in line. This is a safety concern.
I appreciate your understanding with this.
As you know the line at parent pick up is extremely long. We are doing the best we can and I appreciate everyone’s patience. The line will get faster. The following items are some things your child can do to make the line go faster:
- Make sure your child is looking for you
- Try not to get out of your car for your child to put things in trunk
- Drive all the way up the loop until you cannot drive up anymore
Visitors On Campus
ENGLISH
We are so excited to open our doors to visitors again! As always, safety will remain our number one priority. Please review the District Safety Procedures prior to visiting our campus by clicking here.
A few reminders:
- All visitors will continue to check in at the front office
- All visitors will need to show official state identification (Texas Driver’s license or state issued ID card)
- Visitation may be denied due to lack of appropriate identification required for criminal background screening
- All students must wear their ID tag while on campus. Please make sure your student wears their ID daily.
We are excited to offer volunteering opportunities again! Interested in volunteering? Learn more: Hays CISD Volunteers In Public Schools (VIP)
Please click here for additional information and safety reminders: Campus Safety Protocols
We look forward to seeing you soon!
SPANISH
¡Nos da mucho gusto volver abrir nuestras puertas a visitantes de nuevo! Como siempre, la seguridad siempre será nuestra primera prioridad. Por favor revise los Procedimientos de Seguridad del Distrito antes de visitar alguno de nuestros campus al hacer CLIC AQUÍ.
Unos cuantos recordatorios:
- Todos los visitantes deberán registrarse en la oficina de la entrada principal.
- Todos los visitantes necesitan mostrar su identificación oficial del estado (Licencia de Conductor o Identificación del Estado de Texas)
- Se podrá negar la visita en caso de falta identificación apropiada para la verificación de antecedentes.
- Todos los estudiantes deberán usar su Credencial de Identificación mientras estén en el campus. Favor de asegurarse que su hijo(a) porte su ID diariante.
¡Nos emociona poder volver a ofrecer oportunidades de participación voluntaria nuevamente! ¿Le interesa participar como voluntario? Infórmese más en: Voluntarios en Escuelas Públicas de Hays CISD (VIP)
Haga CLIC AQUÍ: Protocolos de Seguridad en el Campus para mayor información y leer los recordatorios de seguridad.
¡Esperamos verlos muy pronto!
Happy Birthday Shout Out!
Wish your child Happy Birthday on our school marquee! Please click the link below to put a birthday message on the school marquee!
North Side - Facing child nutrition
South Side- Facing entrance
CNN Student News
I have provided the link for you for review. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Need assistance?
Hi all – HaysCo has an emergency rental assistance program for those impacted by COVID. The program aims to prevent people from being evicted by paying back rent, though it also helps with back due (and I think currently owed) utilities. I invite you to learn more about the ERA program on our website: https://hayscountytx.com/emergency-rental-assistance-program/