Eagle Updates
MMS Back-to-School Edition 2023
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Dear Eagle Families,
On behalf of the staff at Madras Middle School, we want to welcome you and your child to our Eagle community. We are excited, and we can't wait to have our students and parents back in the building this year! We know that sometimes the thought of “middle school” can elicit feelings of anxiousness (for both parents and students), but our staff wants to reassure you that Madras is a great place to be! Our staff and school community work hard to support families with the middle school transition and to establish a welcoming environment where students feel valued, connected, safe, and supported by their teachers and peers,
Included in this newsletter you'll find back-to-school information to help you navigate the opening of school. CCSS middle schools were unable to hold their traditional orientation for fifth grade parents, so if you are a rising sixth grade parent, we encourage you to visit the sixth grade orientation site linked off our webpage (and linked below), to give both students and parents an inside to our school program including videos, frequently asked questions, course descriptions, band, chorus, and guitar registration information, extracurricular opportunities, supply list, and an overview of our middle school program.
For communication, your best "go-to" place for all things Madras throughout the year is the Madras website. It is continuously updated and includes our newsletter, and a school Google calendar along with an upcoming events listing that stays current. Frequent news updates are also emailed and texted to parents, so please sign up on the front page of our website, or toward the bottom of this newsletter.
We're so happy to be able to hold an in-person Open House Visitation (drop-in) prior to the opening of school on Wednesday, August 4th from 10:00 to noon, so students can meet their homeroom teachers and tour the campus. We'll host additional grade level parent nights beginning the first of September, so look for more information after school opens.
If you have questions, there's a button at the end of this newsletter for either you or your child to ask questions, or you can email a Madras administrator. We're so excited to welcome everyone to the Nest, and we're looking forward to meeting our newest Eagles soon!
Lorraine Johnson
Principal
Frequently Asked Questions
When will we find out about our child’s homeroom/team placement?
Homerooms are visible via Parent and Student Portals in Infinite Campus by August 4th, and students receive their schedules on the first day of school in homeroom. Homerooms will also be posted throughout the building during Open House Visitation on August 4th. Families can drop in anytime between 10:00 and noon.
How will my child know where to go the first day he/she is on campus?
Students will have an opportunity to locate their homerooms and to meet their teachers during the drop-in visitation on August 4th. Even if a family is unable to attend Open House, there will be a multitude of administrators, teachers and support staff directing students to their homerooms in their team areas when they arrive on the first day. Teachers also provide a modified in-person orientation during students' first week on campus.
What are the school hours?
Official school hours are 8:15-3:30. Students arrive by bus or car between 7:30 and 8:15. Students who are car riders are dropped off behind the school in the car rider line. Students riding buses will be dropped off at the end of 6th the sixth grade hall. All students report to the gym if it's between 7:30 and 8:00. At 8:00, all students are released to homeroom. If students arrive between 8:00 and 8:15, they report straight to their homerooms. (Students may not arrive at school before 7:30 a.m. as there is no supervision for them at that time.) Students should be in their homerooms by 8:15 or they will be marked tardy.Is there a school supply list?
Yes. Our school's supply list was posted in May and can be found on our website at any time. viewed here. Any student who needs help with supplies can receive assistance. Our counselor, Caroline Rothchild (caroline.rothschild@cowetaschools.net), is happy to help.
Will students use lockers this year?
Lockers are currently not being used. Like last year, students will carry their belongings, including their Chromebook, water bottle, and lunch (if applicable) in their bookbags. To reduce the load students need to carry, teachers will not require that students keep multiple large notebooks.
Do students dress out for PE?
No, however, students must wear appropriate shoes for physical activities (sneakers or athletic shoes). Our gym is air conditioned and is now climate controlled.
Can students carry water bottles to class?
Yes. We encourage all students to carry water bottles with them throughout the day. There are water filling stations located in each hall, the gym, and the cafeteria. Water bottles should be clear.
Are masks required for students?
Coweta County School System strongly encourages students and staff to follow CDC guidance to “wear a mask Indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial and high transmission of COVID-19." All travelers and drivers are required to properly wear masks while on buses and any other form of school system transportation, per an ongoing federal order.Will sixth graders receive new Chromebooks?
Our rising sixth grade students will receive new Chromebooks at the beginning of the year. Any student in Coweta County Schools should have a Chromebook that was issued to them last year. New students to the district will also receive Chromebooks. Students should bring their Chromebooks beginning the first day of school.
Will students have agendas this year?
CCSS students will have agendas that will arrive in September. Their student handbook is included in the agenda, and the electronic version is on our website and can be viewed here.
Who do I contact if I have questions about my child's IEP or 504 plan?
If you have a question about your child's IEP, contact in-school coordinator Kip Durden at kip.durden@cowetaschools.net
Questions about a 504 plan? Email Marius Truitt at marius.truitt@cowetaschools.net and CC the principal at lorraine.johnson@cowetaschools.net
Will there be athletics and/or extracurricular activities this year?
Athletics and all middle school extracurricular activities are currently being offered for the 21-22 school year. Seventh and eighth grade students who meet eligibility requirements can participate in athletics. Soccer tryouts for boys and girls wills begin the first day of school. Please check our website for the most current information. Clubs and organizations are open to all students. (Participation is subject to change based on the most current guidance from the Department of Public Health.) Club Page
Do parents volunteer at the middle school level, and how can I join PTSO?
Yes! We love our parent volunteers, and we do welcome and appreciate parent/guardian involvement with special events such as the Snack 'n Chat, dances, socials, school programs, luncheons, Career Day, etc. Our PTSO will be onsite for our Open House in August to provide additional information and to answer questions.
How are gifted classes structured in middle school?
Students who receive gifted services will automatically be enrolled in gifted science and gifted language arts, which meets every day. Students may be referred for gifted screening (which takes place once each semester) by a parent or a teacher. Peggy Davenport is the Madras gifted lead teacher, and Dr. Betts is the administrator who oversees the gifted program. If you have questions regarding screening or the overall program, please contact them via e-mail or phone.
What classes are offered at the middle school level?
Coweta County Schools follows the Georgia State Curriculum, the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE). All students attend 4 seventy minute core academic classes daily based on any services they may receive such as gifted education, special education, or additional support services.
In connections classes, students experience integrated activities that invite exploration, academic extensions, creativity, and real-world connections, with a wide range of activities designed to enhance their active lifestyles. During the connection block, students rotate through different connection offerings each nine week period. (Band, Acoustic Guitar, and Chorus courses are always yearlong courses.)
Students attend two 45 minute connections classes daily, and they can take:
- Two year-long courses (two classes all year; these courses require pre-registration)
- Two nine weeks courses (eight classes all year; students will rotate through every connections course by the end of the year as assigned)
- One year-long and 4 nine weeks courses (Students will have the year-long course each nine weeks and the second connections course will rotate. Students will only have four of the 9 weeks courses as assigned.
Required Immunizations for ALL 7th Grade Students
The Georgia Department of Human Resources has issued an immunization update regarding Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) and Meningococcal immunizations.
Starting July 1, 2014 all children who were born on or after January 1, 2002 who are entering the seventh grade are required to have a
- Tdap and a Meningococcal immunization
- an updated immunization certificate (Form 3231) reflecting the administration dates of the two additional vaccines.
All rising 7th graders born on or after January 1, 2002, must have ONE of the following:
A current , up-to-date DHR Immunization Form 3231 reflecting the additional one dose of Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) vaccine and one Meningococcal conjugate vaccine have been administered OR
A signed immunization waiver (available at the school for eligible students only) granting an extension of 30 calendar days OR
A notarized affidavit affirming a religious belief conflict.
If you have any questions regarding your student’s immunization status, contact your child’s physician, the local Health Department, or the school nurse (Kate Caswell). We encourage you to attend to this promptly to avoid the “back to school” rush. Your new certificate can be obtained while your child is still in sixth grade and issued to the school.
Transportation
Car Riders (Read information about the Safe Dismissal App.)
Car rider drop-off and pick-up will be behind the school where students are picked up from athletic events (at the football field).
Parents should turn onto Frank Cook Road (first left past the school if coming down Edgeworth from highway 29).
Take the first left off Frank Cook from Edgeworth, and pass the bus loading loop and parking lot, continuing straight ahead and staying to the far right where the track loops around at the football field.
Stop when directed to give a Madras staff member your Safe Dismissal number. Read more.
Cars will stop at the sidewalk by the football field until students are dismissed to the car.
Once students have been dismissed to the car loading zone, staff will direct traffic (two car lanes) farther down the track which will help expedite the process.
The loop in front of the school will be reserved for students who check-in or check-out during the school day and
Bus Transportation
The district’s Transportation Department manages the creation of bus routes. Those are usually finalized the week before school starts. You can find those routes and your child's bus number on our website. There will also be a member of transportation to help answer questions at our school's Open House Visitation on Wednesday, August 4th prior to school opening. Students are asked to be ready by 6:45 on the first day until routes are established.
Students are assigned to ride school buses that will pick them up and drop them off in close proximity to their homes.
Bus transportation is a privilege provided to all students who can cooperate and abide by the rules. Problems on a school bus are a road hazard; reasonable behavior ensures a safe ride. Parents should closely supervise children at bus stops to ensure their safety as they wait and properly board the school bus.
If a student needs to ride a bus other than the assigned bus, the student must bring a note from the parent/guardian with a telephone number for verification. Once verified, these requests are honored if space allows. Transportation notes will be accepted in the form of a written letter, an email, or by fax.
Students do not need a transportation note to change from a car rider to a bus rider or vice versa on a given day. Notes are only needed if students are riding a bus that is not their regular assigned bus (for example, going home with a friend on a different bus).
Arrival and Dismissal
No student should arrive on campus before 7:30 a.m.
Students arriving before 8:00 a.m. will report to the gym until they are told to report to homeroom at 8:00 a.m. (At 7:45 students who would like to eat breakfast will report to the cafeteria.)
Students who are not bus riders are encouraged to report to school after 8:00 a.m. and report directly to their homerooms.
All students should be in homeroom by 8:15.
Students may not remain at school after scheduled dismissal time unless they have prior approval from a staff member who will supervise them or they are a member of a club, athletic team, etc. sponsored by the school.
Supervision will only be provided from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day.
Transportation Changes
Transportation changes will not be accepted after 3:00 p.m. If no prior written notification is received, your child will follow his/her regular means of transportation. NOTE: Bus drivers may not let a child off the bus at any stop other than his own without written and approved authorization to do so.
Please do not meet the bus along the route and ask your child to get off. Please meet him/her at home instead.
Dropping Off Items for Your Child During the School Day
Dropping off Lunches or Medication: If a student forgets a lunch at home, parents may drop it off at the front office, and students will be called to pick up their lunch at the beginning of their scheduled lunch time. If a student needs medication, it can be dropped off at any time for the school nurse.
Dropping off Other Items:
Any other item dropped off for students during the school day may be picked up after school. Instruction will not be interrupted for students to pick up items during class. This includes forgotten homework, Chromebooks, shoes for PE, projects, etc. Students are responsible for bringing needed materials to class daily. If these items are brought to school during the day, we are happy to make an announcement at the end of the day for your child to pick them up in the front office.
School Clinic and Medication
School Clinic and Medication
Nurse, Kate Caswell
Email: kate.caswell@cowetaschools.net
Clinic Hours: 8:00-3:30
MMS Clinic Web Page: (includes all clinic forms to download)
Medication
The MMS clinic is open daily from 8:00-3:30. Our school nurse Kate Caswell assists students who become sick or injured while at school and dispenses medications prescribed by physicians. Any parent who needs to drop off medication can drop off medication in the front lobby of the school between 7:30 and 3:00 during the school day.
Whenever it is necessary for your child to receive medication at school, the following policy must be followed:
- A school nurse or school designee may administer medication provided all of the requirements are met.
- All medicine shall be in its original LABELED container or prescription bottle.
- Written instructions for prescription medication must be from a doctor or a physician's assistant authorized to prescribe medicine. How to administer, amount to be administered, time to be administered, etc., must be shown.
- A written request by the parent or guardian must be made to the school nurse or school designee to administer any medication. The school nurse or school designee shall keep a written.
CCSS Middle School Dress Code
In the interest of maximizing the learning environment at school, a dress code has been established for all middle school students in the Coweta County School System. Every middle school student is expected to dress and be groomed in accordance with acceptable standards of cleanliness and modesty.
If a student chooses to wear shorts or a skirt, the shorts or skirt must be of appropriate length. The appropriate measurement will be determined when the student is standing erect, hands by his/her side; fingertips should not extend below the hem of the clothing, maintaining modesty at all times.
Jeggings, leggings, and/or other form-fitting pants can be worn provided the shirt is fingertip length.
Low-cut tops and/or blouses are also not allowed. All shirts, blouses, and dresses must have sleeves. Clothing should not expose areas of the stomach, side, or back.
Holes on clothing above the fingertips should not expose skin. No items of clothing are allowed that may be affiliated with gang activity, as defined by administration and law enforcement.
No “hardware chains” may be worn as belts, wallet chains, or jewelry. No chains of this type are allowed on school campus or at any school function.
No hats, bandanas, or headbands may be worn or displayed during the instructional day. No items may be worn with inappropriate pictures, symbols, or lettering. This includes, but is not limited to, depictions of alcohol, drugs, or weapons. Statements that might be deemed offensive to others are prohibited.
Pajamas, lounge pants, and/or house shoes or slippers may not be worn to school unless approved by the administration during special occasions.
Shoes with wheels may not be worn to school. Other shoes that may present a safety hazard are not allowed.
If a student is in violation of the dress code, he/she will be given the opportunity to correct the violation. If the student fails to correct the violation, he/she may be asked to call home for appropriate clothing and/or may receive disciplinary consequences as determined by the administrative staff.
Cell Phone and Smartwatch Use
Cell phones may not be used during the instructional day and must be turned off and put away at all times. Students are permitted to use a phone in the front office during school hours for emergencies or for illness. Students should not use a cell phone or smartwatch to call home or text when sick. Any student who is ill should go through the Madras clinic. The school nurse will call parents directly. Calling home for homework, a school project, or to make arrangements to attend an after school event that wasn't previously arranged ties up phone lines and is not permitted. Students may call home if:
- There is a transportation issue,
- Lunch or lunch money is needed,
- There is a dress code issue.
- The student is sick or needs medication (must call from the clinic under the nurse's supervision).
We appreciate your help in keeping interruptions to a minimum.
Monitoring Progress, Grades, Assignments, and Attendance
Student Portal
Students will be assigned a login for Student Portal which will allow them to regularly monitor their grades and assignments. Once logged on the first time, they will be prompted to change their password. Students should keep this in a secure location and should never share the password with others.
Parent Portal
Parent Portal provides access for parents to view students' attendance, grades, schedules, lunch balances, and other useful information. It also allows teachers to communicate with parents via the portal. You can enroll HERE, (directions) If you have questions about your portal account or are having trouble logging in, please contact Student Information Services by emailing infinitecampusportal@cowetaschools.net.
Registration for Band, Chorus, Guitar
Soccer Tryouts
Tryout Information
Who: 7th/8th grade interested students
Dates: August 5th, 6th
Time: 3:30-5:15
Pickup: Behind school at car rider zone
What to Bring: water bottle, t-shirt, shorts, cleats
Coach Contact Information
Girls' Coach: Jimmy Countryman - jimmy.countryman@cowtaschools.net
Boys' Coach: Zach Galatian - zachary.galatian@cowetaschools.net
Athletic Director: - Herbert Betts - herbert.betts@cowetaschoools.net
- Principal, Lorraine Johnson: lorraine.johnson@cowetaschools.net
- Assistant Principal (6th/7th), Marius Truitt: marius.truitt@cowetaschools.net
- Assistant Principal (7th/8th), Herbert Betts: herbert.betts@cowetaschools.net
- 504 Coordinator, Marius Truitt: marius.truitt@cowetaschools.net
- 6th and 7th Grade Counselor, Caroline Rothschild: caroline.rothschild@cowetaschools.net
- 7th and 8th Grade Counselor, Erin Nash: erin.nash@cowetaschools.net
- School Nurse: Kate Caswell: kate.caswell@cowetaschools.net
- In-School SE Coordinator, Kip Durden: kip.durden@cowetaschools.net
- Gifted Lead Teacher, Peggy Davenport: margaret.davenport@cowetaschools.net
- Athletic Director, Herbert Betts: herbert.betts@cowetaschools.net
- Food Nutrition Services Manager, Frances Singleton: frances.singleton@cowetaschools.net
- Media Specialist, Karen Pitts (Chromebooks): karen.pitts@cowetaschools.net
- Secretary, Ryan Hornsby: ryan.hornsby@cowetaschools.net
- Registrar, Alecia Bruce: alecia.bruce@cowetaschools.net
- School Resource Officer, Chad Davis: chad.davis@cowetaschools.net
- MMS Transportation Contact, Marius Truitt: marius.truitt@cowetaschools.net
Madras Middle School
Email: MadrasNews@cowetaschools.net
Website: http://www.mms.cowetaschools.net
Location: 240 Edgeworth Road, Newnan, GA, United States
Phone: 770-254-2744
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MadrasEagles
Twitter: @MadrasEagles