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
McCormick PTSA
Please join our amazing and wonderful PTSA. We have some great things planned for this school year and we need your help. Click on the link below to join! You can also follow our MMS PTSA on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/McCormickMiddleSchoolPTSA
Dates of meetings...all meetings will take place at MMS cafeteria starting at 6pm.
September 20th
November 15th
February 21st
April 17th
* Students who join the MMS PTSA will get in free to school dances.
Counselor's Corner
Greetings MMS Families! The schedule change window is now closed. Any additional requests for schedule changes will need to go through the grade level administrator. If the administrator agrees that a change is needed, they will inform the grade level counselor and a change will be made. If your child would like to move from an Advanced course to a General Education course, please have him or her pick up an Advanced Withdrawal Form from the Counseling Center before or after school. As always, thank you for the opportunity to serve your child. Take care!
6th Grade - Rosario Rodriguez (rosario.rodriguez@hayscisd.net)
7th Grade - Maria Herrera (maria.herrera@hayscisd.net)
8th Grade - Gracie Kelley (gracie.kelley@hayscisd.net)
6th Grade
Math
We will continue unit two on ratios and rates. We will extend our knowledge of proportions to finding the unit rate. Please remind your student that their blue weekly homework is due Friday!
ADVANCED MATH
We will continue unit two on ratios and rates. We will extend our knowledge of proportions to finding the unit rate. Please remind your student that their blue weekly homework is due Friday!
ELAR
Next week, we will wrap up Unit 1 with our final informational text called, "Fears and Phobias". We will also work on our first extended writing piece in class. Please remind your students to read each night. Their book report (located in Schoology) will be due on September 29th!
Science
We will continue our unit 2. We will be now starting our new topic within our unit on density. We will be calculating density of different objects. Please ensure your student is practicing their vocabulary words.
Social Studies
We will continue in Unit 2: North America by covering government and economics.
Resource Math
We are working on calculating the area of various figures. We will start our review for the unit test.
ELAR Enrichment (Ruybal)
Students will be starting in the Read 180 program! We will be completing the orientation activities to set us up for success for the rest of the year.
Reading/Dyslexia (Sheehan)
Students will read, write and spell multisyllabic words, and read along with an audio book and write a Reading Response. A charged Chromebook is needed every day.
Math Enrichment (Boyan)
Students will be adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing with rational numbers (focusing on decimals), and applying that skill to setting up and solving proportions.
7th Grade
Math
Students will continue to learn to represent proportional and non-proportional relationships with graphs, table, equations, and verbal descriptions.
Advance Math
Students will begin their next unit on slopes & equations. Information on re-tests for Unit 1 will be sent out soon. Please make sure students bring their fully charged Chromebook everyday.
ELAR
Students will finish writing their ECRs (essays) and begin studying for CBA 1.
Science
Students will take their Unit 2 Test over Cells which includes levels of organization, cell theory, and cell organelles. Please have them review their notes in their journals and practice the review games in Schoology. Please also check for missing assignments as we near the end of the six weeks.
Social Studies
This week In Texas History, Week of September 18 - 22, we will continue analyzing the impact that Spanish and Frech explorers had on Texas. We will however be transitioning into the Spanish Colonization of Texas which includes the creation and reason for Spanish Missions in East Texas, and the the relationship with Native Americans.
Resource Math
We are working on proportional relationships and the constant of proportionality. We will start looking at proportional graphs and equations and compare them to non-proportional graphs and equations.
ELAR Enrichment (Fite/Garcia-Fite)
Students will be starting in the Read 180 program! We will be completing the orientation activities to set us up for success for the rest of the year.
Reading / Dyslexia (Sheehan)
Students will read, write and spell multisyllabic words, and read along with an audio book and write a Reading Response. A charged Chromebook is needed every day.
Math Enrichment (Boyan)
Students will be adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing with rational numbers (focusing on decimals), and applying that skill to finding constant rate.
8th Grade
Math
Students will work on a transformations review and take a unit check starting Wednesday. Please make sure your students bring their fully charged device and charger to class everyday.
Algebra
Students are learning about slope-intercept, point-to-slope, and standard forms of equations. Please make sure your students bring their fully charged Chromebook every day.
ELAR
This week we are working on our first essay of the year. It's our end of unit writing task where we argue the question, "Does technology improve or control our lives?" We will work through planning, drafting, revising, and submitting our essays.
Science
We will conduct labs that show Evidence of Chemical Changes and begin Law of Conservation of Mass. Please make sure your student brings their fully charged chromebook to class everyday.
Social Studies
We will be starting our Journey into the American Revolution which is the start of Unit 3. Please bring all devices charged and ready to use.
Resource Math
We are working on transformations, will begin our review, and start the unit assessment.
ELAR Enrichment (Ruybal)
Students will be starting in the Read 180 program! We will be completing the orientation activities to set us up for success for the rest of the year.
ELAR Enrichment (Fite)
Students will be starting in the Read 180 program! We will be completing the orientation activities to set us up for success for the rest of the year.
Reading / Dyslexia (Sheehan)
Students will read, write and spell multisyllabic words, and read along with an audio book and write a Reading Response. A charged Chromebook is needed every day.
Math Enrichment (Boyan)
Students will practice transformations, specifically translations and dilations using their online calculator (desmos).
Band
Orchestra
Dance
Theatre
Theater 1 (Tidblom)Students will read a play and create an original Prop Hat.
Theatre 2 (Konvicka)Students will begin creating a prop from the play they read in class.
Theatre 3 (Driesse)Students will continue working on their food props and portray the rolls of a prop supervisor
GTT
Computer Science
A zero indicates the project was not submitted. Students should make sure they have successful submissions for all project up to and including activity 1.4 "Crush the Bug".
Journalism
- Animation Viewing Days
- Character Library Setup & Character Creations
- Friday Five #6
* Everybody needs to bring their charged laptop to class EVERY DAY! *
Spanish
Spanish 1(Thornburg/Garza, A.)This is hispanic heritage month, and we will also be learning about hispanics that impacted in great ways to the US through music, activities and reading about them.
Spanish 2(Thornburg)This is hispanic heritage month, and we will also be learning about hispanics that impacted in great ways to the US through music, activities and reading about them.
Spanish 3 (Thornburg)This is hispanic heritage month, and we will also be learning about hispanics that impacted in great ways to the US through music, activities and reading about them.
Professional Communications
Health
PE/Boys Pre-Athletics/Boys Athletics
Boys Athletics (Rich)Football plays Chapa Tuesday. 8th at home, 7th at Chapa. Tickets online by Monday. Athletics clothing has been ordered. Please encourage tutorials. Offseason is lifting weights and working on speed and endurance.
Boys PE (Peloquin)We will be getting our first fitnessgram assessment this week. Sign up for the Halloween fun run!!
Boys Pre-Athletics (Rich)We are still teaching weight room techniques and safety. Power Clean, Squat, Bench Press
Turn in Physicals ASAP to Coach Rich. Make sure the medical history is signed. Here is a link to the form (or or pick one up from coaches): https://hayscisd.rankonesport.com/New/PrintableDocuments.aspx
* RankOne forms must be completed online. You can act as a "guest" or create an account, up to you. If you have multiple kids in the district or plan to do athletics for years, an account may be helpful Here is that link: https://hayscisd.rankonesport.com/New/NewInstructionsPage.aspx
** All athletes must wear an athletic uniform everyday. Here is the link to order those clothes: https://sites.google.com/hayscisd.net/mmsathletics/store *
Boys Athletics SportsYou Code: 9YV6-8MXB
Student ID Badge
All students have been given their ID badge. For safety reasons, all students are required to wear an ID badge every day. Students may use a lanyard of their choosing. Students who do not have their ID badge will need to get a temporary badge.
Consequences for not wearing your ID badge are the following:
1st and 2nd time: Warning
3rd time: Lunch Detention
4th and 5th time: Warning
6th time: Lunch Detention
7th and 8th time: Warning
9th time: After School Detention
10th or more: ISS/Parent Phone Call
I can use parent support with this policy. ID badges is one of our safety protocols to ensure everyone on our campus is safe and supposed to be on our campus. This is something we take seriously and will be consistent with. Students will not be allowed into the classroom without and ID badge. I greatly appreciate your help making sure your child is wearing their ID badge. Thank you.
Late Bus Information
Any student that needs to stay after school will be provided a late bus. This bus will pick students up at MMS and will take them to a "hub" location. Your child will be dropped off at a certain area. The times will differ depending on traffic. Please have your child check their advisory course in schoology for the exact location where your child will be dropped off. Parents might need to pick up their child at the "hub" location. Please email transportation at Transportation@hayscisd.net
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! Please keep your message short...We are limited in the letters, especially the letter "Y".
Please plan accordingly. If you know already that you want a message, please put in for it now. The sooner the better! Dates will go away.
All entries must be put in by 4:30pm the previous day. Any entries put in after 4:30pm, will not go up the next day.
North Side - Facing child nutrition
South Side- Facing entrance
School Supply List
Lunch Deliveries
Hays CISD Meal Delivery Services
Hays CISD campuses will no longer accept deliveries from meal delivery services or restaurants for student lunches. Parents may still bring outside food for their children if they plan to deliver the meals directly to their child’s designated lunch period. The person dropping off food must be on the student information page in TEAMS. All guests are required to follow existing safety protocols and check in with ID at the front office.
CNN Student News
We will show all students CNN 10 Student News every morning before 1st period. This is an excellent, non biased, news source that reviews current news events for students. It is targeted towards students.
I have provided the link for you for review. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Students attending sporting events
Students are welcomed and encouraged to attend athletic events. Students are expected to watch the game and to show school spirit. All students must have a school issued ID badge with them in order to attend athletic events. Temporary ID's will not be accepted.
Students that are exhibiting inappropriate behavior, using inappropriate language, and not remaining in the gym or football field, will be ask to leave and will not be allowed to attend any sporting events at McCormick.
Football/Basketball (In the small gym)
Parents attending the A team game will need to wait outside the gate until the B team game is over. For basketball (in the small gym), parents for the A team game will need to wait in the hallway. This will allow time for parents to exit the game in a safe and efficient way.
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.
Please read and watch
Dear Hays CISD Family,
We have published part 2 of episode 1 (Fighting Fentanyl: Help is Here) of our Fighting Fentanyl video series.
The link to it online in English and Spanish is: https://www.hayscisd.net/fentanylvideos
As we continue our conversation about the dangers of fentanyl, we will continue to produce additional videos and resource materials.
The main fentanyl webpage is www.hayscisd.net/fentanyl.
Cell Phone Policy
This procedure is intended to support student learning while minimizing student distractions and disruptions. The procedure will also support and enhance current safety procedures and protocols. Teachers are expected to incorporate technology as a part of their lesson plans as long as it supports the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Students may use their own technology (laptops or iPad) to support the learning objectives in the classroom.
Student use guidelines during the school day (8:10 AM-3:45 PM)
• Students may use their personal electronics on campus before 8:10 AM and after 3:45 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.
• 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 – Warning
• 2nd Offense – Confiscation of the device.
• 3rd Offense – Confiscation of the device and parent notified.
• 4th Offense – Confiscation of the device, mandatory parent meeting. Assign one hour of afterschool detention. Device returned at the end of the day.
• Multiple Offenses – Confiscation of the device, may charge a $10 fee, and assigned In School Suspension.
Students who fail to surrender devices will elevate consequences immediately. Confiscated phone will be returned to the student at the end of day. Violations will reset every nine week grading period.
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
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 3:39pm 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
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
McCormick Middle School Information
- School starts at 8:10am and ends at 3:45pm
- Students will have 7 class periods
- Students will have 4 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
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!
