MMS Parent Newsletter
May 15th - May 19th
Number Of School Days Left: 9
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.
Hays Hope Line (Report things here)
Pleae click on the link below and report any bullying, harrassment, or any issues students are having on campus.
Save The Date (Reminders)
May 22nd - 8th Grade Field Trip
May 22nd - 6th grade awards 8:30 am
May 23rd - 7th grade awards 8:30 am
May 24th - 8th grade awards 6:00pm
May 25th - Last Day Of School
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."
THANK YOU!!!
Thank you to our wonderful MMS PTSA for providing great food and treats to our staff for teacher appreciation week! Our teachers enjoyed everything you did for them.
MMS Parents
We are down to 9 days of school left...2 more Mondays. Please continue to send your child to school every day. We have a lot of things going on the last 2 weeks!
We will start collecting campus chromebooks this Thursday and will finish up by next Monday.
* All devices will be collected
* Make sure your child takes off any writings/stickers/marks on the chromebook
* If your child is returning to MMS next year, they will get the same chromebook next year.
* All technology fines will need to be paid for your child to get thier schedule next year.
* Take a look at our library flyer below to pay your fine.
8th Grade Field Trip
We will extend the payment for the 8th grade field trip to the end of the day Monday, May 15th. We need to write a check to Main Event on Tuesday. If you are needing assistance to pay the field trip fee of $15, please email Mr. Cruz.
Jungle Book/Choir
Great job by our Theatre department for putting on a great show this past week. Students did an awesome job singing, dancing, and acting. Also, great job to our Choir, who also put on a great show Wednesday night.
School Fines
Make sure your child's fines are all paid up so they can participate in end of year activities. You will be recieving emails if your child owes any fines.
Fridays
Friday for the remainder of the school year students will be allowed to wear pajamas!
End Of Year Award Ceremony
6th Grade Award Ceremony - May 22nd 8:30am
- Parents please arrive 15 minutes early to sign in at the front office. You are required to show an ID to enter.
- You will have an opportunity to take pictures during and after the ceremony.
- Parents will recieve an email from a teacher if your child is getting an award.
7th Grade Award Ceremony - May 23rd 8:30am
- Parents please arrive 15 minutes early to sign in at the front office. You are required to show an ID to enter.
- You will have an opportunity to take pictures during and after the ceremony.
- Parents will recieve an email from a teacher if your child is getting an award.
8th Grade Award Ceremony - May 24th 6:00pm-7:30pm
- All 8th grade parents are invited to attend
- Due to space, we are limited to the amount of people we can fit in the gym. We ask that each student limits their guest total to 4 guest.
- We will have a small reception after the award ceremony
Lost and Found
We have a lot of items in the lost and found. Please have your child check it if they are missing any items. We will donate any remaining items after May 19th.
Take care and have a great week.
Mr. Cruz
Principal McCormick Middle School
7th Grade Science could use your help!
The last week of school, we are planning to make ice cream. A link to sign up if you are able is included below. Please have students take their items to their science teacher or parents can deliver to the front office with the label "7th grade science" by Thursday, May 19 for non-perishable items and on May 22 for milk. Thanks for all your support this year. Here is the link to sign up if you are able: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0F49AAAD2CAAF85-7thscienceice
Message From The Nurse - Update Vaccinations
All upcoming 7th graders require a Tdap and a meningococcal vaccine. If these immunizations have already been administered, please provide documentation to the front office or campus nurse.
For parents that do not wish to vaccinate, a reason of conscience is required and can be obtained through the Texas Department of State Health Services website. A Reason of conscience is valid for two years and needs to be re-obtained and re-notarized when expired.
New Updated GT Newsletter Below!
Counselors Corner
Greetings MMS Families! This Monday, our SEL lesson will be focused on Disagreeing Respectfully. Everyone is entitled to their thoughts and feelings. Let's take time to learn from others and, even if we don't agree, we should respect others as a human beings and co-exist in peace.
If your student would like to visit with a counselor, please click on the link below and fill out the Google form. A counselor will call in the student as soon as possible.
6th Grade
Math
We will be taking our End of Year test on the computer Tuesday and Wednesday. Please bring your chromebook fully charged! We will be working on proportionality to help prepare for 7th grade.
ADVANCED MATH
We will be taking our End of Year test on the computer Tuesday and Wednesday. Please bring your chromebook fully charged! We will be working on proportionality to help prepare for 8th grade mathematics.
ELAR
Students will be working on their final project. The project will be about their independent reading novel, which they will need to have finished by Monday.They will have the week to work on it in class, and they should bring any materials they need, as well as their novel, with them each day. This project will be a major grade.
Science
We will be reviewing and taking our last unit test on Thursday and Friday. Please ensure they are studying for their test. On Thursday the students will be turning in their Chromebooks and chargers during our class time please make sure they have both items to turn in.
Social Studies
We will continue in Unit 10: Australia with mapping and move on to social/culture elements of the continent. They have been issued a pink packet for daily warm ups and a yellow activity packet-- they must bring both packets to class daily until the last day of school.
Resource Math
We will be completing the End of Year NWEA MAP Growth Screener to see how we have grown in math this year. We are also going to be working on a radial symmetry origamic sculpture project.
Resouce ELAR
We will continue to work with myths and fairytales. Students will be starting a final project at the end of the week. They will be writing their own fairytale and this will count as a major grade.
7th Grade
Math
Students will be taking thier end of the year MAP screener on Monday and Tuesday. They will begin a classroom project on Wednesday that will be a test grade.
Advance Math
Students will be working on a group project exploring the first few concepts of Algebra (preparing themselves for next year). This project will be the final major grade of the school year. Students will also receive a daily grade for their participation/On-task behavior throughout the week.
ELAR
We will finish our novel study of Restart.
Science
Students will complete their study of watersheds and begin studying the accommodations man needs to explore space. Thanks for reminding students to bring a writing utensil, to charge their computers, and to bring their charger to school. The last week, we are planning to make ice cream. A link to sign up if you are able is included below. Please have students take their items to their science teacher or parents can deliver to the front office with label
7th grade science by Thursday, May 19 for non-perishable items and on May 22 for milk. Thanks for all your support this year. Here is the link to sign up if you are able: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0F49AAAD2CAAF85-7thscienceice
Social Studies
In Texas History, Week of May 22-26, students will continue their examination of the origin of the 13 colonies, and the growth of Representative government. Students will be completing their 13 colonies project and working on a DBQ over the Jamestoewwn colony.
Resource Math
We will be completing the End of Year NWEA MAP Growth Screener to see how we have grown in math this year. We are also going to be finishing our Building a City with area and volume project.
Resource ELAR
We will continue to read our novel Restart and hopefully finish by the end of the week. Students will have a project that goes along with the novel which will count as a major grade.
8th Grade
Math
Students will be working on beginning algebra work in preparation for next year. We will be taking the EOY test the 16th and 17th.
Algebra
Students will be working on a group project exploring the first few concepts of Geometry (preparing themselves for next year). This project will be the final major grade of the school year. Students will also receive a daily grade for their participation/On-task behavior throughout the week. We will be taking the EOY test the 16th and 17th.
ELAR
Congrats to all 8th graders for completing all 4 of your STAAR tests! Thanks for all of your hard work. In ELA, we will continue our Unit 6 where we study the legacy of Anne Frank by reading our whole class novel, "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas."
Science
Students will continue working on their in class projects. Please be sure to bring a charged computer everyday.
Social Studies
We will be completing our Harriet Tubman DBQ by this Thursday. Please make sure to bring all devices charged and ready to go. All school laptops are due this upcoming Friday May 19th. Bring Chargers and Chrombooks back please we will be turning Laptops and Chargers through our Social Studies classes this year.
Resource Math
We will be completing the End of Year NWEA MAP Growth Screener to see how we have grown in math this year. We are also going to be working on a radial symmetry origamic sculpture project.
Resource ELAR
We will continue to read our whole class novel, The Boy in the Stiped Pajamas. Students will have a selection test over this novel as soon as we are done reading it.
Band
Beginner Band: Spring Concert will be on Wednesday, May 17th at 6 p.m. at MMS. Attire is Sunday's Best or Band T-shirt and jeans. Students will need to stay after school on this day- they will be fed pizza before the concert. Reminder that this performance is required and worth a major grade.
Advanced Bands: Spring Concert will be on Tuesday, May 16th at 6 p.m. in the MMS Cafeteria. Attire is Sunday's Best or Band polo and black pants. Students will need to stay after school on this day- they will be fed pizza before the concert. Reminder that this performance is required and worth a major grade.
Choir
Orchestra
Those who are not signed up for 23-24 will need to turn in orchestra shirts washed and folded, along with any school owned equipment. See email for information related to outstanding fees and please make every effort to take care of this if the information applies to your child.
Dance
Theatre
Theater 1
Students will continue to study Musical Theatre and create an original Musical Theatre performance.
Theatre 2
Students will continue to study Musical Theatre and create an original Musical Theatre performance.
Theatre 3
Students will continue to study Musical Theatre and create an original Musical Theatre performance.
Art
Art (Kelly)
HS students will be continuing with their artist trading cards. Ms 1 and MS2 will be exploring artistic careers
Art (Martinez)
Students will be exploring artistic careers.
GTT
STEAM
Web Design
Computer Science
Student will work on lessons on Code.org, they will learn and apply the design process.
Journalism
- Tin Foil Stop Motion Animation
- Friday Five #35
Spanish
Spanish (Perez)
Students will explore different Spanish speaking countries as part of our Unit 7 called "De Viaje"
Spanish (Heaney)
Semester Final Exam is on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. It will cover Unit 4, Unit 5, and Unit 6. (Refer to the 3 folders in Schoology for unit details.) It is a timed test: 45 minutes. Please remember to bring your charged Chromebook. Extra Credit and Enfoques 1-10 are due Wednesday, May 17, 2023.
Professional Communications
- Complete Microburst Learning EmployAbility Soft Skills
- Tuesday Final Exam
Health
Principles of Agriculture
PE/Boys Pre-Athletics/Boys Athletics
Boys Athletics (Rich)
As we approach the end of the school year, please encourage: physicals completed, RankOne forms completed, lockers cleaned, personal items taken home, and camps have been scheduled!
Boys PE (Watson)
Students will coninue to work on their cardio vascular endurance for the upcoming 2 weeks of school.
Boys Pre-Athletics (Rich)
As we approach the end of the school year, please encourage: physicals completed, RankOne forms completed, lockers cleaned, personal items taken home, and camps have been scheduled!
See here for sign up: https://hayscisd.revtrak.net/campuses-and-instruction/Middle-Schools-and-High-Schools/johnson-high-school/jhs-athletics/jhs-athletics-boys/#/v/JHS-Junior-Jaguars-Football-Camp--2404
PE/Girls Pre-Athletics/Girls Athletics
Girls Athletics (Wylie)
Please be sure to sign up for strength and conditioning camp this summer. All camps are listed ath this link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1R55lsG_L8Dn4JG1xLnqdqyZ4Qf5YJRB2taXGZCvMI00/edit?usp=sharing
Be sure to get those physicals done and RankOne forms signed.
Girls PE (Wylie)
We will continue working out until the last week of school.
Girls Pre-Athletics (Wylie)
Please be sure to sign up for strength and conditioning camp this summer. All camps are listed ath this link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1R55lsG_L8Dn4JG1xLnqdqyZ4Qf5YJRB2taXGZCvMI00/edit?usp=sharing
Be sure to get those physicals done and RankOne forms signed.
Johnson High School Information
JHS PTA:
JOHNSON ATHLETICS BOOSTER CLUB
BAND BOOSTER
Gifted & Talented News
In March we will begin a month long project for GT students titled Monumental Moments on the March. Students are to select a project to work on for the month over any topic, event, or person to research. Their project can be 3D model, poster board, Google slideshow, photography, documentary, or wherever their creativity can take them. Students are to post their work on our campus Padlet. These submissions will be used for our campus GT showcase in late March. Details forthcoming. Students are encouraged to work on their project if they finish work early in class or at home. If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Venzor at april.venzor@hayscisd.net.
Click here to access our MMS GT Fall Newsletter! I look forward to a great year!
School Testing
This year students will participate in taking the state Interim and Benchmark test. These tests will give us crucial information on where your child is at as we lead up to the STAAR test. We ask all students to make sure their school issued device is charged and they have headphones. Also, only school issue devices are allowed for these tests. If your child is using their own device, they will need to check one out in the library.
Also, during testing we ask for the following:
*No early pick-ups
*Lunch times may vary so we ask that no lunches are dropped off
*Parents not come to campus to eat with their child
STAAR
04.25 ELAR
05.02 Science
05.03 Social Studies
05.09 Math
Bus Information
Bus Safety
It has been brought to my attention that there have been some inappropriate behaviors taken place on the bus. Profanity, racial slurs, verbal threats, and other unsafe behaviors. This is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. I shared with students that I need their help. If they see any of these above mention behaviors please say something. I don’t need to know students’ names, I just need the following information:
· Bus number
· Date
· AM or PM Route
Students can fill out a Hays Hope Line report, parents can email me, they can come to the front office to make a report, or they can tell any administrator.
We will review the video from the bus and proper consequences will be applied. Students who exhibited unwanted behaviors may lose bus riding privileges. Our bus drivers have a huge responsibility driving our kids home and they need to be respected and appreciated for the job they do. I greatly appreciate your help with this.
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
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. 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 a gym will be ask to leave and will not be allowed to attend any sporting events at McCormick.
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.
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 bathrooms, hallways, 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 – Confiscation of the device and returned to student at the end of the day. Student warning
- 2nd Offense – Confiscation of the device and returned to student at the end of the day. Student will be assigned after school detention.
- 3rd Offense – Confiscation of the device, and returned to student at the end of the day. Student will be assigned after school detention.
- 4th or more offense - Confiscation of the device and returned to student at the end of the day. Student may be assigned In-School Suspension.
- Students who fail to surrender devices will elevate consequences immediately.
- Devices will be returned to students at the end of the school day.
- Violations will reset every nine week grading period.
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/