McCormick Middle School News
March 1st - March 5th
Office Hours are Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:15pm
McCormick Middle School
Cynthia Zapata - Assistant Principal
Pete Medellin - Assistant Principal
Email: James.Cruz@hayscisd.net
Website: https://www.hayscisd.net/mms
Location: 5700 Dacy Lane, Buda, TX. 78640
Phone: 512-268-8508
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mccormickMS/?ref=bookmarks
Twitter: @mccormicktigers1
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."
Upcoming Events
McCormick Middle School Events
March 2nd- Hays CISD Curriculum & Instruction Virtual Parent Meeting
March 12 - Asynchronous Day
March 15th- March 19th Spring Break
Need disaster assistance?
For groups and individuals seeking to have meals more than once, you MUST fill out a form for each time/day. // Necesita llenar una forna para Cada Dia y Cada Comida: Almuerzo y Cena
This week's announcements
CHECK OUT COUNSELOR SECTION IN NEWSLETTER...INFORMATION ABOUT CHOICE SHEETS!
Yearbooks are on sale!
• Presale Price - $30 (ends Jan 30th)
• Engraved Nameplate - $5 (must be ordered by Jan 30th)
• Regular Price - $35 ( Feb to April 30th)
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR 2020-2021 YEARBOOK
Hays CISD Curriculum & Instruction Virtual Parent Meeting
Our Hays CISD Department of Curriculum & Instruction will host a virtual parent meeting on Tuesday, March 2nd from 5:30-6:30pm.
A meeting link will be shared as we get closer to the date, but for now you can ask any questions you currently have about Spring STAAR/EOC assessments using the form below. We are hopeful school districts will have more guidance from TEA by March 2nd.
Tuesday, Mar 2, 2021, 05:30 PM
Virtual
Dreambox Challenge
We have started a Dreambox challenge at MMS. This challenge will take place each month.
For the month of December. There is a short video below that explains this challenge.
*Every in person student that completes at least 10 Dreambox lessons will receive a dreamcycle treat at lunch in January.
* Students can work on dreambox on their chromebook/laptop/phone
* Students can work on dreambox when they arrive to school.
* We will provide time in class 7:45-8:05 for students to work on dreambox
Also, we will be taking the Top 10 students from each grade level who complete the most dreambox lessons from December 1st-December 31st and will enter their name for a chance to win a chromebook. We will be giving out one chromebook per grade level. Students need to challenge themselves to be in the top 10. This is for virtual/in person students.
Message from Mr. Cruz
Teacher Communication
Teachers are expected to contact parents via phone/email on student academic/behavior concerns. My expectation is for my teachers to respond in 48 business hours. I do not require my teachers to use their cell phone to communicate with parents. Also, I do not expect my teacher to communicate after their contract hours.
I understand this school year is like no other. I see and hear frustrations from students, parents, and teachers. I have said the three things we will need to have this year is:
Communication, Compassion, and Flexibility.
Many of you have reached out to me about communication of my teachers. I do expect my teachers to communicate with you via email/call. Email is the easiest and quickest way. I have told my teachers to CC me on all emails and I ask all parents to CC me on emails to my teachers.
Please take the following items in consideration when communicating with my teachers:
- Please allow 48 business school hours for response.
- Two days out of the week teachers do not have a conference period. On those days it will be difficult for teachers to respond to your emails
- Two days out of the week teachers have 180 minute conference period. Those are the days you can expect from them to respond to your emails.
- Contact the teacher first prior to administration.
- Teachers have first-hand knowledge about your child’s academic performance so it will be best to contact the teacher first before going straight to administration
- Please contact administration if you do not hear back from your child’s teacher
- Please be open to teacher’s suggestions/comments about your child.
- Teachers may offer tutoring (virtual/in-person) opportunities for your child
- If submitting assignments is an issue with Schoology, teachers may ask students to email the teacher the assignments.
- Please maintain a professional/academic tone when talking to teachers.
- All communication needs to be focus on the student’s needs.
- The use of profanity in emails to teachers, threats to teachers, and questioning teachers teaching credentials is not appreciated or needed.
- Parents have every right to advocate for their child but it can be done in a respectful positive and encouraging way.
- Please let me know IMMEDIATELY if any of my teachers use profanity to you, make threats to you, or questions your parenting skills.
I know everyone is doing the best they can to make the best of the situation we are in. I know it can be frustrating at times. Teachers have the best interest for your child to be successful. We all need to remember we are all on the same team. We will get through these tough times together.
Mr. Cruz
McCormick Middle School Principal
512-698-7007 (please leave a message if I don't answer)
“Every day may not be a good day, but there is some good in every day”.
Email all attendance questions to: mms.attendance@hayscisd.net
Do you want your child to go on a trip to Washington DC and New York?
Want to go to Washington DC and New York City?
We are excited to tell you more about the trip our Art teacher, Ms. Martinez, is planning with Education First in the summer of 2022! They will be exploring Washington DC and New York City!
Seeing the world allows for incredible growth and the excitement of exploring someplace new will give your child something to anticipate for months to come!
CLICK HERE to learn more about the trip!
- Where and when we’re going
- What we’ll see and do
- Safety on tour
- Travel logistics
- How your child can earn academic credit
- Flexible payment options that keep this tour affordable
For anyone not yet enrolled, we are offering $500 off the cost of the tour. Additionally, all travelers automatically qualify for Risk Free Enrollment which allows individuals to cancel their spot on tour for any reason before April 30, 2021 and receive a 100% refund, but MUST enroll before December 15th to optimize on these incentives. If you decide after December 15th, you are still able to sign up, but won’t receive these great incentives!
For more information about Education First and this trip, visit:
https://www.efexploreamerica.com/tour-website/2407678XW
Questions? Contact Ms. Martinez at sarah.martinez@hayscisd.net
Additionally, if you’re interested in going to THIS summer’s tour in 2021, you still can! Just email Ms. Martinez for more details!
6th Grade News
Science
We will begin learning about our Earth’s Rock Cycle and make connections to many of Earth’s cycles that we rely on for our daily lives.
ELAR
We will be reviewing CBA#3 Reading skills and reading a non-fiction passage.We will be reading the nonfiction text "Carved on the Wall" along with argumentative texts "Better Than Words: Say it With a Selfie" and "OMG, Not Another Selfie!". We will review nonfiction and argumentative skills on Friday with a quiz.
Math
We will finish up Unit 5 and 6 on solving equations and inequalities. We will have a Unit Check on Friday and review earlier in the week. The quiz will be on writing and solving equations and inequalities, order of operations, and prime factorization/exponents.
World Cultures
We will be wrapping up SW Asia and North Africa by discussing environmental issues and the Arab Springs. we will also begin reviewing for our end of unit test, Unit test will be on March 10-11
Dyslexia
Students will continue to work on reading and spelling multisyllabic words with closed, open, and vowel-consonant-e syllables. We will also continue to work on reading fluency.
7th Grade News
Science
We will be completing Unit 5 Adaptations with a unit test on Wed/Thursday. Please encourage students to access Schoology for review materials. Our next unit will focus on Flow of Energy (Food Webs, Food Chains and Energy Transformations).
Math
Students will be taking their CBA3 on Mon/Tues. Then, we will begin our next unit over Volume.
ELAR
Students will be taking their CBA3 on Mon/Tues (Gomez). Then we will continue our unit on space. Journals are due Friday, March 5.
8th Grade News
Math: We will continue to learn about the Pythagorean Theorem and how to solve for missing side lengths of right triangles.
Algebra: We will be continuing Unit 7 on Laws of Exponents, Simplifying and Factoring Expressions. We will be focusing on factoring polynomial expressions this week.
Science: This week in Science we will be starting our Astronomy Unit. Our focus for the week will be on seasons.
ELAR: 8th Grade ELAR will continue reading a biography of Harriet Tubman, focusing on analyzing an author's use of characterization, syntax, tone, and mood to communicate a message.
Social Studies: In 8th Grade History we will began our review on Units 6 and 7, Age of Jackson and Westward Expansion. We will be testing on Wednesday and Thursday. This test will count towards a major grade.
Classlink password change...6th grade ONLY
A message from Mrs. Murphy-Cunningham
The video below will explain the notebook assignment. I answer how to access the notebook, what to write about, and when we expect them to write for the assignment. Keep in mind that in person students will be writing in a paper notebook for this assignment. Thank you.
Band
Beginner Band: All students are continuing to learn new fundamentals on their instruments as well as new songs! Friendly reminder if your child is using a school-owned instrument, to please make a payment on RevTrak for the School Instrument Fee. If you any questions, please let Mr. Lira know. Also, if your child is in the Beginner Percussion class, friendly reminder to make a payment for the Percussion Supplies.
Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band: We are continuing preparing for our Pre-UIL Evaluation. Friendly reminder about after school practices- please check your email for the weekly sectional schedule. If your child is using a school-owned instrument, just a friendly reminder to make a payment on RevTrak for the School Instrument Fee. If you have any questions, please let Mr. Lira know.
If you have any questions, please let us know.
Symphonic Band members should email Mr. Zotz Kurt.Zotz@hayscisd.net
Wind Ensemble members should email Mr. Lira at Cris.Lira@hayscisd.net
Orchestra
Choir
Boys Choir - Continuing "A Cowboy's Life"
JV/Varsity - Continuing UIL Concert and Sightreading Prep
All Choirs will complete Mad Dash Drills 3a and 3b
All Choirs will have a Rhythm Reading Quiz for a Major Grade the week of March 8 that incorporates Dotted Half Notes and Dotted Quarter Note Patterns.
Art
Ms. Martinez:
We are finishing up learning how to draw real world objects in one and two point perspective. Later in the week, we will go over our next major drawing project and it's requirements!
Theatre
Theatre 2: Students will learn about playwriting structure. They will write and perform original playscripts.
HS Credit: Students will continue to explore and practice improvisation with daily performances in class.
Dance
GTT
STEAM
Spanish
Spanish 2 and 3: Continuamos estudiando sobre los sistemas educativos. Usaremos esta informacion para hacer una comparacions sobre los sistemas de Mexico.
Speech
Health
Journalism
• Name Game Quiz
• Video News Report Critique
• Friday Five #23
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR 2020-2021 YEARBOOK
Web Design
Counselor's Corner
Hello Everyone,
Well it's that time of the year again--Course Selection time! 2021-2022 Course Selections are happening for all grade levels in the month of February. Important information will be shared through email, Schoology, and our MMS counseling website: https://sites.google.com/g.hayscisd.net/mms-counseling/course-info.
Counselor Website (Click Here)
Rising 9th Grade Choice Sheets!
The deadline for JHS 9th Grade Course Selections (THESE ARE 9TH GRADE HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES) has been extended!! Click on the link below to fill out the google form. Students are only able to complete the form one time! Students must use their school Gmail Account to access form. Videos and instructions to help with planning for HS courses are located in student’s Attendance course in Schoology.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdtt0sQ2yCrlceBCwW_MtLtgt9z693zg9lpToSHEOD1jf5I2w/viewform
Counselor Contact Information
Dr. Veronica Cervantes
6th Grade with last name N-Z
7th Grade
email: veronica.cervantes@hayscisd.net
Mrs. Rosario Rodriguez
6th Grade with last name A-M
8th Grade
email: rosario.rodriguez@hayscisd.net
During distance learning, the best way to reach us is via email! We look forward to hearing from you!
The best way to contact us is through our HAYS email.
Sign up your child for the after school late bus!
- Write their whole ID number correctly
- Write the date of WHEN they need the bus not the actual date they are filling out the form. (This is the most common mistake students make).
- Write their Hays CISD gmail correctly.
Technology Device Request Form
Technology Replacement Cost
The following link is for the technology replacement.
https://hayscisd.revtrak.net/hcisd-technology/#/v/Technology-Device-PaymentLibrary Information
Here is some information on how to check out books from the library
Curbside “How To” presentation https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1idvhu7ZJZ_3aJ_HA005ReyrUyWwFBwPz0vgh-fYYQFQ/edit?usp=sharing
Link to our catalog/website https://library1.hayscisd.net/common/servlet/presenthomeform.do?l2m=Home&tm=Home&l2m=Home
Follow us on Twitter @MMS Library https://twitter.com/McCormickMSLib
Mrs. Naiser
Librarian
Sports News
Sports Physicals
Students required to get physicals for the 2020-2021 school year:
* Any incoming 7th grade student that will participating in boys/girls sports
* Any incoming 8th grade student that did not participate in sports last year
Students Not Required to get a physical for the 2020-2021 school year:
* Any incoming 8th grade student that participated in sports last year
Required Forms To Fill Out (Click Here)
Physical Form To Print Out (Click Here)
If you have any questions please contact:
For girls: Francisca.Luna@hayscisd.net
For boys: Brian.Rich@hayscisd.net
Message From Boys Coaches
BOYS PE
We will continue working all 3 components each class period: endurance running, strength development, and skill aquisition (catchin/throwing, kicking, or striking)
Athletics/Pre Athletics
Important Links
McCormick Athletics Page (pre-game meals, uniform purchase, and schedules:
https://sites.google.com/hayscisd.net/mmsathletics/home
Rank One Athletics/Online forms:
https://hayscisd.rankonesport.com/New/NewInstructionsPage.aspx
Late Bus Sign up Form:
Hays CISD Alternative Travel Form:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Xbokln1nPj9aXzeR1doA6dH6J5RS6HEP/view?usp=sharing
Message From Girls Coaches
We are starting our Track & Field unit! We will also continue with speed & strength training, and conditioning. Check the weather and come dressed and prepared.
Basketball has regular practices 8th grade in the morning (starting the 10th) and 7th grade in the afternoon. Games are on Thursdays. Off season and pre-Athletics will cotinue with speed and strength training. Make sure you bring your clothes every day and bring warm clothing for being outside. TRACK BEGINS FEBRUARY 17
PE
We will start our pickle ball unit.
New Block Bell Schedule
Tuesday/Thursday will be "B" days
Fridays will be a regular 7 period school day
No Early Student Checkouts after 2:51pm
Instructional Commitment Form
McCormick Middle School Dress Code
* Slides are not allowed. All feet coverings must have a strap around the heel
* All pants that have rips must have a covering underneath.
* Natural hair color only for all students
* Wind shorts/Runner shorts are prohibited
* Lenghts of shorts must go pass half of the students thigh.
Please review the rest of our dress code rules and let me know if you have any questions.
How Can I Check My Child's Grades?
This is a friendly reminder to check your child’s grades regularly at our Hays CISD Parent Portal. You can even personalize your settings to set reminders or notifications that will notify you if/when your child has missing or incomplete assignments, and/or low grades!
Directions to access the Parent Portal are below. Thank you, again, for your support!
1. Go to hayscisd.net
2. Hover over the red "Parents & Students" tab and scroll down to "Parent self-serve portal"
3. Click on Parent Self-Serve Portal (PPS)
4. "Sign in" with the same log in you used for registration!!
(If you don't remember your log-in information, please contact Adri Turrubiartes at adrie.turrubiartes@hayscisd.net and she can give you your log-in and password.)
Communties In School
Welcome Mrs. Pouncy to MMS! She is our new CIS Program Manager.
CIS Parent/Student Information (English)
Hays Hope Line
Hays HopeLine is a convenient and confidential way for students and parents to report bullying, harassment, school safety concerns, or any other personal crisis.
You can leave a tip 24-hours-a-day, any day of the year. However, the HopeLine is currently only monitored during regular school business hours. During the summer break, the HopeLine will not be regularly monitored by district staff. In the event of an emergency or immediate need, please call 9-1-1 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Hays Response Plan (NEW UPDATED 9.5)
Message From Nurse Jessie
Jessie.Herring@hayscisd.net (Email)
512-268-8508
PBIS Shirt For Sale! $12
Do you want to be a guest teacher at MMS?
Go To Place For Important Links
Purchase your student a 2020-2021 McCormick Tiger Hoodie!
Tiger Hoodie (Click Here) cost is $20
Birthday Shout-Out For Your Child
Wish your child Happy Birthday on our school marquee!
Please click the link below to put a birthday message on the school marquee!
Hays Technology Help Desk
Staff, students, and parents, we are here to help you!
If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Helpdesk via email at helpdesk@hayscisd.net or you can give us a call at 512.268.7676
Important Message From District
Dear Hays CISD Parents –
In an effort to make your SCHOOLOGY parent account login information more secure, your unique login information is shown below. Please allow 24 hours for the system to update your account information to the username & password below.
*IMPORTANT: For security reasons, after logging in, please change your password to one of your own choosing.
Here is your SCHOOLOGY login information:
- URL = https://hayscisd.schoology.com
- Your username =
- Your password =
If you have difficulty logging in after allowing 24 hours for the system to update, please contact Technology Help Desk: HelpDesk@hayscisd.net (512) 268-7676
Thank you for your patience as we work through this new system.
Use this link for additional instructions: SCHOOLOGY Instructions (English)
_________________
Estimados padres de Hays CISD -
En un esfuerzo por hacer que la información de inicio de sesión de su cuenta de padres de SCHOOLOGY sea más segura, su información de inicio de sesión única se muestra a continuación. Por favor espere 24 horas para que el sistema actualice la información de su cuenta con el nombre de usuario y la contraseña a continuación.
Hays Clothes Closet
The Hays CISD Clothes Closet has opened back up to serve families. Due to COVID-19, we are now requesting families fill out this Google form and we will do the shopping to fulfill the request. The form includes designated dates/times that families can select for contactless pick up. They will receive a call/email confirming with additional details. If they need clothes and food and are able to pickup, this is the form to fill out.
https://forms.gle/ybQzVauQoxeMacqu6
If a family is currently on our HaysHope2Go list, we can drop off the clothing with their food delivery.
Hays Hope2Go!
Our HaysHope2Go program has been fully operational and serving families weekly since March. We also have a limited amount of personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies, formula and diapers. Since March, we have served 678 families, 3,563 people with 45,855 meals. If you know of a family who does not have transportation and can benefit from delivery, please fill out this form: