McCormick Middle School News
April 5th-April 9th
Number of school days remaining: 40
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
April 6th- 7th Grade STAAR Writing Test
April 16th - Student Asynchronous Day of Learning
Please read the following attachment about some upcoming road construction.
This week's announcements
- I hope everyone had a Happy Easter holiday.
- This Tuesday, April 6th, our 7th grade students will be taking the 7th grade Writing STAAR test. Please make sure your child gets a good night sleep. Your child has been working hard and I know will do great!
- Friday, April 16th, will be our next Asynchronous Day.
- Starting Monday, April 5th, any student that is labeled as a virtual student will need to remain a virtual student for the remainder of the school year. In person students who are persistently absent will be changed to a virtual student.
- On Monday, April 12th, we will begin our grade recovery. Any student (virtual or in person) who is failing for the school year will need to participate in grade recovery. This will improve their overall average for the school year and will hopefully prevent students having to attend summer school.
- I appreciate all of your help as we finish these last 40 days of school. Please encourage your child to attend school every day (virtual or in-person) and to do their best completing assignments on time.
Thank you.
CHECK OUT COUNSELOR SECTION IN NEWSLETTER...NEW INFORMATION TO SHARE!
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
Testing information for parents...PLEASE WATCH!
Here are the links from the district Spring Testing Info Meeting held this week.
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
ELAR
We will be reviewing elements of Drama. There will be a quiz on Friday.
Math
We will continue our unit on Geometry and Measurement. We will find the area of parallelograms, rectangles, triangles and trapezoids.
World Cultures
We will review units 6&7 to prepare for our CBA 2 (Thursday/Friday)
Science
Review: Energy Transformations, Rock Cycle, 3 Main Types of Rocks, Layers of the Earth and Plate Tectonics for District CBA 2 Test on Thursday/Friday, April 8th & 9th.
7th Grade News
Science
This week will review and take our CBA #2 over units 5 (adaptations) and unit 6 (flow of energy).
Math
Students will be determining the probability of both simple and compound events and use it to make predictions about future outcomes.
ELAR
Students will have their STAAR writing test on Tuesday, April 6th. We will then begin unit 5, More Than A Game.
8th Grade News
Math: We will continue learning about volume of three-dimensional shapes. Next week we will use formulas to compare the volume of cones, cylinders, and spheres.
Algebra: We will continue to practice and understand solving quadratic equations using factoring and the quadratic formula.
Science: This week in Science we will continue to learn about the components of the Universe. We will identify the 3 types of galaxies and learn how to read the electromagnetic spectrum.
ELAR: 8th-grade ELAR will be reading and analyzing a poet's use of figurative language, alliteration, tone, and structure to communicate themes in poetry.
Social Studies: In 8th grade US History we will continue our examination of the regional differences between the North, South and West We will learn about how the admission of more states brought the issue of slavery to the forefront, and analyze how increasing tensions over the issue of slavery and its relationship to states’ rights divided the American union.
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: Students are starting to prepare music for our Spring Concert! 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 Virtual Contest. 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
Art
Theatre
Students will learn about playwriting. They will write original scripts and perform them for their peers.
Dance
GTT
STEAM
Spanish
Speech
Health
Journalism
Web Design
We will continue working in Advanced HTML and CSS. And continue preparing for our final with Quizizz Reviews.
Counselor's Corner
Hello Everyone,
Attention Current 8th Grade Students/Families
2021-20222 Course Verifications Round 2: This the 2nd opportunity to make changes to next year course requests. The form will open April 5th – 9th. Click here for more information. Click here for the Course Verification #2 google form.
Directions for Rising 9th Grade Course Verification
1. Verify courses by logging into student self-serve (SSS) portal or parent portal (PSS). Username for students is Student ID #.
Student Self-Serve Portal (SS): click here
Parent Self-Serve Portal (PSS): click here
- There’s a new tab labeled “4 year plan”. Click on this tab and you will be able to view student requested courses here.
- Make sure student has a course in all four core content areas (math, english, science, and history)
- Next review student has three elective choices listed.
2. Changes Needed? Students must complete the Course Verification Google Form during the dates designated. If you have more than one change, you will need to complete the form for EACH ADDITIONAL change. If you have no changes, you do not need to complete the google form.
Free year-long STEM enrichment program for girls in grades 6-8. Program will take place in person, virtually, or as a hybrid of both! Read the flyer for more info. You can find more information and the registration form here: https://www.nacce.com/vil21regformgirls
Please see the attachments below.
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
Athletics/Pre Athletics
Track & Field has started. 7th & 8th grade: Check email and schoology for practice updates & meet schedule info. Practice times are based on events. 6th Grade Pre-Athletics: Focus on speed development and running technique.
Boys PE
We will continue working all 3 components each class period: endurance running, strength development, and skill aquisition (catchin/throwing, kicking, or striking)
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
Athletics/Pre-Athletics
We will continue with our Track & Field unit! We will continue with speed & strength training, and conditioning. Check the weather and come dressed and prepared. Check sportsYou for sport-specific info.
Girls PE
We will continue with 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
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
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
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: