New Middle School – Frequently Asked Questions
What are the school’s Big Founding Ideas?
In order to contribute to global sustainability, the new Middle School will empower our school community to:
- Manage renewable and nonrenewable resources
- Constructively connect to biological systems
- Become environmentally literate leaders
- Achieve optimal health and well being
What are the school’s colors and mascot?
The Middle School’s colors and mascot are:
- Navy Blue and Green
- Stingrays
Why is a Unified Dress Policy being considered?
A Unified Dress Policy is being considered because of the following benefits it provides:
- Reduces peer pressure
- Gears focus to learning
- Increases school pride
- Increases security by making it obvious who is not supposed to be on campus
- Reduces discipline problems by “dressing for success”
- Blurs socioeconomic lines and decreases possible bullying because people cannot judge others by their clothes
What is Pre-AP?
Pre-AP is based on the expectations that all students can perform at rigorous academic levels and that we can prepare every student for higher intellectual engagement by starting the development of skills and acquisition of knowledge as early as possible. These expectations are reflected in curriculum and instruction throughout the school such that all students are consistently being challenged to expand their knowledge and skills to the next level. Addressed effectively, the middle and high school years can provide a powerful opportunity to help all students acquire the knowledge, concepts, and skills needed to engage in a higher level of learning.
What will be the bell schedule be?
School start and end times are tentatively set at 8:00 a.m. and 2:50 p.m., respectively. Times will be confirmed when the master schedule is finalized at a later date.
Will a Guidance Counselor visit my 5th grader at his/her school?
Yes, Guidance will be making visits to 5th graders at their elementary schools. Visits are tentatively set for the week of May 4th through 8th. Note, parents and students will need to attend one of the Transition and Scheduling meetings for incoming 6th graders at 6:30 p.m. in the SRHS auditorium on either May 13 or May 20.
Will the Middle School have team teaching where my child’s core teachers work together as a group?
We are working towards teams, however, reading and math are not teamed as they are based on academic levels.
If I live out of the school’s zoning area, can my child go to the new Middle School?
For the 2009-2010 school year, two hundred choice slots are available for students to attend the new Middle School who live out of zone. The following school year, open slots may only be available for 6th graders.
How do I apply for one of the two hundred choice slots available?
To apply for one of the two hundred choice slots, complete a New Middle School Choice form which can be found on the District’s website at: http://www.indianriverschools.org/SiteDirectory/Curriculum/NCLB/Pages/TitleIChoicePlan.aspx.
Submit your completed choice form to the Curriculum and Instruction Division - SDIRC, 1990 25th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960. You must have your waiver in by May 1, 2009. Please direct all questions regarding school choice to Dr. Fran Adams, Assistant Superintendent at 772-564-3014.
How will I know if my child has been placed at the new Middle School?
A lottery will take place between May 2 and May 15, 2009. Parents will be notified of placement by June 1, 2009.
Will bus transportation be provided if my child receives one of the choice slots?
Bus transportation will NOT be provided for choice slot students.
Is there any previous experience required to join the 6th grade Beginning Band or Chorus?
No experience is required. Students will begin the year with a review of music notation and rhythm and then begin applying that knowledge to their band instrument or voice.
How do beginning band students select their instrument for next year?
There will be an “Instrument Fitting” day where students may come and tryout the various band instruments to find the instrument that is the best fit. Also, please attend one of our Beginning Band Orientation meetings scheduled for Monday May 4th, at 7:00 P.M. in the SRHS Band Room, or Monday May 11th, at 7:00 P.M. in the GMS Band Room.
Which school sports will be offered this year?
Girls Volleyball, Cheerleading, Co-ed Soccer are fall sports, and tryouts will be the first week of school. Boys and Girls Basketball are winter sports. Club sports like Baseball and Lacrosse are yet to be determined.
Does the District have an after school program at the Middle School?
The District does not provide after school programs for Middle and High School students.
Where do I get my transportation questions answered?
Transportation questions can be answered by calling the Transportation Routing Office at 772-978-8802. Bus Routes can be accessed at http://www.indianriverschools.org/SiteDirectory/PlanOps/Transportation/Pages/default.aspx.
Does my child have to purchase a school lunch or can he/she bring a lunch to school?
Your child does not have to purchase a school lunch. If bringing a lunch to school, all utensils, napkins, and condiments must be brought from home and no refrigeration will be provided. No knives can be brought to school. Ala carte items such as drinks and snacks will be available for purchase.
How much do school meals cost?
Current school meal prices can be found at the District’s Food Service website: http://www.indianriverschools.org/SiteDirectory/FoodServices/Pages/default.aspx
How can I prepay for meals?
You may send a check or cash to the cafeteria to put on your child’s account or you can use a credit card and pay on-line (for a small processing fee). The website to do this is www.mealpayplus.com . Parents are encouraged to use the free services on that website which allows you to view your child’s purchases in the cafeteria. For any questions and concerns pertaining to Food Service you may call Laura Roberts, Director of Food and Nutrition Services at 772-564-4981.
Since this is a new school, will my child get Free or Reduced price meals if they are currently receiving those benefits at their school this year?
All students who receive Free or Reduced price meals currently in the District will receive those meals at the same meal status for a 30 day grace period or until a new meal application is processed.
What is the School Advisory Council (SAC)?
SAC is a state-mandated organization consisting of parents, community partners and faculty which represents the diversity of the school community and which serves as an advisory board to the school's principal.
Responsibilities may include:
- Assisting in the preparation and evaluation of the School Improvement Plan
- Assisting the principal in the school's annual budget
- Allocating school improvement funds received annually from the state to support the School Improvement Plan
- Participating in determining how school recognition funds are distributed (given to schools receiving A on FCAT)
- Conducting an annual Parent Survey
How is the School Advisory Council Organized?
SAC’s membership and organizational structure is as follows:
- 51% of the members cannot work for the school district
- Members are elected
- Officers include Chairperson, Co-Chairperson, Recording Secretary
- Meetings are typically held once a month, time and date to be determined
Where Do I Get More Information about SAC?
You can get more information about SAC from the following resources:
What is the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA)?
PTSA serves as a type of forum where parents, teachers, students, administrators, and other concerned adults discuss ways to promote quality education, strive to expand the arts, encourage community involvement, and work for a healthy environment and safe neighborhoods. PTSA provides youth members with the opportunity to make a difference by developing leadership skills, learning about the legislative process, increasing their self-esteem, and contributing to the school. In turn, adult members gain a new perspective for program development, as well as acquire a better understanding of the youth of today.
Where Do I Get More Information about PTSA?
You can get more information about PTSA from the following resources:
- www.pta.org
- Judy Lellie, lelliepad@comcast.net, ph: 772-388-5315, cell: 772-633-1682