CLAGUE MIDDLE SCHOOL - Ann Arbor Public Schools

 CLAGUE MIDDLE SCHOOL Ann Arbor Public Schools 2616 Nixon Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48105-­1498 Phone (734) 994-­1976 Fax (734) 994-­1645 Ché Carter, Principal
Jennifer Daddow, Assistant Principal August 11, 2016 Dear Students and Families, Welcome to Clague Middle School, home of the Cougars! As we prepare to launch the 2016-­2017 school year. I truly hope each of you were able to spend time with family and loved ones. It is my belief that you will approach this new beginning as an opportunity to improve. Thank you for choosing us. Clague is committed to providing a safe, challenging, enriched learning environment through a partnership of family, staff and community. We are dedicated to educating all students by fostering high academic standards, developing positive relationships, and encouraging social responsibility in a dynamic, culturally diverse environment. Our mission is to create a positive safe environment designed to meet the unique and challenging individual needs of all our students . At Clague Middle School we are proud to provide a rigorous, comprehensive academic program and a wide variety of enrichment activities. Clague is known for its academic success and the diversity of programs it offers to its students. We strive to offer support and help to ensure success for all students. Clague students continually meet the high standards of behavior set forth by the adults on our campus. Clague is also excited to continue our pursuit of developing 21st century learners that are high functioning students that demonstrate the ability to think critically, analyze and solve problems, and effectively utilize technology. If you are new to our school, you will have many opportunities to get to know our staff and school in the coming years. It is very important to us that you and your children feel valued and connected at Clague. To help with this please help us by encouraging your child to participate on at least one athletic team or club this school year. The benefits have both academic and social emotional and health implications. For example multiple studies have shown students that participate in interscholastic sports earn higher grade point averages. Additionally, students gain more exposure to positive role models and learn the importance of teamwork, persistence, work ethic and connectedness to name a few. Clague Middle School understands that its work is never done and that providing the best for our students requires hard work and a consistent review of how we are progressing. Part of that process includes getting feedback from parents and stakeholders. Please know that the team and I want to have an open line of communication with you so that we can work together to ensure student success. If at any time you have questions, concerns, or suggestions, please make an appointment and we will be happy to have a discussion. Our relationship with you is critical;; we want you to be involved in the education of your child and the advancement of this school. Please join me at one or more of our PTSO meetings. 1 Clague Middle School believes that every child is capable of accomplishing great things, and that each one can have a positive impact on our community and on our future. In order to have a learning environment that maximizes each young person’s potential, expectations are very high, both academically and behaviorally. We expect students to meet these standards, and with guidance and support from home and from school, they are fully capable of doing so. All of Clague Middle School’s rules, practices, and procedures, along with specific details, will be provided at the beginning of the school year in the student agenda. Please make sure that you read these and go over them thoroughly with your child. As I mentioned earlier, your role is critical. We need your support in fostering and maintaining a school culture that promotes learning for all students. Let there be no doubt, we are in this together. Please mark you calendars registration Wednesday, August 24 th and Thursday, August 25 st . Seventh grade will report in the morning 8/24. Eighth graders should report in the afternoon 8/24. Sixth graders will register on August 25 th in st the morning. Late registration is during the afternoon of August 25 for any grade level. On registration day all of the student schedules will be distributed, if you are not available during registration it is best to send someone on your behalf. If this isn't possible, you are welcome to drop in after the conclusion of the final session, as schedules will not be ready before hand. Please note all schedules are tentative and subject to change. All registration materials are on our website, “2016-­2017 Registration Packet”. You will still need to fill out the green emergency card during registration. When you download your registration materials, review the list of information required for the green emergency card and make sure that you have all the information you will need with you. It is important that you bring all your materials completely filled out, or the process will go beyond the scheduled timeframe. If you have questions about this process, please call Laura Hannaford at 994-­1976 . Green emergency cards can be picked up at the main office any time after August 18th, if you want to complete them ahead of time. Please be flexible and note that student schedules are subject to change and we do not honor specific teacher request. It is the mission of the Clague Middle School Community to create positive, safe, success-­oriented learning environment designed to meet the unique and challenging individual needs of all our students. As our children enter a new grade level or new school, we are reminded of the quick passage of time and the absolute necessity to appreciate life's precious moments. We are thankful to the many students and parent volunteers who will be helping get our school year off to a great start by organizing and facilitating the registration process. The staff and I are lucky to work in such a caring and supportive community. We can't thank you all enough! Clague has many special activities planned in the next few months please check the Clague Calendar and website as it reflects many important dates and events ( Clague.a2schools.org ). All of Clague Middle School’s rules, practices, and procedures, along with specific details, will be provided at the beginning of the school year in the student agenda. Please make sure that you read these and go over them thoroughly with your child. As I mentioned earlier, your role is critical. We need your support in fostering and maintaining a school culture that promotes learning for all students. 6 th & 7 th Grade Math Testing Out Registration Portal will be open soon for families new to the school district. For more information please visit a2schools.org. Opening Day: All sixth grade students should report to the Technology Education Hallway…. No worries new families as Clague staff will be there to assist. After the first bell rings all sixth grade will report to the cafeteria for a short welcome 2 assembly. 7 th and 8 th grade students may gather in the lobby and cafeteria areas beginning at 7:45AM. Lockers: Will be available on the first day of school. Please be aware that students will have an opportunity to practice using their lockers during Advisory time. Tardiness: We will not mark students late during the first week of school, as we know many students are new to Clague Middle School and we know they will need support in navigating the building. Class Schedule Changes: In order to provide consistency for parents, students, and teachers, schedule changes will be made on a limited basis after the first two weeks of school. Schedule changes may be requested to the student’s counselor and approved by the administration. During the first two weeks of school no request may be made through personal meetings, phone calls or emails with administration. I. Reasons for requesting a schedule change from a course: ●
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Student is missing a course. Student was inappropriately placed based on grade level. Student was inappropriately placed based on skill level. Student has documented evidence supporting course change. II.
Unacceptable reasons for requesting a schedule change from a course: ●
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Student wants a different teacher. Student wants to be with friends. Student wants to change a class because he/she does not want to do the class work or has not done reading / required work, or what others experience may have been in the past. Undocumented or unaddressed behavior or academic concerns. ●
Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend. We are looking forward to seeing you on Tuesday, September 6th . If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at 994-­1976 . Sincerely, Ché Carter 3