Handbook, 2016-2017 Student

Woodland
Middle School
Orientation Handbook
2016-2017
Williamson County
Strategic
Our Vision
Williamson County Schools will become a district recognized nationally for students who excel in academics, the arts and
athletics.
Our Mission
WCS will achieve its vision by providing exemplary programming which maximizes student development in all areas.
Instruction will be delivered by a diverse group of effective teachers evaluated on student performance and the ability
to build relationships.
WCS will forge strong partnerships with families and our community to enhance student excellence.
Our Strategy for Student Programming
WCS will offer high-quality, equitable student programming and facilities to produce graduates prepared to further
study and compete in a global society by being fluent in English and at least one foreign language and literate in the
use of technology, in an environment that allows students the opportunity to maximize their development in
academics, the arts and athletics.
For more details about Williamson County Schools Strategic Plan, refer to:
www.wcs.edu/wp-content/pdf/PTO/Strategic_Plan.pdf
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Woodland Middle School
1500 Volunteer Parkway
Table of Contents
Williamson County Schools Strategic Plan
1
BRENTWOOD, TN 37027
School Staff
3
(615) 472-4930 phone
School Map
4
(615) 472-4941 fax
School History
5
Web Site: www.wcs.edu/wms
Grading Scale
5
Response To Intervention
5
School Schedule & Attendance
6
Curriculum Overview
7
Principal
WMS Food Services
8
Laura Beth Russell
WMS Clinic Services
8
Library Information
9
Athletics
10
Activities, Clubs & Events
11-12
Special Education Services
12
Student Support Services
12
Our Philosophy
Woodland Middle School incorporates a rich array of
academic and enrichment programs and provides all
students with a strong foundation essential to good
citizenship and a lifetime of learning.
School Counseling Program
12
Best Practices For Success
13
Be Nice Initiative
13
Positive Behavior Supports & Interventions
13-14
We believe…
A safe environment contributes to a supportive learning
experience where all students can reach their full potential.
Looking Ahead
15
Four Year Plan Worksheet
15
Math Sequence
16
Science Sequence
17
School Calendar
18
Priscilla Fizer
Assistant Principal
Dr. Bill Toungette
Assistant Principal
Technology continues to be an integral part of our relevant
and challenging curriculum.
A positive school climate creates a sense of belonging for
our diverse population.
All students are unique and deserve authentic and
developmentally appropriate activities that enhance
learning at all levels.
All faculty, staff, students, parents, stakeholders and the
community share the responsibility for Woodland’s
mission.
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School Staff
Administration
Priscilla Fizer - Principal
Laura Beth Russell - Assistant Principal
Dr. Bill Toungette - Assistant Principal
Enrichment Teachers
Joe Christy - Art
Allison Cowan - Strings
Darcy Ganick - PE
Margaret Hall - Speech & Drama
Mike Linn - PE/Athletic Director
Jay McCulley - Band
Mike Morrow - Computer & Multi Media
Margie Wineman-Chaney - Music
School Counselors
Kimberly Ezell - 8th grade & Half of 7th grade
Emily Ritter - 6th grade & Half of 7th grade
Sixth Grade Teachers
Holly Akers - Science/Language Arts/Math
Mary Elizabeth Blakeney - SS/Reading
Susan Blunt - Math
Len Brosky - Language Arts/Athletic Director
Jessie Cook - Math
Carol Doidge - Social Studies
Katie Fall - Language Arts
Scott Greene - Social Studies
Shontale Hampton-Fuller - Language Arts
Jason Jordan - Reading
Carrie Moeller - Science
Kevin Ranney - Science
Special Services Teachers
Lindsey Anderson - Library Media Specialist
Diane Butler - Speech Consultant
Tana McPhee - ESL
Erin Neely - STARS Counselor
Brianna Powell - Math Coach
Angie Prosise - Literacy Coach and Interventionist
School Psychologist
Special Education Teachers
Destiny Erwin - Special Services
Cindy Fane - Gifted
Rhonda Lawrence - Resource
Stephanie Mathews - Resource
Teresa Palmer - Resource
Seventh & Eighth Grade Teachers
Paula Burnette - Reading
Nancy Biegel - Spanish
Joe Cardinal - Social Studies
Sykes Cargile - Science
Jennifer Davis - Social Studies
Melanie Dukes - Language Arts
Kate Hauck - Math/Algebra I
Deanna Hampton - Math/Algebra 1
KC Hopkins - Language Arts
Sharon Kinnard - Science
Jenna Lamm - Language Arts
Shannon McBryde - Reading/ Language Arts
Mike Morelli - Social Studies
Mike Orr - Math/Geometry
Jenny Petrone - Reading
Tommy Phillips - Social Studies
Larry Reasonover - Science
Brian Riefenberg - Math/Algebra 1
Ashley Shults - Language Arts
Kristin Strasser - Reading
Mike Winstead - Science
Teresa Williams - Science/Pre-Algebra
Special Education Assistants
Patty Bahhur - Assistant
Mike Blagg - Assistant
Dawn Burke - Assistant
Joyce Daniels - Assistant
Donna Grumdberg - Assistant
Support Staff
Amy Ballone - Teacher Assistant
Lisa Burke- Cafeteria Manager
Kathy Carver - Secretary
Cecelia Manning - Bookkeeper
Peggy Rein - Library Assistant
Terry Weingartner - Nurse
Linda Schneider - Guidance Secretary
Melissa Westbrook - SRO
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4
School History
Woodland Middle School (WMS) is located in historic
Brentwood. WMS opened in August of 1994 with 450
students and 29 faculty members. The school stands on
land said to have been inhabited by Woodland Indians and
thus the name Woodland Middle School.
Student Recognition
Each nine-week grading period, the WMS Principal’s List
is published in the local newspaper listing all students with
a 91 average or higher for all subjects. This list is always
based on a nine-week grading period and not the semester
average or year-end average. The 6th, 7th and 8th Grade
Academic Awards and Recognition Ceremonies are held
during the last week of school. At this time many of our
students are honored for good citizenship. Students who
maintain an overall 91 or higher average for all classes will
be recognized. Those students who are the top 10 percent
of their class with the highest averages will receive special
recognition. Students receiving special awards during the
year are recognized at this time.
Our Philosophy
Woodland Middle School incorporates a rich array of
academic and enrichment programs and provides all
students with a strong foundation essential to good
citizenship and a lifetime of learning. Williamson County
Schools and Woodland Middle School are accredited
through AdvancED.
Student Population
Woodland’s feeder schools for sixth grade are Clovercroft,
Crockett and Kenrose Elementary. New students transfer in
throughout the school year from all across the United States
as well as out of the country. Woodland Middle School will
average 75 to 100 new students per year. Woodland’s
students feed to Ravenwood High School or Centennial
High School.
2015-2016 Grading Scale
91 - 100 ….…A
90 - 81 ….…..B
80 - 72 ….…..C
71 - 70 ……...D
69 - Below.…F
Promotion to the next grade according to Board Policy
requires a year-end average of 70 or higher in all academic
classes.
School Colors
Red and Black
Response To Intervention (RTI2): A state mandated general, comprehensive framework for supporting general eduSchool Mascot
Warriors
cation students academically. All students are screened
though STAR (a computer based, nationally normed test) to
determine which students will benefit from additional inSchool Hours
7:30 AM - 2:37 PM
struction provided through interventions. Students who are
not demonstrating the necessary skills to achieve grade level standards are provided additional support referred to as,
Parent Support Organization
Woodland has an active PTO that supports all aspects of
Tier 2 or Tier 3 interventions. Students in Tier 2 or Tier 3
student life. Many parents volunteer throughout the year to interventions may receive an additional 30 to 60 minutes of
help make Woodland a strong learning center. For
instruction and intervention daily based on their level of
additional information or to volunteer go to
need. This intervention typically occurs during students’
www.woodlandms.ptomanager.com or www.wcs.edu/wms focus and/or enrichment classes.
and click on PTO link.
As students continue to be monitored, they may move “in”
Parent Library
or “out” of intervention. In the 2015-2016 school year, stuA Parenting Library with books pertinent to helping parents dents received Tier 2 and Tier 3 intervention during focus
and adolescents through the teen years is housed in the
and/or enrichment periods. If the academic interventions
library media center.
fail to help the student significantly, an evaluation may occur to determine whether special education services are
School Partnerships
needed. As of July 1st, 2014, RTI2 is the sole criterion by
Chick-Fil-A, Publix, Sonic & Kwik Kopy
which a student may be identified as having a Specific
Learning Disability in the state of Tennessee.
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Assignment to Teams and Classes
Students are randomly placed on teams within 6th and 7th
grades. Each year, as the students move to the next grade,
the team placement is once again a random placement. A
student does not stay with the same arrangement of
students for the three years at WMS.
Attendance
Excused absences may be given for personal illness,
illness in immediate family, death in the family and
religious holidays. Absences for other reasons than these
stated reasons may be excused at the discretion of the
principal. A student must bring a note to the principal for
the principal’s signature and approval.
Students will have the following academic classes during
the school day: Math, Science, Language Arts, Reading,
and Social Studies.
If a student is absent, parents are to call the office in the
morning to tell the attendance secretary the student will be
absent for the day. If a call is not received from the parent,
the school office will call home sometime during the day to
verify the absence.
Class placement is based on previous grades, standardized
tests, special needs, and teacher recommendation. Parents
and students have an opportunity to provide additional
input; however, the final authority for placement lies with
school officials.
Upon returning, a student is to bring a note to the office
that should include the date(s) of the absences and the
reason along with the parent signature.
Times
Homeroom is 5 minutes, and second period is the same
group with no class change between Homeroom and 2nd
period. Students have 5 minutes between class changes.
During homeroom, attendance is taken; and you are tardy if
you are not in HR by 7:30. Late bus r ider s have an
excused tardy. During HR, morning announcements are
made and attendance is taken. Parents may sign up to
receive morning announcements via e-mail by going to
www.wcs.edu/wms and clicking on the SIGN UP link.
Students will be issued an admittance slip and are to show
the slip to all their teachers during the day and at the end of
the day return it to the office. If a student accumulates five
unexcused absences, a Truancy Petition is to be filed with
juvenile services. Parents must come in to sign students in
and out of school. After 10 absences of any type, additional
documentation is required.
All missed work from excused absences, excused tardies or
early dismissals may be made up, provided the student
makes request immediately upon return to school. The
school office cannot collect work for short absences.
However the following recommendations will help students
keep up with missed work.
Bell Schedule
Under Review
6th
7th
8th
Enrichment
7:307:35
7:358:30
8:359:25
9:3010:20
10:2511:50
7:307:35
7:358:30
8:359:25
9:3010:20
10:2511:50
11:2511:50
7:30-7:35
11:5512:45
12:501:40
1:452:37
LUNCH
10:2010:50
7:307:35
7:358:30
8:359:25
9:3010:20
10:2511:50
10:5511:20
6th Period
11:5512:45
12:501:40
1:452:37
11:5512:45
12:501:40
1:452:37
Homeroom
nd
2 Period
3rd Period
4th Period
5th Period
7th Period
8th Period
Students Absent for 1 or 2 Days
Check Skyward for any assignments posted. Work on any
of the make-up work that is reasonable given the student’s
physical condition. If a parent wants to come in and go to
the student’s locker and retrieve any supplies during a
student’s absence, that is permissible. The parent should
come in with the locker number and combination and check
in at the office. Upon return to school, students should
promptly ask all teachers about make-up work and
establish deadlines for completion.
7:35-8:30
8:35-9:25
9:30-10:20
10:25-11:50
10:25-10:50
Students Absent more than 2 Days
Besides the family making use of Skyward, a parent may
call the office and request that assignments be collected to
be picked up in the office. This is especially helpful if the
absence will continue even further. Please keep in mind
that those requests cannot be completed at the last minute.
Teachers will need notification to get work together when
they are not actively teaching.
11:55-12:45
12:50-1:40
1:45-2:37
Visit www.wcs.edu/wms for more information!
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Additionally, students who take math for high school
credit, will not receive credit towards graduation
requirements. Students will still be required to take 4 years
of math in the high school building.
Curriculum
For detailed curriculum standards, refer to the following
websites.
Williamson County Schools Standards:
http://www.wcs.edu/teaching-learning/scope-sequence/
Students who take and pass a high school course (70 or
above), may not take the course over again for high school
credit. The first grade earns credit and stands but the student can take the course over as an audit for NO high
school credit.
State Standards:
http://tn.gov/education/standards/index.shtml
Sixth and Seventh Grade: Academic subjects for all
students are Math, Science, Language Arts, Reading, and
Social Studies.
Students choose two from the following four choices:
Focus, Band, Strings or Enrichment Rotation.
Focus: A study hall per iod in which the fir st 15 minutes
is Silent Sustained Reading, and the remaining time is for
students to get help with homework and/or make up work if
the student has been absent. The library is available for students to utilize during Focus period.
Eighth Grade: Academic subjects for all students ar e
Math, Science, Language Arts/ Reading, and Social
Studies.
Students choose two from the following five choices:
Performing Choir, Band, Strings, Focus, or Enrichment
Rotation.
Enrichment Classes: Ar t, Computer , Dr ama, Music and
PE/Wellness.

In 6th grade and 7th grade: Each year students will
take 1 quarter of PE and 3 quarters of other
enrichment classes. Some students may have two
High School Credit Classes: The following ar e available
sections of PE. Over the 2 year period students
for high school credit: Algebra I, Geometry and Spanish I.
will have 1 quarter of each of the enrichment
In order to take high school credit classes a student must
classes.
have an A average in the subject area and teacher

In 8th grade students choose four enrichment
recommendation. High school credit is not offered until 7th
classes and may do two sections of some classes
grade for Algebra I. In 8th grade the classes offered are:
such as PE.
Algebra I, Geometry, and Spanish I.
Band: WMS offer s an extensive instr umental music
Placements for Algebra I and Geometry are the result of
program which includes band, strings and jazz ensemble.
specific screening tests, and grades rather than parent

6th grade: is a beginning level class with
th
request. To be considered for Spanish I in 8 grade, a
emphasis on proper playing technique and music
student must have an A average in Language Arts and
reading. The band performs at both the winter and
teacher recommendation. Students who take Spanish I take
spring concerts.
a compacted Reading/Language Arts course rather than two
separate courses.

7th grade: is an inter mediate level class
emphasizing proper playing techniques, reading
Depending upon scheduling availability, a small number of
music and scales and grade level two musical
eighth graders may be allowed to take Latin I, German I or
literatures. This ensemble participates in one
Chinese I at Ravenwood High School the first period of the
judged festival/competition. The seventh grade
day. This option would replace one of the student’s two
band is also featured in the winter and spring
elective periods.
concerts.
Students will receive high school credit for these courses

by passing the course and the exam required by the course.
The grade is recorded as Credit or No Credit (Pass or Fail)
on the student’s high school transcript but does NOT count
towards the high school cumulative grade point average
(GPA) value on the high school transcript. A high
school transcript is a historical document of all courses
taken in high school with a calculated GPA that begins the
first nine weeks of the freshmen year.

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8th grade: is an advanced level class in which
the students continue to develop their playing
skills. Technique, music reading, and music theory
are the focus as this group explores grade level
three music. This ensemble performs at two
judged festivals/competitions. The eighth grade
band is featured in the winter and spring concerts.
Jazz Band and Strings: these gr oups per for m at
pep rallies, open house functions, local malls,
school and other community functions and are
featured in the winter and spring concerts.
WMS Food Services
WMS Clinic Services
Student accounts may now be pre-paid online at
www.myschoolbucks.com. For more information please
call 472-4990.
The clinic is located in the office. The school nurse will
take care of any problems or injuries during the school
day. The nurse also assists students with daily medical
procedures. First aid will be administered as needed and
Breakfast: Br eakfast items ar e ser ved as an option
parents notified of the situation. No internal or topical
from 7:00 – 7:25 AM to students who arrive early enough medication may be given unless it follows the policy listed
to eat. All students must be finished and in their homeroom below:
by 7:30 AM.
 All student medications must be kept in the office
and dispensed by the school nurse.
Lunch: Students ar e ser ved lunch with their academic
 Any medication that a student needs that is to be
team. Students pay daily or have a personal lunch account.
given daily at school must be delivered to school by
Money can be deposited weekly or monthly and the student
the parent and not brought by the student.
can use the account to purchase as they wish or the parent
 School cannot dispense routine painkillers from a
can request purchase guidelines. Students are encouraged
school supply. Read “Over-the counter
to use the personal account because this speeds up the lines  medications” below.
and lessens the amount of cash students need to have at
 These policies are countywide and must be strictly
school. NO CHARGING. Students will have a 4-digit
followed by all county schools.
number they must give the cashier to access their lunch
account. Students are not to give out their number to
Over-the-counter medications: Over-the-counter
anyone. Forms are available for free or reduced lunches.
medications must be brought to school in an unopened
These forms are given to all students the first day of school bottle with a form completed by the parent specifying the
when all other forms are sent home. The returned forms are circumstances under which it is to be given, the dosage and
submitted to the cafeteria manager and families are notified the time interval between dosages. Medication forms can
when the request is approved. You also may apply on-line be downloaded from the WMS website. Do NOT send
medications in a baggie with your child. Students are not
for faster approval.
to keep medication with them or in their locker/
Students have 25 minutes for lunch. WMS wants this
backpack.
time to be pleasant. Certain expectations help to make it
nice for all students, faculty and staff using the cafeteria
Prescription medications: Prescription medications must
services. The following expectations make the cafeteria
be brought to school by a parent in an original container
pleasant:
and a standard form must be completed by a physician.
1. Come in orderly and find a seat
2. Wait in line and enter the serving area when cleared to Absentee procedures: Students should stay at home if
do so.
they are ill and/or running a fever. Students should stay
3. Raise your hand and wait to be recognized if you need home until they are fever free for 24 hours. They should
to leave your seat.
not return after vomiting or diarrhea illnesses unless it has
4. Get permission to leave the lunchroom before time for been at least 12 hours after the last episode.
your regular dismissal.
Homework is posted on Sykward for students/parents to
5. Finish all food before leaving the lunchroom.
keep current with the missing assignments. After a student
6. All trash is put in the garbage cans.
has been out three days, teachers may be asked to pull
7. Each student cleans all paper and trash from his/her
together all missed handouts or special papers needed to
eating area before leaving the area.
complete assignments. Parents may come to school to drop
8. Throwing of anything is not allowed and if done will
off make-up work and to get needed books from the
result in automatic Saturday School.
student’s locker. You must have the locker number and the
9. Screaming, loud laughter and drumming on tables is
locker combination in order to successfully enter the
not acceptable.
locker. Students should get wor k to the teacher in a
10. All students are expected to use good table manners
timely manner. Extended absences will be coordinated
and be courteous to each other. Seats may not be
with the teacher for additional time to make up missed
saved and designated for only a choice few students.
work. Students must take the responsibility to check with
11. Stand in line at dismissal and wait for your classroom
the teacher for the best time to do make-up tests and
teacher to come give your class permission to return to quizzes.
the classroom.
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Library Introduction
Librarian/Media Specialist: Mrs. Anderson
Library Assistant: Mrs. Rein
Accelerated Reader
AR is a computerized testing program which poses
comprehension questions based upon the book that the
student has read. Reading teachers assign genres each
quarter, and students are expected to complete the required
reading and AR test by their teacher’s due date. Students
are permitted to read within any interest level at their
discretion. Teachers may require certain Lexile levels, ZPD
levels, or have page count requirements. The library is
available to students before and after school and throughout
the school day for AR tests. Students are expected to test
only in the library.
Statistical Data
Woodland Middle School is proud to offer over 15,000 titles! The library has a wonderful collection of books and
materials. Please take advantage of all the resources that
the library has to offer!
Library Information
Circulation:
Print Items: Students may check out fiction and nonfiction titles. There is no limit to the amount of books that
can be checked out at a time. They are due back after 15
school days.
WMS has labeled the books that have AR tests according
to Interest Level as follows:
RED= Middle Grade (MG); grades 4-8 interest level
BLUE= Middle Grade Plus (MG+); grades 6 and up
Digital Items: Students can access e-books and audiobooks through the app Follett Brytewave. These items can
be checked out through the app for 15 school days.
GREEN= Upper Grades (UG); grades 8 and up
A comprehensive list of titles can be found at
www.arbookfind.com.
Fines: WMS collects fines on overdue books. The charge
is $0.10 per day the item is overdue. There is no charge for
weekends or holidays or days in which the student has been
absent. The due date is stamped in the back of the book
upon checkout. We delete fines under $0.50. There are no
fines for digital items.
Book Fair
Once a year the library hosts a Scholastic Book Fair. This
is traditionally an exciting and anticipated event for our
school. Book Fair week involves a variety of games and
contests and exciting author visits! We also sponsor a book
drive for Book ‘Em during this week so that we can share
Renew: Students may r enew items in or der to avoid
the love of reading with those less fortunate. We encourage
paying overdue fines.
students and families to purchase new books from the fair
Lost/Damaged items: If a student loses a book, or if it is or to bring in books in good condition from home.
damaged while in the student’s possession, the student will
be asked to pay for the book.
Student Rules
Quiet: Please use a quiet voice and be respectful of the
learning activities going on in the library.
Organizer: Students must have your organizer and it
should be signed by the teacher. The student organizer
should also have the barcode attached to the front. Barcodes can be replaced for $1.00. No library business can be
conducted without the organizer.
Sign In: Please enter through the doors nearest the office
and sign in at the front desk before proceeding.
Demerits: We follow all school demer it policies in the
library. In addition, students will be asked to return to class
for misbehavior, given 2 demerits for chewing gum, eating
or drinking in the library, and computer/ device misuse is 2
demerits and subject to WCS network account suspension.
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Wrestling - Pr actices begin the fir st week in October .
The season lasts until the first week in December. Practice
is daily from 3:00 -5:00 PM with most matches on
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:00 PM.
Athletics
Athletic Hotline: 615-472-4937
Tryouts
Students in all grades are allowed to try out for the sports
program. All students participating in tryouts must have an
athletic physical form, concussion release form and
cardiac arrest form on file with the athletic department
prior to attending the tryout. A new physical is
required each school year. Tryout dates are announced on
the intercom, posted in the cafeteria and put on the website.
It is the student’s responsibility to hear this information and
follow the directions for signing up to try out for the sport.
Fall Sports (August-October)
Cross Country - There is a boys’ and girls’ team and the
season begins the second week of school. The meets are
held on Wednesdays at 4:00 PM and the team practices
daily from 3:00- 3:50 PM.
Girls Volleyball - Ther e is a var sity, junior var sity, and
6th grade team. Teams practice from 3:00-5:00 PM. Two
matches are held each week with 2 weekend tournament for
varsity only. Varsity, Junior Varsity and 6th grade tryouts
are held in May.
Tennis - The boys’ and girls’ tennis teams begin tryouts in
the summer at Crockett Park tennis courts two weeks
before school starts. Please email Coach Brosky at
[email protected] if you are interested. Our players are
involved in tennis clinics and private lessons year
round. Our first match is the second week of school, and
the tournament is first week of October.
Late Fall Sports (October-December)
Soccer - There is a boys’ and gir ls’ var sity and junior
varsity team. Tryouts begin the second week in October
and the season lasts until the first week of December.
Practices are M-Th: 3:00 – 4:30 PM. Most games are
played on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Spring Sports (February-May)
Baseball - Spr ing tr youts ar e conducted. Varsity and
junior varsity teams are selected. Practice is daily from
3:00-5:00 PM on Warrior Field which is just behind the
school. Most games are played on Monday - Thursdays
with a starting time of 4:00 PM and a two hour time limit.
Softball - Tr youts begin the fir st week of Mar ch.
Varsity and Junior Varsity teams are selected. Practice is
Mon. – Thur. from 3:00-4:30 pm. Most games are on
Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Football - Twice a day pr actice begins in late J uly.
Once school begins practice is daily from 3:00- 5:00 PM.
Most games are played on Thursdays.
Golf - Ther e is a boys’ and gir ls’ team. Tr youts ar e in
early August (listen for announcements) and matches are
scheduled once or twice a week. The team plays at Spencer
Creek in Franklin. You must have golf clubs and
knowledge of the game. Boys should shoot in the range of
par to mid 40’s. Girls should shoot in mid 50’s or below.
Winter Sports (November-February)
Basketball -There is a boys’ and girls’ varsity, junior
varsity and 6th grade teams selected. Tryouts begin the first/
second week in December and practice times rotate weekly
for the varsity and junior varsity teams between
3:00-6:00 PM. The 6th grade team practices vary in times.
Season ends the last week in February.
Track and Field - There is a boys' and girls' track team.
Practice begins the first week of March. Practices are co-ed
and/or by event. Most practices are held at Ravenwood
track and field complex daily from 4:00-5:30 PM.
Cheerleaders, Mat Girls & Dance Team - Tr youts ar e
held in the spring for cheerleading and dance. Mat girls
tryouts are in August.
Club Sports
Lacrosse Club - Boys' and Gir ls' teams occur dur ing the
fall season.
Rugby Club - Boys’ and Girls’ teams occur during the
spring season.
Swim Team - Boys’ and Girls’ meets occur during the fall
and winter.
Rules
 Passing grades must be maintained, and no one with a
failing average is allowed to try out and/or make the
team.
 Students are not allowed in the school building while
waiting for an athletic practice unless under the
supervision of the coach.
 It is the parent’s responsibility to pick up his/her child
promptly after practice/game has ended.
There is no bus transportation provided for athletics.
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Activities
Chorus - consists of appr oximately 100 students meeting in the mornings before school, usually 2 to 3 times per
week. Performance choir is available to eighth graders as a
yearlong class as well as several competitions, festivals,
and many additional performances.
Math Team - a great place to challenge yourself in the
area of Mathematics. Woodland's Math Team is a member
of Chi Alpha Mu. Meetings are usually held on Wednesday
afternoons from 3-4. During meetings we prepare for and
participate in various in-school and off-campus competitions including Rocket City Math, AMC 8, AMC 10, Math
Olympiad, MathCounts, Interscholastic Math League, Mu
Alpha Theta's Mini Mu, and the MTSU Math Competition.
Drama - not so much a club, but through the drama program, many theatrical opportunities exist! Our annual 8th
Grade Play, a non-musical comedy, is open for any 8th
grader to audition in the Fall. There is also the Advanced
Theatre Group Small Play in the early spring by invitation
only, but can include all grade levels. Auditions begin in
January for our big Spring Musical production, involving a
large cast of all grade levels. Students might also consider
joining the Forensics Team.
FCA - meets most Fr idays befor e school. Students
gather to discuss issues of interest and all have an
opportunity to share their faith in a fun, relaxed and student
conducted environment. Although the name may seem to
imply only for athletes; ALL students are welcome to
attend.
Clubs & Organizations
Art Club - meets ever y other Fr iday. Activities include
studio time, discussion, and introduction to a variety of
artists and visual communication. The goal of the club is to
develop a deeper understanding and awareness of art and
art making.
Forensics - Forensics is a competitive speech drama
group. This flexible club can work around any schedule. Students memorize 10 minute pieces under
categories such as Prose, Poetry, Dramatic, Humorous and
Duet Interpretation, Storytelling, Solo & Duet Acting, Audition Monologue, Broadcasting, and Duet Improvisation
Best Buddies - an international, non-profit organization
and Traditional Speech. The team competes in about 8 – 10
that fosters meaningful one-to-one friendships between stu- Saturday tournaments in Tennessee and Kentucky. There is
dents with and without intellectual and developmental disa- a small fee.
bilities. For more information, please visit
www.bestbuddiestennessee.org.
Remote Control Car Club - meets once a month after
school for one hour to explore the world of RC’s. Any stuBeta Club - Students who maintain all A's for three condent with a battery powered remote control car is welcome
secutive nine weeks, demonstrate outstanding leadership
to participate.
skills, and demonstrate excellent character are invited to
join the WMS Beta Club.
Science Club - meets on the second Tuesday of each
month to do fun and enriching science activities and experiChess Club - open to any student who is interested in exments. This group is open to all students with an interest in
ploring and developing his/her chess skills. Chess Club will the natural world.
meet once a month.
Science Olympiad - a team of students who learn about a
Creative Coding Club - a fun and engaging intr oduction variety of scientific topics which prepare them to compete
to the world of computer coding, HTML and web develop- in a Regional Tournament and the State Science Olympiad
ment. In conjunction with the WCS Technology Advisory tournament during the spring semester. Some of the topics
Board, mentors from the local Brentwood IT community
studied are Air Trajectory, Anatomy and Physiology, Bottle
assist students in the hands on creation of real, interactive
Rockets, Bridge Building, Crime Busters, Disease Detecgames and apps and to learn programming basics.
tives and Mission Impossible. This group meets twice a
month during the school year .
Creative Writing Club - meets ever y other Thur sday in
the Art Room. Activities include writing from prompts,
School Newspaper - The Arrow meets bi-monthly and
collaborating with other writers, working on personal pro- publishes three-four times per semester. Weekly staff
jects, and discussion of creativity and writing.
meetings authenticate the writer’s workshop environment
as students pre-write collaboratively, draft, revise and edit
Destination Imagination - a chance to let your imaginabefore submitting articles for layout. As a staff, students are
tion solve problems and create structures from a variety of encouraged to have fun with writing while covering stories
materials. Teams are asked to solve an instant challenge
spanning from within Woodland’s walls to the whole
and a main challenge at the regional tournament. They will world.
meet at least once a week until the middle of March; with
additional meetings closer to the tournament.
11
Spanish Club - open to 8th grade students taking Spanish I
honors. The purpose of the Spanish Club is to bring our
8th graders an array of multicultural experiences. Students
will have the opportunity to reinforce their language
studies, learn about customs, traditions, foods, music and
arts and crafts. We meet after school once a month.
Spelling Club - meets after school during the months of
December and January to help students become better
spellers and increase their vocabulary through the study of
words. Students have the option of competing in
Woodland’s school spelling bee held at the end of January.
Geography Bee - sponsor ed by the National Geogr aphic
Society. This activity encourages the teaching and learning
of geography. Students sign up in November and the
preliminary round is held on campus in January. All grade
levels may participate. The state bee is held in April. The
national championship is held in Washington, D.C. in May
of each year.
Spelling Bee - held at the end of January and qualifies the
school winner for competition in the regional bee. Open to
all grade levels. The Spelling Club starts in December to
help interested students prepare for the school bee.
STARS Student Leadership Team - a fun, service
oriented group that helps make Woodland and our
community a better place. Members help create prevention
programs and activities that focus on creating a safe school
environment, participate in community service and
enrichment projects and provide positive role model to
their peers.
Talent Show - tr youts with two per for mances dur ing
the school day and one evening performance.
Warrior Readers Book Club - meets once a month
during lunch times in the library. Students read and review
books nominated for the Volunteer State Book Award and
enjoy some author visits throughout the year.
A speech therapist, physical therapist, occupational
therapist, hearing specialist, behavioral specialist and
autism specialist are also available to students qualifying
for these services.
Events
Model United Nations - YMCA sponsor ed, the club
meets after school from September–November. Students
work in teams to draft a resolution for a country of their
choice. This activity requires students to research, analyze
information, problem solve, write speeches and debate with
peers from middle schools all over Tennessee.
Student Support Services
STARS stand for Student Taking a Right Stand against
drugs, alcohol and violence. STARS also help students
make positive life choices as they enter adolescence.
Special Education Services
Special education students participate in the inclusion
model. Special education teachers and assistants support
the students within the regular general education
curriculum. WMS adheres to the least restrictive
Student Council - homeroom representatives and at-large environment philosophy in meeting the students’ needs. A
delegates meet bi-monthly after school. Many service
learning lab provides a base for students needing support
projects are conducted, as well as school dances and social beyond the inclusion level.
events.
Gifted education is provided by a gifted education
Ultimate Frisbee Club - open to any Woodland War r ior teacher/differentiation coach who meets with the students
who is interested in getting a great workout while playing a as determined by the IEP. The gifted education teacher also
football style game with a frisbee. The club meets every
consults with each student’s team of teachers to provide
Wednesday when the weather permits.
academic support as needed.
Youth in Government - YMCA sponsored, this club
meets after school from February- May. Students go to the
Capitol and present in the Senate and House chambers.
Students work in groups of three and research and prepare
a “bill”. Students are actively engaged in seeing their
“idea” travel through many channels on the road to
becoming a “law” while experiencing how “politics”
works. Youth In Government is open to all grade levels.
School Counseling Program
Kimberly Ezell - 8th grade & Half of 7th grade
Emily Ritter - 6th grade & Half of 7th grade
School counselors are at Woodland to promote
personal, social, emotional, academic and vocational
growth of each student. This is done through individual and
group meetings with students, classroom lessons and
collaboration and consultation with parents, teachers,
administrators and community organizations.
6th and 7th graders are supported as they make the transition into middle school. 8th graders begin career educational exploration through various career assessments and a
county-wide 8th grade career fair.
12
WMS BEST PRACTICES FOR SUCCESS
Dress Code
 A standard of neatness must be maintained for all
clothing.
 Hair and Make-up: Hair must be clean and
well-groomed. Hair brushes and make-up are to be
kept out of sight and used in restrooms only. Bizarre
extremes in hair coloring and make-up are not allowed.
 Slogans: Clothing or accessor ies that adver tise or
are suggestive of drugs, alcohol, sex, violence or
obscenities are not allowed.
 Shirts: Fishnet shir ts or any shir ts exposing
undergarments, cleavage or midriff are not acceptable.
Sleeveless shirts are not allowed as the only shirt worn.
 Pants and Skirts: Shor ts, skir ts and dr esses must
extend below the fingertips all the way around when
arms are relaxed and fully extended at sides. Spandex
bicycle pants, pajama-style pants, tight sweat pants,
and other form-fitting pants are not allowed. Leggings
and other form-fitting pants may be worn under skirts
or other clothing attire that meet the fingertip regulation length rule and could be appropriately worn without the form-fitting pants. No clothing should have
holes above the knee. The waists of pants must be no
lower than the hip bones-no sagging. Boxer shorts are
considered underwear and should not be visible at any
time.
 Shoes: No pajama/house slipper s, plastic or r ubber
flip flops are allowed.
 Accessories: Hats, caps, sunglasses, bandanas, head
scarves and watch or wallet chains are not allowed.
Hoods on shirts should be down at all times.
Be Nice Initiative
BE NICE is treating other people the way you want to be
treated by being kind, respectful and generous.
In 2013-14, a group of Fairview High School students and
staff began working on ways to create a culture of kindness
in their school. Together, they came up with the slogan BE
NICE and began printing t-shirts and signs with the mantra.
As the message spread, students at Fairview began to report
a change in student behavior. Turns out, the BE NICE
message was making a real difference! In 2014-15 the BE
NICE message expanded to all of Williamson County
Schools, including Woodland Middle School.
Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports Program
Positive Behavior Support (PBIS) refers to a three-tiered
model of support adapted by Woodland Middle School to
help foster an environment that encourages academic, social and behavioral growth for each student. The first tier of
PBIS is a school-wide component in which school expectations are explicitly taught and modeled for the students.
Expectations are then positively reinforced through verbal
praise and PBIS tickets.
If the primary, school-wide plan is not enough for some
students, additional levels of support may be used
(secondary and/or tertiary support).
School Expectations: be r espectful, be accountable, be
engaged and be nice.
*Please see the Expectation Matrix, which defines what
each expectation looks like in each school location, on the
Manners
next page.
The following are specific expectations of good
manners:
 Students are to be in school and in all classes on time.
Students who arrive late in the mornings sign in at the
office. Three unexcused tardies to school per grading
period will result in Demerit Hall. Chronic tardiness
will be addressed on an individual basis.
 Inappropriate language (this includes gestures,
inappropriate drawings, magazines or written
expression) will result in automatic detention hall.
 BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology) guidelines may
be found online at http://www.wcs.edu/boardpolicy/
sect4/4406p.pdf. If electronic items are misused according to guidelines they will be confiscated and sent
to office. On 2nd offense, the item will be kept until end
of semester.

Backpacks, large purses/bags and lockers are to be
kept neat and back packs are to be in the locker until
the last period of the day.
 Any airborne projectile warrants an automatic Saturday
school.
13
Woodland Middle School Expectation Matrix
The next few pages list the high school graduation requirements, followed by possible high school sequences for
math and science courses. For more information about high school graduation requirements visit:
http://www.state.tn.us
14
Four Year Plan Of Study
22 Credits Required for Graduation
Additional Path Requirements
CORE Curriculum
English
Math
4 credits
4 credits in
H.S.
English I
English II
English III
Algebra II
English IV
Advanced
Math
Personal
Finance
3 credits
.5 credits
3 credits
Algebra I
Geometry
16 credits
Social
Science
Studies
Biology
US History
Lab Science
US Govt. &
Econ
1.5 credits
Elective
Focus
3 credits
6 credits
Foreign
Language
2 credits in
same language
Choose one
Lifetime Well- Choose one
ness
•AP
•French
(1.0 required
•CTE
•German
credit)
•Humanities •Latin
& Fine Arts
•Spanish
•Math &
Physical Ed. Science
0.5 credit
•Military
(may be sub- Science**
stituted)
World
Geography
& World
History
Chemistry
or Physics
Wellness
Fine Arts
1 credit
Choose one
•Band
•Chorus
•Music
•Theatre
•Visual
Arts
* With waiver: 6 additional
Remember: in the four-year plan below, seven spots are available for “electives.” Of these seven:
•At least 2 must be the same foreign language
•At least 1 must be a fine art: art, chorus, band, theatre, or general music
•At least 3 must be within the chosen elective focus
9TH GRADE
•English I
•Math
•Biology
•World Geography &
World History
•Lifetime Wellness
•Elective
•Study Hall
TOTAL
CREDITS
1
1
1
1
10TH GRADE
•English II
•Math
•Lab Science
•Elective
•Elective
•Elective
•Study Hall
11TH GRADE
CREDITS
12TH GRADE
CREDITS
•English III
•Math
•Lab Science
•US History
•Personal Finance/P.E.
•Elective
•Study Hall
TOTAL
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
6
•English IV
•Math
•Government/Economics
•Elective
•Elective
•Elective
•Study Hall
TOTAL
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
6
1
1
0
6
CREDITS
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
TOTAL
15
6
Math Sequence
* Honors level offered
** Honors only offered
16
Science Sequence
Note: Scientific Resear ch (full year ) and Astr onomy (1 semester ) ar e offer ed as elective classes
17
School Calendar 2016-2017
Williamson County Board of Education
1st Semester = 89 Instructional Days
2nd Semester = 88 Instructional Days
Day
Date
Definition
Wednesday-Thursday
July 27-28
New Teacher Induction
Monday (No Students)
August 1
Administrative Day (All Teachers Report)
Tuesday (No Students)
August 2
District-Wide Professional Development Day
Wednesday (No Students)
August 3
Site-Based Professional Development Day
Thursday (No Students)
August 4
Administrative Day (All Teachers Work In Classrooms)
Friday (Students 1/2 day)
August 5
First 1/2 Day for Students
Monday (First Full Student Day)
August 8
First Full Day for Students (1st-12th Grades)
Monday (First Full Day Kindergarten)
August 15
First Full Day for Kindergarten Students
Monday (No School)
September 5
Labor Day (System Closed)
Friday
September 16
Constitution Day (Students In School)
Thursday
October 6
End of First Quarter Grading Period
Friday & Monday (No School)
October 7-10
Fall Break (System Closed Friday, Oct. 7)
Monday (No School)
October 10
Columbus Day
Tuesday (No School)
November 8
Election Day
Friday (No School)
November 11
Veterans Day
Monday-Friday (No School)
November 21-25
Thanksgiving Holiday (System Closed Nov. 24-25)
Wednesday (Students 1/2 Day)
December 21
End of First Semester
Thursday-Wednesday (No School)
December 22- January 4
Winter Break (System Closed Dec. 22,23,26 and Dec. 29,30
and Jan. 2)
Thursday (No Students)
January 5
Administrative Day (All Teachers Report)
Friday (No Students)
January 6
Site-Based Professional Development Day
Monday
January 9
First Student Day Second Semester
Monday (No School)
January 16
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (System Closed)
Monday (No Students)
February 20
Presidents Day (Washington's Birthday)
Wednesday
March 15
End of Third Quarter Grading Period
Monday-Friday (No School)
March 20-24
Spring Break (System Closed March 24)
Monday (No Students)
March 27
Site-Based Professional Development Day
Friday (No School)
April 14
Good Friday (System Closed)
Tuesday (Students 1/2 Day)
May 23
Last Day for Students—End of Second Semester
Wednesday
May 24
Administrative Day for Teachers
Thursday-Satursday
May 25-27
Graduation Window
Monday
May 29
Memorial Day (System Closed)
Tuesday
July 4
Independence Day (System Closed)
18