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We are Cougars

Welcome to Sixth Grade http://ems.sumnerschools.org

Robert E. Ellis Middle School

Adam Cripps, Principal

TBA, Assistant Principal

Helpful Phone Numbers:

School Main Office: 615-264-6093

School Fax: 615-264-5800

Cafeteria: 615-264-6096

Sumner County Board of Education: 615-451-5200

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Help your child set goals for grades and homework. Students are much more

likely to strive for goals they have set and that are important to them.

Bookmark our website (http://ems.sumnerschools.org). This will direct you to teacher websites and emails, important announcements, and will provide a link to Skyward, the school district’s online grading system. Teach your child to navigate to our homepage often.

Define your academic, behavioral, and activity expectations for your child. A 6th grader needs to know what is expected of him/her in order to know how they are doing. These expectations should be measurable and realistic. “Good grades” is not specific enough.

Create a consistent time and location for homework each night. This area and time need to be monitored, free from distractions. A 6th grader usually cannot study effectively in his/her room alone.

Check your child’s assignment book. It is used as our primary tool for communicating homework assignments, upcoming tests/projects, and we often note if your child didn’t have a completed assignment.

Encourage your child to become involved in a school club or an extracurricular activity. Research shows that this provides balance and leads to better school success.

Join our PTO. This shows your child that Ellis Middle School is important to you, and this gives you a voice in how we make our school even better.

Put your child’s first and last name on EVERYTHING, especially clothing.

Remember, 6th grade begins a journey. There will be bumps in the road, your child will make mistakes, and even mess up. But this is part of the learning process and is even necessary to prepare your child for a great educational experience.

Tips for Parents

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Moving to Middle School- What’s the Big Deal?

Changing from elementary school to middle school can be a very exciting time for 6th graders, but it can also bring on some nerves (especially for mom and dad). Below are some of the differences between elementary and middle school.

Ellis Cougars

Ellis starts at 7:30 and dismisses

at 2:30.

We do not have room in our

cafeteria for parents to eat lunch

with students.

Attendance is recorded for each

class period throughout the

entire day.

Ellis Cougars rotate through

“related arts” each 9-weeks, and

these classes meet every day.

Each student is assigned a

locker where he or she can keep

their books, coats, and lunch

boxes.

Backpacks should be left in the

locker, but cinch-style sacks are

okay in classes.

Time

Lunch

Attendance

Classes

Lockers

Backpacks

Elementary Schools

Most elementary schools start at

8:15 or later and dismiss after 3:15.

Most elementary schools allow

parents to eat lunch with their

student.

Students in elementary school are

considered “present” if they attend

more than half the day.

Elementary students have

“specials” that may not meet every

day.

Elementary students usually have a

cubby or special place to hang their

coats.

Elementary students put their

backpacks in their cubby or special

place throughout the day.

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Sample

Student

Schedules:

7:30-8:15 1st pd. Language Arts

(reading)

8:18-9:02 2nd pd. Language Arts

(writing)

9:06-9:50 3rd pd. Related Arts

9:53-10:37 4th pd. Related Arts

10:41-12:07 5th pd. Math (also includes

lunch & recess)

12:10-12:54 6th pd. Math plus skills

enrichment

12:58-1:42 7th pd. Social Studies

1:46-2:30 8th pd. Science

7:30-8:15 1st pd. Science

8:18-9:02 2nd pd. Social Studies

9:06-9:50 3rd pd. Related Arts

9:53-10:37 4th pd. Related Arts/

Intervention

10:41-12:07 5th pd. Language Arts

(Reading) (Also includes lunch & recess)

12:10-12:54 6th pd. Language Arts

(Writing)

12:58-1:42 7th pd. Math

1:46-2:30 8th pd. Math plus skills

enrichment

Reminder: Related Arts classes change every 9 weeks, and can include Teen Living, P.E., Diversified Technology, Computers, Visual Art, or Theater Art. Band, Orchestra, and Chorus are full year classes. Students will not have all related arts classes every year. We have a rotation that allows for multiple experiences each year in middle school.

*Actual minutes of schedule subject to change.*

*

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6th Grade Locker Policy

All sixth graders will be issued a locker near their 1st

period class.

Because of feedback from parents and students, the

lockers will NOT have a built-in lock.

Students may provide their own lock (combination or

key-controlled) but the school will not keep track of

keys or combinations. A key or combination must be

provided to the school for emergency use.

Students are reminded that they are responsible for

all items in their assigned locker.

The cell phone policy will remain in full effect (“Cell

phones must be turned OFF and away from student

access throughout the day…”). Students may choose

to store them in their locker, but they must remain

off and away.

Students are not allowed to switch or share lockers

with any other students.

Students are not to decorate the inside or outside of

their lockers (contact paper, stickers, or any other

permanent material); students may use magnets to

hold small items or pictures.

Locker shelves are permissible but must be

temporary.

Students are not allowed to take full-sized backpacks

into their classrooms; backpacks should be stored in

the locker; cinch-style backpacks are recommended

to take belongings from class to class (cell phones

are NOT allowed in cinch-sacks)

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I Want YOU!

To Get Involved!

Book Club

Art Club

+ %

Math Club

≥ ∞

Geography

Club

F.C.A.

Game Club

www.ems.sumnerschools.org

Chess Club

Debate Club

C

L

U

B

S

ACTIVITIES It is a proven fact that students who get involved do better in

school. Here are some clubs and activities for 6th graders. Also,

check out our school website for meeting dates and times, room

numbers, and who the teacher-sponsor is.

Drama

Club

Student

Council

Cougar Chronicle

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Extracurricular Extravaganza

Ellis Middle School recognizes the important academic and social benefits of involvement in extracurricular activities. It is our desire that every student

become an active part of a club, sport, or activity to enhance academic performance. Some organizations have specific requirements or criteria for participation, and all students must maintain the Cougar Code of Conduct to

remain active in any extracurricular activity.

Commonly asked questions:

How do I join a club? 1. Listen to morning announcements to find out when clubs begin and meet. 2. Look for signs posted throughout the building. 3. Check out the website to find out who the sponsor is so you can email them any questions.

Can sixth graders join a sports team?

Sports teams are open to all students, with the exception of football (7th & 8th grade only).

How do I try out for a sport that is open to sixth graders?

1. You MUST have a current athletic physical. 2. Listen to announcements about picking up important parent and tryout information.

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2020-2021 ELLIS MIDDLE SCHOOL DRESS AND GROOMING POLICY

When, in the opinion of the administration and staff, a student is not dressed appropriately or exhibits grooming which is considered detrimental to the educational environment, appropriate action may be taken. 1. Girls are expected to keep dresses and skirts at the specified lengths. The skirt length or slits in the skirt must not be higher than 3 inches from the bend of the back of the knee. 2. Apparel considered revealing will not be permitted. Low cut shirts, tight shorts, pajama pants, lounge pants, yoga pants, jeggings, form fitting or body conforming clothes, tank tops, mesh shirts, mini-skirts, body suits, halter tops, spandex shorts, etc. are not allowed. 3. Leggings may be worn ONLY with appropriate length skirt/dress or shirt (5 inches from the bend of the knee). A student’s clothing must cover the midriff at all times. The shirt needs to cover the entire middle portion of the body at all times. Underclothing is not to be seen at any time. 4. Both male and female students are allowed to wear walking length shorts to school (no stretchy or tight shorts). Shorts must not be higher than 3 inches from the bend of the back of the knee. No cut-offs. 5. No clothing with holes, frays, or tears may be worn regardless of underclothing. 6. Shirts, blouses, and dresses must have sleeves that cover the end of the shoulder. 7. Students are not allowed to wear head apparel, such as hats, bandanas, etc., inside the building. 8. Students may not wear clothing that mentions drugs, vulgar captions, cigarettes, alcohol or any other obscene suggestive, provocative, or disruptive apparel. Shorts and/or pants are not to have writing on/or across the back or front of the clothing. Students may not wear clothing or articles related to gangs or weapons. 9. Shoes must be worn at all times. Cleated shoes or shoes with other sharp objects, movable objects, or lights on the bottom may not be worn. 10. Sunglasses are not to be worn inside the building except when prescribed by a doctor. 11. The belt line of all garments must fall at or above the tops of the hips. Underwear may never show. 12. No body piercing jewelry except earrings in the ear may be worn during the school hours or at after school sponsored events. 13. Jewelry must not be distracting/disruptive or unsafe. 14. Valuable clothes and jewelry are discouraged. 15. Tattoos or body art is not allowed and must be covered up or washed off. This includes drawing on hands/arms using markers or pens. 16. Excessive, distracting, make-up or extreme unnatural hair color is not allowed. 17. Students may not wear pants that sag or drag the floor. Note: Any student in violation of the dress code will be sent to the office and will have to change into appropriate clothing before returning to class. Continued refusal to adhere to dress code will result in ISS as major infractions will be issued for defiance.

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?????????????????????????????? Who Can Help Me With…

??????????????????????????????

Middle School can seem big and scary, especially if you don’t know many people. Since many things are changing for you all at once, this list might help you find the right person

to answer any of your questions. **You should always be able to ask your parents anything. They know you best!**

? Where am I, and where do I go? Answer: All our teachers are usually in the hall during class change, so any teacher can point you in the right direction. Make sure to use your schedule and have a copy of your map the first few days of school. This will help give you confidence getting around! ? I don’t understand my classes, who can I talk to? Answer: After your parents, your teachers are the best source of information about classes. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to them during class, ask to speak to them during class change—they don’t bite! ? Who can help me when I am not getting along with my friends? Answer: We have a guidance counselor who will listen to you and give you suggestions on how to deal with other students. But again, you should share this with your parents, too. ? Who can help me if I feel like someone is being mean to me on purpose? Answer: Every adult in the building is committed to making EMS a safe and comfortable place for learning. You can talk to any teacher, the counselor, and the principals. We are never too busy to help you. ? What happens if I feel sick? Answer: Your teacher will give you a referral form to bring to the office. When you get to the office, the nurse may help you, or we may help you make a call to your parent. ? What do I do if I need to take medicine? Answer: ALL medication must be kept in the main office. When you need to take it, just come to the office and an adult will help you. ? What if I forget something at home? Answer: If you think your parents will bring it to you, we can help you make a call from the office. ? What happens if I don’t have enough lunch money? Answer: We will let you use the phone in the cafeteria to leave a message with the amount we will let you borrow so you don’t have to be hungry. But there is a limit to how much you can owe the school. (It is best for your parent to put money in your account)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many classes do

we take?

A: 8 classes→Language

Arts (2), Math (2), Science,

Social Studies, and 2

Related Arts or

Intervention

Q: Will we have a lot of homework?

A: There will be some homework and/or

studying each night for most of your

classes. We will teach you how to write

your homework in your assignment book.

Q: What time does

school start?

A: We start teaching

at 7:30 am.

Q: What supplies will I need for my classes?

A: You will get a supply list at the beginning

of school for each class. But you should have

paper, pencil and pen, highlighter, and your

1-inch binder every day for each class. You

can keep these in your cinch-sack or your

locker, whatever works best for you.

Q: Who can help me if I

need anything?

A: Any adult—we are so

excited you are a Cougar

with us! Your teachers

can’t wait to help you,

and the counselor can

answer any question you

have. The principals are

always around if you

ever need anything.

Don’t be afraid to ask a

question—that is how we

all learn!

Q: Will I have my

own locker?

A: Yes, and your

locker will be close

to your 1st period

class.

Q: Is there a dress code?

A: Yes, Ellis has a dress code, which can be

found on our website and in your handbook. No

holes, rips, or frays in your jeans or shorts.

Skirts and dresses must be 3” from the back of

the knee; leggings must be worn with appropriate

length skirt. (Your PJ pants need to stay home

on your bed, too) But guess what—you can wear

flip flops!

Q: Can I bring my

cell phone?

A: If you do, it

needs to be turned

off and kept away

from use. You can’t

use it during the

day. (Same for

iPads)

Q: Does Ellis have a website?

A: http://ems.sumnerschools.org

Q: Is Ellis Middle

School ‘big and

scary?’

A: Ellis is a round

building with 2

floors. But 6th

graders have the

whole downstairs to

themselves! You

will also have plenty

of time to get to each

class.

Q: Can 6th graders be

in clubs?

A: Absolutely! Most

clubs are open to 6th

graders and usually

meet at least once a

month after school.

(see pg. 6)

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“Dome Sweet Dome!” A Map of Robert Ellis Middle School

6th Grade Core

Classes 6th Grade Core

Classes

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