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1
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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