Welcome to Smyrna Middle School

1. Welcome to Smyrna Middle School Home of the Panthers

2. SMS: Basic Facts Grades: 6-8 Bell Times: 8:15am-3:15pm Mascot: Panther School Colors: Maroon and Gray

3. Administration Principal – Ms Jeannie Nicholson Assistant Principal – Mr. James Festervand Assistant Principal – Ms Suszane Stansbury

4. Mission Statement Smyrna Middle School’s mission is for all students to master skills in reading, writing, and math that will empower them for future success. 

5. What’s different about middle school? • More teachers • More homework • More students • Lockers • Dress Code • More Responsibilities • More Opportunities • No recess • Changing Classes

6. Excited Scared Worried Anxious Sad Happy How Do Students Feel About Starting Middle School?

7. Mini-schools • 2 per grade • 6 teachers per mini-school • Language Arts and Math classes are in “block” format • Classrooms and lockers located in same area of school • Makes it easier to find your way around and meet new friends • Makes the school feel smaller

8. Agenda • School rules and procedures • Organize homework and projects • Communicate with teachers • Keep track of attendance • Used as a hall pass

9. Lockers • Every student has their own locker. • Practice opening a combination lock. • Students will have assigned times they are allowed to go to their lockers. • Keep them neat and organized.

10. Dress Code The county-wide dress code is in place to ensure student safety and limit distractions to the educational environment.

11. Dress Code • The dress code is addressed thoroughly in the student agenda and will be discussed the first week in school, but here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for school clothes: • Clothing cannot be revealing. • Clothing or accessories that are gang related or depict violence or illegal substances are not allowed. • Clothing must be size appropriate. • Jackets must be unzipped. • Head coverings are not allowed. • Shorts and skirts must be the appropriate length. • Clothing with holes that reveal skin is not allowed. • Pants, shorts, skirts, etc. with words written on the “rear” are not allowed. • All chains must be tucked into shirts. • Heavy jackets, backpacks, and large purses must be kept in the locker.

12. Dress Code The consequences for dress code violations include, but are not limited to , calling parents to bring appropriate clothing, detention, in-school suspension and/or other disciplinary action as deemed appropriate.  Our goal is modesty and no distractions during the learning process.

13. No Bullying Policies • We define violence as “any word, look, sign, or act that hurts a person’s body, feelings, or things.” • Administrators, teachers, counselors, and the SRO work together with students and parents to eliminate and prevent bullying. • School-wide reporting procedures have been implemented. • Please encourage your child to report any bullying to an adult in the school so that we can investigate the situation. We cannot stop the problem if we do not know about it.

14. Tips to be Successful in Middle School • Encourage your child to get involved in an extracurricular activity or sports team. • Visit the school. There are many special events throughout the year. • Communicate regularly with your child’s teachers. • Encourage your child to attend school every day. • Encourage your child to be organized and to complete assignments.

15. Beta Club Math Counts Theatre Club TSA Panther Pride FCA Science Club FCCLA Fitness/Nutrition Art Club Pageturners Student Council And more! We offer a variety of extracurricular clubs

16. Football Basketball (Boy’s and Girl’s) Baseball Softball Soccer (Boy’s and Girl’s) Cheerleading (Football and Basketball) Volleyball Golf Track Cross Country Archery Smyrna Middle School Athletics