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Bulldog Guide

2008-2009

“high expectations produce
high achievement”

CHAMBLEE MIDDLE SCHOOL

3601 Sexton Woods Drive

Chamblee, GA 30341

678-874-8202

Fax 678-874-8210

Attendance Office 678-874-8220

Counseling Office 678-874-8226

http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/~chambleems/

A COMPREHENSIVE HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND STUDENTS

The Chamblee Middle School PTSA would like to welcome you to the 2008-2009 school year. Whether you are new to Chamblee, or returning, it is our goal to help make this year the best! This handbook, “Bulldog Guide”, was assembled to help Chamblee’s parents familiarize themselves with the Chamblee community, both the school and the PTSA, and for use as a resource guide to help answer questions on almost any subject. There may be changes to the information from time to time, so please be sure to keep informed through our “Bulldog Bulletin”, a PTSA electronic newsletter (e-mailed home approximately twice a month). Another good source of information is the school’s website: www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/~chambleems/

There are many ways that you can support the PTSA. First, your financial support is welcomed and needed. The first easy way is to join the PTSA. Chamblee PTSA strives to achieve 100% Membership. The PTSA dues for Chamblee Middle School are $5.00 per member. Another easy way to support the PTSA is to make a donation to the Enrichment Fund. Along with the profits from our magazine sale, our largest fund raiser, the funds are used to support such things as Cultural Arts programs, materials for the Media Center, teacher grants for supplemental classroom activities, additional funds for our athletic, art and music programs and much, much more! If you have not contributed, please do so now!

Finally, we urge you to volunteer to help with at least one of our PTSA committees or activities during the year. There are many ways to get involved and share your talents, which you can read about in this handbook. Another reason to help our school and the students is that while volunteering you will get to know other parents and the faculty. We are lucky to have many wonderful and dedicated parents here. We’re only here for three years, so don’t wait – jump right in and get your feet wet!

Have a great year and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any comments, suggestions, questions or just want to get involved and aren’t quite sure where you fit.

Beverly Moon (ghmoon@bellsouth.net)

Kim Thompkins (kimthompkins@gmail.com)

PTSA Co-Presidents

This Handbook is a publication of the Chamblee Middle School PTSA.

The information is deemed accurate at the time of publication.

For updates or more current information please check the website at www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/~chambleems/

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CMS Mission Statement Page 1

Help Directory Page 1

Principal’s Message Page 2

Web Site Page 3

CMS Standards of Conduct Page 3

Academics Page 5

Support Services Page 6

General Information Page 8

Clubs/Sports Page 9

PTSA Committees Page 14

CMS Faculty/Staff Page 17

Calendar Page19

CMS School Colors Blue & Gold

Mascot Bulldog

School Hours 8:40 AM–3:55 PM

For safety and security purposes, the building will not be opened to students before 8:00 AM. ALL CMS students who remain after 3:55 PM must be participating in a school activity under the supervision of a teacher or administrator and must have made prior arrangements for transportation at the conclusion of the activity. Students participating in parent pick-up should be picked up by 4:00 PM.

Class Schedule:

Released from cafeteria or gym at 8:30 to 1^st period

First Bell will ring at 8:40

6^th Grade 7^th Grade 8^th Grade

1^st Period 8:40-9:45 8:40-9:45 8:40-9:45

2^nd Period 9:50-10:45 9:50-10:45 9:50-10:35

3^rd Period 10:50-11:45 10:50-12:15 10:40-11:25

(includes lunch)

4^th Period 11:50-1:15 12:20-1:05 11:30-12:55

(includes lunch) (includes lunch)

5^th Period 1:20-2:15 1:10-1:55 1:00-1:55

6^th Period 2:20-3:05 2:00-2:55 2:00-2:55

7^th Period 3:10-3:55 3:00-3:55 3:00-3:55

CMS MISSION STATEMENT…

… Chamblee Middle School is committed to providing an educational environment in which “High Expectations Produce High Achievement”.

“Help In A Hurry”

If you need assistance in any of the following areas, please contact the person(s) and/or office(s) indicated below:

**To protect instructional time, messages will be placed on the message board daily and students will be called to the office during afternoon announcements.

CMS PTSA OFFICERS

You can contact your President for information about where you can be of help in chairing a committee. The PTSA offers TOURS of CMS once a month. Please call the school for dates and times.

CMS school council

The CMS school council is a local school advisory body comprised of the school principal, two teachers, two parents (or guardians) and two members of the business community. It provides advice and recommendations to the principal and the local Board of Education regarding a variety of issues, such as student achievement goals, curriculum and instruction, school and community communications, and local school board policies. For more information contact the Georgia School Council Institute at www.gaschoolcouncil.org

Minutes from the CMS council meetings are available in the school office. Notices regarding council meetings are posted on the board next to the entrance to the school office.

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Welcome to Chamblee Middle School! You are part of a wonderful educational opportunity designed to meet the challenges of early adolescence. Your students are expected to meet the CMS standard for excellence – and contribute to the development of enduring CMS traditions. With the teachers, parents, administrators and the community, we will work to provide an educational environment where high expectations produce high achievement.

Our beliefs are:

Ø High expectations produce high achievement.

Ø Every student is entitled to a quality education.

Ø Students, teachers, parents, and administrators share the responsibility of advancing the Mission of the School.

Ø A safe, nurturing environment promotes optimal learning.

Ø Creative and varied instructional techniques increase student interest, involvement, and learning.

Ø Incorporation of technology, the arts, foreign language, and character education enhances the curriculum and accelerates the learning process.

Please read this handbook carefully and completely. It is your guide to Chamblee Middle School. Included is important school information that will answer many of your questions. This handbook will be revised as policies are developed or amended. We reserve the right to provide addendums or revisions as necessary.

Parents: please review your student’s agenda planner nightly. It is your guide to classroom activities and expectations.

For answers to questions and concerns not covered in this handbook, please speak with a CMS teacher or administrator. The CMS staff appreciates your interest, cooperation, involvement and continued support of our outstanding middle school program.

Visit Chamblee Middle School on the World Wide Web!

http://www.dekalb.K12.ga.us/~chambleems/

The website has a wealth of information including updates to the calendar of events, with the calendar link on the left side.

HOMEWORK / ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS???

School Notes.com

To get updates or assignments: go to www.schoolnotes.com
(enter zip code – 30341, then click on Chamblee Middle School at the very top of screen, then on the teacher page)

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

At Chamblee Middle School, the rights of each student to learn and each teacher to teach will be protected at all times. Any student behavior which interferes with these rights will be subject to swift and consistent disciplinary actions.

The DeKalb County Board of Education follows a system-wide approach to student discipline. Each year every student receives the Student Rights and Responsibilities Booklet which gives specific information regarding unacceptable behavior and the consequences for such behavior. Parents are asked to return the signed form located on the front of brochure, indicating that they have read and understand this booklet.

Students and parents must read and understand DeKalb County’s Student Rights and Responsibilities Booklet. During the first week of the school year, this booklet will be discussed in class and students will be tested on its contents.

Academic Honesty

At Chamblee Middle School, students are expected to practice academic honesty. If cheating should occur, the teacher will inform an Assistant Principal, Counselor and the student’s parent(s). The student(s) involved in academic dishonesty will receive a zero for the quiz, test, assignment, or activity in which it happened. The zero will be averaged with all other grades to arrive at a final grade.

The following actions are examples of academic dishonesty:

Ø Using unauthorized materials in a quiz, test, or exam.

Ø Receiving unauthorized information on a quiz, test, or exam.

Ø Knowingly giving information to another student in a quiz, test, or exam.

Ø Giving specific questions / answers to a student who has not yet taken the quiz, test, or exam.

Ø Turning in someone else’s work to receive credit.

Ø Plagiarizing

• Changing grades

TRANSPORTATION

(buses and parent drop-off/pick-up)

Riding a school bus is a privilege, not a right. Proper behavior is expected while waiting, loading, riding and unloading. Students are expected to arrive at least 5-7 minutes before the designated departure time of their bus – morning and afternoon. The school bus is an extension of the CMS campus. All school rules apply while a student is being transported to and from school or to and from school-sponsored activities.

Unless participating in a school sponsored activity, students must be picked up by 4:00 PM. In addition, your child should be picked up promptly from other events, sports, dances, clubs etc.

Parents must provide transportation for students who must stay after school for disciplinary purposes.

Students who want to ride a school bus (other than their assigned bus) with another student after school must bring a note to the Attendance Office from their parents requesting permission to do so. This note must be presented at the beginning of the school day, before classes start, to be verified so that a bus pass may be issued.

Students must have a form signed by parents and on file in the main office to take MARTA.

Due to the number of buses that Chamblee Middle School utilizes, only buses are allowed to access the CMS parking lots (there are two parking lots) between the hours of 8:00 am to 8:30 am and 3:30 pm to 4:10 pm. NO CARS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE CHAMBLEE MIDDLE SCHOOL PARKING LOTS DURING THOSE TIMES, EXCEPT FOR STUDENT DROP-OFF. This is a safety issue due to the number of school buses that Chamblee has and the limited space on campus for parking.

For student pick-up in the afternoon, all students should be picked up on Sandlewood Lane. We are requesting that parents go around the block and line up on the right hand side of Sandlewood. Please do not block driveways and remain in your car. Car riders will be dismissed at 3:55 and directed to this area and you won’t be blocked in by buses. In the event of rainy weather, parents may drive to the front of the school, but only after buses have left.

All bus riders will be dropped off and picked up in one of two parking lots on the school campus. MAGNET AND SHUTTLE BUSES will drop off and pick up in the front of the building at the front entrance. RESIDENT BUSES will drop off and pick up in the parking lot next to the gym entrance.

HALLWAY CONDUCT

Students will be asked to walk to the right at all times (just like driving). In addition, they must utilize a moderate “inside voice”. The passes in the agenda planners are utilized for students in the halls at times other than class changes.

CAFETERIA CONDUCT

Ø Students will go as a group with their teacher (depending on assigned lunch) to and from the cafeteria.

Ø Students should move quietly through the halls in order to not disturb classes in session; enter the cafeteria in an orderly fashion; and proceed through a serving line or (if bringing lunch from home) go directly to their designated table.

Ø Students must get all food, drinks, tableware and other items as they go through the line. Once seated, students may not get up until they are dismissed.

Ø Students are expected to use good table manners and speak in a moderate volume.

Ø At the conclusion of the lunch period, students will check their area to see that it is clean, picking up any dropped food and trash. Then, table-by-table, students will take trash and trays to the trashcans.

Ø Food and drinks should not be removed from the cafeteria.

Ø Students will line up in the designated area and wait quietly for their teachers to return with them to class.

In-school suspension (ISS)

For certain rule violations, students may be placed in the In-School Suspension program. As students are assigned to ISS, they and their parents will be given more specific information regarding the expectations by way of a contract that all parties will sign. Because ISS is considered suspension, students assigned to ISS may not attend nor participate in extracurricular activities during the suspension period.

DRESS CODE POLICY

Chamblee Middle School’s motto is “High Expectations Produce High Achievement”. In keeping with this ideology and in compliance with the DeKalb County guidelines, all CMS students are required to observe the following Dress Code Policy.

Neatness, cleanliness, and appropriate dress are expected of all CMS students at all times. Listed next are the dress code rules students must follow:

BOTTOMS: Skirts, jumpers, skorts, capris, pants or shorts may be worn and must fall no shorter than 4” above the knee in front AND with or w/o leggings. Pants and shorts must fit on the waist. NO excessively baggy pants or pants that drag the floor. Pajamas are not acceptable. Very tight clothing is not appropriate.

TOPS: Spaghetti straps, tank tops or low cut necklines and gaps of bare skin (midriff) between tops and bottoms are not acceptable attire.

SHIRTS: Shirts must not be excessively baggy and must be no longer than hip length.

SHOES: Any shoes that come off easily or have high heels or platforms pose a danger of tripping and are not appropriate for school. Students must wear proper athletic shoes for PE.

NO FLIP FLOPS OR SHOWER SHOES.

HEADGEAR: No hats, bandanas, “do rags”, goggles or sunglasses. In addition, hoods may not be worn on your head during the school day.

BELTS: No cloth belts.

STRING BAGS: Not allowed in hallways

LARGE WINTER COATS: Must stay in locker during school day.

All students must adhere to the DCSS Dress Code as stated in the Students Rights and Responsibilities Booklet. To avoid disruption to the academic day, students in violation of the district-wide dress code will be given the option of calling a parent for a change of clothes or exchanging the inappropriate items for items from the CMS closet. CLEANED CMS items should be returned to the school ASAP. In addition, parents of students in violation of the dress code will be contacted.

.

ACADEMICS

In the classroom, students are expected to:

Ø Apply themselves attentively and constructively to all instructional activities.

Ø Respect the rights of others in the classroom.

Ø Listen with an open mind and without ridicule to the ideas and opinions of others.

Ø Bring the necessary books and materials to class each day, including an agenda planner.

Ø Utilize an agenda planner to keep track of assignments.

Curriculum

Chamblee Middle School has been carefully designed to meet the unique needs and characteristics of the early adolescent, while following District, State and Federal standards. The CMS curriculum is content-driven, data-driven and student-centered. Inter-disciplinary teaching teams provide a solid foundation of academic core courses and connection courses. CMS offers well-planned transition programs and an effective, proactive counseling/advisor program. CMS also offers a structured extended learning time period which provides for academic enhancement.

Grading System

All final grades are recorded numerically:

Students accepted into Spanish or German year-long programs must commit to 2 years of this language to receive high school credit. A passing grade in seventh and eighth grade is necessary to receive one Carnegie unit.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

A student’s grade point average (GPA) is important. Participation in athletic and extracurricular activities in middle school and in high school depends upon maintaining an acceptable GPA. Grade point averages in the DeKalb County School System are normally computed on a 4.0 scale:

A=4 B=3 C=2 D=1 F=0

Use the following formula to determine GPA. The two 9-week grades for the connections and ELT in a semester should be averaged. The two 9-week grades for P.E./Health should be averaged. Total these averages and ADD the remaining semester class grades and divide by 7. Feel free to contact our student’s teachers about grades at any time.

RECOGNITION

At the end of each semester, students with all “A’s”, as well as “A/B” students, receive special Academic recognition. Students receiving C’s, D’s, or F’s in any subject on Progress Reports (this includes Connections, PE and/or Health) will not be awarded an academic honor. Character awards are also presented. Final selection for Honors recognition will be determined through the 2nd semester, 9-week progress report to allow time for ordering of certificates and trophies.

Magnet Program for High Achievers

Chamblee Middle School houses the 7th and 8th grades of DeKalb County’s premier Magnet Program for High Achievers. This program attracts students from throughout DeKalb County who possess the intellectual potential and functional ability to achieve in a rigorous interdisciplinary and comprehensive academic environment. All subject area classes are taught at an accelerated level utilizing a “gifted education” model. Foreign language is considered core content beginning with 7th grade.

Throughout the Magnet Program curriculum, emphasis is placed on:

Ø Higher order critical thinking skills;

Ø Creative and cooperative teaching and learning strategies;

Ø Extensive computer-based instruction.

Students in the Magnet Program must maintain an 80 average in their core classes (math, science, social studies, language arts and German) and no grade may be below a 71 (C) each semester. Students who do not meet this criteria for two consecutive semesters must exit the magnet program and enroll in their home school. Further, any student not meeting promotion requirements will automatically be exited from the magnet program and must return to their home school.

Parent Visits to the Classroom

Parents of currently enrolled students may want to visit individual classrooms that their child is enrolled in. Please follow these guidelines:

Ø Sign in at the Security desk, receive a visitor’s pass, and remain at security desk to be escorted to the classroom by Campus Security.

Ø Because of heightened security, scheduled visits are highly advised.

Ø Refrain from engaging the attention of the teacher or students through conversation or other means.

Ø Visits cannot be made during standardized testing.

SUPPORT SERVICES

Counseling and Guidance

The counseling and guidance program at Chamblee Middle School is designed to help students reach their academic and social potentials, thereby improving student achievement. Learning to Live, Learning to Learn and Learning to Work are the domains through which the following services are rendered:

Ø Assist student and parent in planning the student’s program of studies.

Ø Provide individual, group and classroom guidance, as well as counseling with personal, social and academic concerns.

Ø Assisting students and parents in understanding test results, learning styles and academic growth skills.

Ø Providing post high school information and guidance.

Ø School entry and exit information.

Parents may phone for an appointment with their student’s counselor. Please leave a message if necessary. All calls will be returned promptly and a conference time will be scheduled.

Students who wish to meet with the counselor may sign the counselor’s clipboard in the counseling center. The counselor will see the student at the earliest possible opportunity. Students may also ask their teacher or principal for permission to see the counselor.

Counselor assignments change every year to enable the counselors to follow the students for all three years at CMS. This year the Counselor assignments are as follows:

Robert Rice: 7C, 8A, & 8B

678-874-8227 robert_e_rice@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us

Nerida Edwards: 6A & 8C

678-874-8228 nerida_k_edwards@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us

Bree Winkler: 7A, 7B, 7D, & 8D

678-874-8229 bree_winkler@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us

Student Support Team (SST)

The Student Support Team (SST) is a resource team to promote the academic and behavioral success of every CMS student. The SST is made up of the student’s teachers, counselor, school psychologist, an administrator and the parent. The team convenes weekly to provide early intervention and to remain updated on the progress of students referred.

Special needs

The DeKalb School System has a long history of care and concern for youngsters who present unique problems requiring special services. Professionals with specialized training serve these children with specific needs. The services are provided through the Department of Support Services which is a county wide support program consisting of multiple service areas. The department is located on the East DeKalb Campus, 5867 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Special Education: 678-676-1800

Psychological Services: 678-676-1813

Speech & Language Services: 678-676-1812

ABSENCES

Parents and students are asked to agree that the most important place a student can be during the school day is in class. If an absence is unavoidable (due to illness, for instance), parents should phone CMS Attendance Office each morning to report their student’s absence and provide information as to when the student may be expected to return to school. Parents who do not phone CMS about their student’s absence will be called by the automated attendance system. Therefore, it is important that current home and work phone numbers are on file with Chamblee Middle School. A note explaining a student’s absence and including a parent’s daytime phone number is also required for the student’s file when the student returns to school. If parent contact has not been made or a note received, the absence will be “unexcused”. Students who have unexcused absences cannot make-up missed work and will receive zeros for daily work, tests, and homework.

Excused absences are defined as:

Ø A personal illness

Ø A death in the family

Ø A religious holiday

Ø Instances in which attendance could be hazardous, as determined by the DeKalb County School System

Ø Service as a page in the Georgia General Assembly

Ø Military Service of Parent considerations

Tardiness

Tardiness is neither excused nor unexcused, regardless of the reason. Students are expected to be in school and in class on time. See DeKalb Student’s Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.

Check-In / Check-Out

Attendance office HOURS: 8:10 A.M. TO 3:30 P.M.

Any student arriving at CMS after 8:40 AM should report to the CMS Attendance Office and sign in. A parent must accompany the student or send in a note.

Taking students out of school during the day is strongly discouraged. However, if a student must leave school during the day, the student must check out properly. Parents will meet their student in the CMS Attendance Office to check out. To avoid classroom disruptions, parents should make prior arrangements with their student concerning the time of checkout. Students will be called to the Attendance Office upon parent arrival. An excused re-admit slip will be provided to the student in exchange for a note from the doctor/dentist office when the student returns to school. In general, because of the office personnel’s afternoon dismissal duties, please try not to check out a student after 3:30 pm.

A student will not be allowed to leave the campus with anyone other than his parent or legal guardian or those persons listed on the registration form. Identification, i.e. Driver’s License, is required before a student is released.

Illness at School / Medical Situations

There is no clinic at CMS. Please do not send ill students to school. Students who become ill during the day should go immediately to a classroom teacher or another responsible adult. When students become ill, parents will be notified and asked to pick up the student. It is very important that the current work and home telephone numbers for all CMS parents are on file in the CMS office. CMS personnel may not provide medications (including aspirin, acetaminophen, or other over-the-counter medications) to students. Students who must take prescribed medication must register the medication in the CMS Counseling Office. Non-prescribed medications also must be registered and left with the CMS Counseling Office. There is a medication form that should be signed and on file. Students will sign a logbook for all medication taken.

Homework / Make-Up Assignments

Homework and make-up assignments may be obtained through the CMS Counseling Center for excused absences of more than 3 days. For less than 3 days, students should use the “Buddy System” and call a classmate or check www.schoolnotes.com for teacher updates (zip code=30341)

Normally, it takes at least 24 hours from the time assignments are requested to collect assignments and other related materials from all the teachers involved.

The number of days of excused absence determines the length of time the student has to make up academic work. Normally, students receive one day of make-up time for each day absent. Teachers address makeup work during their planning period(s). Instruction is not interrupted to secure assignments.

FINAL EXAMS

Final exams will always occur the last two days of each semester. It is very important that students are present for final exams. If a personal or family EMERGENCY occurs and final exams are missed, parents should see the counselor to discuss other options. Missing final exams is strongly discouraged and can negatively impact your final grade.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Address and Phone Number Changes

If a student’s phone number or address changes during the school year, please notify the CMS Registrar to provide documentation and update school records. Because CMS deals directly with parents in the event of emergencies, attendance or disciplinary situations, it is very important that home address and phone number records, and parent(s) work numbers are up-to-date. Addresses that are found to be incorrect (through returned mail, etc.) will be provided to the DeKalb County School System to confirm that the student is still in the CMS attendance area.

Announcements

Daily announcements are usually made at the beginning of the day at 8:40 a.m. Students should be quiet during announcements, listen carefully and take notes if necessary. Any afternoon announcements will be of an urgent nature (i.e., practice cancellations, bus changes, etc.) and will be made at 3:50 PM. Students should listen carefully to afternoon announcements.

Books

Textbooks are issued to each student by Chamblee Middle School and are the property of the DeKalb County School System. Students are responsible for:

Ø Having their textbooks available for class work at all times.

Ø Keeping the books in good condition.

Ø Returning the books at the end of the semester or school year (depending upon the length of the class) or at the time of withdrawal from CMS.

The student to whom textbooks were assigned must pay for any of those books that are lost, damaged or stolen.

Book Bags

Book bags may be used to carry books to and from school. However, once a student arrives at CMS, all book bags are to be stored in students’ assigned lockers. Book bags may not be taken to class, lunch, PE (Physical Education) or carried in the hallways. Students are encouraged to keep their lockers neat, orderly and well-organized so that each locker visit results in their quickly obtaining the right books, supplies and materials for each class. Rolling book bags will not fit in a typical middle school locker.

Checks

Checks may be written for school or PTSA expenses at Open House only. All fundraisers, athletics, field trips and clubs must be paid by money order or cash. Checks must be imprinted with the account-holder’s name, address, and telephone number. If your child’s last name is different from the name on the check, please indicate this in the “for” section on the left bottom side of your check. “Bad checks” (checks returned for insufficient funds, “NSF”) must be redeemed for cash for the amount of the check plus a $25.00 additional charge that is collected to cover the amount the bank charges CMS to handle this check.

Forgotten Items AND Messages

PHONE MESSAGES FOR STUDENTS MUST BE RESTRICTED TO TRUE EMERGENCIES ONLY!

Students can not be called out of class to come to the phone unless there is an emergency. CMS staff has been directed by the principal to ask the nature of the emergency. Some situations may require an administrator or counselor to counsel students receiving traumatic information. Non-emergency messages will be posted on the message board and students will be called to the office during afternoon announcements.

Deliveries of forgotten items or messages to students in class cause interruptions to instruction. CMS also does not have enough staff or volunteers to see that student messages and forgotten items are delivered in a timely manner. Therefore, such deliveries will be made only if a true emergency exists.

Although not encouraged, forgotten lunches, assignments, written messages from parents, etc. may be brought to school and left in the CMS Attendance Office. Students may check between classes for these items. Balloons and/or flowers may not be delivered to students during the school day. Such items cause a variety of problems in the classrooms and hallways and are not allowed on the buses.

Fund Raising / Solicitation

All fund raising conducted by CMS personnel, students, or booster clubs must be approved in writing by the principal. Students are prohibited from selling items that do not fall within the intent of this policy. Additionally, middle school students are not allowed to go door-to-door selling items unless accompanied by a parent; nor can items be sold at school during the educational day.

Locks and Lockers

A locker is issued to each student at the beginning of each year. For your protection, do not share lockers. Daily locker schedules are determined by each team.

Students should not give their lock combinations to friends. Locker clean-outs and unannounced locker checks may be conducted several times during the school year. If any prohibited items are found in a locker, the student who is assigned to that locker will bear any disciplinary action(s).

Gym lockers may be used only during the student’s assigned PE class and secured with a lock. Please secure your belongings while in PE. No electronic devices are allowed in the gym or locker rooms.

Cell Phones, Pagers, and other electronic communication devices

The DeKalb County School System prohibits student use of cell phones, pagers, or other electronic devices during the school day. A parent or guardian will have to retrieve confiscated items. Student cell phones should be kept in lockers.

Lost and Found / Valuables

Lost and Found is located in the CMS Attendance Office. Students may check this area for lost items. Unclaimed items are donated monthly to charitable organizations. Students are encouraged to keep their books, purses, and other personal items in their lockers or with them at all times. In addition, these items should be clearly marked with the student’s name. Parents are always welcome to come look for lost items.

Meals (Breakfast / Lunch) Program

Breakfast is served daily from 8:00 AM until 8:35 AM for $1.00. School lunches, which include one half-pint of milk, are available for $1.75 each. Students may bring their own food and drink (no sodas) for lunch. Students may pay, in advance, for their breakfasts and/or lunches – by the week or by the month. DeKalb County policy does not permit charging a meal. Students may see an administrator or counselor in the case of occasional forgotten lunch money. For more information, contact the Cafeteria Manager.

A lunch payment alternative: www.MyLunchMoney.com

is a service where you can pay on line for your student’s lunch.

Also, for families who qualify, free or reduced-price breakfasts and lunches are available. Families who think they may be eligible are encouraged to investigate this possibility. Application forms are available at Open House and throughout the school year from the CMS Cafeteria Manager or the Main Office. A new form is required each year.

Parent Expectations

Parents are expected to take an active role at Chamblee Middle School. Parent involvement is crucial to student success at Chamblee Middle School. Volunteer opportunities are available for all parents. (For information on available placements, call an officer of PTSA). Parents who work outside the home are asked to check with their employer to determine if the employer offers “release time” for volunteering at school and/or conferencing with teachers. Please stay in touch with your child’s teachers. They can be reached through voice-mail, e-mail, or notes. Call the school office if you have difficulty reaching any CMS personnel.

Photo Identification Card

Every Chamblee Middle School student must have an official photo identification card. CMS will provide the first ID card free-of-charge; replacements for lost cards will cost $2.00 each. (After the 2nd replacement, $5.00 will be charged per replacement). Students should carry their photo ID card at all items.

Telephones

Students may use the telephone in the CMS Attendance Office to reach parents if needed.

Club/sports InFormation

(All information is subject to change)

academic quiz team

Start warming up those buzzer fingers and get ready to participate in the varsity sport of the mind. The CMS Quiz Team will have its first practices beginning Aug. 26. New members are welcome. 7^th grade will practice on Tuesday afternoons from 4 to 5:30 and 8^th grade will practice on Thursdays. Students on the team are selected for competition based on tryouts, but everyone is welcome to attend practice and hone their skills. We typically compete about 6-10 times a year, generally on Saturdays. First competition will be Sept. 27 at CMS. Others TBA.

Faculty Sponsor: John Donegan

Requirements: Open to all interested CMS students

Duration: All year

Parents/Volunteers Needed: Assistant coaches are welcome. If you always wanted to be Alex Trebek, this is your chance. Snack providers (these kids are hungry after school) and tournament drivers are also needed.

art club

The CMS Art Club has been designed to promote critical thinking and technical skills in order to bring about a cultural and aesthetic awareness in each student. This will be accomplished through experiences in studio production, art history, art criticism and evaluation. Art Club will be starting the first week of September. It is held on Wednesday and Friday mornings from 7:45 to 8:40. There is a $15.00 fee for the school year.

Faculty Sponsor: Molly Newton

Requirements: Open to all grade students.

BASEBALL

Dunwoody Park sponsors a baseball league for middle school teams in the fall and in the spring. Last year 12 teams competed. The fall league is open to all players who sign up. The spring league is a competitive league, and players must try out for the team. The CMS team is not affiliated with DeKalb County Schools. Players will have to join the league.

Faculty Sponsor: John Donegan

Requirements: Open to 7^th and 8^th grade baseball players. 8^th graders are also eligible to tryout for the high school JV team.

Duration: Fall League: August to October

Spring League: February to mid-April

Parents/Volunteers Needed: A good baseball coach (either a parent or other adult) and several parent assistants are definitely needed.

basketball (boys and girls)

wELCOME to the 2008-2009 CMS school year!

The boys & girls basketball teams at CMS are very excited and ready to fulfill all their high expectations for the season!! We are ready to have a lot of fun, but need support from our parents, community/friends, and sponsors. LET’S GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!

Faculty Sponsor: Caleb Nickerson (boys), Paul Ireland (girls)

Requirements: Qualifying 7^th & 8^th grade players based on tryouts which will be held in October. Players must have current physical and proof of insurance. Physical examinations will be held this year at CMS!!

Duration: October through January

Parents/Volunteers Needed: The squad needs parents of the players to provide snacks and drinks on game day and to assist with other activities including fundraising.

BETA CLUB

The purpose of The National Beta Club is to promote the ideas of character, service and leadership throughout the school and community. Students with high academic achievement and strong moral values are welcome. We are a “working” service organization. Our goal is to “lead by example.”

Faculty Sponsor: Kimberly Peddrew

Requirements: Qualifying students, all grades, 3.7 GPA

You must maintain a GPA of 3.5.

Band, jazz band and pep band

The Chamblee Middle School Band has enjoyed an outstanding reputation in performance since the inception of Chamblee Middle School in 1997. Consistently earning high ratings at the annual Georgia Music Educator’s Music Festival, it is our hope to be invited to perform at a state or national music educator’s conference in the near future.

Our seventh and eighth grade bands have performed at Georgia State University’s Rialto Theater, at Oglethorpe University’s Conant Performing Arts Center, and our eighth grade band at Walt Disney World’s “Magic Music Days”. We perform school concerts, at pep rallies, at PTA meetings, and at a high school football game. We also have a jazz band that begins sometime this fall and meets on Wednesday afternoons after school.

Faculty Directors: Greg Coile is a former band leader and trumpet soloist with the Army Band. He maintains his status as a professional musician, performing at major venues in the Atlanta area. Mr. Coile is also Chamblee Middle School’s Teacher of the Year for 2006. Carla Memmelaar is our new associate band director and has taught instrument music in DeKalb Co. for over twenty years. Her specialty in teaching woodwinds will be invaluable in raising the performance level of our band students. Please take the time to welcome her to CMS.

Uniform Requirements: Information about uniform requirements will be sent home ASAP.

Scheduled Events: All CMS band students are invited to perform with the CHS band at one football game, at a winter concert in December, at the District IV Band Festival in March, and at a spring concert in May. All 8^th grade band students may also perform in the stands with the Chamblee High School Marching Band at all home football games. Those students who participate will march at the Homecoming game and at the Chick-Fil-A Bowl in December. The 8^th grade band usually receives an invitation to perform at Walt Disney’s “Magic Music Days” in March each year.

Band Dues: A voluntary band dues contribution of $30.00 is really appreciated to help with the purchase of music, music supplies, instrument maintenance, and other items associated with the operation of our band. Students playing county instruments are also asked to pay an additional $20 maintenance fee.

Parent/Volunteers Needed: Parents play an active role as members of our band booster program. We need help with chaperoning students, transporting equipment, and serving on various committees. At each concert, help is needed to set up and take down chairs, music, stands, and percussion instruments. A band parent meeting will be scheduled in the near future.

BLACK HISTORY QUIZ TEAM

The Black History Quiz Team competes in the annual Black History Quiz Bowl at Columbia High School in February. The group focuses on the accomplishments of Africans and African-Americans. The tournament matches up schools from across DeKalb County in a round robin Quiz Bowl.

Faculty Sponsor: John Donegan & Kim Peddrew

Requirements: Open to all interested students. Team consists of 10-14 participants.

Duration: Practices last from November through February.

Parents/Volunteers Needed: Parents who are interested in serving as tournament aides (concession, transportation, and monitor).

Cheerleading—Basketball & Football

The CMS Cheerleaders motivate and encourage the football (tryouts held in May, with a mandatory July cheer camp) and basketball teams by leading game cheers, chants and performing various stunts. They promote school spirit by performing at school-sponsored pep rallies and assisting the coordination of Spirit Week during the month of January.

Coach: Sharon James & Arisika Delaney – Football; Sharon Morris - Basketball

Requirements: 7^th and 8^th grade students who exhibit leadership qualities and maintain academic excellence. Tryouts for Cheerleading are held in May, with a mandatory cheerleading camp in July. Before tryouts students must provide proof of insurance and a current physical.

Cheerleading Practice Times:

Basketball: Monday and Wednesday 4:00 – 6:30.

Football: Tuesday and Wednesday 4:00 – 6:30.

Duration: Football season: August - October

Basketball season: November - February

Parents/Volunteers Needed: No “team mom” – parents divide duties such as providing game snacks and fund raising among the entire squad.

CHORUS

Faculty Sponsor: Andrew Sudduth, Emilie Farmer

Requirements: Open to all students.

Duration: All year, meetings typically occur on Wednesdays.

Parents/Volunteers Needed: Parent involvement is encouraged and pianists are needed.

Drama Club

The Drama Club allows students to explore elements of the dramatic arts on stage and screen, while overcoming stage fright and learning public speaking skills. The Drama Club meets on Thursdays from 4:15 to 6:15.

Faculty Sponsor: Nick Frutiger

Requirements: $10 Dues for the Year

Parents/Volunteers Needed: Please contact me by e-mail if you have interest in helping with club meetings or a possible show.

ecology Club

Chamblee is Going Green! Anyone interested in joining The CMS Ecology Club can get forms from Dr. Rao, Ms. Italiano, Mrs. Curry, Coach Boston,and Coach Murphy. A table will be set up for Curriculum Night for parents and students.. We will have forms for T-shirts, Club Forms, and Sponsor a Bin. T- Shirts are $5.00 Club Dues will be $10.00 (this includes the T-shirt), and any family can sponsor a plastic bin for the classroom with their Family Name on it . First club meeting will be in September. The ecology Club will be doing a web-site, recycling, activism for the community and Atlanta, Campus classroom and beautification, and Field Trips. Parent volunteers are welcomed. Helping the Earth in the Classroom and the Community!

Faculty Sponsor: Tamara Hannan

football

The CMS Football team plays against other middle schools in the area. They play a 6 game season. The team begins practices before school starts in August and continues through the season.

Faculty Sponsor: Coach Jett and Coach Ireland

Requirements: Open to 7^th and 8^th grade students. No football experience is required. Students must pass 5 out of 7 classes taken during the previous semester. Before practicing all students must provide proof of insurance and a current physical.

Duration: August-October, Deadline for registration and fees is Sept. 7^th.

Parents/Volunteers Needed: Parents are needed for various activities such as creating the program and for moral support at the games!

heLEN RUFFIN READING BOWL

Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl, sponsored by Educational Media and the GA Association of Educators, will hold its 9^th year of the competition. Students will read 20 titles and answer questions about the books, engage in lively book group discussions and games. Students may sign up in the media center at the front desk to participate.

For more information, go to the DeKalb website and read about this year’s titles: www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/hrrb/

Faculty Sponsor: Emmy Dunsker

Requirements: Open to all students.

Duration: September – March

LITERARY MAGAZINE

Purpose: CMS Literary Magazine Club members compile and publish student work, highlighting poetry, essays and art created by our sixth, seventh and eighth grades students. Teachers submit work throughout the year. Students may submit their own personal work for possible publication as
well. Members also enter various literary composition contests throughout the year.

Requirements: Students must be dependable workers dedicated to the completion of a published magazine. Students must have proficient writing, editing, proofreading, and computer skills. A love of literature and writing is also a prerequisite.

Faculty Sponsor: Linda Chenoweth
Faculty Artistic Advisor: Molly Newton
Cost: Dues for T-shirt
Parents/volunteers needed: Alternate bringing snacks to share.

math team

The 7^th and 8^th grade math teams are organizations designed to expand and enrich basic classroom mathematical experiences. Team members vie for trophies and other awards as they match their skill against those of students from other schools in surrounding states. Topics from Pre-Algebra, Algebra I and Geometry comprise the curriculum covered in math team practices and competitions.

Faculty Sponsor: Kent Hite

Requirements: Students must take a qualifying test to fill the 25 positions on each grade level team. The test is given at the first practice.

Duration: September - April

Schedule of Events: TBA

mentoring programs,

peer helpers, peer tutoring, PEER LEaders

Mentoring Program – Nerida Edwards, Sponsor

The mentoring program is for students in need of an adult mentor. Students are nominated by parents, counselors, teachers and administrators, and reviewed by the counseling dept. The mentors select the child they believe they can help. The number of students served depends on the adult mentoring pool.

Peer Helpers – Bree Winkler, Sponsor

This year we will be training 7^th grade students in the peer tutoring program. All 7^th grade students may apply and go through an application and interview process. Students selected will be trained through a comprehensive program. Peer helpers help other students and assist in various school programs to improve the school climate.

Peer Tutors – Robert Rice, Sponsor

Peer tutors are trained to help other students with their academic problems. Peer tutors are recommended by teachers and interviewed for the program. Through the peer tutoring program, many students have found academic success and achievement.

Faculty Sponsor: Linda Chenoweth

Peer Leaders – All counselors, Sponsor

orchestra

Orchestra classes are offered every day throughout the year. The 6^th grade orchestra is an exciting introduction to a large group experience. The 7th and 8^th grade orchestra each participate annually in the GMEA District IV Orchestra Festival. Last year’s 8^th grade orchestra received Superiors, the highest rating at the Festival.

Faculty Sponsor: Earl Kuutti

Requirements: The required dress for each concert or performance is a white blouse, long black skirt, and black shoes for the girls and white tux shirt, black pants, black socks and black bowties for the guys.

Schedules Events: The orchestra will perform a minimum of four concerts this school year, including a fall, a winter, and a festival and end-of-year concert.

Costs: Parents are encouraged to pay the voluntary orchestra dues of $25 to help purchase music and instrument supplies

Parents/Volunteers Needed: Parents are encouraged to support the orchestra in various ways throughout the year. For each concert, help is needed to set up and take down the chairs, music stands, instruments and assist with receptions. Assistance is also needed for program preparation.

PEP SQUAD (“K-9 KRAZYS”)

Established in 2005, the goal of the K-9 Krazys is to promote school spirit in fun, creative ways. This year the squad will be involved during the football and basketball season. They will help the cheerleaders with Spirit Week, participate in the pep rallies, and attend the CMS football and home basketball games.

Faculty Sponsor: Lisa Lee

Requirements: Open to all students.

Meeting Time: To be determined

Duration: All year

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD

The Science Olympiad is an international nonprofit organization devoted to improving the quality of science education. The Science Olympiad tournaments are rigorous academic interscholastic competitions that consist of a series of individual and team events which students prepare for during the year.

Faculty Sponsor: Jonathan Streich

Requirements: Open to all students willing to attend event practices.

Competition: Region: Feb. 2, 2009 at Oglethorpe Univ. in Atlanta; State: Mar. 28, 2009 at Gainesville State University.

Parents/Volunteers Needed: Parents are needed to coach events and to provide materials and resources.

Student COuncil

This organization is ideal for mature students who have a vision of what middle school should be like. If elected by the student body to their grade-level offices, they will have a role in the decision-making process at CMS. Representatives meet regularly to discuss ways they can enhance student life at the school. In particular, the projects will include campus beautification, charity work for an outside agency servicing the community, and coordinating dances.

Faculty Sponsor: Edward Conner

Requirements: Election open to all students.

Meeting Time: To be determined.

Duration: September – April

tECHNOLOGY / NEWS BROADCASTING CREW

Students must interview and apply for this club. Permission notes for students to ride in private cars for on-site shoots also required. We could use parent volunteers for driving students to off-campus filming sites.

Faculty Sponsor: Emmy Dunsker

Requirements: Open to all students; limit 10 seats and preference given to 8^th grade students.

Meeting Time: Meeting times will vary depending on the group selected to participate. Students who do stay late until 5:00 must make arrangements to be picked up by a parent/guardian on time.

Duration: TBA

track (girls and boys)

The CMS Track Team will have its fourth season this spring.

Faculty Sponsors: Ben Smith (boys)

Terrance Jett (girls)

Requirements: Open to 7^th and 8^th grade students. Students must provide proof of insurance and current physical.

Meeting Time: To be determined

Duration: January – March

Contact: smith.ben74@yahoo.com, (678) 874-8202

Parents/Volunteers Needed: Parents of players to provide snacks and drinks at meets and to assist with other activities including fundraising.

volleyball

Chamblee High School offers volleyball at the middle school level open to 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade girls. Eighth grade girls are also eligible to compete on the 9^th grade team and the junior varsity teams.

Faculty Sponsor: Jane Boston

Requirements: Must provide proof of insurance and current physical before student can participate in activity.

Practice Times: Every day after school from 4:00-6:15 and at announced times before the school year starts.

Duration: The season runs through the first week of October. Intramurals are held in the spring from 4:00-6:00. Try-outs are also held during the spring. Open gyms and camps start as soon as school is out for the summer. Practice starts, usually, the last week of July.

Parents/ Volunteers Needed: Parents of players provide snacks and drinks for play-dates, assist with fundraising, serve as line judges and scorekeepers at matches and serve on different committees of the booster club (banquets, fundraising, senior night, etc.) We have a very active Chamblee Booster Club.

yearbook

Students who work on the yearbook attempt to capture the school year in visual form. Students actively help to create the yearbook by participating as photographers, writers and editors.

Faculty Sponsor: Carmen Bernard

Requirements: Open to 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade students willing to work.

Meeting Time: Monday-Friday 8:00-8:35am and Thursday by announcement only.

Duration: September - April

Parents/Volunteers Needed: The yearbook staff needs parents willing to attend sports competitions and other extracurricular activities to take pictures and to assist the staff with layouts. Parents are also needed to assist with soliciting “advertisements” from the business community in the local area.

YOUTH CRIME WATCH

The Youth Crime Watch is to help keep the school safe by monitoring halls and other activities under the supervision of Campus Security.

Faculty Sponsor: Officer Gore

Requirements: Open to all students

Times: Throughout the year during the school day.

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“Make a Difference – Be a Volunteer”

The Chamblee Middle School PTSA is looking for volunteers for the 2008-2009 school year. Current PTSA members have already committed to serve in a few of these positions, but we need more help. The following is a list of the various committee positions and a brief description. While some positions involve a focused, once a year commitment, others involve ongoing, yearly activities. Please look over this list and consider how your time and talents can benefit our children. If you have special interests not listed, please contact Kim Thompkins at 770-498-4960 or kimthompkins@gmail.com or Beverly Moon at 770-451-0645 or ghmoon@bellsouth.net and share your ideas.

Chamblee Middle School PTSA Committees

Advocacy

Dunwoody Chamblee Parents Council Representative - Attends the council meetings (first Wednesday of each month at 9 am) and reports to the PTSA.

Legislation and Advocacy - Attends PTSA day at the capital in February. Keeps abreast of relevant legislation and advocacy issues and keeps the PTSA informed.

Campus Activities

Field Day - Work with PE teachers to plan a day of fun and games for students. Coordinate volunteers.

School Pictures/Yearbook - Assists staff with school pictures, yearbook production and sales.

Campus Improvements

Campus Beautification - Identifies/implements improvements needed for the school building and grounds and organizes school campus clean-up days.

Lost and Found – Manages items lost and found. Makes monthly donations of items to local charities.

Career Day

Career Day Committee - Coordinates with the Counseling Department, Faculty and Staff to provide a program that showcases various careers that may be of future interest to our students.

Communications

Summer Mailer – Writes and coordinates information for registration/open house and school readiness for summer mailing.

Bulldog Guide - Updates the comprehensive School Handbook with current information and has it available at Open House.

Bulldog Bulletin – Writes and coordinates weekly electronic newsletter.

Directory – Prepares and coordinates the publication of the school directory at the start of the school year.

PTSA Website – Coordinate and update Chamblee PTSA website.

Community Liaison

Partners in Ed – Liaison with school’s Partners in Education.

Chamblee Liaison – Liaison with feeder elementary schools and Chamblee High School.

Cultural Arts

Cultural Arts Programs - Works with teachers and staff to plan field trips and in-school educational activities for the students.

Reflections – The National PTA believes all children deserve a quality arts education and encourages students to pursue artistic expression through participation in its annual arts Reflections Program. The program offers students the opportunity to create works of art for fun and recognition. Students are encouraged to create and submit works of art in one or more of six areas: literature, musical composition, photography, visual arts (which includes art forms such as drawing, painting, print making, and collage), dance choreography and film/video production. In its more than 30-year history, the program has encouraged millions of students across the nation and in American schools overseas to create works of art.

Showcase – Work with staff to coordinate the Showcase Dessert Night in the spring.

Fund Raisers

Book Fair – This committee is responsible for planning, promoting, coordinating and executing the Scholastic Book Fairs that are held in the Fall and Spring. In addition to committee responsibilities, a significant number of volunteers are needed during the fairs to assist students/parents/teachers and to manage the cashier’s table.

Enrichment/PTSA Membership - This committee coordinates the membership drive for PTSA. They also assist in providing information to parents about the enrichment fund and how this helps the school. Assists at registration and throughout the year with collection of these funds and PTSA membership.

Magazine Sale - Plans and implements the fundraiser, including working with the vendor to coordinate the fundraising dates.

School Store/Spirit wear - Coordinates the design, ordering and sale of school clothing available at registration and throughout the year at school store and/or other events. Purchases items for the store. Works with teachers to provide needed supplies and supply list for school. Purchases supplies and runs the school store on Registration Day. Coordinates volunteers to open the store during the week.

General

Copying – Coordinate copy needs for teachers and staff.

Office Volunteers/School Tours - Coordinates volunteers to work in the school offices daily throughout the year. Provides volunteers to conduct tours of the school to new families – usually set up monthly - coordinates with principal.

Registration Day - Sets up and coordinates volunteers for Registration Day in August.

Health and Safety

Health and Safety - Works to increase students’ awareness of safety and health issues by coordinating educational events and activities, and gathering and distributing health and safety information. This committee also provides first aid products for Field Day.

Health Supplies - Works with the school secretary to purchase supplies for health and first aid needs during the school day.

Hospitality

General Hospitality - This committee provides refreshments, decorations, and volunteers for various PTSA functions between August and May. Provides refreshments for faculty/staff on 4 conference nights.

Teacher Appreciation - Plans a week filled with special things to honor our staff during Teacher Appreciation Week in the spring.

PTSA Representatives

Faculty Representatives – The “T” of PTSA is a teacher(s) who attends meetings as representatives of the Chamblee Middle School staff. The Faculty Representatives are the liaison between teachers and parents. The Representatives reports to the faculty and staff of upcoming events, needs of the PTSA, and/or makes suggestions or offers insight from a teacher point of view.

Student Representatives – The “S” of PTSA are students who attends meetings as representatives of the Chamblee Middle School. The Student Representatives are the liaison between students, teachers and parents. The Representatives reports to the students of upcoming events, needs of the PTSA, and/or makes suggestions or offers insight from a student perspective.

Publicity

Bulletin Boards - Plan, decorate and update the bulletin boards.

Sign Board - Coordinates with the principal to keep the school’s sign updated with relevant information.

Special Events

Special Events - Committee organizes a variety of activities throughout the year which are intended to facilitate relationships between the families, students, faculty and staff of Chamblee Middle School.

Team Parents

Team Parents – Coordinates volunteers for each team and lets the team leader know who to call when they need assistance. Helps with special events by grade/team level, i.e. 8^th grade graduation, field trips, etc.

Volunteer Coordinator
Volunteer Coordinator – This committee works to facilitate and improve the coordination of volunteers at Chamblee Middle School. Typically this committee compiles the volunteer forms (which are completed by parents on Registration Day/Open House) into a volunteer database, and distributes to the committee chairpersons a list of all of the parents who have volunteered to assist with their committee. The volunteer database and spreadsheets are developed within the first week or two of school and are updated as necessary.

CHAMBLEE MIDDLE SCHOOL

Faculty & Staff / 2008-2009