WARREN COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL
200 Caldwell Street • McMinnville, TN 37110 • (931) 473-6557 or 473-6558 • Fax (931) 473-2432
Principal Assistant Principals Dean of Students Athletic Director
Gerald Tidwell Farrah Griffith Monty Childers Betsy McBride
Alisa Rice
Dear Parents & Students:
Welcome to Warren County Middle School, one of the finest middle schools in the state of Tennessee! Since its inception in 1994, WCMS students have been highly successful in attaining high levels of learning and also have excelled in many extracurricular activities and sports. Whether you are returning to WCMS as a 7th or 8th grader, or if this is your first year as a 6th grader or a new student, we encourage you to welcome the opportunity to continue the “Tradition of Excellence” at this extraordinary school.
We want you to have a wonderful experience during your time here at WCMS. You will learn to respond to high expectations set by your teachers, and as a result you will achieve success as you never have before. Students are expected to give their best effort each and every day as everyone works together to prepare you to be successful in ALL of your academic classes. Our teachers and staff are many of the best educators in Warren County, and they are here to help you do whatever it takes to succeed. They will spend a tremendous amount of time with you to assist you in “learning” but YOU must provide the effort and determination required to succeed.
This upcoming school year, we start preparing for a new end of the year state assessment called TNReady. This new assessment requires students to demonstrate their learning and to justify their answers rather than just answering multiple choice questions. The assessment will be taken on-line and will require students to be able to successfully navigate through the testing platform. This means students must have a sound knowledge base of how to manage and operate a computer system. Our overall assessment challenge is huge but we will successfully meet this challenge by continuing to give a great effort in everything we do and by continually searching for new and innovative practices to improve student learning.
Parents, we encourage you to stay involved in your child’s education by encouraging them to read, making sure their homework and assignments are complete, and by insisting that they are in school each and every day. Insist that your child remains in school all day, not checking out during the day to leave unless it is an absolute necessity. Please make every effort to make doctor’s/dentist’s appointments after school whenever possible. We need your child in class in order to receive the proper instruction needed to master the curriculum.
In this assignment book you will find important handbook information pertaining to our middle school. Please read all items carefully. All students are responsible for knowing the contents of the handbook. After reading the handbook, parents and students should sign the form included in the registration packet denoting that you have reviewed the handbook. After signing, please return to your homebase teacher. As a middle school student, you are responsible for your own behavior. We want to make sure that you know and understand the high expectations set forth by your teachers and staff at WCMS.
Respectfully,
Gerald Tidwell
WCMS Principal
Middle School Team Assignments
TEAM NAME AND SUBJECT TAUGHT TEACHER ROOM
GRADE 6
NAVIGATORS
Science McKinley, Lynette: Team Leader 108
Math Rippy, Stephanie 110
English Griffith, Jessica 109
English Riggs, Marsha 107
Social Studies Riley, Lori 111
PROSPECTORS
Math Davis, Kim: Team Leader 105
Social Studies Roberts, Vicki 103
English Adcock, Kirsten 101
Science Watson, Jeff 104
English Elam, Stacey 106
TRAILBLAZERS
Science Jennings, Debbie: Team Leader 114
Math Blankenship, Mary Ann 115
English Kelly, Patty 117
Social Studies Cocke, Jacob 119
English Riggs, Marsha 107
GRADE 7
CROCKETT’S ROCKETS
English Hobbs, Stephanie: Team Leader 214
Social Studies Jacobs, James 219
English Bragg, Lynn 218
Science Childers, Salli 215
Math Powers, Joel 217
PATHFINDERS
English Gibbs, Amanda: Team Leader 210
Science Stewart, Kelly 211
Math Powers, Mary Jo 212
Social Studies Jackson, Matt 207
English Harmon, Megan 208
GRADE 8
BOONE’S BEARS
Math, Core I Carter, Angie: Team Leader 352-RA
English Mayberry, Caroll Lee 345-RA
English Weeter, Kristy 341-RA
Science Heath, Jennifer 356-RA
Social Studies Hillis, Steve 354-RA
DISCOVERERS
Social Studies Brownyard, Alan: Team Leader 205
English Loftis, Jane Anne 203
English Carden, Joanna 201
Math Williams, Connie 204
Science Lokey, Sarah 202
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
ESL: Grades 6-8 Hale, Carrie 358-RA
6th Grade Resource Starkey, Alanna 113
7th Grade Resource Myers, Courtney 213
8th Grade Resource Ortez, Jennie 214-A
Special Education, CDC I Hillis, Greg 353-RA
Special Education, Ext. Resource Dinwiddie, Leigh 102
Special Education, Ext. Resource Payne, Mary 112
Behavior Program Dragon, Heather 254-RA
Read 180 Virginia Prater 349-RA
RTI Math Fuston, Kara 116
RTI Math Clayborne, Kelly 216
RTI Reading Hitchcock, Jacqueline 202A
RTI Reading Fuston, Randi 343-RA
Fast Forword Gonder, Donna 206 A-B
Gifted Neal, Carol 118
Study Skills Mason, Lori Balcony B
RELATED ARTS
THE ARTS AND SCIENCES
Library/Media Specialist Prater, Syd: Team Leader Library
Art Hutchings, Ann 351-RA
Band Clark, Josh Band Room
Computer Technology I Barrett, Susan 344-RA
Computer Technology III Redmon, Cindy 241-RA/B
Technology Britton, Joyce RA 342
Teen Living Hill, Michelle 243-RA
PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEAM
Physical Education McBride, Betsy: Team Leader Gym
Physical Education Phillips, Isaiah Gym
Physical Education Underhill, Larry Gym
Physical Education Patrick, Ashley Gym
GUIDANCE
Guidance Counselor Childress, Rosemary 204-A
Smith, Stacy 204-A
OFFICE/INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANTS
Secretary Nunley, Kim Psychologist Dr. Kelly Eckenrod
Attendance Holmes, Kim School Nurse Duvall, Lesa
Bookkeeping Simmons, Glynn SRO Pennington, Bobby
Receptionist Vaughn, Tisha Lead Custodian Kirby, Pam
Materials Clerk Bullens, Lynn Night Custodian Barrickman, Ronnie
Teacher Assistant Gawel, Susan Maintenance Greg Pope
Teacher Assistant Eschenbacher, Donna
Teacher Assistant Winfrey, Sonja
Teacher Assistant Mullican, Charlotte
Teacher Assistant Weaver, Tina
Teacher Assistant Averyt, Wanda
Teacher Assistant Wright, Linda
Teacher Assistant Black, Fredia
Teacher Assistant Argo, Tracey
Teacher Assistant Foster, Carla
Teacher Assistant Evans, Ethan (part time)
Teacher Assistant Rodriquez, Rafaela
WARREN COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBOOK
MISSION STATEMENT
One Team, One Goal, High Levels of Learning for ALL!
MIDDLE SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY
The faculty of Warren County Middle School believes that middle school children have special needs and interests that must be met if a love of learning - lifelong learning - is to take place. We believe that our school environment must be student-centered and must provide a structured, orderly place for learning. We recognize the critical role of the middle school in the development of the total person.
We believe that a broad-based, child-centered curriculum designed to cater to the uniqueness of the early adolescent is a necessity. We further believe that the faculty and staff must develop a child-centered attitude that will allow children to search for answers to life’s questions.
We believe that fundamentals - reading, study skills, thinking skills - must be stressed if a child is to become academically capable. We believe that physical education and related arts classes must happen daily if a child is to become physically and mentally sound. We believe that extracurricular activities must be encouraged if a child is to become socially confident. We believe in the enhancement of each student’s self-esteem if a child is to become personally secure.
We believe that through the acquisition of skills and knowledge, each child can be assured the opportunity of attaining his or her greatest potential. By fostering good citizenship and a strong sense of self-worth, each child can be assured the opportunity of attaining a sense of belonging.
We maintain that with the decline in the social and moral fabric of our society, the hope for the future of our children is a cooperative effort among the school, the home, and the community.
We believe that ultimately it is our responsibility to provide a supportive, positive emotional climate in which students can learn. We believe that every child can learn and that every child can make a valuable contribution to the learning environment and to our greater society.
MIDDLE SCHOOL CONCEPT
We are committed to understanding and meeting the needs of early adolescents. As we examine, develop, and implement programs, activities, and practices, we strive to make them developmental and age-appropriate. As a result, we will work toward incorporating the following recognized components of exemplary middle schools.
- A staff which is knowledgeable about and committed to the early adolescent.
- Interdisciplinary Team Organization.
- An Advisor/Advisee Program
- An Exploratory Program.
- A curriculum based on the needs and characteristics of early adolescents.
- A wide variety of instructional strategies.
- A flexible master schedule.
- An emphasis on heterogeneous grouping with opportunities to group and regroup students within the block.
- The inclusion and collaborative model of special education.
- Administrators who are knowledgeable about and committed to middle school philosophy, programs,
and practices.
MIDDLE SCHOOL TERMS
ASI After School Instruction (3-5 pm)
D.E.A.R Drop everything and read. Students do this daily for 20-25 minutes during the day.
HOMEBASE The first class every student attends each morning where attendance is taken. During this time students will recite the Pledge of Allegiance, recognize a moment of silence, and hear the morning announcements.
I.C.U. Intensive Care Unit (for grades). Open during pe/related arts classes.
MIDDLE SCHOOL A school designed for the special needs of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.
PRIMETIME An extended time on Friday’s where teachers use as an opportunity to build relationships with their homebase students through a variety of planned activities.
RELATED ARTS Classes which may include art, computers, teen living, technology ed., study skills, FastForward Lab, RTI Math and ELA, etc.
SSI Saturday School Instruction (8-11 am)
TEAM A group between 85-150 students who share the same teachers and classes.
TEAM LEADER The teacher who organizes team activities and acts as the lead teacher.
TEAM MEETING A time when teachers, as a team, meet to discuss students’ needs and plan team and class activities.
INTRODUCTION
This handbook is designed to help you, as students and parents, prepare for the year. We believe that your full potential can only be realized in an environment that is safe and orderly, with each student taking responsibility for his or her actions. We expect only the best from our students, and we will continue to strive for excellence in all our programs. Please read this handbook carefully, and if you have any questions concerning rules and policies, do not hesitate to discuss them with your teacher or the administration.
HOMEWORK ORGANIZER PURPOSE
The purpose of this homework organizer is to help students become better organized. An organized student will do better in school. It is human nature that we try to remember too much; and the more we try to remember, the more we are apt to forget. It will be the student’s responsibility to take this to every class, every day. It is important to use this organizer daily as a tool or resource. As you do, you will find yourself spending less time trying to remember what it is that you are supposed to be doing each night after school.
TIPS FOR USING YOUR HOMEWORK ORGANIZER:
…As soon as any assignment is given, write it down on the dated page in the appropriate section.
....As soon as you complete the assignment, put a check in the box that follows each assignment.
....If you have been absent, schedule your make-up work into your schedule.
....Bring this book to school and class each and every day.
….The handbook is required and used as a hall pass.
THE ACADEMIC PROGRAM
All students will have the following core subjects:
- English (literature/reading/writing)
- Math (different levels of instruction)
- Science
- Social Studies
Other or additional classes will be assigned by Administrative staff based on need and availability.
Each student will be assigned to a “Team.” This team will serve as your child’s teachers in all academic
areas.
READING RENAISSANCE: D.E.A.R. TIME
The “READING RENAISSANCE” Program consists of several components. The “Accelerated Reader” Program has been the cornerstone of our reading program since becoming a middle school in 1994. The “STAR” component implemented in the fall of 1999 identifies each student’s reading level for prescriptive purposes.
Implemented Fall, 2000, “D.E.A.R. TIME”: “Drop Everything and Read” is based on the belief that good readers become great readers by reading. Twenty minutes has been built into the master schedule each day to provide an uninterrupted time for students to READ. They will be given options for their personal selections, with an emphasis placed on ACCELERATED READER books. This is not a study hall or a time for reading instruction, as students will have a regular reading class each day in addition to “D.E.A.R. Time.” This silent reading time will be in addition to the prescribed 20 minutes each night that we ask every student to do.
The impressive research on schools that have implemented this sustained silent reading time cite a rise in library circulation by as much as 150%, impressive growth on standardized reading tests, as well as significant improvement in student reading habits.
RELATED ARTS (EXPLORATORY PROGRAM)
As a part of the middle school program, students will be assigned different related arts/exploratory courses that will enrich and enhance the regular academic program. Students will participate in these programs in two, 55-minute segment blocks. One of these segments will include a physical education program for all students every day. (If the student participates in band, this will substitute for physical education.) The other segment will consist of the following: Art, Computer, Library, Fast ForWord, and Study Skills. In addition to the above, the 7th and 8th grades will also have Technology Education, Computer Applications, and Teen Living.
ICU PROGRAM
WCMS implemented a new remediation program during the 2012-2013 school year called “ICU”. The letters stand for the same thing they do in a hospital, Intensive Care Unit, but in our school setting it refers to a student’s grades. A student is sent to ICU when their classroom grade suffers due to a missed assignment, poor performance on an assignment or test, or due to not comprehending the curriculum being taught in the classroom. ICU can take place during homeroom, lunch, PE, Band and Related Arts classes. Our priority is on student learning, therefore, our ICU program will take precedence over anything offered outside of regular academic core curriculums. It is important that ICU is not viewed as punishment but as a great opportunity to make sure that none of our students fall behind in their academic learning.
RTI2
RTI2 stands for “Response to Intervention & Instruction”. It is a state mandated program designed to assist students who may need extra time and assistance developing their academic skills. The RTI program has 3 tiered levels at WCMS. Tier I is the regular classroom instruction that every student in the school receives by the classroom teacher. Tier II instruction is for students who have fallen a little behind and have not learned at the same rate as their peers. Instead of being left behind, these students are given at least an additional 30 minutes of instruction from an intervention teacher. This instruction is given in small groups of approximately six-ten students. Tier III is for students who have fallen behind and need more than an extra half hour to get caught up. Tier III students receive an additional 60 minutes of additional instruction from an intervention teacher. This instruction is usually given in small groups of three or less. It is important to note that since RTI2 is mandated by the state of Tennessee, parents do not have the option of their child being excused from Tier II/III instruction if it is proven to be needed.