1
Academics
• High level of academic rigor aligned with Arizona College and Career Ready Standards • Continual analysis of your child’s learning • Classes maintain a focus on critical thinking and problem solving.
• An increased emphasis on study skills prepares students for success in high school, college, and beyond.
• Daily use of technology in the classroom with SMART Boards and laptops enhances learning. • High school credit is offered in Spanish, algebra, and geometry.
• Two periods of language arts classes that include reading and writing.
Honors/Gifted Education
• These courses provide an accelerated pace of learning. • Honors classes are offered in all core content areas:
language arts, math, science and social studies (twice as many as most districts).
• Classes sustain an increased emphasis on critical thinking and reasoning skills.
Non-Core Electives
• Two non-core elective classes are offered every day for each student. (Most districts offer elective classes every other day.)
• Wide variety of electives (music, physical education, foreign language, art, computers, and more)
• Award-winning music programs allow students to select two music classes daily with no rental fees for instruments.
After-School Activities/Clubs
• More than 75 clubs and after-school activities are available, ranging from homework clubs to yearbook and exercise clubs to service clubs. • Late bus schedule accommodates working parents.* • All clubs, sports, and after-school activities are free
of charge.
• Availability of two sports programs allows students of all skill levels to participate.Electives
After-School Care
• Kid Zone is available for Connolly and ASPIRE students (Curry Elementary), Fees College Prep students (Rover Elementary), Ward students (at Ward), and Tempe Academy students (Broadmor Elementary).
• Boys and Girls Club is available for Fees College Prep students (Guadalupe), Gililland students (5th Street in Tempe) and Laird students (Tempe Multi-Generational Center).
• Buses take students to area Boys and Girls Clubs.
Environment
• Safety standards and procedures are strictly enforced at all times.
• Music is used to create an inviting atmosphere for enhanced learning.
• Dress code/uniform policy maintains a productive learning environment and keeps the focus on academic achievement.
*not available at Ward Traditional Academy or Tempe Academy of International Studies.
Welcome to Middle School!
T
empe Elementary School District offers a middle school program designed to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of your child. We hope you use this guide to discover the many opportunities available for your middle school student – and learn why a TD3 middle school is the best choice for your child.Address
2002 East Concorda Drive Tempe, Arizona 85282
Phone
(480) 967-8933
Absence Hotline: Ext. 4801
Fax (480) 929-9695 Websites www.tempeschools.org/connolly www.tempeschools.org/middleschool 2015-2016 School Hours 8:20 AM – 3:20 PM
1:30 PM early release every Friday
Office Hours 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM Principal Kathy Mullery Counselors Ruth Sharpe (480) 967-8933 Ext. 4816 [email protected] Gail Tronzo (480) 967-8933 Ext. 4817 [email protected]
C
onnolly Middle School’s mission is to prepare students for college and success in a globalsociety through rigorous coursework and critical thinking. Connolly Middle School is recognized as an Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) National Certified School and is proud to be one of 118 AVID National Demonstration School sites. Research validates that the AVID college-readiness system works for all students.
AVID’s proven methodologies implemented throughout each subject increase rigor and promote academic achievement for general, gifted, and special education students. It is driven by the WICOR (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, Reading) method, Costa’s Levels of Questioning, Cornell Notes, Socratic Seminars, and Philosophical Chairs.
Honors and advanced classes are available in language arts, geometry, algebra, science, social studies, art, and music. Connolly’s west campus is home of the ASPIRE Academy, which is designed for academically-gifted students in grades 6-8. ASPIRE (Actualizing Student Potential Increases Resilience and Excellence) students are challenged intellectually and creatively to reach their full potential. ASPIRE students must test in the 94th percentile or above in verbal, quantitative, or spatial areas and in the 85th percentile or above in an additional area on a state board approved test for gifted identification. Further information on the ASPIRE Academy, including the application form, is available at www.tempeschools.org/ASPIRE. Connolly strives to provide levels of acceleration and challenge in all required courses, as well as non-core elective programs. The fine arts program at Connolly offers outstanding opportunities to engage students in the visual and performing arts.
Connolly Middle School embraces a college-bound culture that is evident throughout the campus, where students are encouraged to take rigorous coursework and are held accountable to the highest standards.
Connolly
Middle School
“Whatever it takes, we are college bound!”
Concorda Dr. BROADWAY RD. M cCL IN TO CK DR . ALAMEDA DR. PR IC E RD . C ou nt ry C lu b W ay CONNOLLY CURRY Connolly Middle School
Attendance Area and Feeder Elementary
3
F
ees College Preparatory Middle School’s (FCPMS) mission is to create a school that knows nolimits to the academic success of each student. FCPMS provides a supportive academic environment to ensure that all students believe in their ability to attend college. The staff works closely with each student to help him/her accomplish individual goals that are relevant to his/her future success in high school and college. At FCPMS, we believe it is our responsibility and privilege to support and enable all students to be prepared for success in college. To prepare students for college, we aspire to maintain and support the following:
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program at each grade level
• 21st Century knowledge and skills (CCSS) • Honors classes at each grade level
• Advancement of the arts and culture for personal development
• Extracurricular academic support
Fees College Prep also offers a comprehensive honors program for the most ambitious students. Students participating in at least one honors class will be invited to apply to the Fees College Prep Honors Team. If accepted into the program, students commit to taking one fine arts elective every year, maintain at least a 3.5 grade point average in all classes, attend monthly workshops (designed to enhance and further their learning), and participate in quarterly field trips during the school day. Honors Team students are also placed in mentoring relationships with Honors faculty members throughout the school year.
New at Fees College Prep for the 2015-2016 school year is an addition to the Performing Arts department. FCPMS will offer dance (contemporary and urban) and theatre. Students in grades 6-8 can sign up for the semester-long class. The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) program is for students in grades 6-8. Students accepted will participate in a variety of hands-on STEM electives, integrated STEM core classes, evening events, a STEM field trip, and extracurricular clubs including Robotics and Biology.
“A school that knows no limits to the academic success of each student”
Fees
College Preparatory Middle School
Address
1600 East Watson Drive Tempe, Arizona 85283
Phone
(480) 897-6063
Absence Hotline: Ext. 5200
Fax (480) 838-0853 Websites www.tempeschools.org/feescollegeprep www.tempeschools.org/middleschool 2015-2016 School Hours 8:20 AM – 3:20 PM
1:30 PM early release every Friday
Office Hours 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM Principal Kacy S. Baxter Counselors Korie Dale (480) 897-6063 Ext. 5217 [email protected] James Keys (480) 897-6063 Ext. 5216 [email protected] BASELINE RD. RU RA L R D . GUADALUPE RD. Mc CL IN TO CK D R. FEES ROVER Watson Dr. Lak es ho re Dr .
• ACT assessment system for 8th grade students • College student mentor program
• College preparation strategies (SLANT, Cornell Notes, etc.)
• College information outreach • College oriented special events • College and career exploration
Gililland
Middle School
“D.R.I.V.E. to Excellence at GMS!”
G
ililland Middle School’s (GMS) mission is to achieve academic excellence through tradition,technology, and teamwork. By ensuring that their programs are well planned and aligned to Arizona’s College and Career Ready Standards, GMS provides students with the knowledge, understanding, and skills needed for further success as they transition from middle school to the demands of high school and college. Teachers, parents, and administrators work together to create a high level of academic rigor. Advanced placement (AP) classes are offered in language arts, math, social studies, and science. Teachers use instructional engagement strategies every day in every class to drive and improve achievement. Teachers constantly examine student data and differentiate their instruction to meet the individual needs of ALL students.
Technology integration is a core feature at GMS. Through a 21st Century grant, Gililland received a 1:1 ratio of computers to students in all language arts classrooms. Every day in every classroom, GMS students have access to laptops, SMART Boards, document cameras, and student response clickers that support a rigorous curriculum.
Gililland Middle School offers a variety of unique courses. Community Service and Learning focuses on environmental sustainability. The multimedia class works on presentations including video announcements, public service announcements, and blog postings. Students also produce videos, documentaries, and stop-motion animation movies. GMS provides a music technology elective where students can create music with the use of programs such as GarageBand. The guitar class provides a hands-on experience where students can learn at all levels to read music and play an acoustic guitar. In addition, students have an 80-minute math block every day, divided into equal periods of core instruction and math lab, which focuses on differentiated instruction for students.
Fine Arts is an essential component of the elective offerings at GMS. Art students are engaged in a wide variety of dynamic studio activities. The music performance classes have a long tradition of earning top awards at state music competitions, including being recognized by Phoenix Magazine for its band and orchestra programs as “Tops in the Valley.”
Address
1025 South Beck Avenue Tempe, Arizona 85281
Phone
(480) 966-7114
Absence Hotline: Ext. 5809
Fax (480) 829-6178 Websites www.tempeschools.org/gililland www.tempeschools.org/middleschool 2015-2016 School Hours 8:20 AM – 3:20 PM
1:30 PM early release every Friday
Office Hours 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM Principal JoLyn Gibbons Counselors Tamara Lewis (480) 966-7114 Ext. 5882 [email protected] Kristen Bryant (480) 966-7114 Ext. 5817 [email protected] PR IE ST D R. MI LL A VE . H ar dy D r. GILILLAND C ut ler D r. B ec k Av e. 18th St. 13th St. 11th St. HOLDEMAN UNIVERSITY DR. BROADWAY RD.
Gililland Middle School Attendance Area and
Feeder Elementary Schools
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Laird
School
Address
1500 North Scovel Street Tempe, Arizona 85281
Phone
(480) 941-2440
Absence Hotline: Ext. 6201
Fax (480) 970-4231 Websites www.tempeschools.org/laird www.tempeschools.org/middleschool 2015-2016 School Hours 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
2:10 PM early release every Friday
Office Hours
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Principal
Nancy Uxa, Ed.D
Counselor Danielle Juengel (480) 941-2440 Ext. 6216 [email protected] LAIRD LAIRD M cCL IN TO CK DR ./ H AYDE N R D . RU RA L R D ./ SC O TT SD A LE R D . McKELLIPS RD. CURRY RD. Weber Dr. M ill er Rd . Valerie Dr. Sc ov el S t.
“A K-8 School Achieving by Leaps and Bounds”
L
aird is a neighborhood school with an average middle school classroom size of 18; therefore, yourstudent will receive the individualized attention that all students need to succeed. Individualized education is implemented by providing one-on-one, small group and whole class instruction, school counseling services, electives that engage the middle school mind as well as after-school sports. At Laird, we prepare our students to be life-long learners. We encourage our students to be positive and responsible members of the local and global community. We provide a safe learning environment that is infused with rigor and high expectations. We have implemented a school-wide initiative called Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (P.B.I.S.), which entails proactive strategies for defining, teaching, and supporting appropriate student behaviors in the classroom and on campus in order to continue reinforcing our positive school environments and culture. We prepare our students for high school and college through:
• ACT assessment for 8th grade students
• Rigorous math courses that enable students to gain two years of high school credit • Language elective for one year of high school credit
At Laird, our gifted students will continue to receive small group instruction with our dedicated gifted teacher. For the third year in a row our students will compete in the LEGO robotics competition with several other schools in the Valley, and Laird will continue to partner with Arizona State University doctoral candidates from the Biology Department for an after-school biology club. We are an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) school. AVID is a college-readiness system with research validating its proven methodologies, which are implemented throughout each subject. These methodologies increase rigor and promote academic achievement for general, gifted, and special education students.
ASPIRE
Academy
A
SPIRE Academy is a school for academically gifted students in grades 6-8 who requireintellectual and creative challenges to reach their full potential. The Academy is designed for gifted middle school students who test in the 94th percentile or above in verbal, quantitative, or spatial areas and in the 85th percentile or above in an additional area on a state board-approved test for gifted identification.
ASPIRE students experience an accelerated curriculum that enables them to move quickly through academic content while allowing them to make high-level connections both within and across curricular areas, emphasizing depth and complexity in learning. Students in this fast-paced, challenging, and rigorous learning environment become more engaged and self-directed, as their learning becomes more personal, relevant, and meaningful. ASPIRE students are able to take algebra, geometry, and Spanish for high school credit.
The ASPIRE Academy uniquely offers Project Based Learning (PBL) electives in high-interest topics such as sustainability, forensics, theater, and electronics and math explorations. In these electives, students identify a problem of interest within these topics, undertake original research, and develop a product or service that successfully addresses that problem. They present their research and product or service development at a semi-annual Showcase of Learning, where they explain and defend their reasoning and design decisions in an authentic environment. The ASPIRE Academy offers a wide range of high-interest extra-curricular enrichment opportunities, including court-works, LEGO Robotics, Geeks Night Out and Citizenship Counts.
Our gifted-endorsed teachers address the different types and degrees of giftedness among their students as they make curricular, instructional, and assessment decisions in their lesson planning – ensuring both differentiation and enrichment in learning. ASPIRE Academy offers a unique opportunity for gifted learners and allows students to flourish intellectually, socially, and emotionally in a healthy atmosphere.
Address
2002 East Concorda Drive Tempe, Arizona 85282
Phone
(480) 967-8933 Ext. 4950 Absence Hotline: Ext. 4801
Fax (480) 929-9695 Websites www.tempeschools.org/ASPIRE www.tempeschools.org/Connolly www.tempeschools.org/middleschool 2015-2016 School Hours 8:20 AM – 3:20 PM
1:30 PM early release every Friday
Office Hours 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM Principal Kathy Mullery Coordinator Dr. Gerald Taylor Counselors Ruth Sharpe (480) 967-8933 Ext. 4816 [email protected] Gail Tronzo (480) 967-8933 Ext. 4817 [email protected] Concorda Dr. BROADWAY RD. M cCL IN TO CK DR . ALAMEDA DR. PR IC E RD . C ou nt ry C lu b W ay CONNOLLY CURRY ASPIRE
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Tempe
Academy
of International Studies - McKemy Campus
Address
2250 South College Avenue Tempe, Arizona 85282
Phone
(480) 459-5048
Absence Hotline: Ext. 6301
Fax (480) 621-6577 Websites www.tempeschools.org/tempeacademy www.tempeschools.org/middleschool 2015-2016 School Hours 8:20 AM - 3:20 PM Office Hours 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM Principal Marianne McMurrin Counselor Oanh Nguyen (480) 459-5048 [email protected] TEMPE ACADEMY BROADMOR MI LL A VE . RU RA L R D . BROADWAY RD. SOUTHERN AVE. Concorda Dr. Alameda Dr. Aepli Dr. C ol le ge Av e.
“Intellectually challenging. Academically rigorous. Globally connected.”
T
he Tempe Academy of International Studies, located on the McKemy campus, openedin August of 2013. We are a small, innovative school offering the premier International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IB MYP). Our school is designed for academically bright students in grades 6-8 who thrive in an intellectually rigorous learning environment. Students utilize cutting-edge technology tools to solve real-world problems and create a better, more peaceful world.
Tempe Academy is an International Baccalaureate (IB) candidate school, and we are on target to become an authorized IB World School by May 2015. IB World Schools share a common philosophy and an international-mindedness, a holistic view of teaching and learning, and a strong emphasis on communication and acquiring a second language.
All students take the following IB MYP courses at Tempe Academy: English language arts, humanities, mathematics, science, Spanish, design technology, performing arts, physical education, and visual arts. IB design technology choices include coding & gaming, news broadcasting, and yearbook. IB performing arts course options include band, music performing arts, orchestra, and theater. IB physical education options include exercise science, kinesiology, wellness & nutrition, and strength & conditioning. IB visual arts course options include ceramics, textile, and 2-D/3-D design.
We offer a 1:1 laptop initiative, providing students with a laptop as their primary tool for researching, collaborating, communicating, and creating. Each classroom is “state-of-the-art” offering a variety of technology tools to support and enhance student learning, including computers, projection units, and document cameras. A fully-equipped media space was created with unique “spaces” for reading, book checkout, book talks, author visits, and sharing of student projects.
The Tempe Academy of International Studies is a student-centered learning environment, where students feel valued, empowered, understood, and appreciated.
Ward
Traditional Academy
Address
1965 East Hermosa Drive Tempe, Arizona 85282
Phone
(480) 491-8871
Absence Hotline: Ext. 5301
Fax (480) 491-1710 Websites www.tempeschools.org/wta www.tempeschools.org/middleschool 2015-2016 School Hours 8:20 AM – 3:20 PM
1:30 PM early release every Friday
Office Hours 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM Principal Ardie Sturdivant Counselor Heather Fraser (480) 491-8871 [email protected] Mc CL IN TO CK D R. PR IC E R D ./ L O O P 1 01 SOUTHERN AVE. BASELINE RD. US 60 C ou nt ry C lu b W ay Hermosa Dr. Los F eliz WARD
“Ability - Excellence - Attitude”
W
ard Traditional Academy (WTA) provides a highly structured environment for gradesK-8. This includes accelerated curriculum for our students, strong parent involvement, and ongoing professional development for our faculty.
WTA bases its practices on the belief that all students have tremendous potential, and given the opportunity, they will achieve amazing levels of learning. Students in grades 6-8 rotate classrooms to accommodate accelerated math opportunities. Using the instructional techniques of direct instruction, children thrive in an energetic, intellectually rich, and enthusiastic environment.
Ward Traditional Academy uses a direct instructional model for all grades. Direct instruction refers to a rigorously developed method for teaching that emphasizes well-developed and carefully planned lessons designed around clearly defined and prescribed teaching tasks. It is research-based and has been used for more than 30 years. The goal of direct instruction is to accelerate learning by maximizing efficiency in the delivery of instruction.
The curriculum outlines the goals, lessons, and tasks, which the teacher presents to students. As students master the material, their activities become open-ended and student-guided. Lessons are fast-paced, sustaining students’ attention, encouraging thinking, and increasing opportunities to participate, while reducing discipline issues.
We associate the word traditional with a high level of structure, the use of the Spalding Instructional Method, curricular consistency, and uniforms. Our students are graded on an elevated grading scale and are held to the highest educational expectations. Along with the standard curriculum, additional classes are offered during the day, including technology, physical education, art, orchestra, and Spanish. Technology is offered every day as an additional core class for grades 6-8. Parents are required to complete 20 hours of service each year as a condition of enrollment.
9
Connolly Fees College Prep Gililland AcademyASPIRE School Laird Academy Tempe Traditional Ward Academy School Programs
AVID Program o o o
College Prep Programs o o o o o o o
STEM Program o
International Baccalaureate Candidate School o
All-day Gifted Program o
1:1 Computing o
Traditional Classroom Instruction o
Technology Integration o o o o o Honors/Gifted Classes o o o o o o o Honors Team o Math Lab o o K-8 School o o Grades 6-8 o o o o o Non-Core Electives
Three electives daily (see pg. 7 for details) o
Two electives daily, including up to two music classes o o o o o o
Visual Art o o o o o o
Honors Art* o o o
Computer Technology o o o o o o o
Family and Consumer Science o o
Physical Education o o o o o o o
Project Based Learning o o o
Community Service and Learning o o
Spanish o o o o o
Band o o o o o o o
Orchestra o o o o o o o
Symphony (Orchestra and Band Combined) o o
Jazz Band* o o o o
Choir o o o o o o
Beginning and Advanced Guitar o o o
Music Technology o o o o
Multimedia* o o
Miscellaneous Information
Application Required for Admission (no cost) o o
Free Music Instrument Rental o o o o o o o
Uniform Dress Code o o o o o
Free After-School Athletics and Clubs o o o o o o o
After-School Care (Kid Zone and/or Boys and Girls Club) o o o o o o o
Our
TD3 Middle Schools
at a Glance
Note: These classes were offered during the 2014-2015 school year. Future availability depends on interest and staffing.
Gifted and Honors Education
Tempe Elementary School District provides exceptional learning opportunities for gifted students. At the middle school level, gifted students are served through honors and advanced courses in the core areas of
language arts, math, science, and social studies.
Placement in honors and advanced classes is determined by established criteria such as gifted identification, high achievement scores, and teacher evaluation of performance.
Gifted middle school students in the Tempe Elementary School District have the opportunity to attend the
ASPIRE Academy, the District’s gifted middle school program for students in grades 6-8. To be eligible to
attend the ASPIRE Academy, students must score in the 94th percentile or higher in the verbal, quantitative, or spatial reasoning portion of a state-approved test for the identification of gifted students, and score at the 85th percentile or higher in a second area. Before and after-school opportunities include Courtworks, Robotics, Geeks Night Out, and college visits. Further information on the ASPIRE Academy, including an application form, is available at: www.tempeschools.org/ASPIRE.
The Fees College Prep Honors Team is another opportunity for gifted middle school students. Members must qualify for at least one honors class in a core academic area, they must be in one fine arts class (band, choir, orchestra, guitar, or art) and complete an application, which includes an essay and teacher recommendations. Selected students will benefit from honors and advanced curriculum with a fine arts emphasis. Students study together in many of the same high-level courses and experience enriching field trips to provide hands-on experience and engaging parent/student workshops held monthly on topics such as technology, geography, civics, engineering, college preparation, and giftedness.
Students who take honors math courses at any Tempe Elementary middle school are eligible to earn math credit at any high school in the Tempe Union High School District. Additional criteria may apply.
Questions regarding placement and offerings can be directed to the middle school counselor (see pages 2-8 for contact information).
11
Special Education Programs
Middle School Resource – Pull Out
Locations: All Middle Schools
The Middle School Resource Program is a cross-categorical program providing instruction for students with a special education eligibility, which impacts the ability to learn. Instruction is provided by the resource teacher in specific content areas of language arts and math, as determined by the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team. Students with a current IEP with pull-out as a placement would enroll in this class.
Middle School Resource – Inclusion
Locations: All Middle Schools
The Middle School Resource Program is a cross-categorical program providing instruction for students with a special education eligibility which impacts the ability to learn. Instruction is provided by the general education teacher in specific content areas of language arts and math with support by the special education staff within the general education classroom, as determined by the IEP team. Students with a current IEP with inclusion as a placement would enroll in this class.
PALS – Pupils with Alternate Learning Styles
Locations: Connolly, Fees College Prep
The PALS Program is a cross-categorical, self-contained program designed to provide appropriate academic instruction to enable students to function as independently as possible throughout their school years and transition to adult life. Instruction is significantly modified based on the needs identified in the student’s IEP. Students may spend the majority of their time in the self-contained PALS classroom. Students with a current IEP with PALS as a placement would enroll in this class.
PUPALS – Pupils Utilizing Practical Alternate Learning Styles
Location: Connolly
The PUPALS Program is a cross-categorical, self-contained program designed to provide appropriate academic instruction to enable students to function as independently as possible throughout their school years and transition to adult life. Students’ needs require direct instruction in more than one major life activity such as mobility, communication, self-care, and learning self-sufficiency. Students will spend the majority of their time in the self-contained PUPALS classroom. Students with a current IEP with PUPALS as a placement would enroll in this class.
SEALS – Structured Education for Alternate Learning Styles
Location: Fees College Prep
The SEALS Program is a cross-categorical, self-contained program designed for students in need of a highly organized visual classroom providing support for communication, sensory and social skills. Students will spend the majority of their time in the self-contained SEALS classroom. Students with a current IEP with SEALS as a placement would enroll in this class.
SPARK – School Program for Actualizing Responsible Kids
Location: Gililland
SPARK is a cross-categorical program that provides a highly structured environment with a lower student to teacher ratio that includes a positive behavior management system. Students’ time spent in the SPARK classroom may range from the majority of the day to periodic monitoring by staff, based upon student needs. Social skills development and counseling are an integral part of the program. Students with a current IEP with SPARK as a placement would enroll in this class.
SKILLS – Supporting Kids In Learning Life Skills
Location: Rover
The SKILLS Program is a cross-categorical, self-contained program designed for students who function in the moderate to profound and severe mental retardation range, are significantly below their peers in intellectual ability and adaptive behaviors, which adversely affects a child’s performance in a classroom setting. They also may have a variety of additional or secondary handicapping conditions including health-related issues. Students’ needs require extensive ongoing support in more than one major life activity such as mobility, communication, self-care, and learning self-sufficiency. The purpose of the program is to provide appropriate support to enable the students to function as independently as possible throughout their school years and transition to adult life.
Essential Skills Program
Location: Getz
The Essential Skills program is a K-8 cross categorical, self-contained program providing academic support for children with multiple disabilities. The Essential Skills program is for students functioning significantly below their peers in cognitive and self-care abilities that would impede their performance in a classroom setting. Health issues, ranging from digestive problems to breathing difficulties are often a concern for these students as well.
Athletics
Tempe Middle School Athletics
Tempe Middle Schools offer three sport seasons for your child to participate in. The Tempe Athletic Conference (TAC) provides a variety of opportunities for student athletes to improve their skill levels.
Tempe Athletic Conference –TAC
The TAC believes that competition should be fun and a significant part of a sound educational program. Athletic competition should demonstrate high standards of ethics and sportsmanship, and promote the development of good character and other important life skills. We also believe the highest potential of sports is achieved when participants are committed to pursuing victory with honor according to the six core principles:
1. Trustworthiness 4. Fairness
2. Respect 5. Caring
3. Responsibility 6. Good Citizenship
Prior to trying out for a TAC sport, students must complete an Athletic Participation packet. In addition, a physical examination summary must be filled out and signed by a physician. Free sports physicals are offered to students wishing to participate in the TAC. The physicals will take place as follows:
Saturday, July 18, 2015 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Gililland Middle School
Saturday, July 25, 2015 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Fees College Preparatory Middle School
Fall Winter Spring
Co-ed Soccer
(6th, 7th,8th grades) (6th, 7th and 8th grades)Boys Basketball (6th, 7th, 8th grades)Boys Baseball
Girls Volleyball
(6th, 7th, 8th grades) (6th, 7th, 8th grades)Co-ed Wrestling (6th, 7th, 8th grades)Girls Basketball
Co-ed Cross Country
(6th, 7th, 8th grades) (6th, 7th, 8th grades)Girls Softball (6th, 7th and 8th grades)Co-ed Spiritline
District Track Meet (PE Students
ONLY) (6th, 7th, 8th grades) (6th, 7th, 8th grades)Co-ed Spiritline
Sports by School
Connolly, Gililland, Fees College Prep Ward Traditional
Academy International Studies*Tempe Academy of Laird
Fall: Co-ed Cross Country, Co-ed
Soc-cer, Girls Volleyball Fall: Co-ed Cross Country, Co-ed Soccer Fall: Co-ed Cross Country, Girls Volleyball Fall: Soccer
Winter: Co-ed Wrestling, Boys
Bas-ketball, Co-ed Spiritline, Girls Softball, Co-ed Spiritline (optional)
Winter: Boys Basketball,
Co-ed Spiritline (optional) Co-ed Spiritline (optional)Winter: Boys Basketball, Co-ed Spiritline (optional)Winter: Boys Basketball,
Spring: Boys Baseball, Girls Basketball,
Co-ed Spiritline (optional)
Spring: Boys Baseball, Girls
Basketball, Co-ed Spiritline (optional)
Spring: Girls Basketball,
Co-ed Spiritline (optional) Co-ed Spiritline (optional)Spring: Girls Basketball,
Varsity Sports (6th, 7th, 8th grades): Co-ed Soccer, Co-ed Wrestling, Co-ed Cross Country, Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Boys
Baseball, Girls Softball, Co-ed Spiritline (optional)
Junior Varsity Sports (6th and 7th grades): Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Boys Baseball, Girls Softball, Co-ed Spiritline (optional)
*If a certain sport is not offered at Tempe Academy of International Studies (TAIS), student athletes who select to participate in TAC sports will play with Ward. If Ward does not participate in that specific sport, then the student athlete will participate with Connolly. Any student
13 All City Athletic Conference – ACAC
The ACAC is a program of the City of Tempe Recreation Department, developed through a partnership with the Tempe Elementary School District.
The goal of the ACAC is to increase the number of athletic and competitive opportunities for the young student athletes of TD3 and the community. There are no tryouts for these teams, and all games are played after school. The total time commitment for each athlete is approximately five hours per week.
To register and for more information, go to www.tempe.gov/sports/allcityallconference.htm or call 480-350-5200.
All City Athletic Conference (ACAC)
Fall Winter Spring
Boys Flag Football
(6th, 7th, 8th grades) Boys Basketball (6th, 7th, 8th grades) Girls Basketball (6th, 7th, 8th grades)
Girls Volleyball
General Information and
Frequently Asked Questions
Class Schedules
How do middle school schedules work?
All students in grades 6-8 take core classes to include language arts (reading/writing), math, social studies, and science. In addition, students will have opportu-nities to participate in electives. Students may take up to two electives daily. Electives include: vocal music, band, orchestra, physical education, Spanish, family and consumer science, art, and computers.
Factors in creating students’ schedules include not only student choice, but course availability, as well as a student’s academic needs. Therefore, school administrators may place students into math and/ or reading intervention classes in lieu of electives as needed.
When will my child and I know his/her schedule?
Schedules will be available in late July. Parents will receive information in the mail regarding the details of schedule pick-up. Please contact the middle school if your address changes, so information mailed to your home is deliverable.
Students must have current immunizations to receive their schedule.
Homework
How much homework should my child expect to bring home daily?
Homework is an integral part of education and is used to reinforce skills learned in the classroom. The amount of homework given in middle school
each week and ranges from 45 minutes minimum assigned to sixth-graders to 80 minutes maximum assigned to eighth-graders. In addition to home-work, middle school students are assigned a required amount of minutes to be spent reading each night.
Supplies
Which supplies will my child need on the first day of school?
The list of supplies varies according to your child’s teacher or team. Students should bring pens, pencils and paper for the first day of school. Teachers will inform the students of all other needed supplies. There are programs set up that allow for students to receive free school supplies if necessary. Many of the schools provide supplies to the students on a yearly basis.
Uniforms and IDs
Which middle schools have a uniform dress code?
Connolly Middle School, ASPIRE Academy, Fees College Preparatory Middle School, Laird School, and Ward Traditional Academy all have a uniform dress code. Please visit each school’s website to read a description of each uniform policy. The website addresses are listed on pages 2-8.
Is my child required to wear an ID badge?
Students are responsible for keeping their school ID on them at all times. Having students wear ID badges helps facilitate campus safety. At some schools, these cards are also used as library cards and for lunch pay-ment. Students’ first ID badge, lanyard and plastic The following is an overview of commonly asked questions about middle school. For more in-depth informa-tion, please visit the schools’ websites or the Middle School Information webpage at:
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Breakfast and Lunch
Can my child buy breakfast and lunch at school?
Providing healthy meals is a top priority of the Tempe Elementary School District. Our dedicated staff prepares nutritional breakfasts and lunches at our schools every school day. We also provide nutri-tious snacks at several after-school programs. You can find more information about school breakfast and lunch, including cost, on the District website at www.tempeschools.org/menus. You can also add money onto your child’s account from home. Visit mylunchmoney.com for more details.
Free and Reduced Meals
Meals are also available for free or at a reduced price. A child may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals if their household income falls within certain limits. You can find the Free and Reduced Meal Application form on the District website at www.tempeschools.org/NutritionServices. The approval process may take up to 10 days; however, we do make every effort to process your application as soon as possible.
Bus Schedules
How do I find out if my child will ride the bus and what his/her bus route will be?
Visit our school and bus route finder on the District website at www.tempeschools.org/SchoolSearch. Enter your child’s grade and your home address including zip code to view your child’s transportation and bus stop information. Bus information will be provided at the time of schedule pickup.
If you have additional questions, please visit
NOTE: Parents may choose to enroll their child at any of our middle schools; however, bus transportation is offered only to students who live within a school’s attendance area.
Attendance Areas
GILILLAND FEES TEMPE ACADEMY WARD LAIRD ASPIREWard Traditional Academy, ASPIRE Academy, and Tempe Academy of International Studies are open enroll-ment schools, therefore they do not have attendance areas.
