Magnet Middle School Mission Statement
Curriculum and Program Overview
Organizational Structure
School/Family Partnership
Arrival and Dismissal
Early Dismissal for Half Days
Delayed Opening
Emergency Closing
After School Activities/Late Bus
Absences
Tardiness
Early Pick-up/Visitors/Parking
Agenda Books/Homework
Advisory
Book Bags
Book Care
Clubs
Magnet Middle School Code of Conduct for Students
Bus Rules
Magnet Middle School Dress Code for Students
Student Use of Telephone
Internet Use
Lockers
Lost and Found
School Nurse
Cafeteria
Directory
Magnet Middle School Mission Statement
The Magnet Middle School respects the unique characteristics and individuality of emerging adolescents. Our staff, in partnership with parents and students, strives to develop independent and responsible learners in both heterogeneous and homogeneous groupings. Through our unique school culture, we address the physical, social, and emotional needs that further intellectual development.
While using an interdisciplinary approach to learning, special emphasis is placed on math, science, and technology. The school is strongly committed to implementing the principles of the Carnegie Foundation Report and the Coalition of Essential Schools.
Curriculum and Program Overview
The theme of the Magnet Middle School is math/science/technology. The interdisciplinary themes in sixth and seventh grades are built around objectives taken from science; in the eighth grade the curriculum is built around technology, an application of math and science.
Students are required to demonstrate the skills mastered during the middle school years by preparing an Exhibition at the end of the eighth grade. They will choose a particular technology and thoroughly investigate it. This culminates in student presentations of Exhibitions to teachers, classmates, parents, and community.
As a student at the Magnet Middle School you will be a member of a team which has approximately 100 students. You will be a member of this team for all of your middle school years; it acts in some ways like your school family.
We have two teams at each grade level: 6th grade teams are Turquoise and White; 7th grade teams are Silver and Black; 8th grade teams are Purple and Gold. You will be assigned to an advisory where one of your teachers will serve as your Advisor.
As you move through 6th, 7th, and 8th grades your team name will change: Turquoise becomes Silver, then Purple; White becomes Black, then Gold. Your guidance counselor will serve your team throughout your middle school years. Ms. Wendy Anderson is the counselor for Turquoise/Silver/Purple; Mrs. Elvia Chalmers is the counselor for White/Black/Gold.
Each grade level is assigned an
administrative liaison: Dr. Fine will work with the 6th grade, Mr. Tom Thompson
will work with the 7th grade, and Mr. Jennings will work with the 8th grade.
Organization of the Teams
| Grade Level | Grade 6 | Grade 7 | Grade 8 |
| Team Color | Turquoise | Silver | Purple |
| Team Color | White | Black | Gold |
Welcome to Magnet Middle School and our school/family partnership. We strive to work collaboratively to help young adolescents succeed in middle school and in later life. When parents, students, and teachers view one another as partners in education, a caring community forms. You, the students, are in the center of this partnership. It's the job of the parents and teachers to engage, guide, and motivate you as you develop into a young adult. Teachers and families reinforce the importance of school and homework. We are certain that you will find the school filled with many challenging opportunities.
You are expected to arrive at school on time. Please note the new school times for arrival and dismissal. Advisory begins promptly at 8:00 A.M. If you are a walker or are driven to school, please plan to arrive between 7:50 A.M. and 7:55 A.M. at the front of the building.
If you arrive before 7:50 A.M., please wait in the front entryway. You will be dismissed at 2:40 P.M. If you are taking a bus use the side of the building. If you are to be picked-up or if you are a walker use the exit at the front of the building.
The school's office hours are 7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
On half days, the schedule is
8:00 A.M. to 12:20 P.M. Please check the school calendar for the specific
dates for middle school.
When it is necessary to close or delay the opening of schools due to inclement weather, the announcement will be made over the radio and television stations, usually at 6:00 A.M. The delay is 90 minutes. The staff will also be arriving later than usual. Please do not call the school.
Occasionally, you may be dismissed
early due to inclement weather. Parents should monitor weather conditions,
listen to news reports, making arrangements as necessary. Your parents should
have a plan in place for you so that you are safe and supervised when you
leave school.
Radio station: WSTC 1400 AM
Television station: Channel 12, Cablevision
After School Activities/Late Bus
There are a variety of after school activities available for students of all grade levels. Depending on the season, there are intramural sports (football, soccer, basketball, softball, track, and tennis), Soundwaters, girl's club, homework helper, and school musicals.
A written note from home and written permission from a teacher is required if you are involved in an after school activity. Arrangements to stay with a teacher after school must be made days in advance. There are late buses Monday through Thursday, leaving the school at 4:00 P.M.
We believe that regular attendance is essential for your success as a student. Attendance affects your performance and achievement and may, therefore, affect your grades. If it is necessary for you to be absent from school, please have your parent call the Guidance Office at 977-4346. It is your responsibility to get any work you missed from your teachers when you return. It is also your responsibility to return with a written excuse signed by a parent, guardian, or doctor. The school will make a reasonable effort to contact your parent if you are absent.
If you do not present a written, signed verification of the reason for the absence to your advisory teacher, you shall be given an unexcused absence. According to the Stamford Board of Education regulation 5113-R, a "truant" is defined as a student who has four unexcused absences in one month or ten unexcused absences in one year. A "habitual truant" is defined as any such student who has 20 unexcused absences within a school year.
If you arrive late to school, you are expected to report to the office for a late pass. There will be consequences after three tardies in each marking period. You may be required to make the time up after school in Academic Recovery Time.
Early Pick-up/Visitors/Parking
A written request from a parent or guardian is necessary for you to be dismissed before the regular dismissal time. Under no circumstances will you be dismissed based upon a phone call. You will not be permitted to leave school with an adult other than your parent or guardian unless it is indicated in a written note that such arrangements have been made by the parent or guardian. All parents and visitors should park in the lot at the side of the building and enter the building from the front. Visitors are to register in the sign in book located in the main office. You will be notified by the office that your parent has arrived, and you will be sent by your teacher to the office for dismissal.
You will receive an agenda assignment book. It is imperative that you have this assignment book with you in school at all times. It will serve as your hall pass, which is necessary for any movement around the hallways other than changing of classes. You will use it to copy homework assignments and due dates of projects. It is your responsibility to record your homework and all your assignments. Complete your homework regularly, carefully, and accurately. Plan ahead for long-term assignments and never wait until the last minute to start studying for a test or a quiz. You'll enjoy the feeling of pride and self-satisfaction that comes from a job well done. If you do not do your homework, your teachers and your parents will develop a plan to help you successfully complete your assignments. Remember if you choose not to do homework, your grades will be negatively effected. You may check on your daily assignments by calling the Homework Hotline phone number, 329-0104. You will need your team's code to have access.
There may be times when you know that you are going to be absent from school due to a prolonged illness or an emergency. It is important that we receive a letter from your parents informing us of this so that adequate advance work can be prepared for you and arrangements can be made to help you make up your work when you return to school. If you are absent more than two days, you may call the Guidance Department (977- 4346). Your parents must call prior to 8:30 A.M., if they wish to pick up homework assignments at the end of the school day, between 3:00 - 4:00 P.M. Please understand that teachers need time to prepare assignments for you. Students may make arrangements to get their assignments from a study partner in their classes when they are absent.
While we all might like a vacation during school time, Board of Education policy does not allow for such vacations. Keeping up work missed is very difficult at your age. Please remind your parents of this. In addition, although you are responsible for work missed, you should know that teachers are not expected to arrange for advance work or makeup work for this type of absence.
Your day will begin in an advisory. Each morning you will meet in an advisory group of 14 -18 students with a teacher who will focus on the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development of young adolescents.
The purpose of advisory is to provide each student with:
- An adult advocate who will know his/her advisee as a person and as a student in order to foster positive self esteem and success in school.
- A home base for communication about school and community activities.
- An opportunity to reflect on and practice problem-solving and decision-making skills.
The purpose of advisory is to provide each parent with:
- A teacher who will serve as a link between the school and the student's home with up-to-date information and help on personal and academic growth and progress.
Book bags and backpacks are convenient when carrying many books to and from school. However, when they are used throughout the school day, they often accumulate so much material that their bulk contributes to back problems and traffic jams in hallways and on stairs. For this reason, students at the Magnet Middle School are to leave book bags in lockers during the school day. Students may use book bags to transport materials to and from school only.
Textbooks and library books are the property of the City of Stamford and they are loaned to you. As you would with a loan of any other valuable item, please treat these books with respect. Textbooks, which have been loaned to you, must be adequately covered to protect them from damage such as stray pen marks, spills, etc. Books are your responsibility and must be replaced if lost or damaged.
Every year, there is a variety of clubs offered to our students. Teachers sponsor clubs depending on their interests and the interests of the students. In the past, our teachers have sponsored the following clubs: arts and crafts, aerobics, board games, cheerleaders, computer, chess, dance, drill team, debate, Legologo, photography, and ultimate frisbee. Clubs meet once a month for over an hour of time.
Magnet Middle School Code of Conduct for Students
Respect for and trust in the early adolescent are basic to the Magnet Middle School. We take pride in our school. Therefore, we have certain responsibilities to our school and community. Students are expected to behave in a manner that does not interfere with another person's rights. All students have the right to learn and all teachers have the right to teach in a safe and orderly environment. We believe all students will adhere to the following regulations:
Non-negotiables (under no conditions will these behaviors be condoned)
1. Physical violence, fighting, or "play-fighting"2. Profane or obscene language or gestures
3. Threats made to teachers
4. Threats made to fellow students
5. Suspected drug or alcohol use
6. Willful destruction of school or individual's property
7. Unexcused tardiness
8. Display or use of walkmen, headsets, beepers, or radios in school
9. Wearing outdoor garments or hats in the building
10. Failure to follow an adult's instruction the first time they are given
As a student of the Magnet Middle School, it is expected that you will respect,
accept, and obey the rules and standards of behaviors in the Stamford Public
School System. Students who engage in conduct that endangers persons or property,
seriously disrupt the educational process or violate the Student Behavior
Policy 5131-R of the Board of Education are subject to disciplinary action.
Riding the bus to and from school is a privilege. The Transportation Department assigns students to buses. Our drivers must have the full cooperation of students on the buses at all times in order to provide you with safe transportation. You should read and follow these rules:
1. Be at your designated bus stop 5 minutes before your scheduled
departure. Conduct yourself in a safe manner on the bus as well as at the stop. You should respect the property of citizens living near the bus stop.2. Do not attempt to board the bus until it has come to a complete stop. Enter the bus in an orderly fashion, without pushing or shoving. Go to your seats promptly and remain there until you arrive at your destination. If you must cross the street once you get off the bus, cross in front of the bus, not behind it.
3. Do not eat on the bus.
4. Do not throw anything out of the bus windows or on the bus floor.
5. Students are to ride only the bus routes to which they are assigned and get on and off at their designated bus stop.
6. Ordinary conversation is permitted on the bus. However, loud talking,
laughter and unnecessary confusion can divert the attention of the driver and could result in a serious accident.7. Smoking, profanity or other improper conduct will not be permitted on
the bus.8. The Bus Driver and/or School Administrator may assign seats to students if necessary.
9. Remain seated while the bus is in motion.
10. Refrain from pushing, shoving or wrestling in the buses or at the loading areas.
11. Do not run between the buses.
If you have problems on the bus, you should report them immediately to the
driver. If you are causing a problem on the bus, you will be reported to the
school's administration. Your inappropriate behavior may result in the loss
of your privilege to ride the bus. Serious incidents in the afternoon may
lead to the bus returning to school at which time parents will be responsible
for immediate pick-up.
Magnet Middle School Dress Code for Students
We take pride in all the Magnet Middle School students. We believe that your dress reflects the way you feel about yourself. This, in turn, reflects upon the entire school community. Therefore, the following guidelines concerning student dress are recommended in order to keep distractions at a minimum and to maintain a safe and orderly academic environment. Parents of an unsuitably dressed student may be called and asked to provide more appropriate clothing for the day.
1. No hats.
2. All pants are to be worn no more than 2 inches below the natural waist.
3. Shorts and skirts are to be no shorter than the length of the extended arm and the fingertip of the wearer.
4. All shirts and tops are to cover the entire torso of the wearer.
5. Fabric of all garments is to be opaque (no mesh, fishnet, or translucent clothing.)
6. Bandannas are not to be worn or displayed.
School phones are not available
for your use, except in case of emergency. The telephones in the office are
for school staff only. In order to use the phone in the guidance office, you
must have a note signed by your teacher stating that you may place a call.
If a parent needs to contact you or leave a message, he/she should call the
office at 977-4350 or 977-4351.
You will have access to the Internet in a variety of locations here at the Magnet Middle School for education-related purposes. When you are on-line here at school you must be supervised, and you may be monitored. Written parental permission must be on file in the Media Center in order for you to have this privilege. If you are new to the Magnet Middle School, be sure to obtain the Board of Education's Acceptable Use of the Internet Form from your technology teacher ("Guidelines for Student Use and Acceptable Internet Use Agreement"). Have it signed by your parents, and return it to the Media Center.
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Lockers
At the start of each year, each student is issued a personal locker with its own special combination. You are expected to keep your locker clean and orderly. To help with this, we will have locker clean out several times a year. Please do not write or put decals or stickers on your locker because you will be asked to remove them, and that is quite a job. Lockers are school property. School administrators may open them at any time with "reasonable cause" that the locker contains items which are prohibited by school rules or state laws. Your locker combination should not be shared with any other students. If you forget your combination, please see your advisory teacher.
Your combination works this way. Turn to the right for the first number, left for the second number (make sure you go past zero), then right for the third number, and the locker should open. If you have any problems with a jammed locker, go to your next class and let your teacher know. You do not want to be late to class.
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Lost
and Found
Lost and found departments are located in the guidance office and in both locker rooms in the gym. Please do not bring valuables or large sums of money to school where they may be lost. We do everything we can to safeguard private property, but the school cannot be responsible for lost items. Do not give out the combination to your locker and it will remain a safe place for you to store property.
Our school nurse has an office located near the main office. If you need to see her, report to class first and ask for a pass from your teacher. School-nursing services are provided for those who are sick during the school day and for emergencies. If you feel ill before coming to school, please stay home or see your physician. Connecticut State Law requires a physician's or dentist's written order and parent or guardian authorization in order for the nurse, or other school personnel, to administer medications. Medications must be in pharmacy prepared containers and labeled with your name, the name of the drug, strength, dosage, frequency, physician's or dentist's name, and the date of the original prescription. No student can be given medication without valid authorization. This includes over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin or Tylenol.
Each full day of school our cafeteria offers a breakfast program as well as a lunch program provided by the Marriott Corporation Food Service. (The Director of Food Services at Marriott may be reached at 977-4230 if you have questions.) Each grade level has its own lunch shift, and the administrators provide supervision. Appropriate behavior and decorum is expected during meals. Specific rules are posted in the cafeteria.
We would like to acknowledge the
following resources used in the development this handbook:
Hart School's Teacher Handbook, Springdale's Parent Handbook, and Fairfield
Woods Middle School's Student Handbook.
Ms. Jan Rossman
Principal 977-4350Mr. Bryan Olkowski, Assistant Principal
977-4310Main Office 977-4350, 977-4351
Fax Machine 977-5154Guidance Office
977-4346
Mrs. Je-nean Fox
977-4358
Mrs. Betsy Benenson977-4359
Nurse
Mrs. Sheila Taccone
977-4348
Homework Hotline 329-0104
Turquoise Team 600
White Team 650
Silver Team 700
Black Team 750
Purple Team 800
Gold Team 850
Transportation/Bus 977-4248
Lost and Found 977-4840School's Website: www.magnetmiddle.org
