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SIMMONS
MIDDLE
Frequently Asked Questions...
How do I know my bus number?ā
Please click here to determine transportation eligibility and bus assignment information. Also, bus schedules will be posted in the lobby area during August orientation.
How does lunch work at Simmons?
āThe school will serve breakfast and lunch on the first day. We have two serving lines. The price of breakfast is $1.50 and lunch is $2.35. Ala carte items are also available. Students may bring a lunch from home if desired. Breakfast and Lunch may be purchased daily, weekly, or monthly. Checks should be made payable to SMS Lunchroom for correct amount or you can load money into your child's account via our paypam system (www.paypams.com). Look for a MONTHLY menu to be posted in your classrooms. You will go to lunch with one of your team teachers. During the first few days of school you will be assigned your PERSONAL LUNCH NUMBER if you do not already have one. If you went to elementary school in Hoover, your number is the same. You will need to use this number as you go through the cafeteria lines. No number? No problem! You will most definitely still be able to purchase lunch until we get you a number account in the system. Just speak with any member of our friendly lunch staff when you get to the cafeteria. If you forget your lunch or have no money in your account just let the cashier know and they will let you know what to do.
When do I get a locker?
āYou will receive your locker assignment during registration. You will have time to learn your combination and practice opening your locker. Remember to always LOCK your locker. Donāt share your locker or combination with friends. REPEAT --- ALWAYS LOCK ALL LOCKERS --- GYM AND HALL. For a video that shows you how to work the lock on the lockers here at Simmons, check out the "videos" page on this site.
I'm not on a team with any of my friends. Can I switch teams?
āWe know that it is tough not being around the people you have grown up with and are used to. This can especially be true on the first day. The trick is not to mope about it. Look around ā speak first ā make NEW FRIENDS. Your teachers find that in the first few days of school many new friendships are formed. In short, the team we give you is your family and you cannot switch, but that is a GOOD thing.
Do the 7th and 8th graders make fun of the 6th graders for being new?
NO. Middle school students get along with other students in school about the same as they get along with others in their neighborhoods. But there isn't a lot of time for the grades to mix at school. Sixth grade classes are located in the 6th grade wing, 7th grade classes in the 7th grade wing, and 8th grade classes are located in the 8th grade wing. Grade level offices are located in each of these areas. Grade level divisions are also maintained during PE, elective, and lunch periods.
What do I do if I have a problem with something at school or at home and need to talk?
When people have a problem, they usually find it helpful to talk with someone. We have counselors who will gladly listen to ANY problem. The School Counselors are always willing to help students. Most student problems at the middle school are solved quickly once they are discovered. So, remember, if you have a problem, speak with your teacher, your school counselor, or your Unit Principal.
Is there a dress code?
YES. This is one of the hardest things for students as we enforce the dress code very strictly here at Simmons. Make sure that you look over the system-wide dress code included in your SMS Handbook. Generally, be sure your appearance, clothing, and accessories create an atmosphere conducive to learning.
What do I do if I get sick?
Ask your teacher for a pass to the Health Room. Our school nurse will assist you.
What happens if I need to take a medication during school hours?
All medications will be dispensed from the Health Room. Make sure all necessary forms and signatures are in order!! Even over-the-counter medications (aspirin, cough drops, Tylenol, etc.) require a medical form, signed by a parent and physician, and must be left in the Health Room. Students are not to carry medications of any kind. Medical forms are available in the Health Room.
What happens if I miss class?
If you are absent, come in late, leave early, or have an appointment during class, YOU are responsible for making up the work you miss. See your teacher before or after class for the work or make other arrangements to have it brought home. The buddy system works for many of our students. Remember ā it is YOUR responsibility to get any missed work or assignments!! If you are absent for two days or more, have your parents call the office (BEFORE 8:30 A.M.). Your teachers will write down the work you have missed, and it can be picked up in the office after 3:00 p.m. If you miss just one day, you should call a friend to get assignments. You always check in and check out through the Attendance Office. Written permission from parent and/or medical professional is required upon returning to school. Absences planned ahead of time may be excused by submitting a Pre-Arranged Absence form to the office personnel. Ask the office secretary for this form. These are due at least 3 days prior to planned absence(s). Refer to SMS Handbook for information concerning excused and unexcused absences.
Can I arrive at school early or stay late in the afternoon?
Students should arrive at school no earlier than 7:30 a.m. and be picked up no later than 3:30 p.m. However, students may come early or remain later for various reasons. Teachers often give extra help before or after school. Sometimes make-up work or tests are given. Anytime it is necessary for you to come early, you must obtain a pass from your teacher allowing you to go to the designated room. On occasion, with advance notice, a “D” hall is necessary. When poor behavior and tardies are a problem, students are assigned to detention hall by team teacher(s) or administrators.
I moved to Simmons after tryouts/auditions happened, but I still want to be a part of after school stuff. What can I do?
This is a tough question to answer because every group is different. Most groups that hold their tryouts during the last weeks of the previous school year hold makeup tryouts right at the beginning of the new school year. But not all groups can do this as some of the teams begin practicing during the summer. The best advice is to contact the specific teacher or coach that sponsors the group in which you are interested (even during the summer). That person will have the most accurate information to help you achieve your goals.
I want to play a sport. Why can't I do that in sixth grade?
Alabama State Law prohibits participation by 6th grade students in organized competitive school sports. However, your eligibility for 7th grade athletics is based on your 6th grade academic performance and behavior.
Do we really have to dress out everyday for P.E.?
YES. Dressing out is a daily requirement for PE classes. School uniforms may be purchased through the PE Department during orientation.
How will I be graded in middle school?
Student report cards are issued every 9 weeks. Progress Reports are sent home each 5th week of each grading period. Our grading scale is numerical: A= 90 - 100 B = 80 - 89 C = 70 - 79 D = 60 - 69 F = Below 60
We also weight the grades for each assignment. This means that some assignments have a grade that is more imortant than others:
10% Daily Work 30% Quizzes 60% Tests and Projects
Is the classwork really hard at Simmons?
Your teachers are education professionals. Their goal is to challenge you and help you reach your potential in all areas of study. There may be times when you think some work is either too hard or just donāt understand what it is that you are supposed to do. If this happens, try as best you can to at least begin the work. Then ask your teacher for help. That way, your teacher will not only know that you tried but will be able to figure out ways to help you.
Will I have homework at Simmons?
YES. Comments from students about homework: āDo your homework!ā āStudy hard!ā āGet your homework done and turned in on time.ā āDo all your homework because there may be a quiz.ā āRead over notes and donāt cram the night before a major test.ā āStudy first, then do things you want to do.ā On an average: 1-1.5 hour a night of homework for the 4 academic subjects is normal. On nights when there is a little less homework, we want you to fill out the time with reading and reviewing. It is mportant that you establish patterns for studying. Remember, preparing for tests and long-range assignments is part of your daily homework.
How do I Practice opening my locker before school starts?
Great question! There is an app for that:) If you would like to practice working your locker before school begins (which you REALLY should), then ask your parents for permission to download the following app:
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